Newsbytes - Internationa…ews 1983 May to 1994 June/Newsbytes - International Computing Industry News 1994 Edition - May 1983 - June 1994 - Wayzata Technologies (5045) (1994).iso/mac/Text/Mac Text/1993/nb110293

Text File | 1993-11-02 | 81KB | 1,815 lines

(NEWS)(APPLE)(LAX)(00001)

Apple Rebates On Powerbooks $100 To $450 11/02/93
CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Apple Computer
cut prices recently, but Apple USA just announced that from
today to January 31, 1994 it will offer rebates from $100 to
$450 on select Macintosh Powerbook notebook computers and
peripherals.

The rebates are mostly on Powerbook notebook computers, the
Powerbook Duo notebook, and the Powerbook Duo Dock into which
the Duo notebook inserts to make the unit a desktop computer.
The Apple 16-inch color display and the Apple Color Printer are
also included in the program.

Apple says consumers can receive the rebate immediately upon
purchase by signing a verification form. Not all Apple
resellers are participating in the program so users are
encouraged to call Apple toll-free (800-538-9696) to find
the participating resellers in their area.

The rebates are on the following products: Powerbook 145b $150,
Powerbook 165 $100, Powerbook 165c $100, Powerbook 180 $200,
Powerbook 180c (color) $450, Powerbook Duo 230 4/120 $350,
Powerbook Duo 230 4/80 bundle (floppy adapter and external
drive) $350, Powerbook Duo 230 4/160, Powerbook Duo Dock $150,
Powerbook Duo Dock with 230 megabyte (MB) hard disk (HD) $300,
Powerbook Mini Dock $100, the Apple 16-inch color display $200,
Apple Color Printer $300.

The company is also planning heavy television and radio
advertising to promote the program, Apple representatives said.
Apple has also said its intention is to disassociate itself
with the notion that Apple computers cost more by making them
cost less. Also, it is discontinuing the practice of
advertising inflated suggested retail prices (SRPs) and is
moving to pricing that more closely reflects what users will
see on the street, which it calls the "Appleprice."

However, Apple representatives said those new lower prices
won't be out for another week to two weeks. Consumers might be
wise to wait until the Appleprices come out before purchasing a
new Apple Computer product under the rebates.

(Linda Rohrbough/19931101/Press Contact: Stacy Williams, Apple
Computer, tel [phone], fax [phone]; Public Contact,
Apple Reseller Locations, 800-538-9696)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(SFO)(00002)

Verdix, Rational To Merge -- Lost Jobs Possible 11/02/93
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Object-
oriented programming is one of the hot topics in software
development circles. As a result, Verdix Corp, maker of compilers
and other development tools, has signed a letter of intent to merge
with Rational, a provider of object-oriented software development
tools and technical services.

Kara Myers, spokesperson for Rational, told Newsbytes that the
new company would be headquartered in Santa Clara, California,
site of Rational's offices.

In reply to a Newsbytes question concerning lost jobs, Myers said:
"Certainly there are issues of redundancy that will need to be
addressed, because there are currently two separate headquarters
staff." Jobs "in administrative functions," are the most at risk.
"For the most part, the two field organizations, and development
organizations would most likely be kept," she said.

The companies claim that they both offer these services to the
federal government and major corporations worldwide. The deal
structured as a tax-free merger and accounted for as a
pooling of interests.

According to the companies, Rational shareholders would receive
newly issued shares of Verdix common stock, totalling about 60
percent of the "common shares outstanding upon completion of
the combination."

The new board of directors will be made up of five current Rational
directors and three current Verdix directors. The deal is subject
to shareholder approval of both companies, "the receipt of
fairness opinions from each company's financial advisor,
negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, and certain
other conditions."

The companies' shareholders are both expected to vote of the
merger in the first quarter of calendar year 1994.

In announcing the letter of intent, Ralph E. Alexander, president
of Verdix, said: "As a result of the combination, customers would
benefit from the two companies' complementary Ada products and
technologies and Rational's object-oriented software development
tools.

In reply to a question by Newsbytes regarding discontinued products
and overlaps, Myers said: "Right now we have just announced the
letter of intent. We have set up transition teams to look at the
various operations of the company -- specifically the products
group, finance and administration, international field organization,
and national field organization. That's really an issue that the
transition teams would need to address."

(Ian Stokell/19931101/Press Contact: Ralph E. Alexander,
703-318-5800, Verdix Corp; Paul D. Levy, 408-496-3891,
Rational)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(SFO)(00003)

Media Vision Dives Into Digital Signal Processing 11/02/93
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Hoping to speed
the development of its next-generation of audio products, Media
Vision has licensed technologies from Spectron Microsystems
and Microsoft.

Under the terms of a letter of intent, Media Vision has licensed
Spectron's SPOX operating system and Microsoft's Windows-
based DSP (digital signal processor) resource manager and DSP
application programming interface (API). According to the
company, the technology simplifies the development of
applications software for use with DSPs.

In announcing the deals, Satish K. Gupta, Media Vision's vice
president of strategic product marketing and development, said:
"It is well known that DSP-based products need sophisticated
software. Since SPOX enables easier development of computer
code for use with DSPs and since Microsoft is working to make
this technology pervasive, we at Media Vision expect to be able
to lead the introduction of industry-standard DSP-based audio
products with rich libraries of applications."

Media Vision claims that the new deal is the "continuation of a DSP
product strategy" which it "began to disclose with the early October
announcement that it had signed a letter of intent with Analog
Devices for exclusive license of Analog's DSP core."

Digital signal processors are specialized microprocessors used
to handle incoming and outgoing signals from the "real" world
such as sounds, communications data, and video.

Blake Irving, product manager, Microsoft Audio Product Unit Group,
said, "We believe that the Microsoft DSP architecture and SPOX,
combined with integrated DSP hardware platforms from companies
like Media Vision, will accelerate the market growth of audio and
communications functions in Windows-based computing."

At the beginning of October, Newsbytes reported that the
company had entered into a deal with integrated circuit
manufacturer, Analog Devices. The companies signed a letter of
intent to work together to develop "next generation" multimedia
semiconductors for PCs.

The deal called for Media Vision to have an exclusive license to
use Analog's core DSP technology in the PC sound market for four
years. The technology will be integrated into its 16-bit audio
architecture, and in such areas as sound effects and waveguide
synthesis, to "create next generation chips for adding audio and
other features to PCs."

In mid-October Media Vision introduced ten new multimedia
CD-ROMs. The titles fell into three categories: interactive motion
pictures, children's educational, and "edutainment," and a new
category Media Vision called the multimedia daily planner.

In August Media Vision introduced its first add-in sound board
with sampled-sound music synthesis -- the Pro AudioStudio 16XL.
The PC card was the first result of a joint development and
marketing agreement with Korg USA, a manufacturer of electronic
musical instruments.

(Ian Stokell/19931101/Press Contact: Elizabeth Fairchild,
510-252-4472, Media Vision)


(NEWS)(IBM)(BOS)(00004)

CD-ROM Expo - Windows Version Of Personal Recording Device 11/02/93
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- At CD-ROM Expo,
JVC has introduced a Windows edition of Personal Archiver, a system
that allows users to record CD-ROMs in three different modes.

The first version of Personal Archiver, which works with DOS, was
announced in March, according to officials. The systems support
the following three modes: Track-at-Once, Incremental, and
Multisession.

Track-at-Once recorded discs will play on any standard CD-ROM
player. Multisession CD-ROMs will play on JVC's CD-R system, or on
CD-ROM drives with Orange Book II Multisession drivers.

Incremental recording, a mode the company says is unavailable on
other systems, lets the user record and play back increments of
data before finalizing the CD-ROM. After finalization, the CD-ROM
media is playable on standard CD-ROM drives.

JVC Personal Archiver is sold in three configurations: an internal
5.25-inch drive, an external half-height drive, and a
stand-alone tower system. The tower systems includes both a CD-ROM
drive and a SCSI hard disk. Pricing for the archiver starts at
$4,300.

(Jacqueline Emigh/19931101/Reader contact: JVC, tel [phone];
Press contact: Jack Moran, JVC, tel [phone])


(NEWS)(GOVT)(WAS)(00005)

News From NIST 11/02/93
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- NIST (National
Institute of Standards and Technology), formerly known as the
National Bureau of Standards, has begun testing a new electronic
delivery system for its twice-monthly NIST Update newsletter
which alerts media-types to new developments and ongoing projects
targeting every field from computer science to biology.

There is no indication as yet from NIST as to how this is working,
but Newsbytes has been availing itself of the service for
several months and finds it very helpful.

The online newsletter delivery is available on Internet, MCI
Mail, and other systems, but is just for journalists.

The most recent issue carried two items of particular interest to
many business computer users and MIS (management information
services) departments.

Password computer access security can either be very good or
terrible, based mostly on two simple factors - how well each user
protects their password (taping it under your center desk drawer
is NOT a good idea) and how easy it is to guess.

Most users who are allowed to choose their own password use an
easy-to-remember word such as the name of a pet, child, or well-
liked car. If a co-worker is inordinately proud of his or her new
BMW then the chances are pretty good that their self-chosen
software is some variation of BEEMER and ten minutes guessing
could probably gain someone access to their confidential
accounts.

The problem with much more secure randomly generated passwords is
that they are difficult to remember and are therefore almost
always written down.

The answer for many computer departments may lie in NIST's
Automated Password Generator as specified in Federal Information
Processing Standards Publication 181 (FIPS 181). This algorithm
creates random passwords that are also pronounceable, easily
remembered, stored, and used, but because they are not chosen by
the user they are not easy to guess.

The new standard complements rather than replacing the Password
Usage Standard (FIPS 112), which specifies basic security
criteria for the design, implementation and use of passwords.
FIPS PUB 181 will be available for purchase from NIST.

Another interesting development at NIST is the naming of an
interagency panel which will review open system network
specifications and eventually recommend how federal agencies can
implement this vital specification which will eventually lead to
an easy way to network computer systems using the two major and
incompatible protocols.

IPS (the Internet Protocol Suite) and OSI (Open Systems
Interconnect) are two very popular networking systems, but
despite government policy which requires computer systems to be
compatible, IPS and OSI are difficult to connect together. The
final committee report, which is due early next year, may provide
some ammunition to Congressional procurement watchdogs who are
always complaining that federal computer purchases, especially
large systems, are not made with an eye to how well they can be
integrated into other, pre-existing systems.

(John McCormick/19931102/Press Contact: Anne Enright Shepherd,
NIST, 301-975-4858 or Internet [e-mail])


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(TYO)(00006)

64M Flash Memory, 500MHz RISC Processor Developed 11/02/93
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- NEC has developed a 64-megabit
flash memory, which it claims is an industry first, as well as
a 500 megahertz RISC (reduced instruction set computing)
processor.

NEC reports that the 64-megabit flash memory consumes very
little power -- 3.3 volts. Flash memories are considered
the memory of the future. They allow data to be written
and erased, and it is retained even when the electricity
is cut off.

Currently, most flash memories are 1-megabit and 4-megabit
products, and 8-megabit products have started to hit the
market. Intel recently released a 32-bit version on a
sample basis.

NEC will seek ways to produce the chip in quantity, but
that is expected to take a couple more years and will
be based on market demand.

Another new product from NEC is a 500 megahertz RISC
processor created with a 0.4 micron process. Details of the
unit, including information about its architecture, have
yet to be released.

NEC will publicly announce these two products at the International
Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) in February 1994.

(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19931101/Press Contact: NEC, +81-3-
3451-2974, Fax, [phone])


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(TYO)(00007)

NEC's Electric Book 11/02/93
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- NEC has released an
electronic book player called the Digital Book which sells
for 29,800 yen ($298) in Japan. This is much cheaper than
CD-ROM or IC card digital book players currently on the
market. The Digital Book reads 3.5-inch floppy disks, and
its drive can be used with a personal computer.

NEC's Digital Book measures 16.9 x 1.3 x 3 cm and weighs 430g.
The device has a monochrome 5.6-inch display. It can be used
continuously for four hours with removable batteries.
The device reads 3.5-inch floppy disks and the proprietary
disk drive unit is available for personal computer users.

Regarding the software, NEC has linked with major Japanese book
publishers such as Iwanami Shoten, Shincho-sha and Asahi
Newspaper. Already 30 software disk titles are available
and include novels and comic books. NEC is encouraging
more book publishers to support the device and expects to
see published more than 100 book software titles by the
end of this fiscal year, which ends in March 1994.

The Digital Book player can store up to three
books in its memory. The price of book software is between
2,000 yen ($200) and 3,000 yen ($300).

NEC's Digital Book player supports automatic paging and page
search features, and can magnify a page of the book.

NEC aims to ship 200,000 units for the first year, and 1 million
units within three years.

Future improvements to the device should include a
color LCD and telecommunication features, according to NEC.

NEC's Digital Book player costs less than half of Sony's
electronic book player. Other Japanese electronics makers
such as Fujitsu are also preparing to release electronic
book players. Fujitsu is claiming that its will be smaller
and cheaper than NEC's.

(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19931102/Press Contact:
NEC, [phone], Fax, [phone])


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(TYO)(00008)

Compaq Japan Gains Record Sales In Third Quarter 11/02/93
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Compaq Computer Corporation's
record sales this quarter are due in part to the success of
its Japanese subsidiary.

Compaq last week reported record sales for the fifth
consecutive quarter. Third quarter sales were $1.75 billion,
which is a 64-percent increase over the third quarter of 1992.

Among others, Japan, Latin America and the Pacific Rim regions
all grew at rates in excess of 100 percent. Compaq Japan
recorded a whopping 600 percent increase in sales compared
to the same period in 1992, according to a Compaq Japan
officer.

Due to the popularity of DOS/V-compatible personal computers,
Compaq has been doing extremely well in the Japanese market as
well as in Southeast Asian countries. Compaq also created a
subsidiary in China in this third quarter.

Despite the slump in the personal computer market in Japan,
Compaq has been selling more PCs and is gradually eating
away at NEC's share. The next target for Compaq will be the school
market in Japan. The Japanese Ministry of Education is planning to
install a hundreds of PCs into elementary schools and junior high
schools within a few years.

(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19931102/Press Contact: Compaq Japan,
[phone], Fax, [phone])


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(TYO)(00009)

Mitsubishi Sells "Simon" To BellSouth, IBM 11/02/93
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Mitsubishi Electric has started
manufacturing a multimedia pocket digital organizer for IBM and
BellSouth. This pocket device was developed by IBM, and it will
be sold by BellSouth.

The device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), according to
Mitsubishi, is called "Simon" by Bellsouth. Mitsubishi has been
manufacturing this multimedia device at its Georgia plant
in the US. This device is equipped with a telecommunication
feature as well as a set of business organizing tools.
Bellsouth, in a release today, calls the Simon "the first
fully integrated handheld cellular phone, wireless fax machine,
pager, electronic mail, calendar, appointment scheduler,
address book, calculator, and pen-based note pad/sketch pad."
Bellsouth sill sell it for "under $1,000."

Physically, the device looks like a small portable phone
with a brightly lit liquid crystal display which serves
as a keypad and touchscreen. A graphical user interface uses
icons to help the customer move from application to
application.

It is expected that IBM will put additional features on this
one-pound device and may sell it under its own brand name
some time next year.

The product is expected to be distributed by Bellsouth in
the Orlando, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, and Melbourne,
Florida markets in December and rolled out nationwide in
April, pending FCC approval.

Multimedia organizers are also on the market from Apple Computer
(Newton) and Tandy (Zoomer).

Mitsubishi Electric, a supporter of IBM Japan's OADG (Open
Architecture Developers' Group) project concerning personal
computers, has linked up with IBM to create this new
device. Mitsubishi is expected to be a valuable partner
to IBM due to its expertise in producing telecommunications
devices.

(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19931102/Press Contact: IBM Japan,
[phone], Fax, [phone])


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00010)

International Phone Update 11/02/93
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- As the US moves to
elect new governors, mayors, and school boards, international
telephone firms look for new frontiers.

Solan Communications and Computers Ltd., of Israel said it's
looking to Cuba for new growth. The company made its name by
linking Israelis and Arab countries despite continuing boycotts,
mainly by using computers in London which can connect with both
countries.

Cuba denied any contact with Solan, and the US State
Department said it would seek to block the calls, but no
permission is really necessary. Cuban callers could connect with
a number in England, and then be patched automatically to the
US from there.

Another option is for the US to seek to deny Solan the right to
operate in London, but that would cut off calls between Israelis
and Arabs, something the US doesn't want. The only real option
for the US is to deal with Solan, convincing him to desist or
paying him off.

Meanwhile, Eastern Europe has emerged as a new frontier for
state-owned Western phone companies frustrated by their inability
to crack the Greek market with the collapse of the OTE sale. The
Czech Republic is booming, and Hungary had been considered a
strong growth market before the Soviet collapse.

Hungary wants to sell 30 percent of its MATAV network, along with
operating control, and the usual suspects are gathering around
it. US West said France Telecom will lead its bid. NTT of Japan
and STET of Italy, both of which had been on the Greek short-
list, are also submitting bids. Another bid will come from
Germany's DBT, in cooperation with the UK's Cable & Wireless and
Ameritech of the US.

Also on the privatization front, the Czech Republic decided to
limit foreign investment in its SPT Telecom to 15 percent, in an
attempt to keep the network in Czech hands. That's down from an
earlier 27 percent limit. The Czech economy is looking stronger,
and there may be local investors who can pick up the new slack.
The next move may be coming from Bangladesh, which has ended a
state monopoly on telecommunications and opened the sector to
foreign investment. The nation's cabinet will also speed
privatizations.

In Southeast Asia, profit-taking finally limited gains after the
sell-off of a small stake in Singapore Telecom. The shares were
tendered at S$3.60, and rose to S$4.14 before falling back to
S$4. That's a price-earnings multiple of 54. Records continued to
be set throughout the region, in Hong Kong, the Singapore market,
and Bangkok, while older markets like Tokyo, Seoul and Sydney
showed small losses. The strength came despite the Malaysian
government's decision to reject a 20 percent rate hike request
from Telekom Malaysia.

The next market to watch is Thailand, where the local
Shinawatra Group beat a host of foreign firms on bidding to
develop the nation's rural telephone network. That network may
take off like Singapore's after TelecomAsia Corporation shares are
floated later this month.

In China, contracts continue to be signed despite moves by the
government to tighten licensing of phones and satellite dishes.
Ericsson won another $27 million switch contract, this time in
the province of Guangzhou, following the signing of a $60 million
contract in Guangdong province. Compression Labs of the US also
won a big contract, for $3.5 million, directly from the Ministry
of Posts and Telecommunications, the China Transportation and
Telecommunications Center, and the Customs House. The groups
will buy Rembrandt videoconferencing systems to link with 32
provinces.

In Europe there was sad news and good news. The sad news was the
arrest of Olivetti Chairman Carlo de Benedetti in Rome on
corruption charges despite the fact that de Benedetti
himself had gone to prosecutors in Milan last May saying he was
forced to make pay-offs in order to do business. Rome and Milan
prosecutors must sort out the mess.

Ericsson of Sweden won a contract from Spain's Telefonica to begin
installing a fast-data network under the emerging ATM standard. A
trial of Ericsson's ATM switches will be held in Spain next year.
Fujitsu of Japan is currently considered a market leader in ATM.
Also, Siemens of Germany moved to buy a stake in Spain's Amper.

The news from Latin America was not good. Columbia postponed the
opening of bidding for a new cellular network, following passage
of a new law on the process. Baring Securities downgraded the
stock of Indetel, a Mexican equipment maker in which Alcatel of
France holds a big stake. Bolivia remained troubled by strikes
held to protest moves by state-owned companies, including the
telecommunications monopoly, to reduce the workforce. And Entel
of Chile announced lower net income, which could dampen Western
enthusiasm for investments in the telecom sector -- Telefonica
of Spain owns a 20 percent stake in Entel.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19931101/Press Contact: Compression Labs, Joyce
Strand, 408/922-4610; Ericsson, Kathy Egan, 212/685-4030)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00011)

AT&T Looking For Stake In UK Telecoms Company? 11/02/93
CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- According to a report in the
Sunday edition of the Independent daily newspaper, AT&T and Sprint,
the two US telecom companies, are said to be in discussions on
taking a stake with Energis, one of the UK's newer telecom companies.

Neither Energis, nor its parent company, the National Grid Company,
has made any comment on the report. Media reports suggest that the
US telecom companies have declined comment as well.

Energis is a division of the National Grid Company, the firm that
provides the network for electrical power distribution in the UK.
The company has said previously that it intends to link up with
telecom partners to provide the links between its fiber optic comms
network that runs alongside its power distribution network, and the
public switched telephone network (PSTN) in the UK and abroad.

As reported in July of this year by Newsbytes, Energis has confirmed
it is actively courting a US partner to enable it to compete with BT
and Mercury in the UK telecom market.

At the time, David Dey, the chief executive of Energis, said that he
was looking closely at a number of US operators with a view to
working with them. "We are looking to North American operators where
there is a very competitive market and delivery of very advanced
systems," he said.

Speaking at a press conference at the time, Dey said that any deal
may involve the US partner taking a stake in the telecom operation.
He added that the company is planning to double its cash spending to
UKP 200 million over the next year.

Thanks to its existing national network of power lines, Energis
claims that it can offer its telecom service at rates much lower
than those of BT and Mercury. The company has been talking about
calling rates of between 10 and 15 percent less than those of its
main rivals, BT and Mercury.

Because of this pricing strategy, it could take up to three years
before the Energis operation makes any money, according to John
Uttley, the company's financial director. "Start-up costs mean
Energis would likely lose money for about three years before moving
into the black. It inevitably won't make a profit right away," he
said.

(Steve Gold/19931101/Press & Public Contact: Energis - Tel: 071-936-
5555)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(LON)(00012)

Dutch Computer Company Opens PC Superstore 11/02/93
DORTMUND, GERMANY, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Computer Company of The
Netherlands has set up a new German company of the same name and
opened a PC Superstore in Dortmund. This is the first store
of its type in The Netherlands.

The floor space of the new store is around the 2,000 square-meter
mark, with large displays given over to industry majors such as
Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Toshiba.

Computer Company started life as a discount cash-and-carry operation
in The Netherlands in the early 1980s. Since then, the company has
diversified into one the largest Dutch computer suppliers.

In 1989, the company was taken over by Riess, the investment group,
at which stage it began to model itself on the US PC Superstores
such as Frys and others.

(Sylvia Dennis/19931102)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00013)

Gulf Digital Phone Net Venture Underway 11/02/93
MUNICH, GERMANY, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Siemens AG of Germany has teamed
up with Motorola's German and US Divisions in a contract to supply a
digital mobile phone network for the United Arab Emirates.

Plans call for the network, which will use the global
mobile (GSM) communications system, to be up and running by May of
next year. Siemens claims that the short installation cycle is due
to the UAE's relatively modest network requirements -- a maximum
capacity of around 30,000 subscribers.

Siemens claims that the UAE government chose GSM over competing
digital phone technology owing to the system's technical advantages.

GSM, which operates in the 900 megahertz (MHz) waveband, uses a
13,000 bits per second (bps) data stream between mobiles and the
radio base station. In addition, the mobile phones makes use of
smart card technology to record subscriber IDs and phone numbers.

To subscribe to GSM, a user rents a smart card with his/her details
recorded on the card. Whenever the card is slotted into a GSM phone,
the phone accepts and places calls on that number.

Because GSM networks are all-digital, all GSM-compatible networks
are slowly linking together so that subscribers on one network can
use their smart cards on other networks, slotting them into a phone
on that network.

(Sylvia Dennis/19931102/Press & Public Contact: Siemens AG - Tel:
[phone]; Fax: [phone])


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00014)

Swedish Telecom Company Gets UK Operating Licence 11/02/93
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Telia AB, the Swedish state-
controlled telecom company which was renamed from Televerket last
month, has been granted an operating licence for telecom services
in the UK.

The licence, which was issued unexpectedly by the British
Government, allows Telia to offer international telephone links
between the UK, Australia, Canada, and Sweden. According to Telia,
the deal mandates the use of a BT link in the UK, in order to link
with the international Telia network.

Officials with Telia say that discussions on interconnection charges
with BT are underway and should be concluded soon.

Newsbytes notes that, curiously, telecom charges in Sweden are
quite high compared with the rest of Europe.

(Sylvia Dennis/19931102/Press & Public Contact: Telia - Tel: +46-8-
781-0500)


(NEWS)(IBM)(TOR)(00015)

CA-Realizer Code Now Portable Across Windows, OS/2 11/02/93
ISLANDIA, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Computer
Associates International has announced Version 2.0 of
CA-Realizer, its BASIC-language development tool. A key feature
of the new release is that the code it generates will run on
either IBM's OS/2 operating system or Microsoft's Windows,
needing only to be recompiled.

CA also plans a version of Realizer for Microsoft's Windows NT
operating system, said Jack Kramer, director of application
development products. No date has been set to release that
product.

CA-Realizer's support for both Windows and OS/2 is a key
competitive advantage against what is likely its major competitor
in the Windows market, Microsoft's Visual BASIC. "We don't expect
Visual BASIC for OS/2 any time soon," quipped Marc Sokol,
vice-president of product strategy, referring to the rivalry
between Microsoft and IBM.

Besides being available as a stand-alone development tool,
CA-Realizer has been chosen as a common macro language for CA
applications. So far, it is offered with the company's CA-Compete
decision support software and with its Superproject
project-management package.

CA also uses the software for some of its own internal
development, Sokol said.

FormDev, a new design tool built into Realizer, lets developers
lay out the visual elements of a program using standard graphic
objects, the company said.

Additions in the new release also include support for Open Data
Base Connectivity (ODBC) standards that simplify retrieving data
from remote databases, and the ability to work with more types of
files created by other applications programs, including
Xbase-format database files. The vendor's CA-RET report writer is
now integrated with Realizer.

During a teleconference run by CA, CA-Realizer user Mark James,
engineering manager at Intellipower in Irvine, California, said
the software helped his company create "sophisticated-looking"
monitoring programs for its uninterruptible power systems without
much time and effort.

"Our customers just want the fast turnaround," said Joseph
Tibollo, manager of PC development for Back Information Services
in Toronto, "and without Realizer we could really give them the
fast turnaround." Tibollo said Version 2 is easier to use than
the previous release of Realizer.

CA has begun shipping Realizer 2.0, at an introductory price of
$99 through March 31, 1994.

(Grant Buckler/19931102/Press Contact: Bob Gordon, Computer
Associates, 516-342-2391)


(NEWS)(IBM)(SFO)(00016)

Toshiba Cuts Pen/Notebook Prices, Extends Warranties 11/02/93
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- In an increasingly
competitive market, hardware prices continue to decline. Now Toshiba
America Information Systems has cut prices on its pen, notebook and
portable computers. The company has also launched a series of
service and support programs that include an extended three-year
limited warranty on selected products and a "no-fault protection
plan" for display screens.

The company has cut prices of its Satellite notebook models, and
estimated street prices are as follows: the T1900 with a 120-
megabyte (MB) hard drive was previously between $1,700 and $1,900,
but is now between $1,549 and $1,649, a cut of 13 percent; T1900
200MB, down 16 percent to between $1,749 - $1,849; T1900C 120MB,
down 12 percent to $2,149 - $2,299; T1900C 200MB, down 14 percent
to $2,349 - $2,499; T1950 120MB, down 13 percent to $1,949 - $2,049;
T1950 200MB, down 15 percent to $2,149 - $2,249; T1950CS 120MB, down
10 percent to $2,549 - $2,699; and the T1950CS 200MB, down 11
percent to $2,749 - $2,899.

Toshiba says that the series have no suggested list prices. However,
the suggested retail prices for the pen, notebook and portable
computers affected by the price reduction are: T100X with a 40MB
hard drive, down 30 percent from $2,999 to $2,099; T4600 120MB, down
12 percent from $3,299 to $2,899; T4600 200MB, down 13 percent from
$3,599 to $3,149; T4600C 120MB, down 4 percent from $4,699 to
$4,499; T4600C 200MB, down five percent from $4,999 to $4,749;
T4600C 320MB, down six percent from $5,499 to $5,149; T6600C 510MB,
down six percent from $7,699 to $7,199; T6600C/CD 510MB, down six
percent from $8,299 to $7,799; T6600C/CDV 510MB down five percent
from $9,499 to $8,999.

Announcing the new services and prices, Michael Winkler, vice
president and general manager of the Toshiba Computer Systems
Division, said: "These programs are designed to give customers
unlimited access to Toshiba support by increasing their productivity
with their portable computers and minimizing their downtime,
inconvenience and expense involved in computer service and repair."

Continued Winkler, "We are the first to protect our customer's
investment by providing no-fault protection, at a modest price, for
screen replacement regardless of how it was damaged. No other
company is willing to offer this type of customer protection,"
he said.

Toshiba is offering a variety of service plans and warranties.
According to the company, its "T-Plan Warranty," offers standard
limited three-year parts and labor coverage for all T4600, T6600,
Dynapad T100X and Desk Station models including bundled accessories.

Any purchase of a T4600 or T6600 prior to November 1 can upgrade to
the three-year warranty for $149.95 for color models and $99.95 for
the monochrome and Desk Station models.

Any purchase of other portables and accessories prior to November 1
are covered by a one-year parts and labor warranty, but have the
option of purchasing two additional years of coverage for $199.95
for the color models and $139.95 for the monochrome and Desk Station
models.

The "T-Plus Program," lets buyers of its Satellite Series' notebook
computers purchased after November 1 obtain two additional years of
coverage for $139.95 for monochrome models and $199.95 for color
models.

The "T-World Warranty," is a free program with required enrollment
that involves an international warranty sticker. This serves as
proof of purchase for warranty coverage.

The "T-Pak Service," provides no charge packaging, insurance and
overnight shipping, via participating Mail Boxes Etc., locations, to
and from a Premier Authorized Service Provider for warranty repair.
At a price of $22.50 annually, the service may be used indefinitely
throughout the enrollment period.

The "T-Site Support," offers on-site service for $49.95 annually
during the Toshiba limited warranty, with the service being provided
by GE Computer Services. The program begins December 1.

According to Toshiba, the "T-Care Service," is designed to offer
expedited service for those outside the geographical boundaries of
T-Site service for $49.95 annually throughout the Toshiba limited
warranty period. Toshiba offers next business day turnaround for
repairs, or a loaner unit can be requested should the repair take
longer.

The "T-Screen Warranty," program offers no-fault coverage against
portable computer screen damage. Protection for the monochrome model
is $49.95 and $179.95 for the color model annually throughout the
warranty period.

(Ian Stokell/19931101/Press Contact: Howard Emerson, 714-583-3925,
Toshiba America Information Systems)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(TOR)(00017)

Canadian Product Launch Update 11/02/93
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- This regular feature,
appearing every Monday or Tuesday, provides further details for the
Canadian market on announcements by international companies that
Newsbytes has already covered. This week: Hewlett-Packard's new
printers, IBM's LAN NetView products, and Sun's latest workstations.

Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Limited unveiled the 600 dots-per-inch
(DPI) LaserJet 4P and LaserJet 4MP printers and its new color
portable printers, the DeskJet 310 and DeskWriter 310 (Newsbytes,
Oct. 25).

The new LaserJet models replace the LaserJet IIIP and IIIP
PostScript models. The 4P is C$1,699 in Canada, and the 4MP is
C$2,390.

The DeskJet and DeskWriter 310 are color ink-jet printers. The
DeskJet 310 is meant for use with DOS-based portables, and the
DeskWriter for use with Apple Computer notebook machines. Both are
C$506, with a cut-sheet feeder available for C$111. The printer and
paper feeder are available together for $607.

IBM Canada unveiled the LAN NetView line of products (Newsbytes,
Oct. 29). There are seven pieces. LAN NetView Manage is the
management framework. It costs C$2,385. LAN NetView Enabler, priced
at C$115, provides management services for OS/2 clients. LAN NetView
Agents for DOS, C$97, contains management agents for DOS and
Windows. LAN NetView Agents Extended, also C$97, provides management
agents for OS/2 servers.

LAN NetView Monitor monitors the performance of OS/2 clients or
servers. It costs C$1,030. LAN NetView Fix lets the system
administrator receive and deal with error messages from remote
sources. Its price is C$1,620. LAN NetView Tie, C$2,590, provides a
connection to NetView/MVS to allow central management from the host
system.

A package of LAN NetView Manage, Monitor, and Fix costs C$4,535.
All the products are due to be available in Canada Nov. 3.

Sun Microsystems of Canada unveiled three new workstations, the
Sparcstation 10SX and 10M and the Sparcclassic M (Newsbytes, Oct.
21).

Available now, the Sparcstation 10SX is meant for image
manipulation. Prices start at C$23,250 with a 535-megabyte (MB) hard
disk, 32 MB of memory, and a 16-inch color monitor. The Sparcstation
10M and the Sparcclassic M are aimed at multimedia applications. The
Sparcstation 10M starts at C$25,650, and the Sparcclassic M costs
C$7,491 in quantities of 12 or more. Both are due to ship Dec. 15.

(Grant Buckler/19931101/Press Contact: Martha Terdik, Hewlett-
Packard Canada, 905-206-3311; Janet Carnegie, IBM Canada, 416-485-
1582; Michael Douglas, Sun Canada, 905-477-6745)


(NEWS)(IBM)(TOR)(00018)

 ****IBM Ends Free Health Coverage In US 11/02/93
ARMONK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Another tradition has
crumbled at IBM. The troubled computer company, which a few months
ago ended its tradition of never laying off employees, has now told
its workers in the United States they will have to pay part of the
cost of their health-care benefits plans.

Saying it expects to save about $280 million per year, IBM told
employees to start paying premiums for their health coverage and
raised the minimum annual deductible for major medical and surgical
expenses to $250 from $150.

Retired IBM employees, and those on disability leave, will not
have to pay premiums, the company said.

A typical employee will pay from $34 to $83 per month for the same
level of coverage the company previously offered at its own expense.

IBM has provided free health care since the company was founded in
1914. That, along with its no-layoff tradition, was one of the
factors giving the company a reputation for taking good care of its
employees.

But IBM's revenue has been declining since 1990, and it has reported
large losses in the past two years. The company recently reported a
third-quarter loss of $48 million.

Continued staff cuts have brought IBM's worldwide workforce down to
about 267,000 people, 41,000 less than a year ago and 34,000 less
than at the beginning of 1993. The company said it expects its
payroll to drop to 255,000 by year-end.

Veteran IBM-watcher Bob Djurdjevic, president of Annex Research in
Phoenix, recently told Newsbytes he expects IBM's tough cost-cutting
efforts of recent years will start to bring some results next year.

(Grant Buckler/19931101/Press Contact: Rob Wilson, IBM, 914-765-
6565)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(BOS)(00019)

CD-ROM Expo - Image Browser Licensed To Top Publishers 11/02/93
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Adobe and six
other major CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) publishers have
licensed Imspace Systems' Kudo Image Browser to act as a visual
browsing tool for their newest CD-ROM titles.

The seven pacts were announced last week at CD-ROM Expo, along with
two new editions of a shrink-wrapped package of Kudo sold direct to
end users: the first Windows version of the package, and an update
to the existing browser for Macintosh.

Aside from Adobe, the new CD-ROM licensees for Kudo include Educorp,
Form and Function, The Appelbaum Publishing Group, Sense Interactive
Corp., Wizard Computer Graphics, and the Seattle Support Group.

Kudo displays files as a visual gallery of thumbnail images, rather
than a textual list of file names, officials explained in making
the announcement. With Kudo as a tool, users can easily search,
preview and retrieve digital media, including graphics, clip art
libraries, Photo CD images, sound files, and Quicktime video clips.

Search and retrieval can be carried out in three different ways.
Users can employ the scroll bar for visual browsing, or search by
file name, type, size, location, modification date, or other
textual information.

Under the third approach, Kudo's "Riffle" feature, users can view
series of single thumbnails, presented at the rate of 10 frames per
second in one area of the window.

If the desired file is "offline," Kudo will prompt the user to
insert the appropriate CD or removable disc, or to mount the
appropriate network volume.

Once the user finds the file, the file can be previewed at full
resolution, edited, copied, or placed directly into a document.

Kudo is scheduled to appear in these upcoming CD-ROM titles: the
Deluxe CD-ROM Edition of Adobe Illustrator 5.0; Educorp's The
Desktop Publishing CD 3.0; and Wizard's ColorMagic clip art
library.

The tool will also be used in Form and Function's Page Overtures
One, a library of background textures, and in three volumes of
stock photography: Seattle Support Group's Vintage CD Library,
Sense Interactive's Earth, Sky, Power and Water; and a Photo CD-
compliant disc from Appelbaum to be known as Kudo with Environs.

The new Windows and Macintosh Kudo packages for end users each
support many popular outside file formats. The Windows version
allows the user to select an image from the Kudo catalog and drop
it into any application that supports drag and drop from the File
Manager, or into any OLE (object-linking-and-embedding) 2.0-
compliant application.

Also supplied are "place modules" that let users drag and drop
images into other applications, including Microsoft Word,
QuarkXPress, PageMaker and Harvard Graphics. In addition, the
Windows edition supports standard copy-and-paste clipboard
operations.

The Macintosh update brings such enhancements as full AppleScript
support, the ability to catalog RIFF and JPEG image files, and OPI
Linking, a technique that eliminates the need to preview files by
placing thumbnails that contain OPI information directly into
QuarkXPress documents.

"Drag & Place" -- the ability to select an image and place it into
another application in a single operation -- is extended in Kudo
1.1 for the Mac to several new applications, including Adobe
Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premier, Aldus Freehand, and
Fractal Design Painter.

The shrinkwrapped packages of Kudo for end users are scheduled to
ship this month. Pricing is $99 for the Windows edition and $195
for the Apple Computer Macintosh version.

(Jacqueline Emigh/19931101/Reader contact: Imspace Systems Corp.,
tel [phone]; Press contact: Tom Toperczer, Imspace, tel 619-
272-2600, ext 4100)


(NEWS)(BUSINESS)(SFO)(00020)

AmCoEx Index of Used  Computer Prices 11/02/93
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- By John Hastings.
Prices of used Macintosh computers continued to fall last
week following Apple's announcement of its revamped product line. In
addition, many dealers need to clear inventories of some older models.
For example some dealers are advertising the 25 MHz Macintosh LC III
with a color monitor for less than $1000.

Intel's most powerful processor chip, the Pentium, is not
likely to be seen in a notebook computer until 1995. That is when
smaller, cooler versions of the chip will be produced. In the
meantime, Dolch Computers is ready to announce its PAC-586
luggable computer using the existing version of the Pentium.
The computer weighs over 20 pounds and uses a special liquid
cooling system. With a price of more than $6000, it should have
little effect on the portable market.

The lines of distinction between Apple and IBM will continue
to blur next year. The two companies are working together on a new
operating system called Taligent. Both companies will have a complete
line of computers using the PowerPC CPU chip. Both companies appear
to be contracting with Samsung to manufacture those computers. The two
companies seem to have more similarity than difference.

John Hastings is the president of the American Computer Exchange.
The American Computer Exchange matches buyers and sellers of used
microcomputers. For more information contact the American Computer
Exchange at [phone].

 The AmCoEx Index of Used Computer Prices

        The following prices are for November 1, 1993.

                        Average Average

                                Buyer's Seller's

 Machine                        Bid     Ask     Close   Change($)

 IBM PS/2 Model 30/286 20MB     $300    $525    $375    -$25

 IBM PS/2 Model 50Z 30MB        300     650     425     -25

 IBM PS/2 Model 70 120MB        600     900     725     **

 IBM PS/2 Model 80 70MB         550     850     625     **

 IBM ThinkPad 300               1250    1650    1300    -25

 IBM ThinkPad 700               1900    2500    2100    **

 AST 286/12, 40MB               275     675     350     -25

 AST 386/20, 80MB               550     950     700     **

 Dell 325SX, 50MB               400     800     625     -25

 Dell 386/20, 120MB             600     1000    725     -25

 Gateway 286/16, 40MB   350     600     325     -50

 Gateway 386SX/20, 80MB 600     950     675     **

 Gateway 386/25, 80MB   600     1000    850     **

 Clone AT 40 MB                 250     550     350     -50

 Clone Notebook 286, 40 MB      350     750     600     **

 Clone Notebook 386SX, 40 MB    700     1050    800     -25

 Clone 386/SX 40MB, VGA         450     950     650     **

 Clone 386/25 80MB, VGA         650     1150    725     +25

 Clone 386/33 80MB, VGA         750     1250    850     **

 Clone 486/25 120MB, VGA        800     1450    1000    -50

 Compaq SLT/286 20MB            350     700     425     **

 Compaq LTE 286 40MB            400     775     475     -25

 Compaq Portable III 40MB       250     650     275     **

 Compaq Deskpro 286 40MB        250     650     300     -25

 Compaq Deskpro 386/20e 100MB   600     900     800     -25

 Macintosh SE 20MB              350     650     425     -50

 Macintosh SE/30 40MB           500     900     650     -50

 Macintosh II 40MB              600     1150    775     -50

 Macintosh IIcx 80MB            700     1300    875     -25

 Macintosh IIci 80MB            900     1500    1250    -150

 PowerBook 100 4/20             600     1000    700     -25

 PowerBook 140 4/40             900     1400    1075    -25

 PowerBook 170 4/40             1100    1700    1400    -25

 LaserWriter IINT               700     1000    800     -50

 Toshiba 1200XE                 300     650     325     **

 Toshiba 1600                   300     600     325     **

 Toshiba 2200 SX 60MB         800       1300    925     +25

 Toshiba T-3100SX  100MB      500       900     725     +25

 Toshiba 5200 100MB             950     1450    1100    **

 HP LaserJet II                 400     850     650     -25

 HP LaserJet IIP                325     950     500     -25

 HP LaserJet III                750     1200    1000    -25

The American Computer Exchange matches buyers and sellers of used
microcomputer equipment. For more information contact the American
Computer Exchange at [phone].

(AMCOEX/19931102)


(NEWS)(IBM)(DEN)(00021)

 ****DOS 6.0 Gets Airbags, Anti-Lock Brakes 11/02/93
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Microsoft Corporation
has announced an upgrade to its MS-DOS disk operating system 6.0 that
one senior Microsoft official called "the software equivalent of
passenger-side air bags and anti-lock brakes."

The analogy was made by Brad Silverberg, Microsoft VP of personal
systems, in describing the MS-DOS 6.2 changes to Doublespace disk
compression technology. MS-DOS 6.0 was plagued by so many reported
problems with Doublespace that many users and VARs refused to
install that portion of the program.

In addition to what Microsoft called "enhancements" to Doublespace,
the newest version of MS-DOS also includes new data protection
technology and faster CD-ROM access.

Microsoft says Doublespace now includes a feature called Doubleguard
that automatically provides extra protection for user data by
verifying data integrity before writing the data to disk. There is
also a hard disk maintenance tool named Scandisk that is designed to
find and repair problems on both compressed and uncompressed hard
drives. Microsoft says Scandisk can repair file system errors and
physical disk errors, and keeps a log of the repairs its makes.
Scandisk is invoked by Doublespace before it begins compression.

There is also a new memory test for MS-DOS' extended memory manager
that automatically tests the PC's memory chips for reliability at
bootup, and Smartdrive defaults to the most conservative setting,
which can be changed by the user. Smartdrive is a cache program that
uses extended memory to speed up disk access time. Microsoft has
also revised the Move Copy and X Copy commands so they now ask the
user to confirm before they write one file over another of the same
name.

MS-DOS 6.2 has added an Uncompress option that makes it easier to
decompress a Doublespace-compressed drive, and Smartdrive now caches
CD-ROM drives, a feature designed to speed up the operation of
CD-ROM-based programs. Other new features include a smaller memory
requirement for Doublespace - Microsoft says as little as 33
kilobytes (K) - all of which now resides in upper or high memory.
That leaves more conventional memory available for applications.

A new feature called Automounting allows Doublespace to automatically
read compressed removable media such as floppy disks, and some new
troubleshooting features are supposed to make it easier to identify
problems in system configuration or in batch files.

The Defrag utility can now defragment disks that contain
nearly twice as many files as before, and Microsoft says
Defrag performance has been increased significantly.
Defragmentation of a disk collects all the segments of
files and places them contiguously on the disk, speeding
up performance.

Three upgrade versions of MS-DOS 6.2 are available. The Step-up
version is available for users who already have MS-DOS 6.0. The
MS-DOS 6.2 upgrade is for users who have DOS 2.11 or higher but
haven't installed version 6.0 yet, and MS-DOS 6.2 Upgrade for
Dummies, Special Edition, includes a special edition of the Dan
Gookin book "DOS For Dummies."

The "Upgrade" and "Dummies" versions have a suggested retail
price of $77.95. "Step-up is available through retail outlets
for $9.95 or you can get it free from Microsoft by downloading
it from the Microsoft Download Library on Compuserve (Go
MSDOS62). You still have to pay the cost for the call
and the CIS downloading time charges. Step-up will only work on
systems that already have version 6.0 installed.

(Jim Mallory/19931102/Press contact: Collins Hemingway, Microsoft
Corp, 206- 882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corp, 206-882-8080 or
800-426-9400)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(TOR)(00022)

Canada - Ruling On Long Distance, Local Rates In Alberta 11/02/93
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- The Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has
laid out the rules for competitive long-distance telephone
service in Alberta. The federal regulatory body also ruled on an
application to raise local telephone rates, denying AGT Ltd., a
further hike in basic rates but directing the telephone company
to increase charges for certain other services.

Long-distance competition will follow essentially the same rules
in Alberta as in British Columbia and the six eastern provinces,
on which the CRTC has already ruled. The Alberta ruling comes
later because the province was until recently under provincial
telecommunications regulation.

The decision contains some special provisions to deal with a
subsidy paid by Edmonton Telephones, a company providing local
service in that city only, to AGT to help defray the cost of
providing service in remote areas of the province.

The CRTC also told AGT it can have no increase in basic local
rates in 1994. An interim rate increase granted in May of this
year will stand, however.

The CRTC set the company's allowable rate of return at 11.25 to
12.25 percent, rather than the 12.25 to 13.25 percent AGT had
requested. Recognizing that AGT will need added revenue to reach
that band, the regulators told the phone company to increase its
rates for Centrex service, certain other business services,
directory assistance, some terminal equipment, and mobile
telephone service. Those increases will take effect Jan. 1.

AGT officials said they were pleased with the decisions. However,
the company also called for a further reduction in regulation of
telecommunications. In a submission to hearings just begun by the
CRTC to review industry regulation, AGT favored gradually
increasing local rates to cover the true cost of the service,
with an accompanying cut in long-distance charges.

(Grant Buckler/19931102/Press Contact: Bill Allen, CRTC,
819-997-0313, fax [phone]; Betty McLennan, AGT,
403-493-3215)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(WAS)(00023)

NASA Loans Russia Hardware To Complete Internet Link 11/02/93
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, has announced that
after several year's work the agency is now proceeding with the
loan of hardware and software to the Russian Space Agency that
will allow a direct high-speed link between Moscow scientists
and the Internet.

Charles Redmond of NASA told Newsbytes on Tuesday that the system
now in the process of being installed is basically an upgrade to
computer facilities at the Soviet Space Agency offices. The deal
began with an agreement between President Bush and Premier
Gorbachev which is only now being implemented with the
current Russian Space Agency because of delays having to do
with obtaining permits to ship high-tech equipment to the
former Soviet Union.

This constitutes the first direct hard-wired link between the
Russian scientific community and the worldwide Internet
scientific, and academic communications network. Mr. Redmond told
Newsbytes that an indirect link has existed for years but that
it was made through a gateway located in West Germany and
therefore only operated at a relatively slow 9600 bits per second
rate.

The new linkage between the Space Agency facilities just north of
Moscow, Russia, NASA, and everyone else on the Internet is a
high-speed 56-kilobit link using a combination of land lines and
a satellite linkage.

According to NASA, the new network link will provide a means for
the two major space agencies to carry on much more intensive
liaison activities which just wasn't possible using the much
slower gateway.

To provide a high-speed Internet link, NASA had to receive
Department of Commerce permission to ship about $480 thousand
worth of routers and front-end computers, including a MiniVAX, to
the Russians on loan from NASA.

The equipment will be in operation by the beginning of 1994 and
should eventually link a number of Moscow-based and outlying
scientific stations' networked computers with the Internet
although those outlying locations will still be linked only
through relatively slow dial-up modem lines to the high-speed
Moscow center.

Shipment of the hardware and necessary software has already
begun, but not everything is yet in place, according to the NASA
spokesperson in Washington, DC.

(John McCormick/19931102/Press Contact: Charles Redmond, NASA,
202-358-1757)


(NEWS)(IBM)(LAX)(00024)

Geos-based PDAs Get Wireless Messaging 11/02/93
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Geos-based
personal digital assistants (PDAs), such as the newly released
Zoomer and the planned Sharp PT-9000, are getting their own
wireless communications system. A credit-card sized peripheral
called the Newscard is being released into retail stores that
will pick up wireless messages and allow users to read those
messages on their PDAs.

Motorola calls Newscard "grown up paging." The Personal
Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA) Type II card
can be carried in a shirt or jacket pocket and pick up messages
even when it is not connected to a PDA. A small light on the
card lets users know they have incoming messages.

The Newscard is the same "guts" and size as the Messagecard for
the Newton Messagepad PDA from Apple, but with some significant
differences, Motorola sources said.

The first major difference is in the significantly extended
length of the messages users can receive. With the 128
kilobytes (K) of memory in the card itself, very long messages
wirelessly. If the card is in connection with a computer, such
as the PDA, the 128 K storage can be emptied as it is filled,
so there is not a limit on the size of the file that can
transmitted, according to Motorola.

In addition, the unit is set up for 8-bit data transfer, so it
can receive binary files, such as computer programs,
spreadsheets, and databases, instead of just letters and
numbers as the Newton's Messagecard does. That means functions
can be automated, so a program or batch file may be transmitted
with a stream of data that can automatically update a
spreadsheet, database, or calendar on the PDA.

The wireless messaging service is via Motorola's separate
Electronic Mail By A Roaming Computer (EMBARC) division and has
been available for desktop computers under the brand name
"Newstream." Motorola created the division when it got a
satellite paging license from the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC).

The Newscards are retail priced at about $249 and come with
instructions and an 800 number by which users can subscribe on
a monthly basis to the messaging service. The service costs
include a $25 start-up fee and a base rate of $18 per month.
But instead of a flat rate for a region, like the Messagecard,
Newscard messages are individually charged by the number of
kilobytes in each message. Motorola representatives said they
expect the average user would have a total monthly bill of
between $60 and $70 per month.

(Linda Rohrbough/19931102/Press Contact: Jim Calhoun, Oglivy,
Adams, and Rinehart for Motorola, tel [phone], fax 312-
988-2683)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00025)

MFS Proposes Universal Service Solution 11/02/93
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1992 NOV 2 (NB) -- MFS Communications
offered federal regulators a solution to problems of universal
service caused by local phone competition.

Universal service at reasonable rates has been a goal of
telecommunications policymakers in the US for a century, and
was the centerpiece of Theodore Vail's concept of the Bell System
early in the 20th century. The idea is that service to poor and
rural neighborhoods, where costs are higher, are subsidized by
wealthier and business ratepayers so that everyone will have the
chance to get phone service at a reasonable price.

As MFS has moved to offer service in cities like New York,
competing with local phone companies like New York Telephone,
lobbyists for regional Bell companies have begun protesting,
accusing the smaller companies of "cream-skimming" their best
customers and putting universal service at risk. They have
demanded that state regulators order competitors to pay them to
maintain universal service. In the MFS proposal, a portion of
business and urban rates will be pooled under an independent
third party, then paid out to phone companies serving poor and
rural areas.

MFS is anxious to see this issue dealt with as it seeks to expand
service from Manhattan Island, through New York and its suburbs,
and into the dozens of other markets where it does business.
There, it will meet a variety of phone companies with a variety
of policies, and a variety of state regulators with a variety of
positions. If the Federal Communications Commission can preempt
the discussion and settle the matter, it could put MFS in a
better position.

So far, none of the regional Bells has had a chance to respond to
the MFS filing, which was made formal November 1. But most of
them also want more power to compete. Ameritech has filed a
lawsuit seeking to get into cable television, a right Bell
Atlantic won recently on First Amendment grounds. BellSouth has
asked for permission to enter the long distance business in its
nine-state region, something Ameritech is also seeking. MFS
President Royce Holland cited those events, and the Bell
Atlantic-TCI merger proposal, in announcing the MFS proposal.

MFS spokesman Steve Ingish told Newsbytes, "One part of the
local companies' argument is that allowing us into competition
drains money used to subsidize universal service. We say there's
no threat. We're willing to provide funds on a fair basis, but we
want it going to a separate fund. We mentioned a third, neutral
party. We've not indicated who the party should be. That would be
an FCC decision." MFS reported that for the quarter ending in
September it had revenues of $42.5 million, compared to revenues
of $27.9 million a year earlier.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19931102/Press Contact: MFS Communications,
Steve Ingish 708-218-7316)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00026)

Rockwell To Put Spectrum Technology Into Modem Chipsets 11/02/93
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Rockwell
International said it will add Spectrum's wireless data
technology into its modem chipsets sold for portable
modems.

The technology will allow portable modem owners to access
cellular telephone networks for data automatically, without using
a separate modem. Software drivers enabling the chipsets to
support a wide selection of cellular phones will be developed
through joint engineering efforts by Rockwell and Spectrum. The
two companies will cooperate in establishing marketing channels
for the software drivers. The chips will have to be activated by
the modem owner through the purchase of a separate product from
Rockwell and Spectrum. However, companies which make modems will
not have to create separate product lines for customers using
wired or wireless data access. Rockwell and Spectrum said that
"after-market activations" will also provide those modem makers
with new revenue opportunities they don't have now.

Rockwell is the largest maker of modem chipsets, so the deal
is very important to Spectrum. In the wake of the announcement,
the stock of Spectrum rose to over $10 per share for the first
time since John Sculley became chairman.

Rockwell products featuring Direct Cellular Access technology
will be available in early 1994 in Rockwell's standard portable
modem family.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19931102/Press Contact: Rockwell International,
Eileen Algaze, 714/833-6849)


(NEWS)(TRENDS)(DEN)(00027)

 ****Xerox Invention Obsoletes Traditional Film For Printers 11/02/93
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Xerox Corporation
has introduced a new type film that the company says will make
obsolete the traditional silver halide film and also provide an
environmentally sound alternative for many printing industry
applications.

Xerox says the patented product, called Verdefilm, eliminates the
need for chemical processing, using instead a dry processing process
and produces images that are equal to or better than the best silver
halide film.

Disposal of the chemicals used to develop, stop and fix traditional
films has become a concern of environmentalists and environmental
agencies in recent years. Some local regulatory groups inspect film
processing facilities in order to assure proper disposal of the
chemicals.

Xerox says another benefit of Verdefilm is the elimination of the
costs associated with chemical processing, including disposal
charges. It requires no special handling or storage, and is not
affected by accidental exposure to daylight.

Designed for use by commercial printers, who capture images on film
then transfer them to plates that are used on the presses to produce
magazines, catalogs, and other commercial jobs.

Verdefilm will be marketed by a new Xerox business unit, VerdePrint
Technologies and is the first of several products based on
technological innovations developed at the Xerox Research Centre of
Canada.

Verdefilm images are created using a thin layer of minute particles
of selenium that are electrically charged, exposed to light, and
developed using heat in a process similar to feeding paper into a
fax machine. The particles, encased in a polymer coating, remain
there throughout the life of the film. A combination of heat and
light in the image areas causes the selenium molecules to migrate
deeper into the polymer, which creates a visible image. Selenium is
produced as a byproduct of copper refining.

The company says printers will be able to upgrade or modify existing
equipment to use Verdefilm. Xerox spokesperson John Rasor told
Newsbytes printers can expect to recoup their changeover costs
within a year, then only about 60 percent of the previously required
processing equipment will be needed.

Rasor said there are no plans he is aware of to make Verdefilm
available to professional and amateur photographers using 35mm
cameras. "The technology is there but we know of no one doing that
or even considering that." The company says Verdefilm will be
marketed at a price comparable to traditional films.

(Jim Mallory/19931102/Press contact: John Rasor, Xerox Corporation,
716-423- 4476)


(NEWS)(IBM)(LON)(00028)

UK - Compaq Desktops, Minitower Systems 11/02/93
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Following on from yesterday's
plethora of product launches in the US, Compaq Computer UK has
unveiled 18 new machines, which it claims address the needs of a
broad range of PC users -- from major corporate to small business
users.

Announcing the new machines in the UK, Joe McNally, Compaq's vice
president and general manager of UK operations, said that they range
from powerful desktop systems to a unique "all in one" easy-to-set-
up PC. This, he claims, delivers business users with the latest in
PC technology, including built-in networking, advanced graphics and
Enhanced Business Audio (EBA) on some models.

The new machines launched in the UK today are: Compaq Deskpro XE
-- a new line of high-performance desktop PCs with super-fast
graphics, business audio technology and energy conservation
features, priced from UKP 1,135; new versions of the Prolinea
family, including the Compaq ProLinea Net1/25, a unique new "all in
one" business PC with integral networking capabilities, priced from
UKP 1,049; and the Prolinea MT, an expandable mini-tower PC system.

All the new Compaq PCs come standard with a three-year warranty with
the first year onsite maintenance free to registered users. All the
new systems also feature pre-installed Tabworks, a new easy-to-use
Compaq-exclusive software alternative to the Windows Program Manager
for organizing and accessing files. Tabworks is designed to look and
function like a notebook, which Compaq claims provides an intuitive
user interface.

In parallel with the new machines, Compaq UK has cut pricing on its
desktop systems by up to 19 percent on Pentium-based machines and up
to 10 percent on Prolinea PCs.

(Steve Gold/19931102/Press & Public Contact - Compaq Computer UK:
[phone])


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(LAX)(00029)

3DO Int'l Assn, 3DO Club Started 11/02/93
REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- 3DO has
started two support groups, one for people in businesses
related to 3DO technology, the 3DO International Association
(3DOIA), and the 3DO Club for consumers. The compact disc read-
only memory (CD-ROM)-based 3DO hardware was shipped into retail
outlets by Panasonic in September.

Panasonic, the only hardware manufacturer currently offering
the 3DO player, says sales of the Real 3DO are going very well,
despite the fact that there are only three software titles for
the player to date. The 3DO boasts a reduced instruction set
computing (RISC) chip, is specially designed to offer fast
graphics rendering, and connects to a television set. The unit
will also play audio CDs and Kodak Photo CDs.

Twenty more entertainment titles are expected by Christmas and
in excess of 300 developers have signed up to either move
existing software titles or create new ones for the 3DO market.

The 3DOIA is $95 per year and is aimed at developers,
publishers, producers, dealers, distributors, and manufacturers
of 3DO products. The group has been formed to offer a forum and
information about 3DO as well as information exchange between
members and will offer a newsletter, special interest groups
(SIGS), and conferences.

The 3DO Club is the source for fun information aimed at
consumers or would-be consumers who are willing to spend $19.95
per year to learn more about 3DO. Members can expect a
quarterly newsletter with information about new 3DO products,
behind-the-scenes previews, and profiles of those who have
licensed 3DO's technology. Contests, special events, and
sweepstakes will also be a part of the club, 3DO added.

To entice membership, those purchasing Panasonic 3DO systems
now will receive free one-year memberships and a sweepstakes
with a grand price of an all-expense-paid trip to Universal
Studios is also being offered. Ten first prizes of 3DO software
titles will be awarded as well, the company said.

Those interested in joining 3DOIA are encouraged to call 3DO
for more information. Information on the 3DO Club may be
obtained by mail. Janet Strauss, director of marketing for 3DO
said the company has already received thousands of letters from
people who want to joint the 3DO Club.

3DO has as its largest competitor Philips with the Compact Disc
Interactive (CD-I) player. Philips has announced a deal with
Paramount to introduce 72-minute movies for the CD-I player
that will play with the addition of special Motion Picture
Experts Group (MPEG) hardware module for decompression of the
video. The company recently cut the price of the CD-I player so
with the MPEG module it is comparable to the 3DO price of about
$700. Philips is also doing "infomercials" on national
television and has more game titles available as it has been
marketing the CD-I player for over a year. However, 3DO claims
other game systems are no match for the graphics capability of
its system.

One other player in this market could be the Atari Jaguar
system. While Atari officials hope the Jaguar will be as
popular as the now ancient Commodore 64 home computer, the
company has lost nearly all its momentum in the US market and
is struggling to manufacture the Jaguar systems in large enough
quantities to meet demand. However, Atari does have backing
from C-Cube, a maker of video compression hardware chips.

(Linda Rohrbough/19931102/Press Contact: Cindy McCaffrey, 3DO,
tel [phone], fax [phone]; Karen Wickre, 3DOIA, 415-
261-3212; 3DO Club Mailing Address, Attention: The 3DO Club,
600 Galveston Drive, Redwood City, CA 94063)


(NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00030)

LCI Signs Deal With PSI For Internet Access 11/02/93
DUBLIN, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- LCI International, Inc.,
a small long distance company, announced an agreement with
Performance Systems International, Inc., a commercial provider of
services linked to the global Internet, for linking its customers
directly to PSINet.

Earlier, PSI had announced an agreement with Continental
Cablevision to link its customers to the network. PSI runs a
large frame relay network called InterFrame which can run under
the TCP/IP protocol used by the Internet.

LCI said in a statement that Internet access is fast becoming a
requirement for many business customers who want to link with
colleagues and access databases worldwide. The company hopes the
link with PSINet will offer it an advantage as it calls on
business customers. Under the agreement, LCI customers will
subscribe to Internet services through PSI, initially via a
router on their LANs through a leased line to an LCI switch
office. Customers may also be able to use dial-up access to LCI's
own frame relay network.

(Dana Blankenhorn/19931102/Press Contact: Scott Booth, LCI, 614-
798-6011; Melisa Parker, Performance Systems International, 703-
904-4100)


(NEWS)(GENERAL)(SFO)(00031)

Novell Intros NetWare For DEC Connectivity 11/02/93
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- Novell
has announced NetWare for LAT, a NetWare-to-DEC host
connectivity product that enables NetWare users to access DEC
and NetWare services at the same time from anywhere on the
network.

Bernard Harguindeguy, spokesman for Novell, told Newsbytes that,
"Today, if someone wants to access DEC services, applications
on minicomputers from a network, and access other services
such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
or NetWare, typically that user has to load a multiple protocol
stack on his workstation. He has to load DECnet or LAT, he has to
load TCP/IP and IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange). NetWare for
LAT simplifies all of that. It allows users to use a single multiple
protocol stack on the workstation and gain access to both the DEC
world, the NetWare world, and even the Unix world."

Continued Harguindeguy, "The product basically is a LAT gateway.
It will let any client -- DOS, Windows, Macintosh, Unix, Windows
NY, OS/2 -- use the protocol stack to connect with that server
running NetWare for LAT. The local area network (LAN) protocol
stack will be either IPX or TCP/IP or AppleTalk."

In announcing the product, Gerry Machi, vice president and general
manager of Novell's Enterprise Systems Group, said: "Currently,
customers are successfully using NetWare for SAA and LAN
WorkPlace products to connect to their IBM and Unix host systems.
They have been asking for DEC connectivity to round out their
enterprise-wide computing needs. Netware for LAT is a powerful
communications tool giving customers seamless DEC connectivity,
support for industry standard desktop workstations, comprehensive
network management capabilities and an open applications
development environment."

There are multiple benefits for the user Harguindeguy told
Newsbytes. "The user can run a single multiple protocol stack on
the workstation. That simplifies the installation and maintenance
of the LAN. There are also huge compatibility problems typically
on a workstation. By running a single multiple protocol stack you
eliminate" compatibility problems. Another benefit is that, "You
use less memory on the workstation," he said.

The company says that, because terminal emulators connect to
NetWare for LAT using the Novell standard IPX/SPX or TCP/IP
protocols, customers no longer need to install LAT or DECnet
protocols on each client workstation. The LAT connections to the
DEC host are secured and managed by NetWare for LAT.

Netware for LAT also reportedly reduces the complexity and
management of wide area connectivity to DEC hosts. The company
claims that users can now use their existing TCP/IP and IPX/SPX
wide area networks to connect to remote DEC hosts, and no longer
need to bridge LAT or route DECnet across their WANs.

NetWare for LAT, a set of NetWare Loadable modules (NLMS), allows
up to 128 simultaneous users access to DEC applications and data
over any NetWare supported topology including Token Ring,
Ethernet, and Arcnet. The product reportedly supports third-party
terminal emulators for DOS, MS Windows, Apple Macintosh, OS/2,
Unix, and MS Windows NT workstations.

Users connect to a NetWare for LAT server using IPX/SPX, TCP/IP,
or Apple Computer's AppleTalk protocols. The product, in turn,
provides the protocol processing, security and management to
access multiple DEC hosts. It can run on a dedicated server, or on
an existing server with other NetWare services, and does not
require any special software on the DEC host.

NetWare for LAT can be installed on NetWare 3.x or 4.x, and will
begin shipping in December, 1993. Suggested list pricing is
$3,495 for 16 users, $5,995 for 32 users, $9,995 for 64 users,
and $16,995 for 128 users.

(Ian Stokell/19931102/Press Contact: Pam Eaken,
408-747-4984, Novell Inc.)


(NEWS)(GOVT)(LON)(00032)

 ****Olivetti Chief De Benedetti Arrested 11/02/93
ROME, ITALY, 1993 NOV 2 (NB) -- In a bizarre twist to the long-
running saga of government contract corruption, Carlo de Benedetti,
the respected head of Olivetti, has surrendered himself to Rome's
police headquarters, after a warrant was publicly issued for his
arrest in connection with the postal bribes saga.

According to RAI-Uno, the Italian state TV station, which is
broadcast across Europe on the Astra satellite TV network, de
Benedetti surrendered himself along with his lawyer, at a Rome
police station last night, following lengthy negotiations between
his lawyers and local magistrates over the weekend.

A warrant for the 58-year-old head of Olivetti was issued on Friday
following months of painstaking investigation by police and
government officials. The investigation was prompted by de
Benedetti's admission earlier this year that his company voluntarily
paid several million dollars in bribes to secure major government
contracts, notably in the Ministry of Posts.

According to senior officials with the Italian government on Italian
TV, however, the decision to arrest de Benedetti was taken after
"new evidence" was unearthed. Officials are not saying what this new
evidence is, but have alluded to the fact that it involves
corruption.

Italian state TV has commented that, while de Benedetti has admitted
paying bribes to secure postal computer contracts, he has accused
the Italian political parties of acting like racketeers, on a pay up
or no contract basis.

De Benedetti's lawyer, Marco De Luca, appeared on TV over the
weekend, saying that both he and his client were bewildered by the
arrest warrant, especially after his client's openness and
willingness to cooperate with the authorities ever since the
investigation began early last year.

RAI Uno noted that this is not the only investigation in which
de Benedetti is involved. The state TV station says that he still
faces a six-year jail term for his alleged involvement in the
collapse of Banco Ambrosiano, the major Italian bank, 11 years ago.

(Sylvia Dennis & Steve Gold/19931102)