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Zapple, business, general, govt, ibm, telecom, trends, unix, other
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Micrografx has announced Designer 4.0, the newest release of its Windows-based illustration program. The product ships in June at $695 retail, or $150 for an upgrade from an earlier version.
The company is well-known for its autumn chili cook-offs, so it served chili at its press conference. The minimum system requirements for 4.0 are a 386 PC with 4 megabytes (MB) of RAM, a hard disk with 10MB of free space, VGA graphics, and a mouse.
CEO J. Paul Grayson acknowledged that the $300 million publicly held company has had financial trouble and management turmoil. Grayson's own brother, George, had to resign in November, and the company has had to hire a new board and management team, although original Chief Financial Officer Joe Kupke is back at his old post. Grayson called the press conference the launch of a "new Micrografx. The new Micrografx has a renewed vision, mission and strategy, and a new development approach." That approach, simply is to become the premier graphics software company in the world.
"We supply creativity tools and communication tools, which gives us a tremendous potential, Grayson said. "We're convinced that literally every man, woman and child will eventually have access to a PC, and communicate with it graphically." The new Micrografx will concentrate solely on Windows development.
The new Designer 4.0 offers a new 32-bit graphics system, re worked from the ground-up in C++, which will be the company's technology base going forward in Micrografx products like Picture Publisher. Designer has over 700,000 lines of code, and one more beta test is due to be completed by the ship date at the end of June.
Grayson predicted Micrografx will have its best year ever this year, with record profits.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 25 (NB) -- Hayes Microcomputer Products faces what may be the stiffest challenge yet to the validity of its key patent, known as the "Heatherington '302" patent, for an escape sequence with guard time, which lets the user hit the "escape" key to reach a command menu.
Harold Krall, president of Cardinal Technologies, a smaller competitor based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, acknowledged to Newsbytes on the floor of the Spring Comdex trade show that his company will challenge the patent on the basis of obviousness. In patent law, a patent challenge can win if the challenger proves that the patented technique would have been obvious to an average engineer at the time it was invented.
Cardinal was created in 1987 when its management bought out a unit of RCA from its corporate parent, GE, Krall said. "We're trained in patents, creating and defending them," he told Newsbytes. "This stuff was done in the 1850s with the telegraph. This technique of waiting for a specific signal was common 100 years ago. We can't believe people would pay millions to license this."
The case is now in discovery in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and could go to trial later this year.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930526/Press Contact: Harold Krall, Cardinal Technologies Inc., tel 717-293-3030, fax 717-293-3055)
Inc., tel 717-293-3030, fax 717-293-3055)
5/26/93
Comdex - Hayes Faces New Legal Challenge
TELECOM
Sun/Fujitsu Announce MicroSPARC
Comdex - Manzi Announces New Not
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 25 (NB) -- Lotus Development Chairman Jim Manzi offered a new technology for his Lotus Notes which could throw a big scare into Microsoft.
The technology, called Application Field Exchange, lets Ami Pro Freelance and other Lotus applications, when embedded in a Notes document, publish to the Notes database field. This greatly facilitates sharing information among front-line workers.
The technology could prove frightening to Microsoft because the workgroup computing represented by Lotus' Notes could re-define the center of gravity in the industry away from operating systems like MS Windows. Manzi's successful marketing of Notes is credited with transforming Lotus from a troubled company relying on an old product, 1-2-3, into a dynamic company with real industry power.
Manzi made his announcement in a CEO Perspectives speech which was part of the Spring Comdex trade show. Manzi was introduced by Comdex founder Sheldon Adelson as a college classics major and one-time writer for William F. Buckley's "National Review" who joined Lotus as director of marketing 10 years ago this month.
Already, Manzi said, the ability of workers using Notes to exchange timely data is transforming US business in a very real way. "Business is a group activity," he said. "It consists of teams of people working together, at companies, to achieve common goals. Until recently the computer had lost sight of this fundamental truth. The concept of data became the guiding principle. Never mind that information is meant to be shared used and communicated. Never mind that it's a commodity, like coal, that only has value if you produce something with it you can sell."
The failure to communicate effectively, Manzi argued, kept PCs from delivering on their promise of greater productivity. He said Notes has finally released that potential. "Even Alan Greenspan not known for wild overstatement, said recently that a new synergy of hardware and software applications may finally be showing through in a significant increase in labor productivity in the US." How significant? "According to Stephen Roche of Morgan Stanley, service sector productivity surged three percent in the last year, after staying flat for a decade." This productivity surge, and not political events, may be responsible for the corporate downsizing and limited hiring now taking place in the US "Business is in the midst of the most profound organizational changes in decades, as they seek to become more competitive."
Manzi credits workgroup computing, and especially Lotus Notes for playing a major role in that change. "It takes computing away from back-office processes, away from the isolated desktop, and makes it the front line activity of the enterprise. Things like selling, service, making products." Manzi then showed how a bank, law firm, benefit planning company, and risk management firm, are using Notes to improve productivity.
"No one knows all the answers when it comes to this new style of computing. But it's certainly taking hold and having a gigantic impact on many companies, giving them massive gains, at firms of every size and in every industry," said Manzi.
What happens next? Manzi offered a checklist. "First, we must span multiple operating systems and platforms. The challenge is to make sure today's knowledge workers gain access to information, communicate it, and act on it regardless of operating system."
He continued, "The second essential need is security. It's more difficult to achieve. If you're sharing key information with suppliers and customers, the question of who should have access to what becomes crucial. You don't want it confined in a glass house, but you don't want it bouncing randomly either."
"Third, we think replication is an essential technology in workgroup computing," he said. "This is the ability to copy part or all of a database and distribute it to any other computer. It should automatically occur in background, and give the user the assurance that they're working on up-to-date information. Fourth, all this depends on a rich object store. Workgroup computing has a wide range of data types. Numbers, graphics text, spreadsheets, sound, motion, and video. The goal must be nothing less than the mobilization of knowledge now embedded in documents throughout the organization. You can't approach the goal if you say one type of knowledge qualifies."
"Finally, we feel workgroup computing isn't a reality unless there is integration among desktop applications. There are 80-90 million computers out there using one or two applications. Their reach is enhanced if they can share applications." That's where Lotus Notes, acting as a coordinating architecture, can help. "Lotus has worked hard to make Notes an architecture for workgroup computing. It's based on the document, so information resides somewhere and can be shared." This ability to share is at the heart of the Version Manager in 1-2-3 release 4 for Windows, announced at the show.
Most important, Manzi concluded, Lotus' competitors have heard the music and are starting to dance to the tune. "Microsoft and WordPerfect are reworking their desktop applications so they can work in a Notes environment. Clearly that will help drive the product development forward."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930526/Press Contact: Harold Krall, Cardinal Technologies Inc., tel 717-293-3030, fax 717-293-3055)
ogies Inc., tel 717-293-3030, fax 717-293-3055)
5/26/93
Comdex - Manzi Announces New Notes Technology
GENERAL
Leading Economist Discusses Indu
Comdex - Pentium Performance To
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Intel has disclosed architectural details of their Pentium processor to Newsbytes. These details shed light on the performance to be expected from current and upcoming versions of the microprocessor and systems based on it.
Five elements will elevate Pentium performance over Intel's i486 CPU (central processing unit) and bring it up to workstation-class power. The first is higher clock speeds. The initial versions of Pentium will run at 60 megahertz (MHz) and 66MHz, which matches the top speed of current versions of the i486.
Frank Spindler of Intel told Newsbytes that, "I don't see why that won't double over time." Current RISC chips have similar integer performance to Pentium at slightly slower or equivalent clock speeds.
The second element is multiple integer instruction units. Pentium has two 32-bit integer processing units on the U, or primary, pipeline and the V, or secondary, pipeline. Both the U and V pipelines may be active simultaneously. This leads to performance increases of up to double the speed achievable with a single instruction unit.
The third performance-enhancing element is branch prediction. RISC microprocessor makers have achieved impressive performance gains with optimized compilers that use branch prediction to increase throughput. Intel has built this technology into the Pentium hardware and claims a 25 percent performance boost from this feature alone.
The fourth factor that increases performance is an optimized, on-board 64-bit floating point unit. This unit may be active simultaneously with one or both integer units. Improvements in the floating point unit bring performance gains that Intel estimates at four to five times faster than the i486 for floating-point-intensive code. Current RISC chips running at similar clock speeds have somewhat greater floating-point performance, but Intel is now in the ballpark with all but the fastest RISC floating-point units.
The fifth factor that will speed up systems is improved memory access. The 8 kilobyte (KB) of onboard cache in the i486 has been replaced by two separate 8KB caches, one for code and the other for data. The size of these caches compares favorably to those of RISC chips and chip sets and will yield a varying performance gain over the i486. The caches are updated by a 64-bit-wide memory access path. Early systems will have 64-bit access only to an external cache of 256KB or 512KB in size; later systems will add 6-bit access to main memory as well.
The wild card in the performance war is multiprocessor capability. Intel has worked hard to make Pentium multiprocessor-ready. It has implemented the Modified Exclusive Shared Invalid, or MESI multiprocessing protocol standard in Pentium. How successful the company has been will be demonstrated over the next year as vendors build multiprocessor systems around both Pentium and competing microprocessors.
With Pentium, Intel has successfully demonstrated that it can achieve workstation-class performance in a microprocessor compatible with its previous x86-family microprocessors. Future competition among microprocessors will center on price, clock speed, the number of processing units that can be put on a single chip, and the ease with which multiprocessor systems can be built. But at least for this generation of microprocessors, Intel has successfully secured its base in consumer and business applications and opened a new front in the high-performance arena as well.
(Bud Smith/19930526)
ormance arena as well.
(Bud Smith/19930526)
5/26/93
Comdex - Pentium Performance To Approach RISC
TRENDS
Comdex - Pentium Performance To
Comdex - High-Performance Pentiu
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- A wide range of performance gains has been claimed for the new Pentium microprocessor from Intel. Some DOS benchmarks show gains of about 80 percent over a high-end i486, but floating-point SPECmarks for Pentium are more than triple those of an i486. What will it take to get the most performance out of a Pentium microprocessor?
On the software side, dramatic performance gains for applications running under graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as Windows 3.1, OS/2 2.1, and the upcoming Windows NT should be fairly easy to achieve. This is because today's applications make a great many calls to the operating environment to get their work done. Once the operating system is optimized and recompiled for Pentium, applications will benefit immediately.
The application itself can also benefit from recompilation with a Pentium-aware compiler and the use of Pentium-optimized software libraries, especially for specialized uses like floating point code. Look first for an optimized version of your operating environment, then for Pentium-aware versions of your most-used and most performance intensive applications.
On the hardware side, some systems are "Pentium-ready" and should be upgradable simply by plugging in a new microprocessor. New Pentium systems will vary in the degree to which they are optimized for the new microprocessor. There are several features you can look for in either an upgradable i486 system or a Pentium system to improve your chances of getting optimal performance.
The first is the external, or secondary, cache. The Pentium has two 8 kilobyte (KB) onboard caches, one for code and the other for data. When these caches need to be refreshed the microprocessor looks to its 64-bit data bus for more data. The best systems for Pentium will have a 256KB or 512KB write-back external cache with a 64-bit data path to the processor. The data path between the cache and standard RAM will most often be only 32 bits, but cache misses should be few enough to minimize any slowdown caused by this. A slow, or nonexistent secondary cache can cost 10-20 performance in performance, according to Intel.
The speed of the memory bus is also important. Most of today's high-performance systems have a 33 megahertz (MHz) memory bus Pentium runs best with a 66MHz bus. The bus also needs to support burst reads and writes, address pipelining, and the Pentium's write-back internal caches. According to Intel, these factors can combine to slow performance by as much as 30-40 percent as compared to an optimized system.
A system with VESA local bus slots for graphics and hard disk access will be better able to keep up with the throughput demands imposed by Pentium. Intel claims that its upcoming PCI local bus chip sets will take even greater advantage of Pentium's features.
In combination, these factors mean that, while an upgrade from i486 to Pentium will yield a performance boost, only a well-designed Pentium system with recompiled software will deliver maximum performance. Historical experience indicates that a number of non-optimized Pentium systems will be shipped early on to gain attention and market share.
Users in the market for top performance should look for software and hardware optimized for Pentium. Early buyers may pay dearly for moderate performance gains, while those who wait a little bit, shop carefully, and take advantage of software upgrades may end up with a complete system that represents a real price-performance bargain.
(Bud Smith/19930526)
e-performance bargain.
(Bud Smith/19930526)
5/26/93
Comdex - High-Performance Pentium Checkpoints
TRENDS
Comdex - High-Performance Pentiu
Comdex - Pentium Concerns Includ
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- In an exclusive interview with Newsbytes at Spring Comdex, Intel officials addressed concerns about their new Pentium chip.
The best-publicized area of concern so far has been heat dissipation. "We published the specifications a long time ago," said Curt Nichols marketing director in the Microprocessor Division. The company states that heat dissipation for the current 5V Pentium microprocessor is 13 watts, more than double the six watts dissipated by a 486, but significantly less than that of MIPS R4000, DEC's Alpha, or HP's Precision Architecture.
While new systems designed around Pentium should be able to handle the load, doubts remain about the longevity under stress of "upgradable" i486-based systems. Intel revealed that it will be creating a verification program later this year that will certify whether systems can handle the microprocessor's heat output. In the meantime, users are advised to contact their system vendor about upgradability concerns.
The long-term answer to the heat problem is a new version of the microprocessor that uses less power. An upcoming 3.3V version should reduce power consumption and heat generation by more than half. This version will be suitable for desktop or portable use.
Another worry for vendors and users is the availability of the chip. The industry may be putting itself into a bind by promoting low-priced Pentium systems early. Intel officials have revealed to Newsbytes that they were surprised by the number of mid-range, as opposed to high-end systems announced by vendors so far. Since the company only plans to ship 10,000 Pentium CPUs (central processing units) this quarter and "hundreds of thousands" by year end, disappointed users may hold off on purchases until Pentium systems are available.
The company and vendors will encourage users to buy upgradable i486-based systems for now. However, users who want full Pentium performance may prefer to wait for "true" Pentium systems with 66 megahertz (MHz) memory buses and large, 64-bit-wide external caches. User hesitation would put pressure on the prices and sales of i486-based systems.
The final concern with any new microprocessor is software availability. The Pentium is much more different from the i486 than that microprocessor was from the i386. For maximum performance, operating environments and applications need to be recompiled, using tools that are still under development. Mark Plinneke, program manager for Intel's new Software Developer Relations Group, is in charge of helping software vendors get the most performance out of Pentium. His group has worked with compiler vendors and others, "licensing tons of code" to help developers get the most out of Pentium. Software vendors have been slow to optimize their programs for new microprocessors in the past, and it remains to be seen whether they will be faster to move this time around.
None of these concerns is expected to prevent the long-term success of Pentium, but they may create controversy and difficulties between users and vendors and open a window of opportunity for vendors of systems based on other microprocessors. However, by the time the chicken-and-egg problem of widespread software availability for competing platforms is solved, most analysts expect to see Intel once again firmly in the driver's seat.
(Bus Smith/19930526)
n firmly in the driver's seat.
(Bus Smith/19930526)
5/26/93
Comdex - Pentium Concerns Include Heat & Availability
TRENDS
Comdex - Pentium Performance To
Comdex: A Visit With IBM's Peter
Leading Economist Discusses Indu
POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Dr. Ann Davis director of Marist College's Bureau of Economic Research, speaking to the May meeting of the Poughkeepsie, New York, chapter of the Association foe Computing Machinery (ACM), directed the group's attention to the growing trend toward alliances within the computer industry.
Introducing Davis, chapter President Bill Collier told the group, "I happened to mention to a friend that Ann would be speaking this evening and he said 'You had better pay close attention. I was at a cocktail party with Ann shortly after Reagan's first election. She made a series of predictions that night of what would happen during the Reagan years. Each of the predictions turned out to be accurate.'"
In the talk, Davis began by discussing the shifts in market segmentation within the computer industry. She pointed to the blurring of the traditional distinctions as newer and newer generations of chips provide "an incredible increase in computing power available for a given price."
Davis then discussed the blurring of established market lines as computers, telephones, televisions, and faxes become components in multimedia systems. This combining of elements has led to, Davis pointed out, the linking of companies - such as IBM and Blockbuster Video; Apple and Sharp; AT&T, Matsushita and Olivetti - to provide the new products.
The changing dynamics of the industry has, according to Davis, resulted in an altering of international competitive positions and strategies. Davis said, "The increasing cost of development and manufacturing each new generation of semiconductor chips has convinced most companies that alliances and joint ventures are necessary to continue to compete in both existing products such as memory chips as well as new product categories. For example, IBM has formed over 20,000 business alliances worldwide as of January 1992. US companies are focusing on strategic moves in customized products, such as software and new product development."
Davis said that these developments have led to a change in the model firm in the industry. According to Davis, "the model Silicon Valley firm is modular, hierarchical, evolutionary. Alliances with other firms as well as personnel decisions are based on product development. The core is design and development groups and non-essential components can be outsourced." She said that, while there are disadvantages to this type of firm (little job security, reliance on larger firms or government for research and development, more fragile firms with shortness of capital), there are also opportunities to cluster these firms with other in the geographical region to pool resources.
The changes, Davis pointed out, have ramifications for governmental policy. She said that there are now recommendations before the Clinton administration for modifying anti-trust regulations to allow for research and development cartels. There is also debate going on concerning the role of the government in such activities as the direct supporting of R&D; the development of the infrastructure for a nationwide Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN); and the protection of US firms and workers through trade policies.
Dr. Ben Diamant, Marist College professor of computer science commenting to Newsbytes on Davis' talk, said, "She did an outstanding job of presenting the economic vistas that impact the field of information systems."
Davis told Newsbytes, "It was pleasure speaking to the ACM. It gave be an opportunity to present my research on the computer industry to professionals in the industry. The discussion that followed the talk was extremely interesting and showed the recognition within the industry of the changing economic conditions."
Poughkeepsie, New York is in the heart of "IBM Country," the area severely impacted by recent reorganizations and cutbacks within IBM. Many in the audience were current or past IBM employees.
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/19930526/Press Contacts: Bill Collier, ACM - Poughkeepsie Chapter, wcollier@suvm.acs.syr.edu; Ann Davis, 914-575-3000 ext 2945 (voice), 914-471-6213 (fax) Marist College Bureau of Economic Research, jzfl@maristb.bitnet)
eau of Economic Research, jzfl@maristb.bitnet)
5/26/93
Leading Economist Discusses Industry Changes
TRENDS
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- UMax has brought out the UC630LE (Limited Edition), a $999 hardware-and software scanning bundle featuring a new version of Adobe Photoshop specifically designed for the Windows or Macintosh computer graphics novice.
A company spokesperson told Newsbytes that the bundle combines the company's award-winning UC630 24-bit color flatbed scanner with Photoshop LE 2.5, an edition of Photoshop that is available through OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) only.
Photoshop LE 2.5 provides all the key essentials, and supports all built-in Photoshop file formats, but eliminates the most complex capabilities of the Adobe image processing package, she said. Users who become ready for more advanced work can upgrade to the full version of Photoshop for an extra $295.
The Windows edition of the UC630LE bundle comes with UMax's new TWAIN driver, allowing operability with all PC software tools that comply with the emerging imaging standard.
The scanner the bundle is built around, the UC630, offers a hardware resolution of 600 by 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) that can be enhanced to 1200 by 1200 dpi through software interpolation.
The Photoshop software supplied in the package is a major upgrade from Adobe Photoshop LE 1.0, another application offered only through OEMs, she said. New capabilities in Photoshop LE 2.5 include text and cropping tools, more filters, an indexed color mode, dodge and burn, and an EPS rasterizer, along with two features that are also new in the full version of Photoshop 2.5 variations and quick mask.
The new Limited Edition provides the same tool palette as the full version of 2.5, and the same Edit, Mode, Image, Filter, Select and Windows menus. Menu items, though, are not quite as extensive. For example, in the Image Menu, Map and Adjust commands have been retained, and so have Image Size and Canvas Size, two selections used for image resizing and resampling. However, Adobe has eliminated the Calculate, Histogram, and Trap commands, on the grounds that they are unnecessary and too technical for most Photoshop LE users.
Other functions present in the full version of Adobe Photoshop 2.5 but absent from LE, include LAB color space, CMYK editing and separation, duotone mode, custom ink books, and Photoshop 2.5's new LAB color, paths palette, and channels palette.
On the Windows side, the UC630 bundle requires an 80386 processor DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, 4 megabytes (MB) of RAM, 20MB of hard disk space, and a mouse. Requirements for the Mac platform include a 68020 processor, Apple System Software Version 6.0.7, 3MB of application RAM, and a hard disk.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930525/Press Contacts: Aileen Yang, tel 408-982-0771 ext 12, UMax; or Yvonne Lynott, tel 303-530-2492 Lynott & Associates for UMax; Reader Contacts: UMax, tel 800-562-0311; or Adobe, tel 415-961-4400)
UMax, tel 800-562-0311; or Adobe, tel 415-961-4400)
5/26/93
UMax Scanner With Novice Version Of Photoshop 2.5
GENERAL
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
Comdex - Xerox's $99 Windows Pac
PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- One of the latest entries into the ever widening Windows application arena is a $99 OCR (optical character recognition) package that includes advanced artificial intelligence technology developed at Xerox's renowned Palo Alto Research Center (PARC).
The first Windows version of TextBridge adds a "lexifier," improved "automatic segmentation," and other new capabilities to the pioneering OCR features already present in previously released Unix editions, according to Ed Mallen, vice president of software products for Xerox Imaging Systems (XIS), the company that produces TextBridge.
In an interview with Newsbytes, Mallen said that all versions of TextBridge can be used with virtually any faxed or scanned pages. The latest capabilities, though, are aimed at recognizing classes of information such as social security numbers, month/day/year configurations, and postal codes, and at assisting with recognition of compound documents.
The new smart features will be incorporated into future Unix editions as well, but dates have yet to be set for the upgrades, he told Newsbytes.
The VP stated that TextBridge provides a simple-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) with many of the same features found in other OCR packages, including a preview window, on-line hypertext help adjustable scanner settings, and format conversion of faxed and scanned documents into popular word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
TextBridge, though, is based on research into image morphology, or document structure, he explained. The software uses neural networks and other new approaches to "learn" information about the document's structure, moving beyond the basic character recognition of other OCR packages into recognition of contextual information and page construction.
One of the features that's emerged from this research, the lexifier, expands upon the concept of the traditional spell checker, he noted. The feature includes the same dictionary used in the Unix editions of TextBridge, but adds the ability to recognize lexical classes - or known "patterns of information" such as social security numbers, month/day/year configurations and postal zip codes.
When a postal code is being scanned, for example, the lexifier will automatically recognize that the first character must be the number "0," not the letter "O," he said.
The Windows version also improves on the automatic segmentation feature in the Unix editions, which is designed to distinguish the number of columns, locations of images, and correct read order of text in a compound document, according to Mallen. Another new feature brings the ability to correct the orientation of a skewed or crooked, page.
Further, TextBridge for Window brings a DDE (dynamic data exchange) interface that afford easy access to OCR while working in other Windows applications that support DDE, said the company. A macro included in the package lets a user activate TextBridge from Microsoft Word through the file menu. Then, without leaving Word, the user can scan and recognize pages directly into an open document.
Mallen told Newsbytes that, in the future, XIS will definitely add similar macros for WordPerfect and Ami Pro, and possibly for other Windows applications as well.
Like the Unix versions, TextBridge for Windows can recognize text written in Spanish, French, Italian, or German as well as in English. Also retained in the Windows edition are all the other smart tools of the previous releases, including the ability to recognize non-lexical strings or patterns, or information other than words.
TextBridge supports most popular scanners on the market, such as those from Hewlett-Packard and Microtek. The software can also accept TIFF files from most fax-modem software, including WinFax Pro 3.0.
The Windows package is being sold at Comdex this week for a special introductory price of $79, Mallen told Newsbytes. In a promotion at the XIS booth, users are winning free copies if they can manage to tee a ball over a miniature golf-style "TextBridge."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930524/Press Contacts: Kelly Morris or Marijean Lauzier, tel 617-661-7900, The Weber Group for XIS; or Janet Knudsen tel 508-977-2125, XIS; Reader Contact: XIS, 800-248-6550;)
-2125, XIS; Reader Contact: XIS, 800-248-6550;)
5/26/93
Comdex - Xerox's $99 Windows Package With OCR
Comdex - Xerox's $99 Windows Pac
Compaq Signs First Asia-Wide Sys
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- ITS has been appointed by Compaq Computer Asia Pacific, a wholly owned subsidiary of Compaq Computer, as the company's first systems integrator. Under the terms of the agreement, ITS will sell Compaq's full range of products and provide customers with value-added services and maintenance support throughout the region.
According to the company, the Asia-wide agreement will broaden Compaq's channels of distribution and offer its customers a single point of contact for all systems integration, equipment purchases maintenance, installation, and other customer services.
"As one of the world's leading systems integrators, ITS is the ideal choice of partner to help Compaq achieve its goal of offering PC users throughout Asia the industry's most comprehensive customer support and services network," said Lim Soon Hock, vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific Region, Compaq Computer Asia Pacific. "Compaq is now one of the world's only PC vendors able to offer its customers a single point of call for all their needs.
He continued, "This important agreement, with its strong emphasis on professional services, will ensure that Compaq is more competitive and better able to meet the demanding requirements of our rapidly growing business in the region. This agreement will offer major advantages for our multinational customers with offices located around the region."
Under the agreement, ITS will not only sell Compaq computers, it will also customize them and provide "seamless solutions" to customers. Through its affiliation with SITA, the air transport industry's global communications organization, ITS will enable Compaq to draw on additional resources in nearly 200 countries and territories.
ITS will also offer Compaq entry into such specialized areas as the banking and transportation industries, especially those that are presently installing, or considering, local area network (LAN)- and wide area network (WAN)-based networks.
"As a result of this agreement, ITS can now offer Compaq machines and systems integration services to our traditional customer base under extremely competitive terms," said Barry Bonnett, managing director at ITS Asia Pacific. "This agreement will undoubtedly be widely accepted by airlines and our parent company SITA, and our many multinational customers in the region. Compaq's expanding presence in Asia through its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Singapore ties in perfectly with ITS's growing activities in the region."
(Brett Cameron/19930525/Press Contact: Wayne Merrick (ITS) tel +852-831 0506)
s Contact: Wayne Merrick (ITS) tel +852-831 0506)
5/26/93
Compaq Signs First Asia-Wide Systems Integrator
BUSINESS
Compaq Signs First Asia-Wide Sys
IBM Japan Releases Notebook PCs
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- IBM Japan has released a number of personal computers including a notebook and desktops. The notebook PC is light weight and powerful.
IBM Japan's latest notebook is A5-sized, and weighs only one kilogram. It is called the ThinkPad 220 and comes with a 32-bit 80386SL processor and an 80 megabyte (MB) hard disk. The system costs 198,000 yen ($1,800), which is a relatively low price for notebooks in Japan. The system can be used continuously for eight hours with removable alkaline batteries.
IBM Japan has also released a color version of the notebook, which is equipped with a 10.4-inch TFT (thin film transistor) display.
Other systems introduced include PS/V desktop PC, which comes equipped with a powerful video processor, called the 80C805. With this video chip, it is said the processing speed of graphic data has become about five times faster. The price of the desktop models varies from 198,000 yen ($1,800) to 680,000 yen ($6,200) depending on the configuration.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930526/Press Contact: IBM Japan, tel +81-3-3586-1111, fax +81-3-3589-4645)
3-3586-1111, fax +81-3-3589-4645)
5/26/93
IBM Japan Releases Notebook PCs
IBM Japan Releases Notebook PCs
Japan - Matsushita & Hitachi Dev
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Matsushita Electric has developed a digital neuro LSI chip, which it claims will be able to handle text and pictorial data at very high speeds. Meanwhile, Hitachi has developed a TRON-based 32-bit microprocessor. TRON is considered by many as the national operating system in Japan.
Matsushita Electric's digital neuro LSI is still a prototype, but it is claimed to be capable of recognizing text data and graphic data with high precision. This chip is based on Matsushita's original neuro model. It has a learning feature and neural network capabilities. The chip measures only 11 by 11 millimeters.
According to Matsushita's tests, the device can recognize hand written letters at a speed 10 time faster than existing chips. It can recognize figures - both Kanji and alphabets. As far as alphabetical letters are concerned, it is claimed that the system can recognize 1,600 letters per second - almost 20 times faster than current chips.
Meanwhile, Hitachi has developed a TRON-based 32-bit microprocessor. It is the high-end version of the firm's G-MICRO family, called the G-MICRO H32/500. There two versions - one with a clock speed of 50 megahertz (MHz) and the other with a clock speed of 66 MHz. The 66-MHz version consumes only nine watts of electricity, but it can process data at 130 MIPS (million instructions per second).
The release of the 50-MHz version is planned for this October with the 66-MHz version planned for early 1994.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- NEC has interconnected its personal computer-based telecommunication network PC-VAN with the Japanese Education Ministry's academic network. It is said this academic network is the largest in Japan, and the connection is offered free of charge for a limited time.
NEC has connected with the Japanese Education Ministry's SINET telecommunication network, which is widely used by university and private firm researchers. With this interconnection, both PC-VAN and SINET users will be able to exchange electronic-mail free of charge. NEC and the SINET want to see the reaction of users before they commit to a permanent connection.
NEC has been actively linking with other major telecommunication networks. The firm recently linked with Japan's second largest telecom network Nifty-Serve, as well as Japan Airline's JAL network.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930526/Press Contact: NEC tel +81-3-3798-6511, fax +81-3-3798-9170)
EC tel +81-3-3798-6511, fax +81-3-3798-9170)
5/26/93
Japan - NEC PC-VAN Connects Govt's Network
TELECOM
Japan - NEC PC-VAN Connects Govt
Japan - Sega Intros Multimedia T
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Japan's major game machine maker Sega Enterprises has developed a multimedia device for children. It is a combination of a notebook-type computer and picture books and requires a television to play.
Sega's PICO is connected to a regular television set via a video socket. The PC has a tray to hold a picture book instead of an LCD (liquid crystal display). It is a special book with the same picture appearing on the TV screen. Whenever the child turns the page, the picture changes to the one in the new page. With an electronic pen-device, which is attached with the book, the child can answer the questions that are included in the book.
The device gives out sound effects, as well as a reading voice with the picture on the screen. The company says that the animation characters on the screen move along with the music.
Sega is preparing to link with major book publishers to develop more picture book software. The firm will release this device at 16,000 yen ($145) on June 26 in Japan and next April in the overseas market. About 10 to 15 software books will be available.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930526/Press Contact: Sega Enterprises, tel +81-3-3743-7603, fax +81-3-3743-7830)
erprises, tel +81-3-3743-7603, fax +81-3-3743-7830)
5/26/93
Japan - Sega Intros Multimedia TV Device For Kids
TRENDS
DeltaPoint Unveils Graphics Util
Comdex - HSC Intros Digital Morp
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- HSC Software which held its Comdex party at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta, has introduced what it claims is the first morphing software for Windows.
Morphing is a digital video technology used to stretch, compress distort, or transform one image into another. It was first used in a big way in the "Terminator" movies. It's now seen regularly in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," where Security Officer Odo, played by Rene Auberjonois, plays a character who must morph into a liquid every 36 hours, and can morph into the shape of any object at will.
Digital Morph is designed to provide this look to multimedia producers, graphic artists, animators, and business presenters at an attractive price. Bit-mapped images, Video for Windows files with the AVI extension, and Autodesk Animator files can all be changed with the software. Worphs, or warped morphs, can also be performed.
The minimum system requirements for the software are a 386SX computer with 2 megabytes (MB) of memory and a VGA graphics card, although 4MB and a high-color card are recommended.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Mustang Software has introduced a new version of its flagship Wildcat bulletin board system (BBS) software supporting the new Remote Image Protocol (RIP) graphical user interface (GUI).
RIP is an emerging graphical standard for bulletin boards. It was first supported by Galacticomm, which signed an alliance with its creator, TeleGrafix, to support RIP in February. RIP is also supported by the popular Telix communications package. The support of RIP by two major BBS vendors should help towards the protocol becoming an industry standard.
Mustang said it is also adding RIP support to its Qmodem communications package, making it the first BBS vendor to offer both terminal and board support for RIP. The new version of Wildcat, dubbed 3.9, can send full-screen graphics to callers and lets mouse-equipped callers select BBS commands by clicking on selection buttons or screen prompts, just as they do with larger services like America Online.
In order for the caller to get these benefits, however, their own telecommunications software must support RIP. That's why Qmodem the company's communications package, has added the feature.
In addition, Wildcat has introduced a fax-send module as part of its wcPro utility package. This lets those system operators with fax modems make PCX files available to callers.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Many analysts at Comdex acknowledged that, of all the major software companies WordPerfect may be facing its most testing time. Lotus got out of its dependence on the 1-2-3 spreadsheet with its Notes workgroup software, while Borland seems well-positioned in its database market. However, WordPerfect keeps losing market share to Word for Windows, and many argue that there is little unique in the rest of its product line.
For this show, WordPerfect's primary announcement is that version 6 of its flagship WordPerfect word processor for DOS, will ship June 28. The company promised the version which ships will be better than the upgrades now in beta test. The company trotted out one of its distributors, Merisel, to note that it has huge back orders for WordPerfect 6.0. A CD-ROM version of the product will be available. The upgrade price for existing WordPerfect for DOS users is $129 and you can switch from a competitive product for $149. The suggested retail price is $495.
WordPerfect also formed, what it calls, a consumer products group which will aim at the growing home and small business markets. WordPerfect spokesmen said the new unit will combine acquisitions with in-house development, building around Reference Software which WordPerfect bought in January for its Grammatik program, thesauri and spell-checkers. The former Reference products, like WordPerfect's own Clip Art and MTEZ communication programs, will carry retail prices of $29-$149.
Finally, most reporters agreed WordPerfect had the nicest giveaway of the show - a canvas computer bag with a heavy-duty zipper. It's light, and holds lots of papers in addition to your notebook PC. For a change, it's even better than a Microsoft product - a fold-over, green bag advertising Windows NT, given away at the NT press conference.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Epson has announced the Progression 4 PC line, which incorporates Wingine a local bus graphics acceleration technology from Chips Technologies. Combined with Epson's own proprietary memory architecture, called VirtualCache, the PCs are claimed to offer significant performance advantages in Windows environments.
The new Progression 4 features a smaller footprint, and a lower price, along with a new "Read This First" brochure aimed at making set-up easier. The product comes with the full range of 486DX processors from Intel, and supports future Intel Overdrive processors. It's equipped with 4 megabytes (MB) of RAM, expandable to 128MB using SIMM (single in-line memory module) chips, and 1MB of video system memory, as well as hard drives of 120MB or 240MB, four ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) slots, three drive bays and six ports.
Epson also launched a new line of portable computers called ActionNote, starting with the 4SLC/25. The new 5.5-pound, or 2.2 kilogram, products are preloaded with MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 and include a Logitech trackball standard. There are also several different configurations, including a communications package with a fax-data modem. All have 4 megabytes (MB) of RAM and hard disk drives of 80MB or 120MB. Anticipated street prices are $1,400-$1,700.
Finally, Epson announced the Progression NX, first in a line of PCs optimized for NextStep. They use Intel chips, but also have such Next-ready features as 36 megabytes (MB) of RAM, expandable to 68MB on the motherboard, and 2MB of video memory, as well as a 525MB hard drive, six ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) slots, a multimedia sound card and an Ethernet LAN (local area network) adapter. They will ship this summer at about $3,700 each.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930526/Press Contact: Jan Marciano, Epson 310-782-5161)
ontact: Jan Marciano, Epson 310-782-5161)
5/26/93
Comdex - Epson Intros Progression 4 PCs
Compaq Signs First Asia-Wide Sys
Windows World: Virtuoso 2.0 From
Comdex - ATI Offers Multimedia U
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- For Spring Comdex ATI Technologies of Scarborough, Canada, has announced a new Multimedia Upgrade Kit and four new accelerator boards for PCI Local Bus systems.
The upgrade kit combines the company's ATI Stereo F/X-CD sound card with a CD-ROM drive and over 2,500 software applications on two CD-ROM disks at a suggested retail price of $499. The new PCI cards are based on ATI's own mach32AX chip, in VRAM and DRAM configurations, and are now being sampled to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers.
The company also announced some new software, including Windows 3.1 drivers for its mach8 products, including Graphics Ultra Graphics Vantage, and 8514/UIltra products, using the Windows 3.1 enhanced mode, and MediaMerge, a software product designed to create and edit video in Windows.
According to Vice President of Marketing Henry Quan, the combined announcements mean ATI can now deliver a complete multimedia solution, including hardware and software. MediaMerge will have a suggested retail price of $395 and ships by the end of this quarter.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930526/Press Contact: Andrew Clarke, ATI 416-756-0718 ext 491)
ress Contact: Andrew Clarke, ATI 416-756-0718 ext 491)
5/26/93
Comdex - ATI Offers Multimedia Upgrade, PCI Graphics
GENERAL
Canadians Like Computers; Are Wa
IBM Offers Handwriting Recogniti
Cable & Wireless; Telecom Eirean
Microsoft Talks About DOS 6.0 Bu
REDMOND, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Microsoft has released a statement concerning the potential problems in MS-DOS 6.0.
The bugs, as outlined by the company, are the following:
If the personal computer (PC) running DOS 6.0 loses power (usually by being unplugged) while the Windows driver Smartdrive is flushing its cache (or disk memory) there is a possibility of data loss. Normally, users don't go around pulling the plug on their computers, but Microsoft's Chief Bill Gates did it twice during the satellite-broadcast introduction of DOS 6.0. Gate's point in pulling the plug was to prove the safety of using Doublespace and Memmaker.
The second bug is the ability to use the Windows Undelete command to create files with invalid characters such as the "?" and "*" characters.
A third bug has been reported by Stac Electronics, Microsoft's largest competitor in data compression products. The bug can be reproduced by following these steps: 1) Create an empty Doublespace drive. 2) Copy the files DBLSPACE.SYS and README.TXT from the DOS directory to the new compressed drive. 3) Delete both files. 4) Turn the computer off. 5) Turn the computer on, being sure the new drive is mounted. 6) Copy the file POWER.EXE to the new Doublespace drive. 7) Using the DOS Undelete command, attempt to undelete the deleted files on the new drive. The Undelete command will only allow you to recover one file, the README.TXT file. But upon examination, the README.TXT file will be blank for the first few pages (about twenty-seven percent). Stac's theory is in allocating space for the POWER.EXE compressed file, Doublespace wrote over a portion of the README.TXT file with zeros, but still allows the user to undelete the file.
The Undelete problems uncovered by the Stac bug might not be considered a bug by some utility developer. Any utility that undeletes deleted DOS files offers a warning to users that once other files have been written to the drive where the deleted files reside, the data cannot be guaranteed recovery.
Also, DOS 6.0 offers three levels of Undelete protection and the default level is the lowest level. Microsoft suggests users who are concerned about being able to Undelete use the highest level of undelete protection. However, there is a trade off in disk space and use of memory in order to get the undelete protection.
Stac's "Technical Evangelist" Bruce Behymer told Newsbytes the company has been running upward of thirty million iterations a day of test suites on Doublespace using a compressed random access memory (RAM) drive in a search for bugs in Microsoft's compression product. Stac claims Microsoft's largest fault in DOS 6.0 is that Doublespace doesn't make a copy of the file allocation table (FAT) as a backup in case of problems as its Stacker product does. However, Microsoft representatives told Newsbytes a copy of the FAT might help in one case in a million. In addition, having two copies of the FAT brings in the problem of which one to use.
Other reports have caused much more concern. Infoworld reported a startling fifty-three of its test PCs had problems installing Doublespace, but has since narrowed that number to six. Microsoft says Infoworld first contacted its technical support to report the problems on a Thursday afternoon, just hours before the deadline on the May 3 issue, so there wasn't time to investigate the situation. However, Microsoft says it did fly three senior DOS 6.0 developers to Infoworld to investigate. Of the six remaining machines with file corruption, one's hard disk had been reformatted and neither Microsoft or Infoworld has been able to pin the problems in the five remaining machines to DOS 6.0.
Microsoft's DOS General Manager Brad Chase, told Newsbytes they were able to reproduce basically everything Infoworld reported in DOS 5.0 as well. Chase said, "We have not found a major bug in MS-DOS 6.0, but continue to monitor all incoming reports closely."
It appears Doublespace is its own worst enemy on cross-linked files. Upon reboot the program will report any problems with the compressed volume file (CVF) with the error message: "A CVF is damaged." Normally a user would have to run the CHKDSK command to discover cross-linked files on an uncompressed drive. Chase said the message was a mistake and it would have caused less anxiety among users to put up a message saying files are cross-linked (pointing to the same address in the FAT) than the message Doublespace offers now. However, files may become cross-linked for one of several reasons, such as the computer being turned off unexpectedly, and so far none of the instances of cross-linked files have been attributable to Doublespace, Chase added.
Users, worried about reports of problems, have jumped to the conclusion Doublespace was the problem in instances where the problem was the software program in question. Group 1 Software makers of postal zip code software Arclist version 2.06 reported user concerns over Doublespace.
However, Juan Tosoni, manager of technical support for the Microcomputer Products Division said in a published report that Doublespace was not at fault, but instead, it was Arclist's incompatibility with SHARE.EXE, a file added to the CONFIG.SYS which installs file-sharing and locking capabilities on disks and network drives. "In actuality the Doublespace works fine. The true culprit is SHARE.EXE. Arclist is not compatible with this command. This also holds true for DOS 5.0," said Tosoni.
Despite the fact that Microsoft has sold three million copies of DOS 6.0 since its introduction just over a month ago, the company reports a lower ratio of support calls per copy for DOS 6.0 than for any of Microsoft's other top ten software products. However, support line waits are long, as much as an estimated seventy-five minutes.
Newsbytes called DOS 6.0 support and was told there would be a seventy-five minute wait, but actually waited about half an hour. However, Newsbytes worked with a support technician for forty-five minutes tuning a Doublespace drive, the AUTOEXEC.BAT and the CONFIG.SYS files.
Microsoft says the majority of support calls fall into three categories. The number one reason is users who call to be walked through the setup process with a support technician. The number two reason is help with Memmaker, the memory management utility. Number three involves Doublespace.
On Compuserve, Microsoft technical support personnel are requesting users post Doublespace questions openly on the forum instead of directing them through personal mail to the technicians individually. Most of the user comment is positive and few users have even experienced problems with the product.
Microsoft's Brad Chase said the company is working on the known problems and will address them in the "near future. To date neither Infoworld's tests, nor tests by other publications, nor calls to product support indicate anything except the rare isolated problems one would expect on an operating system installed by millions of users on a wide variety of PCs."
Chase said there was no way anyone at Microsoft could have predicted the success of DOS 6.0. In thirty days, Microsoft says its estimates are that 54 percent of users have run Memmaker more than have installed Quarterdeck's QEMM for the past two years. Sixty-two percent of users have installed Doublespace, a number more than double the number that have installed Stacker over the past two years.
Microsoft is having to run to keep up with demand, despite its size and resources. The company says its surveys show 90 percent of DOS 6.0 users said they are satisfied with the product. However, the biggest complaint is the wait for support and Microsoft says it is adding more engineers to assist customers and hopes to have the wait times down to its average of less than one minute.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930525/Press Contact: Wendy Slaughter Waggoner Edstrom for Microsoft, tel 503-245-0905, fax 503-244 7261; Public Contact, Microsoft Technical Support 206-646-5104; Lois Leslie, Stac Electronics, tel 619-431-7474, fax 619-431 1001)
tel 619-431-7474, fax 619-431 1001)
5/26/93
Microsoft Talks About DOS 6.0 Bugs
,!V!t!
Stac Cuts 20% Of Staff
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Stac is blaming DOS 6.0 for its lay off of 40 people, or 20 percent of its work force. But company officials are hoping new releases of Stacker for IBM's OS/2, Stacker for the Macintosh, and a special edition of Stacker 3.1 that it is calling a "rescue mission" for DOS 6.0 users, will help strengthen the company's bottom line.
Stac is hoping to capitalize on the wide spread reports of bugs in Doublespace, the compression portion of newly released MS DOS 6.0, that allegedly cause cross-linked files. Cross-linking refers to two files that have the same address in the file allocation table (FAT). The FAT is the address list DOS maintains of file locations. It is a physically impossible for two files to have the same address. Cross-linking can occur due to hardware problems, software bugs, or simply a power loss to the computer when a write to the disk is occurring.
None of the reports of cross-linking problems with Doublespace have been documented, but some bugs have - most noticeably data loss problems if the computer is turned off when writing out data from a Smartdrive cache.
Stac claims it has the advantage of three previous versions of Stacker and four million users of its LZS data compression scheme. However, a large portion of those users are due to the license by Stac of its data compression software to tape backup manufacturers for use in tape backup drives, such as the popular Colorado Tape Backup.
The special edition of Stacker will offer users a subset of the features in the new Stacker 3.1 version, which was originally announced for May release. Stac's technical support also said users will find it easy to install or replace the Doublespace product with Stacker and the company maintains the product will fit into all the DOS 6.0 hooks. In fact, Stacker 3.1 and the Stacker Special Edition require MS-DOS 6.0, according to the company's technical support personnel, and will not work with any previous versions of MS-DOS. The Stacker Special Edition will retail for $99.95, but company representatives have said the product could be offered in the retail channels for as low as $49.95.
In addition, Stac has also announced a version of Stacker for the Macintosh and a Stacker version for IBM's graphical operating system OS/2. Titled "Stacker for OS/2 & DOS," the OS/2 version requires DOS 5.0 and will work with OS/2, DOS and Windows files. Stac believes there is a strong market for compression on the OS/2 platform as the OS/2 system alone requires over 40 megabytes (MB) of disk storage space. Pricing for the OS/2 version is $139.95, and the Macintosh version is $149 with an introductory price of $74.95. All the new versions of Stacker are scheduled for June release although the company is accepting orders for the products now, Stac said.
The company has also taken on a legal battle with software giant Microsoft in addition to a suit it is fighting with its own stockholders. Microsoft negotiated with Stac last year over using the LZS compression scheme in MS-DOS 6.0, but Stac company officials maintain Microsoft refused to license the technology from the company. Microsoft says it offered Stac several different deals that would have meant "real money" to the software compression maker, but Stac officials rejected all the offers. Microsoft ended up licensing the basis for its Doublespace compression from Verisoft.
In January, Stac filed suit against Microsoft charging the beta version of DOS 6.0 was violation of its patents regarding its LZS technology. Microsoft counter-sued in February charging Stac deliberately stalled Microsoft's entry into the marketplace and Stac's products are in violation of one of its patents.
Stac was already fighting its stockholders who filed suit in July, shortly after the company's initial public offering (IPO), charging they were misled about the company's performance by statements from the management. Microsoft has made it clear it has evidence that will help Stac's stockholders. Microsoft claims Stac withheld the knowledge that Microsoft was preparing to enter the data compression market from potential investors.
When asked what resources Stac has to defend itself against a software giant like Microsoft, Product Manager Anne Galdos told Newsbytes Stac has already had one win against software compression company Integrated Information Technology (IIT) over IIT's Xtradrive product line. Galdos pointed out that IIT agreed to publicly concede to Stac and license Stac's LZS technology. However, the terms of the license or the settlement were undisclosed. Galdos also said Stac has good lawyers.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930524/Press Contact: Lois Leslie, Stac Electronics, tel 619-431-7474, fax 619-431-1001; Public Contact 800-522-7822)
ic Contact 800-522-7822)
5/26/93
Stac Cuts 20% Of Staff
BUSINESS
Sun/Fujitsu Announce MicroSPARC
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (SMCC) and Fujitsu Microelectronics have announced a partnership for the design of the "next-generation" SPARC processor - the microSPARC II. Both companies say they intend to work together to make the processor a low-cost one and Fujitsu has agreed to manufacture it.
SMCC is well-known for its SPARCstation workstation, based on the SPARC microprocessor. According to International Data, Sun is the leader in the reduced instruction-set computing (RISC) workstation and workstation server market with 56 percent of 1992 workstation shipments being SPARC-based products.
The new microSPARC II will offer a three-level metal design that utilizes 0.5 micron complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process technology.
The current microSPARC processor offers a 32-bit architecture based on version 8 of the SPARC Architecture published by SPARC International. SMCC says the new microSPARC II will include the current capabilities of the current microSPARC processor, and will offer lower power consumption features as it will operate at 3.3 volts, a new floating point unit and enhanced integer unit, and a larger cache memory. The lower power consumption has the added benefit of lower heat generation, SMCC added.
Further, the microSPARC II is estimated by SMCC to perform in the range of 50 to 60 SPECint 92 and SPECfp 92. No pricing information was available, but the companies did say they expect to ship the microSPARC II by the end of the year.
Fujitsu, with offices in San Jose, California, worked with Sun to develop the SPARC processor in 1985. Fujitsu is well known for its Ethernet local area network (LAN) integrated circuits (ICs).
(Linda Rohrbough/19930525/Press Contact: Mark Richardson, Hi Tech Communications, tel 415-904-7030 ext 239, fax 415-904 7025; Betsy Taub, Fujitsu Microelectronics, 408-922-9200)
Sun/Fujitsu Announce MicroSPARC II Development Deal
BUSINESS
Canadians Like Computers; Are Wa
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- More than 77 percent of Canadians responding to a recent survey approve of growth in the use of computers. But while slightly more than half of respondents believe Canada will find ways to compete in an increasingly global economy without serious pain, 50 percent are against further automation if it means laying off workers.
The survey was conducted for Andersen Consulting, Canada, by the Canadian arm of the Gallup polling organization. Gallup talked to 1,002 Canadians aged 18 and over, and the pollsters said the sampling error in such a survey would be two to three percent.
Approval for increased computerization was highest among executives and students. But students were less comfortable with the job the education system is doing in preparing them for an increasingly automated future. More than 52 percent of students surveyed said they are not being prepared adequately. Among all respondents, the figure was only 36 percent, with 45 percent of all respondents saying their provincial education systems are preparing students well.
Meanwhile 32 percent say government retraining programs are putting sufficient emphasis on high-tech skills, while 36 percent say they are not. Disturbingly, only about 53 percent of people surveyed were aware of government-sponsored retraining programs for unemployed workers.
Just under 46 percent of those surveyed said Canadian companies must do everything they can to compete in a global economy, even if that means laying off workers as a result of automation. But 50 percent disagreed with that idea. Nearly 55 percent were optimistic the country can compete in a global economy while maintaining present living standards, but 37.5 percent fear Canadians will have to accept lower standards of living to remain competitive.
The poll also found high technology is popular as an investment. Out of 28 percent of survey respondents who have invested in stocks, 38.8 percent said they would prefer investing in a high-tech company - including computer, telecommunications biotechnology, or other technology areas - to investing their money in a major financial services firm such as a bank. The most common investments named were in telecommunications and networking companies.
A fair number of respondents were prepared to see not just their stock-market investments but their tax dollars go to back high-tech companies. More than 44 percent favored government tax incentives for investments in high-tech companies, and nearly 26 percent said they approved of government grants to help such firms.
"In spite of short-term challenges, Canadians recognize the long-term benefits and the importance for Canada of information technology as we prepare for the challenges of the 21st century," said Robert Manion, Andersen's managing partner for Canada, in a speech at an Andersen briefing announcing the report.
Canadians Like Computers; Are Wary Of Globalization
TRENDS
Comdex: Microsoft Endorses DigiB
IBM Offers Handwriting Recogniti
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- IBM has announced handwriting recognition software for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs - companies that will incorporate the technology into their own products) that company officials said can recognize cursive handwriting as well as block printing.
The new ThinkWrite Unconstrained is an enhanced version of IBM's existing ThinkWrite software. The older product only recognizes block printing. IBM also introduced enhancements to ThinkWrite.
IBM is demonstrating both products at the Spring Comdex show in Atlanta this week. They are available now to OEMs, said Humberto Cordero, director of OEM and technology licensing in IBM's personal systems business unit.
Resulting from several years of IBM research and development ThinkWrite Unconstrained handwriting recognition is capable of handling a mixture of both continuous cursive and block printing in the same text.
Cordero said the system's accuracy improves as it adapts to a particular user's handwriting. In time it will reach 95- to 99-percent accuracy, he said, adding that IBM considers this the best in the industry.
New versions of ThinkWrite will have significantly improved accuracy through a unique hybrid approach that integrates two recognition technologies into a single engine, IBM said. The strategy combines IBM's current shape matching technology with an emerging neural network technology.
Users can also improve accuracy by limiting the vocabulary to be used, Cordero said, thus making it easier for the software to resolve ambiguous translations.
In addition to the PenPoint version currently available ThinkWrite will be available this year in versions that run under OS/2 and Windows for Pen Computing. It is now available in US and UK English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
IBM has not announced any plans to use the new ThinkWrite Unconstrained in its own products or to sell it directly to end users, but "my goal of course is to bring this software out on IBM products," Cordero said.
(Grant Buckler/19930525/Press Contact: Alan Macher, IBM 407-443-0010; Amy Arutt, IBM, 914-642-5553; Christine Bock, GCI Group for IBM, 714-587-6946)
istine Bock, GCI Group for IBM, 714-587-6946)
5/26/93
IBM Offers Handwriting Recognition For OEMs
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
SoftSearch Will Get You Less Wel
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) SoftSearch, a division of Synergy Computer Consulting, that helps computer users find the software packages they need, has announced that it will now obtain the software for its customers.
Whatever software a customer wants to buy, company President Kathy Woolverton said, SoftSearch will obtain it from the manufacturer. She said the service is mainly intended to help customers buy less well-known software packages that aren't easily picked up at the local computer store - the company is not setting itself up as a reseller for major names like Lotus and Microsoft.
SoftSearch's existing business is searching for packages that meet user requirements within its database of more than 60,000 commercial packages for personal computers, minicomputers, and mainframes.
The company charges $2.90 per title retrieved, with a minimum charge of $50 per search. Those prices are in Canadian dollars within Canada, in US dollars anywhere else, Woolverton said. Customers who buy software after requesting a search will get a 10 percent discount on the price of the software up to the price of the search, the company said.
SoftSearch also offers in-depth reports on specified software packages, pulling together published articles and reviews and demonstration copies where available. A detailed report costs $125. SoftSearch has offered the search service since October of 1991, Woolverton said.
(Grant Buckler/19930525/Press Contact: Kathy Woolverton SoftSearch, 800-667-6503 or 604-681-0516, fax 604-681-0516; Public Contact: SoftSearch, 800-667-6503)
81-0516; Public Contact: SoftSearch, 800-667-6503)
5/26/93
SoftSearch Will Get You Less Well-Known Software
GENERAL
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Six major telephone companies from around the world have formed WorldPartners, an alliance aimed at offering consistent communications services to large worldwide organizations.
AT&T of the United States, Kokusai Denshin Denwa Company Ltd. of Japan, Singapore Telecom, Korea Telecom, Unitel of Canada, and Telstra (formerly AOTC) of Australia announced the alliance and plans for voice and data services.
The alliance plans to offer its first services in North America and the Asia-Pacific region late this year, said Stephanie MacKendrick, a spokeswoman for Unitel. It hopes to extend services to Europe early in 1994.
Initial services will include virtual network services for voice and data communications, highly reliable private lines for data and voice, and frame-relay data transmission services, AT&T officials said.
MacKendrick said the alliance will extend to a larger scale the kind of seamless services that AT&T and Unitel began offering through an alliance they formed earlier this year.
Member companies will share technology at least to the extent necessary to create consistent services throughout the areas served by the alliance, she added.
The association, based in New York, is open to new members from around the world. AT&T said it will deploy its own systems to provide services in Europe until partnerships with carriers in the region are set up.
AT&T said it plans to add to its existing network management centers in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands by installing systems in major European commercial centers to serve multinational customers.
(Grant Buckler/19930526/Press Contact: Herb Linnen, AT&T 202-457-3933; Steve Aaronson, AT&T, 201-644-7300; Mike Granieri, AT&T, 908-221-7611; Stephanie MacKendrick Unitel, 416-345-2482)
nie MacKendrick Unitel, 416-345-2482)
5/26/93
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Alliance
TELECOM
Two Into One Will Go; Prodigy Li
IBM Out To Raise $3 Billion
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- IBM plans to raise up to $3 billion on financial markets over the next nine to 12 months, taking advantage of low long-term interest rates.
The company will issue its first preferred stock, worth $750 million, company spokesman Rob Wilson said, and will raise other funds for general corporate purposes.
The cash will also give IBM some flexibility in case more employees than expected take advantage of incentives aimed at cutting the troubled computer giant's payroll, Wilson said.
IBM has set out to reduce its worldwide payroll - currently about 300,000 - by some 25,000 people this year. Earlier in the year it announced the first layoffs in its history, but IBM is still hoping to make substantial parts of the cuts through voluntary severance packages.
Last year about 40,000 people left IBM as a result of such incentives.
(Grant Buckler/19930526/Press Contact: Rob Wilson, IBM 914-765-6565)
Rob Wilson, IBM 914-765-6565)
5/26/93
IBM Out To Raise $3 Billion
Comdex: OS/2 Versus NT; The Insi
MCI Improves Links With The Inte
Zoomer Specifics
Switzerland's Infologistik Buys
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Infologistik Systems Consulting AG, a Zurich-based software company, has purchased Imara Research of Toronto, maker of Imara document imaging software. Terms were not disclosed.
The companies said Imara will continue operations as a wholly owned subsidiary of Infologistik, and will keep its headquarters research, and Canadian sales divisions in Toronto, as well as US sales offices in Dallas and in Arlington, Virginia.
Officials said a major expansion plan will be announced shortly. Infologistik operates in six countries and employs about 350 people.
The relationship between the companies dates back to 1991, when Infologistik GmbH of Munich began development of MacImara, an Apple Macintosh version of Imara's imaging software.
Officials of the two companies could not be reached for comment by Newsbytes' deadline.
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- The Electronic Hardware Technology Parks (EHTP) have attracted about Rs 8 crore ($28 million) of direct foreign investment in the last six months.
Around 16 companies from the US, UK, Taiwan, and Singapore have allied with Indian companies to manufacture electronic components equipment, computers and peripherals, and build system integration facilities for exports. According to the Department of Electronics these parks are expected to yield net foreign exchange worth $384.8 million.
The government has so far cleared 45 investment proposals for these parks in 13 states. These parks have come up in Andhra Pradesh Karnataka, Rajashthan, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Haryana, Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Pondicherry.
The facilities offered to foreign investors in these parks include broad-banding of production, permissible sale in the domestic tariff area to a maximum of 40 percent of the total production. The specified products supplied to units set up in these parks will be deemed exports and therefore will get all concessions applicable to regular exporters.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930526)
regular exporters.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930526)
5/26/93
India Attracts Investment In Hardware Tech Parks
GENERAL
India - Westinghouse Radar For A
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Faced with a crisis in air traffic control, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has pushed the modernization of airports to the top of its priority list.
A few months ago, Raytheon of the US bagged a $106 million order to provide radars, navigational aids, displays, communications, and air traffic automation systems for the Delhi and Bombay airports. Now another American company - Westinghouse Electric - has been chosen as supplier of radar equipment for air traffic control to the National Airport Authority of India (NAAI) for other airports. Airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Guwahati will be the first ones to have this equipment installed.
A separate pact between Westinghouse and Bharath Electronics will validate the transfer of technology for manufacturing of the radar. The first of the four systems is expected to be installed by year-end and all of them by mid-1994. NAAI's decision to induct the Mode-S capability, which includes the Airport Surveillance Radar System (ASSR) and Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) will make India the first country outside the US to have such systems.
This is expected to not only considerably enhance air traffic control but also increase system capability to accommodate the air traffic growth projected for the next 25 years.
The ASR-MSSR system deal, worth Rs 95 crore (around $31 million) is expected to help the air traffic controller, controlling traffic within a radius of 250 nautical miles more efficiently.
Under the present system in India, if a small aircraft is flying close to a larger one, the two are seen as a single blip on the monitor. This poses a serious safety hazard. The ASR-9 will show two aircraft flying close together as two blips. The MSSR supplements the role of the ASR. It interrogates each aircraft within its range gets a response from each plane and processes the response. The result is related with the primary radar blip and presented to the ATC, which automatically gets information on the aircraft's "call-sign" and its altitude.
Another feature of the ASR-9 is its ability to detect aircraft flying tangentially to the radar which is often the case when aircraft are in traffic and holding patterns. The ASR-9's moving target detector processor uses double, zero-Doppler velocity filters combined with a 500,000 cell fine-grain clutter map to ensure all aircraft are detected and continuously displayed.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930526)
displayed.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930526)
5/26/93
India - Westinghouse Radar For Airports
BUSINESS
Japan - Mitsubishi Develops 4-Me
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Mitsubishi Electric claims it has developed a powerful and efficient 4-megabit flash memory that is not only faster, but consumes less electricity. The company is planning on applying this technology to 16-megabit flash memory.
Mitsubishi's latest flash memory operates at three-volts and reads out data at 50 nanoseconds. This is claimed to be considerably faster than existing flash memory. Mitsubishi's flash memory is called DI-NOR-type, which is the original chip of the firm.
The device takes advantage of two existing types of flash memories: NAND (Not AND)-type and NOR (Not OR)-type. NAND-type consumes less electricity but it takes time to read out data. NOR-type can read out data faster but it consumes more electricity.
Mitsubishi's DI-NOR-type consumes less electricity and can read out data quickly. The major reason for the improvements is that the device uses a tunnel effect to deliver electrons to the cell when it reads and writes data.
Mitsubishi wants to test this 4-megabit flash memory further in order to establish a quantity production method. Also, the firm intends to apply the technology to 16-megabit and 64-megabit flash memory.
Flash memories can keep data even when switch is turned off. The device is smaller than that of a DRAM. Also, it can read and write data, as well as store a large amount of data. As a result, some analysts expect the technology to replace hard disks in the future.
shi Electric, +81-3-3218-2332, Fax, +81-3-3218-2431)
5/26/93
Japan - Mitsubishi Develops 4-Megabit Flash Memory
TRENDS
Canadian Piracy Battle Heats Up
s 4-Me
Japan - Nintendo Becomes Third L
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Nintendo has become the third largest firm in Japan, following Toyota Motor and NTT. The video game maker is expecting to release 10 types of game software this fiscal year.
Nintendo released six kinds of game software in fiscal 1992. The licensees released a total of 349 titles for Nintendo's Famicon and Super Famicom game machines.
Nintendo is exporting most of its game machines to international markets. As a result, the firm has been strongly hit by the rapid appreciation of the Japanese yen.
Nintendo is currently preparing to start a space-satellite based game service. The firm has already purchased the space satellite firm Saint Giga. Through the firm, Nintendo will sell game software and also will hold a variety of game competitions.
Despite the slump in the Japanese computer industry, Nintendo gained a 163.8 billion yen profit for fiscal 1992, which ended in March 1993. Nintendo has passed Matsushita Electric, which dropped to fourth place.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930524/Press Contact: Nintendo, tel +81-75-541-6111, fax +81-75-531-1820)
ntendo, tel +81-75-541-6111, fax +81-75-531-1820)
5/26/93
Japan - Nintendo Becomes Third Largest Business
GENERAL
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades M
AST To Buy Tandy's Computer Manu
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- AST says it will not spend more than $175 million in the purchase of Tandy Corporation's personal computer (PC) manufacturing operations. The two companies have announced the deal which will include all of Tandy's computer manufacturing, including its pen-based Grid PC operations.
The move is a strategic one, according to AST, calculated to gain market share. International Data Corporation said in 1992 Tandy/Grid Systems ranked seventh in PC market share in the US with 3.4 percent while AST ranked eighth with 2.8 percent.
One of Tandy's strengths has been its retail outlets, but earlier this year the company announced it was splitting the manufacturing and retail ends of the company. Tandy also announced the closing of one hundred and ten retail stores or nearly twenty-five percent of its retail base.
The manufacturing entity, dubbed TE Electronics, united all twenty-five of Tandy's manufacturing units, including O-Sullivan Industries, Memtek Products, Grid Systems, and Tandy Grid Europe. Combined sales of the units were estimated to be about $1.5 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 1992.
Two manufacturing operations, one in Texas and the other in Scotland, are involved in the AST purchase. AST said the assets and liabilities to be purchased are still under negotiation although AST company officials were firm about the company's take over of all of Tandy's manufacturing. The announcement did specifically say accounts receivable assets were to be excluded.
AST has been a glowing success story in the vicious PC price wars that have stripped profits from other companies. The company is doing about $1 billion a quarter in gross revenue and ranked number 367 on the Fortune Magazine 500 list of America's largest industrial companies.
The purchase is expected to be finalized in July, pending the necessary government and stockholder approvals. No details as to the fate of the Tandy brand computer line or the Grid computer systems have been announced.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930526/Press Contact: Al Melrose, AST Research, tel 714-727-7780, fax 714-727-9355; Fran McGee Tandy, 817-390-3487)
4-727-9355; Fran McGee Tandy, 817-390-3487)
5/26/93
AST To Buy Tandy's Computer Manufacturing
BUSINESS
Comdex - WordPerfect Announces 6
Japan - Mitsubishi Develops 4-Me
AST To Buy Tandy's Computer Manu
Next Ships Nextstep 3.1, Announc
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- The Nextstep 3.1 operating system for the Intel 486 personal computer (PC) platform began shipment this week. The official announcement was made at the Nextworld Expo held in San Francisco.
Next says it already has 25,000 Nextstep 486 units committed. It also has deals with several hardware manufacturers to bundle the operating system with PCs and even Hewlett-Packard's Apollo workstations. Some of the PC vendors include Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Compaq, Epson, and NCR.
The Nextstep operating system is billed by Next as an environment that speeds development of custom software applications. Next claims custom applications can be developed five to 10 times faster than on other operating system platforms. To encourage firms to consider the development of client/server applications using Nextstep, the company is offering a special Evaluation Kit containing both the user and developer versions of Nextstep 3.1 for Intel processors for $299.
The Nextstep 3.1 evaluation kit includes: Nextstep 3.1 for Intel Processors - which includes the Nextstep user version and documentation; the Nextstep Developer compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), including visual application construction tools, reusable object kits, and a coupon for fifty percent off the purchase of full technical documentation; the Nextstep Advantage Kit which includes a booklet, a video cassette, and a diskette with sample software; and "Nextstep Programming," an application development guide by Garfinkel & Mahoney.
To add video to the Nextstep operating system, Next also announced it is at work on Nextime - a play on Quicktime, Apple's name for its set of multimedia extensions for the Macintosh. Nextime will offer the storage and playback of video and the ability to incorporate video into multimedia applications, Next said. No information on when Nextime would be available was announced.
In addition, the Nextstep operating system is heralded to support the Kodak Photo compact disc (CD) technology. The Photo CD allows photographs to be digitized and stored on a CD then played back on a television screen using a special CD player. The Nextstep 3.1 release includes Photo Album, which allows users to view Photo CD images.
While the Nextstep 3.1 operating system will run on Intel 486 and Pentium-based PCs, it does have special video requirements. It requires 2 megabytes (MB) of video random access memory (RAM) with RAM digital-to- analog conversion (RAMDAC) support for 1120 by 832 resolution, according to Nextstep representatives.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930525/Press Contact: Karen Logsdon Nextstep, tel 415-780-3786, fax 415-780-3714)
extstep, tel 415-780-3786, fax 415-780-3714)
5/26/93
Next Ships Nextstep 3.1, Announces Nextime
Canadian Piracy Battle Heats Up
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- The Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST) has announced new offensives in its war against software piracy.
CAAST announced that after an investigation carried out with its support, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have laid 63 charges against Rexcan Circuits, a Belleville, Ontario, circuit-board manufacturer, and two of its executives, for allegedly copying and distributing software illegally. A preliminary hearing may be held by this fall.
This is the first time criminal charges have been laid against a computer user in Canada -- as opposed to a dealer -- for software piracy, according to James Courtney, general manager of Quarterdeck Office Systems Canada, one of CAAST's member companies.
At the same time, CAAST announced the inauguration of two anti piracy hotlines meant to let Canadians report software piracy, as well as obtaining educational materials on piracy and materials to help them audit their own companies' compliance with software copyright laws.
Courtney said that CAAST will publicize the hotlines -- one each for the English and French languages -- through Canadian trade magazines, and may also try publicity schemes like information enclosed with new software packages or stickers that can be placed on computers.
Courtney told Newsbytes that CAAST hopes that tips received through the hotline will make it easier to go after computer users that pirate software. Charges laid in the past have been against dealers and investigators can catch those pirates fairly easily just by walking into stores and buying the offending goods.
He added that CAAST is not encouraging anonymous tips -- "we would like the people to identify themselves" -- but that if several anonymous tips were received about the same company CAAST would have to look more closely.
Newsbytes notes that the hotline numbers are 800-263-9700 (English) and 800-267-2875 (French).
For computers users who fear their organizations may be unwittingly breaking the law, CAAST is also offering its aid in voluntary software audits. The group will also approach many organizations suspected of piracy with the offer of a voluntary audit first keeping litigation as a last resort. However, Courtney said, in cases where software copying is blatant and clearly deliberate CAAST may lay charges right away.
Two Ontario companies have already participated in voluntary audits, officials said. If the audit finds unauthorized software the company is required to replace it with a legal copy and, in some cases, make a financial contribution to CAAST.
CAAST also announced charges under the Copyright Act against Duncan Computer Corp. of Regina and its owner, John Duncan. The group also said it had obtained damages in federal civil cases against Compumax Computer Systems of Vancouver and Central Microsystems of Montreal.
The CAAST member companies are Autodesk Canada, Borland Canada Computer Associates Canada, Lotus Development Canada, Microsoft Canada, Novell Canada, and Quarterdeck Canada.
(Grant Buckler/19930527/Press Contact: Allan Reynolds, CAAST 416-598-8988, fax 416-598-3584)
: Allan Reynolds, CAAST 416-598-8988, fax 416-598-3584)
5/27/93
Canadian Piracy Battle Heats Up With Charges, Hotline
GENERAL
Datawatch Sells Tempest Division
WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Owing to a decision to turn all company efforts toward software, Datawatch has sold its Tempest Products Division, a producer of Tempest-secure workstations and peripherals, to Irvine, CA-based Secure Systems Group (SSG).
Under the terms of the deal, SSG, a vendor dedicated to the defense market, will pay Datawatch $2.8 million in promissory notes, along with potential future royalties on product sales.
In the wake of the divestiture, Datawatch has been trimmed down to two components: the Triangle Software Division and Personics.
Triangle's principle products are Virex and Virex for the PC packages that detect, repair and monitor for viruses on Macs and IBM-compatible PCs, respectively. Personics' major offering is Monarch, which provides data access, translation and reporting capabilities for networked PCs.
"Now we can devote all of our energies to achieving our corporate mission -- to build a substantial software-driven company through internal growth and acquisition," said Thomas R. Foley, president and CEO of Datawatch, when announcing the deal.
Datawatch added that Virex and Virex for the PC to its lineup last fall, after purchasing the products from the Utility Products Division of Norwood, MA-based Microcom.
Foley also reported that, prior to the sale, Datawatch had explored a variety of alternative strategies for the Tempest Products Division. "The market for Tempest computer equipment has been in steep decline," he said. "The Tempest Products Division had become a substantial drain on the company's earnings, cash and management resources."
For its part, SSG will gain from the pact through marketing synergies and economies of scale, Datawatch officials explained. SSG produces Tempest versions of the IBM PS/2 computer line IBM/Lexmark laser printer line, and computer peripherals. SSG also operates an NSA-endorsed Tempest test facility in Reston, VA.
SSG will conduct its Datawatch operations out of part of the present Datawatch facility, and will retain the approximately 40 people now employed by the Tempest Products Division.
Also under the agreement, Datawatch will incur a one-time charge to earnings of $1.4 million for asset writedowns, and an anticipated operating loss from the discontinued operations for the quarter ending June 30.
The charge includes $250,000 to SSG for assistance provided to Datawatch during a transition period, including helping Datawatch to collect currently outstanding accounts receivables from Tempest sales.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930527/Press contact: Bruce R. Gardner Datawatch, tel 508-988-9700, ext 816)
tact: Bruce R. Gardner Datawatch, tel 508-988-9700, ext 816)
5/27/93
Datawatch Sells Tempest Division, Turns Solely To Software
BUSINESS
Comdex - Mustang Intros Rip-Base
Comdex - Epson Intros Progressio
IBM Out To Raise $3 Billion
Comdex: Next Tries To Take Next
Cable & Wireless; Telecom Eirean
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Cable & Wireless, the parent company to Mercury Communications, has taken the unusual step of announcing it is in active discussions with Telecom Eireann, the Irish state telecoms company.
According to Cable & Wireless, discussions between the two companies taking place at a high level. C&W officials have stressed that the talks are still at a very early stage, but sources in the telecom trade suggest that C&W will take a strategic chunk of TE's shareholding. This could cause a headache for British Telecom, which is on the verge of its third state share sell-off, and which works very closely with the Irish telecoms company.
According to a report in the Observer, a national daily paper in London, C&W's stake in Telecom Eireann would give the company an interesting boost to its resources, which are stretched in Northern Ireland. Linking to the TE network would allow C&W to market its Mercury telecoms services in both Northern and Southern Ireland.
The Observer, quoting sources close to C&W, suggests that the company will take a 25 percent stake in Telecom Eireann. This would cost C&W around UKP 1,000 million, a large amount of money Newsbytes notes.
(Steve Gold/19930527)
ount of money Newsbytes notes.
(Steve Gold/19930527)
5/27/93
Cable & Wireless; Telecom Eireann -- Talks In Progress
TELECOM
Comdex: Zeos Subsidiary Intros I
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Attendees at the annual Spring Comdex trade show in Atlanta this week were introduced to a new interface chip designed to connect IDE disk drives and other input/output devices to the new Intel-backed Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus standard.
The chip was developed by PCTech, a Lake City, Minnesota-based subsidiary of Zeos International. Designated the RZ1000, the chip is fully PCI 2.0 compliant and is designed to reduce the cost and enhance performance of PC systems that use the new PCI standard. The company says it does that by allowing use of low-cost IDE hard drives while achieving a level of performance not possible with ISA (industry standard architecture)-based IDE interfaces.
PCTech claims that the RZ1000 integrates several separate electronic components into a single integrated chip to achieve the PCI to IDE interface that's fully compatible with existing IDE software and commands. Up to four IDE devices can be supported and no special software or drivers are required. The RZ1000's features include an IDEa port, which allows other standard ISA-type peripheral devices such as SCSI controllers, serial or parallel ports, and data compression circuits to be moved to the PCI local bus/CPU interface.
The PCI local bus interface was first introduced in June of 1992. PCI is an open architecture standard designed to eliminate PC performance bottlenecks by providing a high performance, processor independent data path between the CPU and peripheral devices. PCTech says it's interested in licensing the chip, and a patent is pending.
(Jim Mallory/19930527/Press contact: Rick Apple, Zeos International 612-623-9614; Reader contact: PCTech, 612-345-4555)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Lasermaster Technologies has entered into separate agreements with two firms to distribute the company's plain paper typesetters in the Japanese market.
The company has signed agreements with Kanematsu Corporation and Phoenix International to distribute the Lasermaster Unity 1200XLJ plain paper typesetters. Kanematsu is a trading company with annual sales of $46 billion, and will distribute the Lasermaster products through its Business Links Ltd subsidiary. Phoenix International is a specialized distributor of computer peripherals, and worked with Lasermaster in testing and configuring a Japanese language typesetter product.
Lasermaster CEO Mel Masters says the company introduced a special Japanese language version of its large format Unity 1200XLJ in January of this year. Since then, said Masters, "With the help of Phoenix and Kanematsu, we have achieved sales in excess of $1.3 million. That's a significant contribution to our business."
Masters added that the demand for typeset quality printing is significant in the Japanese market because of the precision and detail of the Japanese language characters, which the resolution enhancement of Lasermaster's TurboRes enhances.
Lasermaster introduced 1200 dot-per-inch (dpi) printing in September 1992 with the announcement of its Unity 1200xl, a plain paper typesetter that can print pages up to 11 by 17 inches. The Unity 1200xl was designed to work with Apple Computer's Macintosh and IBM compatible personal computers.
In mid-1992 Lasermaster introduced its Unity 1000, a multi-platform plain paper typesetter for Macintosh, IBM-compatible, mini, and mainframe computers that connects to the host computer through a LocalTalk, Centronics, or serial interface. The unit includes an internal hard disk with 135 Type 1 typefaces installed.
Lasermaster Enters Japanese Plain Paper Typesetter Market
BUSINESS
Comdex: DEC Unveils Alpha At Lon
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) - After months of extensive previews -- and broad hints on product pricing and positioning -- DEC finally announced here Tuesday details of its plan to take the PC world by storm with its new range of powerful personal computers based around the company's high-performance Alpha 64-bit processor.
Pricing on the new range -- known as the DECpc AXP 150 -- starts at $6795 for a "base" level machine that includes Windows NT 3.1, 16 megabytes (MB) of RAM, a 14-inch SVGA color display, a 245 MB SCSI hard disk, the Alpha AXP processor running at 150 megahertz (MHz) as well as the usual collection of serial, mouse, parallel and keyboard interfaces.
While this price is a little more expensive than some analysts had predicted, the machine looks to be far more compatible with PC standards than you would expect from a non-Intel platform. It comes for example, with a six-slot, extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus and a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive -- so that you might not even know there was an Alpha processor in the machine until after you switched it on.
The bad news is that DEC will not start shipping this machine until a final, shrink-wrapped version of Windows NT is ready for the Alpha platform -- something that the industry should not expect until at least the end of August.
In the meantime, those really keen to get started using a Alpha system with NT can buy the developer's configuration of the DECpc AXP 150, which includes everything offered in the base level system but adds an extra 16 Mb of memory, almost 200 Mb of hard disk space a CD-ROM drive, a 16-inch (rather than 14-inch) display, an Ethernet adaptor card and a copy of Windows NT Beta 2.0. This system is available immediately, sells for $9,995 and includes an automatic upgrade to the production version of Windows NT for Alpha when it is ready.
(Geof Wheelwright/19930527/press contact: Jamie Pearson, Digital Equipment Corporation, 508-493-2149)
tal Equipment Corporation, 508-493-2149)
5/27/93
Comdex: DEC Unveils Alpha At Long Last
TRENDS
0 Z >
Comdex: Pressures In The Comdex
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) - The most riveting stories at Comdex Spring '93 and Windows World weren't at the keynote speeches or amongst the gleaming gadgets on the spotlighted stages of the exhibitors.
The real stories of human triumph over adversity tool place in the press room -- where hundreds over journalists the world over fought a four day battle with the computers, telephones, modems, printers and applications to send their messages of peace and goodwill around the globe.
We know. We were there -- and it wasn't a pretty sight. There were the Italian scribes who battled for hours to get a dial tone from the overheated downtown Atlanta telephone circuits -- made more difficult by the fact that there were no instructions on international dialling, not even in English (let alone Italian) -- and the dozens of hacks from all over that had trouble with the supplied PCs.
While there were dozens of well-meaning representatives from the two corporate sponsors of the press facilities -- IBM and WordPerfect they could offer little help on telephone problems and even found themselves stymied quite often when PC pecadillos emerged.
One of the problems seemed to stem from the fact that all of the systems (with the lone exception of two Macs) were IBM PS/2s running IBM OS/2 2.1 and WordPerfect. Most of the journalists, however seemed to prefer running Windows 3.1 and Microsoft Word for Windows.
It was embarrassing to see the WordPerfect and IBM people hopefully glancing towards the busy and frustrated scribes - expecting them to be blissfully enjoying WordPerfect and OS/2 2.1 - only to find them using Word for Windows in Windows 3.1 emulation mode under OS/2. Inevitably, this led to problems where OS/2 2.1 misbehaved running Word for Windows - and WordPerfect people had to help journalists out of a jam.
One PS/2 machine this writer was working on actually locked up completely and ended needing major internal surgery before it came back to life several hours later.
So, the next time you hear tales of computer journalists enjoying endless hours of shmoozing, drinking and being pampered by suppliers, spare a thought for the denizens of the press room. It was a tough job -- but somebody had to do it.....
(Geof Wheelwright/19930527)
o do it.....
(Geof Wheelwright/19930527)
5/27/93
Comdex: Pressures In The Comdex Press Room
GENERAL
Comdex: Alpha's Unusual Features
` ' ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A. 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Digital Equipment Corporation's DECpc AXP/150, a personal computer using the company's 64-bit Alpha AXP microprocessor, and shipping to developers with a beta version of Windows NT as its operating system, is an interesting machine, owing to its unusual features.
The Alpha AXP/150 is unusual in three particulars. The first is its microprocessor, a 64-bit Alpha AXP running at a screaming 150 megahertz (MHz).
This is more than double the 66MHz top speed of competing microprocessors. The Alpha chip is not Intel-compatible. The second unusual aspect is the clock speed. The system bus runs at full speed, 150MHz. In fact, the system clock is 300MHz, which is cut in half to provide timing for the microprocessor and system bus. The fast bus speed should provide very fast access to memory. Other peripherals will be accessed through extended industry standard architecture (EISA) slots at 33MHz.
The third major differentiator is the operating system. The AXP/150 ships with a beta version of Windows NT. It cannot run Windows or DOS directly, though 16-bit DOS and Windows applications run under NT through an emulator. The only 32-bit applications that will run are NT applications that have been recompiled specifically for Alpha.
With these major exceptions, the AXP/150 is a regular high-end tower PC, greatly resembling Intel-based PCs sold by DEC. It can support 16 to 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM, sports 512K of secondary cache, has a built-in SCSI controller, and can support a hard drive up to 1G in size. Compaq QVision SVGA graphics are standard, and four open EISA slots and three unused storage bays are available.
Two serial ports, one parallel port, a keyboard, and a mouse are included. A fully-configured developer version of the Alpha AXP running a beta version of Windows NT as its operating system is available immediately for $9,995.
Purchasers will receive a free upgrade to the shipping version of NT when it becomes available. A non-developer configuration will ship with the upcoming release of Windows NT 3.1. This version will include 16M of RAM, a 14" SVGA color monitor, and a 245M SCSI disk drive, and the operating system. This version will cost $6,795 from DEC Direct.
(Bud Smith/19930527/Press Contact: DEC - Tel: 508-493-2149)
Contact: DEC - Tel: 508-493-2149)
5/27/93
Comdex: Alpha's Unusual Features
TRENDS
Epson Announces PC Tuned For Nex
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Hard on the heels of the official announcement of the Nextstep operating system for Intel-based personal computers, Epson has announced the availability of the Progression NX. The company says that the NX is the first in a line of PCs optimized to run Nextstep.
Nextstep is the operating system developed by Apple Computer co founder Steve Jobs at his new company Next for the futuristic black, cube workstation computer, also called Next.
However, five months ago Next announced it would stop producing the Next computer and focus entirely on being a software company, moving the Nextstep operating system to the Intel personal computer (PC) platform. The resulting operating system is the Nextstep 486 and Next says it already has commitments for 25,000 copies of the new operating system. Next says the Nextstep operating system will run Windows and DOS applications as well.
The Progression NX offers an Intel 486DX2/66 processor with support for future Intel Overdrive processors, including the new Pentium-class. It comes with 36 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) standard, expandable to 68 MB on the motherboard board via single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) and offers Epson's proprietary memory architecture, Virtualcache.
To meet the special video needs of the Nextstep operating system, the Progression NX has 2 MB of video RAM standard, with random access memory digital-to- analog conversion (RAMDAC) support for 1120 by 832 resolution.
To accommodate the sizeable portion of disk space the Nextstep operating system and its applications consume, the Progression NX comes standard with a 525 MB small computer systems interface (SCSI) hard disk drive, six industry standard architecture (ISA) slots, five drive bays, a multimedia sound card, and a Ethernet local area network (LAN) adapter.
Epson is also planning the Epson NX, a sister machine to the Progression NX, but with the Nextstep operating system pre loaded. The Progression NX is aimed at independent software vendors (ISVs) and power users while the Epson NX is aimed at the end user, Epson representatives said.
Planned for release this summer, the Epson NX will offer a 170 MB integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard disk drive and 20 MB of RAM expandable to 68 MB, four ISA slots, and three drive bays. It will also come standard with 2 MB of video RAM with RAMDAC support for 1120 by 832 display resolution.
The Progression NX is currently available to Nextstep beta sites and Next-authorized independent software vendors for $5,349. The Epson NX will have an estimated selling price of less than $3,700, company representatives said.
Epson also announced the Progression 4 series aimed at the Microsoft Windows user market. The Progression 4 PCs feature CHIPS & Technologies' Wingine local bus graphics and the Epson's proprietary memory architecture designed to offer faster Windows performance. Suggested retail prices for the Progression 4 line start at $1,339.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930527/Press Contact: Kathleen Buczko Manning, Selvage & Lee for Epson, tel 818-509-1840, fax 818 509-1972)
on, tel 818-509-1840, fax 818 509-1972)
5/27/93
Epson Announces PC Tuned For Nextstep
Comdex - HSC Intros Digital Morp
Digital Video Processing Deal
Applix Establishes German Subsid
WESTBORO, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Applix, a major developer of client/server applications and tools, has opened Applix GmbH in Munich, Germany, its third subsidiary in the European market. Plans call for Applix GmbH to serve Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The company's previously established subsidiaries are Applix (UK) Limited and Applix France.
Michael Scheib has been named managing director of the new German operations. According to the company, he has 15 years experience heading up overseas offices for US companies.
In his most recent position of managing director for Parametric Technology's German subsidiary, Scheib formed a sales and support organization that resulted in seven sales offices in Germany and one sales office in Switzerland. Before joining Parametric, he managed the largest branch office of CalComp in Germany.
"Given Germany's large installed base of workstations and servers and Applix's success with our subsidiaries in the UK and France Germany is a strong marketplace and natural extension for us," commented Richard J. Davis, the company's executive vice president.
According to Davis, over the past year, demand has skyrocketed in Germany and surrounding companies for Aster*X, the company's suite of client/server applications and tools. "I'm confident that Aster*X will be on the majority of workstations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in no time at all," he said.
Available in German as well as in English, French and Italian Aster*X is currently sold in more than 20 countries. The software is designed to let users access, edit and exchange information across multi-vendor networks of Unix workstations, IBM-compatible PCs, and Macs.
Aster*X features a macro scripting language called the Extension Language Facility (ELF) that allows developers to create front ends, build applications from scratch, automate tasks, and integrate Aster*X into external data sources. The package also incorporates a series of applications, including Words, Graphics and Macros, and optional Spreadsheets, Mail and Filters.
The software operates on Sun Sparcstations under Solaris, Digital RISC Ultrix supporting Alpha and OSF/1, the HP 9000 Series, IBM RS/6000, Silicon Graphics Iris, SCO Unix, Unixware, and most other Unix workstations.
Aside from the three European subsidiaries, Applix sales channels include a direct US salesforce and domestic and international resellers and distributors.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930527/Press contacts: Amy Weinstein, Applix tel 508-870-0300, ext 388; Mary Campbell, Rourke & Company for Applix, tel 617-267-0042, ext 304)
Rourke & Company for Applix, tel 617-267-0042, ext 304)
5/27/93
Applix Establishes German Subsidiary, Third In Europe
BUSINESS
Two Into One Will Go; Prodigy Li
Hitachi Maxell Links With TEAC O
US West Renews Random Access PC
DENVER, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Random Access has announced that its contract to supply US West with microcomputers and peripherals has been renewed for another five years.
Random Access has provided similar services to US West since 985 but a Random Access spokesperson said the new contract now makes Random Access the sole microcomputer product and services provider for US West, its largest corporate customer.
The company says that the contract calls for US West to buy microcomputers, peripherals, software, networking products training, service and support. Random Access will also providing outsourcing services, including technical support at satellite offices near specified US West locations. Random Access CEO Bruce Milliken says expansion of the company's regional office network during the past 12 months
As Random access spokesperson told Newsbytes US West did about $40 million in business with US West last year. US West Communications provides service to about 12 million customers in 14 western states.
Random Access was traded publicly on the NASDAQ exchange for the first time today. By mid-morning 140,000 shares had traded with the stock up 3/16 from its opening price of 3-1/8.
(Jim Mallory/19930527/Press contact: Bruce Milliken, Random Access 303-745-600; Reader contact: Random Access, 303-745-9600)
5-600; Reader contact: Random Access, 303-745-9600)
5/27/93
US West Renews Random Access PC Supplier Contract
BUSINESS
Comdex: OS/2 Versus NT; The Insi
MCI Improves Links With The Inte
Failed Australian Company Direct
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- The Australian edition of PC Week has reported on one of the largest Australian computer industry stories of recent times. It claims that two directors of HiSoft, the failed dealership, are being sued by the company's receiver for recovery of certain payments and transfers made in the twilight days of the company.
HiSoft was an IBM dealer servicing high-end corporate customers but the receiver was called in last October after IBM moved to reclaim an alleged debt of around $14M.
The receivers' action is based on claims that the directors made some "payments and conferring of benefits that were disadvantageous to the company." These include: writing final pay checks for two directors totalling more than $1M; buying $118,000 in art works with company funds, but allegedly for the use of former managing director Howard Merry; eight vehicles were transferred to employee ownership at no cost to them.
The receiver's writ alleges that "At all times between 1 August and 15 October 1992 HiSoft was insolvent or at risk of shortly becoming insolvent" and that it had "a deficiency in assets of in excess of $29M at this time. The receiver claims that, because of this. the actions were either negligent or dishonest.
The action is in progress at the moment.
(Paul Zucker/19930527)
in progress at the moment.
(Paul Zucker/19930527)
5/27/93
Failed Australian Company Directors Sued By Receiver
BUSINESS
Canadian Piracy Battle Heats Up
The Enabled Computer - Computers
Sun Units Ship Enhanced SunLink,
Dial-Up Network Link For Mobile
GeoWorks Uses Datalight's ROM-ba
ARLINGTON, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Datalight has contracted with GeoWorks to bundle its ROM-DOS 5 as the disk operating system for its GEOS system software.
GEOS is a realtime, multithreaded, multitasking, graphical operating environment. ROM-DOS will reside in the background behind GEOS on a number of products including some hand-held, pen-based products.
Datalight marketing VP Tim Gillman said that ROM-DOS was designed specifically for embedded systems developers. "It also seems to be right for PDAs (personal digital assistants, a new crop of products several major computer manufacturers are developing)," he said. The product, with a 38 kilobyte (K) kernel and a 25K command processor fits into a 64K ROM.
Datalight first introduced its ROMable DOS for the industrial embedded computer market four years ago. Gillman says he has no illusions about breaking Microsoft's lock on the DOS market for desktop computers, but sees Datalight's product as a low cost, highly compact, MS-DOS compatible operating system for DOS compatibility outside that market. The GEOS deal is Datalight's first contract in the consumer computing industry.
Datalight offers some statistics about ROMable DOS. The company says it will boot from ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, or flash memory and provides boot diagnostics. Free technical support is provided by Datalight engineers, and the software supports configuration files. OEM pricing ranges from $6 per object copy in quantities of 5,000 to $25 each for single copies.
The company also offers additional utilities on request. "They tend to be the utilities Microsoft and Digital Research added," he said.
One of those additional utilities is the capability to access a disk on another machine, such as a desktop, from a machine using the embedded DOS product."It's similar to Traveling Software's Laplink but more compact as not as fully functional," he added.
Gillman told Newsbytes that Datalight is currently offering a promotional deal that offers potential customers a 90 day no-cost evaluation period in place of the original 30 day trial period.
The company may also add data compression, and says that from June 1 through August 15, buyers of the $495 ROM-DOS BIOS software developers kit will get 40 object licenses instead of the usual 20 licenses. The company was incorporated in 1983 and shipped its first DOS product in 1989.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Digital Equipment Corporation is positioning its new Alpha AXP/150 as a faster alternative to Intel-based PCs. "It IS a PC-Just Faster," claims the company's marketing materials.
The AXP/150 is credible for server and traditional workstation applications. But is it really an Intel alternative, now or in the near future, even for power users? Well, no. The first limitation of the Alpha PC is its operating system. Windows NT will not be available in final form for at least 60 days, according to Microsoft.
When it is available, it will take months for a wide range of applications to become available for it. Even slower to appear may be NT-specific device drivers for a wide range of hardware. But having NT-capable applications and NT-specific drivers will not be enough.
These programs must be recompiled for the Alpha version of NT and sold as separate or combined products. Digital is making strong efforts in this direction, but Microsoft is the only well-known vendor of end user applications to commit to making a range of applications available.
Even Microsoft has so far declined to give specific dates for Alpha NT versions of its applications. The only applications that will run on Alpha today are 16-bit DOS and Windows applications that do not directly access the hardware.
This excludes many DOS applications and DOS and Windows utility programs, as well as 32-bit DOS and Windows programs that run on the Intel 89386 and above. Applications that do run will do so under emulation, reducing their speed.
Jonathan Roskill, Alpha PC product manager, told Newsbytes that emulated applications will run at "fast 486" speeds. This will be very good emulation, if true, but not what users can achieve at lower cost by buying a Pentium system. The only lure for users will be the speed advantage that Alpha NT applications have over the same applications running on NT under Pentium.
Roskill estimated Alpha's speed advantage at 20% or more for integer-intensive applications such as database queries and over 100% for floating-point-intensive applications, including graphics. These estimates are supported by SPECmark figures derived by independent sources for Alpha and Pentium.
Each application ported to NT for Alpha is another opportunity for Alpha users to enjoy its speed advantage over Pentium. This has to be traded off against the unavailability of 32-bit Windows applications that are not ported to Alpha and the speed loss incurred when running 16-bit DOS and Windows applications.
Until Alpha NT applications appear in sufficient numbers, Alpha is not a viable alternative for current Intel users. If more than a few current 16-bit Windows applications are ported to 32-bit Windows but not to NT for Alpha, the platform will never be a viable Intel alternative.
(Bud Smith/19930527/Press Contact: DEC - Tel: 508-493-2149)
ntact: DEC - Tel: 508-493-2149)
5/27/93
Comdex: Positioning The Alpha
TRENDS
Comdex: OS/2 Versus NT; The Insi
MCI Improves Links With The Inte
Zoomer Specifics
Bell Atlantic Details CDPD Plans
Telecom Software For Hearing Imp
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 25 (NB) -- Futuresoft Engineering has announced that it is shipping an enhanced version of it's DynaComm 3.1 Windows communications program which features special on-screen visual clues for hearing impaired users.
Although it is obvious visually impaired computer users face formidable obstacles when it comes to using telecommunications software, it may not be as obvious to most people that hearing impaired users will also require special software to make bulletin board and other services easy to use.
The latest release of DynaComm provides special animated Windows icons that activate during operation to display the same information normally provided by audio signals from the user's modem.
Since most feedback for dial tone acquisition and exchange of protocol settings are signaled by sounds, the lack of this feedback for hearing impaired users can make telecommunications tasks quite difficult.
Although external modems do provide signal lights or a combination of lights and LCD text display to indicate modem status, this is not true for most internal modems and in any case, the visual indicators supplement, but do not replace the audio indicators.
Icons supplied by the new FutureSoft communications software include those which indicate a busy signal, a broken connection and other normally audible signals.
These same icons are also highly useful for non hearing impaired workers who are either situated remotely from the actual modem or can't hear the signals for other environmental reasons such as being in a noisy location.
A free copy of the upgrade is available to hearing impaired users of registered copies of DynaComm 3.1.
(John McCormick/19930527/Press Contact: Dawn Whaley, Alexander Communications, 404-325-7555, or fax 404-325-8041)
unications, 404-325-7555, or fax 404-325-8041)
5/25/93
Telecom Software For Hearing Impaired Debuts
Comdex: Microsoft Endorses DigiB
PCs Aid In Medical Self-Diagnosi
Dell Ships Pentium PCs To Austra
Compaq Gets 1993-94 GSA Schedule
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Compaq claims it is the first major PC manufacturer to be awarded a 1993-94 General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contract.
The US Government's General Services Administration awards contracts to companies in many industries, allowing government agencies to make purchases from an established price list, rather than having to obtain bids. The GSA Schedule is intended to speed up government purchasing.
Compaq says it has also signed Letters of Supply with several authorized Compaq resellers, which enables the resellers to offer Compaq products to their government customers through their own GSA contract. Compaq says that the prices for individual items is a competitive price negotiated with the government.
The new GSA contract is effective May 20, 1993 and runs through March 31, 1994. Compaq spokesperson Linda Parsons told Newsbytes that all of Compaq's personal computers and printers are available through the schedule. Compaq has been a GSA schedule provider since 1985.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- The good times continue to roll for the nation's phone companies. This is especially true for AT&T, whose stock recently hit a new high of over $60 a share.
AT&T's latest move is WorldPartners, an alliance with such firms as KDD of Japan, Australia's Telestra, and Singapore Telecom to offer one-stop shopping for large companies with voice and data networks. The new group will compete closely with BT's Syncordia unit, which is based in Atlanta, and AT&T said it will invest $100 million in it.
Other members of the group are Korea Telecom and Unitel Communications of Canada. The group will be based in New York, and AT&T is still looking for partners in Europe and Latin America. During the week, AT&T also announced a $20 million switch contract with Brunei, and new cellular phones that double as answering machines.
The improved market mood has led a number of companies to go public. LCI International, a small long distance company which won business with a simplified pricing scheme, went public a few weeks ago and now Metropolitan Fiber, known formally as MFS Communications Company has completed an offering of 12.65 million shares at $20 each. LCI has recently extended its simpler charging plan to the toll-free area with a plan called 800 Service Choice.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527/Press Contact: Steve Ingish, MFS Communications, 708-218-7316; Jim Fette, LCI International, 614 798-6272)
onal, 614 798-6272)
5/27/93
US Telecom Update
TELECOM
Comdex: Cinepak Licensed by Micr
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- SuperMac Technology has announced that Microsoft and Cirrus Logic have agreed to license Cinepak, its video-compression technology. SuperMac claimed the deals "firmly establish Cinepak as the de facto standard for CD-ROM video distribution."
Louis J. Doctor, SuperMac's executive vice-president, indicated rgar Microsoft will integrate the technology in its Video for Windows architecture, allowing full-length movies to be stored in a compressed format on a single CD-ROM.
Cirrus Logic will put the technology into its coming graphics controller chips, bringing low-cost, full-motion video playback to the current installed base of CD-ROM equipped PCs. The agreement with Cirrus Logic marks the first time that Cinepak has been licensed for use at the chip level.
Cinepak is already a part of Apple Computer Inc.'s QuickTime standard as Apple CompactVideo. Creative Labs has also licensed the technology, as have Atari and 3DO Company, the latter for its Interactive Multiplayer multimedia system.
Comdex: Cinepak Licensed by Microsoft, Cirrus Logic
GENERAL
Comdex: Microsoft Endorses DigiB
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- DigiBoard has announced it has produced a link with Windows NT for its PC IMAC, a terminal adapter card. The connection, a joint effort of the two companies, extends networking with Windows NT over long distances at high speeds.
Both Microsoft and DigiBoard have endorsed the Integrated Services Digital Network, or ISDN, service, for for wide-area networking. ISDN can divide a residential phone into two channels of 64,000 bits/second each, and a signalling channel of 16,000 bits/second each. Critics have charged the regional Bell companies, which are responsible for deploying the technology through their switches have been dragging their feet. The service is not yet tariffed on a residential basis in the Atlanta area, for instance.
Still, DigiBoard Telecom Group general manager Ham Mathews said that ISDN is simply the fastest, most cost-effective dial-up data connection you can make - bar none.
DigiBoard PC IMAC with Windows NT-based drivers is available immediately from DigiBoard's network of resellers. The technology was demonstrated at the company's stand during Spring Comdex.
Comdex: Microsoft Endorses DigiBoard PC IMAC for ISDN
GENERAL
Comdex: Next Tries To Take Next
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- This was a bad week for Next and its chairman, Steve Jobs. The Wall Street Journal hammered him in a front-page story, with some sources quoted as taking pity on the former head of Apple Computer. And his announcement that the company's NextStep operating system will be licensed for Intel-based PCs was drowned out during Comdex by the excitement over IBM's OS/2 2.1 and Microsoft's Windows NT.
NextStep's advantage over all its competitors is that it is an object-oriented operating system which, according to Jobs, lets programmers create applications in 20 percent of the time they now take by linking functions together instead of writing code.
NextStep for Intel processors shipped May 25, as Version 3.1, and a NextStep Developer kit shipped with it. Jobs said he has commitments for 25,000 copies of the program "right out of the gate," but that pales in comparison to the millions of copies being shipped of NT and OS/2.
In addition to looking for Intel 80486 and Pentium users to use NextStep for object-oriented programming, Next is also announcing that Hewlett Packard will offer the technology on its servers and RISC workstations. The package will be called Object Enterprise and provide a complete client-server solution based on object oriented technology for the fast moving financial services industry.
The software is due to be available on the Apollo 9000 series workstations in mid-year, with Portable Distributed Objects for
servers running HP-UX, HP's version of Unix, available in the fourth quarter. Next's Netinfo network management software for Series 800 servers under HP-UX will also be available at that time.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527/Press Contact: Karen Logdeon, Next Computer, 415-780-4786)
Logdeon, Next Computer, 415-780-4786)
5/27/93
Comdex: Next Tries To Take Next Step
GENERAL
Comdex: NEC Releases Image PCI-P
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- The speed with which technology changes is well-illustrated by NEC's announcement of the Image P60 at Comdex this week.
The P60 is based on Intel's Pentium chip, running at 60 Megahertz (MHz). It can hold up to 192 megabytes (MB) of memory using SIMM slots, and features support for the new PCI local bus specification. The motherboard is also smaller than boards delivered just a few years ago with much less power. The computer also runs multiple operating environments, including Windows NT, OS/2 and NextStep.
There is a PCI Local Bus graphics subsystem with 2 full MB of Video RAM, and the Pentium's burst mode is supported with a second-level cache architecture with 256,000 bits of write-back cache so that data can move through the 64-bit architecture without the delays found when it has to come in through a hard drive. The P60 also has a Fast SCSI peripheral interface which can handle up to seven additional peripherals, and there's also integrated audio.
In other Comdex news from NEC, which dominates Japan's PC market with its 9801 series, the company announced a RISC PC using a version of the MIPS chip architecture made by NEC as the VR4000 family of microprocessors.
The RISC PC was developed in conjunction with Microsoft to enhance Windows NT performance with such features as multi-tasking and multi-threaded input and output functions. The base model will cost under $4,000 when it comes out by September, once NT itself comes out, and will have 16MB of memory, expandable to 128MB on the motherboard, an internal CD-ROM drive, and an integrated Ethernet connector.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527/Press Contact: Stephanie Allman, for NEC, 508-264-8835)
t: Stephanie Allman, for NEC, 508-264-8835)
5/27/93
Comdex: NEC Releases Image PCI-Pentium PC
GENERAL
Comdex - Pentium Performance To
Comdex: A Visit With IBM's Peter
Intel Says It Is Being Underesti
Bill and Al Go Online: Excellent
Comdex: Spring Comdex '93; A Fon
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Happy days are here again? For proof, one only had to look around at this year's Spring Comdex show.
A record turn-out of about 90,000 people. Miles of aisles reminiscent of a fall show. Too many announcements to really count. Lots of parties with fine food and drink, and the best giveaways in many years, like hats from Lotus, PC bags from Microsoft WordPerfect and Doublecase, even baseballs from IBM. Coming home from the show one night, laden with goodies, my 5-year old daughter Robin, exclaimed with glee "It's a birthday party!"
The best news of all came from IBM, which finally seems to have "gotten it," both its problems and their possible solution. The former Big Blue has a new strategy, which makes sense, based on multimedia, the PowerPC chip, and object-based technology. All of its people were friendly, all its spokesmen helpful, most of its executives accessible. And it delivered a version of its OS/2 operating system which worked and worked well.
On the other side, the pressure may be getting to the new "Big Green," Microsoft. Everyone agreed chairman Bill Gates, alias Gigadollar Bill, was off his game in his Windows World keynote.
Despite its awards, Windows NT isn't ready, and the version shown at Comdex isn't stable enough to let anyone use. There was speculation that Gates himself may be entering a mid-life crisis brought on by his impending marriage, possible fatherhood down the road, and the fact that, at 38, he's gone farther than any business tycoon before him, in any industry, ever went.
With a net worth of $7 billion, growing all the time, you have to wonder whether Gates is still hungry, and if so, what for? He's the 800-pound Gorilla of this industry, and if he has an average lifespan coming he's just halfway through it. He's being called a genius, and he is very smart, but the truth is he's worked hard. Damned hard. Maybe it's time he learned to be happy.
There was lots of other important news at this show. A new bus technology, called the PCI Local Bus, endorsed by every major vendor from IBM to Compaq to Apple. Next returning to the PC wars with an object-oriented architecture that works. Pentium chips putting mainframe power on desktops. Operating systems which work on both PCs and RISC workstations. Digital's Alpha chip, the fastest desktop machine yet. And despite all these headlines some major vendors, like Apple and Compaq, weren't here. Amazing.
Best of all, perhaps, is that the PC industry is finally fulfilling its promise. The best speech of the week was that of Lotus' Jim Manzi, who noted that service sector productivity rose 3 percent last year, a rise Fed chairman Alan Greenspan attributes, in part, to PC technology.
Manzi described how his Lotus Notes software is being used by major companies to connect every desktop, even those in the field regardless of operating system, and showed how new Notes technology will let workers share compound documents -- part words, part numbers, part graphics -- in a seamless database.
All in all, this is a smarter and wiser boom for the PC industry. Gone is the wide-eyed innocence of the first boom, in the early 80s. Gone are the arguments over architectures which marked the last boom, in the late 80s. It's been replaced by maturity, by real value, by results that show up on buyers' bottom lines.
This is obviously a problem for US society and business. By using PCs to flatten the organization chart, millions of mid level managements have been thrown into the street. The latest economic recovery, now well into its second year by most accounts, is mostly job-less.
The new challenge for the PC industry, and for society, is to turn that power that has thrown people into the street into something which can really empower them, which can train them in new skills people can use to feed their families.
And that's an exciting future. I can't wait for it.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527)
wait for it.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527)
5/27/93
Comdex: Spring Comdex '93; A Fond Look Back
EDITORIAL
GENERAL
Comdex: DEC Unveils Alpha At Lon
Comdex: CrystalGraphics' Crystal
Do You Want Some Software? Buy I
Consumer Electronics Show Previe
Comdex: A Visit With IBM's Peter
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- During the Spring Comdex show, IBM invited reporters up to its offices in north Atlanta for a one-on-one with multimedia executive Peter Blakeney. Limousines were dispatched to whisk us from the crowds at the World Congress Center to a set of conference rooms on the ninth floor of an IBM complex on Northside Parkway.
The offices had something of the atmosphere of a political office after a long campaign. And it has been a tough go. As we entered there were reports that another 70,000 of IBM's remaining 300,000 employees may be let go in time. Management stands by statements that only 25,000 will go this year.
Still, the IBM'ers we met were positively giddy, talking about the long hours spent preparing the company's Spring Comdex offerings. These include new Multimedia ValuePoint computers dubbed the MVP line, along with a raft of new Ultimedia software much of it under Microsoft Windows, and OS/2 2.1, which drew rave reviews from Newsbytes and some other analysts.
For the first time in memory, visitors remarked at how helpful aggressive, even feisty IBM'ers were, with Jim Cannavino delivering a humorous keynote in a red sport-shirt and employees handing out "Nice Try" t-shirts at Microsoft chairman Bill Gates' keynote.
If anyone in Atlanta deserves credit for the new mood, the new performance, and the new chance for IBM, however, it's Peter Blakeney. We sat down with him after touring some IBM demos around the conference room, showing IBM mainframes used to deliver multimedia directions on procedures at the company's Poughkeepsie factory, a kiosk used to buy Minnesota Twins' tickets, and new voice-activated software under Windows running on a ValuePoint machine.
Finally, Blakeney ushered us into a conference room. He was dressed in a black-and-white shirt, and he looked tired. He talked about plans to visit Spain this summer. And he talked frankly about the fact that, while Spring Comdex may have given IBM a chance to come back, it's up to all IBM'ers to deliver on the promises of the new products, to think like customers again.
That means getting rid of the "not invented here" syndrome. "Our Multimedia ValuePoints don't even have OS/2 on them," he pointed out. "We did have them on the UltiMedia 57s, but the ValuePoints have it stripped out. Why burden the system with it?"
IBM's whole corporate strategy is now geared around multimedia delivered throughout the enterprise by mainframes, mid-range systems, RISC workstations, and PCs through networks. I asked how far, and how fast, this change is coming.
"The most significant barrier we've crossed has been the blurring of distinctions between discrete multimedia and the PC world," he said. "When you have software-compressed video, every PC turns into a Multimedia PC." And the boom has just started. "Last fall we had an enormous surge of CD-ROM and sound cards sales -- five million at the end of last year.
"And it hasn't abated. We had compression algorithms this time last spring, but they were just germinating. Now they're maturing rapidly, things like Indio Video, Crunch, Video for Windows Ultimotion. That transforms the nature of the PC by definition.
All of a sudden you've got Multimedia PCs everywhere. This goes back to last fall, when the knee of the growth curve was hit. Since then there has been an explosion of CD-ROM titles, a headlong rush of content owners to convert to the mew medium everyone from textbook publishers like R.R. Donnelley to Dow Jones to Time Warner. Everyone's trying to build-in multimedia as an outlet for their content.
"But we're still at a stage of fluid development. It will be a year or two before the standards settle down. Today there's a lot of hype that's not warranted. In most cases it doesn't matter the CD-ROMs are playback devices anyhow. All the algorithms will play back on the same platform."
Since I cover the broadcast industry for a trade magazine called Electronic Media, I asked about the problems those businesses may have converting to an all-digital format. "Within 18 months you'll have a Unix environment in the price range of Intel processors that's a very powerful system. You can get a Unix based RS6000 for $5-6,000 today." But, except for TF-1 in France which committed to an all-digital format last year based on DVI most stations will hold back for now.
"Part of the issue is broadcast quality. We're doing high end film processing with Unix boxes, and next summer we'll have some pieces on that." When Power Visualization systems are added to the mix, and networked with other machines, probably in 1995, then broadcasters may start rushing toward digital production.
But, "one of the drivers is going to be the Digital Betacam," from Sony. "If they can ship them as fast as orders come in, and the first year is sold out, as those go into the production facilities it will drive the computer systems in the back room. I think you'll still have a lot of analog to the end of the decade. That's an economic issue. The margins are too thin" for broadcast companies "to swap that stuff out."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527)
stuff out."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527)
5/27/93
Comdex: A Visit With IBM's Peter Blakeney
GENERAL
Roundup: Stories Carried By Othe
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Roundup is a brief look at some computer stories carried in other publications received here this past week.
Computer Reseller News dated May 24 contains a massive survey of industry executive pay which shows Charles Wang (Computer Associates) at the top with $2.7 million in salary for 1992. AMD's Sanders made just a little less, while Apple's John Sculley pulled down $1.6 million and Andrew Grove got $1.35 M, just a shade more than the ousted John Akers at IBM.
Bill Gates didn't even make the top 150 executives when it came to salary, but don't pass the hat just yet because he did top the "stock holdings" list with a comfortable $6.88 B (that's BILLION) after selling $400 million worth of MS stock in the past two years and his nearest competitor was Microsoft's Paul Allen with just under half that much stock.
Computerworld for the week of the 24th says that Microsoft's entire client/server battle plan rests on NT's success, a point emphasized by the fact that more than half the 130 Windows NT product introductions at Windows World were application development tools, with another 25 percent being network and system utilities.
The same issue says, "NT: Not quite ready for prime time" - despite its 80,000 beta testers, the operating system, which needs 12-16 megabytes of memory at a minimum, may not really ship until "as late as September."
June 13's PC Magazine takes a close, in-depth look at Windows NT and compares it with competitors OS/2, Unixware, and Nextstep as well as Microsoft's other operating systems. Microsoft has apparently changed its mind and is marketing NT not as a replacement for Windows 3.1 but as a high-end product for servers.
Informationweek for May 24 puts IBM on the cover with a look at how OS/2 2.1 compares to Windows NT and how large customers view Big Blue's new CEO, Lou Gerstner. The consensus seems to be that OS/2 is too little, too late, and too proprietary, while the executives like Gerstner's new openness along with IBM's new lower prices on mainframe software.
(John McCormick/19930527)
n mainframe software.
(John McCormick/19930527)
5/27/93
Roundup: Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
GENERAL
Comdex: Doublecase Announces Ret
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Doublecase was trying to get on the right side of the media by offering its hard-side cases for notebook computers, free, to the press.
Newsbytes will review it when we get it, but the thing looks good. It's a heavy suitcase, lined in foam, and a cut-out in the foam holds the computer, with enough headroom to flip-up the screen for work while the thing is still in the case.
The cases have been available mail-order for 12 months, at retail prices of $60 to $200, depending on the style. One model, the NB 1000S, is compact and comes with a shoulder strap. The NB-3000 has a compartment deep enough to firmly hold all accessories.
The NB-3400 accepts both DOS and Macintosh notebooks. The NB-3600 and NB-4600 are even bigger. There's also a line of soft-side saddlebags with lots of compartments for papers and manuals, disks and spare batteries. If you're going on a short trip without your PC, they can double as overnight luggage.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Attendees at the annual Spring Comdex trade show in Atlanta this week were introduced to a new interface chip designed to connect IDE disk drives and other input/output devices to the new Intel-backed Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus standard.
The chip was developed by PCTech, a Lake City, Minnesota-based subsidiary of Zeos International. Designated the RZ1000, the chip is fully PCI 2.0 compliant and is designed to reduce the cost and enhance performance of PC systems that use the new PCI standard. The company says it does this by allowing use of low-cost IDE hard drives while achieving a level of performance not possible with industry standard architecture (ISA)-based IDE interfaces.
PCTech claims that the RZ1000 integrates several separate electronic components into a single integrated chip to achieve the PCI to IDE interface that's fully compatible with existing IDE software and commands. Up to four IDE devices can be supported and no special software or drivers are required. RZ1000 features include an IDEa port, which allows other standard ISA-type peripheral devices such as SCSI controllers, serial or parallel ports, and data compression circuits to be moved to the PCI local bus/CPU interface.
The PCI local bus interface was first introduced in June of 1992. PCI is an open architecture standard designed to eliminate PC performance bottlenecks by providing a high performance, processor independent data path between the CPU and peripheral devices. PCTech says it's interested in licensing the chip, and a patent is pending.
(Jim Mallory/19930527/Press contact: Rick Apple, Zeos International 612-623-9614; Reader contact: PCTech, 612-345-4555)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- The big party May 26 is a demo madhouse at the Omni Hotel sponsored by Analog Devices which makes digital signal processing chips. There NEC, Intel Echo Speech, Cardinal, Archer, Dragon, Voyetra, Centigram, Digicom Lernout & Hauspie and Analog Devices together will show-off their products made using Analog's Personal Sound Architecture, or PSA technology.
"Last Comdex Spring, the notion of an open design family of chipsets and reference guides for PC audio processing was just another good idea being floated to the PC industry," said John Croteau, manager of strategy and planning for the company's chip division. "In less than one year, PC sound buyers can now see everything from complete PC systems for business audio, add-in PC sound systems and cards, PC motherboards with sound enhancements and even notebooks and handheld PCs -- all based on PSA audio processing."
The idea is that in addition to selling chipsets, Analog also supplies pre-engineered reference designs to PC OEMs and add-in card suppliers. This makes turning the chips into products easy. American Megatrends is adding the technology to its desktop motherboards.
Echo Speech, which is Analog's lead development partner on the chipsets, will have its own 16-bit stereo Echo Personal Sound System. NEC is adding the PSA-based audio to its Pentium-based Image PCs for adding voice and sound notes to Windows 3.1 documents.
Lotus Development is also working with Analog, identifying ways to exploit PSA-based sound product features with Lotus applications. This could allow things like sound annotation to Lotus Notes.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527/Press Contact: John Croteau, Analog Devices, 617-461-3010; FAX: 617-461-4400)
g Devices, 617-461-3010; FAX: 617-461-4400)
5/27/93
Comdex: Analog Devices Claims DSP Support
GENERAL
Comdex: The Power Publishing All
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- Adobe Systems, Dell Computer and SuperMac Technology announced formation of a consortium called the Power Publishing Alliance, designed to promote professional color publishing solutions in the Microsoft Windows environment.
"All the applications are available, as well as the color publishing hardware required to get the job done," said Jonathan Lazarus, vice president of strategic systems marketing at Microsoft.
Dell is making the hardware, known as PPA Workstation and SuperStation, and said it will be available starting June 22. The SuperStation combines a Dell i486 EISA-based computer, a SuperMatch Thunder/24 video card and color monitor, and Adobe Illustrator Photoshop, Streamline, Type Manager, TypeAlign, 200 typefaces from the Adobe type library, and Aldus PageMaker or Quark XPress for page lay-out.
Plans call for the three companies to join together to evangelize their solutions with a series of seminars. They have agreed to invest over a million dollars in market education and promotion over the next year.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- Altsys has announced Virtuoso 2.0, a complete PostScript language design and production program for Windows NT. It's the first graphics program to incorporate PostScript drawing, text creation/editing, page layout and production capabilities in a single program, and the first to be offered in the NT environment.
Virtuoso was originally launched for the NextStep, then ported to Sun Workstations, said president James Van Ehr. New features in Version 2.0 include an on-screen font panel, which lets users type in the several letters of a desired typeface line, which is then brought up automatically. This beats scrolling through a list.
Virtuoso also allows artists to use text as a graphics, transforming it like any other element and binding text to arbitrary paths. It also provides professional typographical control over kerning leading, tracking and baseline shift, and there are special effects created with nine textured and 10 editable customized PostScript file. Designers can also create their own custom PostScript code.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- CrystalGraphics has announced Crystal Flying Fonts, a $295 software package which lets users add 3-D logos and title animations to their multimedia presentations.
The package handles modeling, rendering, animation, textures and backgrounds, and works with other desktop presentation products such as Harvard Graphics, Corel Draw 3.0, Tempra Show and WordPerfect Presentations for Windows.
The company said that, until last year, it provided its products strictly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who sold it under their own names. The products include Topas, formerly marketed by AT&T, and drew strong reviews.
Topas, now called Crystal TOPAS Professional, is the company's flagship, at $4,995, offering broadcast-quality 3D modeling including single frame output to professional videotape, field rendering, rotoscoping from disk or tape, NTSC color correction and unshaped video.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- In all the hoopla over Windows and OS/2, Quarterdeck Office Systems seems to have been left behind. The memory management capability on which its QEMM program is based is now part of DOS 6.0. The multi-tasking on which its DesqView program is based is a claimed part of Windows, and the DOS programs which DesqView runs are called obsolete.
While Quarterdeck had a small booth at this Spring Comdex, it was also a part of the Silicon Northwest fish-fest party. The Santa Monica, California-based company became part of Silicon Northwest when spokesman Charles McHenry moved his offices to Oregon.
Newsbytes asked him about the company's image, and the fall in its stock price to about $3 per share from a high of $16.
"The market doesn't understand us," he said. "Quarterdeck has $3 million in the bank, it's turning a profit, and it has $50 million in sales." Despite recent lay-offs meant to balance costs with revenues, the company has remained profitable.
Quarterdeck's bid for the future is DesqView/X, of which Version 1.1 shipped in March. This is a version of DesqView which can run either on a Local Area Network or an X/Windows workstation, hence the name.
Quarterdeck views DesqView/X as a "truly interoperable environment," with the goal being it can run free hardware users to run the software programs of their choice, whether they're MS-DOS, Windows or Unix programs. If the market finds value in that capability McHenry believes, Quarterdeck will do well.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527/Press Contact: Quarterdeck Office Systems, Charles McHenry, 503-772-2382)
Systems, Charles McHenry, 503-772-2382)
5/27/93
Comdex: Quarterdeck Defends Its Record
GENERAL
Comdex: Ricoh Demonstrates Ink J
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- Ricoh was busy demonstrating what it calls the first ink jet fax/printer, the Ricoh Fax800 at Comdex this week. The unit is scheduled for a September delivery.
In addition to supporting IBM Proprinter and Epson LQ 510 printer drivers, the Fax800 also acts as a plain-paper fax machine. An optional parallel interface lets users have online printer capabilities even while the unit is transmitting or receiving incoming faxes to memory. The unit also doubles as a copier.
As a fax machine, the Fax800 offers broadcast capabilities to up to nine locations, with substitute reception allowing up to 29 incoming pages to be stored in memory if the printer is active or out of paper or ink. Pages are automatically printed when the machine is put back online.
Fax forwarding automatically routes inbound faxes to another location, while keeping a local copy for back-up. Free Polling allows the unit to call another terminal and poll a message waiting there, while Secure Polling requires a matching ID code to prevent messages from being sent to the wrong party.
Documents up to 8.5 inches wide, a standard paper size, are scanned at 12 seconds per page and transmitted at 10 seconds per page over regular phone lines.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527/Press Contact: Gil O'Brien, for Ricoh 212-727-2500)
ss Contact: Gil O'Brien, for Ricoh 212-727-2500)
5/27/93
Comdex: Ricoh Demonstrates Ink Jet Fax-Printer
GENERAL
Comdex: Star Offers Heat Fusion
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- Star Micronics announced a heat-fusion printer, the SJ-144, which offers laser quality output with full color at a price comparable to ink-jet printers, at a suggested retail price of $599.
The printer runs at up to 382 characters per second with 360 dot per inch raster graphics resolution. The printer uses plain coated or recycled paper as well as labels, card stock, envelopes and overhead transparencies. The images resist smearing when wet or marked by a highlighter.
There are three paper feed paths on the SJ-144. There's a paper tray, a manual rear feed, and a manual front feed. There are also three printer emulators included, eight bitmapped fonts and 15 scalable TrueType fonts for Windows 3.1, as well as Star's own Compressed Data Mode, a Zoom Mode for reducing the size of text or graphics as much as 50 percent, a two-page printing mode for handling two pages of data on one page, and a label mode. The printer will ship from this July onwards.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930527/Press Contact: Star Micronics America Gary L. Bailer, 212-986-6770)
ics America Gary L. Bailer, 212-986-6770)
5/27/93
Comdex: Star Offers Heat Fusion Printer
GENERAL
Comdex: Microsoft Endorses DigiB
PCs Aid In Medical Self-Diagnosi
Comdex: OS/2 Versus NT; The Insi
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A.,1993 May 27 (NB) -- Comdex represented a choice of vapor or reality. Windows NT is vapor, OS2 2.1 is real.
And the two combatants were uncommonly feisty, even for IBM and Microsoft. As people walked into Bill Gates' keynote address where NT was formally introduced, IBM people handed out t-shirts reading Nice Try. Bill replied with jokes about the NT designation and other interpretations of the initials.
So let's start with the vapor, since NT still won "Byte" Magazine's award as the best product at the show. Microsoft was giving only guided tours of Windows NT using a LAN. Any attempt at varying from the orchestrated tour of Windows NT, in a clearly marked March 1993 beta version, was quickly squashed. It appears that Windows NT is still not stable. It could be months, we were told 60 days, before Windows NT is out for public use.
Windows NT is designed for high-end uses such as networked company computers or systems requiring intense multi-processing and multi-tasking systems. It is supposed to be a complete operating system to compete with Unix and its variations. Whether it will it be is another question.
As for the Windows NT multi-tasking capability, our tour guides explained that NT exerts pre-emptive control of the system. This means that the operating system takes control of the CPU time allotment and the address and interrupt calls. The applications are thus controlled largely by the operating system.
Windows for Workgroups, on the other hand, combines MS-DOS and Windows with connectivity in one package, and uses a technique called co-operative control. This mean control is shared between the application and the operating system. In practice, it means that when a multimedia application is running and a graphics program comes up, the sound from the first application gets splotchy. Or when you're online and a database search is started the call may crash.
Over at the IBM stand, systems with OS/2 2.1 were set-up and waiting to be used by the casual passer-by. Also, OS/2 2.1 was placed on all of the computers in the "press work room" so journalists could use it as needed. OS/2 2.1 has to be awfully stable for this kind of abuse. After using it for a while I was impressed. I am seriously considering it as an option for telecommunicating. It is a pre-emptive operating system as defined by Microsoft so OS/2 2.1 is in control of what happens at all times.
DOS, Windows, and OS/2 applications all seem to work well under OS/2 2.0. The only complaint was that the package did not seem complete when installed. In other words, there were additional parts that needed to be purchased in order to make it really usable. All this has changed with Version 2.1, which comes with multimedia extensions standard, and more drivers for printers and other peripherals.
Both Windows NT and OS/2 2.1 have flexible configuration systems so that you may not have to commit to using it in order to take a test drive. But be careful with your data before trying this: Back Up, Back Up, Back Up!!!
Considering that more industry people are calling DOS toast than are toasting it, it is time to look at the next operating system while a choice can still be made. Being a DesqView fan, it is sad to see the day coming when DOS goes the way of CP/M (dates me) and slide into oblivion. DesqView got its hooks in Unix so all is not lost for Quarterdeck. But for the rest us, decision time is rapidly approaching.
One more point. The work station furniture, from Forminco available at the IBM test-drive was very impressive. Maybe more so than either NT or OS/2. If they were just as good as the desks they were sitting on, we'd be fine.
(tbass HNDYPRSN/19930527/Press Contact: Steve Malkiewicz, IBM 914-642-5449; Wegener-Edstrom, for Microsoft, 503-245-0905; Quarterdeck Office Systems, Charles McHenry, 503-772-2382; Forminco, Brian Levine, 514-444-9488; customer contact: 1-800-3 IBM-OS2)
4-9488; customer contact: 1-800-3 IBM-OS2)
5/27/93
Comdex: OS/2 Versus NT; The Inside Story
EDITORIAL
GENERAL
Comdex: Alpha, The Future Awaits
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A. 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- For now, Digital Equipment Corporation (Maynard, MA) is positioning its new, Alpha based AXP/150 as a product for use by software developers. In an exclusive interview, Jonathan Roskill, Alpha PC Product Manager for DEC, told Newsbytes that "we wanted to get a box running NT into developers' hands as quickly as possible."
A developer's configuration of the AXP/150 includes Windows NT Beta 2.0 software, 32M of RAM, a 16" SVGA color monitor, a 426M SCSI hard disk, a 600M CD-ROM drive, a 3.5" floppy disk drive, Ethernet serial and parallel ports, a keyboard and a mouse. The price for this configuration is $9995; it is available now.
Although dozens of software developers have demonstrated applications for Alpha, the only widely known names among them are Oracle, Sybase, and Microsoft. Microsoft has promised to port "its major applications" to NT on Alpha, according to DEC, but timing of the Alpha versions will be decided on a product-by-product basis.
The company is sparing no effort to increase the number of announced applications and to establish firm dates for those that do announce. The next landmark in the success or failure of this effort will be the number of developers who include Alpha support in the plans they announce up to and just after the the actual shipment of Windows NT.
(Bud Smith/19930527/Press Contact: DEC - Tel: 508-493-2149)
Contact: DEC - Tel: 508-493-2149)
5/27/93
Comdex: Alpha, The Future Awaits
TRENDS
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- The global PC card market will multiply 20-fold by 1999 to $6.6 billion, and the percentage of cards that comply with the PCMCIA standard will rise from less than half today to more than 95% by 1996, says a newly released survey.
The US will remain the largest market for PC cards throughout the decade, but growth will be even faster in Europe and other regions of the world, according to the study, "World PC Card Markets: PCMCIA Standard Opens the Floodgates."
PCMCIA is, in fact, stimulating consumers to buy PC cards, after several years in which acceptance was relatively modest, concluded researchers at Frost & Sullivan/Market Intelligence.
Other factors attributed to the growth spurt include improving technology, rapidly increasing demand for portable computing falling prices, and greater consumer acceptance. Flash cards fax/modem, and LAN (local area network) cards were found to be the products responsible for pacing sales.
The current $300 million PC card market will grow at triple-digit rates this year and next, with 55 percent compound annual growth through the end of the 90s, the study projects.
Large and small companies alike are moving into the PC card market creating more competition and higher volume production that will drive prices down dramatically and motivate more purchases, the researchers theorized.
Further, the start of world-wide economic recovery this year and the next will spur the growth of the portable computing market, in turn creating greater demand for small, efficient and ruggedly built memory and I/O devices.
The Mountain View, CA-based market research firm also predicted that wireless connectivity for I/O cards will develop rapidly fax/modem cards will see faster speeds, and power consumption will continue to decrease with better battery technology and power management software.
In addition, flash memory cards will displace RAM, ROM and other memory cards over the next few years, once technological hurdles are overcome.
Also according to the researchers, most vendors are now preoccupied with developing technology and pushing new products into the market-place. After the market is better established, though issues of pricing, customer service, distribution and competition product features will come closer to the fore.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930527/Press contact: Amy Arnell, Frost & Sullivan/Market Intelligence, tel 415-961-9000, or fax, 415-961 5042)
ket Intelligence, tel 415-961-9000, or fax, 415-961 5042)
5/27/93
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market To $6.6 Billion By '99
BUSINESS
Nintendo Rejects Sega Video Game
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Nintendo of America rejected the video game rating scheme announced earlier this week by its competitor Sega, calling the system "a smoke screen for more violent games."
Nintendo of America is a subsidiary of Nintendo Co Ltd, of Japan the biggest manufacturer and marketer of video games. The company says that the Sega game rating system is a means to justify the marketing of increasingly violent video games.
Non-players may think of video games as Pacman-like characters players guide through mazes or gobble up other screen symbols. But the current crop of games feature video-quality adventures that resemble the action in many popular movies. Nintendo says it has its own internal standards. It says it rejected the arcade game "Mortal Kombat" because it includes lots of violence and some death scenes.
The company says its licensee Acclaim Entertainment is reprogramming the game to meet Nintendo guidelines. It has been reported that Sega intends to release an arcade version of "Mortal Kombat" with the death scenes intact, but Newsbytes was unable to confirm that.
Speaking about Sega's rating system, Nintendo marketing VP Peter Main says "Sega appears to have invented its new rating system in response to the growing world-wide outrage over their video game 'Night Trap' a game that would never be allowed to appear on any Nintendo format because of the strict game play standards that we put in place in 1988." "Night Trap" has reportedly been pulled from the shelves of some retailers because of its portrayal of violence against young women.
Main says that Nintendo believes the future of the video game industry rests on adhering to a policy of internal standards and extensive game evaluation, not on what he called "unenforceable rating systems." Sega's rating system is similar to that applied to movies.
Nintendo says its research shows that 70 percent of all video game software is purchased by players under the age of 15. "At Nintendo our highest priority is to produce quality games that are both exciting to younger players and acceptable to the whole family," according to Main.
(Jim Mallory/19930527/Press contact: Perrin Kaplan, Nintendo of America, 206-861-2509)
errin Kaplan, Nintendo of America, 206-861-2509)
5/27/93
Nintendo Rejects Sega Video Game Rating Scheme
GENERAL
Comdex: PCI Standard Launched
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- Forget ISA, EISA, and the dreaded Micro Channel. The new standard for connecting add-in boards to your PC is called PCI.
PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect. It also goes by the name Local Bus. The group was formed by Digital and some other manufacturers a year ago, aimed at solving the problems developing with ISA, originally designed for the 8-bit PC. The PCI Special Interest Group, or SIG, now includes 129 companies.
At a press breakfast during Spring Comdex, an impressive list of corporate officers came forward to announce their support for PCI. The specification for PCI Local Bus transfers 32 bits of data at up to 132 megabytes/second. A transparent 64-bit extension can double that and offer both forward and backwards compatibility.
Because it's processor independent, the Local Bus can operate along with the main chip and memory. PCI can also work on just 3.3 volts making it useful for laptop machines. All the setting of DIP switches and jumpers has also been eliminate -- PCI cards are configured automatically.
For those who still like the old slots, PCI specifies a "shared slot" for those boards, and both short and standard length PCI add in cards will fit in ISA/EISA or Micro Channel-based systems.
How strong is the Local Bus? While Apple, Compaq and IBM were fighting over NuBus, EISA and the Micro Channel, all three are members of the PCI SIG and Apple says it will now support the standard on its desktop systems.
Apple's appearance with this group is a special surprise. Ross Ely, the company's product manager for the PowerPC chip, revealed to us that Apple decided it wasn't going to participate unless it got a seat on the board, and it was just voted on last week.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 25 (NB) -- Apple Computer has aligned itself with the group of vendors who announced support for the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Local Bus standard in their future systems. The bottom line is Apple's adoption of the PCI Local Bus will make its computers compatible with the same peripherals IBM-compatible computers will use.
Originally introduced by Intel, the leader in central processing units (CPUs) for the IBM-compatible personal computer (PC) market the PCI standard is a core architecture, offers data transfer capability between computer expansion cards, and is aimed at multimedia.
The PCI Local Bus has been described by the PCI Special Interest Group (SIG) as a high-performance local bus architecture designed to eliminate bottlenecks between a computer's processor and its high band-width peripherals, such as networking, video, and graphics.
Intel has announced PCI as an open standard and has offered free PCI licenses to the PC manufacturing market in order to promote it. One PC vendor said Intel didn't want PCI to become another Microchannel. Microchannel is IBM's architecture standard for the PC bus which never gained wide acceptance.
The purpose of the PCI SIG is to work on the specification. Intel is a permanent member of the steering committee of that group, but 150 other PC companies are involved, including IBM. Apple's Vice President of its Desktop Products Group, Eric Harslem, said the companies involved in the PCI SIG are interested in leveraging off of each other's research and development investments.
"Apple's participation in the PCI Steering Committee will ensure that PCI will become the de facto industry standard local bus," said Mike Bailey, PCI Steering Committee chairperson. "With Apple's support of PCI, we are gaining momentum for a unified bus strategy that connects the PC industry by supporting different CPUs architectures, and platforms."
Apple's adoption of the open PCI standard will mean more choices at a lower cost to future Macintosh users. The choice of cards for Apple's current Nubus system architecture has been limited by the fact that manufacturers have been forced to develop a separate product for the Nubus, Harslem said.
The adoption of PCI by Apple should mean that users can buy any card off the shelf and it will work in a Macintosh, an IBM compatible system, and perhaps even a workstation -- if workstation manufacturers also adopt the PCI standard, according to Harslem.
"When the XT bus was introduced in 1986, Apple chose not adopt the standard because we felt it was too limiting," Harslem said. "However, the adoption of PCI is a good move for Apple."
Plans are to adopt the PCI architecture in second generation PowerPC-based Macintosh computers. Apple this month showed the first prototype of the PowerPC-based Macintosh, a CPU it announced with IBM and Motorola in October of 1991. "Power" is an acronym based on IBM's Performance Optimization with Enhanced RISC (reduced instruction set computing) technology.
Harslem said that, just like the PC community's investment in its extended industry standard architecture (EISA) will mean a slow move to PCI as a standard, Apple has a large investment in the Nubus for the PowerPC-based Macintosh. Notwithstanding, users can expect to see the first PCI Local Bus Macintosh PowerPCs in the first half of 1994, Harslem added.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930527/Press Contact: Stacy Williams, Apple tel 408-862-3362, fax 408-974-6412)
Apple tel 408-862-3362, fax 408-974-6412)
5/25/93
Apple To Build PCI Local Bus Macintoshes
APPLE
Microsoft Talks About DOS 6.0 Bu
Epson Announces PC Tuned For Nex
Comdex: Analog Devices Claims DS
Apple To Build PCI Local Bus Mac
Intel Says It Is Being Underesti
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 MAY 27 (NB) -- The stocks of some of the biggest players in the personal computer industry were some of the most active in over-the-counter trading yesterday. While Intel's stock made some of the largest gains, the company claims it is being underestimated.
Each of the heavily traded companies, Novell, Intel, Dell, Sun Microsoft, Lotus, and Oracle, had products on display at one of the largest computer trade shows in the country, Spring Comdex in Atlanta, Georgia.
The products gaining the most attention at the show were the new PCs based on Intel's latest and greatest microprocessor, the Pentium and the new Windows NT operating system from Microsoft. Of the computer companies listed in the top twenty most active stocks, Intel made the largest gains with its stock climbing $6 3/4 to close at $110 1/2 per share.
Some reports are the Intel gains are due to the acceptance of the Pentium. Demand for Intel's new Pentium microprocessor is high and original equipment manufacturers are fighting to get it. However, it is widely reported that Intel won't be able to meet demand. The company's manufacturing processes have produced fewer Pentium chips than anticipated and so there simply are not enough of the chips to go around.
The number of goof "die" or chips a semiconductor manufacturer can derive from a wafer is its yield. Despite problems, Intel says it can improve chip yields more quickly than analysts anticipate and can quickly churn out large volumes of the Pentium.
Thomas Kurlack, an analyst at Merrill Lynch was quoted in an Intel internal publication as saying investors consistently under-estimate Intel's earning prospect because they do not consider the impact of manufacturing and Intel's improvements in productivity.
"Chip cost is generally related to die size and good die per wafer yield. We suggest investors increase their focus on Intel's process changes to smaller design rules and larger wafer sizes,"
Intel is pointing to its i486 microprocessor as an example, saying it was able to add manufacturing capacity and push its manufacturing technology to "dramatically" improve yields. Defects per wafer have been reduced ten-fold since the i386 and maximum yields can be achieved four times faster than ten years ago, Intel maintains.
The company is also pointing to its new Fab 9 manufacturing expansion in Rio Rancho, New Mexico -- estimated to cost $1 billion. Intel has already said it believes it can have chips coming out of the new plant in a year.
Just because it can ramp up production does not mean it will cut Pentium costs to consumers, however. The company says it is packing 3.1 million transistors with the lines actually etched on the silicon down to .6 microns. (The i486 has lines .8 microns in width.) For comparison, a human hair is 100 microns in width.
The smaller sizes allow Intel to double the transistor density, but also mean the chips are more sensitive to smaller defects, meaning more quality control.
The bottom line is four to five times more manufacturing capacity is needed to build a Pentium processor and at several thousand dollars a square foot, the cost of building a Pentium is much higher. Intel estimates that 40 percent of the cost of the Pentium comes from equipment depreciation, and says that figure is rising.
The analysts may not be as optimistic as Intel would hope, but they are raising their estimates. According to the Institutional Brokers Estimate System (IBES), who surveys professional securities analysts at brokerage and research firms, all the analysts surveyed have adjusted their earns estimate for Intel upward. IBES says analysts are expecting Intel's stock to earn $9.86 a share for 1993 and $10.50 in 1994.
In other Intel stock news, the company announced its stockholders have approved a stock split effective June 7, 1993. The move was made to off set a mysterious dive the company's stock took several weeks back.
Michele Bourdon, a spokeswoman for Intel, said that the theory at Intel is the company's record first quarter sales of over two billion coupled with the rising stock prices made the average investor think the company's stock just couldn't go any higher. Cutting the price- per-share in half by splitting the stock is a move designed to make Intel stock more "affordable," she said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930527/Press Contact: Michele Bourdon Intel, tel 408-765-1538, fax 408-765-1513)
Bourdon Intel, tel 408-765-1538, fax 408-765-1513)
5/27/93
Intel Says It Is Being Underestimated By Analysts
BUSINESS
Two West Coast Conferences For D
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- California State University Northridge (CSUN) and the American Council of the Blind have announced they will conduct conferences in June and July for the disabled. The CSUN conference is intended for companies academics, and those who work with the disabled, while the ACB conference is also geared to the disabled individual.
CSU will sponsor the Virtual Reality and Disabilities Conference to take place from June 17-18 at Westin Hotel in San Francisco's International Airport. Demonstrations on "Virtual Barrier-Free Design," in a 3-D architectural environment and the Data Glove as a communications device will be held.
For further information on the event, readers are encouraged to contact: CSUN Office of Disabled Student Services, 1811 Nordhoff St Northridge, CA 91330.
The American Council of the Blind, meanwhile, will hold its 32nd annual convention July 3-10, 1993. Seminars include "How to Start a Sight-Loss Support Group and How to Keep it Going," "Having the Life You Want," and a three part series on women's issues called "Lookin' Good and Feelin' Safe."
Topics also planned for discussion include the latest in microcomputer programs for the blind, advice on guide dog awareness a Tour to Telesensory Corporation, among many other workshops and seminars.
Questions about the convention should be directed to the American Council of the Blind, 120 South 6th Street, Suite 1005, Minneapolis MN 55402.
(Rick Bender and John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Dr. Harry Murphy at 818-885-2578 voice or 818-885-4929 fax/voice message or E-mail VR@Vax.CSUN.EDU; Mr. Olsen, ACB, 202-467-5081)
x.CSUN.EDU; Mr. Olsen, ACB, 202-467-5081)
6/1/93
Two West Coast Conferences For Disabled
GENERAL
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
DeltaPoint Unveils Graphics Util
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- DeltaPoint has introduced Graphics Tools!, a suite of utilities for organizing cataloging, browsing, manipulating, and capturing multimedia and graphics in Windows or Macintosh.
According to the company, Graphics Tools! allows users to gather media from many different sources without concern over file format support, accessing these materials from "collections" that include thumbnail views of the media, together with pointers to their original files. The package also claims to eliminate the need for separate image editing and processing programs.
The user can click on a thumbnail to view an illustration or photo hear a sound snippet, or see a video clip, without launching an application. Thumbnails can also be used to scale, size, and test print images. Materials can be opened for editing by double-clicking on a thumbnail.
The $169-95 package claims to convert between Windows, DOS, OS/2 Sun and Mac bitmaps vector and fax graphics file formats, which the company claims covers hundreds of applications.
Officials also claim that the package leap-frogs ahead of traditional file conversion products -- which support vector-to vector, vector/bitmaps, bitmap/bitmap, and bitmap/fax conversions by offering an AutoTrace tool.
The Autotrace utility allows the user to trace a bitmap file or scanned image and convert it to vector drawing file. Support for Kodak Photo CD and TWAIN scanner files is included as standard.
The package also supplies the tools needed for creating original graphics, as well as for bringing acquired graphics up to production quality. Paint tools, color separation, color reduction, color mapping, rotation, stitch, merge, and rotate are just a few of the features.
Graphics can be retouched in greyscale or 24-bit color. An optimization facility can be used to automatically enhance poor quality images to optimal brightness and contrast. Special effects include emboss, pixelize, despeckle, posterize and sculpt.
Screen shots can be created for use in manuals, newsletters and other desktop publications. The user can capture windows, entire screens, pull-down menus, or any part of a screen display.
The Windows version of Graphics Tools! is expected to ship in June while the Mac edition is expected the following month.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930601/Reader contact: DeltaPoint, tel 408-645 4813; Press contacts: Jennifer Doettling, DeltaPoint, tel 408-645 4813; or Lerry Wilson, Wilson McHenry Company for DeltaPoint, tel 415-592-7600)
, Wilson McHenry Company for DeltaPoint, tel 415-592-7600)
6/1/93
DeltaPoint Unveils Graphics Utility For Mac And PC Users
GENERAL
The Good Times Roll At MCI
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- MCI announced a two for-one stock split at last week's annual meeting, as well as a stock dividend. The company also announced new services aimed, as usual, at getting under the skin of AT&T, the nation's largest long distance firm.
First among them is Custom Access, which offers one-stop shopping for businesses needing low-cost links between their offices and its switches. MCI said it would work with local phone companies, so called "by-pass" companies like Metropolitan Fiber, even cable television companies to keep costs low for its big business customers.
The service is also aimed at making sure there are alternate routes available to local switches, so if the local Bell company goes down a stockbroker can still get their long distance calls through. MCI estimated businesses spend over $2 billion annually for this local link. In all 24 companies, including Nynex, Ameritech, Teleport and Metropolitan Fiber, announced support of the plan.
Also, MCI announced new routing features for toll-free 800 calls, a service called 800 Enhanced Call Router. The service means customers will be able to make changes in the routing of their toll-free calls, through a database, in near real-time.
A larger capacity for the database will also permit more sophisticated routing arrangements. The new service is aimed at taking more of the toll-free market from AT&T before the "fresh look" provision ends in July.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930601/Press Contact: Frank J. Walter, MCI National Accounts, 212-326-4389; John Houser, MCI, 800-289-0073)
n Houser, MCI, 800-289-0073)
6/1/93
The Good Times Roll At MCI
TELECOM
DeltaPoint Unveils Graphics Util
MacTV Schedule for June
CompuAdd Intros VESA Systems Wit
Editorial: Do People Buy Softwar
Networking Expo To Be Held In Sa
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Networks Expo has announced it will sponsor an expo April 19-21, 1994 in San Francisco's Moscone Center, according to Ralph Ianuzzi Junior president of Bruno Blenheim.
Plans call for the California show to incorporate elements similar to the Boston and Dallas expos, covering such topics as networking business solutions, interoperability, LANs and enterprise networking. The company claims that the new show will fill a void left by the "hasty" move made by Interop next year when it will move out of San Francisco after many years there.
Blenheim Group has sponsored 32 international information technology shows in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark.
(Rick Bender and John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Annie Scully, 201-346-1400, ext. 145, or Mark Haviland, ext. 152)
6-1400, ext. 145, or Mark Haviland, ext. 152)
6/1/93
Networking Expo To Be Held In San Francisco
GENERAL
GEnie Rate Cut Criticized As Rat
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Some online service users have attacked GEnie's latest rate adjustment, which the service calls a rate cut, as a rate increase, and analysts said the move actually boosts the hopes of a rival, America Online.
GEnie announced May 24 it would cut hourly rates by 50 percent to $3 per hour evenings, but it will raise its monthly fee from $4.95 to $8.95, with four hours of basic services available at the new rate.
GEnie officials claimed that over 80 percent of active users will see their bills drop as a result of the change, which goes into effect July 1. But some users contacted by Newsbytes' Atlanta bureau charged they may drop the service, calling it a rate hike because of the monthly minimum is going up.
The big loser here is Prodigy, which raised its monthly minimum to $14.95 per month, but America Online, the subject of heated speculation after investor Paul Allen took a 24.9 percent stake recently, could be the big winner.
Chicago Corporation, a brokerage, raised its earnings estimate on the stock, which trades at a record high of over $34 per share, and maintained a buy rating. The company's analysis indicates America Online could have 500,000 subscribers by mid-1994, up from 275,000 at present.
America Online and GEnie are fighting to be known as the third largest consumer online service, after CompuServe and Prodigy. America Online spokesmen have told Newsbytes in the past that GEnie's estimate that it has 325,000 members is open to question and it gained 25,000 new members in May alone.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930601/Press Contact: Jean Villanueva America Online, 703-883-1675; GEnie, 301-340-4000)
erica Online, 703-883-1675; GEnie, 301-340-4000)
6/1/93
GEnie Rate Cut Criticized As Rate Increase
TELECOM
3Com Boosts Ethernet To 100 Mbps
CENTRAL, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- 3Com Corporation has conducted what it claims is the first successful public demonstration of Ethernet running at 100 megabits per second (mbps).
The Fast Ethernet demonstration made use of the IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD Media Access Control (MAC) protocol, proving decisively that the existing MAC protocol layer of the Ethernet standard can effectively run at 100 Mbps. This is a necessary first step in the development of 100 Mbps Ethernet as a high speed network for customers that require greater bandwidth.
"As the market leader since the inception of Ethernet, 3Com is now pioneering the effort to provide a simple method for smooth migration that preserves existing Ethernet investments," said Doug Dennerline, general manager of 3Com Asia.
"3Com is committed to providing our customers with standards-based networking solutions, giving them scalable bandwidth options that will include 100 Mbps Ethernet to the desktop. Pending ratification by the IEEE 802.3 committee, we believe that Fast Ethernet, based on (the) existing MAC protocol, could be on the market in a matter of months," he said.
As an evolution of existing technology, 100 Mbps Ethernet allows customers to meet the increasing demands for greater bandwidth while preserving the current investment in Ethernet. Those investments include the installation, trouble shooting and Ethernet network management knowledge within user organizations. As 3Com's technology demonstration shows, this is clearly achievable based on well-known existing 802.3 technology.
3Com's Fast Ethernet demonstration included two DOS client PCs, each running NetWare and connected to a server running NetWare 4.0. One client ran 10 Mbps Ethernet and the other 100 Mbps Ethernet to the server, which graphically showed the speed at which each client was transmitting data.
The CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection) MAC protocol is an essential characteristic of Ethernet. According to 3Com, the primary benefits of maintaining the Ethernet MAC include:
[] Low Incremental Cost: Standards based products will be available faster and at a lower cost because the Ethernet specification has been completely characterized, tested and verified, leading to a less expensive, high speed product with a quick time to market.
[] Simple Migration: Convenient migration from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps with dual speed adapters and simplified bridging.
[] Investment Protection: 100 Mbps Ethernet utilizes the established network infrastructure. The transition to 100 Mbps Ethernet requires no network management changes and leverages the existing cabling.
In the last 10 years the industry has amassed a substantial amount of CSMA/CD experience and invested a significant amount of money and time that will be leveraged.
Ethernet running at 100 Mbps, based on the IEEE 802.3 MAC protocol, is an integrated part of 3Com's high speed networking strategy. 3Com says it is committed to providing high speed, high performance solutions which include 100 Mbps Ethernet, FDDI and ATM.
(Brett Cameron/19930601/Press Contact: Doug Dennerline (3Com): +852 868 9111;HK time is GMT + 8)
(3Com): +852 868 9111;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/1/93
3Com Boosts Ethernet To 100 Mbps Speeds
GENERAL
Editorial -- More Musings From A
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- By Paul Zucker. A few weeks ago I wrote about some of the computer products I'd been playing with or had seen at various computer press functions. Here is an update.
POWERBBS: I told you last time that I'd decided to use PowerBBS as my home bulletin board. I sent off my $95 (OK, I sent the Visa card number off by fax) and little more than a week later the manual and disk arrived, having travelled around the world from New York to Sydney. I was a little surprised to see that the disk was double density but had been punched-out so it would format as high density. And, you guessed it, I couldn't get some of the files off it.
I applied a good dose of Norton's Disk Doctor and as a result I couldn't get anything off it! I complained and again, within a week I got a new disk. Neither this nor the original has a label. So much for having pride in your product.
Anyway, I'd been running PowerBBS for a few weeks under the old version I downloaded from Genie and it had a number of faults and shortcomings so I was anxious to try the new version.
I was surprised that it didn't seem to recognise that there was an earlier version, and it constantly asked me if it should overwrite the old files. I foolishly thought that it would at least keep the old configuration and file-area and message and user files -- but no, it overwrote the lot, leaving me with a virgin system.
Undaunted, I went through the whole procedure of getting it to work with my modem. When it was up and running, I realised it still had many of the basic problems I'd found in the old version so I've decided not to persevere. It would probably suit many users, but I don't have a week to get it going properly.
What have I done? I've fallen back on Telix -- a faithful workhorse of a comms package. It has a good and simple BBS that nonetheless has many sophisticated features. And I had it up and running in ten minutes.
A NICE NOTEBOOK: I'm not allowed to tell you the name of this one. It's due out in a week or so. The description goes like this... Smaller and lighter than other notebook PCs, comes preloaded with Windows and a full suite of Microsoft Windows applications, all on a PCMCIA card. (It has four PCMCIA slots, though two are used for type 3 PCMCIA cards such as a hard disk.
It has a button on the top right with a picture of a mouse on it. Press the button and a mini-mouse (I've been looking for an excuse to say that for years) pops out of the side of the machine. It's tethered by a flat, stiff cable which transfers the mouse movement back to the computer, not anything on the mouse itself.
Battery life is said to be a full working day, and in a pinch you can fit four AA cells to keep you going. Rather than have a sleep mode that either slows everything to a crawl, or keeps the settings on disk so you can reboot the machine to where you were when you quit, it has a processor that stops ticking over, but can keep everything intact. Just switch it on and you're immediately back in your application.
The screen is monochrome VGA without backlight. The keyboard feels larger than the small machine will allow. It even has built-in 110 k bits per second infra red serial communications that the maker tips will become standard on its desktop machines and printers in the future. That means you just point it at the other device and you're connected to it. One company spokesperson said it could even be used as the world's most expensive TV remote control as it could be programmed to learn their commands.
COLORADO BACKUP FOR WINDOWS: I like my Colorado tape backup unit but find it easier to use third-party backup software such as Norton or PC Tools. The Colorado software works but it's pretty basic. The new Backup for Windows is just the reverse as you do everything by dragging icons. Want to backup a disk? Just grab its symbol and drop it on the tape symbol.
It also adds features such as unerasing the tape (providing you haven't written over the erased file, password protection, macros for automation, background operation and a number of utilities for keeping everything neat and running well.
(Paul Zucker/19930601)
d running well.
(Paul Zucker/19930601)
6/1/93
Editorial -- More Musings From Australia
EDITORIAL
GENERAL
Software Toolworks To Intro 29 P
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Software Toolworks has announced that it will introduce a total of 29 new products at the Consumer Electronics Show scheduled for June 3-6 in Chicago. Among the many interesting products, Toolworks will unveil nine new CD-ROM titles for MS-DOS and Apple Mac computers.
Mario is Missing Deluxe is an educational CD-ROM based on the popular Nintendo Mario Brothers (who are also the basis for a new motion picture just being released) for children 8 to 12.
The San Diego Zoo Presents ... The Animals, is a Macintosh version of the recently released multimedia CD-ROM for Windows.
Newsweek InterActive for the Sony MMCD player and MS-DOS systems contains a quarterly general interest magazine.
The Guiness Multimedia Disc of Records 1993 is for DOS, MPC (Windows), and Macintosh platforms.
Space Shuttle is an interactive multimedia game/simulation.
Oceans Below is a photo-quality exploration of the firsthand experiences of a scuba diver.
Capitol Hill is a simulation showing what it is like to be a Congressperson.
Other new products from Software Toolworks include several updates of other CD-ROM titles, six new PC and Macintosh games or information programs on disk, and 11 new Nintendo, Genesis, and GameBoy cartridge games.
(John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Tracy Egan, The Software Toolworks, 415-883-3000 x 828 or fax 415-883-3303)
Toolworks, 415-883-3000 x 828 or fax 415-883-3303)
6/1/93
Software Toolworks To Intro 29 Packages This Week
Microsoft Climbs Through Windows
CENTRAL, HONG KONG, JUN 1 1993 -- Microsoft Hong Kong has announced a new sales channel initiative aimed at boosting the availability of it products throughout the territory. The company plans to recruit six retail organizations to its new Microsoft Windows Retail Centre programme by the end of next year.
The programme builds on the success of a pilot scheme that Microsoft has had running with KPS Retail Stores Limited since March of this year. Microsoft is now seeking other retailers with sales locations in major shopping areas to join the Authorized Retail Centre programme.
"Last year we introduced our Windows Software Centres programme to improve service to our corporate customers in Hong Kong. Now we want to do the same for the mass market," explained Laurie Kan, country manager of Microsoft Hong Kong.
Kan added that he plans Microsoft Windows Retail Centres like KPS to stock products in quantity on their shelves. "Customers will be able to walk in off the street and buy the software they want, on the spot,rather than having to wait for a dealer to order it," he said.
"We will provide training for retail staff so that they are well informed about the Microsoft product line and can offer advice to customers," he added.
Since it started stocking Microsoft products in March, KPS has proved that Hong Kong customers are ready and willing to buy software through non-specialist outlets. According to Kan, KPS has sold more than 600 copies of the DOS 6.0 upgrade alone.
"KPS started selling software about a year ago. Microsoft's range has proved particularly popular, especially DOS 6," said Russell Yeh, director of KPS Retail Stores Limited. "We now have areas dedicated to Microsoft software in each of our 17 stores throughout the territory."
(Brett Cameron/19930601/Press Contact: Sasha Skinner (Microsoft): Tel: 852-804 4261;HK time is GMT + 8)
Microsoft): Tel: 852-804 4261;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/1/93
Microsoft Climbs Through Windows Retail Centres
GENERAL
Review of Prince of Persia, Game
Another Airline Bans Consumer El
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced that, from today, it is banning the use of personal electronic devices such as CD players, portable electronic games and laptop computers during the critical take-off and landing portions of all flights.
In introducing the ban, the airline joins several others, including NorthWest, Continental, US Air, and American Airlines, in attempting to prevent electronic interference to its planes' radiotelemetry systems. An unconfirmed report on NBC has suggested that TWA will also introduce a ban in the near future.
Besides the sort of time-wasting or productive devices often seen in air travelers hands, also included in the ban are such unusual items as video cameras and electric shavers.
The use of some other devices are prohibited at all times, including cellular telephones; wireless electronic devices; radio controlled equipment; transceivers or any other equipment designed to transmits electric waves; FM radios; portable TVs; pocket pagers and beepers and auxiliary equipment for computers such as printers.
There are no restrictions on battery-powered watches and cameras hearing aids, heart pacemakers and other approved medical appliances.
As reported previously in Newsbytes, an increasing number of airlines are banning the use of computers and other selected devices on safety grounds during portions of flights even before the federal government concludes its tests on the possible dangers posed by personal electronic devices.
Federal studies are expected to provide preliminary results in October which may indicate whether portable CD players, electronic games, and even notebook computers can actually interfere with the avionics (aircraft electronics) needed by pilots to safely navigate their planes.
For now the bans are being imposed on the basis of an advisory from the Technical Committee of the International Air Transportation Association concerning the possibility of interference to aircraft electronic systems but that has yet to be proven.
(John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Japan Airlines, 212-310 1221)
ress Contact: Japan Airlines, 212-310 1221)
6/1/93
Another Airline Bans Consumer Electronics
GENERAL
Canon Unveils Next Generation Bu
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Canon has unveiled the BJ-230, the newest member of its growing family of bubblejet printers. This unit, however, claims to be capable of producing large format laser quality prints, but at a fraction of the cost of a laser printer.
With printed output sizing up at 11 x 17 inches, the printer is aimed at the professional print market-place, such as draftsman architects and he like, although the unit can still handle smaller sized sheets.
One of the advantages of using bubblejet technology is that, even though the size of the print platen is larger than normal, the increase in costs over, for example, an A4-sized printer, is not enormous. Canon reckons that the shipping costs of the BJ-230 will be around the $450 mark, once it ships later this month.
Carolyn Perrier, Canon's director of printer marketing, said that the only high-quality printers in the 11 x 17 inch print market are speciality lasers with a price tag of at least $2,500.
"Through customer research we found that small business users need access to large format printers, but there were no reasonably priced, laser quality options. The BJ-230 provides letter and legal-sized output plus the large format they desire at a low price," she said.
According to Canon, the BJ-230 can churn our print at the rate of four pages per minute with a 360 dots per inch (DPI) resolution. The unit measures 16.9 inches by 8.2 inches by 7.9 inches and weighs 7.7 pounds.
(Steve Gold/19930601/Press Contact: 714/438-3075)
(Steve Gold/19930601/Press Contact: 714/438-3075)
6/1/93
Canon Unveils Next Generation Bubblejet Printer
GENERAL
Hewlett-Packard Announces New Ea
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Hewlett Packard has announced its new strategy in Eastern Europe. According to the computing giant, plans call for the users and business partners to be categorized according to their abilities and willingness to do business with the company.
Otto Bauer, HP's East European manager, said that business partners will be split into three main groups -- individuals, small businesses and major companies. He said that demand for HP products is rapidly growing in the region, which is why sales are now being routed through a distributor/dealer network.
HP currently has around 40 authorized dealers in the CIS, as well as two local distributors in the area. Most of the dealers are in Russia, but they are also dotted around the Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Three authorized wholesalers operate in the CIS -- Arus, Steepler and, since April of this year, Soft-tronik. According to Bauer Soft-tronik concentrates on major accounts and complex projects with the company's wares.
H-P has some ambitious plans for the CIS. The company says that it wants to double its sales in the region over the next year.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930601)
year.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930601)
6/1/93
Hewlett-Packard Announces New East European Strategy
BUSINESS
Review of Prince of Persia, Game
AT&T Working With KDD On ATM
Digital Video Processing Deal
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Philips Interactive Media of America (PIMA) and Laser-Pacific Media Corporation (Laser-Pacific) have announced an agreement to provide processing of high quality, full screen, full motion digital video (FMV) for the Philips Compact Disc-Interactive (CD-I) system.
PIMA began distributing FMV cartridges for to CD-I developers in April. The cartridges include an MPEG decoder chip and one megabyte (MB) of memory for the addition of new capabilities to the CD-I player. The cartridges are scheduled be available for consumers at retail outlets this fall.
Laser-Pacific uses the IBM POWERVisualization supercomputer system to produce digital encoding services for PIMA and other developers. The encoding services are based on the international Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard.
Announcing the agreement, Laser-Pacific Executive Vice President Leon Silverman said: "Attendees at the recent interMedia and NAB conferences saw the impressive results of the images we presented."
We and our technology partner, IBM Research, have focused on decreasing both the time and cost of encoding for full screen, full motion video. PIMA's commitment and our efforts now make it possible for anyone producing for CD-I to utilize the new full motion video capabilities cost effectively."
According to PIMA, the development of Laser-Pacific's advanced technology digital compression facility was made possible through the company's joint development effort with IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York.
PIMA President Bernard Luskin, commenting on the arrangement with Laser-Pacific, said: "Our relationship with Laser-Pacific will help us take the next step in the growth of CD-I -- the display of high quality, live action video. Full motion video will not only add excitement to the experience of interactive entertainment, but will also make possible the distribution of vast amounts of traditional motion media in new and powerful ways."
Emiel N. Petrone, PIMA senior vice president of sales, marketing and distribution, added: "The announcement marks a new era in digital entertainment with the integration of full motion video, high quality CD sound, and interactivity. This new technology, coupled with the relationships we have cultivated with the creative community and the programs we are producing ourselves, demonstrates that Philips' CD-I system continues to pioneer the home interactive media industry."
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/Press Contact: Todd Greene Burson-Marsteller, 213-386-8776/19930601)
steller, 213-386-8776/19930601)
6/1/93
Digital Video Processing Deal
GENERAL
Cook Pulls Out As FCC Chairman
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Senate staffer Antoinette Cook has pulled out of the race to become chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Cook, 36, had been considered the favorite for the job since before President Clinton was inaugurated. Her stepfather is Clinton advisor Vernon Jordan. But questions were raised about her participation in a group called Riggs Radiocasters, which challenged an RKO General radio license in Washington and won $2.1 million in a 1988 settlement through which RKO was able to sell the station.
Although the full commission approved the deal, rules were changed on such challenges in 1989 which let bidders only win back out-of pocket expenses. Had Cook been nominated, some Republican Senators were sure to call the settlement blackmail, and an abuse of minority set-aside rules.
Officially, Cook backed out because of the recent birth of a son Dwight Bush Junior. Her husband, Dwight Bush Senior, is a managing director of Chase Manhattan Bank and lives in New York. Unofficially, she may have tired of waiting for the nomination to come.
Cook's decision leaves speculation on who'll be the administration's top telecommunications regular back at ground zero. Until a nominee is chosen and confirmed James Quello, appointed by Richard Nixon to a nominally-Democratic seat on the FCC in 1974, remains its interim chairman.
BOULDER, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- A Colorado company has found a unique way for PC users to buy Microsoft software. InfoNow has teamed up with personal computer manufacturer VTech to offer VTech users a software store on their computer. All the user has to do is buy the key to the store.
Here's the way it works. You buy a VTech personal computer, which is delivered with popular Microsoft software already loaded in an encrypted, or locked, format. The user browses through an InfoNow developed electronic catalog on the computer. If you see a title you want to buy, you call a special toll free number and provide the company with a credit card number. The operator will provide you with a special sequence of characters that will unlock that particular software program.
InfoNow spokesperson Anne Theriault told Newsbytes that a total of 28 Microsoft programs for DOS and Windows are loaded. Some of the available programs include Microsoft Basic, C and C++, Excel Entertainment Pack, Flight Simulator, Project, Money, Office Powerpoint, Publisher, Works, and a number of programming languages and compilers. Theriault said the pricing structure is competitive with discount outlets and lower than the suggested retail prices.
Since the software is already installed on the PC, the user doesn't have to run set-up programs or wait for the software to install feeding floppy disks to the computer, and can use the software within minutes of making the purchase. InfoNow sends the printed documentation and the program disks in the mail.
John Ball, marketing VP at InfoNow, thinks the concept is exciting and something that will become commonplace in the future. "We're at the forefront of a major change in the computing industry, and look forward to a time when software stores are available on all PCs at the time of purchase."
VTech Computers Inc is headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and manufactures IBM-compatible PCs, marketing them through the mass merchant, consumer electronics, computer superstore, and direct mail channels. The company was founded in 1983 and is traded publicly on the London and Hong Kong exchanges. It also manufactures and markets cellular phones and education toys.
InfoNow also provides a CD-ROM based software subscription service for large corporate accounts.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Lasermaster Technologies has announced an add-on color printer controller designed for Hewlett Packard's new DesignJet 650C color plotter that adds PostScript language, advanced color matching, and image enhancement capabilities.
The DesignJet 650C is a 36-inch ink jet color plotter designed for use in the computer aided design (CAD) market and for printing engineering drawings.
Lasermaster says that its $12,995 DisplayJet Color Server gives the DisplayJet plotter desktop publishing and graphics arts capabilities, able to produce high quality ink jet color images up to 36 inches wide from Macintosh, PC, and network computer systems.
The DisplayJet controller is based on its Big Color printing technology, and is designed for customers that need to produce short- run signs, displays, and drawings and for print shops and service bureaus that provide those services to their customers.
The new controller can also be used with Lasermaster's recently announced $17,995 DisplayMaker Digital Color Printer. Mel Masters Lasermaster CEO, says that gives professional users two ways to produce short-run, super-large-format digital color output at a lower cost than other large-format PostScript-language color printers.
"Because traditional methods of production can require over $100,000 in capital equipment expenditures, we believe that price functionality, and ease of use will make Laser Master the professional's choice for short-run big color."
er 612-941-8687; Reader contact: Lasermaster, 612-941-8687)
6/1/93
Lasermaster's Color Controller For HP's New Color Plotter
GENERAL
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Develop
Hewlett-Packard Intros New RAID
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Hewlett-Packard has released information on new series of "redundant arrays of inexpensive disks" (RAID) systems, along with a new move to market the products through a stronger dealer channel.
RAID, the use of many inexpensive hard drives which essentially carry original and backup copies of data which are updated simultaneously, have been much in the news, but some major systems have failed to appear on time.
RAIDs are becoming popular with those who need to provide reliable fast, and relatively inexpensive access to large quantities of data in a micro- or mini-computer environment, especially local area network installations.
At its most basic level, RAID technology is the same thing as disk mirroring (RAID-1), the use of pairs of disks carrying the same files which each get updated at the same time so that if a failure occurs in one the other is already online.
Other levels offer more sophisticated backup technology based on heavy reliability on error correction schemes. The major difference between RAID and older, more expensive mainframe and minicomputer disk technologies is the acceptance of lower reliability of individual drives in order to reduce costs, coupled with redundancy so that the loss of a single drive doesn't result in any data loss.
RAID technology is a relatively new concept, introduced about two years ago. One way you can tell it is new is that there is still disagreement in some quarters about whether there are five or six RAID levels.
The generally accepted definition includes six levels ranging from level 0 through level 5. Different RAID levels trade off wasted disk space with sophisticated error correction systems and the speed with which data can be recovered and thus different levels of protection are appropriate for different applications.
The new HP RAID product, which is ready to ship immediately, is the first multi-vendor disk array from the company and it supports all major PC-based local area network software running on EISA-based servers.
HP Disk Array, specifically supports servers from Compact, Dell AST Research, and HP. Disk Array can be expanded from 1 gigabyte (GB) to 4 GB using Fast SCSI-2 controllers and RAID levels 0, 1 5, and 6. The 1 GB version lists for $8,849 while the top-line 4 GB system costs $14,899, prices which Hewlett-Packard says are among the best in the industry for this capacity and level of protection.
A 4 megabyte (MB) on-board cache and an i960 RISC processor driver ensures high-performance from the three- to five- disk arrays.
As part of the aggressive marketing plan, Hewlett-Packard is offering dealers a three-year limited on-side system warranty and a five-year parts warranty on the 3.5-inch drives.
HP has selected four aggregator dealers: Computerland, InaCom Computer Centers, Intelligent Electronics, and MicroAge Qualified dealers are expected to have Certified NetWare Engineers or 3COM Wizards on staff to provide networking expertise.
As an extra incentive, HP will also offer dealers a "Demo Starter" program that allows them to order units at an additional 25 percent discount that will be used for at least six months for display or seed units at customer sites. After the six-month period, these units can be resold.
`!'!MARLOW, NEW HAMPSHIRE, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Here is the schedule for MacTV, the daily one hour satellite computer product news program broadcast every day on Galaxy 6, Channel 22 starting at 8 a.m. Eastern time.
Newsbytes notes that some shows are also broadcast on the Mind Extension University cable channel. Previously broadcast programs are available at $9.95 plus $3 Shipping.
Tuesday, June 1, 1993: Microsoft Office, the top business solution software for the Mac; What is the Clipboard?, which brings back the last item removed from your work; Gallery Effects, software to enhance images automatically; ToasterLink joins the much-appreciated VideoToaster to a Mac; TimesTwo, give your disk twice as much size; Hard Disk ToolKit, SCSI control software with top-quality performance.
Wednesday, June 2, 1993: Quicken 3.0: Overview, a very fast financial organizer; Illustrator 3.2, one of the most-used PostScript drawing software packages; FrameMaker/Reader, state of-the-art electronic publishing; Meeting Maker, gives groups accurate schedules; FoxBase+/Mac 2.01, yet another quick, high performance relational database.
Thursday, June 3, 1993: Photoshop 2.01, Alpha channels and how to use them; Charger, speed up your applications; Authorware Professional, how to work within interactive learning; VideoShop: Overview, not just for editing QuickTime movies; Rocket & RocketShare, a combination that adds power to the Mac.
Friday, June 4, 1993: AppleCD 300, the latest CD-ROM drive offering; From Alice to Ocean, another look at this interactive adventure in the Outback; Learn to Speak Spanish, a CD-ROM tutor in basic Espanol; Sherlock Holmes, try to outsmart the famous detective; Footage '91, a CD-ROM with stock footage for reference; CD-ROM ToolKit, revs up the performance of your CD-ROM drive.
Monday, June 7, 1993: SpreadBase, a unique, category-based modeling tool; Dynodex 3.0, state-of-the-art listing of your contacts; Aldus Fetch, the ultimate in graphics databases; Mum's the Word Plus, integrated software provides planting preparation; IN CONTROL, the latest version of this list management program.
Tuesday, June 8, 1993: ACT!, how to manage your time efficiently; TeleMagic V12, helps with potential sales; Sales LetterWorks more than 300 pre-formatted letters for your use; Start Up Folder Items, what to use after you fire up your Mac; Persuasion 2.1: Printing, what it can provide in output; Claris Resolve, features for automation and presentations; Excel 4.0, all about this powerful spreadsheet software.
Wednesday, June 9, 1993: Test Drive, a unique demonstration of QuicKey2 [squared]; WindoWatch, automatically tracks your windows; Sys. 7.1: Compatibility, find out if you can use System 7 for your software; Microsoft Works 3.0, at last a look at this latest version; TypeReader 1.0, OCR software that is quick precise, and dependable.
Thursday, June 10, 1993: PowerBook 165c, a PowerBook with color capabilities; LocalPath & PowerPath, software for EtherNet connectivity; LapTrack, easy-to-use program for expense/time reporting; Out of this World, amusing adventure action; Lemmings help these creatures survive!; The Tinies 1.0, stop them from destroying our planet!; Pax Imperia, become a galactic overlord!
Friday, June 11, 1993: FreeHand 3.1, for graphics with professional quality; Dimensions, gives depth to your artwork; MacDraw Pro, high-performance tools for illustration; Ashlar Vellum, a top-quality tool for design/drafting; Apple LaserWriter Pro, a report on this 600 dots per inch printer.
Monday, June 14, 1993: Apple's Newest Printers, a look at how they differ; WordPerfect 2.1, top-quality word processing, with new features; Word 5.1, a report on the advances in this software; LetraStudio 2.0, how to manipulate layouts/typefaces; MacTools, let you scan data recovery/disk utilities figures.
Tuesday, June 15, 1993: Hub Overview, "dumb," smart, and even with added software; Timbuktu 5.0, helps to look at, work with and trouble-shoot other Macs; SafeDeposit, backups made easy; STATUS*Mac, the ultimate report on Mac networking; MacLinkPlus/PC, the best way of Mac/PC file exchanging.
Wednesday, June 16, 1993: Tutorial: TIFF vs. PICT, how these programs differ; Publish*It! Easy 3.0, a complete desktop publishing package; PageMaker 5.0, a report on updated and new features; Monotype ValuePack, jazz up your documents with these font choices; DynoPage 2.0, new ways to print; FrameMaker details on high-end features, tables, and text; RAM Power Card add power to your application performance;
Thursday, June 17, 1993: Macintosh LC III, robust additions to this top-seller line; Hard Shell Cases, keep your computer secure; Anti-Virus, protection against nasty "microbes that byte:" World Atlas, this year's almanac/atlas/world fact book; Expert Astronomer, star- and planet-gazing from any heavenly site you pick; EndNote Plus/EndLink, for referencing and listing bibliographies; Apple StyleWriter II, a review of this newest inkjet unit.
Friday, June 18, 1993: Color Classic, the newest compact Mac color added; SuperPaint, an easy-to-use, best-selling paint and draw program; CheckWriter Pro, an updated, refined, and simple interface; Quicken 3.0: Business, a look at the software from a business viewpoint; ClarisWorks 2.0, this best-selling software is "new and improved;" The Ins & Outs; Installers, a report on what they do and how they do it.
Monday, June 21, 1993: SCSI Hard Disk, installation and use of SCSI hard drives; SQ5110C Drive, a report on this newest read/write technology; Hard Drives, several storage devices and removable media; Infini-D 2.5, helps you get your ideas across; Morph, "morphing" of our show's hosts; Terminator 2 Sequence shows stunning special effects and the software behind them.
Tuesday, June 22, 1993: Safe & Sound, trouble-free analysis of your disk, plus repair; SnapBack, software to give networked Macs automatic backup; Voice Navigator II 2.0, Macs get voice recognition capability; System 7.1: File Alias, what aliases do and how to use them; Icon 7 1.0, helps you edit this program; FileMaker Pro 2.0, helps you get through your database easily; SoftPC Family, allows your Mac to run DOS/Windows software.
Wednesday, June 23, 1993: PowerBookDuo 230, a report on this unique new Mac; PowerLink Presenter, PowerBooks Duos get a presentation dock; MacLuggage: PBs, security while carrying your PowerBook; On The Road, features delayed printing/faxing capability of PBs; Shadowgate/Deja Vu I/II, oldies but goodies back on the best-selling list; PowerKey/Remote, turn on your Mac no matter where you are.
Thursday, June 24, 1993: Photoshop 2.5, a report on one top tool for photo design and production; Director, the multimedia communications' standard; ElectricImage; software that created top movies' animation; Centris 650, another report on this latest Mac; Fontek, digital fonts in review.
Friday, June 25, 1993: EtherNet: Overview, solutions for Asante EtherNet; cc:Mail Platform Pack, how to incorporate e-mail into your network; BackBurner, makes some files networkable; Instant Update, lets you make live documents for editing by workgroups; Network Vital Signs, permits management of network monitoring.
Monday, June 28, 1993: PowerBooks/180, the newest product in this line; Hard Shell Cases, sturdy, plastic PB protection; PBTools bring in performance, take out "poof"; LapTrack, expense/time reporting when you want it; PowerPrint, myriad Mac printer choices; PowerPort, the quickest Mac internal fax/modem available.
Tuesday, June 29, 1993: Word 5.1: Newsletter, put pizazz in your plain paperwork; TrueType Fonts: Install, how to get, and learn about, these fonts; FunFonts, make your plain-vanilla documents sparkle; ClickArt, artwork to make your documents outstanding; Personal Press, allows creation of newsletters/brochures/what have you; Apple Color Printer, its features and how it works.
Wednesday, June 30, 1993: Modems: A Tutorial, what they are and they work; Smartcom II Mac, user-friendly software for communications; Ultima Home Office, all-in-one answering machine/fax/modem, and other features; FaxMania, make your faxes more visually appealing; TelePort, a combination fax/modem; On line Services, our initial report on these services.
(John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Wayne Mohr, Executive Producer PCTV and MacTV, 603-863-9322)
and MacTV, 603-863-9322)
6/1/93
MacTV Schedule for June
APPLE
Russia: Tatar Plant Begins Assem
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- The English-Russian joint venture, known as "ICL- KPOVS" in Kazan, has begun to produce ICL servers. KPOVS is an acronym for Kazan production union of computer systems.
The plant in the capital of Tatae assembles ICL's distributed resources system (DRS) model DRS 6000 L430 servers, which the company claims are designed to work in both a local and wide area network (LAN or WAN) environment.
The machines feature a 33 megahertz (MHz) SPARC RISC processor along with 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM, a choice of 660MB or 1.2 gigabyte (GB) hard disk and a CMT QIC 150MB tape streamer. The supplied Unix SVR 4.0 operating system, which comes bundled in with the US$64,611 system, is configured for up to 32 users.
According to Kirill Mustafa, ICL-KPOVS' marketing director, the new plant will produce 60 machines by the end of this year. Mustafa said that the machine will be assembled this year will be wholly from imported components, but, in time, the emphasis will switch to local component supply. Within the next five years, the local content of the machines should be around 80 percent.
In the more immediate term, plans are in hand to begin production of 80386-based PCs with the ICL logo on them before then of the year.
Mustafa admitted that the production schedule for the Kazan ICL server was produced around eight months behind schedule. He said however, the machines were shown, as planned, at the Comtek '93 show at the end of April.
tact: ICL tel +7 095 134-4328, fax +7 095 938-2016)
6/1/93
Russia: Tatar Plant Begins Assembling ICL Servers
BUSINESS
Comdex - High-Performance Pentiu
Comdex: Quarterdeck Defends Its
Government To License High-Tech
Chips Offer Smallest PCMCIA Form
Federal Computer Security Confer
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- The National Computer Security Conference, sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has, for the past 15 years, been the major annual conference on all aspects of computer-related security.
This year's conference is scheduled for September 20-23 1993 and will take take place at Maryland's Baltimore Convention Center. Planned topics to be covered at the event include telecoms eavesdropping, virus and worm attacks, unauthorized data access (hacking), and physical disaster planning.
This year's program will include dozens of government and private industry speakers sharing their experiences, ideas, and information about the latest data security hardware and software.
Typical papers delivered at a recent NCSC gathering filled two 350 page plus books of "Proceedings" with articles ranging from "Building a Multi-Level Secure TCP/IP," to "Dealing with a Malicious Logic Threat."
For further details or to reserve a place at the $230 conference contact Tammie Grice, A903 Administration Bldg., NIST Gaithersburg, MD 20899, 301-975-3883, or fax 301-948-2067.
(John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Jan Kosko, NIST, 301-975 2767)
01/Press Contact: Jan Kosko, NIST, 301-975 2767)
6/1/93
Federal Computer Security Conference Scheduled
India Attracts Investment In Har
Comdex: The Power Publishing All
3Com Boosts Ethernet To 100 Mbps
Editorial -- More Musings From A
International Telecom Update
HDTV Work Less Than Meets the Ey
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- An alliance among groups involved in high definition television, or HDTV, which was announced May 24, may be less than meets the eye.
Acting on the advice of former FCC chairman Richard Wiley, now a Washington attorney, groups headed by NBC, General Instrument AT&T agreed to try and compromise among their various systems for using digital technology to deliver HDTV.
Tests of all the systems had been inconclusive, with some problems found with all systems. Previously, the US participants had agreed to share royalties if any of their systems were chosen, so the latest agreement is not a complete surprise.
But it will prove difficult to compromise the three schemes for a basic reason, observers say. The computer monitor you may be reading this on writes each line on the screen consecutively. Today's TV screens write each alternate line. The differences between such "progressive" and "interlaced" scanning are usually imperceptible, except when a computer screen is shown on TV.
Watch closely when a TV news show does a story about computers see that rolling band of highlighted color running on the computer's screen? That's a reflection of the difference between the two scanning methods.
Basically, the General Instruments technique, brought forward with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, comes closest to the computer model, using a compression technique much like that of the Motion Pictures Expert Group, or MPEG.
GI spokesmen insist "the digital gears will grind" between MPEG and their DigiCipher. The group headed by NBC, which includes Philips of Holland, Thomson of France and the David Sarnoff Research Center comes closest to the current broadcast model. The AT&T proposal joined by Zenith and Scientific-Atlanta, is somewhere between the two.
The problem is the basic incompatibility between interlaced and progressive scanning. If interlaced is chosen, there's an incompatibility with computing. If progressive scanning is chosen, there's an incompatibility with present broadcast standards which TV stations must support, even after HDTV becomes a reality.
TV stations are being offered an additional six Megahertz of spectrum each, for a total of 12, so they can offer both HDTV and present NTSC pictures to viewers once a standard for digital HDTV is in place. But some computer industry veterans, like Apple Computer chairman John Sculley, are advising stations to dump HDTV, which they say just points out the low-budget production values of most TV shows, and broadcast a range of multimedia services with their extra bandwidth instead. Those voices may grow louder, especially if an interlaced standard is chosen.
For now, Wiley's committee, called the FCC Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service, is insisting it retains control of the standard and will review any compromise. Wiley, who has been working for over a year on such a "Grand Alliance," has promised this will put the US at the forefront of HDTV technology.
But some cable television companies like TCI, and direct-satellite broadcast companies like DirecTv, are already going their own way on compression and digital broadcasting.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930601)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930601)
6/1/93
HDTV Work Less Than Meets the Eye
TELECOM
Government To License High-Tech
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced that the federal government is ready to license several computer-related inventions.
Each year the government pays to develop a number of inventions and as part of the move to privatize the use of these ideas, releases the processes for licensing by commercial interests.
Several of the recently announced inventions concern digital imaging or optical character recognition.
Automated Recognition of Characters Using Optical Filtering with Positive and Negative Functions Encoding Pattern and Relevance Information, Docket No. 92-004.
Automated Recognition of Characters Using Optical Filtering with Maximum Uncertainty-Minimum Variance, Docket No. 92-005.
A Procedure for Digital Image Restoration, Docket No. 92-028.
Synthetic Perturbation Tuning of Computer Programs. Docket No. 92-010.
For detailed technical and licensing information on these inventions, contact Bruce E. Mattson, B256 Physics Bldg., NIST Gaithersburg, MD 20899, 301-975-3084.
(John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Media Contact: Michael E. Newman, NIST, 301-975-3025)
t: Michael E. Newman, NIST, 301-975-3025)
6/1/93
Government To License High-Tech Patents
International Telecom Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- The developing world continues to struggle with the issues of creating a competitive telecoms infrastructure.
Those struggles are best seen in the Philippines, where President Fidel Ramos is trying to eliminate the monopoly of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. After a long struggle, he finally seized stock held by friends of one-time President Marcos, but his officials say it may still take several years to loosen PLDT's 94 percent control of the nation's phone industry.
While international bankers are urging that many state-owned telecomm authorities remain monopolies after they're spun-off they've kept hands-off the Philippine situation, partly due to line installation backlog at PLDT that hit a high of 500,000 in 1990, and continuing charges of corruption.
And the potential competition remains weak. Cable & Wireless sacrificed a board seat on Digitel, as local food magnate John Gokongwei took majority control. C&W, which once held 40 percent of the company, backed out of helping finance a project to expand Digitel's network on Luzon and may still be sued by Digitel as a result. The problem is local capital doesn't have the capacity to complete the project.
Elsewhere, things are moving in more conventional directions. Jordan and Israel are both looking toward the same solution privatization -- to spur development of their networks. Jordan's King Hussein appointed a new government during the last week whose mandate is to speed up privatization over the heads of a parliament dominated by Fundamentalists.
All this could be overthrown in elections scheduled for November. In Israel, the Bezek monopoly could be among the prizes, but the Labor government has been slow to act and the private sector has been slow to embrace the idea of selling-out. Critics charge the government doesn't want to lose control of the network, and many workers at Bezek don't want to lose their monopolies or be put under the discipline of the market-place.
Elsewhere, the Asian Development Bank lent Indonesia $195 million to improve links between Sumatra, where the capital of Jakarta is located, and Sulawesi. Italy appointed Michele Tedeschi formerly head of IRI, managing director of its Stet Spa telecomms company. Plans to rationalize the unit and sell off over half to the private sector are due to be made final this summer.
In Asia a new fiber line in Vietnam, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, was criticized as insufficient due to a continuing embargo of technology from the US. Millions of Americans still oppose lifting that embargo, and war veterans booed President Clinton, a war resister, when he spoke at the Vietnam Memorial on the nation's Memorial Day.
Finally, Ameritech closed a co-operation agreement with Korea Telecom, which could lead that company to install Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, equipment in its US cellular networks.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930601)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930601)
6/1/93
International Telecom Update
TELECOM
800,000 Copies Win/NT In 12 Mont
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Microsoft will ship between 800,000 to 1 million copies of Windows NT in the first twelve months, according to market research firm Dataquest. Loyalty to Microsoft and its products on the part of the industry and the low price of NT were the main reasons cited.
Windows NT was formerly announced at the end of May at the Spring Comdex show in Atlanta, Georgia and is expected to begin shipping in sixty days. Rikki Kirzner, principal analyst of Dataquest's Unix and Open Systems Software says Windows NT is the "Most Popular Operating System That Never Shipped."
Microsoft is positioning Windows NT as an open systems operating system and says it will provide support for all the large-scale client/server database software, such as Oracle Informix, Sybase, and Ingres, used widely by corporations.
Dataquest likens the loyalty toward Microsoft to that held for IBM a decade ago and says this loyalty is helping Windows NT. Analysts at the market research firm remain skeptical that Microsoft can be successful in the information systems (IS) world.
"Though Microsoft traditionally has dominated the desktop, they have yet to prove their ability to penetrate the IS organization," said Paul Cubbage, principal analyst of Dataquest's Client/Server Development Software service. "Windows NT is designed for client/server applications, and that is strictly an IS domain."
However, Microsoft's "multistep" strategy of introducing its users to workgroup computing with Windows for Workgroups is brilliant, according to Kirzner. "It gives Microsoft the time it needs to complete the development of all the functionality that Windows NT requires to deliver the reliability and performance needed by the high-end servers while it gradually helps its installed base migrate over to Windows NT. At the same time it can garner support for Windows NT from the corporate users."
The price of less than $300 will draw users, but Windows NT will not be an easy transition, according to Dataquest. Kirzner lumps Microsoft Windows 3.1 and DOS together under the heading "DOS" and says surveys done by Dataquest of Windows NT beta testers uncovered DOS users didn't "like" NT while Unix did.
Kirzner said that, what those results indicate is a "mind-set" problem with DOS users. "For most DOS users, the migration from DOS to Windows NT will be as traumatic as the migration from DOS to Unix, in spite of Microsoft's marketing promises."
Notwithstanding the difficult transition ahead for some users Kirzner says Microsoft has obviously applied its resources to understanding the market and what its customers need. "Windows NT has the Unix world terrified," Kirzner added, "That's why the Unix vendors are all getting together for the first time in history."
Before NT was announced in May, Unix operating system vendors Sun, The Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), and Unix System Laboratories teamed up with a number of software vendors to establish the Public Windows Interface (PWI) specification with the purpose of bringing the Windows application programming interface (API) into the public domain.
The companies also announced support for Wabi, developed by Sun's Sunselect division and USL. Wabi is a Unix software program that translates function calls made by Windows applications into something Unix can recognize.
The bottom line, according to the Unix vendors is Wabi will allow Unix users to run Windows and DOS applications without running Windows or DOS. However, every application requires testing with Wabi to be sure it will run.
On the Windows NT side, Kirzner is predicting problems and asserts it will take time for the market to make the transition to NT. But for a first cut, this is a very stable operating system, Kirzner added, citing reports from software developers Informix and Oracle as well as reports from symmetrical multiple processor (SMP) systems manufacturers.
"Despite whatever shortcomings or problems Windows NT may still have, for the millions of DOS users who have outgrown their need for single-user, low-performance computers, Windows NT is the right product at the right time."
(Linda Rohrbough/19930601/Press Contact: Mary Hand, Dataquest tel 408-437-8312, fax 408-437-0292)
Hand, Dataquest tel 408-437-8312, fax 408-437-0292)
6/1/93
800,000 Copies Win/NT In 12 Months, Says Dataquest
Mixed Results On US Economy
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- "Where's the beef?" is what many economists are now asking with renewed vigor after today's positive, but very weak economic numbers from the Commerce Department.
Personal income is flat while spending is up slightly, construction spending is down, and the purchasing manager's index, which analysts say should be at 65-70 during even a modestly strong recovery, came in at a barely positive 51.1 for the month of May.
Of course these numbers are not specific to the computer or other high-tech industries, but even those companies are effected by the overall status of the economy.
Personal income, the measure of how much families are taking in was flat for the latest reporting period which covers April, but people are spending a bit more with that number being up a full 1 percent, the largest gain in spending since October 1992. This is a neutral to positive indicator because it shows that people aren't working longer hours or making more money, but they are spending a bit more which might stimulate later growth.
On the construction front, preliminary numbers for April show a sharp decline of 0.4 percent, the largest drop since August 1992 and far below the estimated 1 percent increase which had been widely expected by analysts. This is a negative result, following a bad first quarter which had been blamed on poor weather conditions.
The National Association of Purchasing Managers index for May was expected to be slightly 50.4 to 50.7 verses 49.7 for April. The actual figure of 51.1 for May is positive and above estimates but indicative of a very weak recovery. Any number over 50 shows that the economy is growing while any below 50 shows a shrinking economic base.
This last number is the most current of the three which were released today and less liable to large corrections, so it is the most closely watched of those indicators.
(John McCormick/19930601)
(John McCormick/19930601)
6/1/93
Mixed Results On US Economy
CompuAdd Intros VESA Systems Wit
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- CompuAdd Express has announced a new line of VESA-based systems. At the same time, the company says that buyers of its 486DX2-based systems can select from a list of free hardware upgrades at no extra cost.
The new VESA systems feature VESA local bus slots and accelerator cards for both video and IDE hard drives, and according to the company, are twice as fast as non-VESA systems. "These new high performance VESA systems will provide speed that power users need," said CompuAdd Express President Neil Bremner.
The new systems are powered by Intel 486 microprocessors and include 8 megabytes (MB) of RAM (random access memory), a 170MB hard drive two floppy drives, six ISA (industry standard architecture) I/O (input/output) slots, VLB accelerator cards, and a 14 inch non-interlaced HRVGA monitor as standard features.
Non-interlaced monitors refresh the screen image by painting every line down the screen 60 or more times each second. Interlaced monitors paint the screen by scanning every other line on each pass. The company says the basic system can be upgraded through four 486 configurations by changing the processor chip and resetting some jumper switches.
The company claims that the free hardware upgrades provide buyers of a model 466DX2 a choice between a 420MB hard drive, an internal tape backup, a 32-bit VESA video card, or an internal CD-ROM drive at no extra cost. They are also offering any additional upgrade item for $185.
The 420MB hard drive option more than doubles the standard 170MB drive, while the 120MB internal tape backup options can hold as much data as 100 floppy disks for easy backup. The 32-bit VESA-compatible Diamond Viper video card option delivers three times the video performance of a standard VGA Windows accelerator, according to the CompuAdd Express announcement, while the internally mounted CD-ROM drive is one of the components of a multimedia system and provides access to a growing list of programs being distributed on CD-ROM disks.
The Model 466DX2 is powered by an Intel 66 megahertz (MHz) 486DX2 chip and includes six available expansion slots.
CompuAdd Intros VESA Systems With Free H/W Upgrades
Dick Tracy Watch Controls TV & V
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Casio, one of the innovators in wrist watch technology in recent years, claims to have done it again, this time with a wrist watch that can act as a remote control for a variety of TVs and videos.
The Uderimo CMD-10, as the unit is known, looks like a regular wrist watch, except that it includes several control buttons that are appropriate to the TV or video remote control. Casio claims that thanks to including most of the control codes necessary for videos and TVs in the market, it is compatible with most domestic audio visual equipment.
The watch effectively mimics standard infra-red remote controls. Despite its small size, the watch sells for around 9,500 yen around $85 -- and yet still manages to pack in standard digital watch features such as an alarm clock and multi-function display.
Casio expects to sell whopping 100,000 units from the initial release. The watch is expected to sell in quantity to gadget-minded schoolkids.
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- In an unusual move, Hewlett-Packard has chosen the week after Spring Comdex to announce its new line of 80486-based PCs and release some details of its first Pentium-based computer which won't debut until late this year.
All this is apparently because HP is not on the "A" list of those producers scheduled to get the first of these powerful new chips. Companies normally hold off or move announcements forward so they can premier exciting new models at the two Comdex shows.
Although HP officials were unable to confirm pricing of the new machines at press time, news sources suggest that the company will price its new line of low-priced 80486-based PCs between $1,200 and $3,700.
In other HP-related news, it looks like the long-running battle between HP and Microsoft on one side, and Apple Computer on the other is finally winding down because several sources are reporting that Apple Computer has agreed not to contest motions from HP and Microsoft to dismiss the rest of Apple's suit against them, while they, in turn, have agreed not to sue Apple for the legal costs they have incurred during the years-long court battle.
Hewlett-Packard had been accused by Apple of using proprietary design features in the HP add-on NewWave Windows interface.
HP has also recently agreed to license and include infra-red communications links in its office products. This system allows PCs to share information with laptops, personal information managers, and other office machines like copiers.
Next week Microsoft is expected to announce a competing standard for desktop communications among PC and office machines.
(John McCormick/19930601)
PC and office machines.
(John McCormick/19930601)
6/1/93
Hewlett-Packard Intros New PCs; Pentium Due In Fall
Japan - NEC PC-VAN Connects Govt
Software Toolworks To Intro 29 P
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unreg
Apple Gearing Publishing, Teleco
RightBrain Software Intros Exact
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades M
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- A Newsbytes story with the above headline ran on May 7, stating that the Microsoft upgrade to its popular DOS-based word processing program Microsoft Word includes the grammar checking program Grammatik, which had been purchased from its creator by Microsoft.
Grammatik was actually purchased by, and is now the property of Wordperfect Corporation, publisher of its own word processor WordPerfect.
Our apologies for any confusion caused by the original report.
(Jim Mallory/19930601)
the original report.
(Jim Mallory/19930601)
6/1/93
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades MS Word For DOS
CORRECTION
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- If you're in the market for a new monochrome display, Radius has announced it is cutting prices on all its monochrome displays including its two page and pivoting models. The price reductions are from eighteen to twenty-nine percent.
The company says that the large-screen monochrome displays are aimed at users doing monochrome or grayscale graphics, page-layout, and spreadsheet applications. The two page display models allow two pages to be comfortably viewed on-screen at once. Radius' Full Page Display and Pivot Display allow users to view an entire vertical page, eliminating the need to constantly scroll to see a complete document.
The Radius Pivot Display allows the user to turn the monitor to either portrait or landscape orientation, allowing users to view and use text and graphics in the mode best suited to a particular application. For example, word processing documents may be viewed in full-page portrait orientation, while spreadsheets may be viewed in full- page landscape orientation.
A software device driver loaded into memory -- Radiusware's Dynamic Desktop software -- redraws the screen image in real-time to match the screen's orientation.
The company's Two-Page Display/21E, Two-Page Display/21 and Two-Page Display/19 models meet the stringent Swedish MPR II specifications for low emissions as well as offering anti-glare and anti-static features.
Specific manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) cuts itemized by Radius include a 19 percent cut on the company's 21-inch Two-Page Display/21E from $1599 to $1299.
The Two-Page Display/21 model has been cut 29 percent from $1399 to $999. The Two-Page Display/19 went down 27 percent from $1099 to $799, while the Pivot was reduced 18 percent from $849 to $699. In addition, the Full-page Display dropped down 21 percent from $699 to $549.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930601/Press Contact: Dee Cravens, Radius tel 408-434-1010, fax 408-434-6437; Public Contact 800/227 2795)
08-434-6437; Public Contact 800/227 2795)
6/1/93
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mono Board
APPLE
P z
Hot Profits In Fiber Channel Say
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 1 (NB) -- Data transfer rates are the main argument mainframe and supercomputer users have for not downsizing to less expensive workstation- and personal computer based systems. But if you want to make money in networks, the next profitable niche is fiber channel, according to market research group Dataquest.
Fiber Channel promises to break the current bottlenecks in data transfer rates between workstations and other systems. Dataquest defines fiber channel as a practical, scalable, and relatively inexpensive emerging standard for high-speed data transfer among computer systems and peripheral devices.
Estimates are that Fiber Channel can offer data transfer speeds up to one gigabit per second over distances of ten kilometers (or about 60,000 pages of information per second over distances of more than 10 miles).
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has been working on a standard for Fiber Channel since 1991. Workstation vendors Hewlett-Packard (HP), Sun, and IBM announced in February they would combine their efforts on a defining a Fiber Channel standard as well.
Estimates are revenue for Fiber Channel will jump from less than $2 million today to $1.2 billion by 1998, Dataquest maintains. Surveys of both vendors and end users were used to determine estimated world-wide shipments of fiber channel adapters by 1998 will exceed 400,000 for workstations, 28,000 for personal computers, and 76,000 for mid-range, mainframe, and supercomputer class systems.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930601/Press Contact: Mary Hand, Dataquest tel 408-437-8312, fax 408-437-0292; Public Contact 800-457 8233)
ax 408-437-0292; Public Contact 800-457 8233)
6/1/93
Hot Profits In Fiber Channel Says Dataquest
Editorial: Do People Buy Softwar
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- by Linda Rohrbough. Well, it is official. Microsoft's newly released MS-DOS 6.0 has verified bugs in the Doublespace compression portion. But people are buying it anyway at the rate of three million copies in 30 days. So, what gives?
It's a matter of degree. I can just hear users asking now -- "How bad are the bugs?"
Answer: "Well, you can rename deleted files with illegal characters. If the machine gets turned off while a device driver, Smartdrive, is flushing its cache you can lose data. And, if you copy some files to a Doublespace drive, delete them, turn the machine off then on, copy another file and then try to undelete the old ones, you'll only get part of the file back."
"Oh. (pause) But this product will automatically determine how to configure my memory, right? And it will compress my drive and give me nearly twice as much space without putting a lot of goofy commands in my CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT that I have to worry about when I install new software, right?"
"That's right."
"Gimme a copy!" says the user.
It isn't really so hard to understand. Computer users are in pain. They have their software crammed onto hard disk drives that are too small and they need all the memory they can get. They were told they could upgrade their computers, but no one said how difficult it would be or how expensive. And here is all this tantalizing new software coming out as well.
Everyone who has been in this business a while has a story like the one I'm about to tell. Well over a year ago, I tried to upgrade a 286-based Everex and discovered it was cheaper to buy a new 386 than to put more memory in the old machine.
And when the hard disk drive on the 286 failed, I went to get a new larger one and discovered I couldn't get a larger drive because my BIOS wouldn't support it. So, OK, I'll buy the same size drive again. The new drives, however, are all IDE drives and my drive controller card isn't IDE either.
I bit the bullet and bought a new controller card, but the card wouldn't work in my machine because my basic input/output system (BIOS) was outdated. So I was told I should get a new BIOS (which could take weeks) paying a minimum of $50 for it, then pull out the BIOS chip, a rather large chip on the motherboard, and replace it. Then I could install the new controller card and hard disk. I had the machine apart for two days by then, and there was work to be done.
I gave up. I went to a shop that rebuilds used hard disks and bought another hard disk drive just like the old one for more money than the new hard disk drive would have cost me. I was out several hundred dollars for the same disk space.
This is a common scenario. Sure you can upgrade your PC -- if it isn't more than six months old. But when you really need to upgrade it, you can't. And it still leaves me with having to pull software off the hard disk and reinstall software constantly to perform the tasks I need to do. I now have seven PCs because of this scenario none of which have enough hard disk space.
So here comes DOS 6.0 and promises me twice as much disk space built into the operating system for under $50. And it will save me the pain of trying to figure out how to configure my memory, too. Am I going to go for it? You bet. I'd be crazy not to.
When I saw DOS 6.0 introduced, I predicted it would be the biggest seller in the history of software. My second prediction is there will be a marked jump in software sales -- the biggest jump in PC history. With more disk space, users are going to go out and buy those other software titles they've been wanting -- despite the reported bugs in DOS 6.0. You watch. It'll happen.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930602)
ou watch. It'll happen.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930602)
6/2/93
Editorial: Do People Buy Software W/Bugs? People Do.
FGS Intros Data Compression Soft
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Fifth Generation Systems (FGS) has introduced a specially priced software package that includes two compression utilities for Apple Computer's Macintosh. Through September 30, 1993, FGS says it's offering AutoDoubler 2.0 and DiskDoubler 3.7.7 for a suggested retail price of $129, $40 off the usual SRP.
Phyllis Gay, FGS' Macintosh product marketing manager, says the offer is a cost effective way for users to combine automatic compression for their hard disks and manual compression for archiving files or sharing files with other users.
AutoDoubler automatically compresses everything on the hard drive except the System Folder, and can increase disk space by as much as 100 percent, according to FGS. The actual amount of compression realized will depend on the type of files on the drive, since data files compress more than program files. AutoDoubler also includes CopyDoubler and the AutoDoubler Internal Compressor.
Gay explained to Newsbytes that CopyDoubler speeds up Mac Finder copying, and works only with System 7. She claims that it performs copying as much as five times faster than the System 7 Finder.
CopyDoubler also speeds up emptying the trash on a Mac as much as 10 times faster, says Gay. The utility includes a feature called Smart Replace, which only replaces the file on the target with the source file if the source is a newer file. It will also verify writes to media other than floppies, such as removable or hard disks, and offers a security overwrite for deleted files so they can't be recovered.
AutoDoubler Internal Compressor compresses only resources inside files, such as dialog boxes, control panels and extensions. Resources are permanently compressed, gaining additional disk space, but doesn't affect contents of the system folder.
Users can use DiskDoubler to select files for compression. FGS says the average amount of compression realized will be about 50 percent. DiskDoubler can be used to compress files for transmission via modem to split files for compressed backups, and for sharing compressed files with other users.
AutoDoubler and DiskDoubler are also available separately for $89.95 and $79.95 respectively. FGS provides around the clock toll-free technical support and a one year, unconditional moneyback product guarantee on all its products. The company also publishes Fastback Plus, virus protection software, and communications and disk security programs.
FGS Intros Data Compression Software Bundle For Mac's
APPLE
EC Retaliates Against US Trade S
Beijing - Gomatech To Supply ICB
BEIJING, CHINA, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Beijing Gomatech, headquartered in Hong Kong, has signed an agreement with the Beijing branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to supply a Tandem CLX 840 for the computerization of its automatic teller machine (ATM) and point of sale (POS) systems.
ICBC claims to be the largest commercial bank in China with 30,000 branches and 400,000 employees. According to spokesmen at the bank the contract is the first Tandem ever sold in ICBC, as the front end processor to handle all the ATM/POS transactions. This Tandem will establish a trend for all the other branches within ICBC in performing on-line Transaction Processing System.
Beijing Gomatech, one of the eight subsidiaries under the Gomatech International Group, has been promoting Tandem to the banking industry in China for the past three years. According to the agreement, Beijing Gomatech, together with ICBC, will undertake the development of ATM/POS software, with the full support from Tandem.
"Gomatech's has become the first Tandem value added reseller (VAR) in China through its involvement in this project," claimed Margaret Chik, a representative from Gomatech. "We chose Tandem because it is a fault tolerant non-stop computer, specially designed for the banking industry."
"Gomatech will undertake the task of creating software to be exported to the rest of Asia and the World. Other future ventures include the inauguration of a banking switching system in China. "This will be a great leap forward in banking automation and computerization in China," said Chik.
Gomatech's aim is to utilize China's resources in software manpower together with the hardware technology in Taiwan to develop products that service all major ministries. These include Telecommunications and Transport and Taxation.
Gomatech develop also Goma 470, a system that emulates the IBM 4700 SAFE system. Goma 470 is a Unix based system with client server architecture capable of on-line and standalone processing.
(Brett Cameron/19930602/Press Contact: Margaret Chik, Gomatech Tel: 852-577 4904, fax: +852 576 6524;HK time is GMT + 8)
l: 852-577 4904, fax: +852 576 6524;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/2/93
Beijing - Gomatech To Supply ICBC With ATM/POS System
GENERAL
Morphing Software For Windows Ar
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- If you saw any of the Terminator movies, you already know what morphing is. If you didn't, it's the technique that transitions one still or moving image into another. In the Terminator movies things that appeared human morphed into terrifying machines of destruction.
Now Santa Monica, California-based HSC Software has introduced Digital Morph, its morphing software that brings the same technology to the PC and allows Windows users to perform sophisticated morphing and image warping techniques which the company says have traditionally been reserved for high-end three-dimensional systems.
"Users can now transform uniformed police officers into silvery robots, tabby cats become growling lions, and upscale software executives can be morphed into surfers," explained John Wilczak, HSC president and CEO.
HSC claims that Digital Morph provides easy to use image manipulation tools for multimedia producers, graphic artists animators, and business presenters who can add some excitement to their sales and marketing presentations, computer-based advertising and trade show demonstrations. Home users, meanwhile, can have a ball morphing their own captured images.
The company says that Digital Morph can morph bit-mapped images from most major 8 or 24-bit file formats as well as .AVI Video for Windows and .FLC Autodesk Animator files. HSC spokesperson Lora Goodpasture told Newsbytes the program can also warp images by moving points on a overlaid grid, or the user can combine warping and morphing, called "morphing", to generate animated video for Windows files. Goodpasture said that morphing is a feature not offered by competitive products.
Digital Morph includes a number of painting tools that allow the user to further manipulate morphed and warped images, including tone blending, color wash, and tints. Colors can be pulled from one area of the image to another, and portions of an image can be cut and then moved, sized, scaled, or rotated. Animation is accomplished through use of the Windows Media Player, Autodesk Animation Player, or HSC's Interactive software. Goodpasture said that the company offered Digital Morph to Comdex attendees at the special price of $79.00 and Comdex goers were enthusiastic about Digital Morph. "People were standing five and six deep to watch the demo."
Minimum system requirements include a 386SX personal computer, at least 2 megabytes (MB) of system memory, and a VGA graphics card. The company recommends 4MB of RAM (random access memory) and a high color card. The program carries a suggested retail price of $149.
Goodpasture told Newsbytes that the company also markets Kai's Power Tools, a $149 Mac package that offers users filters and plug-ins for Adobe Photo Shop and Fractal Painter. Kai Krause is HSC's R&D VP and an Adobe Photo Shop aficionado. A Windows version of Power Tools was also announced at Comdex.
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Two financially troubled networks have united -- Prodigy has announced it is to link up with the Sierra On-line Network.
Despite having, by its own count, two million members, Prodigy has yet to turn a profit for its owners, IBM and Sears. And despite some impressive growth numbers, Sierra On-Line has admitted in recent quarterly statements that the Sierra Network, which is primarily oriented toward games, continues to lose money. The number of Sierra members is measured in tens of thousands, but its games have drawn high praise from reviewers for their realism.
Under the plan, Prodigy and Sierra will work together on a special Prodigy version of Sierra's service. The link will be available either for a straight monthly charge or on an hourly basis. Real time chatting between Sierra and Prodigy members is also part of the mix. Over the long haul, the two companies said they plan to jointly develop other proprietary software.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930602/Press Contact: Prodigy, Steve Hein 914-993-8789)
19930602/Press Contact: Prodigy, Steve Hein 914-993-8789)
6/2/93
Two Into One Will Go; Prodigy Links with Sierra On-line
TELECOM
Ukraine Hikes It Phone Charges T
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- The Ukraine has raised its phone rates through the roof as Government officials claim that the new charges reflect the high cost of providing telecoms services in the area.
Local inter-town and Ukrainian long-distance rates have increased by a hefty 400 percent. Long distance calls within the Commonwealth of Independent States will now cost 150 karbovanetz (approximately 4 cents) per minute if the distance is less than 3,000 kilometres, and 210 karbovanetz (approximately 5 cents) per minute for longer distances.
Leased line prices also take a hit by the same amount, with subscriptions and installation charges going up by 400 percent. Fees for telegraph services go even higher, with charges rocketing up by a stunning 800 percent.
Igor Sviridov, an expert at the Communications Systems company in Kiev, Ukraine, told Newsbytes that, with the tariffs previously in force, it was much cheaper to call international destinations than those within the former Soviet Union.
Another advantage was that the service was several times cheaper than in Moscow and St Petersbourg, which enjoy the similar level of phone density and services. With this hike the price advantage disappears.
All the changes to charges were effective at the beginning of May. The slightly good news is that residential service rates are not affected by the increase.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930602)
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930602)
6/2/93
Ukraine Hikes It Phone Charges Through The Roof
TELECOM
Datalink To Host Imaging Product
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Datalink has announced it will host a workshop later this month for VARs (value added resellers) and system integrators interested in acquiring or selling imaging products.
The workshop, scheduled for June 10 and 11 at the Westin Hotel (O'Hare) in Rosemont, Illinois, will include presentations by Kofax Bell and Howell, Hewlett-Packard, and Xyimage. Datalink sales representative Dave Kubski said that the workshop is different from other workshops in that there won't be any sales pitches. "We simply want to provide VARs and integrators with the tools they need to sell imaging equipment," he said.
Attendees will have a choice of four workshop times during the two days, with each session limited to 20 people. Each workshop will present a market overview, demonstrations, and sessions on choosing components of an imaging system, such as scanners, controller boards storage devices, and software, and how to sell the systems. Datalink spokesperson Bridget Stevens told Newsbytes that the workshop is being offered at no cost.
Datalink is a participant in Tripac Systems Corporation, a joint venture which also includes Cranel and Dallas Digital. Tripac operates five regional technology centers that include demonstration and training facilities and depot-level repair capabilities..
Datalink To Host Imaging Products Workshop For VARs
GENERAL
Japan - Matsushita & Hitachi Dev
US West Renews Random Access PC
Japanese Windows 3.1 Debuts
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clea
Australian Study Shows Telecommu
TI Links With Japanese Company T
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- A joint venture between Kobe Seikosho and Texas Instruments has begun operations in Tokyo, with the express aim of shipping four megabit dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips. Plans are also in hand to produce 16M chips in the near future as well.
The joint venture company is known as KTI Semiconductor. The chip production is not a flash in the pan, however, as both companies have had a joint venture facility in the Hyogo Prefecture of Tokyo since June of last year. The past year has seen the new company produce 4 and 16M chips on an experimental basis at the plant although it is only now that TI has approved that the chips come up to standard.
KTI was initially planning to ship 16 megabit DRAM, Newsbytes understands. However, due to the popularity of 4 megabit DRAM, the firm switched its production plans to the smaller chips. Production of the 4M chips should be up to 1.5 million units a month very shortly, which will account for between 8 and 9 percent of TI's total DRAM chip shipments in this category. Currently, Newsbytes notes, Hitachi and NEC have been shipping 7.5 to 8 million units of 4M chips per month.
Plans call for KTI to start producing logic ICs around this summer. The firm also plans to gradually shift the production to 16 megabit DRAM chips, depending on the market demand. As part of the deal between the companies, Texas Instruments will market KTI's chips to its customers world-wide.
TI Links With Japanese Company To Produce 4M DRAM Chips
GENERAL
Microsoft Talks About DOS 6.0 Bu
Epson Announces PC Tuned For Nex
Comdex: Analog Devices Claims DS
Apple To Build PCI Local Bus Mac
DOS/Windows Screen Capture Progr
Japanese Windows 3.1 Debuts
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Microsoft has announced that it has just released Japanese Windows 3.1. The Japanese version of the popular graphical user interface (GUI) is billed as having more speed and power than earlier editions.
According to Microsoft, Japanese Windows 3.1 is now available from the company's main offices, as well as through a growing number of PC manufacturers who bundle Microsoft products with their machines. Microsoft has just announced it has licensed Windows 3.1 to NEC and Seiko-Epson, two of Japan's major PC suppliers.
MIcrosoft claims that Japanese Windows 3.1 has 2 to 5 times faster processing speed compared with that of Windows 3.0. The program has the improved Japanese input system, which converts Japanese kana letters tokanji letters. This is more convenient to the Japanese language users, the company claims.
Another improvement has been made to the graphical user interface or GUI of the package. According to Microsoft, user operations have become more mouse-oriented, making it easier for the novice users to handle application programs.
Japanese Microsoft Windows 3.1 will retail for 19,800 yen (about $180). The company plans to ship around a million copies in its first year.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930602/Press Contact: Microsoft Tokyo, +81-3-3363-1200)
osoft Tokyo, +81-3-3363-1200)
6/2/93
Japanese Windows 3.1 Debuts
TRENDS
Pyramid's ServiceExpert Frees Sy
WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Pyramid Technology Corporation has introduced an automated monitoring and analysis system which it claims can reduce data centre expenses by performing many of the functions of a full-time systems administrator at a fraction of the cost.
Called ServiceExpert, the system analyses large amounts of system performance data and automatically generates reports. It enables system administrators to evaluate maintenance requirements quickly and make decisions proactively. The company also claims that ServiceExpert saves valuable management time, minimizes unscheduled maintenance and increases systems availability.
ServiceExpert is applicable across the broad range of Pyramid platforms, from those with smaller system configurations to those running some of the largest Unix databases in the world. To date the mission-critical expert software has been employed by such major users as Northern Telecom and DHL Airways.
"Because of the critical nature of our data centre customers' operations, Pyramid has a responsibility to deliver solutions that optimize system management and availability," explained Ed Norton Asia-Pacific vice president for Pyramid.
"ServiceExpert is yet another example of how Pyramid is living up to its commitment to provide top quality technology, partners and services to our open systems data centre customers," he added.
ServiceExpert consists of two primary software components: monitoring software residing on a customer's MIServer and an analyzer installed on an MIServer system at Pyramid's Corporate Customer Support Centre (CCSC) in San Jose, California.
When installed at a customer site, ServiceExpert's sophisticated monitoring software triggers standard Unix utilities to gather information about overall system status and user-specified parameters performing audits and management activities.
The resulting data is compiled into a series of compressed magnetic log files which are transmitted to the analyzer software at Pyramid's CCSC where they are compared against defined standards and analysed for deviations and exceptions.
System status, performance and integrity reports are electronically generated and transmitted back to the system administrator at the customer site on a daily basis. If an urgent situation occurs, it is identified by ServiceExpert which alerts Pyramid's CCSC. A plan of action to resolve the problem is then developed jointly between the customer and Pyramid.
ServiceExpert also produces security, network statistics, applications support and long-term trend reports that enable system administrators to make informed capacity planning management decisions.
(Brett Cameron/19930602/Press Contact: Ed Norton (Pyramid): Tel: +852 827 0211;HK time is GMT + 8)
ton (Pyramid): Tel: +852 827 0211;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/2/93
Pyramid's ServiceExpert Frees System Administrators
GENERAL
Scientific Atlanta Unveils Data/
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Cable television companies can now deliver data or business-quality video as well as more TV signals, using a new interface from Scientific Atlanta.
The interface, known as the Model D9700, can take up to 20 compressed video signals over a standard DS-3 or T-3 trunk link moving data at 45 million bits per second (Mbps). This is a standard fast trunk line currently used by companies like Vyvx, a unit of WilTel, to deliver TV back-hauls from sporting events to cable programmers' offices so they can insert commercials into the feed before people see it. Vyvx is one of hte first customers for the new D9700, Scientific-Atlanta said in a press statement.
When Vyvx got into the business of taking back-hauls through telephone lines, it was running a single TV signal through the 45 million bit/second channel. Scientific-Atlanta spokesman Bill Brobst told Newsbytes that he wasn't certain whether 20 broadcast quality signals could be sent on a single channel using the technology most cable companies are looking at 4:1 compression for delivery of signals to their offices or "head-ends."
TCI, the largest cable operator, has said it will offer 10:1 compression to its customers soon. Viacom International and StarNet have also installed Scientific-Atlanta compression systems for the entertainment and cable TV and insertion markets.
A second customer for the new D9700 is IDB Communications Group, which offers data, voice, and video services through teleports to a number of countries, including Russia. The D9700 interface should let it offer more videoconferencing and other services on its system, increasing its capacity dramatically.
Brobst added that the new D9700 will also let cable companies send data to their customers, or transmit data through their systems and networks. This could go a long way toward making cable companies full-fledged participants in the National Information Infrastructure program of the Clinton administration.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930602/Press Contact: Bill Brobst Scientific-Atlanta, 404-903-6306)
ct: Bill Brobst Scientific-Atlanta, 404-903-6306)
6/2/93
Scientific Atlanta Unveils Data/Video Interface
TELECOM
MCI Improves Links With The Inte
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- MCI has signed a contract with CoREN, a consortium of eight regional networks tied to the Internet.
The agreement, which MCI said will be worth over $200 million over five years, will create a backbone among member networks and links via the National Science Foundation's NSFnet to other Internet-connected networks. The member networks of CoREN are BARRNet, CICNet, MIDnet, NEARnet, NorthWestNet, NYSERNet, SURAnet and WestNet. All networking will be under the TCP/IP standard.
MCI said it hopes its deal with CoREN will promote expanded access to the Internet and help lay the foundation for the National Research and Education Network (NREN) program. Contracts under NREN for linking member networks look like big business, and all long distance service providers are eager to expand their Internet service offerings. AT&T, for instance, recently said it would handle a "directory of directories" called DNIC for Internet service providers, through which users can find out where databases of interest are located.
"It is our intent to create the largest, most comprehensive and highest quality Internet and value added services provider in the world today," said Dr. E. Michael Staman, interim CoREN president and president of CICNet.
Of course, getting from here to there will prove difficult. In a press release from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana Internet expert Gene Spafford writes that issues of security property rights and access controls must still be addressed before use of the Internet expands beyond the researchers and university types who now depend on it.
For instance, this story is copyrighted, but Clarinet, an Internet network, as a licensed republisher of Newsbytes, carries the daily Newsbytes news service. Use of copyrighted material is strictly limited in the print world, and rules must be set so that such material is not abused when it becomes available electronically.
"Laws differ from country to country and some countries have no laws governing intellectual property," explained Spafford. "People don't respect copyrights now. We don't have the etiquette in place to make people think it's wrong to copy software and other products without paying for them."
Universal access is also of concern to experts like Spafford. It's not just connections that are needed, but education on how to use them. Otherwise the growing disparity between information haves and have-nots will only grow.
And the security of medical files, commercial files, government files and personal files must also be assured. Partly due to such concerns, the US military is moving toward a non-standard networking system for its Milnet networks, which were once a foundation of the Internet as the ARPAnet.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- With the newly introduced PocketFile series of PCMCIA removable hard disk drives Integra Peripherals has joined the emerging ranks of vendors that are issuing Type III PCMCIA cards.
Integra's new credit card-sized drives are available in capacities of 42 megabytes (MB) as well as a relatively roomy 85 MB, the company said in announcing the series. Until recently, few PCMCIA drives exceeded 60 MB in storage capability.
The PocketFile series is based on Cirrus Logic's CL-SH380 disk drive controller, a chip that supports the PCMCIA attribute memory and card configuration registers in addition to the four different PCMCIA address decoding modes. These features makes make the drives easy to use and transport among PCMCIA slots on desktop, notebook and pen computers, according to company officials.
The drives also offer advanced power management for minimized power consumption, along with the ability to automatically switch between 5-volt and 3-volt operation. The host interface can be run at a different speed than that used for the disk, buffer, and local processor interface.
Use of the cards requires a PCMCIA Type III slot, a size that is just starting to crop up on desktop and portable PCs. Although no different in length or width than the commonly appearing Type I and Type II slots, Type III slots are twice as thick as Type IIs. Type II slots are, in turn, twice as thick as their Type I counterparts.
Like the PocketFile series, most currently available Type III cards are designed for hard disk storage. Analysts predict, however that the larger size will gain favor in the future for PDAs.
A company spokesperson told Newsbytes that PCs equipped with PCMCIA Type III slots include the IBM ThinkPad 720, NEC Versa, and T4500 T4600 and T4900 notebooks as well as two pen computers, the IBM ThinkPad 710T and Fujitsu 325Point. The ThinkPad 720 and Fujitsu notebooks are shipping, he said.
The Type III slots can also accommodate Type I and Type II cards. Type I cards are used primarily for SRAM, DRAM, ROM and flash memory, while Type II cards tend to be aimed at modem, LAN wireless, mass storage, and other I/O purposes.
Integral Peripherals was established in 1990 to design, manufacture and market 1.8-inch hard disk drives for next generation desktop and portable computers.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930602/Press contacts: Joe Fowler, Cirrus Logic Inc., tel 510-226-2239; Tom Parrish, Integral Peripherals tel 303-449-8009)
9; Tom Parrish, Integral Peripherals tel 303-449-8009)
6/2/93
Integra Intros PCMCIA Type III Removable Hard Drives
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades M
Comdex - The Untold Story, Edito
Reaction Positive to BT-MCI Move
Dell Shareholders Sue For Nondis
Consumer Electronics Show Previe
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- The Summer Consumer Electronics Show, which starts tomorrow in Chicago, is turning out to be a "coming out party" for the Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), or Personal Communicators, announced a year ago.
Sharp has issued a statement saying it would soon release its own PDA, based on Apple's Newton technology. The Japanese company calls its products "Expert Series products with Newton Intelligence."
Since they were first announced a year ago, with a speech by Apple Computer chairman John Sculley at CES, PDAs have become a huge vaporware industry. Millions are being spent developing the things, but none have come out, hence the "vaporware" tag. PDAs are generally seen as combining RISC chips, small screens and a pen interface, with lots of wireless connectivity built-in.
Sharp sees its Expert Series products actively adapting themselves to an individual's habits of usage and personalizing information, a natural extension of its Wizard line's ability to assist mobile professionals.
Sharp is already a leader in flat screens and portable computers noted Gil DeLiso, director of marketing, Sharp Personal Home Office Electronics Division, so manufacturing the Newton is a natural move. Sharp expects to ship its first PDA with Newton Intelligence in the third quarter of 1993. Pricing has not yet been determined.
AT&T, meanwhile, said that the Eo Personal Communicator, which uses a chip called Hobbit originally considered by Apple, then rejected will be formally introduced at CES. AT&T also said it will take the majority stake in the Hobbit's maker, Eo Inc. of California.
The Personal Communicator, which was displayed at the last Fall Comdex, is larger than the Newton, and AT&T emphasizes its communicating capabilities over its interface or intelligence. AT&T also said the first Hobbits, which will carry the AT&T brand name will cost about $2,000, although a really usable version with a 20 megabyte hard drive will go for about $4,000.
That's considerably higher than the under-$1,000 price point usually seen for CES products, but both AT&T and Apple expect that within a few years that price barrier will be decisively breached. As shown at last year's Fall Comdex, the AT&T EO 440 Personal Communicator will run a version of Go's PenPoint software.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930602/Press Contact: Dorf & Stanton, for Sharp Lisa Daniele, 212/420-8100)
r Sharp Lisa Daniele, 212/420-8100)
6/2/93
Consumer Electronics Show Preview
TELECOM
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- At the National Press Club, MCI chairman Bert Roberts confirmed that British Telecom is taking a 20 percent stake in his company for $4.3 billion in cash.
In exchange, MCI will get BT North America, which owns the Tymnet packet data network. MCI will also get $830 million in cash immediately for a 4.9 percent stake. BT values its MCI stake at $64 per share, far higher than the current market value of the stock.
The two companies will also invest over $1 billion in a new joint venture aimed at providing seamless voice and data networks to large companies. BT presently has such a venture, called Syncordia, based in Atlanta, and will own 75 percent of the new venture. Syncordia will be merged into the new joint venture.
In essence, the BT-MCI deal is something like the "Grand Concordat" signed between Spain and Portugal 500 years ago which split the globe between them. In this deal MCI gets the Western Hemisphere, BT everything else. Traffic between the two networks will be handled by a global intelligent network established by the joint venture. Other existing links with other carriers will remain in place.
As part of the deal, BT will appoint three directors to the MCI board, while Roberts will join the board of BT. And BT has signed a 10-year "stand-still" agreement with MCI, promising not to increase its share of MCI over that period. The agreement is fairly superfluous, since US law presently prevents foreign carriers from owning over 20 percent of a US long distance company anyway. After the deal was announced in London, BT shares fell slightly, while MCI's price rose on US exchanges.
The MCI deal caps a long period in which BT has been unsuccessfully trying to gain a foothold in the U.S. market and expand its global reach. A deal to take up to 20 percent of General Motors' EDS unit fell through in January. It sold its 25 percent stake in McCaw Cellular, the nation's largest cellular operator, to AT&T. In March it asked for U.S. regulatory approval to re-sell its international private line services in the US, a move AT&T immediately protested claiming it didn't have "equal access" to the UK market. AT&T presently has a petition before British regulators to serve that market.
MCI stayed out of the fray when BT and AT&T fought, while Sprint the third US carrier, had been trying to serve the UK market since January, 1992. That may have been the spur which got MCI and BT talking. Another factor weighing on BT may have been MCI's growing international success -- it's currently the sixth-largest, and fastest-growing, international long distance carrier, while BT is number two.
Two things remain unclear. While MCI and BT both say they will re-sell MCI's intelligent network services, AT&T is presently suing MCI, claiming those offerings infringe on its patents. Also unclear is where the latest move leaves BT's petition to serve North America directly, and AT&T's move to open the British market to it.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930602/Press Contact: MCI, Dave Thompson 202-887-3000; British Telecom, Robert Raggett, 202-639-8222)
0; British Telecom, Robert Raggett, 202-639-8222)
6/2/93
British Telecom & MCI Link To Take On The World
TELECOM
Bill and Al Go Online: Excellent
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- The White House finally has its own Internet accounts. You can write the President at president@whitehouse.gov, or the vice president at vicepresident@whitehouse.gov. Both addresses are linked to the global network-of-networks known as the Internet.
E-mail accounts were said to have been a personal priority of the Vice President. As a Presidential candidate in 1988, then-Senator Al Gore kept a laptop computer with him for writing his speeches and keeping in touch with staff. The President, however, prefers to work with paper, and is known for going through stacks of paperwork using margin notations to signal approval or disapproval of proposals.
When Clinton took office in January, many staffers said they were appalled at the poor quality of White House technology. Clinton himself couldn't reach the outside world without going through an operator, and many of the PCs at the Executive Mansion were considered obsolete. The announcement of the new e-mail address was made from Wisconsin, where the President was giving a speech.
The e-mail announcement represents a victory for the young staffers who came with the President to Washington, and a much needed ego boost. Many feel they'll be shunted aside as political veteran David Gergen takes charge of White House communications operations. Messages sent to the box -- and there are already 5,000 messages a week going to consumer services like CompuServe are read by the White House correspondence staff, but a sample will be shown to the President and Vice President.
One more important point. Messages to the commercial accounts were collected on floppy disks, then sent by mail or courier. The new system is a direct Internet link. In his statement from Wisconsin, Clinton also indicated he wants the U.S. House and other Executive Branch agencies to get e-mail links, but asked for patience as the links go online. "We must be realistic about the limitations and expectations of the White House electronic mail system," the President's letter said. The White House is "not yet capable of sending back a tailored response."
Newsbytes discussed the new system briefly with Jock Gill, who helped set the new system up. He sounded far more harried than he did during the fall campaign, but otherwise sound.
"This is a very baby step," he emphasized. "The new things are the whitehouse.gov address, the fact we're taking electronic messages and the fact we give an automatic reply on receipt. Next we'll take a step toward more relevant replies. We know these are small steps," but the aim is to give citizens more direct contact with top government officials.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930602/Press Contact: White House, Jock Gill, 202-456-1414; Internet: president@whitehouse.gov)
Internet: president@whitehouse.gov)
6/2/93
Bill and Al Go Online: Excellent!
TELECOM
Community Chest Benefits From Su
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 JUNE 2 (NB) -- Accountancy software developer Systems Union has donated a copy of SunAccount to the Community Chest to help streamline its accounting operations.
Supporting over 120 welfare organizations, the Community Chests manages its accounts by keeping track of donations and fund allocation to beneficiary agencies and to a variety of charity projects.
SunAccount enables the Community Chest to keep detailed records of sources of donation under Accounts Receivable and keep track of fund allocation under Accounts Payable. It also enables the Community Chest to keep up to 10 budgets for its various projects and compare forecasts with actuals or budgets.
By adopting the integrated ledger accounting concept, SunAccount will enable the Community Chest to update general ledger receivable, payables, client or project ledger simultaneously. All accounts can be updated in real time and all inquiries and reports can be fully up to date.
Following completion of the audit for its fiscal 1992 accounts in May, the Community Chest will install SunAccount and enter all data and transactions dating from April 1, the beginning of the new financial year.
Running on an IBM compatible, SunAccount will play a key role in meeting the Community Chest's financial statement and monthly reporting requirements.
"With a combined ledger concept and flexible reporting structure SunAccount will help improve the Community Chest's efficiency in producing reports and annual accounts, said Henry Kwong, finance and accounts adviser of the Community Chest.
"We are grateful for Systems Union's donation and hope that with the help of SunAccount, much of the time and hassle in producing the Community Chest's monthly financial statements can be saved," Kwong said.
Grant Boydell, SUL's managing director, commented: "We are a firm believer of the importance of financial information to the management of both profit and non_profit organizations."
"We believe all the charitable agents and the underprivileged can benefit from the accurate financial information and a more efficient accounting infrastructure from the Community Chest," he said.
(Brett Cameron/19930601/Press Contact: Systems Union Limited, Grant Boydell, +852-802 3688;HK time is GMT + 8)
Boydell, +852-802 3688;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/2/93
Community Chest Benefits From SunAccount
GENERAL
Comdex: Microsoft Endorses DigiB
PCs Aid In Medical Self-Diagnosi
Dell Ships Pentium PCs To Austra
Canadian Product Launch Update
Systemhouse Mexican Joint Ventur
GEnie Clarifies Details Of Rate
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Following on from yesterday's story about GEnie's rate changes, Newsbytes took time out to discuss the changes, which kick in on July 1, with John Barber, GEnie's general manager.
According to Barber, the rate changes, which see the monthly minimum rise from $4-95 to $8-95, in return for four free hours of usage and an hourly rate cut of 50 percent to $3-00 per hour, were discussed as far back as last summer, although a decision on when to implement them was not taken until earlier this year.
"We had seen the writing on the wall in the latter half of 1992 and although we didn't carry out any changes at that time, we realized that some changes would be necessary. These new prices are the result of those discussions," he told Newsbytes.
Some corners of the comms industry have interpreted the rate changes as an increase. Barber admits that a small minority of subscribers will find their bills rising from $4-95 to $8-95 a month.
"Most of our subscribers use the system sufficiently each month that they will gain from the new charging structure. Sure, there will be some users who (both) subscribe to GEnie and access a local BBS or two, but I have to say that, if anyone is only accessing GEnie for a half hour a week, then they probably aren't taking full advantage of the service," he said.
Barber added that such users may well find that their local BBS fulfils some of the functions that GEnie provides. "But they won't get access to the telecommunications network or the wide range of facilities that we provide. That's what comes within the scope of the monthly minimum charges," he said.
Despite the increase in the monthly minimum, Barber reckons that the vast majority of GEnie subscribers will see their monthly bills go down and, even though more subscribers are signing on the dotted line, Barber said that he projects second half '93 income from GEnie usage will be "pretty flat."
So why the changes? "It's simple... that's the way the market is going. All online systems are starting to offer their users a little more and are expecting a commitment from them. It's clear that this is the way the market is going," he said.
"The consumer is going to make out pretty well," he added, referring to the changes in GEnie's rate schedule, as well as to the flat-rate charges that Compuserve has introduced in the last year, and the changes in charges for other major online services.
(Steve Gold/19930602/Press Contact: Vivian Kelly, GE Information Services - tel: 301/340-4494)
Information Services - tel: 301/340-4494)
6/2/93
GEnie Clarifies Details Of Rate Changes
TELECOM
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
State Regulators Face Sunset
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
First Major Private Phone Exchan
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Russia's first major privatized phone exchange has gone onstream, servicing 10,000 subscribers in Balakovo, a city in the Saratov region. The exchange was supplied by Samsung, the Korean electronics giant.
Marking the opening of the exchange, the vice president of Samsung flew in from Korea, to formally open the facility along with Alexander Kudriavtsev, Russia's deputy Minister for Communications.
Chemicomp is the company behind the private exchange and intends to recoup the cost of its efforts by charging around 15 percent more than the overloaded state telecoms company charges for its service. With this charging system in place, the company hopes to recoup its investment within five years.
Balakovo is a city in the Saratov region with a population of 210,000. The area has several large chemical factories and a large nuclear power station. Chemicomp's decision to finance its own exchange seems to have been taken for practical, as well as for financial considerations.
Samsung is working on the number of similar projects in other parts of Russia, namely in Dagestan, Murmansk, Chita, Tymen regions and Vladivostok city, according to Yuri Pamikhin of Samsung Moscow.
First Major Private Phone Exchange In Russia Opens
TELECOM
Japan's MITI Predicts Next Gener
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has released a report detailing what it sees are the most promising industries in the next century.
According to the report, new transportation systems and multi-media technologies will be the top two industries as we move into the 21st Century.
The report, which was prepared by MITI's Future Study Committee for Mid-term Industry and Economy, also predicts that new industries will move to the fore in the next century. The report recommends that the Japanese Government should develop new types of transportation systems.
Private firms, meanwhile, should get into multimedia-based industries, developing machinery and parts that are based on high technology. Also, the Government should revise and further deregulate legislation and provisions that are related to telecommunications, broadcasting, medical care and energy, in order to engender further development of industry generally.
The most promising technologies are fine ceramics. The report predicts that the fine ceramics-related industry will grow to be a 6 trillion yen ($55 billion) industry by the year 2000.
Next generation car technologies come in to the second place, the report predicts, with both electric and solar cell vehicles expected to account for 3 trillion ($28 billion) worth of sales in the next century.
Perhaps surprisingly, the report concludes that the multimedia technology industry will be in fifth place, with a 770 billion yen ($7 billion) tag. Portable phones and personal fax machines which are currently a boom industry -- will fall into tenth place.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930602)
enth place.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930602)
6/2/93
Japan's MITI Predicts Next Generation Of Technology
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clea
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Sixty-three months of litigation between Apple Computer and Microsoft culminated in US District Court Judge Vaughn Walker granting Microsoft's and Hewlett-Packard's motions to dismiss the last remaining copyright infringement claims against the Microsoft Windows operating system versions 2.03 and 3.0 as well as HP Newwave. But it isn't over yet as Apple says it plans to appeal.
Apple first filed the suit in March 1988, alleging that Microsoft with Windows 2.03 and Hewlett-Packard's Windows interface Newwave violated Apple's copyrights by too closely resembling the Macintosh user interface. Microsoft's contention has been that what is covered under Apple's copyright was licensed in 1985 and the rest were materials that existed before the Macintosh interface did.
Apple expanded the suit in May of 1991 to include Microsoft's Windows 3.0 and Newwave 3.0 versions as well as adding a fraud charge against Microsoft concerning the 1985 license. However Apple was unsuccessful in getting the court to rule that Microsoft's license was obtained in a fraudulent manner, and the judge in the case was quoted calling Apple's fraud issue a "sideshow" and "pretty outlandish."
Apple named over 200 allegedly infringed visual displays in Windows 2.03. By March of 1992, 189 alleged infringing visual displays were still at issue, but 179 were determined to be covered by the 1985 agreement between Microsoft and Apple. The remaining 10 continued through the legal process.
In addition to all this, Apple raised its original $4.37 billion figure to $5.5 billion after sales figures on Windows 3.1 were released. The original figure was based on a study done by economics professor Robert Hall of the Hoover Institute at Stanford University as the total estimated revenue lost to Apple because of the presence of Microsoft Windows and Hewlett-Packard's New Wave products on the market.
In April, the last ten on Apple's list of infringing displays in Windows, such as overlapping windows and pulldown menus, were dismissed as infringing by Judge Walker. The issue then was what was there left to fight over. The only remaining question, according to Microsoft, was if a jury could compare Windows 2.03 and 3.0, each as a whole, with the Apple Lisa Desktop and find either Windows product to be virtually identical to the Apple work. Judge Walker has settled that issue in the lower court, but Apple says it didn't contest the summary judgement.
With the summary judgement, Apple is now free to appeal, which is what the company has said it wanted since last year when its ten remaining infringing displays were dismissed.
Apple representatives told Newsbytes all three companies, Apple Microsoft, and HP, agreed to try for a summary judgement that Apple would not contest so the case could go to the US District Court of Appeals. Apple's motivation for wanting to appeal is its desire to get a clean slate with a new judge.
"We don't like the way the judge framed the case," Apple public relations manager Yolonda Davis told Newsbytes. "The interface at issue became the Lisa interface, not the Macintosh interface. The Lisa interface is obsolete." Avoiding a jury trial is more economic and more efficient, but even more attractive is the idea that an Appeals court might be able to just make a decision, Apple sources said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930602/Press Contact: Marty Taucher Microsoft, tel 206-882-8080; Yolonda Davis, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-5193, fax 408-967-5651)
uter, tel 408-974-5193, fax 408-967-5651)
6/2/93
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clean Slate
BUSINESS
Microsoft Ships Access 1.1, Acce
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Just six months after introducing its Access relational database management system (DBMS), Microsoft is shipping version 1.1 of the program, as well as an Access developer kit for Windows.
The company says that the new release is in response to customer feedback, and includes additional drivers it had committed to provide. Microsoft has opened a special phone line for users to submit feedback about the product.
The new version reportedly includes expanded Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) support that allows Access to read and write to Oracle and Sybase SQL Server databases from within Microsoft Access 1.1-based applications, using ODBC. Microsoft says access to Microsoft SQL Server data is also faster, with fewer connections, in Release 1.1.
There's also a direct connection to Microsoft's FoxPro database software versions 2.0 and 2.5 data and indexes. The connection is supposed to give users the ability to access and update information in FoxPro databases in realtime from within Access 1.1 concurrently with users working in FoxPro. Previously data import/exports were done in batch mode. Realtime data import/export is intended to give users access to the most current data.
Microsoft says that interoperability with desktop applications is improved in the new release, with faster and more flexible fixed width text importing as well as support for variable length data strings. Support has also been improved for Btrieve data, as has importing of Excel database named ranges. There's also a new export option that lets the user move data into Word for Windows in a mail merge format, and you can attach to Paradox tables that are in use or to dBase files on a compact disk (CD).
Other enhancements include an increase in the maximum database file size from the 128 megabytes (MB) in the original version to one gigabyte (GB) in the new version. Microsoft says it has also made installation of third party add-in Wizard products easier.
Access 1.1 is also being added to the Microsoft Office application software suite, which will ship under the name The Microsoft Office Professional version 3.0 for Windows, and includes Access 1.1 for Windows; spreadsheet Excel 4.0; word processor Word 2.0 for Windows; PowerPoint presentation graphics 3.0; and a workstation license for Microsoft Mail 3.2, an electronic mail package.
The new Microsoft Access Distribution Kit for Windows is designed to assist developers of applications, utilities and add-ons in creating and distributing applications for Microsoft Access and Microsoft Windows. The kit includes a runtime version of Access, a selection of development tools, and a license that allows developers to distribute the run-time version of Access royalty-free in conjunction with their own applications for Access 1.1. The license lets developers distribute an unlimited number of their applications and as many different applications as they desire without the end user having to buy a full version of Access or pay royalties to Microsoft.
Microsoft says that the run-time version of Access is designed to let developers create a custom look for their Access applications automatically removing the Access database container, Microsoft specific screens, and the toolbar. A custom set-up routine lets developers provide their customers with a custom set-up program, and a Set-Up Wizard guides developers through the custom setup program expediting the process of building application disks.
An ODBC setup kit for Access facilitates application access to a variety of data sources through ODBC, including Oracle and Sybase SQL Server and Microsoft SQL Server, and can be distributed royalty-free to the end user. There's also a book titled "The Secrets of AccessWizards" that contains information about developing debugging, testing, installing, and using AccessWizards, and a run time version of Microsoft Graph and a Windows Help Compiler.
Users of Access 1.0 can upgrade through resellers or directly from Microsoft for the suggested retail price of $14.95 from resellers or $19.95 if purchased directly from Microsoft. The suggested retail price of Access 1.1 for new users is $495. The Access Distribution kit, which requires Access 1.1 in order to create runtime applications, has a suggested retail price of $495, plus freight and sales tax when ordered from Microsoft. Microsoft Office Professional version 3.0 for Windows, scheduled to ship later this month, is $949.
(Jim Mallory/19930602/Press contact: Julie Briselden, Microsoft 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft, 800-426-9400 or 206-882-8080)
contact: Microsoft, 800-426-9400 or 206-882-8080)
6/2/93
Microsoft Ships Access 1.1, Access Developer Kit
NCR Enters UTS Mainframe Market
DAYTON, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- NCR has announced the introduction of Comten UTSCON-1 software, a package designed specifically for use in Amdahl UTS mainframe computing environments with BX.25 terminals and other devices that require access to applications on host systems running the UTS operating system.
The company says that TSCON-1 resides in a Comten 56xx communications processor, and provides host-to-host and terminal-to host BX.25 connectivity in conjunction with Comten X.25 V2 R2. The software allows users to simultaneously connect multiple UTS hosts through a single communications processor and/or simultaneously connect multiple UTS and IBM MVS hosts via a single communications processor.
Amdahl front-end processors provide two channel interfaces, one active and one for backup. Comten 56xx communications processors provide up to 16 channel connections. The company says users with individual, multi-vendor front-end processors dedicated to either MVS routing or UTS routing can implement UTSCON-1 and consolidate a multiple vendor, multiple box network structure into a single-vendor single box system that provides users access to applications running in both the MVS and UTS computing environments.
A UTS host and a BX.25 device each send or receive data packets using different protocols. A packet from or to a UTS host has to follow the EPMPX protocol, while a packet to or from a BX.25 device uses the BX.25 protocol. UTSCON-1 establishes two concurrent sessions, one with the UTS host using the EPMPX protocol and one with the remote BX.25 device using the BX.25 protocol.
In the Comten UTSCON-1 implementation the connection between the Comten 56xx processor and the remote BX.25 device is over a packet switched network that uses X.25 link access procedures. The link is supported by Comten X.25 V2 R2 software. A standard Comten Channel Interface Adapter is used to connect the Comten 56xx to a mainframe running UTS software.
NCR says that the annual fee for UTSCON-1 software is $11,000, and the package is expected to ship during the third quarter.
(Jim Mallory/19930602/Press contact: Mark Feighery, NCR 513-445-5236)
Mark Feighery, NCR 513-445-5236)
6/2/93
NCR Enters UTS Mainframe Market
GENERAL
^ &$
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unreg
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Cray Computer has announced plans to offer as many as 12.4 million unregistered shares of its common stock to institutional investors and will sell nearly two million unregistered common shares to company chairman and CEO Seymour Cray.
Cray Computer is a 1989 spinoff of Minnesota-based Cray Research in an attempt to build what was touted as the world's fastest computer the Cray-3. The supercomputer was designed to use gallium arsenide to achieve its speed, but the project has been plagued by difficulties. First the company experienced problems in finding a reliable vendor for the gallium arsenide circuitry and had to build its own foundry in Colorado Springs. Then in 1991 Cray lost its only customer when the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories decided not to buy the first Cray-3 after the company missed a demonstration milestone for the supercomputer.
Late last month Newsbytes reported the company had found a demonstration site for a scaled-down version of the Cray-3 at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, which will be used to study global warming and the greenhouse effect. The company has said it has enough cash remaining to keep it running through September.
Sixty million shares of stock were originally authorized by the Cray Research board of directors, and about 25 million have been issued. Cray Computer says the new shares will not be registered initially with the Securities and Exchange Commission, so buyers will not be able to sell them on the market. However, the asking price is $2.25 per share, below the current trading price of Cray stock.
The private and institutional investors for the new offering , who were not identified, include private individuals, a pension fund, and a merchant bank, Chief Financial Officer William Skolout told the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph newspaper.
In addition to the institutional offering, Chairman Seymour Cray will reportedly buy 1.8 million shares, paying $2.75 per share. That will double his share in the company, reportedly making him the single largest investor with almost six percent of the outstanding shares.
Skolout told the Gazette Telegraph that the deal will not dilute the equity of current shareholders because the cash infusion is expected to boost the overall equity value of the company. Cray President Terry Willkom said that Cray will make his $5 million investment "to express his confidence in the company and in the product."
The market responded favorably to the announcement, with Cray shares closing at $3.13, up $0.38.
(Jim Mallory/19930602/Press contact: Terry Willkom, Cray Computer 719-579-6464)
ess contact: Terry Willkom, Cray Computer 719-579-6464)
6/2/93
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unregistered Common Shares
BUSINESS
Mario's Brother, Luigi, To Visit
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- If you happen to be driving by the FAO Swartz Michigan Avenue store in Chicago Saturday don't be surprised to see a strange character hanging around the store's front entrance.
According to the folks at The Software Toolworks, the guy handing out yo-yo's this Saturday from 1-5PM is Luigi, the brother of Mario of Mario Brothers video game fame, and he's in Chicago to promote the new Mario is Missing! geography learning game in which Luigi searches the world over for his beloved brother, Mario.
The company says Mario is Missing! is the first game in the Mario Learning Series for children ages 3 through 12. The series is designed to teach subjects like geography, history, math, reading and early learning skills.
The new series isn't the first educational offering of The Software Toolworks. The company also produces The Miracle Piano Teaching System, The Chessmaster series, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, and the San Diego Zoo Presents... The Animals!.
Mario is Missing! is currently available for Super NES, MS-DOS, and CD-ROM systems. An NES version is scheduled to ship later this summer. It also plans to introduce the second in the series, Mario's Time Machine, this summer, a game that takes you traveling through history with your favorite characters. They have also introduced a new Mario is Missing! city disk that adds 10 more cities to the Mario is Missing! DOS version.
(Jim Mallory/19930602/Press contact: Tracy Eagan, The Software Toolworks, 415-883-3000, ext 828; Reader contact: The Software Toolworks, 415-883-3000)
act: The Software Toolworks, 415-883-3000)
6/2/93
Mario's Brother, Luigi, To Visit Chicago
GENERAL
Sculley Says He Suggested Apple/
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- John Sculley has revealed he suggested a merger between IBM and Apple Computer according to an interview published in this month's issue of Fortune magazine. Sculley claims he made the suggestion when he was approached about heading IBM after the former chief executive officer (CEO) John Akers resigned in January.
On the heels of billions in losses and layoffs, IBM's board of directors recruited a search committee to look for a new CEO both inside and outside the company. Sculley was one of the candidates.
Sculley said he suggested merging Apple with the "best parts" of IBM, and contended both companies had the parts to put together a "very strong business." Sculley said his view is IBM would have a much better chance for success with Apple on the "team."
But, the proposal didn't work out. "The problem was that IBM's stock continued to weaken, so to acquire Apple would have meant too much dilution," Sculley said. IBM officials were unavailable for comment.
Apple and IBM have already formed two joint venture companies neither of which has released products to date. Apple executives have said publicly since 1991 that Apple "needs" IBM and that IBM is crucial to the future of Apple.
After a two month search, the final choice for IBM's CEO was the former chairman and CEO of Nabisco, Louis Gerstner. Gerstner moved into his new position at IBM on April 1 of this year.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930602/Press Contact: Apple Computer, 408 974-2042; Rob Wilson, IBM, tel 914-765-6565)
974-2042; Rob Wilson, IBM, tel 914-765-6565)
6/2/93
Sculley Says He Suggested Apple/IBM Merger
BUSINESS
IBM Japan To Create More Subsidi
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- IBM Japan has revealed it is preparing to create 10 more subsidiaries. The aim of the new company formations is to promote the sales of PCs into specialist markets.
The 10 new subsidiaries will be spun off from Big Blue's Information Systems division. IBM officials say that the spin-offs, which will take place formally next month, represent the downsizing that is taking place in the industry generally.
IBM Japan's Information Systems division was created in January of this year with a total capitalization of three billion yen ($27 million). The division employs around 2,500 staff in total, meaning that 250 staff will be employed by each of the new companies, whose primary aim will be to support mid-size and small sized companies.
IBM Japan is also trying to help its senior employees create new firms under the firm's so-called "Second Carrier" program. The company recently created two new firms, while the former employees have created total of 11 new firms under the program so far. Under this program, IBM Japan pays about half of the total capitalization of each new firm.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930602/Press Contact: IBM Japan, +81 3-3586-1111, Fax, +81-3-3589-4645)
+81 3-3586-1111, Fax, +81-3-3589-4645)
6/2/93
IBM Japan To Create More Subsidiaries
REVIEW: Loom Fantasy Adventure C
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 2 (NB) -- Review of: Loom Fantasy Adventure Computer Game
Runs on: IBM PC/AT (286 or higher), CD-ROM drive, MS-DOS or PC DOS 3.1 or higher, 640K RAM, VGA graphics. Sound card not required if CD-ROM drive has audio output.
From: The Software Toolworks, 60 Leveroni Court, Novato, CA 94949. 415-883-3000 (Toolworks) or 800-STARWARS (LucasFilms) voice, 415-456-4381 fax orders.
Price: $99.95 list for the CD-ROM version reviewed here. IBM EGA Amiga, Atari ST, and Macintosh versions with less stunning sound and graphics cost between $30 and $45.
PUMA Rating: 4 on a scale 1=lowest to 4=highest
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Rick Bender 06/01/93
Summary: Loom is a fascinating journey into the distant past of magic and mystery; the game works especially well for the musically inclined but can be enjoyed by all who take the time to explore.
====== REVIEW ======
Loom is a medieval fantasy game in which you, as the young weaver's apprentice Bobbin Threadbare, must find the missing elders of your weaving guild and save the world. Along the way you explore the surrounding lands with your crooked distaff collecting four-letter sequences of musical notes, called "drafts." These drafts manage the spells you need to get around in the musical world of Loom.
The plot will engage sci-fi and fantasy aficionados as well as students of Middle Age history, and this game features stereo sound and detailed high-resolution graphics that show everything right down to the folds in the heap of undyed wool and the red clam hearts in the seagull's breakfast. The colors in the sunset are brilliant, as are the three-dimensional hills, forests, and elders' tents through which you navigate Bobbin in the first of 256 screens.
I especially liked the voices on the CD-ROM version; some of the character lines were quite amusing. "Hm... Must be the wrong draft," mumbles Bobbin. And when you try to weave a draft on a nonexistent object, Bobbin softly scolds, "It would help if you would point at something first!" I chuckled to myself at these cute little utterances while I was trying the game.
This is a complex game requiring a lot of patience with the musical puzzles and will take many hours for most players to make any real headway in solving the various mysteries, but some parts are just for fun and, of course, the puzzles may change the next time you play.
After a couple of hours I was getting nowhere fast, because few clues come with the game and I was getting lost in the musical scales; however, if you are interested in spells, magic, and fantasy, Loom will keep you in front of the monitor all day and well into the night.
If you get really frustrated, there is always the optional $13 cluebook that provides a slew of hints for "puzzled" gamers. Can't wait another minute, let alone for the mailman? Then just call 1-900-740-JEDI for the automated hint line which costs 75 cents per-minute and is only available for US callers.
Getting around in Loom is easy because the program lets you use a mouse, joystick, or keyboard to move Bobbin and weave drafts. The complexity is where it belongs - in the puzzles and plot, not, as with some games, learning your way around your own keyboard!
One of Loom's side benefits is the review in basic music one gets, due to the fact that a musical scale from middle C to high C is placed beneath the distaff (in the novice version) and practice comes through trying to play "just the right draft!" If you are musically literate (perhaps from already owning The Toolworks's Miracle Piano System), you can go on to the expert level.
Loom is a good example of multimedia with so much sound and image enhancement that it actually comes on two CD-ROMs, although that won't be any annoyance while playing because the entire game can be played without changing discs.
The characters' voices are amusing and well-done, and the musical is interesting. To really get you involved in the mystical aspects of the story, Loom includes a 30-minute dramatic prelude to the game which comes on the second CD-ROM.
Loom weaves a story which is complex and intricate, beautiful and mysterious, and very hard to unravel, but this is a fantasy adventure game, not arcade - it takes thought to win, not fast reactions.
Although Loom is small "m" multimedia and provides excellent sound and graphics, it is not MPC and this is a real advantage because the program doesn't require a system that has Windows installed and doesn't need an expensive add-on sound card because it will play music right through your CD-ROM drive's headphone or stereo amplifier output.
Because the designers used CD-ROM for the version we tested, they had the luxury of enhancing the program with little concern for storage space or the need to ship a couple of dozen floppies with a game, and were therefore able to include sophisticated 256 color 3-D graphics with very nice animation.
Those who have previously bought the $30 floppy version of Loom can upgrade for $25.
============ PUMA RATING ============
PERFORMANCE: 4 Excellent sound and color with great animation; as far as the game player is concerned this is what CD-ROM was invented for.
USEFULNESS: 4 Highly entertaining and engaging game with puzzles which will take many hours (or days) to solve.
AVAILABILITY: 4 This is a LucasArts, LucasFilm Games program which is distributed by The Software Toolworks and supported by LucasFilm Games, so Loom is widely available by mail order or through software stores.
MANUAL: 4 The game requires almost no instructions, and the manual is intended to be more entertaining than informative.
(Rick Bender and John McCormick/19930601/Press Contact: Tracy Egan, The Software Toolworks, 415-883-3000 x 828, fax 415-883 0298)
olworks, 415-883-3000 x 828, fax 415-883 0298)
6/2/93
REVIEW: Loom Fantasy Adventure Computer Game
Bulgarian Telecommunications Ove
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 MAY 26 (NB) -- Bulgarian Telecom has announced the successful bidders in the international tender to update the Bulgarian telephone network.
Under the newly-awarded contracts, Alcatel of France will supply fiber lines for Eastern Bulgaria, while Northern Telecom of the USA will do the same for the Western part of the country.
According to Anton Slavinsi, Bulgarian Telecom's vice-president the lines involved will span a distance of 1,700km. Digital exchanges for the network will be provided by Siemens of Germany and Ericsson of Sweden, with Ericsson also providing an international transit exchange for the network.
The project is reported to have cost US$300 million, of which US$155 million dollars was provided by World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank.
In a related story, Bulgarian Telecom has signed a deal with US Sprint to fund a joint venture company that will provide computer fax bureau services. Sprint will hold 60 percent of the networking company. The first node on the network has already opened for business in Sofia, with two more in Tarnovo (in North Bulgaria) and Varna (a Black Sea port) opening up before the end of the month.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930602)
ne Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930602)
6/1/93
Bulgarian Telecommunications Overview
TELECOM
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
SOFIA, BULGARIA, 1993 JUN 01 (NB) -- Britain's Cable and Wireless has announced plans to build a mobile cellular telephone system in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. C&W says it intends to invest the profits from the venture in the country, rather than export the cash to the West.
"We will maintain long-term investments in Bulgaria and all our profits in the first three to four years will be reinvested," explained John Munnery, managing director of C&W.
The new company, named Radio Telecommunications Company (RT) is 49 percent owned by Cable and Wireless, with the rest going to Bulgarian Telecommunications Company OOD (39 percent), smaller corporations and two private individuals.
Munnery said that this year the Mobifon network, as the cellular system is called, will cover Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city, as well as the highway between them. The network should also be expanded, to cover certain areas around the Black Sea ports of Varna and Bourgas. 85 percent of the population is expected to be covered by the new network at the end of 1999.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930602) at the end of 1999.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930602)
6/2/93
C&W Secures Cellular Contract For Bulgaria
TELECOM
Seeing Organs In 3D
HYDERABAD, INDIA, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- In a major advance in the field of medical imaging, scientists in Hyderabad, India, have developed a software package that enables surgeons to see internal organs in three dimensions.
Currently used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices and computerized tomography (CT) scans provide the doctors with only two-dimensional views of organs.
Two-dimensional images are converted into three-dimensional representations with the help of a software package called Anamica developed by scientists of the Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group (ANURAG), Defence R&D Organization. With the help of Anamica, doctors can not only precisely locate, for instance, a brain tumor but can also choose the nearest and safest route to operate on it. Doctors can rotate the image on a television screen and study it from various angles or zoom in on selective regions of the organ.
Another advantage is that a surgeon can rehearse the surgical procedure on the computer before trying it on the patient. While the program will help surgeons perform their delicate jobs, a major limitation at present is the relatively long time taken to process the data. The reconstruction of 30 slices takes about 20 minutes.
A spokesperson said Anamica could find extensive use in hospitals that already have CT scan and MRI facilities. All they would need is a graphics workstation or a parallel processing computer, also developed by ANURAG.
The software package will be commercially available in August.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930603)
Mahabharat/19930603)
6/3/93
Seeing Organs In 3D
TRENDS
India May Relax Import Duty Regi
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- The import duty structure of the computer industry was such that it was promoting "grey market" sales of information technology equipment and depriving both the government and taxpayers their due, the Manufacturers Association of Information Technology in India has claimed.
A market study conducted by MAIT has come to the conclusion that a change in the duty structure would raise government income through taxes on the IT industry from the current level of Rs 225 crore (around $75 million) to Rs 266 crore (around $89 million).
MAIT has suggested an import duty of 90 percent on finished goods 50 percent on components, 30 percent on non-electronic components and 10 percent on raw materials. The existing rates are 105, 80 and 30 percent respectively.
In a related development, the Department of Electronics of the government of India has written to the finance ministry asking for the removal of customs duty on software imports. "We have recognized software as an area of focus," said N. Vittal, secretary DOE, about the decision.
On the decision of the US to impose a 21.5 percent tax on software professionals working there, Vittal suggested that software development could be shifted offshore. The DoE has also written to the ministry of external affairs to arrive at an agreement with the US to resolve the issue, he said.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930603)
the issue, he said.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930603)
6/3/93
India May Relax Import Duty Regime For Computers
NEC Ships 100,000 Units Of Windo
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Japan's major personal computer maker NEC has shipped over 100,000 copies of Japanese Windows 3.1 in the two weeks since its release in Japan.
NEC released Japanese Windows 3.1 for its best-selling personal computer, the PC-9801, on May 12. The 100,000 it has sold since that time is more than the firm initially predicted. The most generous figure anticipated was 500,000 units for the first year. The 100,000 mark means the firm has already achieved 20 percent of the annual sales target.
NEC is currently selling Windows 3.1 on floppy disks and CD-ROMs as well as pre-installed on personal computers. 92 percent of total sales were floppy disk and CD-ROM versions, and the rest was pre-installed. It is expected that NEC will double sales for the initial year if this popularity lasts.
Meanwhile, NEC has started building a software research center in the Software Research Park in Fukuoka, Kyushu. Many major Japanese computer firms will build research centers in this area, but NEC is the first to begin construction at this site. This Software Research Park is backed up by the local government which is expected to spend a total of 150 billion yen ($1.4 billion) to set up this park. Some 10,000 researchers and engineers are expected to work at this site, one of the largest software research centers in Japan.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- GE Store Nord and Telecom two Danish telecoms companies, have contracted with A/O International, a Russian company, to provide telecoms links between Russia, South Korea and Japan.
The project is expected to generate $160 million worth of sales for the two Danish companies. According to Telecom, a subsidiary of the Danish state-controlled telecoms giant, the contract calls for the two companies to dramatically enhance telecoms links between Russia and selected foreign countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia and the US. This will mean the two Danish companies must contract with third-party networks to obtain full services.
The bulk of the international links will be provided by a fiber optic cable that will link Russia, Japan and South Korea. The 1,700 kilometer link will be augmented by a 900-kilometer overland link from Eastern Russia to Japan. The two Danish companies will provide the links required at the non-Russian ends of the cables.
As part of the deal, the two Danish companies will put up the cash required to finance the Russian side of the submarine cable. This will cost around $60 million, although a considerable portion of these costs will be offset by income from KDD of Japan and South Korea Telecom, both of which will use spare capacity on the cable links, once they enter business in two years time.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
usiness in two years time.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
6/3/93
Danish Companies Forge Telecom Agree't With Russia
TELECOM
Euro-Piracy Wave On Downturn Cla
e LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- The battle over software piracy in Europe may be succeeding, if figures on the problem just released by the Business Software Alliance (BSA) are anything to go by.
According to the BSA, a not-for-profit company that is funded by major software houses, losses from piracy fell last year to an estimated $4,600 million, down from a peak of $5,300 million in 1991. These figures compare to estimated worldwide losses of $11,500 million in 1992, suggesting that Europe has a higher proportion of piracy per software sale than the rest of the world.
According to Brad Smith, legal counsel to the BSA's European operations, the extra $700 million of income in a time of recession had helped to create around 8,000 new jobs in the software industry.
Smith said that 1992 was a watershed for the industry as whole. "It represents something of the turning of the tide although the problem remains very serious," Smith said at a news conference to announce the 1992 figures to the press.
Smith added that the reason for the fall in software piracy in Europe is due to the completion of the European Community (EC) Software Directive which has considerably strengthened intercountry copyright rules in all EC countries. Also, he said, the BSA's activities in Europe had been increased, with BSA operations extending behind the former Iron Curtain.
The last year, according to Smith, has seen the BSA active in legal actions in Europe. More than 100 actions took place in 10 countries against companies and individuals. These actions resulted in some very public prosecutions which, allied with promotional campaigns, had got the message across that software piracy does not pay.
"We believe the market's finally getting the message that it does not pay to engage in illegal copying," he said.
So which countries cause the most problems for the BSA? Smith demurred on this point, noting that problems in Italy had been negated by recent strong legislation, but Spain continues to cause concern.
Although the BSA is funded mainly through contributions from major software houses, it has recently decided to extend prosecution assistance from the major companies to smaller software houses. This is because the BSA has discovered these companies are the most heavily affected by problems relating to software piracy.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
oftware piracy.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
6/3/93
Euro-Piracy Wave On Downturn Claims BSA
TRENDS
Olivetti Unveils Radio LAN Techn
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- While NCR is fighting European country regulations on its Wavelan wireless local area network (LAN) technology, Olivetti has succeeded in getting its own wireless LAN system, known as Net3 (written as Net cubed), past the legislators.
According to Gerard Temin, Olivetti's executive business unit director, Net3 has passed through the Government legislative procedures since it uses the digital European cordless telecoms (DECT) standard for mobile telephony.
DECT technology is more commonly associated with mobile telephones. However, since the standard uses digital switching techniques to transfer data between mobile phones, the technology can be applied quite easily to mobile LAN systems such as Net3.
According to Temin, since Net3 is one of the first into the wireless LAN market-place, it has very wide-ranging possibilities. As well as the convenience aspect, Net3 has cost advantages over conventional hard-wired LAN technologies. In addition, he said, it can be used in situations where hard-wired systems cannot be used, such as in historical buildings, as well as in mobile applications such as in mobile data capture in the retail environment.
Net3 is also compact. Each PC is linked to a small box that acts as a radio transceiver, communicating with a central base station. Under current radio regulations applicable in Europe Net3 has an effective range of 100 yards, although it could be enhanced where regulations permit. The use of radio repeaters in a building can boost the effective range of the radio LAN if required.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
if required.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
6/3/93
Olivetti Unveils Radio LAN Technology
TRENDS
Xircom Brings Nomadic Computing
US/India Hope To Resolve ISRO Ro
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- India hopes to amicably resolve the row with the US State Department over the $250-million cryogenic rocket technology deal between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Glavkosmos (the Russian space agency)>
The US trade sanctions, imposed over two years ago, sought to bar ISRO from procuring critical raw materials for India's space programs. The Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Space Commission, Prof U. R. Rao, will visit Washington to negotiate lifting of the sanctions and sort out the difficulties posed by the missile technology control regime (MTCR).
Confirming the government's intention, the Secretary, External Affairs Ministry, J. N. Dixit, said restrictions on the proposed sale of cryogenic technology were not sustainable under US law itself. He said the state department's willingness to talk and reach a compromise could not be ruled out.
The supply of cryogenic technology by Glavkosmos to India had kicked off a major row between the US on one side and Russia and India on the other. While the US State Department had hardened its stance over Russia, threatening to stop the $1.8 billion aid, it warned India that the purchase of cryogenic technology violated the MTCR.
However, Russian president Boris Yeltsin, during his visit to India in January, had reiterated Moscow's commitment to go ahead with the deal.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930603)
with the deal.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930603)
6/3/93
US/India Hope To Resolve ISRO Rocket Dispute
Sega Welcomes Former Honda Man
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Major Japanese game machine maker Sega Enterprises has announced that it will hire former vice president of Honda America, Shoichiro Irimajiri. Shoichiro Irimajiri will assume the post of executive vice president of Sega's research development, and manufacturing.
Sega Enterprises will welcome Shoichiro Irimajiri on June 29. Irimajiri has been a vice president for Honda America for five years and is experienced in overseas marketing.
Shoichiro Irimajiri, in a published interview, reports that Sega today is similar to Honda's early days. Sega is entering the multimedia market, a big new challenge for the firm. Honda also experienced a major crossroad when it decided to enter the car market from the motorcycle market. Irimajiri has reportedly received offers from many major car makers, including General Motors Europe, but decided to go with Sega.
Irimajiri is the second big business name to join Sega in recent weeks, both of them from outside Sega's current business sphere. A former executive of major department store Daiei recently joined Sega to enter its management.
Sega Enterprise is a fast-growing game machine maker in Japan aggressively seeking greater penetration in overseas markets, such as the US and Europe. Sega raked in 64 percent more profits on sales in fiscal 1992 over the previous year, a surprise in the midst of slump in the Japanese electronics industry.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930601/Press Contact: Sega Enterprises, +81-3-3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
6/3/93
Sega Welcomes Former Honda Man
GENERAL
Breakthrough Ruggedized Computer
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- A prestigious military computer project, launched in 1990 by Bharat Electronics Ltd., (BEL), a public sector unit, has achieved what it calls a breakthrough in "rugged" machines. Its units are built to operate in -40 to +50 degree centigrade temperatures and withstand 30 times more shock than normal machines. Using a 386 chip, the machines cost upwards of Rs 20 lakh (around $60,000).
BEL's R&D thrust in the near future is going to be on command and control systems through networking both in defense and civil sectors. Optronics, which includes optical, thermal and laser devices, is going to be another major area of interest. BEL is working with national laboratories as well as some international companies in these fields.
Satellite communications is another thrust area here. The focus will be on very small aperture terminals with applications in military and rural communications. BEL, along with Tata Consultancy Services (the number one software firm in India), was selected by the Indian government to be the nodal agency for developing global positioning systems.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930603)
ioning systems.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930603)
6/3/93
Breakthrough Ruggedized Computers From India
NEC Licenses Appletalk
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- NEC will offer Apple's network software, Appletalk, on its workstations, thanks to an agreement just signed with Apple Computer. Another workstation maker, Sony has also been supporting AppleTalk on its workstation.
NEC will equip AppleTalk on its engineering workstation, the EWS4800. NEC customers will be able to set up corporate network systems that include Macintoshes. According to NEC, employment of Appletalk stems from increasing demand by users who want Macintoshes as terminals under NEC's host computers.
Most NEC users employ the popular PC-9801 machines as terminal computers. However, Apple's Macintosh has been gaining popularity in Japan due to its low prices and user-friendly features.
AppleTalk for NEC's workstation will be sold through both NEC and Apple dealers.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Mitsubishi Electric has developed a multimedia version of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chip. It is still a prototype.
Mitsubishi has incorporated on a single chip original technology to support motion pictures, voice, sound, and text in a combination of a DRAM and a video RAM. Also, this chip has a cache memory to speed up processing of data. Mitsubishi predicts the chip will be much cheaper than existing combinations of the two chips -- a DRAM and a video RAM.
4Mb and 16Mbit version of the DRAM are being developed and samples are expected to ship by the end of this year.
The major advantage of this hybrid chip is not only size but cost. Currently, video RAM is more expensive than DRAM, and when cache memory is included in the price, the total package is costly. The new chip, when mass produced, is expected to be much cheaper.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- China has opened its doors to Japan's manufacturers, and NEC has become the first to step in. NEC reports it will make 4-megabit dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) and will be the first Japanese firm to produce chips in China. NEC claims it's taking this measure to fight the rapid fluctuations in the value of Japanese currency.
NEC's 4Mb DRAM plant, part of a joint venture with China's Shuto Kotetsu Koji, will operate in December. The goal is to ship one million 4Mb DRAMs per month. Other semiconductors such as application specific ICs are also planned. Production of of ASICs is expected to be one million units per month. So, a total of 2 million chips will be produced at this plant monthly.
NEC has recently increased production of 4Mb DRAMs at its plants in Singapore and Roseville, California. However due to the rapid appreciation of the Japanese yen as well as the increasing demand for this chip, NEC will also produce this chip in China.
Meanwhile, NEC has declared an end to the semiconductor slump. According to Hajime Sasaki, an NEC executive quoted by the country's major newspaper, the Asahi, NEC is shipping 7.7 million 4M DRAMs per month. Purchase orders are increasing and shipment will be raised to 9 million units per month by the end of the year. NEC is also shipping more 16Mb DRAM chips. Shipments will triple to one million units per month by the end of June.
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- In quickening steps toward open systems networking, Hewlett-Packard plans to combine its own network management products with software from newly acquired Metrix, and offer the integrated product line for IBM NetView 6000 and SunNet Manager as well as HP OpenView.
"The (Metrix acquisition) is a way to accelerate our progression into open systems," said Mark Schwager, product manager for HP's Network Test Division, in an interview with Newsbytes. The move toward open systems started in late 1991, when HP's network management family first became compliant with the RMON MIB (Remote Network Monitoring Management Information Base) specification. About a year ago, HP added compliance with the SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) standard.
The just announced acquisition will leave Nashua, NH-based Metrix Network Systems organizationally intact, according to Schwager. "We don't expect any changes over the near term as to what people will be doing. In fact, the product lines fit very neatly together," he told Newsbytes. Terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
The network management series to emerge from the acquisition will include applications for strategic management, operations management, and troubleshooting on Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) and enterprise networks, HP officials said.
"We'll take the best from both (the Metrix and HP product lines) roll them together, and provide the new family for all three major platforms," Schwager commented. Specific product announcements will be made at Interop, stated Andy Belcher, marketing manager for the HP division, in a separate interview with Newsbytes.
HP's current network management line includes a segment monitor called LANprobe II, along with Probe Manager software and three applications based on HP's new EASE (Embedded Advance Sampling Environment) technology, according to Belcher.
LANprobe II, a dedicated hardware device, gathers and collects raw data on network segments in an RMON MIB-compliant manner. It can then use SNMP to send the information to any SNMP-based central network management station.
Probe Manager software, an alternative software for use on workstations, performs the same tasks as LANprobe II, employing an RMON MIB-compliant software agent that runs in a background mode to gather and collect the raw data.
The EASE-based applications extend HP's network management capabilities beyond those defined by RMON MIB, Belcher said. Originally available for hubs, routers, and other HP interconnect devices only, the applications are now available for LANprobe II and Probe Manager as well.
Probe Manager currently operates on HP only. Last month however, HP announced a port of Probe Manager and the three new applications to Sun. Belcher told Newsbytes that a Sun trial is now under way. "We're very close to shipping the (products for Sun) in quantity," he added.
One of the applications from HP, Resource Manager, gives the network manager a real-time view of traffic throughout the enterprise network, using a "radar chart" interface that is designed to quickly pinpoint problem segments and nodes.
Another HP application, History Analyzer, lets the network administrator study traffic trends over time, such as traffic between clients and servers, overall protocol usage, and utilization of network segments.
Traffic Expert, the third application, supplies reporting tools including a visual "ring of rings" display in which each segment is shown as a ring of nodes that reside on the segment, and end-to-end traffic as lines between nodes on the rings.
Traffic Expert can also be configured to scan history data and make recommendations on how to restructure the network so as to maximize the traffic it can carry.
The current Metrix line-up, which also complies with RMON MIB and SNMP, operates on Sun as well as HP, according to Schwager. The family encompasses five network management applications.
One tool from Metrix, Protocol Analyzer, allows the user to decode various networking protocols, such as DECnet and Novell's IPX (Internet Packet Exchange), and display network packets in real time.
Load Monitor, an application with a powerful zoom capability, lets the administrator view and analyze activities on network segments and nodes. Internetwork Monitor gives the user a look at the entire internetwork, and helps to settle such questions as how to optimize LAN and WAN bandwidth and where bridges and routers should be located.
Traffic Generator permits the network manager to simulate various networking scenarios. NFS (Network File System) Monitor, the fifth application from Metrix, measures NFS procedures, including load and response time by client or server.
"Ultimately, our network management capabilities will be vastly expanded by joining the Metrix applications with our own," summed up Belcher.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930602/Press contacts: Laurie Nichol, HP, tel 415-857-5771; Belinda Yung-Rubke, HP, tel 719-531-4429; Matt Russell, Metrix, tel 603-888-7000)
4429; Matt Russell, Metrix, tel 603-888-7000)
6/3/93
HP To Expand Net Mgt Line, Port To Sun, IBM
ZDS Pen-based Notepad Computer
QMS Intros First Laser Color Pri
Comdex - The Untold Story, Edito
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Spring Comdex was seen by the television news media as the place and time where palmtop computers were introduced, showing that they are about two years behind the breaking technology news curve, but the real behind the scenes story at COMDEX was the number of unemployed computer magazine editors who were looking for work.
According to one of the recently separated editors who was himself meeting and greeting publishers, two Ziff publications recently folded and one Vulcan computer magazine has shifted to a non-editorial status.
PC Sources, a Ziff competitor to the same company's Computer Shopper direct sales (mail order) magazine, has reportedly ceased publication as has another Ziff publication, Corporate Computing.
Vulcan's Computer Monthly magazine, which had for several months been rumored to be on the auction block, has cut back its editorial staff and dropped all freelance editorial content while it continues to publish on a greatly scaled-back basis.
Computer Monthly is another of the direct sales computer magazines which provide buying information to business and home users who purchase their computers by mail order.
Computer Monthly continues to be published but the editorial content will be eliminated or greatly reduced according to inside sources.
According to a confidential source, the number of editors and other magazine staff workers networking at Spring Comdex was the largest seen in years.
Industry observers have commented before on the growing number of magazines chasing advertising sales to a shrinking pool of computer companies, all of which are cutting prices, but the shake out in the industry has only recently begun to accelerate.
At the same time there are always new publications coming online the latest being the thrice-yearly CD-ROM Today from GP Publications.
The new glossy news stand magazine providing end-users with coverage of CD-ROM and what it calls the "personal multimedia" market, measures a healthy 114 pages.
(John McCormick/19930603/)
healthy 114 pages.
(John McCormick/19930603/)
6/3/93
Comdex - The Untold Story, Editors Seeking Jobs
TRENDS
Caere Gets India Distributor
JAL, Sega Develops Airline Game
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Japan Airlines and Sega Enterprises have jointly developed a game device which can be used on airliners. Based on Sega's game device, the Mega Drive the game units are to be offered to flyers of Japan Airlines in July.
The new game device is called the JAL Mega-jet. Japan Airlines has provided the technology to cut noise and emissions. The unit is smaller than Sega's Mega Drive, but is just as powerful and runs the same software cartridges.
Japan Airlines will place 24 units in each aircraft for loan to business class and first class passengers. Four software cartridges will be available or passengers with the Mega Drive at home can bring their own software cartridges to play on this machine.
The game machine is connected to a color LCD (liquid crystal display) and has a headset to prevent disturbance of other passengers.
Sega's Mega Drive is a hand-held 16-bit game machine that is extremely popular not only for children but for adults in Japan.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930603/Press Contact: Sega Enterprises, +81-3-3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
, +81-3-3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
6/3/93
JAL, Sega Develops Airline Game Device
TRENDS
State Regulators Face Sunset
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- State telecommunication authorities are feeling increasing pressure to deregulate, and looking to President Clinton for a hint of what comes next.
After four months in office, the President has yet to name a new chairman for the Federal Communications Commission, or a second nominally Republican, member. Previous FCC chairman Al Sikes was strongly for deregulation, something desired, to one degree or another, by all phone and cable companies. Yet long-time favorite Antoinette Cook took herself out of the running, and there is no hint on what the new direction will be. Without such a direction deregulation is rushing into a vacuum.
California, for instance, made a big push last year to begin regulating cellular phones, which are now served by duopolies which don't compete on price. Yet as part of a bill creating auctions of new frequencies to reduce the US debt, all states will lose that power to the FCC, which in the past has shown no inclination to regulate. State and local regulators fear that the new microwave wireless services, called Personal Communication Networks or PCNs, will provide real competition to wired phone services they've been regulating for a century, and increase pressure on them to get out of regulating telecommunications entirely.
Most politicians don't want to do that. After killing a deregulation bill favored by Southwestern Bell, Texas legislators decided on a study committee, which will look at how to bring more fiber cable and fast-data services into the state. This guarantees that telecom policy will become a political football in the run-up to 1994 elections. Southwestern Bell is pushing hard to win new powers, moving its head offices to San Antonio from St. Louis, and moving its telecom equipment headquarters to Dallas alongside its wireless division.
The big carrot offered by Bell companies for years in seeking new rate-setting power is fiber cable, usually delivered as a pilot program or market test. More is promised if the Bell can just set rates where it wants them. But benefits are often hard to quantify. The latest such test is by Pacific Bell, which will deliver fiber cable to 111 new Orange County homes capable of handling video as well as digital circuits as fast as 1.544 million bits/second, a so-called T-1 line. The upscale neighborhood from RecreActions Group will use the Homeworx fiber system from ADC Telecommunications Inc. If it helps the homes sell-out quickly in a troubled market, more such deals could follow. RecreActions will pay any costs beyond those PacBell would normally incur installing a more standard system.
Also in California, AT&T and Viacom will begin testing a "movie on demand" system using a video server in a Viacom cable net in the Castro Valley. Home shopping and video game delivery will also be tested. AT&T wants to offer cable systems "video servers" as early as next year, and has already tested market demand for such services with US West and Telecommunications Inc., using more conventional technology.
Elsewhere, ComCentral said that Nevada regulators gave it permission to serve that state. ComCentral is an alternative operator outfit which has previously served states east of the Mississippi. Las Vegas and Tahoe resorts are a big market for such firms, because they can turn hotel phones into big profit centers. BellSouth, which serves the Southeast, said its MobileComm paging unit signed marketing agreements with three other paging companies 00 DialPage, USA Mobile and Snider Telecomm, for its PersonalPager. The deals extend the service to southern Ohio, Kentucky, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Arkansas.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930603/Press Contact: Pacific Bell, Scott E. Smith, 415/542-0597; Matthew A. Veal, ComCentral, 813-287-2880)
eal, ComCentral, 813-287-2880)
6/3/93
State Regulators Face Sunset
TELECOM
Reaction Positive to BT-MCI Move
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Except for the dark rumblings of Rep. Edward Markey, reaction to the British Telecom-MCI link-up seems universally positive.
Instead of moving to stop the deal, both AT&T and Sprint used the occasion to push other agendas. AT&T called for lifting regulations on its long distance unit, and entry into the British market, while Sprint merely said it didn't want to "give control of its international strategy to a foreign competitor."
In signing the deal with MCI, meanwhile, BT left itself open to signing another alliance with an Asian carrier. That may prove tough, however, since most Asian phone companies serve a single market. Cable & Wireless, its bitter UK rival through its Mercury unit, owns most of Hong Kong Telecom, the most likely candidate for an Asian partner. Singapore Telecom is due to be privatized, but it's already tied-up with AT&T's WorldPartners group. So's Korea Telecom and KDD, and so's Telestra, formerly AOTC in Australia. This deal "doesn't preclude another agreement with another carrier, " said MCI spokesman Jim Collins, but the open question is who's available to dance? Speculation, and that's all it is, runs to the smaller Japanese companies, like DDI, or Telecom New Zealand.
Reaction by debt rating agencies was also positive. Standard and Poor's re-affirmed its AAA rating on BT, despite the prospect of a $4.3 billion cash due-bill. MCI, meanwhile, will pay $125 million for BT-North America, which may include its Tymnet packet network. A spokesman told Newsbytes, "It's just too early to answer" how Tymnet will fit into the deal precisely. BT paper fell slightly on US markets, and Moody's investment service said it might look at possibly downgrading its paper. MCI, whose paper is rated BBB+/A-2, saw prices on its bonds firm on US markets, with Moody's placing the debt under review for a possible upgrade. Duff & Phelps said it would consider upgrading MCI's notes from their present A- and BBB ratings. Duff & Phelps had just upgraded MCI in December.
Stock traders seemed to agree that MCI got the better deal. MCI stock was the most actively traded NASDAQ issue June 2, rising to nearly $54.50 per share, still well under the $64 per share BT is paying for its stake. BT shares, which are traded in New York as American Depository Receipts, or ADRs, lost just over $1, while AT&T ended unchanged and Sprint fell slightly. In England, BT's competitors Cable & Wireless and Vodafone were both stronger on speculation AT&T might buy into one, or both. After MCI concluded a deal with the Stentor group of Canada last year, AT&T bought 20 percent of its competitor, Unitel.
BT, meanwhile, tried to increase the pressure on AT&T with a round of price cuts from the UK to Europe and North America. It said those moves had already been in the works. The most interesting deals are "specials," which sound like US mark downs, like a 20 percent cut on charges during the weekends during July.
While regulators on both sides of the Atlantic must approve the new deal, that approval seems almost pre-ordained, based on the lack of opposition. Rep. Markey said the deal must be studied closely, but his was a lone voice of disapproval, and his main goal seemed to be to assure that AT&T will get more access to the British market. The approval of a deal by British Airways to buy 20 percent of US Air in March also indicates that the Clinton Administration isn't planning to oppose the BT move.
In time, it may seem that the BT-MCI deal has its biggest impact on international rates for large businesses. It makes BT's old Syncordia unit a real player, although its head office will likely be based in Washington or London. It follows by one week AT&T's announcement of a WorldPartners plan, offering one-stop shopping to multinational businesses through a network of phone firms around the world. The deal could also impact BT's corporate culture, which management is trying to shift from that of a government-owned bureaucracy into a fast-moving entrepreneurial enterprise, something more like MCI.
The best joke of the day, finally, came from MCI President Daniel Akerson, at a teleconference announcing the deal. Asked about the chances that MCI's Friends and Family calling-circle plan could find its way overseas as a result, he said it might -- as Folks and Blokes.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930603/Press Contact: Jim Collins, MCI, 800 289-0073)
t: Jim Collins, MCI, 800 289-0073)
6/3/93
Reaction Positive to BT-MCI Move
TELECOM
Epson Intros 3.8-Pound 486 Subno
8 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- At the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, Epson America has entered the subnotebook market with a 3.8-pound, 486-based PC priced starting at less than $2,000.
The ActionNote 4000 subnotebook uses a 33 MHz 486SLC processor faster than the 25 MHz 486SLC chip that appears in the ActionNote 4SLC/25, introduced in April as Epson's most powerful notebook to date.
Other features of the new subnotebook include an 80MB or 120MB removable hard disk drive, one PCMCIA Type II slot, a built-in two button trackball, an external floppy drive, a 7-5-inch (diagonal) backlit, high-contrast VGA monochrome screen, 2 inches smaller than the 9.5-inch screen that appears in the ActionNote 4SLC/25.
Together, the ActionNote 4000 and ActionNote 4SLC/25 constitute the first members of the new ActionNote family, envisioned by Epson as an expansion on its older NB Series of portable computers. For the time being, ActionNote and the NB Series will coexist, according to the company.
One analyst is disappointed that Epson seems to be bringing out the ActionNote family in piece-by-piece fashion. About two years ago Epson pioneered such concepts as upgradable hard drives, chips and screens for portable PCs, but then the company failed to issue further enhancements, said Randy Giusto, senior analyst at WorkGroup Technologies Inc., a market research firm in Hampton, NH.
Now, Epson should take aggressive action to restore its image in the portable marketplace, Giusto told Newsbytes. "They need to fill in some of the missing holes in the ActionNote family, because it's being perceived out there that Epson hasn't had a very strong portable product line for a long time," he commented.
The ActionNote 4000 is scheduled to ship in August. The price tag covers a one-year limited warranty that includes free Extra Care Road Service, as well as Epson Connection, a toll-free customer support and technical assistance line.
Under terms of the Extra Care service, if a removable hard drive fails, the user will receive a replacement drive overnight. Epson pays all service charges associated with the service. Each ActionNote 4000 comes with the phone number for Extra Care imprinted on the bottom.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930503/Press contact: Jan Marciano, Epson America, tel 310-782-5161)
s contact: Jan Marciano, Epson America, tel 310-782-5161)
6/3/93
Epson Intros 3.8-Pound 486 Subnotebook For Under $2,000
CA Swamped With Calls For Free S
I Want My IMTV, Say Top Hollywoo
Dell Shareholders Sue For Nondis
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Shareholders of Dell Computer Corporation have filed suit against the personal computer maker alleging the company failed to disclose problems in its notebook computer division that led to a severe drop in the company's stock.
The suits apparently center around comments allegedly made last November by a financial analyst that currency hedging by Dell may have led to inflated earnings. The alleged comments, which were characterized by Dell Chief Financial Officer Tom Meredith as "suppositions," "misguided," and "appalling," were later denied by the analyst, Kidder Peabody's David Korus. Dell stock dropped from 38-3/8 to 35-3/4 in trading of over 9 million shares after the rumors circulated.
At that time Dell said it was considering filing suit against Kidder Peabody. Asked if that was still a possibility, Rydell declined to say that it wouldn't happen, but said he had no knowledge of any impending action.
When the furor over alleged currency hedging first arose, Dell Vice President of Corporate Communications Michelle Moore told Newsbytes that companies engaging in international operations attempt to minimize the risk of currency volatility that results from currency fluctuation. "You might buy components in Deutschmarks and have an offsetting contract in British pounds with the net effect to neutralize each other. In a perfect world the net result is zero," Moore said. The company says that for the first nine months of 1992 the total gains and losses was an insignificant gain.
Associated Press reported yesterday that 11 lawsuits have been filed in federal court in Austin claiming that Dell violated federal securities rules by failing to reveal information about problems the company was enduring. Dell stock fell $7.37-1/2 per share, closing at $24.75 when the company released its first quarter earnings on May 25, with the announcement that the company had written off $20 million connected with its discontinued notebook-sized computer projects. Company officials said the losses from the discontinued operations were not known until a few days before the earnings announcement. The suit alleges the company artificially inflated its stock price by failing to provide investors with accurate information, subjecting recent investors to financial losses.
Rydell told Newsbytes the company has received nine of the suits by mid-morning today. He said the company has no comment at present other than to say, "We don't believe we have done anything wrong. All of our activities have complied with the law."
Dallas lawyer Terrell Oxford, who is representing several of the plaintiffs, said the lawsuits will probably be consolidated into a single class-action suit. "There are a lot of irate stockholders out there," Oxford reportedly told AP.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Zeos International announced a new notebook computer based on Intel's 25 megahertz (MHz) 486SL microprocessor.
The 486-based Freestyle computer joins its older sibling, the 386SL-25 Freestyle, which the company introduced last summer.
Features of the Freestyle systems include a tilt and swivel VGA 9.5 inch display unit, a built-in mouse key and floppy drive, Flash ROM for easy BIOS upgrade and up to three hours of battery power on a single charge of the nickel-cadmium battery.
The new system also includes an additional 256 kilobytes (K) of video RAM, for a total of 512K; a built-in math co-processor chip to speed up math-intensive operations such as graphics and spreadsheet calculations; and 3.3-volt technology, designed to increase battery life.
The basic configuration of the new system includes 4 megabytes (MB) of system memory and a 60MB hard drive, with a price tag of $1,695. Memory upgrades up to 20MB and larger hard drives up to 180MB are available. Other available options include a carrying case, extra batteries, Windows 3.1, Lotus Organizer, and an internal 9600 baud fax/2400 baud data modem.
(Jim Mallory/19930603/Press contact: Rick Apple, Zeos International 612-623-9614; Reader contact: Zeos International, 800-423-5891 or 612-623-9614)
nal, 800-423-5891 or 612-623-9614)
6/3/93
Zeos 486-based Notebook Computer
Everything You Need To Run Your
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- If you've been looking for just one piece of software that will allow you to do everything you need to run your home, from designing and printing party invitations to keeping your shopping list Wordstar has it. They're calling it Kaboodle, and it is scheduled to ship at the end of June.
Kaboodle is the first in Wordstar's One Step Series line of software aimed at consumers and has a graphical look and feel although it is not a Microsoft Windows-based package. The product offers the following modules: banners and signs drawing, cards and invitations, "to do" lists, a recipe organizer, a calendar and scheduler, an address/phonebook, home inventory, a word processor, and even solitaire games.
While each module works with the other modules, the product is complete incompatible with other software products for DOS or Windows, according to Eva Morrison, Wordstar's Kaboodle product manager. In fact, for two Kaboodle users to share a file, one has to send it to disk as a backup and then the other Kaboodle user has to use the restore command to retrieve the file Morrison said.
Compatibility is not what Wordstar had in mind. But once data is in the product, such as your party invitation list, then you can design an invitation, tag people on your party list, and have their names printed on each invitation.
The user interface is uniform and data can be cut and pasted from one application to the next, and the product is designed for use with a mouse. Kaboodle offers a screen-saver, spell checkers for both children and adults, a clock, a calendar, and a form design module for formatting inventory cards, mailing labels and to do lists.
Kaboodle requires an IBM or compatible personal computer (PC) running DOS 3.0 or higher, 640 kilobytes of random access memory (RAM), 5 megabytes (MB) of hard disk space, a video graphics array (VGA) or enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) monitor, and a mouse. In addition, Kaboodle will run in a DOS shell under Microsoft Windows, Wordstar representatives said. The retail price has been set at $39.95.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930603/Press Contact: Eva Morrison Wordstar, tel 415-382-4940, fax 415-883-1617; Public Contact 800-227-5609)
40, fax 415-883-1617; Public Contact 800-227-5609)
6/3/93
Everything You Need To Run Your Home In Kaboodle
Apple Gearing Publishing, Teleco
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Apple Computer wants it known that its Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) Division is more than just the Newton, the company's first Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), scheduled for release this summer. PIE is actually made up of four divisions, two of which the company hasn't talked about before and one of which is working on a multimedia PDA.
The four divisions are: Apple Online Services (AOS), the PDA division, a telecommunications division, and a publishing arm. The telecommunications and publishing divisions are the ones Apple is talking about for the first time. New word from the PDA division includes work on a multimedia Newton is progressing, but other no information is forthcoming.
The PIE telecommunications division announced it plans to go into collaborative and exploratory efforts with three Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs), Ameritech, Bellsouth, and US West. PIE's intentions, announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago this week, are to provide value-added information and communications services for the first PDA, the Newton, and investigate new devices and form factors that might incorporate Newton technology.
One such investigation is how to incorporate the Newton with screen-based telephony products. Ameritech says its plans are to provide notification of fax and voice messages that simplify access to voice and fax messages, provide random access to messages, and deliver messages to Newton PDAs or other devices. In addition, Ameritech will attempt to utilize Newton PDAs as a retrieval and display device for its voice and fax mailbox messages.
Bellsouth said it would work with PIE to try prototype screen phone devices and the incorporation of additional services for such devices. In addition, US West intends to explore the areas of screen-based telephony as well as identification and implementation of services for Newton devices.
Apple also again mentioned its plans to work with Siemens and ROLM collaborating on the development of Notephone. As previously announced in March, notephone is a combination of Siemens-ROLM telephony and Newton technology that is planned to provide access to telephone and fax features.
PIE says, in addition to the Newton, it plans to introduce new PDA product families that will use electronic information. A division of PIE, the Apple Online Services (AOS) is a rapidly growing area, the company said.
AOS currently offers Applelink, an electronic service boasts a 54,000 user network worldwide. Applelink was developed to support Apple customers by distributing information, including technical support and published information. Information services from electronic publishers such as Newsbytes, RR Donnelley Geosystems, Dow Jones, Ziff Desktop Information, USA Today Grolier Electronic Publishing and Tribune Media Services are available online.
AOS has recently announced its intention to expand Applelink to include travel, banking, and shopping services. AOS also made a deal with America Online in December of last year to use its user interface in services AOS will manage.
Gaston Bastiaens of the PIE division said in a prepared statement: "We believe that the electronic media market will play a key role in the success of our PDA devices. The PIE Division is looking forward to greatly expanding that market by distributing and publishing titles, providing easy-to-use tools, and collaborating with developers."
The publishing portion of PIE will focus in four primary categories: general reference; business/professional; education; and entertainment. Apple believes the combination of new technology, new devices, and online services will offer the potential for a new industry for publishers built from existing products. The company has announced it intends to be involved with companies to create, distribute, and collaborate.
To aid in the creation of new products, Apple says it plans to offer tools, including the Apple Media Kit, a multimedia authoring tool from the PIE Division. The Apple Media Kit is built with Apple's existing technology from Quicktime and is described as a tool to improve title playback speed, facilitate workgroup productivity, and enable authors to deliver their titles on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows and future consumer electronics devices from the PIE division.
Apple is not without competition in these areas. Zoomer, a Personal Information Processor (PIP) device developed by Tandy and Casio, was shown in a working prototype in January and is expected to ship this summer. In addition, America Online has been enlisted to help provide add-on information products for Zoomer. American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) is also expected to deliver a device, similar to both Zoomer and the Newton, priced in the $2,000 range.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930603/Press Contact: Tricia Chan, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
n, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
6/3/93
Apple Gearing Publishing, Telecom For Multimedia PDA
APPLE
PCs Aid In Medical Self-Diagnosi
MERRIT ISLAND, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- A software program developed by a Florida company gives the user access to up-to-date medical information, including information on health and diet.
Pixel Perfect has released a version of its Home Medical Advisor for Windows. A DOS version was previously available. The program offers information for the home user in seven areas. A symptom file contains a listing of 70 common symptoms, has more than 600 color graphics, and makes over 400 diagnoses based on information entered by the user. The disease file contains information on the cause symptoms, treatment, and prognosis for nearly 500 diseases. An injury file teaches users about high altitude sickness, poison ivy, bee stings, marine injuries, ankle sprains, and 175 other possibilities with help on how to treat those problems.
There's also a poison file, which lists over 500 common household chemicals and products, and presents information about what products should concern you in the home. The test file explains why doctors order certain tests, and talks about the indications, risks benefits, and complications of more than 140 of the most frequently used medical tests in use today. A drug file lists over 1200 of the most common prescription and non-prescription drugs, states why they are used, and lists the reported side effects, precautions to observe, and how a specific drug may interact with other medications.
Pixel Perfect spokesperson Stephanie Perlmutter told Newsbytes the user just responds to a series of questions posed by the program, and uses those responses to evaluate the health problem.
For users interested in personal health and diet information, users are provided a health and diet file, a new addition to the Windows version of HMA. Compiled by emergency medicine board-certified physician Dr. Stephen Schueler and a staff of over 40 physician specialists, that file contains information on nutrition, vitamins supplements, and specialty diets that are designed to improve your health. Information on food allergies travel vaccinations, exercise and fitness, and home first aid is also included. Perlmutter told Newsbytes the program includes specific diets for diabetics, heart disease and hypertension patients, pregnant women, persons suffering eating disorders, and vegetarians.
Dr. Schueler says the software is a quick way to get practical, up to-date answers to medical questions. "The database essentially sends your computer to medical school and makes connections between diseases and symptoms." He cautions that computer software doesn't replace regular checkups or emergency care, but might save an unnecessary trip to the doctor by putting the right information at your fingertips.
The Medical Home Advisor runs on IBM-compatible personal computers under Microsoft Windows 3.1, and is updated every six months. "First aid reference books or home medical care guides go out of date very quickly. By updating our program regularly with new disks we can stay current and topical. Your program is never too old to be useful," says Schueler.
The program has a suggested retail price of $69.95, with semi-annual updates priced at $15. Interested readers can call Pixel Perfect's toll-free number to learn the location of their nearest distributor. Perlmutter says HMA will be available on a CD-ROM disk this summer and a version for Apple Computer's Macintosh is scheduled to ship about the same time.
(Jim Mallory/19930603/Press contact: Stephanie Perlmutter, P.S. Associates for Pixel Perfect, 312-751-8436; Reader contact: Pixel Perfect, 800-788-2099 or 407-779-0310, fax 407-777-0323)
or 407-779-0310, fax 407-777-0323)
6/3/93
PCs Aid In Medical Self-Diagnosis
Fire Department Does Windows
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- When the Colorado Springs Fire Department decided it had to modernize its incident reporting system by downsizing from a mainframe operation to PCs, Scott Hopkins, the department's manager of finance, information systems, and planning, decided to use Windows 3.1 as the user interface.
Hopkins says he made his choice because Windows was an off-the-shelf product, saving the cost of software development, and it is easy to use since so many of the actions are accomplished with the click of a mouse.
Prior to downsizing, the Fire Department ran their programs on one of the city's mainframe computers on a time-sharing basis. Hopkins realized he could reduce costs, so he obtained funding from the city to install 486-based personal computers in each of the city's 16 fire station, the department headquarters and training facility, and several of the bureaus. A file server in the headquarters building provides the storage capacity needed, and Hopkins hired contract programmers at a cost of about $50,000 to develop the database needed using Gupta's SQL Server. Hopkins purchased some of the equipment from a national supplier, but about $40,000 worth of the PCs were bought locally "to keep the money in the community."
Now when firefighters return from a call, one of the firefighters enters in the necessary information: time of alarm, time arrived type of call and other information needed to provide a base for management reports. Many of the items are entered by clicking from a list of choices, which keeps the entries standardized rather than relying on terminology provided by the person entering the data.
Hopkins says the information is used for a variety of purposes. Chief Louis Roman and his staff can quickly call up information in a variety of ways to see what type of calls are being handled, and the data can also be used to determine station staffing or the best location for new stations. Colorado Springs firefighters handle about 20,000 calls annually, with 80 percent of those being medically related. Hopkins told Newsbytes the response time on calls in the city of 290,000 is less than eight minutes for 93 percent of the incidents. Average response time for medical calls is about 6.5 minutes.
Hopkins says one of his biggest challenges was overcoming reluctance on the part of firefighters to use the new system. "Firefighters tend to be traditional people," he told Newsbytes. To overcome that challenge, Hopkins set up training for all the firefighters, and organized a response team made up of firefighters with an interest in the PCs from stations throughout the city to handle user problems that might arise.
Hopkins says the next step is to automate other operations, such as fire prevention and hazardous materials incident response. He envisions fire inspectors entering inspection results into handheld computerized devices, then uploading the information to the file server when they return to the bureau. For hazardous materials incidents, he hopes to equip incident commanders with cellular modem-equipped handheld computers that can receive stored information from the file server about types of materials stored in the business location of sprinkler system valves, and other data crucial to fighting a fire in a hazardous environment.
(Jim Mallory/19930603/Press and reader contact: Scott Hopkins Colorado Springs Fire Department, 719-578-7050)
Fire Department, 719-578-7050)
6/3/93
Fire Department Does Windows
TRENDS
New Games From Davidson
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Davidson & Associates chose CES to announce its new educational games: Kid CAD; Math Blaster: In Search of Spot; Alge-Blaster 3; The Cruncher; and a Macintosh version of Zoo Keeper. The new products feature multimedia features such as full-screen, digitized graphics, sound animation and 3D modeling, the company said.
Kid CAD is a Windows-based program offering help in designing houses and other objects on a computer screen. The Cruncher, an animated spreadsheet, is brand new, and aims to teach spreadsheets with examples of party planning, family budgeting and calendar making.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930603)
ana Blankenhorn/19930603)
6/3/93
New Games From Davidson
GENERAL
Telecom In Russia
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Russia's Minister of Communications Vladimir Bulgak, in the new "Telecommunications and Informatics" magazine, published by the Russian Information Agency, says Russia's state communications sector made 22 billions rubles (US$22 million at the current rate) in profits during 1992, with a profit margin of 18.9 percent, or two thirds of the 1991 level.
Expenses increased tenfold but income also grew ninefold mainly due to liberalized prices. Average service prices also were eight times higher.
In 1991-1992, foreign investments in Russian communications amounted to around US$120 million. In 1993, the Ministry expects this figure to reach US$350 million.
There have also been major long-distance and international communication projects using fiber and digital lines. In 1993 the number of international lines in Russia will increase from a current 3,200 up to 15,000.
At the end of 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, Russia inherited 10 communication satellites, most of them defunct and in need of replacement. During 1992 five new satellites were launched (USSR usually launched 1-2 communication satellites per year). A new generation of sputniks are being designed under projects code-named "Gals" and "Express."
Bulgak estimates that in 1993, communications tariffs will grow 150-200 percent, but the profit margin will continue to decrease and will reach about 14 percent in 1993, the minister said.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930601)
chashchin/19930601)
6/3/93
Telecom In Russia
TELECOM
Hitachi Maxell Links With TEAC O
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Hitachi Maxell has linked with electronics parts maker TEAC in a new optical disk venture. TEAC is supplying optical disk drives to Hitachi Maxell on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis.
Hitachi Maxell will receive an OEM-supply of 3.5-inch optical disk drives from TEAC. The external optical disk drives measures 5.3 x 27.3 x 4.5 cm. They rotate at 3,000 rounds per minute consume 17 watts of electricity. The retail price of this disk drive is 198,000 yen ($1,800). Hitachi Maxell is planning to ship 5,000 to 6,000 units of this disk in the first year.
This is the first time Hitachi Maxell will sell optical disk drives. The firm is currently selling optical disks.
Hitachi Maxell will also ship 1.3-gigabyte 5.25-inch optical disks this summer. The price will be around 40,000 yen ($360). Hitachi Maxell is also preparing to ship 2-gigabyte version of this disk.
TEAC specializes in production of computer floppy disk drives as well as optical disk drives. Demand is increasing. Other Japanese disk manufacturers such as Olympus are also increasing production of optical disks.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Remember Tubular Bells, the phenomenally successful album by musical artist Mike Oldfield? The album, which was a runaway success for Oldfield, helped launch Richard Branson, the publisher of the Virgin label that released that album. Today, Virgin is a successful publisher and an airline. Now Branson wants to be a computer manufacturer/supplier as well.
According to Branson, getting up to speed in the PC market-place will take a few months, as he doesn't want to fall into the "trap" of badging someone else's machines and then charge a premium over the budget clone PCs in the market-place.
Virgin Euromagnetics, the technology division of Branson's company has been quietly establishing itself this past few years as a producer of floppy disks. Now, according to John Jenkins, Virgin Euromagnetics is ready to launch its own range of PCs.
September will be the launch month of the machines. According to Jenkins, this will allow the company to commission its own range of PCs in the Far East and, perhaps more importantly, set up its own dealer network in the UK. The bulk of the network will, initially at least, comprise the company's chain of music and games outlets that line the UK's High Street.
Despite the long gestation period for the new VE range of PCs Branson's cavalier attitude has brought comparisons between Virgin and Amstrad, the computer company owned and launched by pugnacious chairman Alan Sugar. Jenkins, however, refutes such comparisons.
"The press has tried to say we're going to take the market by storm and take on Alan Sugar. That is not our intention. Our intention is to take the individual business user, the pleasure user that buys Virgin products currently, where it will be a natural extension to look at a badged clone," he said.
Jenkins is playing his cards very close to his chest on the subject of machine specifications. Industry sources, however, suggest that the company will concentrate on 486 chip technology for its desktop PCs, adopting an innovative approach with 386SL and 486SL (low power) chipsets on its portables.
Plans call for Virgin Euromagnetics to source its PC components including PC boards from Taiwan, to its own specifications. The machines, however, will be assembled in the UK, almost certainly to order. This approach has paid off with direct companies such as Dell and Elonex.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
as Dell and Elonex.
(Steve Gold/19930603)
6/3/93
Virgin Record Publisher Going Into PC Sales
GENERAL
RightBrain Software Intros Exact
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- RightBrain Software has introduced a new low-cost, mainstream word processor for the Nextstep environment, dubbed ExactlyWrited. RightBrain is developing ExactlyWrite for the cross-platform enterprise document processing needs of both Intel and NeXT users.
"We can read and write files from WriteNow, and we hope to become the standard format for sending documents around in the Nextstep community," said Glenn Reid, president and founder of RightBrain Software. "At only $129 retail, with substantial discounts per seat at large installations, we offer an extremely low-cost and effective solution for word processing," Reid added.
ExactlyWrite was not derived from PasteUp, RightBrain's high-end page layout application. Instead, it was written from scratch using the Nextstep Text object, which provides support for drag-and-drop color and graphics, built-in spell-checking, and works seamlessly in European languages and Kanji.
"ExactlyWrite won't provide some of the more sophisticated typographic and document features available in PasteUp, but hey, it's fast, it's cheap, and it's what we think people really want on a day-to-day basis," Reid said.
RightBrain Software is an application software company located in Palo Alto, California. RightBrain, a privately held company, was founded in 1990 to develop publishing software for the Nextstep operating system.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- You'll soon be able to play movies on your Philips' Compact Disc Interactive (CD-I) player. Philips Interactive Media of America and Paramount Pictures have announced an agreement under which Paramount will distribute theatrical length movies on CD-I discs.
The CD-I player, widely available at Sears as well as other retail outlets nationwide for about $700, is much like a video cassette recorder (VCR) in that it connects to a television set and offers a remote control. However, the CD-I player's remote control is the interface which allows users to interact with CD-I titles, acting like a joystick for games and a control to point to menu selections for other titles. Philips says over 100 titles are available for the CD-I player to date on 5-inch discs.
To play the movies, Paramount plans to distribute, CD-I users will need to add a FMV cartridge to their CD-I player which inserts into the back of the unit. The cartridge offers compatibility to the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) video compression standard and an additional one megabyte (MB) of memory to the CD-I player. With the cartridge, up to seventy two minutes of video and audio playback is possible.
The FMV cartridges began shipping to developers in April Philips said, but consumer versions of the FMV cartridges won't be available until this fall, when the new movie titles come out.
Philips believes the release of Paramount movies on CD-I will help establish CD-I as a standard. Bob Kilingensmith, president of Paramount's Video Division said: "The promise of digital video has been looming on the horizon for several years and the race has been between every delivery system possible: cable DBS, telecommunications, and home video playback systems. This fall Philips will be the first company to actually deliver on the promise of digital when they begin to release our movies on 5-inch discs. We all know that movies drive any new entertainment medium, and we are very pleased to have Paramount moves leading the way for Philips in this exciting new technology."
The CD-I movies will deliver both digital images and CD quality sound, Philips said. The companies also said they will explore the possibility of development of interactive titles, some of which may be based on future Paramount movies.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930603/Press Contact: David Elliot, Cohn & Wolfe, tel 312-329-7656; Todd Green, Philips, 213-251-4620, fax 310-476-5937)
Paramount/Philips Agreement To Bring Movies On CD-I
TRENDS
Matsushita Turns To Taiwan For C
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Matsushita Electric will import DOS/V-based personal computers from its Taiwan plant and will sell them in Japan. This comes during an increasingly bloody price war among computer manufacturers, and is part of an effort by Matsushita to cut prices, reduce its overhead, and stay on top of the surging Japanese currency. This is the first time Matsushita has turned to Taiwan for PCs.
Matsushita produces IBM-compatible personal computers at its subsidiary called PCT in Taiwan. PCT is currently shipping 10,000 PCs to the European market per month. A new production line was recently added which will enable the firm to produce 30,000 PCs per month. PCT will add even more lines to raise production to 50,000 units per month.
Matsushita will import half-completed PCs from this Taiwanese firm and will complete them at its Kobe plant in Japan. It is expected that these PCs will be equipped with either an 80386 or an 80486 processor.
Matsushita has been producing and shipping other DOS/V-compatible PCs at its Kobe plant in Japan.
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- With Apple System 7 Microsoft Windows, Microsoft NT, Hewlett-Packard's New Wave IBM's OS/2, the ubiquitous X for Unix, and all the others certainly there must be enough graphical user interfaces (GUI) available by now, right? Wrong, according to beta testers who praise a homegrown NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) GUI designed to ease Internet access.
According to a report in the May 24 Government Computer News NASA Access Mechanism (catchy government-generated name) is a well-liked public domain Unix GUI which NASA has had developed to make it easier for the space agency's users to find their way around the massive Internet network.
The GUI is still undergoing testing, but reports are that it will be made available to other government agencies by this fall and since the federal government paid for its development, NASA Access Mechanism, also known as NAM is already owned by the public and will eventually find its way out of the government and into the mainstream, non-government market.
The public domain designation means that the software itself, and probably the source code, will be made available for free or at low (copying and delivery) cost and could be integrated into other products.
(John McCormick/19930603/)
(John McCormick/19930603/)
6/4/93
NASA Develops Public Domain GUI
INS Tests Hand Scanners To Speed
Ex-Next Exec Joins Xerox
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- The Japanese version of California's Silicon Valley is being planned by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). MITI has been cooperating with local government and the Japan Personal Computer Software Association to set up a major software development center near Tokyo. About 30 firms plan to join this project.
The Japanese version of Silicon Valley will be located at Tochigi Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. Major Japanese software makers will build offices and development centers and overseas software makers, such as Lotus and Novell, have also expressed an interest in setting up shop there.
The Software Association is planning to create at this site a network center to serve the needs of its members. The site will also have a facility for testing new software as well as a seminar house and learning center to train software engineers. Actual building of the facilities will start early next year.
The Personal Computer Association, MITI, and the local government have created a steering committee. The Japanese government will back up this project because it will help create jobs. Total capitalization will be 1.5 billion yen ($14 million) to be paid by the participating members. It is expected that 1 billion yen ($9 million) will be paid by the Personal Computer Association, MITI, and the local government. The remaining 0.5 billion yen ($5 million) will be paid by the members of the Personal Computer Association and participating firms.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930603)
ayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930603)
6/4/93
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Sharp Develops 230MB 3.5-Inch Op
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Sharp has developed optical disk technology able to store a whopping 230 megabytes of data on a 3.5-inch optical disk. This is twice the amount of data set under the standards of the International Standard Organization (ISO). Sharp is already planning to produce a commercial version of this disk this year.
Researchers created this 3.5-inch optical disk large scale memory storage by drawing extra narrow tracks 1.4 microns in width. Also, a new technology called ZCAV increases the density of data storage.
Sharp has created manufacturing facilities to produce this optical disk in quantity and says it will do so by the end of this year.
Sharp is currently producing ISO-based 3.5-inch 128MB optical disks and 650M 5.25-inch disks at its Shinjyo plant in Japan. Sharp expects that the 230MB 3.5-inch optical disks will become the future standard. In fact, four major firms -- IBM, Sony Matsushita and Philips -- are advocating the 230MB 3.5-inch optical disk as the future standard.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Japan's two major telephone firms, second in size only to NTT, each expect to acquire a total of 10 million registered telephone users this fiscal year.
DDI and Japan Telecom each seek another 2 million registered users of their telephones -- each currently has about 8 million users. The fourth largest phone company, Japan Kosoku Tsushin, is hoping to grab 0.6 million users to get a total of 4 million users this fiscal year.
NTT is trying to defend itself by lowering its long distance phone fees by around 10 percent this fall. Other telecom firms may follow suit.
Currently, the three phone firms, except NTT, charge their customers registration fees. However this fall, the Japanese Posts & Telecom Ministry will further deregulate the telecom law, which will enable the three major telecom firms to eliminate registration fees. This is good news for users and can be good news for the three phone firms because they will be able to more equitably compete with NTT.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930602/Press Contact: Japan Telecom 81-3-3222-6655)
30602/Press Contact: Japan Telecom 81-3-3222-6655)
6/4/93
Japan - DDI, Japan Telecom Grabbing Market Share
TELECOM
CA Swamped With Calls For Free S
DOS/Windows Screen Capture Progr
HOLLIS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Inner Media has announced a new software product that provides screen capture capability for Windows and DOS-based programs.
The company says Collage Complete includes full support for screen capture, thumbnail image cataloging, format conversions, image editing, Windows 3.1 drag and drop, Twain scanner support, and support for Kodak's Photo CD-ROM system.
The program provides screen capture for both Windows and DOS. Inner Media says the Windows screen capture saves directly to a wide range of industry standard formats in any type from black and white through 24-bit color. Supported formats include PCX, TIFF, GIF, Targa, BMP and JPEG. To save an image, the mouse is used to point and click on a specific screen objects to be saved by type. There is also an Express Capture feature, hot key support, and customizable automatic image name sequencing. It will also capture drop-down menus and selection bars, and the hot key is user selectable. For DOS users Collage Complete captures and saves to TIFF and PCX formats in color black and white, and dithered or true gray.
Once the image has been captured, it can be viewed at various levels of magnification. Images can be cropped, combined, cleaned up, and re-saved. Borders of any color can be added, as can text, boxes, and other objects. The program also includes a batch feature that allows several images to be modified and/or printed in a single operation. Images can be moved from Collage Complete to other compatible applications using drag and drop, and can be printed to the clipboard or to a file.
The program has a suggested retail price of $199, but is priced at $149 on an introductory basis. The program replaces Inner Media's Collage Plus, so current owners of that program can upgrade for $59 by contacting Inner Media. Users of Collage Plus version 3.2 who bought their software on or after April 1, 1993 can upgrade at no cost. Collage Complete ships with both 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch program disks, and the company offers volume and license deals.
(Jim Mallory/19930604/Press contact: Nancy Rosenberg, Inner Media Inc, 603-465-3216 or 800-962-2949; Reader contact: Inner Media, Inc 603-465-3216, 800-962-2949, fax 603-465-7195)
216, 800-962-2949, fax 603-465-7195)
6/4/93
DOS/Windows Screen Capture Program
Flight Simulator 5.0, New Scener
REDMOND,WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Microsoft announced this week a new version of its popular Flight Simulator game as well as two new scenery products and a spaceflight and exploration simulator.
The two new scenery packs provide the user with simulations of New York and Paris, France as seen from the air, which Microsoft describes as "geographically correct." The new scenery packs are scheduled to ship later this summer, and will offer landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. They are scheduled for shipment in August 1993, and will each have a suggested retail price of $49.95.
Flight Simulator, which in the earlier days of personal computers was considered by many as the ultimate test of IBM-compatibility, offers the user a graphic depiction of a pilot's cockpit view as he or she flies a plane. The program includes not only the scenery but the look and sounds found in real cockpits, including the control panel. Scenery and time of day changes as the pilot wings over continents and oceans.
New features in the upgrade include a new latitude and longitude system that helps users locate their destinations and their current position in flight; a "Land Me" feature which is designed to help inexperienced pilots complete a flight successfully (without crashing) while they observe the automated procedures the feature invokes; and realistic sound effects for instrument use, approaching objects, and even crashes.
Microsoft says the scenery expands in detail as the plane approaches a specific area, and a new weather system feature gives users control over the weather they will encounter in flight. You can also select to encounter other air traffic en route, or even be visited by a fuel track after landing, and night approaches have been made more realistic with runway lights, building lights, and stars illuminating the night sky.
The company also announced its newest simulation product, Microsoft Space Simulator this week. The software makes use of published geological and astronomical documents and data gathered from various unmanned space flights like Voyager, Magellan, Viking, and Mariner as well as input from NASA to achieve authentic space simulation. Space Simulator, scheduled to ship this winter, will be priced at $64.95 and needs a 386 or better PC, 550K of conventional memory and 256K of expanded memory, 9MB of hard drive free space, and VGA or Super VGA display, as well as a mouse, sound board, and joystick or flight yoke.
Microsoft told Newsbytes Flight Simulator 5.0 will be available in August of this year, at a suggested retail price of $64.95. System requirements include a 386 or better IBM-compatible personal computer, a minimum of 530 kilobytes (K) of free conventional memory and at least 1 megabyte (M) of extended or expanded memory, a high-density floppy drive, a hard drive with at least 9MB of free disk space, an EGA video adapter with 256K of display memory and a compatible monitor, or VGA or Super VGA video. Microsoft also recommends a mouse, soundboard, and joystick.
(Jim Mallory/19930604/Press contact: Julie Larkin, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation 800-226-9400 or 206-882-8080)
ation 800-226-9400 or 206-882-8080)
6/4/93
Flight Simulator 5.0, New Scenery
The Enabled Computer - Computers
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- The Enabled Computer by John McCormick.
I know that some people are tired of hearing from me about how some computers are becoming less friendly to disabled users, but for them, and especially for computer manufacturers and software publishers, I have come up with a simple sensitivity exercise and test to see how their favorite products stand up.
The next time you power up your computer, leave the monitor turned off and see how well you do.
Another exercise is to try running some mouse-intensive software without touching your mouse.
A few minutes is all it will take - then think about how easy a computer is to use for a blind child or an adult with cerebral palsy and whether a GUI makes it easier or harder.
If that is too abstract an example, try remembering that you (all of us) are likely to have deteriorating vision as you grow older and that as life expectancy gets longer we will all be working well into our late sixties or seventies.
More on this later in the column, but first some sad news.
Although this column will continue to appear in Newsbytes outlets, I am sad to report that it will not continue to be published in Computer Monthly Magazine.
Editor-in-Chief Doug Kilarski, who encouraged me to begin this the only adaptive technology column in a mainstream computer publication, kept his promise to keep the column alive as long as possible, despite the fact that not one adaptive technology company ever bought a single inch of ad space in the magazine.
Unfortunately, Computer Monthly has ceased carrying any outside editorial, so all columns have been dropped. Don't send them a nasty note; they have done a great service to the disabled community and deserve praise for carrying the column for more than two years, not criticism for eventually having to drop it.
On a happier note, our free Enabled Computer BBS (814-277-6337) is rapidly gaining subscribers, many of whom are downloading databases of adaptive technology products and some shareware taken from the Internet. We even have a relatively strong presence of overseas callers from as far away as New Zealand.
I want to remind readers that commercial systems (CIS, GEnie, and Delphi), as well as many other private BBS systems, also carry shareware for disabled computer users, so by all means try a local board first to save phone costs, but The Enabled Computer BBS does have some unusual files if you can't find them elsewhere.
But back to the real topic of this column. The following piece is from my forthcoming book, "Computers and the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Manager's Guide," John A. McCormick, August 1993, Windcrest/McGraw Hill (#4422), ISBN 0-8306-4445-8 (paperback) $22.95, ISBN 0-8306-4444-X, 400 pages.
This is a guide for business managers and is not directed to end users, but I have a user-oriented book in the works, one that includes both office and non-business products as well as adaptive software and hardware for children.
The Importance of Planning
As far back as 1985, Dr. Gregg Vanderheiden, Ph.D. of the Trace Research & Development Center at the Waisman Center of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, authored a white paper (posted on The Enabled Computer BBS) about the importance of making certain that no one be needlessly left out as we moved into the computer revolution.
Computers are becoming ever more important in the private school, and work lives of all Americans and since it would be so easy to make computers accessible to the disabled it is an intensely distressing occurrence that computers are becoming less accessible every day.
The Trace Center has been in the forefront of an effort to help make sure that people with disabilities are not just able to access specially modified computers through adaptive hardware and software, but that all computers be built with easy access in mind from the first.
This work began more than seven years ago but apparently without significant success if we consider the fairly recent introduction of a very unfriendly development in operating environments graphical user interfaces.
Dr. Vanderheiden's point is that, while we are still in the initial phases of designing the tools which will become the habitually accepted systems for information access, the nation and the world need to guard against building unnecessary barriers into these new tools.
He likens this to curbcuts, which cost little or no more than installing a standard curb if they are done in the first place but can be a significant expense for a small community if they must be retrofitted.
A point to remember when considering any tiny increase in the cost (if any) of a computer which is easier to access for the disabled is that, just as with the curbcuts which are used a hundred times over by baby carriages or deliverymen for every wheelchair that passes their way, so too will more accessible computers be easier for everyone to use in the long run.
What's my point in including this excerpt in The Enabled Computer?
Simple -- although many individuals in the disabled community have spoken out against graphical user interfaces, their use is spreading, essentially making once-accessible computers inaccessible to most blind and many mobility-impaired users.
I don't begrudge Mr. Gates's company making lots of money with Windows or IBM's attempts to sell OS/2, but I do think that it would be nice if they were to include more built-in features which make it easier for third-party developers to produce specialized software that make their products available to more users.
Feel free to disagree, but before you write a nasty letter pointing out that Windows is a "great" innovation that makes computers easier to use try shutting off your monitor before starting Windows and writing the note.
(John McCormick/19930604/)
riting the note.
(John McCormick/19930604/)
6/4/93
The Enabled Computer - Computers and Curbcuts
GENERAL
Roundup - Stories Carried By Oth
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Roundup is a brief look at some computer stories carried in other publications received here this past week.
Government Computer News dated May 24 says that Zenith Data Systems Desktop IV systems will come ready for heavy-duty office work with Ethernet network cards and both TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) and the Novell NetWare shell already installed on 80486-SX and 80486-DX based microcomputers. The other Desktop IV winner, GTSI of Chantilly, Virginia, will ship Everex Systems' computers, but GTSI hasn't yet disclosed any details about the computers which will be shipped under the massive Department of Defense contract.
A new magazine, CD-ROM Today, hit the newsstands this week. This thrice-yearly glossy from GP Publications (first issue dated July/Summer) has 31 software reviews in its premiere issue and will focus on what the editors call "Personal Multimedia."
Informationweek for May 31 says that corporate users have finally corralled software vendors in the current buyer's market and can actually start calling some of the shots instead of having to take what is offered. Also in this issue is a list of the top 50 independent software vendors (by gross revenue), led, of course by Microsoft, with Computer Associates International and Oracle a distant second and third.
June's Data Based Advisor takes a look at the vast array of add on packages for the popular FoxPro database, listing about 100 products from 57 different companies. Elsewhere, there is an article about how things fare with the X3 standard, specifically the ANSI X3J19 Technical Committee, which the magazine says "has allowed itself to be pulled into big vendor internecine battles by focusing on getting the big three vendors to sign a 'will not sue over language' agreement."
(John McCormick/19930604/)
language' agreement."
(John McCormick/19930604/)
6/4/93
Roundup - Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
GENERAL
Japan, Taiwan, Thailand Top Soft
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- The Business Software Alliance has released its current estimates of just how much software is being pirated in major countries. Japan ($3 billion) Taiwan ($585 million), and Thailand ($181 million) rank as the countries in the world where, percentage-wise, you are most likely to find pirated software running on a computer. The numbers in parentheses are the estimated yearly loss to publishers, but, lest you think this is Asian-bashing, Singapore by comparison, is very law-abiding.
Japan is the top country for cash losses due to piracy, according to the BSA report, but that is partially due to the number of computers in the country. The actual percentage of software sold in Japan which is thought to be pirated is a high 92 percent, but that is actually far better than Thailand where virtually all programs have been illegally copied and the chances of finding a legitimate copy of a commercial program is only one in one hundred.
Top pirate countries by dollar loss amounts are as follows, with percentages in parentheses indicating how much of the installed software is thought to be pirated: Japan (92 percent) $3.0 billion, United States (35 percent) $1.9 billion, France (73 percent) $1.2 billion, Germany (62 percent) $1.0 billion, United Kingdom (54 percent) $685 million, Korea (82 percent) $648 million, Taiwan (93 percent) $585 million, Italy (86 percent) $550 million, and Belgium/The Netherlands/Luxembourg (BeNeLux) (66 percent) $419 million.
All in all, even with the reduction in European software piracy reported earlier in Newsbytes, EC member countries account for about $4.4 billion in losses to software publishers, but on the average the percentage of pirated software sold in the EC is less than 66 percent, comfortably below the world average of 72 percent, but high compared to the estimated 35 percent for the US.
By contrast, Latin America, the US's largest potential market accounts for about $544 million in losses, with Mexico, at $206 million, counting for a large portion of that total.
The average Central and South American country comes in with an 81 percent piracy rate, which is only slightly worse when weighted for the size of the market in each country.
Asia, by contrast, scores an almost identical 81.4 percent average piracy rate, but only because of the remarkably low numbers for the relatively tiny Singapore market. When adjusted for the size of the market in each country, Asia shows a very high average piracy rate for the total number of programs sold.
The BSA's current estimates place the total worldwide losses due to software piracy at about $12 billion, with US-based companies suffering nearly $9 billion of that total loss.
Losses, according to the BSA, aren't due so much to lack of copyright laws as to lax enforcement of existing laws.
The Business Software Alliance is an anti-piracy trade association consisting of the largest US software publishers. Its main goal is to combat software copyright violations overseas while a similar group, the Software Publishers Association mostly targets domestic (US) piracy and represents a much larger number of publishers.
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Citizen Watch Company Ltd., Japan has advised its Indian partner, Madras-based TVS Electronics Ltd (TVSE) to focus on market-oriented production to benefit from the increasing domestic demand for dot matrix printers.
According to M. Tsutsui, director, printer division of Citizen India's strong middle class of 20 million households and rapid growth in use of computers offers a very big market for printers.
Since the TVS group and TVSE have a strong marketing base, it should be possible to increase their share of the market, he said. Tsutsui was in India for the launches of the 100,001 AT printer of TVSE, and the launch of a color printer.
He said Citizen will continue its association with TVSE and has no plans to tie up with any other Indian firm. He did not comment on indigenizing the manufacture of printer heads and motors, the two high-precision items now imported by TVSE.
TVSE had a turnover of Rs 55 crore (around $18.4 million). Although it was a late entrant in the printer field, the company claims a 35 percent market share within just three years.
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
just three years.
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
6/4/93
India - Citizen Focuses On Printer Production
BUSINESS
Washington-Bangalore Video Confe
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- India's Department of Electronics (DoE) achieved a major milestone when it successfully organized a video conference between the Software Technology Park at the Electronics City near Bangalore and Washington, D.C., in the US.
Those who participated in the video conference included the DoE secretary, N. Vittal and representatives from leading computer companies in India: Wipro Infotech, Infosys Technologies and BFL Software. Vittal described the event as "technologically unique."
Describing the facilities available at the park as excellent, many company spokespersons said they were planning to install video conferencing facilities.
According to G. S. Varadan, the director of the Bangalore software technology park, the video conferencing facility will be available on a regular basis soon. However, the facility will be available only to the US and Europe.
Vittal said a number of computer companies have expressed interest in availing the video conferencing facilities. According to Varadan the video conferencing facility offered by DoE is cheaper than a similar scheme by the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (the government-owned telecom company in charge of overseas calls). The DoE has already tied-up with IDB Worldcom, and US telecom companies and British Telecom to provide similar facilities.
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
cilities.
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
6/4/93
Washington-Bangalore Video Conference
TELECOM
Two Into One Will Go; Prodigy Li
Hitachi Maxell Links With TEAC O
Flight Simulator 5.0, New Scener
US Companies Keep Contracting In
Computer Associates Set To Launc
Motorola Codex Claims New Modem
INS Tests Hand Scanners To Speed
Ex-Next Exec Joins Xerox
Russia - Corning To Sell Fiber T
Grid Notebook Doubles As a Pen C
UK - Tricord Adds Pentium Suppor
UK - Autodesk Intros Cyberspace
Time Warner Signs With Qualcomm
Telelogic Unveils Comms Software
AST Boasts of Product Quality
IBM Canada Offers 30-Day Free Tr
Aldus Completes Acquisition Of A
Graphics Add-In for Latest 1-2-3
Caere Gets India Distributor
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Sonata, the software division of Indian Organic Chemicals Ltd., will sell the optical character recognition (OCR) products of Caere Corp., of the US, in India.
The range includes Omnipage Direct, text recognition software that could be used with a word processor, a spreadsheet, desktop publishing, or a communication package. The main features include the ability to recognize all non-stylized fonts from 6 to 72 points, automatic separation of graphics from text and numbers, and the ability to read 11 European languages.
Omnipage Professional is meant for professionals needing advanced document processing capabilities. It incorporates specialized OCR features for quicker editing, special characters and a variety of document types. The file formats it supports for scanned text are ASCII, Excel, Macwrite, RTF, MS-Word and Wordperfect. It is claimed that Omnipage Professional is the only OCR software to have an interactive spellchecker specially designed for text recognition.
Other Caere products include Pagekeeper, an intelligent document storage and retrieval software, and Image Assistant, a color image processing software for power users, and Faxmaster, for sending receiving and compressing faxes.
The products are available both on IBM PCs and Apple Computer Macintoshes. Omnipage direct is priced at Rs 65,000 (around $2,200) and Omnipage Professional at Rs 85,000 (around $2900). Sonata has already sold two copies of Omnipage to Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT). According to a Sonata spokesperson, the company is evaluating the market for a color separator also from Caere.
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
6/4/93
Caere Gets India Distributor
BUSINESS
US Companies Keep Contracting In
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Ten US computer manufacturers have shown interest in meeting their component and raw materials requirements from Indian companies, reveals the delegation sponsored by Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology (MAIT) on its return from the US. In 1992, the US offered a contract manufacturing market worth $8 billion and this is expected to grow by 15 percent this year.
AT&T, IBM, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, DEICO Electronics, C NET, P Com and Cisco are some of the firms keen to partner with Indian firms for this purpose. This development assumes that because of liberalization, manufacturing of complete systems in India has become unviable. Most hardware manufacturers, who have spent a packet on their facilities, are now looking to contract manufacturing, to redeem their plight.
The offer on contract manufacturing will include a reciprocal deal under which Indian firms can market computers made by their US partners. Domestic sales would be determined on the basis of a quota, which would be proportionate to the size of contract manufacturing order. Delhi-based Pertech Computers Ltd. (PCL) recently formalized a Rs 150 crore contract manufacturing accord with Dell Computers of the US for making motherboards for Dell's PCs. PCL plans to sell Dell computers in India.
Besides contract and sub-contract manufacturing, other areas of cooperation include strategic alliances, joint ventures and turnkey assignments. Several countries based in Taiwan, Korea, Singapore China and Hong Kong are already big players in the contract manufacturing arena.
The MAIT delegation went to the US to promote Indian IT capability in niche areas such as contracting, networking, and downsizing. For the first time, a consultant was hired there to arrange one-to-one meetings with prospective business associates. In all five companies were represented: Pertech Computers Ltd. CALS, Advanced Micronic Devices, Gebbs India and Lipi Data Systems.
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
a Systems.
(C.T.Mahabharat/19930604)
6/4/93
US Companies Keep Contracting In India
TRENDS
P z ^
CRN Says Canadian Recession Endi
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Although the US market is much larger and therefore the Canadians are often left out of analysis of business cycles and market potentials, Canada is actually a very large trading partner with the US and the two-year-long recession in the northern computer market has had a major impact on growth on either side of the border. The light at the end of the tunnel may have appeared, as Computer Reseller News reports that the Canadian market is recovering.
According to the piece, large reseller Merisel says its Canadian business grew by 40 percent in the first quarter of 1993.
For several years the Canadian economy has been battered by internal political turmoil, new taxes, and the general slowdown of US and world economies, but this appears to be ending and the pent up consumer and business demand for hot new computer equipment is apparently starting to cause a surge in sales.
Of course this increased demand may find itself stymied by the same supply problems which face resellers and value-added resellers (VARs) in the US which have caused major delays in shipments of IBM and Compaq systems.
(John McCormick/19930604/)
tems.
(John McCormick/19930604/)
6/4/93
CRN Says Canadian Recession Ending
BUSINESS
Some PCs Still In Short Supply
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Waiting for your dealer to deliver a new business system? Well, if you have an IBM or Compaq shop then you certainly aren't alone and the fault doesn't lie with your supplier but with the supply. The shortage of some high-line personal computers which Newsbytes reported some time ago is apparently continuing.
When Newsbytes called a local authorized Apple dealer to enquire about the availability of a popular new desktop modem it turned out that he had one in stock, but was quite surprised to have it.
Although there is apparently some minor shortage of Apple computers, the big problems come when you try to get an IBM or Compaq desktop PC.
Notebooks are also in short supply and again this means Compaq and IBM machines, but Apple notebooks are also hot items and supply is apparently still falling short of demand.
Apple is probably in the best position to weather and even take eventual advantage of this shortage problem because its machines are unique. Few Apple Macintosh or PowerBook buyers are likely to turn to MS-DOS clones when faced with a delay of a few weeks, or even a month or more.
That isn't true of IBM and Compaq customers who are once again discovering that less prestigious PC builders can put machines on the office desks that run just like True Blue or Compaq models. The supply problems could have a real impact on current and future sales for the two majors, a problem which could extend far into the future if more business buyers learn that a PC doesn't have to be from one of the two top companies to be good.
According to The May 31 issue of Computer Reseller News, this PC shortage may be spreading to some laser printer models, with the newspaper reporting a major shortfall in Hewlett-Packard printers and minor problems with Panasonic and Apple laser printer supplies.
IBM's Lexmark spinoff line with its strong new 4039 models that include full PostScript and PCL5 (H-P compatible) language support and 600 dot-per-inch resolution combined with solid print quality may be able to take advantage of the inability of Hewlett-Packard to meet the demand for its printers.
When this Newsbytes bureau recently ordered a 4039 from USA Flex (a major mail-order supplier) we were told that the company had a number of the high-end 12R models in stock and indeed our unit arrived in a few days, bearing out the fact that the claim wasn't just sales hype and they actually did have IBM LaserPrinters in stock.
(John McCormick/19930604/)
(John McCormick/19930604/)
6/4/93
Some PCs Still In Short Supply
TRENDS
Dell Ships Pentium PCs To Austra
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- US PC manufacturer Dell has introduced its first Intel Pentium-based server PC to Australia where it has been in business for four months. In addition it has an upgrade card for earlier machines.
The Pentium server is based on the Dell XE server chassis. It has around two times the performance of the fastest Dell 486 PC. The entry level model has the 60 MHz processor, 230-megabyte hard disk 8 MB of system memory, and a single disk drive for AUS$10800 (around US$7250). Upgrade cards for XE, SE and DE product lines will be available for AUS$4500.
"One of our key goals at Dell is to continue offering our customers additional value 'beyond the box' by keeping a balanced focus on the total value equation," said Dell marketing manager, Denis Rowe. "The focus for the Pentium product announcements is on providing affordable solutions that not only address the current needs of the growing market for high-performance server solutions, but also offer long-term solutions that our customers count on as those needs grow."
Claimed features of the XE system include: improved component cooling; single-latch entry mechanism; improved interior layout; input/output expansion card subsystem separated from the motherboard for easier upgrades and maintenance; sliding, snap-in diskette and hard drives and a wide range of expansion products.
(Paul Zucker/19930604/Contact Dell Computer on phone +61-2-439 3655)
ell Computer on phone +61-2-439 3655)
6/4/93
Dell Ships Pentium PCs To Australia
Digital Mobile Phones Have Serio
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- An Australian telecommunications analyst has revealed that digital mobile phones being used in Australia and Europe have serious design flaws that lead to interference with other services. He claims the problems are well known but have always been "swept under the carpet."
Stewart Fist said that he spent three weeks contacting developers and carriers around the world, yet few were willing to discuss the problems. Eventually he realized that the problems were inherent in the design and could not be corrected by simple modifications to the equipment.
Many of the problems stem from the fact that digital mobile phone systems work by transmitting short pulses of digital information so that the audio content is effectively removed from the transmission except to equipment which can convert the digital signals back into analog. These short pulses of radio frequency energy occur at audible frequencies and as such can break through into nearby electronic equipment.
For instance, most modern hearing aids have pickup coils for detecting public address signals or amplifying telephone calls. These coils also detect digital mobile phone transmissions within a range of around 10 meters, producing a buzzing sound in the hearing aid. Even traditional analog mobile phones can suffer interference from the digital phones.
(Paul Zucker/19930604)
ce from the digital phones.
(Paul Zucker/19930604)
6/4/93
Digital Mobile Phones Have Serious Operational Flaws
TELECOM
EC Retaliates Against US Trade S
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And N
Australia's Telecom Apologizes F
L SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Telecom Australia today placed two full-page ads in Australian daily papers to correct statements made in an earlier ad campaign. They were headlined "The Trade Practices Commission has directed Telecom to issue this corrective advertisement."
Telecom and its new competitor Optus are locked in a massive advertising campaign because of the unusual way the regulatory body Austel has decreed that they can secure customers. At present all long distance calls are routed through Telecom unless the call is prefixed with "1" in which case they go through Optus. Austel will progressively send ballot papers to all subscribers over the next few months. They will be required to specify the carrier of their choice and from then on they will have to dial a four-digit prefix each time they want to use the other carrier.
Part of the campaign to influence decisions is the introduction of various discount and preferred number rates. Optus successfully argued that two recent Telecom ads which claimed Telecom calls were cheaper than Optus were misleading. One implied that by subscribing to one plan, a number of overseas destinations became cheaper, while in fact a separate fee was necessary for each country dialled.
The other ad compared rates but failed to include the cost of the "flexi-plan" in the calculation and ignored the automatic discount given to Optus customers whose calls exceed $30 per month.
The final paragraph of one ad says, "Telecom regrets that readers may have been misled by the advertisement and advises that future advertisements showing prices for long distance telephone calls using any flexi-plan service will make it clear that customers are required to pay the applicable access fee for that service in addition to the charge for the call."
The second ad ends the paragraph with "any Flexi-Plan service in comparison with a competitor's service will not convey a false impression as to the cost of the call."
Meanwhile, Telecom has had another change of name this week. When it combined with the overseas carrier OTC it was changed from Telecom to the mellifluous AOTC (Australian Overseas Telecommunications Commission) though it still traded as Telecom. Now AOTC has been changed to Telstra Corporation Limited, though it will still trade as Telecom.
(Paul Zucker/19930604)
still trade as Telecom.
(Paul Zucker/19930604)
6/4/93
Australia's Telecom Apologizes For Misleading Ads
TELECOM
International Telecom Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- The world telecom market woke up to a new situation with the announcement of a joint-venture between MCI and British Telecom. But not everyone got the wake-up call.
Certainly the BT-MCI deal, combined with AT&T's WorldSource agreements, put pressure on companies like France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom to link-up or be left out. The Germans and French have been second and third, behind only ATT and ahead of BT -- as international carriers, and set up a group called Eunetcom in March aimed at finding global partners. The only US player left on the table is Sprint. Then there's Unisource, with Dutch, Swedish and Swiss PTTs, and Danish, Finnish and Norwegians waiting in the wings. Unisource could move quicker after the Dutch PTT, known as Koninklijke PTT Nederland, is privatized next year. The Dutch need new opportunities to excite markets profits are currently flat.
Hold-outs on the European future remain Belgium and Italy. Belgacom is just-now starting to shift through 20 partnership applications for a joint-venture on GSM cellular phones. In Italy, STET is trying to stop the freight train of liberalization and privatization all by itself. Its managers fear that the French move to the political right could lead to privatizing France Telecom and leave it out in the cold. STET insists a 1998 date for opening the telecom market, which succeeded an original 1993 target, be maintained, saying it needs until then to get its house in order. With managers and units all implicated in the nation's widening political scandals, that may be true.
Elsewhere in Europe, the privatization of Greece's OTE moved ahead as its general director, a critic of the move, quit. Northern Telecom moved to get a piece of the resulting equipment market following the Greek privatization move, signing a collaboration agreement with Hellenic Aerospace Industry to push its tender to OTE for digitizing the network and putting in a NorTel switch-making plant.
While much attention is focused on Europe, it should now move to Latin America, a fast-growing market with newly privatized telecom units that could quickly be brought into the orbit of any of the new worldwide consortia. Mexico's Telmex is controlled by Southwestern Bell, Venezuela's CANTV by GTE, Argentina's Telefonica and Chile's EnTel by Telefonica de Espana. Markets throughout the continent rose, as Brazil's Telebras led the way. An exception -- and there are always exceptions to Latin trends was Panama, where moves to privatize the economy have stalled.
In Asia, prospects remain equally bright. China's Guangdong province became half-owner of Fonic Inc., which makes telecom equipment. The US Embassy praised the economic prospects of Malaysia, calling it a good market for telecom equipment sales.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930604)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930604)
6/4/93
International Telecom Update
TELECOM
AT&T's Big Week
` ; NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Despite MCI's tie up with British Telecom, AT&T remains the hottest property on the world telecom board, and this week proved it.
The BT-MCI tie-up followed AT&T's own announcement of a group called WorldSource, which included KDD and Singapore Telecom in Asia, and is dedicated to the same goal -- putting all of a multinational's telecom services under one umbrella. This week AT&T launched a modem for the Sega Genesis videogame player and announced it is teaming up with Viacom, a major cable programmer and smaller cable operator, to test video service technology.
The Viacom system in Castro Valley, California will be getting a whole host of interactive consumer services, just as larger rivals TCI and Time Warner announce plans to install the technology in all their systems. The deal puts Viacom on a par with its rivals at low cost -- the test starts a year from now and runs 18 months. It gives AT&T the chance to develop products and software for interactive cable it could then sell to, say TCI and Time Warner, among others. Featured will be the video server, which offers movies on demand, and StarSight, an on screen programming guide which could compete with Microsoft's Modular Windows. Viacom will also add interactivity to its many cable networks, which include MTV, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, VH 1, Showtime, and The Movie Channel.
AT&T's plan, according to interviews Chairman Robert Allen has given at regular intervals all year, isn't to predict the future but to have its hands into every communication technology that could become the future. Instead of trying to create and impose technology, AT&T is just investing small sums in everything that looks interesting, knowing that when something does hit, it's covered.
In the wake of the week's news, brokers and analysts reiterated buys on AT&T, now trading at a 52-week high of $62 per share, as well as its chief rival, MCI. Its chief problem may be the large number of bets it's taken. Moody's is now reviewing its debt with an eye toward a possible downgrade, citing the BT-MCI tie-up. But even that cloud has a silver lining -- AT&T now has higher hopes it can gain more access to the UK market and, through it, the rest of Europe.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930604/Press Contact: AT&T, Mark Siegel. 908 221-8413)
el. 908 221-8413)
6/4/93
AT&T's Big Week
TELECOM
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
Prodigy Pushes Into Cable
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Prodigy, which has yet to turn a profit, is pushing ahead anyway toward offering a version of its service on cable television.
Cable companies have been clammoring in recent months for an interactive offering as they expand home shopping services with new entries like TV Macy's -- and as leading cable operators like TCI and Time Warner set plans to offer up to 500 channels and greater interactivity.
Prodigy is expected to make a formal announcement of its offering at the National Cable Television Association show in San Francisco next week. But the company has already made formal press releases available. They indicate that Prodigy will offer what amounts to an interactive cable channel, with news, messaging and game-playing instead of movies.
Prodigy claims to have over 2 million enrolled households, but recent figures from Jupiter Communications of New York indicate it has just 1.23 million subscribers. That puts it slightly ahead of CompuServe, with 1.125 million. GEnie was third at 300,000, and America Online fourth. A large number of "others," including The Well, StarText, The Sierra Network, USA Today Sports Center, and US Videotel, had a total of 90,000 members among them.
Prodigy has never admitted to making a profit. In recent months it has laid off over one-quarter of its staff, hiked its monthly minimum price to $15, and set hourly charges on some services in a bid to become profitable.
Now it says it will, in the words of its press statement, "open its distributed interactive delivery network to third parties," and hopes to become a link between local cable operators and producers of interactive programs, as well as develop its own interactive TV service using new set-top converters from General Instrument's Jerrold unit. What's interesting there is speculation that the new GI boxes will be based on Intel 80386 chips and a version of Microsoft's Windows software called Modular Windows. The new boxes could be delivered to consumers by next spring. Scott Kurnit, executive vice president of Prodigy, said in the press statement that "Prodigy believes there is a large, untapped market today for two-way text and graphics services delivered over cable to the TV," and most analysts agree. Whether Prodigy will become profitable tapping into that market, of course, remains to be seen.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930604/Press Contact: Prodigy Services, Steve Hein, 914-993-8843)
, Steve Hein, 914-993-8843)
6/4/93
Prodigy Pushes Into Cable
TELECOM
Editorial - MCI, BT Turn World U
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- By Dana Blankenhorn. For years British Telecom tried unsuccessfully to crack the US market, while MCI unsuccessfully tried to compete overseas. Now the two have teamed up, and the world has turned upside-down.
The link between BT, the fourth-largest international communications carrier, and MCI, the sixth-largest, is designed to compete with AT&T's WorldSource, a grouping which includes KDD of Japan and Singapore Telecom and will offer one-stop shopping for multinational companies. BT's own Syncordia group, based in Atlanta, has tried to offer this service for two years, but has found few customers so far. MCI and BT will probably base their new joint venture in either Washington or London, although Atlanta has not been completely ruled out.
What the link really does is put increasing pressure on European networks, especially France Telecom and Deutsche Bundespost Telekom, to compete now or be locked out of the world market. The French and German PTTs are still state-owned, and while the Germans are moving toward privatization and market liberalization, the French -- even under a new conservative government -- has yet to move toward selling its crown jewel. Still, the two groups are second and third among the big international carriers, and should have something to say.
The two European giants have this choice. They can link up with the privatizing Dutch and Scandinavian companies in their Unisource alliance. They can sign with BT-MCI. They can sign with WorldSources. They can try to go it alone, go together, or, like the Italians, try to put their heads in the sand and hope to wake up in 1998. We'll watch and report.
BT and MCI, meanwhile, still have a big hole to fill if they're to offer truly worldwide coverage. The hole is called Asia. AT&T has tied up the Koreans, Japanese, Australians and even Singapore in WorldSource. HongKong Telecom, the other major player, is mainly owned by Cable & Wireless, a key BT rival. They could do what AT&T is threatening to do in Europe -- build it themselves but that could be very expensive.
What's all this mean? To most of us, not much. These link-ups are aimed mainly at offering the best possible service to large companies, not to small operators who can still get decent service from local providers. Calls among the world's phone companies usually take place automatically -- it's not like you couldn't call Australia before.
What this could mean, down the road, is more fast data services over undersea cables between Europe, Asia, and the Americas. That's something all phone and modem users could use. That could expand the Internet into a truly world-girdling fast data network, or it could lead to the creation of new online services. Japan's networks, like PC-Van, Nifty-Serve and ASCII, have the right idea here -- link up with everyone, and the business will flow. With faster data services, 56,000 bits/second on up to T-1 speeds of 1.544 million bits/second, that international business could be multimedia in no time.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930604)
in no time.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930604)
6/4/93
Editorial - MCI, BT Turn World Upside Down
EDITORIAL
TELECOM
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades M
Comdex - The Untold Story, Edito
Reaction Positive to BT-MCI Move
Dell Shareholders Sue For Nondis
Twenty Indian Companies Particip
EC Retaliates Against US Trade S
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And N
Koala Habitat Database Aids Cons
Computer Associates Set To Launc
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Computer Associates is preparing to launch what it calls its first personal finance product for the PC this coming Tuesday. Although shrouded in secrecy, Newsbytes has discovered that the package is called CA Simply Money.
"The word on the streets is that it has that name and the general suggestion is that it will be a Windows package, but I haven't heard about pricing," Ian Yarlott, business unit manager with Intuit UK which offers the UK version of Quicken and Quicken for Windows.
Other sources in the UK software industry revealed that they were aware of CA's planned foray into the personal finance market, but drew a blank on product specifications and pricing.
Bob Jones, a spokesman for CA's New York office confirmed that a finance product for the personal software market would be launched on Tuesday next, but refused to elaborate. He told Newsbytes that initially at least, the package would be available in the US only. CA UK, meanwhile, professed ignorance of the software.
(Steve Gold/19930604/Press Contact: Bob Jones - Tel: 516-342-2391)
9930604/Press Contact: Bob Jones - Tel: 516-342-2391)
6/4/93
Computer Associates Set To Launch CA Simply Money
IBM, Disney Announce PS/1s For T
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- At the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, IBM and Walt Disney Computer Software Company have introduced a pair of PCs aimed at meeting the needs of the whole family, right on down to the youngest member.
A company spokesperson told Newsbytes that the new PS/1s, which come preloaded with 11 Disney software titles, represent the first in a series of joint ventures to take place between IBM and Disney. "This is no one-shot deal," he commented
The spokesperson declined to divulge further details on the upcoming collaborations at this time, but he did tell Newsbytes that IBM will be unveiling a series of options for the PS/1s, to include larger hard drives, at PC Expo in New York. The series will be entitled Easy Options, he said.
As announced at CES, the PS/1s will each come standard with an Intel 486SX 25 MHz processor, a 120 MB hard drive, 4 MB of RAM, and a color SVGA monitor. One model will have three slots and three drive bays, and the other will provide five slots and five bays.
In addition to the 11 Disney titles, each model will ship with MS DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1, Microsoft Works for Windows, Prodigy, and the PS/1 edition of America Online, as well as several titles from IBM including PS/1 Club, PS/1 Connection, PS/1 Index, PS/1 Tutorial and PS/1 Fitness. PS/1 Fitness includes a virus checker.
Systems sold in the US will also come with the Disney Sound Source a stand-alone, battery-operated sound peripheral that connects to a computer's printer or parallel port and provides voice, music, and sound effects. The Sound Source works with software from other developers in addition to Disney, and offers support for Microsoft's WAV sound file standard and OLE (object linking and embedding).
The spokesperson stressed that the Disney software offers something for all ages, even up to adults. One title, Disney Animation Studio, lets the user create animated characters. Another, called Coaster, is for designing a roller coaster, and then taking an online ride.
Mickey's 123's, Mickey's ABC's, and Mickey's Colors and Shapes are targeted at the tot audience. Other Disney titles include Mickey's Jigsaw Puzzle, Mickey's Crossword Puzzle, Mickey's Memory Challenge, Follow the Reader, Aladdin Print Kit, and the Stunt Island adventure game.
The new PCs are expected to become available in mid-July at approximately 6,000 retail locations in the US, for street prices starting at about $1,699. Worldwide availability will vary by country.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930604/Press contacts: J. Ralph Hammock, IBM tel 914-766-3935; Kirk Green, Walt Disney Computer Software, tel 818-973-4015)
, Walt Disney Computer Software, tel 818-973-4015)
6/4/93
IBM, Disney Announce PS/1s For The Entire Family
Zoomer Specifics
CHICAGO, ILLINIOS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Tandy and Casio are again showing off Zoomer at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago this week and America Online, Quicken, Motorola, and Sundisk have all announced support for the new device. Zoomer is a pen-based pocket computer that combines wireless communication with graphically based-pen computing.
Both Casio and Tandy will each come out with their own brand of Zoomer, but both devices will be compatible. Late September to early October of this year is the projected release date for Zoomer. Tandy has said its Z-550 Zoomer will be offered for $699 while Casio is setting its manufacturers retail price at $895, expecting the street price to be $700. Both models will offer identical features.
At the first showing of Zoomer in January the two companies were calling the unit a Personal Information Processor (PIP). However, Casio and Tandy have dropped PIP and have adapted Apple Computer's acronym for the unit calling it a Personal Information Device (PDA).
As previously announced, a version of the Geoworks graphical operating system will be the user interface to Zoomer. Geoworks was chosen because of its low overhead in terms of computing horsepower and its compatibility with the IBM personal computer (PC) platform. Geoworks provides file management, printer drivers, communication drivers, password capability, a launcher menu to start applications, and pop-up on screen keyboards.
Zoomer will use an Intel-compatible central processing unit (CPU) which the companies claim is being custom made for the unit by Casio. The unit will have 1 megabyte of random access memory (RAM) divided into 640 kilobytes (K) for the system and 384 K for RAM disk space. In addition, a 4 MB read-only memory (ROM) contains the operating system and all the applications.
Casio is also making the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen Zoomer uses. The screen is a monochrome reflective screen at 320 by 256 pixel resolution with a 0.3 millimeter (mm) dot pitch. Zoomer itself measures 1-inch thick, 4.2 inches wide and 6.8 inches long and weighs 16 ounces (1 pound). The unit offers 100 hours of use via three "AA" alkaline batteries and an AC adapter will be available as well. Two lithium batteries supply a power backup for the system's RAM. Zoomer will also save where the user left off, presenting that place again when turned back on.
A mini-serial port connection will be built in for data transfer with PCs, printers, and modems. Also included will be an infrared port for wireless communications, a speaker with headphone jack, and a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) 2.0 card slot for third party applications, storage, memory expansion, and hardware like pagers and fax/modems.
Software for access to America Online will be built into the unit, although an optional modem is required to access the bulletin board service. Apple Computer announced similar access to America Online for its first PDA, the Newton, so PDA users with America Online access can exchange electronic messages just as they can with their desktop computers.
A date book with a "to do" list manager and alarms, an address book, and a notebook all developed by Palm Computing will be included. In addition, a calculator, a home and world time clock, a forms calculator, a translation dictionary for 26 languages, on-line help, a 50,000 word dictionary, a 100,000 word spell checker, and a 660,000 word thesaurus, all US holidays, US city and state information, international city and country information, area codes, travel information birthstones and flowers, Zodiac signs, and the US founding documents will all be offered built-in, Tandy officials said.
Three games Pyramid, Solitaire, and Uki (like Othello) will be built-in to Zoomer as well. An "A" and "B" button and arrow keys are offered on the Zoomer unit, inviting other game developers to offer games for Zoomer.
A version of the popular financial program Quicken, called Pocket Quicken will be offered built into Zoomer. The program will offer basic checking with credit card and cash account tracking capabilities. Pocket Quicken is fully compatible with the company's other Quicken products, company representatives said.
Sundisk, a division of Sun Microsystems, announced it will design flash mass storage PCMCIA Type II memory cards for the Zoomer. The cards will be twenty megabytes (MB), and disk compression software such as Stacker from Stac Electronics can doubled the amount of data that can be stored on the cards to forty MB. Sundisk flash cards also are available in two, five and ten-MB capacities that all operate from a single five-volt power supply. Sun, known for its SPARCstation reduced instruction set computing (RISC) workstation computers announced earlier this year its intention to develop a PDA-type device, but no further details have been forthcoming.
Data entry can be accomplished on the Zoomer by writing in information that is then recognized and translated into text as though typed, or an on-screen QWERTY-style keyboard can be used to select characters one at a time with the pen. In addition text written in the user's own handwriting can be saved, called "electronic ink." In a demonstration of Zoomer, the user made a mistake while writing a note with the stylus and showed how instead of rewriting the entire text, the Zoomer could "back up," deleting one keystroke at a time.
Optional accessories for Zoomer include a serial cable, a communication interface, a replacement stylus, a deluxe stylus an AC adapter, a PCMCIA memory card, and a leather carrying case.
In addition, Motorola announced it would work with Geoworks to develop its Electronic Mail Broadcast to a Roaming Computer (EMBARC) wireless communications compatibility for the Geos operating system platform. Motorola is already known for its wireless service products, including pocket pagers.
The two companies say the agreement could bring wireless messages, data, and even file transfers to one or multiple mobile computer users simultaneously and is especially aimed at the new Zoomer PDA, which uses the Geos operating system.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930604/Press Contact: Mieke Henderson Tandy, tel 817-347-7624, fax 817-878-6508)
fax 817-878-6508)
6/4/93
Zoomer Specifics
Motorola Codex Claims New Modem
WALLINGTON, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Motorola Codex, one of the first modem manufacturers to get an interim V.Fast unit to market late last year, has claimed that its 326XFast-SDC modem has achieved speeds of 72,000 bits per second over the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
V.Fast is an interim standard that is currently being agreed (ratified) by the CCITT, the international telecoms regulatory body. According to Bill Pechey, technical manager with Hayes Northern Europe and a senior member of the CCITT study group on V.Fast modems with the complete V.Fast standard included should be released before the end of the year.
The Motorola Codex unit is, therefore, very much an interim release but conforms as closely as possible to the V.Fast modem planned model. Ray Wright, Motorola Codex's worldwide director of transmission product marketing, said that the 326XFast-SDC modem is capable of very high speeds. "This product brings together the speed and reliability of digital links with the simplicity and general availability of the PSTN," he said.
The new modem is part of Motorola Codex's range of network and leased line modems. Currently, the 326XFast-SDC is being promoted as a modem that supports leased line speeds over the PSTN. Pricing on the modem has yet to be determined, but, according to the company it will be pitched competitively with other high-speed modems on the market-place.
(Steve Gold/19930604/Press & Public Contact: Motorola Codex - Tel: 081-773-7632)
c Contact: Motorola Codex - Tel: 081-773-7632)
6/4/93
Motorola Codex Claims New Modem Speed Record
TELECOM
Video Via Cellular Phones
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- At a succession of press briefings in an office building near its headquarters, a group called Comacs Enterprises said it is now offering licenses for a digital compression technology which will allow the transmission of video through cellular phones.
Comacs President Oriana Schoneberg told Newsbytes that a reporter in a war zone could use the technology, called Asynchronous Halfwave Encoding And Decoding, or AHEAD, to transmit pictures directly from a war zone using standard cellular phone technology. In the Gulf War, for instance, TV reporters were frustrated by censors manning the available satellite uplinks but coordinated their actions regularly using cellular phone frequencies. The Comacs system could let them bypass those gatekeepers in future conflicts.
Ms. Schoneberg said AHEAD will produce faster, clearer, cheaper data transmissions as well as allow the delivery of video. She said it was developed by a multinational group of 17 scientists during a seven-year, $7 million research project. Any company that manufacturers electronics can use the technology, which can be adapted to several forms including a computer chip. Defense contractors, intelligence organizations, major computer manufacturers and NASA have all expressed interest in the technology.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- If you have a Sega, next summer you'll be able to buy a device to allow your kids to play games Sega against their friends over the telephone lines without leaving the house. The device is called The Edge and it is the result of an agreement between Sega and American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T).
AT&T describes The Edge as a low-cost communications platform that will make multi-person video game play possible over regular phone lines. Made up of a modem and a speaker phone The Edge will not only allow competitive play, but will transmit voices over the same phone line as well so both parties can talk to each other while they play. The Edge will work by plugging into the game slot on the Sega, and then the game cartridge and the modular phone line plugs into The Edge.
Robert Dobbins product manager of AT&T's interactive multimedia products division said an additional feature of The Edge is four slots on the front of the unit for memory cards. The memory cards will allow game play to be saved and could also allow for the purchase of new characters for favorite games that can be added by adding a card. Dobbins said Electronic Arts, Sega, Tengen and other Sega video game manufacturers are looking into making their games "Edge compatible" so users can take advantage of this new capability.
All this is heading toward networking the Sega units for multiplayer games at some future point, Dobbins added. Sega has already announced a deal with Time Warner to put its games on cable television so users wouldn't need cartridges, but via an add-on module could connect into the cable channel.
The Edge will be available no later than next summer and the retail price is anticipated to be between $100 and $150.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930604/Press Contact: Robert Dobbins, AT&T tel 201-581-3887)
4/Press Contact: Robert Dobbins, AT&T tel 201-581-3887)
6/4/93
AT&T's The Edge Connects 2 Sega Units Via Phone Lines
TRENDS
ZDS Pen-based Notepad Computer
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Develop
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 4 (NB) -- Despite promises that the 3DO player would be available this summer, the company says the release is "on track" for fall launch. However, 3DO reports 302 software companies have signed license agreements to develop software for the 3DO.
The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer attaches to the television set and looks much like a video cassette recorder (VCR) that takes compact discs (CDs). The unit is based on a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) chip from ARM that is anticipated to offer fifty times the graphics animation performance of traditional personal computers and video game systems. Matsushita demonstrated the first 3DO player, the Real 3DO, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Chicago this week and will market the player under the Panasonic label this fall.
Seventeen software companies showed thirty-five titles at the CES, but only ten are expected to be available when the 3DO player is this fall. However, 3DO says there will be twenty titles by the holiday season and estimates 91 titles are already in the works.
Even though it has released no products, 3DO boasts it has raised $48 million in its initial public offering since it first displayed prototype 3DO players at the CES show in January.
The company has also announced it licensed the MPEG I video compression scheme for use in the 3DO player from C-Cube. A CL450 MPEG Video Decoder built into an expansion module will allow the Interactive Multiplayer to playback up to 74 minutes of high-quality, full-motion video from a single CD.
Paramount and Philips have already announced a deal where Paramount will offer 72-minute theater length movies on the Philips CD-I player, which also connects to a television. A similar MPEG video decoder add-on device attached to the CD-I player makes the movie play possible.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930604/Press Contact: Diane Hunt, 3DO, tel 415-574-6786)
ess Contact: Diane Hunt, 3DO, tel 415-574-6786)
6/4/93
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Developers Signed Up
GENERAL
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
State Regulators Face Sunset
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With
Time, TCI Get Serious About Cabl
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- The cable industry has begun to get serious about its place in the "electronic highway" race as the two largest players, TCI and Time Warner, have linked-up to study what they'll need to join in the action.
All they'll say for now is "open architecture." The two cable giants -- both of which recently set to begin major upgrades of their systems, TCI aiming at 500 channels and Time Warner concentrating on interactivity -- want to get equipment, software and services which will run on both their systems.
Time Warner Cable head Joseph J. Collins said that both companies have "a shared vision of the Full Service Network," which is Time's word for its upgrade.
TCI's president, John C Malone, emphasized the compatibility angle. "It is critical that these networks be compatible with each other so people across the country can use them to simply and conveniently access the services we will offer," he said.
Newsbytes notes that TCI has 10.2 million customers, while Time Warner has 7.1 million.
The deal between the two cable giants puts added pressure on cable industry suppliers, such as General Instruments and Scientific Atlanta, to bring their offerings closer together. GI is working with Intel and Microsoft on new boxes. Sci-Atl is looking for a RISC chip to power its new boxes, and has reportedly been talking to Silicon Graphics.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930607/Press Contact: Lynn Yeager, Time Warner Cable, 203-328-0669; Bob Thomson, TCI, 303-267-5220)
r Cable, 203-328-0669; Bob Thomson, TCI, 303-267-5220)
6/7/93
Time, TCI Get Serious About Cable's Telecom Position
TELECOM
Epson: ActionNote To Complement,
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Epson America views its new ActionNote series of portable PCs as a complement to its existing NB Series, and certainly not a replacement, an Epson official told Newsbytes in a telephone interview.
Speaking with Newsbytes from the CES show in Chicago, Sanford Weisman, Epson's product marketing manager for portable computers outlined the company's portable strategy, and responded to comments from an analyst that were included in a Newsbytes story that ran last week.
"I think there's merit to some of what he said, but not all of it," said Weisman, referring to observations by Randy Giusto, senior analyst at WorkGroup Technologies. Giusto was quoted in last week's story as saying that Epson seems to be introducing the ActionNote series in piece-by-piece fashion, and that quick action should be taken to fill out the new family to overcome a public perception that the vendor hasn't kept up-to-date lately with the newest industry trends.
The NB Series and new ActionNote family are targeted at entirely different audiences, and sold through different channels, Weisman told Newsbytes. The NB Series is aimed at the corporate market place, and marketed through traditional reseller channels, he elaborated. The new ActionNote family, on the other hand, is designed for the small business/home office market, and sold in retail stores.
Computers in the NB Series are designed to be customized with software, memory upgrades, docking stations, and other options to meet the needs of particular corporate applications, said Weisman.
"We definitely don't consider the models in the NB Series to be `old,'" he said. In fact, Epson just introduced a new model in the series a couple of months ago, he said.
"And I'd say we're moving pretty fast with the ActionNote series too," he added. The first member of the family, the ActionNote 4SLC/25 notebook, was introduced in April. The second member, the ActionNote 4000 subnotebook, was unveiled last week at CES.
"We're bringing out these computers one by one because we want to give each model the attention it deserves," he told Newsbytes. Models in the retail line are designed to offer the strong price/performance, ease of use, and high reliability that consumers and small businesses need, he explained.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930607/Press contact: Jan Marciano, Epson America, tel 310-782-5161)
s contact: Jan Marciano, Epson America, tel 310-782-5161)
6/7/93
Epson: ActionNote To Complement, Not Replace, NB Series
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Develop
Time, TCI Get Serious About Cabl
Sega Versus Nintendo; The Battle
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa
Cablesoft Rumors Swirling
Sun Establishes Strategic Allian
CES: Wireless Cable Net Ready to
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- At the Consumer Electronics Show GM's DirecTv direct broadcast satellite unit announced it has won distribution agreements with a number of basic cable services.
Included are The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, C-SPAN C-SPAN 2 and E! Entertainment Television. The agreements bring to 16 the number of basic cable networks that will be distributed nationwide by DirecTv. In rural areas, DirecTv will be offered through the National Rural Telecommunications Co-operative.
DirecTv will offer the cable networks itself elsewhere, along with pay-per-view movies, sports, cultural, entertainment and other programming.
To get DirecTv, viewers will need a special RCA branded satellite dish, 18 inches in diameter, made by Thomson of France. The company will use digital compression to fit up to 150 channels of services onto a direct broadcast satellite starting in April, 1994. The satellite dish package includes a decoder box and remote control and will retail for about $700. The system includes a proprietary compression algorithm and will be incompatible with other competing direct broadcast systems like Echosphere.
Other cable programmers who have agreed to make themselves available via DirecTv are The Disney Channel, CNN, Headline News, TNT, TBS Superstation, The Cartoon Network, USA Network, The Sci-Fi Channel TNN: The Nashville Network, CMT: Country Music Television, The Family Channel, and two Canadian services -- Newsworld International and Northstar. In addition, DirecTv has pay-per-view agreements with Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, which includes Columbia/TriStar releases, and Turner Broadcasting for titles from the Turner/MGM library.
The high-power satellites for the system are already being built by Hughes, and are based on the HS 601 model with 16 transponders each. The first satellite is scheduled for a December 1993 launch, and the second launch is planned for summer 1994. Both satellites will be placed in orbit by Arianespace.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930607/Press Contact: Linda F. Brill DirecTv, 310-535-5062)
Linda F. Brill DirecTv, 310-535-5062)
6/7/93
CES: Wireless Cable Net Ready to Go
TELECOM
Xircom Brings Nomadic Computing
Real-Time News Software For Maci
Geneva Services Unveils Mac To M
Hewlett-Packard Introduces Omnip
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft Corporation have announced the introduction of the HP OmniBook 300 "superportable", a 2.9 pound 386 system that contains Microsoft Windows, Word and Excel in read-only-memory (ROM).
According to the announcement, Hewlett-Packard has chosen to call the new offering a superportable "because it gives users full-size PC convenience anytime, anywhere with no boot-up and no set-up."
Hewlett-Packard spokesperson Lucy Honig told Newsbytes that the OmniBook 300 is available immediately. She also said: "Even though the OmniBook has a full size keyboard and display, it is only 11.1 inches long and can easily fit in briefcases and pocketbooks. I think that it is the perfect machine for on the go people who need full computer functionality."
The OmniBook 300 is based on a 20 Megahertz (MHz) 386sxlv chip. The unit contains 4 PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) standard card slots, infrared, serial, parallel and fax/modem ports and a built-in pop-up mouse.
There are two models in the line, a 40 megabyte (MB) system with a recommended list of $1,950, and one that contains a 10MB flash disk with a suggested price of $2,275. Options include Fax/Modem Communications Pack ($379); 2MB RAM expansion ($179); and AC/DC adapter ($99). The Operating System supplied with the system (MS-DOS 5.0) contains the DoubleSpace function of MS-DOS 6.0 and, according to Hewlett-Packard, doubles the capacity of the built-in hard disk and flash cards.
Software supplied with the OmniBook 300 includes Microsoft Windows 3.1, Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0, Microsoft Excel 3.1, Laplink Remote Access, HP Phone Book, HP Appointment Book, and HP Financial Calculator. Purchasers of the optional Fax/modem PCMICA card also receive Microsoft Mail 3.2, WinFax LITE and DynaComm.
Announcing the OmniBook 300, Lewis E. Platt, Hewlett-Packard president and chief executive officer said: "The HP OmniBook 300 superportable is a product of our version of a new age: that of pervasive computing."
"With the superportable, HP and Microsoft are creating an exciting new category of portable personal computing that emphasizes more than size and weight. For years, people have been making computers smaller and lighter, we're the first company to design a mobile system specifically designed for convenience of use while on-the go," he said.
Bill Gates, Microsoft CEO, added: "We are pleased to have worked closely with HP on the development of the OmniBook 300. HP has produced a great piece of engineering; the size, weight and battery life are quite phenomenal. What's more, the OmniBook is the first machine with ROM based versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, the most popular applications for Windows. HP's OmniBook 300 is truly a 'Windows machine'."
The battery consumption referred to by Gates has been estimated for nine hours of use for flash card systems and 5 hours for hard disk systems. The OmniBook utilizes a rechargeable battery pack. Honig told Newsbytes that, in the event of an emergency, 4 AA alkaline batteries can power the flash card model and 4 lithium batteries can power the hard disk model.
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/Press Contact: Lucy Honig Hewlett-Packard Company, 503-750-2038/19930607)
ckard Company, 503-750-2038/19930607)
6/7/93
Hewlett-Packard Introduces Omnipage
GENERAL
Australian Study Shows Telecommu
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Telecom Australia has released the findings of its first study of telecommuting in Australia. It reveals that the workers are more productive, happier and healthier.
Telecommunting is working from home or nearby place, instead of travelling to the traditional place such as an office. It usually involves the use of computers, fax machines, modems and other office communication devices.
The Telecom study took 31 workers who lived in various parts of the country and set them up with suitable home office areas. They were required to work without children in the house. They all kept daily diaries and met other telecommuters regularly to discuss problems and ideas.
Productivity rose by 18 percent on average, while anxiety decreased by around 15 percent. Sick-leave was lower, possibly due to the fact that they were able to work at their own pace, and could start later in the day if they woke up feeling unwell. Most respondents reported a saving of money though savings in travel were partially offset by increased household costs such as power.
They became more self-reliant and most said they had developed a better control of their lives. 10 percent reported feelings of isolation and some admitted to taking photographs of their work colleagues home to keep in their work area while others said they needed to chat with their colleagues on the phone to keep up their accustomed social interaction. Some reported that they tended to work much longer hours.
(Paul Zucker/19930607)
to work much longer hours.
(Paul Zucker/19930607)
6/7/93
Australian Study Shows Telecommuters More Productive
GENERAL
Wireless Call For Copy
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- If you're a reporter or editor who's sent stories without wires, Bill Frezza of Ericsson-GE wants to honor you.
In a mass MCI mailing to over 25 leading technology reporters Frezza opened the bidding for what he calls the "12 apostles" award. They'll go to the first 12 journalists who have submitted for publication "a news story, article, or column via wireless Email.
"The publication can be a newsletter, daily, weekly, monthly, or on line magazine. The article need not be about wireless communications but must have been submitted wirelessly," Frezza wrote. Nominations should go to Jim Opfer, who heads the RadioMail user group known as RMUG, at the Internet address opfer@radiomail.net. Nominations must be received by June 10th, and winners will be announced June 14 at the group's regular meeting in Atlanta.
What do they get? A nice certificate, of course. Good reporters are never for sale. Oh, and RMUG will send out a press release with your name on it. The meeting of the group will be held at 8:30 PM on June 14 at the Atlanta Hilton, the evening before the Electronic Mail Association convention opens, Frezza told Newsbytes.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930604/Press Contact: Bill Frezza, Ericsson GE, 201-588-4265; email; wfrezza@radiomail.net: Send Entries to: opfer@radiomail.net)
to: opfer@radiomail.net)
6/7/93
Wireless Call For Copy
TELECOM
Comdex - WordPerfect Announces 6
Japan - Mitsubishi Develops 4-Me
AST To Buy Tandy's Computer Manu
Lasermaster's Color Controller F
800,000 Copies Win/NT In 12 Mont
Microsoft Ships Access 1.1, Acce
NCR Enters UTS Mainframe Market
The Net E-Mail System & EMBARC L
IDB Mobile Deals
Lowest Priced Full-Motion Video
BellSouth, Cox Close To Pact On
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- BellSouth spokesmen are denying published reports they have a deal with Cox Enterprises owners of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, to deliver Yellow Pages information and classified ads by telephone and computer.
"There is no deal," insisted BellSouth spokesman Bob Morrow to Newsbytes. "I wouldn't have anything more to say at this time."
Still, the two companies, which remain bitter rivals in public, have been co-operating more and more in private for some time. The public rivalry was over the issue of telephone company delivery of information, something Journal-Constitution editor David Easterly fought hard as head of the American Newspaper Publisher Association and something BellSouth head John Clendenin finally won recently.
Beneath the surface, the companies have a long history of co operation. Cox was the biggest customer of BellSouth's TUG gateway in the late 1980s. The two companies had to work together so the Journal-Constitution's 222-2000 free audiotex operation could reach 5 million callers per year.
More recently, the paper has tried, and failed, to reach a mass market with an online service called Access Atlanta. The two companies have also co-operated in the successful fight to win Cox the number 511 in Atlanta, a so-called "N11" number like the 911 emergency, 411 directory assistance, or 611 repair service numbers through which the paper hopes to begin a low-cost audiotex service. Cox also won preliminary approval from Florida regulators to use 511 in Palm Beach, Florida, and BellSouth wants to open the use of "N11" throughout its nine-state service region.
Both companies also have projects they'd like the others' help on. BellSouth has recently become a big booster of the ScanFone a screen-based telephone offering transaction services, and newspaper classified ads could help it reach the market. And Cox head James Cox Kennedy, in a recent speech to the Atlanta Press Club, emphasized his view that future journalism jobs will come more in "repackaging" information than new reporting.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930607/Press Contact: Bob Morrow, BellSouth 404-529-8169)
s Contact: Bob Morrow, BellSouth 404-529-8169)
6/7/93
BellSouth, Cox Close To Pact On Yellow Pages
TELECOM
AT&T Japan Links With ASCII On N
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 3 (NB) -- Japan ENS-AT&T and ASCII Corporation has signed an agreement regarding their respective network arrangements in Japan. Terms of the agreement call for ASCII Corporation to distribute AT&T's telecoms network which links with the Internet, in Japan.
The agreement will also allow both companies to interconnect their networks this coming fall, so allowing inter-system electronic mail and interactive online sessions.
Japan ENS-AT&T, a subsidiary of AT&T, started the Internet connection service in Japan in November 1992. To date, the Internet has been accessed via AT&T's Spin network. With this new agreement ASCII will distribute Spin on behalf of AT&T, allowing a much wider population to gain access to the Internet.
As in the US and Europe, the Internet is widely used by researchers and engineers at academic sites across Japan, as well as some commercial organizations. According to ASCII, the Internet now hosts more than 10 million users in 120 countries around the world.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- WilTel's Vyvx unit has signed a five-year agreement with IDB's IDB Broadcast unit to provide video backhauls.
The two companies have already been in business for some time. IDB has used Vyvx' systems extensively to deliver pictures of Major League Baseball games from stadia to networks, for insertion of commercials.
IDB, however, is best known for its network of satellite teleports which it uses to provide backhauls for professional football, hockey and basketball games. The two firms emphasized that there is no exclusivity in this deal -- IDB will still be free to use satellites when appropriate.
Vyvx' network now has points of presence in over almost 60 cities in the United States and Canada, including all cities with major league sports teams. IDB said the Vyvx network provides cost effective service on delivery of signals from point to point while satellites are best when a signal is going to many points at once.
The agreement also means the two companies will work closely with local phone companies to link stadia with Vyvx' local points of presence. This "last mile" problem is key to delivery of the 45 million bit/second services Vyvx has depended on for its business.
But that may not be necessary in the future. In April, the two companies said they will buy digital video compression systems from Scientific-Atlanta based on the Moving Pictures Experts Group, or MPEG standard. MPEG could allow the delivery of digitized, broadcast-quality video on much slower lines.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930607/Press Contact: Kevin Inda, WilTel 713-547-1014)
tact: Kevin Inda, WilTel 713-547-1014)
6/7/93
IDB-Vyvx Sign Co-operation Agreement
TELECOM
Sega Versus Nintendo; The Battle
Q TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUNE 7 (NB) -- As has happened in the US, the battle for the hearts and minds of the games players of the world is continuing in Japan, with Nintendo and Sega taking clear sides in what is fast becoming a battle for incredible profits.
Sega has announced its has signed Michael Jackson to promote the game machine's software, while Nintendo has countered by cutting the price of its games machine for the first time.
Rather than "do a Pepsi" with Michael Jackson and use the rock star to promote the games system, Sega is going several stages further and plans to use him in its games. The games giant has already conducted the video shoots necessary to capture his image for incorporation in the games.
Plans call for Sega to use Jackson in two of its arcade games that run on the AS-1 console in the arcade. Two flavours of Michael Jackson games are available -- Scramble Training, a space rocket simulation, and Megaro Police 2154. Both games feature 3D effects and have Michael Jackson's video images in the background.
According to Sega, both games are so-called virtual reality programs and will debut in arcades in Japan and the US towards the end of the month.
The development of these two games has not meant at Sega has rested upon its laurels, The company has been trying to beef up its management his past few months, taking on board William White Junior, a specialist in advertising.
White is the fourth highly visible recruit to the Sega stable -- the games giant has already hired a former franchise department store man, a bank executive and a Honda-man.
Nintendo, meanwhile, has announced plan to slash pricing on Gameboy and Famicom games systems. The Famicom is better known as the NES System in the West. Plans call for the Gameboy to fall in price by around 20 percent to 9,800 yen ($90), while the Famicom will fall by more than 30 percent to the same price as the Gameboy.
According to Nintendo, the price cuts are due to economies of scale in production. To date, 9.87 million Gameboys have been sold in Japan, while more than twice that amount -- 18.3 million -- of the Famicom have been sold in Japan until the end of March of this year.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- NETstor and Hewlett-Packard (HP) have signed an OEM agreement that calls for HP to incorporate NETstor's hierarchical on-line mass-storage software as an integral part of HP's OpenView storage management systems.
The deal reportedly calls for NETstor to port its Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) software family to the HP 9000 product line and integrate the software with HP's OpenView OmniBack and HP OpenView Operations Center system management applications.
Announcing the deal, NETstor VP and general manager Russell Bengston, said that HP and Digital Equipment Corporation are the only open systems manufacturers to sign OEM agreements with HSM suppliers.
HSM software will offer all applications on network nodes virtually unlimited on-line storage capacity through an automatic and transparent migration of files between magnetic disks and optical disk libraries. The software manages on-line storage for the HP Apollo 9000 series 700 and 800 systems and client disks with capacities from 20 gigabytes to more than a terabyte (one billion bytes).
OpenView is an integrated network and system management system for multivendor distributed-computing environments, and includes a group of management applications from HP and other vendors. HP claims that OpenView is currently installed in more than 20,000 networks world-wide.
HP said it expects to ship HP OpenView OmniStorage in the second half of the year, and it will be marketed and supported by HP's world-wide organization. It will also be available from NETstor to VARs (value added resellers) and ISVs (independent software vendors).
612-890-9367, Dave Kroll, Hewlett Packard, 408-447-0985)
6/7/93
Hewlett-Packard To Use NETstor's Mass-Storage Software
GENERAL
SoftSearch Will Get You Less Wel
US Telecom Update
Canon Unveils Next Generation Bu
Fujitsu & Sun To Develop Compati
Tata-IBM Secures Hong Kong Bank
iTRAN Toolkit Dev't Center Estab
Xircom Brings Nomadic Computing
Real-Time News Software For Maci
Geneva Services Unveils Mac To M
Andest Targets Market For Zero P
Computerland Introduces Chinese
QUARRY BAY, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- ComputerLand, the global PC retail chain, has unveiled plans to include a newly developed Chinese language computer interface free with every ComputerLand PC sold in Hong Kong and China.
The new interface, Chinese Star, turns MS-Windows into a fully compatible Chinese language computer environment, complete with both simplified and traditional character sets in a variety of different fonts. Keeman Wong, product marketing & development department manager for ComputerLand, believes that Chinese Star will offer real benefits to locals users.
"By including MS-DOS, MS-Windows 3.1 and Chinese Star with every ComputerLand PC, we have made personal computing truly versatile to users in Hong Kong," said Wong. "Local users will no longer be confined to English computing, and English printing," he added.
The Chinese Star interface was created by Suntendy, a team of software development experts based in China, with a focus on ease of use, speed and compatibility.
The software is unique in that it allows you to select from a variety of input methods, including Canjei, phonetic, pinyin, zhuyin, Big 5 internal code and a telegraph code.
The Big 5 internal coding scheme is one of the most popular schemes outside of the PRC. "It enables Chinese Star to work with files created by other Chinese software," explained Wong. "However, the software also supports other methods and even allows users to define their own input methods to give maximum flexibility and ease of use."
To maintain ease of use, Chinese Star can display keyboards for each input method on the computer's screen, allowing users to easily select Chinese characters with the mouse.
Chinese star supports both simplified and traditional Chinese characters and can automatically translate traditional characters switching between them to meet each user's specific need.
The basic version of Chinese Star comes with four traditional character outline fonts, Song, Fang-Song, Kai and Hei, and one simplified character font, Song. Additional fonts can be purchased as required.
"Chinese Star comes with several character fonts, which can be output by any printer supported by Windows," Wong said. "It does not matter what sort of printer you have, Chinese Star will do the for you."
Chinese Star enables most standard Windows packages, including word processors, spreadsheets, and databases, to use a mixture of English simplified and traditional Chinese characters.
"Chinese Star is a revolutionary product that allows versatile, speedy and user friendly Chinese language computing under Windows without problems of having to install special hardware," Wong said. "It is one of the first solutions to provide both simplified and traditional Chinese, as well as English character support for Windows."
"With ComputerLand's backing and strong support, and Chinese Star's ease of use and functionality, we believe it will provide extra value to many PC users," he added.
"By including a copy of Windows and Chinese Star with every ComputerLand PC sold, we are bringing Chinese Language computing into the general public for the first time." .
ComputerLand has exclusive international distribution rights to Chinese Star, and will distribute the PRC, Hong Kong, Asian USA and Europe.
(Brett Cameron/19930607/Press Contact: Keeman Wong, ComputerLand, Tel: 852-811 9800, Fax +852-811 3631;HK time is GMT + 8)
852-811 9800, Fax +852-811 3631;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/7/93
Computerland Introduces Chinese Language Computing
GENERAL
NCR Announces New Server Line
DAYTON, OHIO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Claiming to be taking a more aggressive posture in the computer market, NCR Corporation has announced a new line of NCR Unix-based file servers that it claims cannot be matched in price, performance and functionality. Microsoft's recently announced Windows NT is also supported in some environments.
The newly announced 3500 family of file servers will offer symmetric multiprocessing, using from one to 32 Intel 486 or Pentium microprocessors per system, and will include NCR's fault tolerant LifeKeeper FRS software to provide automatic failure detection and recovery.
The NCR 3575 is designed as a corporate data center server which can use from two to 32 Pentium processors when that chip becomes available later this year. The systems are scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of this year.
The 3570, also scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter, and supports from two to 16 Intel 486 50 megahertz (MHz) microprocessors, and is upgradable to Pentium technology.
The 3555 server, which was introduced in mid-May, is designed for mini-data center operations performing on-line transaction processing using from two to 16 Pentium processors.
The 3550 is a departmental or enterprise server NCR says can accommodate from two to eight 486 processors, and is upgradable to the Pentium chip.
The NCR 3525, which was also announced in mid-May, is NCR's entry-level Pentium based server, designed for online processing applications, and can support up to eight Pentium chips.
The company is also introducing the NCR 3520 mini data center server which supports as many as eight 486 50MHz processors and is immediately available, and the 3410, a single processor server using an Intel 486SX or 486DX/2 chip. The cost of the 3520 ranges from $75,000 to $500,000. NCR spokesperson Heather Heeter told Newsbytes that pricing on the other models has not been set at this stage.
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Chip maker Intel and software giant Microsoft have announced plans to sponsor a comprehensive media research study to determine readership behavior among the computer-buying public. The information could then be used to target specific publications for computer product advertising.
Microsoft claims that the study, expected to cost about $2 million is designed to measure media behavior among a broadly defined audience of computer-related "purchase influencers" for business and home computer users. The study is expected to reach about 10,000 people who make the buying decision on computer systems, software peripherals, and networking products. Generally that will include readers of computer-related and general interest publications, as well as viewers of broadcast and cable television programs.
Microsoft also claims that several leading industry publishers have also pledged support. Participation in the study is open to all publishers, manufacturers, and advertising agencies. Compaq Computer Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation are among the hardware makers taking part in the project.
Microsoft Marketing VP Gary Gigot said that the study should help the industry determine the most efficient communications channels for reaching customers. According to Intel VP of Corporate Marketing Dennis Carter, "We all gain -- PC consumers, manufacturers, and publishers -- when the market is better educated about our technology and products."
The study will be conducted by IntelliQuest, an Austin. Texas-based market research firm that's had extensive experience in the high tech field. The pilot phase will kick off this month, with initial funding provided by Microsoft and Intel as well as publishers CMP IDG, and Ziff Davis. Companies interested in participating can contact Microsoft.
(Jim Mallory/19930607/Press contact: Erin Carney, Microsoft 206-882-8080; To participate: Ann Redmond, Microsoft, 206-936-6567)
080; To participate: Ann Redmond, Microsoft, 206-936-6567)
6/7/93
Intel, Microsoft Sponsor Computer Buyer Readership Study
BUSINESS
B l P
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
State Regulators Face Sunset
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
NYNEX Selling BIS
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With
US Survey Reports Large Users Hi
PsychSoft Offers Survey Software
To Launch PC-DOS 6.1
IBM Recalls L40SX Laptops Due To
SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- IBM is recalling the PS/2 L40SX laptop computer from users because of a potential problem with overheating caused by a battery short circuit.
In about 15 cases, all in Europe, L40SX batteries have been found to have short-circuited by a metal object such as paper clip and the resulting heat has been enough to melt a hole in the case of the machine, explained Mike Quinn, a spokesman for IBM Canada Ltd. in Markham, Ont.
Quinn said that, while all incidents to date have been in Europe, he knows of no significant difference between the battery hardware sold there and that used in L40SX machines in the rest of the world. At any rate, he said, IBM is "going the extra mile" and recalling the machines all over the world for repairs.
The company is notifying customers and dealers on its records of the recall. L40SX owners can contact IBM or their dealer for further information. Until the machines are repaired, IBM is advising users to remove the batteries and use the PCs only on AC power.
Quinn said 150,000 L40SX laptops have been sold, and noted that the reports of problems affect only one hundredth of one percent of those. He added that IBM stopped making this model in February of this year.
(Grant Buckler/19930607/Press Contact: Mike Quinn, IBM Canada 416-474-3900)
s Contact: Mike Quinn, IBM Canada 416-474-3900)
6/7/93
IBM Recalls L40SX Laptops Due To Heat Problem
Most Telesat Mobile Creditors Ap
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Telesat Mobile Incorporated, the bankrupt Canadian mobile satellite communications firm, has obtained most creditors' approval for its reorganization plan. Several conditions must still be met, including court approval.
Telesat Mobile, which is 80-percent owned by domestic satellite carrier Telesat Canada, needs more money to meet increased costs. In early April, the company announced plans to file a proposal under Canada's Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act after failing to find the financing it required.
Telesat Mobile's proposal depends on equity funding from BCE, the holding company for Bell Canada and Northern Telecom. BCE, which is also Canada's largest company by revenue, is to put C$120 million into Telesat Mobile and gain 100-percent control. Telesat Canada would receive preferred shares in exchange for its holdings in the company, according to Robert Ferchat, chairman and chief executive.
The plan also relies on a commitment by the federal government's Department of Communications to prepay Telesat Mobile for future services and through other commitments.
The Department of Communications had already agreed to put C$120 million into Telesat Mobile, Ferchat said, and C$22 million of that has been received. Telesat Mobile is now asking the department to spread its remaining contribution over two years and turn over the money before the company's satellite is launched, rather than spreading the contributions over three years.
The proposal also depends on some creditors accepting deferred payments or cancellation of contracts, Ferchat added.
Telesat Mobile provides mobile satellite (MSAT) technology, used largely for communication among trucks and other moving vehicles. The company currently uses rented satellite capacity, but has admitted there have been transmission quality problems and it needs the new technology to be used in its own satellite, which is now due for launch in the fall of 1994.
(Grant Buckler/19930607/Press Contact: Robert Ferchat, Telesat Mobile, 613-736-6728 ext. 2105)
hat, Telesat Mobile, 613-736-6728 ext. 2105)
6/7/93
Most Telesat Mobile Creditors Approve Plan
BUSINESS
Donnelley, Cincinnati Bell Resea
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Cincinnati Bell and R.R. Donnelley and Sons, a printer of catalogs, newspaper inserts magazines, books, directories, and computer documentation, say they have signed an agreement to conduct joint research on an electronic Yellow Pages product for business-to-business applications.
The two companies plan to release a prototype electronic yellow pages later this year which will allow users to locate services by name, address and phone number as well as by business category and geographic area.
Donnelley Manager of Electronic Media, Dan Dunne, claims that the prototype will feature catalog-type information, advertisements pricing, and maps. "Users will be able to select a product from the yellow pages categories, view pictures relating to the product generate pricing, and dial into an online service to order products," he said.
The system will use software from Geosystems, a company that provides maps, locational software, digital map data, marketing support systems, and other application-specific geographic information services.
"With our GeoSystems technology, users not only are able to look for a desired product or service, they can also locate the closest provider or view all locations where the products or services are located," explained GeoSystems President Barry Glick.
Dunne told Newsbytes that the prototype will enter beta testing sometime this fall. Pricing is not yet available. Dunne said that the online service will initially be accessible with a personal computer. The company may release a CD-ROM version later.
(Jim Mallory/19930607/Press contact: Dan Dunne, R.R. Donnelley and Sons, 312-326-8070; Larry Lux, Cincinnati Bell, 513-397-5781)
Sons, 312-326-8070; Larry Lux, Cincinnati Bell, 513-397-5781)
6/7/93
Donnelley, Cincinnati Bell Research Electronic Yellow Pages
GENERAL
Twenty Indian Companies Particip
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUNE 7 (NB) -- Almost 20 Indian companies have revealed they are likely to participate in Singapore Informatics '93, a technology show that will held in Singapore from October 14 to 17 this year.
According to Johnny Kwan of Times Conferences and Exhibitions (TCE) the company that is organising the show, the event will have an Indian pavilion for the first time this year. "It will provide an opportunity to Indian companies to do business in Singapore," he said.
Plans call for an international information technology (IT) recruitment fair to be held in parallel with the show. This will Kwan said, allow companies to recruit international talents spanning several fields, as well as allowing Singaporean managers to take on a more regional role.
The Singapore Informatics show is organised every alternate year by the Singapore Federation of the Computer Industry. It attracts an annual participation of more than 1,000 exhibitors and more than a million visitors.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930607)
d more than a million visitors.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930607)
6/7/93
Twenty Indian Companies Participate In Singapore Informatics
GENERAL
Fujitsu & Sun To Develop Compati
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUNE 7 (NB) -- Fujitsu has signed an agreement with Sun Microsystems in California, terms of which call for both companies to pool their resources in the workstation software market-place.
According to Fujitsu, the agreement also calls for both companies to make their operating systems compatible with each other. This will allow Fujitsu's DS/90 7000, which normally runs Unix applications capable of loading and running Sun Solaris 2 operating system.
Both companies' workstations are based around the Sun reduced instruction set computing (RISC) technology. Despite this commonality, the specifications of both machines are radically different, as is the norm in the Unix market-place.
Recently, however, Sun's Solaris operating system has opened its doors to Unix System V release 4 for the first time. As a result binary data on both operating systems can be made compatible.
An interesting spin-off of the inter-company agreement is that the ICL DRS 6000 series of workstations will be able to run Sun's applications. ICL is Fujitsu's subsidiary in the UK.
According to sources close to both companies, there is another deal in the offing between Fujitsu and Sun. Plans call for Fujitsu to supply Sun with Cobol85, a business applications development utility, on an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) basis. Using this software, Sun workstation users should be able to adapt a number of Fujitsu applications for use on their machines.
un Microsystems, +81-3-3221 7228, Fax, +81-3-3221-1974)
6/7/93
Fujitsu & Sun To Develop Compatible Operating Systems
BUSINESS
IBM Japan Forms Software Associa
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUNE 7 (NB) -- IBM Japan has created a new software association for its Open Architecture Developers' Group (OADG). The aim of the not-for-profit organization is to encourage the development of DOS/V-compatible PCs.
Known as the Application Product Association, the group consists of several Japanese software and peripheral equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
The association consists of 19 firms including Lotus, Just Systems ASCII, Strategic Research Institute, Software Japan, Softbank Borland, Aiwa and Advanced Peripherals. According to the group around 3,000 application programs for IBM's DOS/V operating system have been developed, and more are expected once the association gets off the ground.
Newsbytes notes that the number of applications for DOS/V has tripled over the last year. Around 200 types of DOS/V-based PCs and 1,300 types of peripherals for use with the machines have been developed.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930607/Press Contact: Open Architecture Developers' Group, +81-3-3541-6738)
re Developers' Group, +81-3-3541-6738)
6/7/93
IBM Japan Forms Software Association
Tata-IBM Secures Hong Kong Bank
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Tata Information Systems Limited (TISL), the IBM-Tata joint venture, has secured a Rs 25 crore (around $8.3 million) order from the Hong Kong Bank for its AS/400 machines.
Terms of the contract call for TISL to supply its top of the line AS/400 Model F95, launched world-wide last February, making Hong Kong Bank the first Indian customer to obtain the machine. The minicomputer comes equipped with OS/400, the AS/400 line's operating system, as well as set of CASE tools and a data encryption package plus several other utilities.
The AS/400 F95 series is an extremely powerful machine. According to IBM, a single machine is capable of supporting more than 1,000 users simultaneously.
Plans call for the various branches of HK Bank to be linked up to a central server version of the AS/400 machine. The bank claims that this will allow it to offer a smooth and uninterrupted flow of information to its customers, as well as implementing an electronic funds transfer system at a later stage.
TISL notes that the order is not a part of the $75 million world wide deal that the Hong Kong bank has already signed with IBM, but is actually a new account for the company.
The AS/400 range of machines, which were launched in the late 1980s as a replacement for the System 3x range of minicomputers, are an international best seller, having sold over two million systems. Newsbytes notes that, if Big Blue's AS/400 systems division were spun off from IBM, it would be the second largest computer company in the world -- after IBM, of course.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930607)
r IBM, of course.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930607)
6/7/93
Tata-IBM Secures Hong Kong Bank Order In India
GENERAL
Intel Claims $1 Billion In Damag
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- The industry's longest-running soap opera continues with Intel now seeking at least $1 billion in damages against Advanced Micro Devices, following last week's court ruling which overturned an earlier decision giving AMD a legal "right" to manufacture 386-compatible processors.
While AMD claims that Intel has no legal basis to demand any damages, Intel is saying that the $1 billion represents the revenue that it lost once AMD 386 chips began appearing on the market.
A number of suits are still pending between the two companies concerning AMD's cloning of Intel 386 and 486 processors. The court proceedings, documented extensively by Newsbytes over the years, seem to resemble a tennis match, with one of the companies winning one decision, only to have it overturned at a later appeals court.
If Intel ever managed to make such a claim stick, it would almost certainly signal the end of serious competition in the 80X86 compatible market, the chips that power IBM-compatible personal computers. As noted previously by Newsbytes, semiconductor manufacturers require huge investments in capital to fund research and production operations.
According to a report in the San Jose Mercury News, on Friday, a three-judge panel overturned a previous arbitrator's decision to give AMD a license to make and market 386-compatible processors. According to the decision, the arbitrator "exceeded his powers."
The San Jose Mercury News estimates that AMD has sold $874 million worth of 386-compatible processors since June, 1991.
(Ian Stokell/19930607)
since June, 1991.
(Ian Stokell/19930607)
6/7/93
Intel Claims $1 Billion In Damages From AMD
Novell Intros NetWare Global MHS
* SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- The importance of the X.400 protocol in the messaging market has been highlighted by Novell's introduction of an X.400 OEM Development Kit. The kit is designed to allow Novell's original equipment manufacturing partners to provide X.400 messaging systems for its NetWare platform.
According to Novell, Retix is the first company to partner with Novell, and provides messaging between X.400 and Novell's message transport (NetWare Global MHS) environments.
The X.400 OEM Development kit includes the Novell Protocol Access Module, which, according to the company, integrates with NetWare Global MHS and its directory to support the use of X.400 as a routing and transport service.
Announcing the kit, Arvind Agrawal, vice president and general manager of the Messaging Products Division for Novell, said: "These solutions help to further extend interoperability for customers of public data networks and other OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) based messaging environments which use X.400 as their messaging standard. Just one X.400 connection can service many network users which reduces cost, improves management and provides full service to all client applications."
Retix is said to be the first OEM partner to provide a NetWare loadable module (NLM)-based X.400 system for NetWare Global MHS.
The importance of X.400 was highlighted by James Neiser, associate vice president of marketing, Retix. Said Neiser, "X.400 is critical to effective communications on a global basis. Together, Retix and Novell are working to provide standardized messaging protocols for world-wide messaging."
Retix plans to market its X.400 for NetWare Global MHS through the Novell channel on a world-wide basis with Novell-approved packaging. It is set for availability within 60 days, priced at $6,995.
Novell claims that Firefox Group and Hewlett-Packard are also considering providing X.400 links to NetWare Global MHS.
The X.400 OEM Development Kit includes the Novell X.400 Protocol Access Module, the OSI transport software, and the programmer's reference manual. Available immediately, the kit can be ordered under an OEM licensing agreement through a Novell OEM sales representative.
Novell Intros NetWare Global MHS X.400 OEM Dev't Kit
GENERAL
Madge Intros NetWare Adapters; M
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Madge Networks has introduced the Smart 16/4 Bridgenodes line of network cards designed for high performance source route bridging and routing with Novell's new NetWare Multiprotocol Router 2.1 (MPR) software.
The two companies have also announced a joint marketing program for NetWare MPR 2.1 that involves joint distributor and reseller promotions, direct mail, and a 16-city North American seminar series.
According to the companies, the Madge Smart 16/4 Bridgenodes coupled with Novell's NetWare MPR 2.1, provide a software-based bridge/router combination for Token Ring that offers network "administrators superior performance and functionality for a fraction of the cost of traditional router products."
The Madge Smart 16/4 Bridgenodes Token Ring cards contain a source routing application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip which supports the high speed source route bridging function of MPR.
The company says that the NetWare MPR is software that runs on a NetWare server or stand-alone PC and allows network administrators to connect separate local area networks (LANs) while routing up to four different protocols, including Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), Internet Protocol (IP), AppleTalk, and Open Systems Interconnections (OSI).
The new version of the NetWare MPR supports source route bridging, which is designed for interconnecting rings in Token Ring environments. The company claims that the Smart Bridgenodes allow users to install up to six adapters in the server/PC platform which can connect up to six separate Token Rings.
Three versions of the cards are offered: the Smart 16/4 AT Bridgenode, designed for Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) systems; the Smart 16/4 EISA Bridgenode, designed for Extended ISA; and the Smart 16/4 MC32, designed for Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus architectures.
Madge says that the products come with special Open Data Link Interface (ODI) drivers based on its Fastmac technology. The Bridgenodes are also equipped with 256 kilobytes (KB) of on-board RAM for faster frame buffering.
The two companies have also developed a joint marketing promotion through their distributors. Also, from July 1, 1993 through September 30, 1993, the companies maintain that resellers can receive a $250 discount from participating distributors when they purchase two Madge Bridgenodes and one NetWare MPR 2.1.
The Smart 16/4 AT Bridgenode is available immediately at a cost of $1,045, the Smart 16/4 EISA Bridgenode is priced at $1,395, and the Smart 16/4 MC32 Bridgenode costs $1,395
Madge Intros NetWare Adapters; Marketing Deal With Novell
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
State Regulators Face Sunset
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
NYNEX Selling BIS
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With
New Mac Color, Low-End Powerbook
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Apple Computer has announced a new top-of-the-line color Powerbook and a new low-end Powerbook that costs twenty-five percent less. The company has also announced the program File Assistant for keeping files between the Powerbook and the desktop synchronized.
The color Powerbook 180c is the top of the line and offers a 256-color active matrix display, a wider viewing angle, and the new 640 by 480 picture element (pixel) format adds an extra 80 lines.
If connected to a large monitors the Powerbook can display the same content displayed simultaneously on both screens, known as video mirroring. A dual display mode presents the option of displaying one set of images on the Powerbook and a different set on the external display simultaneously.
Like the Powerbook 180, the 180c is equipped with the Motorola 68030 processor running at 33 megahertz (MHz), an Apple Superdrive (allowing the user to read floppy disks formatted in MS-DOS and OS/2 systems in addition to Macintosh computer disks), a full-size keyboard, video out, sound in, and sound out.
Apple boasts the Powerbook 180c is the only notebook computer to offer built-in networking and built-in expansion which allows users to connects to as many as six external devices, such as scanners hard drives and CD-ROM players, at one time. Battery life is low with 1 to 2 hours predicted, but Apple says power conservation software Everwatch can help extend the battery life.
Three models of the 180c are available, each with 4 megabytes (MB) of memory and either an 80 or 160 MB hard disk drive. One model offers a built-in PowerBook Express Modem. System 7.1 is also pre-installed on the hard disk. The 180c measures 9.3 inches high by 11.25 inches wide by 2.34 inches deep and weighs 7.1 pounds. Retail price for the 180c 4/160 with built-in modem is $4769, Apple said.
On the low end, Apple announced the Powerbook 145B with a 40 MB hard disk at a retail price of $1,649. The company claims the 145B offers the same speed and performance at less than half the price of its top of the line Powerbook 170, the top of the line Powerbook in October of 1991.
The 145B has a Motorola 68030 processor working at 25 MHz, 4 MB of memory, a Superdrive floppy disk drive, a backlit Supertwist liquid crystal monochrome display, sound-in and sound-out ports, and built in ports for attachment of peripherals such as printers, CD-ROM drives, and scanners. The notebook offers 2 to 3 hours of battery life and has System 7.1 pre-loaded on the hard disk.
For users with both Powerbooks and desktop Macintosh Computers Apple announced the PowerBook File Assistant application. The main function of the software is to help people using both a desktop and a notebook computer keep information on both computers synchronized. However, the software also offers tools for battery-life management, deferred printing, and automatic server remounting.
The File Assistant automatically ensures files on both a customer's PowerBook and desktop Macintosh computer are updated when the user connects the machines, Apple maintains.
"PowerBook users who also work frequently on another machine either in their office or at home -- have told Apple that having a simple mechanism to ensure consistency between files would be of tremendous value to them," added Randy Battat Apple's vice president of Portable Computing.
Updates to files can be manual and prior versions of documents can be kept, depending on how the user sets up File Assistant Apple added. A database helps avoid synchronization problems such as making extra copies of documents already updated, whose name has been changed or which have been thrown away intentionally. The product's retail price is $79.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930607/Press Contact: Jennifer O'Mahony Apple Computer, tel 408-974-0643, fax 408-967-5651)
Computer, tel 408-974-0643, fax 408-967-5651)
6/7/93
New Mac Color, Low-End Powerbooks & Software
APPLE
Comdex - High-Performance Pentiu
Comdex: Quarterdeck Defends Its
Government To License High-Tech
Chips Offer Smallest PCMCIA Form
SynOptics Announces Partners, In
Study At IBM Plants Links Miscar
Review of Prince of Persia, Game
AT&T Working With KDD On ATM
Gupta Distribution Changes In Au
IBM Canada Seeks To Cut Staff By
Wordperfect UK Offers Upgrade Pa
ADDLESTONE, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Wordperfect UK has confirmed it will be launching Wordperfect 6.0 for DOS on the 28th of this month, in parallel with the US parent operation.
As a result of the planned launch, Wordperfect UK is offer v5.1 users a free upgrade "window" to version 6.0. Users who buy v5.1 between now and the 28th of July, 1993, will be able to upgrade to v6.0 for free.
To take advantage of this upgrade offer, users are asked to send in their proof of purchase for v5.1 as well as date of purchase together with a check for UKP 6-00 plus local tax to cover handling. According to the company, applications must be received within 60 days of the launch of v6.0 to qualify for the offer.
David Godwin. Wordperfect UK's general manager for sales and marketing, said that the company has received a huge amount of advance orders for Wordperfect 6.0 for DOS. "The upgrade window will be a popular alternative," he said.
Wordperfect UK Offers Upgrade Path To WP 6.0 For Dos
Dataease Brings Backs Ghosts Of
ILFORD, ESSEX, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Dataease has revealed it is playing an integral part in the Merseyside Museum's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.
Plans call for the museum's Battle of the Atlantic gallery to house data and a pictorial roll of honor for vessels lost in the North Atlantic, with the information extracted from the Warloss database.
The Warloss database was developed using Dataease, a relational database package, by Valian Associates. It contains definitive information on all ships lost during the two world wars.
"We were briefed by the World Whip Society, one of the leading global maritime research groups, to research and create the definitive database of ships lost during the two world wars," explained Ian Stockbridge of Valian Associates, the company that worked on the database.
"Given the monumental task of gathering the data relating to the losses, we looked for ease of use, ability to run ad-hoc reports and the use of choice fields allowing standardisation. Looking at all the options on the market, Dataease stood out as the obvious choice," he added.
The database currently consists of 10,000 records of Allied and Neutral ships lost in WWII and another 8,000 from WWI. Five years after the project started, the database has been expanded on dataease Express and nearly 900 photos added.
The database holds comprehensive information relating to each loss full details of the ship itself; ports and convoy; date, position cause of loss and casualties. The information relates not only to those ships lost during enemy action, but also to marine losses and vessels scuttled as blockships.
ic Contact: Dataease - Tel: 081 554-0592; Fax: 081-518-4150)
6/7/93
Dataease Brings Backs Ghosts Of The Battle Of The Atlantic
GENERAL
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Fulcrum Technologies, which claims to be a market leader in text retrieval software, has announced plans to expand its European operations.
Initially the company will add up to 12 new value added resellers to handle its product in Europe -- the company's products are handled at present by ICC Information, along with Context, which provides CD-ROM (compact disc, read only memory) and online publishing products plus servers. Towards the end of the year, the company will open a UK office, which will complement the group's existing offices in the US and Canada, as well as in Rome, Italy and Paris, France in Europe.
Announcing the plans, Peter Eddison, the company's vice president for corporate marketing, said that market conditions indicate that the European market is rapidly accepting the new Fulcrum Searchtools products.
"We expect that European revenues will double in each of the next few years due to our expansion strategy. We're actively looking for companies who can provide Fulcrum-based solutions to the UK market," he said.
Fulcrum claims that it has more than 25 business partners in Europe who, along with partners in the US such as Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems and Interleaf, have installed products in tens of thousands of end user sites.
(Steve Gold/19930607/Press & Public Contact: Fulcrum Paris - Tel: 33-1-40-95-0168; fax: +33-1-46-29-3865)
l: 33-1-40-95-0168; fax: +33-1-46-29-3865)
6/7/93
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Into Europe
TRENDS
Tetra Announces Plans To Attack
MAIDENHEAD, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- Tetra has announced its plans to concentrate its development and marketing resources on increasing its share of the large business system market-place in the client-server arena, both at home in the UK as well as overseas.
Speaking at a presentation with JSB Computer Systems to launch a new multi-tasking Windows interface, developed jointly by Tetra and JSB for Tetra 2000 and Chameleon 2000, Paul Wheaton, Tetra's sales and marketing director, said that, while Tetra is best-known as a Unix software house, around 25 percent of the company's revenues now derive from DOS products.
"With the increasing demand for large corporate DOS networks, we have committed Tetra's development team to working on products for the client server market-place and to further strengthening Tetra;s high-end DOS products," he said.
"Chameleon 2000, our new flagship product which was released in October last year has been a resounding success. We have now sold more than 90 systems to the value of UKP 2.5 million with 40 percent of sales coming from overseas, particularly in continental Europe," he added.
Wheaton said that the availability of Chameleon 2000 over Informix Online RDBMS (relational database management system) has increased the average user count on these systems ranging from 48 users to the largest, to date, of a 256 user system in Czechoslovakia.
"So, for the rest of 1983, our development and marketing strategy will be designed to move Tetra firmly up-market, providing solutions in finance, distribution and manufacturing which are more cost effective than those of our competitors," he said.
"We believe that we now have the product range to compete at the high end and, more importantly, we have an effective and professional reseller channel, both at home and overseas, which gives Tetra a major advantage over most of the other suppliers in that sector of the market," he added.
(Steve Gold/19930607/Press & Public Contact: Tetra - Tel: 0628 770939)
/19930607/Press & Public Contact: Tetra - Tel: 0628 770939)
6/7/93
Tetra Announces Plans To Attack Large Systems Marketplace
GENERAL
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 7 (NB) -- The IBM/Apple Computer joint venture, Kaleida Labs, has announced with Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta plans to deliver interactive multimedia to home consumers. The three companies said they plan to offer the software and hardware to provide new, consumer-oriented cable television that includes entertainment, shopping, information, and education.
Kaleida will offer as its multimedia programming language Scriptx to the effort. The company has attempted to make Scriptx an open standard. In May Kaleida announced it offered the specifications of Scriptx to the Interactive Multimedia Association (IMA) for consideration for development of programming language standards for multimedia.
Scientific-Atlanta will be the one to use Scriptx for the creation of interactive services and the delivery of these services using home terminals and networks it manufactures. A new interface that will allow cable television companies to deliver data or business-quality video to users was just announced last week by Scientific-Atlanta. The new Model D9700 interface can take up to 20 compressed video signals over a standard DS-3 or T-3 trunk link moving data at 45 million bits per second (Mbps).
Scientific-Atlanta will also develop terminals, networks and servers containing Kaleida's software technology, through which interactive programming services will be offered. The companies confirm that the first terminals should ready for delivery in the summer of 1994.
Motorola's end of the deal is to provide microprocessor technology based on the reduced instruction set computing (RISC) PowerPC architecture. The Powerpc microprocessor has been under development in a deal between IBM, Apple, and Motorola. Apple recently announced its next generation Macintosh computers would contain the Powerpc microprocessor.
Kaleida boosts object-oriented Scriptx is device-independent. Nat Goldhaber, president and chief executive officer of Kaleida explained the implications of the deal between three companies. "This relationship means Kaleida's Scriptx will be present on a full spectrum of hardware, from the most advanced workstations and desktop computers to cable television terminals, games and entertainment machines.
Not only does this bring the power of a computer to the consumer for the price of a "set-top converter," it also vastly broadens the market opportunity for multimedia content developers."
(Linda Rohrbough/19930607/Press Contact: Kim Criswell, Criswell Communications for Kaleida, 510-549-7016, fax 510-549-7001 Diane Samples, Kaleida, tel 415-966-0764)
510-549-7001 Diane Samples, Kaleida, tel 415-966-0764)
6/7/93
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan Multimedia Via Cable
June 9 Named Virus Awareness Day
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- The National Computer Security Association (an industry trade group which evaluates and promotes anti-virus products) and 3M (manufacturer of computer backup systems) will sponsor National Computer Virus Awareness Day in Washington on June 9, 1993. Also on June 9 an InfoSecurity Expo will take place in the Capitol Hill Hotel for information security professionals.
This week, Representative Edward Markey's (Democrat, Massachusetts) House Telecommunications and Finance Subcommittee is holding public hearings on information security and the possibility of anti-virus legislation.
According to a recent NCSA/Dataquest study, 63 percent of all corporations surveyed have been hit with a computer virus, and the NCSA was founded in 1989 to help corporations and individuals protect their information systems from viral damage.
The NCSA points out that the Clinton/Gore administration's proposed national data superhighway would make it even more important to be certain that computers were protected from possible virus infections.
(John McCormick/19930525/Press Contact: Robert Bales, executive director of the NCSA, 717-258-1816)
irector of the NCSA, 717-258-1816)
6/8/93
June 9 Named Virus Awareness Day
GENERAL
Correction - Enterprise Computin
NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- The Enterprise Computing Exposition and Conference, a new show and conference organized by The Interface Group will take place in Chicago July 26-28, 1994.
A story published by Newsbytes yesterday incorrectly gave the show dates as July 26-28, 1993. Newsbytes regrets the error.
(Grant Buckler/19930611/Press Contact: Kim Pappas, The Interface Group, 617-449-6600, fax 617-449-2674)
pas, The Interface Group, 617-449-6600, fax 617-449-2674)
6/11/93
Correction - Enterprise Computing Show Planned For 1994
CORRECTION
GENERAL
iTRAN Toolkit Dev't Center Estab
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Delhi-based ISCT Information Technology Ltd. has signed an agreement, worth more than $5 million, with Independence Technologies Inc. (ITI) of the US a press release from the company claimed.
ISCT will act as offshore development center for ITI, primarily in porting and enhancing its iTRAN toolkit products as well as the transaction monitors to new operating systems such as Sun's Solaris RS 6000 Unix, NCR Unix, DEC's Ultrix. Currently, iTRAN toolkit operate on hardware from Data General, Hewlett-Packard, MIPS Pyramid Technology, Sequent, Sun Microsystems and Tandem. ISCT plans to have a 64 KBPS satellite link with ITI to be able to use ITI's systems for porting and product enhancement activities.
ISCT's software division, which is less than an year old, has similar agreements with other organizations such as Gupta Corporation, also of the US, for executing offshore projects and Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific for software development and training. The company is distributor of client-server products from Gupta Corporation and Trace system and for tracking mail from Application Integrated Services of Canada. It may add to its range with products developed by ITI.
ITI provides Unix-based software and programming products for client-server and on-line transaction processing (OLTP) software users such as banks, insurance companies and hotels. It also acts as a value-added reseller of transaction monitor products such as Unix Systems Lab's Tuxedo Systems/T, NCR's Top End and Transarcs Encina.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
Transarcs Encina.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
6/8/93
iTRAN Toolkit Dev't Center Established In India
Danish/Indian Firms In PC Ventur
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- A seven-year technical tie-up between Baroda-based ORG Systems and Dansk Data Elektronik A/S (DDE) of Denmark has resulted in a joint venture between the two. Both firms will have equal stakes in the Rs 5 crore (around $1.7 million) collaboration to manufacture, market and support the Supermax range of computers. The project is also finding support from the Danish public fund, IFU, that is likely to join as a shareholder.
ORG Systems, the computer division of Sarabhai Electronics Ltd. (SEL), sees the new venture as a gateway to international markets. It will avail of DDE's established network of distributors and seven subsidiaries to market both DDE and its products. "ORG Systems hopes to increase its foreign exchange (earnings) by providing technical support to DDE operations in other countries, and through the sale of software packages developed at its software development centre," says K.J. Divatia, chairman, SEL.
ORG Systems started operations in 1978 as a division of Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises. It was responsible for the country's first versatile minicomputer for business data processing, ORG 2001. ORG's computerizing expertise extends to welfare management system in New York; 33 depots, branch and head office for distribution of Amul products (the leading diary products cooperative firm in the country); betting systems at race courses in Hyderabad, Bombay, Pune and Calcutta; branches of State Bank of India (the largest bank in India), the Life Insurance Corporation, Indian Airlines' departure control system, telephone exchange management systems for Bangalore customs appraisal system for all ports, among other activities.
Since 1987, it has been manufacturing and selling DDE's Supermax series of minicomputers. DDE, founded in 1975, offers Supermax, its multi-CPU supermini system, for various user segments like manufacturing, publishing, postal, telecom and transport services.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
ces.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
6/8/93
Danish/Indian Firms In PC Venture
BUSINESS
* T 8
Comdex - Mustang Intros Rip-Base
Comdex - Epson Intros Progressio
IBM Out To Raise $3 Billion
Comdex: Next Tries To Take Next
GEnie Clarifies Details Of Rate
Breakthrough Ruggedized Computer
NEC To Produce 4Mb DRAM In China
Computerland Introduces Chinese
LaserData Document Management Fo
Electronic Mail Conf - Motorola
HCL HP, Wipro's Pentium-Based Sy
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Pentium-based systems are here almost simultaneously with the Intel's release of the chip last month. HCL HP, a joint venture between Hewlett-Packard and Hindustan Computers Ltd., and Wipro Infotech, the second-largest IT company in India (HCL HP being number one) have announced beta versions of machines featuring the new chip.
These follow the release of systems abroad by Dell Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems.
Wipro Infotech has launched Synergy, a multiprocessor implementation of Pentium, and Landmark EISA, a uniprocessor implementation on EISA bus. Both feature Unix SVR4 environment. However, these systems will reach buyers only after Intel begins volume shipments of the Pentium. While Arjun Malhotra, director HCL HP, promises delivery by the end of this month, not many expect these to hit the market before September.
Although not benchmarked as yet, HCL HP's machines promise to perform 1.5 to two times faster than 486 systems (with a five-fold improvement in CPU performance). With its superscalar technology 112 MIPS of performance and 128-bit memory bus, the entry-level machine has a 16 MB memory, 0.5 GB storage and carries a price tag of Rs 10 lakh (around $33,000). The system is positioned at the lower end of the server market. The target applications are high-end Unix, database, networking and computer-aided designing.
Wipro Synergy can deliver more than 200 transactions per second and can add up to four Pentium processors. With Pentium, high-speed local bus and a graphic accelerator, Landmark EISA is being positioned as a high-end graphics workstation.
Incorporating RISC features such as a RISC integer unit, a superscalar architecture and a separate cache for multiprocessing these Pentium-based systems could make dents into the RISC market. There could be a clash with the high-end Meteor, a 486-based system from HCL HP, and the low-end of HP 9000.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
HP 9000.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
6/8/93
HCL HP, Wipro's Pentium-Based Systems
. X v
Cable Convention Features Multim
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- The National Cable Television Association convention was dominated by announcements of multimedia alliances. But much of the hallway talk was more prosaic.
The talk was all about the Federal Communications Commission which crafted in-depth regulations on cable rates, then said it couldn't enforce them without new money. Cable companies are still wondering who President Clinton will name to head the agency, and who'll get the second, nominally Republican seat of Sherrie Marshall.
The industry is currently divided into two camps. Most of the largest operators -- TCI, Time Warner, Cablevision -- were making alliances for multimedia, aiming for interactive, 500-channel networks for which the FCC's new regulations, which price service based on a per-channel charge, would be irrelevant. Smaller operators are resolved to fight the regulations, first on the local level, then on the federal level, hoping that they can recoup the costs of the fight in the rates and, thus, force rate hikes which will lead to the regulation being ended.
But it was the alliances which drew the most press attention. Time Warner said it will use chips from Silicon Graphics' MIPS unit in set-top converters for its fully interactive network in Orlando, Florida. That puts SGI in good position to supply converters for other Time Warner networks down the road. Time Warner wants to offer what had been considered online services through its net, including banking, shopping, and gaming, from subscriber TVs, using their remote controls.
TCI, the largest operator, signed a final agreement with General Instruments for new cable boxes serving its proposed 500-channel system. The boxes will use Intel 80386 chips and a version of Microsoft Windows called Modular Windows. The new TCI order is for one million of the boxes.
Cablevision Systems Corp., the fourth-largest operators, signed an alliance deal with Digital Equipment Corp. for its Digital Channel technology. The system will be used to link local area networks over Cablevision's cables and put it squarely into competition with NYNEX, the New York and New England area's local Bell company. Cablevision also joined other cable operators in signing joint ventures with Teleport Communications Group, now owned by TCI and Cox Enterprises, which could turn dozens of cable systems into "bypass" networks between large businesses and their long distance services. If the Bells' monopolies are lifted, and Teleport wins the kinds of rights it has in New York where its switches are located in NYNEX offices, then it could make cable companies real competitors to local phone services. Other firms which signed-on with Teleport included Continental Cablevision, Comcast, Hyperion, Maclean Hunter Cable TV, Times Mirror, and Viacom International, which is also testing multimedia delivery on its systems with AT&T.
Scientific-Atlanta's deal with Kaleida Labs, an IBM-Apple joint venture, for new cable boxes which could be based on the MIPS chip drew a lot of interest, but so far that company has signed no contracts with cable operators for the new boxes. Toshiba will also have a hand in the new boxes.
The problem for all the alliance makers is that they currently lack the "gotta-have-it" service which will spur people to demand, and get, the new capacity. Multimedia is still waiting for a product that will do for it what Visicalc did for the Apple II, what Lotus 1-2-3 did for the IBM PC, or what the Super Mario Brothers did for Nintendo. Most of the programming announcements at NCTA were similar to existing services, like ESPN2 and TV Macy's. An exception could be Prodigy's offer to put a version of its online system into cable systems, but that was just the announcement of an intention, not even the offer of a prototype. But this is a train no one wants to be seen as missing. When the multimedia Visicalc shows up, cable companies want to make sure they're there for it.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930608)
re there for it.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930608)
6/8/93
Cable Convention Features Multimedia Alliances
TELECOM
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Develop
Time, TCI Get Serious About Cabl
Sega Versus Nintendo; The Battle
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa
Cablesoft Rumors Swirling
Sun Establishes Strategic Allian
More Furor Over Minnesota/Micros
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Following by one day its deal to use fiber network capacity to deliver TV programs to networks, IDB Broadcast signed a long-term deal with Hughes Communications to maintain its satellite capacity.
IDB said it has a long-term lease on a transponder of Hughes' Galaxy 1-R satellite. IDB Broadcast intends to use digital compression technology to fill that transponder with multiple channels for cable operators, such as Action Pay-Per-View a service of Avalon Pictures, Inc. IDB will be among the first companies to offer digital compression on a transponder, which can lower costs for the programmer. IDB will offer the links as part of a complete service including uplinking, signal monitoring and compression decoding.
Galaxy 1-R will be launched by a McDonnell Douglas Delta II rocket next March to replace the current Galaxy 1 at 133 west longitude. The original Galaxy 1-R was lost in 1992 when an engine aboard its Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle failed to engage. The new Galaxy 1-R features 24 16-watt C-band transponders. Other customers for transponders on the new bird include Home Box Office, Cinemax, Comedy Central, ESPN, USA Network, The Disney Channel, The Cartoon Network, Eternal Word Television Network Univision, The Nostalgia Network, The New Inspirational Network Country Music Television, ENCORE and The Golf Channel.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930608/Press Contact: Lori Gutknecht, IDB Communications Group, 213-240-3758)
ations Group, 213-240-3758)
6/8/93
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
TELECOM
MCI Mail Announces New X.400 Con
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- MCI Mail announced new connections to other companies' networks under the X.400 mail-handling standard.
The most important of the new deals is one with CompuServe, which is the second-largest consumer online service in the US, with 1.125 million members, according to the Jupiter Communications Research firm of New York. Other deals were signed with BellSouth and Pacific Bell. While these are the company's first connections with regional Bell companies, neither BellSouth nor Pacific Bell is yet a major player in electronic mail. With the new connections, MCI has links to 54 services in 40 countries.
X.400 is a standard for linking disparate mail services using a standard routing scheme. In addition to offering a standard way of routing messages based on an hierarchy of messaging domains the system also offers a simple way of charging for the service of sending messages between systems -- usually about 15 cents per 1,000 characters. While many people use Internet addresses, which link to many services including MCI Mail, arranging for recovery of costs involved in moving messages is not standardized.
MCI Mail also announced a link with Motorola's EMBARC wireless messaging service. This means that MCI Mail messages can be sent to EMBARC NewsStream wireless receivers, which can store them for use on a laptop computer. EMBARC uses a small satellite frequency band at around 931 megahertz to deliver one-way delivery of short messages without wires.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930608/Press Contact: Jane Levene, MCI Mail 914-934-6480)
ntact: Jane Levene, MCI Mail 914-934-6480)
6/8/93
MCI Mail Announces New X.400 Connections
TELECOM
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Develop
Time, TCI Get Serious About Cabl
Sega Versus Nintendo; The Battle
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa
Cablesoft Rumors Swirling
Sun Establishes Strategic Allian
More Furor Over Minnesota/Micros
Dell Sees $1 Billion Revenue Gro
Convert Videos To Interactive PC
WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- VIS Development Corp. (Waltham, Mass.) has announced "Avenue," a hardware/software system said to allow corporations to convert videotape into PC-based interactive multimedia applications.
Companies with large libraries of videotape can use Avenue to turn that tape into state-of-the-art training or presentation materials, available throughout the corporation.
"Avenue realizes the potential of multimedia by turning a PC into a VCR with brains," says Carl Nelson, president of VIS Development. "Avenue lets corporations free up the investment they've made in videotape and makes it as accessible as the corporate database."
Avenue uses a combination of hardware and software to deliver what it calls superior motion video (at 30 frames per second in either a full or quarter-screen window) on a standard PC.
Avenue runs under Microsoft Windows 3.1 on a 386 or 486 processor equipped with 8MB RAM. It requires a 256-color 640x480 VGA display and an IBM/Intel ActionMedia II board for video compression. Complete Avenue applications start at $10,000, for which the client receives a turnkey system in the form of CD-ROMs, each containing up to 45 minutes of edited video footage, associated text and graphics, index information and complete user software. VIS Development Corp. is at 100 Fifth Avenue, Waltham, MA 02154. Telephone 617/466-6678.
NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Dragon Systems is shipping two speech recognition products the company developed for IBM Corp. Through a licensing and distribution agreement with Dragon Systems, the IBM PC Company NA (Boca Raton, Fla.) is offering IBM VoiceType Control for Windows and IBM VoiceType 2 this month.
Instead of using complicated keystrokes or multiple mouse movements, IBM VoiceType Control for Windows users can use such voice commands as "File Open," "Font Italic," and "Calculator" to manage files, format text and launch and swap applications. IBM VoiceType Control comes with 350 built-in commands and the capability of editing and adding up to a total of 4,000 commands. The product costs $129, including microphone, and is available from IBM.
Bringing large vocabulary free-text dictation to the desktop IBM VoiceType 2 lets users input text and data into popular applications by speaking instead of typing. VoiceType 2 has a base vocabulary of 7,000 words, all of which can be replaced with words defined by the user or drawn from a specially developed 100,000-word backup list.
VoiceType 2 comes with built-in commands for such software as WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3 and dBase, and provides tools for creating voice commands that can consist of up to 1,000 keystrokes per command. VoiceType 2 runs under DOS, the DOS prompt under Windows 3.1 or a DOS session under OS/2 2.0. Available from both IBM and Dragon Systems, VoiceType 2 costs $2,195, including microphone.
Dragon Systems is at 320 Nevada Street, Newton, MA 02160. Telephone 617/965-5200.
Dragon Systems' Speech Recognition Used in IBM Products
LaserData Document Management Fo
TYNGSBORO, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- LaserData has introduced GroupFile for Windows, a PC-based application that provides multi-format document management capabilities and is said to run on stand-alone PCs and on local area networks (LANs).
GroupFile reportedly is fully functional right out of the box and can be easily customized by users to match individual work styles. GroupFile's document management functions capture organize, display, manipulate and store documents of any type including scanned images, word processing files, graphics spreadsheets and database information.
GroupFile is said to include such easy-to-use features as built-in document filing hierarchies and indexing fields and to provide multiple search methods for quickly retrieving documents. User- defined "hot links" can be created to electronically bond documents and facilitate navigation through a collection of associated documents. GroupFile is said to have an intuitive graphical user interface based on the Microsoft Windows environment. GroupFile applications are scalable and easy-to-integrate with corporate network standards for large workgroups and enterprise implementations.
GroupFile runs on industry-standard 386 and 486 PCs operating MS-Windows and runs on Novell NetWare networks. The single-user Personal Edition costs $499. Prices for the Network Edition start at $8,990 for five users, ranging to $19,875 for 20 users. For installations with more than 20 users, the price is $4,495 for server software and $769 for software for each client. LaserData is at 300 Vesper Park, Tyngsboro, MA 01879. Telephone 508/649-4600.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Cirrus Logic has introduced a chip set billed as offering both the smallest PCMCIA form factor on the market and the first modem chip to combine telephone emulation with data and fax.
The company's new CL-MD9624ECP integrates the PCMCIA Release 2.0 interface and Card Information Structure (CIS) into a two-chip set thereby eliminating two additional chips included in competing chips, officials said in announcing the product.
The new telephone emulation capability incorporated into the set is aimed at providing similar functionality to that of a telephone answering machine.
Like its predecessor, the CL-MD9624EC2, the CL-MD9624ECP will be used for credit card-sized PCMCIA cards that can be inserted into slots on the latest generation of portable and desktop computers.
The CL-MD9624ECP provides the same 4:1 data compression and high level error correction as the CL-MD9624EC2, allowing data transmission at rates of up to 2400 bps (bits per second) and fax transmission at up to 9600 bps.
The chip set supports the CCITT V.22 bis and V.22 and Bell 212A and 103 standards for data, the CCITT V.29, V.27ter, and V.21ch2 standards for fax, and the expanded AT ("Attention") command set for voice.
Compliance with Release 2.0 of the PCMCIA specification means that cards using the chips will be able to "execute in place" (XIP), or execute directly from memory, a feature that leaves computer RAM untouched.
Release 2.0 also calls for a hardware-independent application that manages PCMCIA services, ensuring that systems software communicates with PCMCIA sockets from all computer vendors in the same way.
CIS defines a software layer that sits on top of socket services seeing to it that the socket-services layer talks to all PCMCIA cards in the same manner.
One of the chips in the two-chip set is a digital signal processor (DSP), packaged in a 100-pin very thin quad flat pack (VQFP). The other is a sigma-delta front end (SAFE), packaged in a 44-pin VQFP.
Samples of the new PCMCIA chip set will be available to OEMs this month. The chips are priced at $40 per two-chip set when purchased in quantities of 1,000.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930608/Press contact: Joe Fowler, Cirrus Logic, 510-226-2239)
608/Press contact: Joe Fowler, Cirrus Logic, 510-226-2239)
6/8/93
Chips Offer Smallest PCMCIA Form Factor, Phone Emulation
GENERAL
Kiplinger's CA Simply Money
ISLANDIA, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Software giant Computer Associates International has teamed up with The Kiplinger Washington Editors, publisher of a personal finance magazine, to enter the home finance software market. And computer users concerned about their budgets should like the introductory price: CA plans to give away the first million copies free, except for a $6.95 shipping charge.
The price will go up to $69.99 after the first million copies are gone. However, CA also stands to make some money in the long term on the giveaways, since there will be future updates to the financial management advice built into the software.
CA officials said Simply Money provides not only basic checkbook management but facilities for tracking mortgages and investments. It can also be useful for small businesses, said Marc Sokol, CA's vice-president of product strategy.
In addition, the software offers financial advice on a variety of topics, based on the expertise of Kiplinger's editors. For instance, it will detect excessive use of credit cards and provide suggestion on credit management. It also provides information on legal requirements when hiring home help. "We like to think that if Zoe Baird had this product she'd be attorney general today," Sokol quipped, referring to President Bill Clinton's original nominee for that office, who withdrew after questions surrounding her employment of a nanny for her children.
The software will also come with links to the CompuServe and Prodigy electronic information services, allowing users to check stock quotes, news, and other online information.
Officials said the software emphasizes ease of use. "This program is going to be used because of the ease of use and because ... there is a lot of good advice in it," said Knight Kiplinger editor in chief of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.
To help launch the product, CA commissioned a survey of 1,001 Americans on the subject of personal finance. Among other findings, the company said it found roughly one third of those questioned had personal computers, but fewer than one third of those used personal finance software. At the same time, 60 percent said they wished they were better at managing money.
Also, Sokol noted, "77 percent of those surveyed expressed severe difficulty about consulting financial planners." Those people did not like the idea of showing their finances to a stranger he said a concern the software's built-in advice is meant to address.
Kiplinger's CA Simply Money is being introduced only in United States initially. It runs on personal computers using a 386 or later processor and equipped with Microsoft Windows 3.1.
The free copies will go to the first million people who call the company's toll-free number 1-800-FREE-MONEY.
(Grant Buckler/19930608/Press Contact: Bob Gordon, CA 516-342-2391, fax 516-342-5329; Public Contact: Computer Associates, 516-342-5224 or 800-FREE-MONEY)
6-342-5224 or 800-FREE-MONEY)
6/8/93
Kiplinger's CA Simply Money
Comdex - WordPerfect Announces 6
Japan - Mitsubishi Develops 4-Me
AST To Buy Tandy's Computer Manu
Lasermaster's Color Controller F
800,000 Copies Win/NT In 12 Mont
Microsoft Ships Access 1.1, Acce
NCR Enters UTS Mainframe Market
The Net E-Mail System & EMBARC L
IDB Mobile Deals
Lowest Priced Full-Motion Video
Payphone For The Deaf
Canadian Product Launch Update
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- This regular feature, appearing every Monday or Tuesday, provides further details for the Canadian market on announcement by international companies that Newsbytes has already covered. This week: Toshiba's new line of notebook computers and hints of CA's plans for its new personal financial package in the Canadian market.
Toshiba of Canada Information Systems Group followed up a Comdex announcement by its sister company in the United States (Newsbytes, May 25) by launching a series of notebook computers. The Canadian announcement took place at the SIIM computer show in Montreal June 2-4.
Toshiba's new models are: the T1900/120, a monochrome notebook with a 486SX processor, which is shipping now at C$2,749; the color T1900C/200, shipping now at C$4,359; the T4500C/200 color notebook, shipping now at C$6,249; the T4600/200, a new top-of-the-line notebook with the power-saving 486SL chip, due to ship in July at C$5,449; the color T4600C/200, shipping now at C$7,649; and the T4600C/340, due to ship in July at C$8,849.
Computer Associates Canada Ltd. is not immediately launching Kiplinger's CA Simply Money, the personal finance package just released by its US-based parent company (Newsbytes, June 8). Company spokesman John Schoutsen said the firm does expect to release the software in Canada, and hopes to announce more detailed plans by the end of July.
(Grant Buckler/19930607/Press Contact: Sam Orthlieb, Toshiba Canada, 416-470-3478 ext. 252; John Schoutsen, Computer Associates Canada, 416-676-6700)
Associates Canada, 416-676-6700)
6/8/93
Canadian Product Launch Update
GENERAL
Unisys Sues Michigan Firm
BLUE BELL, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Unisys Corp. is taking a Michigan used-computer dealer to court, charging the company duplicated Unisys software and installed counterfeit memory chips in second-hand Unisys computers.
Unisys has charged Macro Computer Products, Inc., of Rochester Hills, Michigan, with copyright and trademark infringement. Two executives of Macro, Marlin Kovaleski and David Shellenbarger were also charged.
Mark Lipscomb, a spokesman for Unisys, said his company alleges that Macro copied Unisys operating software illegally, then placed the software in programmable read-only memory (PROM) chips which it used to upgrade used Unisys computers. According to Unisys, the chips were labelled to look like genuine Unisys parts.
After a raid on Macro's premises in mid-May, the Federal District court for the Eastern District of Michigan issued a preliminary injunction to prevent Macro from destroying any Unisys software or proprietary information in its possession and from using distributing, or advertising copyright or proprietary software not licensed from Unisys.
Unisys is seeking a permanent injunction and unspecified monetary damages. It is also asking the court to make Macro recall products that infringe Unisys copyrights or trade secrets, and destroy all infringing articles.
(Grant Buckler/19930608/Press Contact: Mark Lipscomb, Unisys 215-986-6948)
scomb, Unisys 215-986-6948)
6/8/93
Unisys Sues Michigan Firm
Northern Telecom Reports Austral
MAIDENHEAD, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Nortel Matra Cellular and Nortel Australia have reported that they have successfully installed and brought into service the GSM digital mobile telephone network for Optus Communications in Australia.
GSM stands for groupe speciale mobile and is a fast-growing digital cellular system that offers perfect call quality and the ability for customer IDs to be held in smart cards that can be transported between phones and countries if required.
The Optus GSM network went live in Australia on May 20, after two months of trials. Initially, digital mobile service will be offered in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, and there are plans to progressively roll out the service to other capital cities in Oz by Christmas, and then to more than 80 percent of the population by 1997.
The system uses Nortel Matra cellular mobile switching centers (MSCs) and home location registers (HLRs). Phones move around the network, but are tracked by the MSC, referring back to the HLR whenever an outgoing or incoming call is made.
Because the Optus network is GSM, its subscribers have access to advanced features such as call forwarding, call waiting and voice mail. Even more advanced features such as ring when free (sometimes referred to as camp on busy) and delayed voice messaging are expected soon.
The contract is worth A$177 million to Nortel Matra and is now in year two of a five-year cycle. According John Kranenburg, managing director of Nortel Australasia, the implementation of Optus is the first phase of the company's plans for GSM.
"We have established a center of excellence that will allow us to support Optus and other customers. We're pleased to have contributed to Optus' success in connecting the GSM service on time and look forward to capitalizing on the investments we've made to the benefit of both Optus and the realization of other opportunities in the Pacific," he said.
The A$177 contract for Nortel Matra is only the tip of the spending iceberg for Optus. According to Ian Boatman, COO of Optus Communications, the GSM network will cost around A$5,000 million over the next five years as it rolls out.
(Steve Gold/19930608/Press & Public Contact: Northern Telecom Europe Tel: 0628-812483; Nortel Australia - +61-2-235-5223)
e Tel: 0628-812483; Nortel Australia - +61-2-235-5223)
6/8/93
Northern Telecom Reports Australian Digital Net Live
TELECOM
Apple Hires Russian Company To A
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Apple Computer's Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) division has announced it will incorporate technology for cursive handwriting recognition, developed by Russian computer scientists and programmers, into the Newton family of personal digital assistants (PDA).
The technology comes to Apple through a deal with Paragraph International, a Russian company established in Moscow in 1989. Paragraph recently opened offices in Sunnyvale, California where the continuing work on cursive handwriting technology will take place.
Stepan Pachikov, president & chief executive officer of Paragraph, said: "This is a key relationship for us, and one which contributes to our vision of taking technology developed in Russia and turning it into successful products in the United States."
Apple says the Newton family of products is expected to ship this summer and will retail for under $1,000. The technology behind the Newton, known as Newton Intelligence, has been licensed to Sharp, Motorola and Kyushu Matsushita Electric (which develops products under the brand name Panasonic). Siemens and its daughter company Rolm are also combining Newton Intelligence with their technology to produce a product called the Notephone.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930608/Press Contact: Frank O'Mahony, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-5420, fax 408-967-5651)
y, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-5420, fax 408-967-5651)
6/8/93
Apple Hires Russian Company To Add Cursive To Newton
APPLE
Taking The Heat - $40 Device Coo
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- The heat problems with the Pentium processor, to be released in new personal computers (PCs) beginning this summer, are no secret. However, Norman Bailey of Pcubid, inventor of the CPU Kooler for the 486 chip, says he's ready with the Pentium CPU Kooler.
The Pentium has whopping 3.1 million transistors and the more transistors, the more heat. Without thermal control, the Pentium can reach temperatures that are at or above degrees Celsius, which is the boiling point of water. With plastic used so heavily in motherboards, the heat produced by the Pentium could cause serious damage not only to the chip itself, but to the chip socket and the motherboard. Heat problems with the 4 to-5 watt 486 will be nothing compared to what can happen with the 16-to-18 watt Pentium, Bailey said.
While Intel has released specifications regarding the way the Pentium needs to be placed and cooled inside the PC cabinet original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) trying to save money don't always follow those instructions, according to Bailey.
The original CPU Kooler for the 486 was a big success. So successful in fact that Kooler clones are already flooding the market. Users with repeated intermittent error problems on their 486 machines reported that installation of the CPU Kooler solved those problems. One of the biggest fans of the CPU Kooler is Jeffery Voss, of Voss Engineers, Planners, and Surveyers. Voss had critical drawings and deadlines that forced him to back-up his 486 system three to four times a day because failures were so frequent. After installation of the CPU Kooler, those problems went away.
Simple in design, the CPU Kooler is a heat sink with a fan on top that gets its power from one of the extra cables that power the disk drives. If extra cables are not available, a "Y" adapter can be used to power the Kooler. The 486 Kooler reduced the 486 operating temperature by 90 degrees. Clones of the Kooler are rampant, but Bailey has added additional features to his Pentium Kooler and redesigned his 486 Kooler to set them apart from the crowd.
One feature is the Kooler now offers a way for users to monitor the temperature of the CPU during the computer's operation. A hole in the center of one of the sides of the heat sink allows a $15 Radio Shack Digital Thermometer to monitor the temperature of the CPU at all times. Users requested the ability to monitor the temperature because the fan on the CPU Kooler is so quiet they can't hear it running. Bailey designed the fan so it would be silent and says clones of the product often have not taken the fan noise into consideration.
The new CPU Kooler is also only 0.6 inches high, just over one half inch, which makes it fit in even the narrowest PC cabinet. The Kooler is also optimized so the position of the fan over the heat sink is at the precise height. This height allows the air vortex, created by the spinning of the fan's propeller blades to offer the maximum "heat destruction."
The biggest problem Bailey sees coming with the new Pentium chips is replacing the 486 with the Pentium. "There may be half a million to a million zero insertion force (ZIF) socket motherboards out there, and users expect to be able to replace their 486 chip with a Pentium CPU," Bailey said. Possible scenarios from the heat of the Pentium range from intermittent data loss or melting of the ZIF socket to damage to the Pentium chip itself. The Pentium CPU Kooler can bring down the temperature of the CPU to much more acceptable levels of about twenty degrees above the inside temperature of the case. The inside temperature of the case, of course, depends on the room but is usually five degrees above the room temperature or 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, users who upgraded 486 systems might want to consider the CPU Kooler. By going to a one-gigabyte (GB) hard drive, for example, users can find the extra heat energy from the new drive can cause them problems where they had none before. Bailey says he's had several cases of users buying CPU Koolers in upgrade situations precisely for those reasons.
Also, air movement in the cabinet is what is required to make a heat sink work. Bailey says a simple experiment can tell users if air movement is happening inside the cabinet. Tape single ply toilet paper to the sides of the cabinet inside, then watch through the back or through one of the disk drive slots to see if the toilet paper moves when the computer is on. Any air movement should flap the toilet paper. Users with just a heat sink on their CPU who are concerned about heat can purchase just the fan portion of the CPU Kooler to attach to their heat sink to be sure the heat is being dissipated.
The Pentium CPU Kooler is $39.95, the same price as the 486 Kooler. The current retail price of the Pentium chip alone is estimated at $1,100 to $1,500. Bailey says installation is a two-minute job and does not require removal of the current CPU.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930608/Press Contact: Norman Bailey, Pcubid Computer Technology, tel 916-388-4007, fax 916-338-1338)
hnology, tel 916-388-4007, fax 916-338-1338)
6/8/93
Taking The Heat - $40 Device Cools Pentium
Phoenix Acquires SRI, Its Japane
NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- To take advantage of the emerging worldwide fusion of PC and consumer electronics technology, along with an anticipated boom in domestic PC sales in Japan, Norwood, MA-based Phoenix Technologies has acquired its Japanese distributor, Strategic Research Institute (SRI) KK.
"Japanese manufacturers are prime customers for us, and the acquisition will help us to support them more quickly and directly," a company spokesperson, Michael Deutsch, told Newsbytes.
Under the agreement, Tokyo-based SRI will now become Phoenix Technologies KK. (Phoenix KK), a wholly owned Japanese subsidiary of Phoenix Technologies Ltd. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Phoenix officials are expecting the SurePath BIOS Licensing Program, recently launched by Phoenix and IBM, as well as new standardization efforts by Japanese manufacturers, to help fuel explosive growth both domestically and internationally, according to Deutsch.
The SurePath program provides OEMs with the authentic IBM BIOS code, preventing the previous need to obtain the code through reverse engineering, he told Newsbytes. "The need for reverse engineering is what started the whole clone market," he explained.
Another pertinent development in Japan is the formation of the Open Architecture Design Group for standardization of PC designs around the Intel architecture and DOS/V, a Kanji version of DOS, said Deutsch.
The new SurePath BIOS interfaces with PC hardware and software to ensure compatibility with these international standards, he noted.
"Through the acquisition, we'll also gain from the fusion of consumer electronics and PCs. The Japanese will be leading in that market. We'll be able to take technology developed there and integrate it into the PC architecture," he added.
Like Phoenix, SRI is a software engineering firm. As Phoenix' exclusive representative in Japan for the past six years, SRI has played a key role in establishing Phoenix's services to Japanese PC manufacturers, according to Phoenix officials.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930608/Press contact: Michael Deutsch Phoenix, 617-551-4184)
contact: Michael Deutsch Phoenix, 617-551-4184)
6/8/93
Phoenix Acquires SRI, Its Japanese Distributor
BUSINESS
DeltaPoint Unveils Graphics Util
MacTV Schedule for June
CompuAdd Intros VESA Systems Wit
Editorial: Do People Buy Softwar
REVIEW: Loom Fantasy Adventure C
India May Relax Import Duty Regi
Virgin Record Publisher Going In
Sun Signs Up For TCP/IP Network
India - VSNL Offers EDI Service
UK - RISC-Based Networking Costs
Samsung PC Line To Be Sold Direc
Northern Extends VISIT To IBM PC
Dell Seeks Japanese Portables Pa
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- After taking a $20 million write-off that caused stockholders to file suit alleging securities violations, Dell Computer is now searching for partners in Japan to help it breath life back into its notebook computer business.
Dell spokesperson Roger Rydell told Newsbytes that Dell's chief of portable computer development, John Medica, was in Japan for a week returning last weekend. Medica's mission was to talk with potential partners to aid in the rebuilding of Dell's notebook computer business. Medica stopped development on most of the dozen or so notebook product designs that were to have been introduced this summer, saying several of the units were deemed too expensive and too slow to bring to market. Rydell said there were also other reasons but declined to be specific. Dell CEO Michael Dell said last week that his company had also underestimated the complexity of engineering and manufacturing portables.
Rydell wouldn't discuss specific issues that were discussed by Medica and Japanese companies, but wouldn't rule out the possibility of an OEM agreement with one or more Japanese manufacturers or a financial partnership. "We're looking for key players who can help us better provide for notebook customers. We haven't limited our thinking." Rydell said no specific decisions have been made yet. "Part of the reason for John's trip is to try to uncover the potentials and make an education decision as to what kinds of partnerships make the most sense for us," Rydell told Newsbytes.
Rydell declined to discuss the specific companies contacted, but said "We're not looking for small opportunities, we're looking at large opportunities."
Dell officials told Newsbytes it has received nine lawsuits, filed by disgruntled investors after Dell stock dropped on announcement of disappointing first quarter earnings. The suits allege that Dell withheld information about dropping most of its notebook computer development, causing a financial loss to shareholders who had recently purchased Dell stock, after the shares dropped more than $7 per share when the financial results were announced.
Because it plans to "be patient and have the right partners and the right products," it's unlikely that Dell will not bring many notebook computers to market until the latter half of the year, according to Dell spokesperson Michelle Moore. "We're looking for a long-term fix not a short-term fix."
(Jim Mallory/19930608/Press contact: Roger Rydell, Dell Computer 512-794-4100)
oger Rydell, Dell Computer 512-794-4100)
6/8/93
Dell Seeks Japanese Portables Partners
BUSINESS
ZDS Pen-based Notepad Computer
BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Zenith Data Systems today announced a pen-based notepad computer the company calls a hybrid of a notebook computer and a pen tablet.
"The Z-Notepad is a perfect hybrid. It's both a good notebook computer and a good pen tablet. You can use the Z-Notepad with a pen only, a keyboard only, or as a pen and keyboard combination," according to David O'Connor, executive vice president of the ZDS product group.
The new unit is based on the Z-Note 425Ln Model 120, and is powered by Intel's low power-consumption 25 megahertz (MHz) Intel 486SL microprocessor. Standard configuration includes 4 megabytes (MB) of system memory, a 120MB hard drive, and built-in Ethernet-compatible hardware. The notepad replaces the standard monochrome screen with a nine-inch monochrome electromagnetic digitizer with a 24-inch connecting cable, which can be detached from the keyboard portion of the notepad. That allows users to lay the pad flat on a table or desk, or it can be used while held in the user's lap.
"Unlike most pen-tops, the (Notepad) display can be used in almost any position. It's a very 'human' approach to pen-based computing," according to O'Connor. Z-Notepad uses Microsoft's Pen Windows operating system, which allows input from a keyboard or a pen.
Available options include larger-capacity hard drives, external disk drives, and Flash BIOS. ZDS says any Z-Note computer, including the Model 320LB introduced in April 92, can be upgraded to a Z-Notepad for $1,199, with the conversion work being done by ZDS-approved service centers. The cost covers the installation of a pen-capable monochrome LCD display and the loading of the Microsoft Windows for the Pen Computing operating system.
ZDS spokesperson John Bace told Newsbytes the 425Ln Model 120 is sold by ZDS for $2,999, or buyers can purchase the system modified as a notepad system for the same price. The price of ZDS systems sold by resellers are set by the reseller and may be higher or lower than when purchased from ZDS direct.
Bace said the notepad systems and the notepad necessary to modify an existing Z-Note computer are available in the warehouse, and will ship in the next few days. "For all intents and purposes the systems are immediately available," says Bace.
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will unveil his "Blueprints To The Future," a plan industry observers say uses Windows software as a link between fax machines, photocopiers, computers, and telephones, in New York City tomorrow.
Gates' idea isn't exactly new. In the late 1970s, technicians at Xerox Corporation's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), the birthplace of many computer concepts in common use today, had a vision of an electronically integrated office, but it never got to market. Now Gates is expected to launch "Microsoft at Work," a software standard he hopes will facilitate that vision, and give Microsoft a dominant role in development of the digital office.
Some of the ideas which may be presented include eliminating the line at the copy machine by sending a command from an office computer to the copier, which would print and bind a lengthy document. Or a directory of phone numbers displayed on a small screen attached to the office telephone, with the list being stored on the phone user's computer. Sales people in the field might scrawl a hand-written note on the screen of their battery operated pen-based notepad computer then fax the note to the office via a cellular modem. A digitized voice message might even be attached to the fax file. Gates sees Windows as the software glue and the user interface that brings all the elements of such systems together.
Microsoft isn't saying much about tomorrow's announcement except that Gates will appear "with a host of unexpected partners." However major telephone companies announced a new computer-to-phone switch standard last month, and that group is expected to be part of the overall "Microsoft at Work" strategy. The group included microprocessor maker Intel Corporation, and telecommunications companies AT&T, Northern Telecom, and Siemens-Rolm. A spokesperson for Kirkland, Washington-based McCaw says his company has also been working closely with Microsoft to integrate its digital packet data protocol for cellular use with the emerging protocol, according to the British news service Reuters. Other companies expected to announce products and services based on the new software reportedly include Compaq Computer Corporation, Minolta Camera Company, Sprint Corporation, McCaw Cellular Communications, and US West.
It is rumored that in order to facilitate the deal, Microsoft will agree to stay out of the hardware market. Some analysts believe the technology won't be a major contributor to Microsoft's bottom line in the immediate future. However, it certainly has the potential to give the software giant an even stronger grip on the personal computer software market.
(Jim Mallory/19930608)
nal computer software market.
(Jim Mallory/19930608)
6/8/93
Bill Gates To Show Blueprints To The Future Tomorrow
TRENDS
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
State Regulators Face Sunset
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
NYNEX Selling BIS
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With
PsychSoft Offers Survey Software
Egghead Establishes Unit To Serv
ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Discount software dealer Egghead Software announced this week it has established a new business unit specifically designed to meet the software accessories, and peripheral product needs of the rapidly growing small to medium-sized sector of the business market.
Called Business 4 Business, the new program will provide specialized products and services to companies with 15 to 125 employees. Previously Egghead has served customers of all sizes through a single corporate and government sales group.
Egghead cited US Small Business Administration (SBA) figures indicating that the number of small businesses in the US grew nearly 14 percent between 1976 and 1990. Egghead President and CEO Timothy Turnpaugh said the Business 4 Business program will allow the company to focus attention on that growing market.
With formation of the Business 4 Business unit, Egghead now has four distinct channels. The corporate and government sales group will concentrate exclusively on large corporations and government agencies. Business 4 Business will focus on small and medium-sized businesses, and its retail stores will serve users with less than 15 computers. The company also operates a toll-free mail-order service for customers who prefer to shop by phone.
Business 4 Business Program Manager Dana Jones says her division's experts are particularly knowledgeable about software and peripherals such as networking, printer sharing, electronic mail, desktop publishing and inventory management applications. "Our representatives have the background, training, and resources to present customers with concise reports on the best options for meeting their software needs."
Egghead operates CD-ROM-based product information centers, which Jones says provides Egghead representatives with instant access to the most current information and reviews of software and peripheral products. "We're able to provide data that our customers simply don't have the time to research."
Business 4 Business representatives will also have access to Egghead's tech support, free 30-day product evaluation program, and 24 or 48-hour ground delivery service. Business 4 Business customers will also have access to their reps through a toll-free telephone line, and later this year will be able to charge purchases through a special credit card option that calls for paying the balance under a revolving credit plan.
ontact: Egghead Software 206-391-6266 or 800-344-4323)
6/8/93
Egghead Establishes Unit To Service Small Businesses
BUSINESS
Wireless RadioMail For PowerBook
SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- The move towards portable computing does not just benefit portable computer manufacturers. There are also a multitude of services and niche markets designed to take advantage of the trend. One such service is RadioMail Corp's wireless electronic mail (e-mail) service.
Already established for other platforms, it is now available to users of Apple Computer's PowerBook and PowerBook Duo systems. Using the service, PowerBook users can send and receive e-mail messages without a telephone connection.
The company also claims that its new NewsFactory service is the first wireless service for on-demand delivery of breaking news and financial information to users of portable computers.
RadioMail lets PowerBook users send messages to, or receive them from, virtually any wired or wireless e-mail address in the United States, including Apple's AppleLink mail system claims the company.
RadioMail's two-way gateway service uses the RAM Mobile Data radio frequency (RF) network. The company says that, beginning this summer, RadioMail also will be available over the Ardis wireless network.
RadioMail is now available on DOS-based portables and Hewlett Packard handheld computers, as well as the Apple PowerBook platform.
In announcing the new service, Geoffrey S. Goodfellow, RadioMail chairman and founder, said, "Recent research found that nearly all PowerBook users who access networks do so primarily to send and receive e-mail. More than half of those reach networks from off-site locations."
RadioMail client software for PowerBook is based on Eudora, an electronic mail application developed by San Diego-based Qualcomm.
The company says that PowerBook users can connect to RadioMail through an Ericsson GE Mobidem or Motorola InfoTac packet radio modem. A $99 setup fee includes a disk and instructions for installing RadioMail software on the PowerBook. The RadioMail wireless e-mail service is priced at $89 per month, with the first month free to new subscribers. The Eudora software costs $49, although users receive a $25 credit on the first month's invoice.
The NewsFactory service is available immediately at no extra charge to RadioMail subscribers on platforms. The company says that NewsFactory is available in more than 6,000 US cities.
NewsFactory provides information in three formats: headlines brief summaries, and Dow Jones average information. The company says that, within the headline and summary formats the user can select general news, domestic business international business or sports.
Information for NewsFactory is gathered from 16 news wire sources, including United Press International, Business Wire PR NewsWire, Japan's Kyodo (Japan), and Russia's Tass.
Wireless RadioMail For PowerBooks; Info Service For PCs
APPLE
Sun Units Ship Enhanced SunLink,
WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Two Sun Microsystems units have announced new software products for the company's Solaris 2.0 operating system. While SunConnect says that it will begin shipping a new version of its SunLink (OSI) communication platform, SunPro has announced the availability of the SPARCworks Professional Ada 2.0 development software.
According to Sun, SunLink OSI 8.0 provides customers with a "powerful platform for implementing SunConnect's high performance new suite of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communication products, SunLink File Transfer, Access and Management (FTAM), SunLink X.400, SunLink Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP) and SunLink Virtual Terminal (VT).
SunLink OSI 8.0 allows diverse computing systems to share resources and information across departmental, organizational and international boundaries.
The SunLink OSI 8.0 platform is designed to be compliant with industry and the US Government Open System Interconnection Profile (GOSIP) V2 specifications.
In announcing the product, Jean-Pierre Baudouin, director of product development at SunConnect, said: "We've been working closely with our government customers for years providing them with the functionality and enhancements they've asked for in our OSI products. Our products offer enhancements that go beyond meeting base OSI requirements."
According to the company, SPARCworks Professional Ada 2.0 consists of the SPARCompiler Ada 2.0 MIL-STD-1815A validated Ada language system, and the SPARCworks/Ada 2.0 suite of programmer productivity tools.
SPARCworks Professional Ada 2.0 is claimed to offer faster compilation and application performance, as well as enhanced tool integration through the ToolTalk software from SunSoft. Version 2.0 is also claimed to improve compilation and runtime performance, and to enhance tool integration.
The SPARCworks/Ada 2.0 toolset incorporates ToolTalk messaging to link individual tools and help third-party software vendors to integrate their tools with SPARCworks/Ada and access them through the SPARCworks Manager.
The company is offering a free, 30-day evaluation CD of SPARCworks Professional Ada 2.0 as part of the "Try-and-Buy Evaluation Program" through SunPro authorized resellers. SPARCworks/Ada 2.0 costs $2,500.
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- SuperMac Technology has announced volume shipments of its new ProofPositive family of color dye-sublimation printers. At the same time the company has announced that it has teamed up with Hewlett-Packard in order to provide a range of service options for ProofPositive users.
SuperMac claims that it is the first company to deliver Adobe's software-based Configurable PostScript Interpreter (CPSI) Level 2 raster image processor (RIP) for dye-sublimation printers.
According to the company, the technology, together with the EfiColor color management software that comes with the printers, allows ProofPositive to deliver continuous-tone color and performance that automatically takes advantage of faster CPUs (central processing units) as they become available.
In announcing the product, John Taylor, SuperMac's prepress product marketing manager, said that the technology is just what "color-publishing and prepress professionals at magazines advertising agencies, creative service departments, and design firms need to make proofing decisions in house, right on the desktop."
ProofPositive comes in a full-page digital-imaging bundle costing $8,999 and a full-page bundle with Adobe's CPSI Level 2 software costing $10,499. Both are available immediately. A two-page bundle with Adobe's CPSI Level 2 software is listed at $19,999, and is set for shipment later in June.
The company says that all three bundles come with a SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) interface, Electronics for Imaging's EfiColor color management software for on-screen and press emulation capabilities, a full ribbon, and 100 sheets of paper. The digital-imaging model also features an Adobe Photoshop export module for increased printing speed.
Meanwhile, SuperMac and HP are offering three types of service contracts for ProofPositive printer customers: installation on-site service, and depot service.
Printer installation and on-site service are available in the a number of areas, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis Columbus, Ohio, San Francisco, and Washington. Under terms of the installation option, an HP customer engineer will set up the printer, install printer driver software, and print test files to ensure that printer is ready to use.
The on-site service contract calls for the dispatching of an HP customer engineer to the customer's site if a problem cannot be resolved by phone. The depot service option offer buyers a two-business-day turnaround at the nearest HP service depot open for printer repair.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Managing devices from multiple vendors is a major problem for system managers. Now, SynOptics Communications claims that it is helping to catalyze the client/server industry by sharing access to network management information residing in its network fabric.
Additionally, the company also claims that it has developed a new technology, called SuperAgent, that delivers a "richer level of information to management applications about network behavior and attributes."
SynOptics says that is opening access to its embedded intelligence so that other vendors can develop global enterprise management (GEM) applications, which would make it easier to manage multiple vendors' hardware and software systems with a single application. The company claims that it is working with Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, NetLabs, and Novell.
Also, SynOptics is working with NetLabs to develop two new GEM applications: AssetManager and Vision DeskTop. The company claims that the software is the first applications to automate, integrate and simplify the task of inventorying and managing the hardware and software assets residing on a SynOptics network.
SynOptics will share its new SuperAgent technology with NetLabs.
The company says that SuperAgent software uses open standards and is distributed throughout the enterprise acting as middle-men for information that feeds to management applications. They perform specific functions such as correlating faults, collecting inventory information and mapping topology.
(Ian Stokell/19930608/Press Contact: Tim Helms 408-988-2400, SynOptics Communications Inc.)
elms 408-988-2400, SynOptics Communications Inc.)
6/8/93
SynOptics Announces Partners, Intros SuperAgent
GENERAL
Time Warner, SGI Making Cable Mu
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Time Warner and SGI, Inc. (SGI), have announced they will begin work on an interactive multimedia cable system that will be prototyped first in Orlando, Florida by the end of 1993.
SGI, manufacturers of the MIPS reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, will receive research and development funding from Time Warner Cable to develop a digital multimedia set-top device. The device is planned to allow consumers access to services such as video-on-demand educational resources, interactive video games, and home shopping.
Called the Orlando Full Service Network, the prototype will be run on the delivery end by the Challenge Server, a family of large computers from SGI designed to deliver continuous rate sound and video. Challenge digital video servers provide the ability to store information, such as hundreds of videos in digital format for instant delivery to television screens the companies said. The Challenge systems can each support up to thirty-six R4400 MIPS RISC processors.
On the other end, the television set-top box will have a MIPS processors for the horsepower to offer high-speed communications, interactive three-dimensional graphics, an on screen user interface, and compression and decompression for audio and video.
Jim Barton, vice president of technology for SGI, says the company is not interested as much in the set-top boxes as the server end of the delivery system. So it is possible a variety of set-top boxes in development, including the one being developed by the Kaleida, Motorola, Scientific Atlanta collaboration, could work in the SGI/Time Warner cable delivery system.
Barton also said the advantage to partnering with Time Warner is they will have both the role of a content provider and an operations company. Time Warner Cable, a division of Time Warner Entertainment, describes itself as the nation's second largest cable television operator, serving 7.1 million television homes in 36 states. Time Warner Entertainment also owns Warner Brothers and Home Box Office.
SGI will also supply the MIPS multimedia software engine for software developers to create new applications for interactive digital cable television systems, the companies said. The multimedia software engine programming environment will be available to developers by end of this summer, the companies said.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Digital Pathways UK has announced the Centrum Remote dial-up bridge/router from Centrum Communications in the US.
According to Digital Pathways, the bridge/router allows mobile and/or remote users access to all the services of their corporate network from any phone connection, including cellular phone users yet with no claiming changes in the way they work when connected locally.
Roger Lewis, Digital Pathways' managing director for the UK, said that Centrum Remote provides users with both dial-up routing for branch office connectivity, as well as dial-in remote networking from a notebook or laptop PC while on the road.
Dial-up routing offers significant savings over traditional wide area networking in terms of dedicated leased line links, as well as expensive remote routers. Digital Pathways also claims that using dial-up LAN to LAN routing, all parts of an organization can be connected to the corporate network in a cost-effective manner.
"For the network manager, who must manage and maintain the corporate network, Centrum Remote offers the first true enterprise-wide remote networking solution and addresses stringent requirements for multi protocol support, network management and security," explained Lewis.
Centrum Remote is available in a wide number of configurations and at differing price levels. The system can support up to 16 phone lines, balancing the load across them as required. In use, the system can use remote callback to ensure security and can even be pre-programmed to call specific sites at specific dates and times.
(Steve Gold/19930608/Press & Public Contact: Digital Pathways - Tel: 0256-882191; Fax: 0256-882008)
l Pathways - Tel: 0256-882191; Fax: 0256-882008)
6/8/93
Dial-Up Network Link For Mobile Users Unveiled
TELECOM
Lotus To Acquire Database Softwa
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Lotus Development has confirmed rumors it will acquire privately held Approach Software of Redwood City, California, thus becoming the fourth major software company to buy out a database software vendor in past couple of years.
Three-year-old Approach sells a relational database package also called Approach, launched last year, with built-in forms mail-merge, and report writer functions.
Jim Manzi, president and chief executive of Lotus, said the package "is squarely aimed at the sweet spot in the Windows database market." He described it as a "database product for normal people" rather than for programmers.
The companies said they have signed a definitive acquisition agreement and expect to complete the transaction, which will be accounted for as a purchase, within 30 days. Lotus said the acquisition could result in a one-time pre-tax charge against earnings of up to $20 million in the quarter in which the transaction is completed. Company officials would give no further details on the terms of the deal.
Lotus will begin marketing Approach 2.0 when the transaction is completed, officials said. A company spokesman said features such as SmartIcons will be added to the software this fall to make it more like existing Lotus products. Later this year, the company plans to add Approach to its SmartSuite package of applications.
The product, based on client/server technology, comprises three components: a client-based graphical user interface, a relational layer, and a series of data-access engines called PowerKeys. With PowerKey engines, users get native access to corporate data stored in dBase, Paradox, FoxPro, Oracle SQL, SQL Server, and DB2 formats. It works with any Novell NetWare, Microsoft LAN Manager Banyan VINES or Artisoft LANtastic local-area network, officials said.
Approach is "optimized for the average person to be productive," said Kevin Harvey, president and chief executive of Approach. Manzi said more powerful programmable databases are beyond the expertise of most computer users.
Approach will be merged into Lotus' Database and Graphics Products Division. Harvey, who founded Approach in August 1990 will remain as general manager of the operation, which will stay in Redwood City. He will report to Tim Davenport, vice-president of Lotus' Database and Graphics Product Division.
All of Approach's 42 managers and staff have been offered work at Lotus. "A small company this size can be easily integrated into Lotus," Davenport said.
Lotus does not currently sell a database package. Its database-related products include DataLens, a driver that gives Lotus applications access to data stored in other vendors' database software, and the still-unreleased Notebook applications development tool for professional programmers, a spokesman said.
Rivals Microsoft and Computer Associates International both beefed up their own PC database offerings last year by buying, within weeks of each other, Fox Software and Nantucket Inc., both makers of dBase-compatible packages. Earlier, Borland International Inc. had bought Ashton-Tate, maker of the standard-setting dBase IV database software.
The suggested retail price for Approach 2.0 is $399. System requirements include a personal computer with a 286 or higher processor, two megabytes (MB) of memory, a hard disk, Microsoft Windows Version 3.0 or higher, a VGA or higher resolution monitor, and a mouse or other pointing device.
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 8 (NB) -- Wordperfect Corporation says it is now shipping a package of more than 40 custom document templates to make it easier for users of its word processing programs to produce business documents with minimum effort.
Called Wordperfect ExpressDocs, the templates will include fax cover sheets, newsletters, resumes, form letters, invoices, and other popular documents.
"One of our major objectives with word processing is to automate most office tasks," says Wordperfect for Windows product marketing manager Jeff Hunsaker.
The company says ExpressDocs, which will ship with Wordperfect 5.2 for Windows, aren't just pre-created documents, but are interactive and can prompt the user for specific information such as the name on a fax cover sheet. When installed, the templates are accessed from the pull-down File menu and can be used as is or edited to meet the user's specific needs. An added Button Bar includes options for drop caps, watermarks, page borders, and decorative paragraph breaks to help users create documents.
ExpressDocs was created by LaserTools Corporation, the company that also makes other Wordperfect accessories including TrueType for Wordperfect, Fonts-on the-Fly, and PrimeType for Wordperfect. "We're proud of ExpressDocs and hope Wordperfect users will enjoy using and creating professional-looking documents that have pizazz," says LaserTools CEO Randy Spurrier.
ExpressDocs is now shipping in specially marked packages of Wordperfect 5.2 for Windows. Current version 5.2 users can get ExpressDocs separately for $19.95 by contacting Wordperfect Corporation on its toll free line. ExpressDocs has a suggested retail price of $49.94 when sold separately.
An interim release of Wordperfect 5.2 for Windows started shipping in April and is available to current users for $12.50 from Wordperfect Corporation. The company says the update includes KickOff, a new startup utility; enhancements to the File Open dialog box; and better integration with Borland's Quattro Pro for Windows.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- [NOTE: this version corrects the previous one written and published 06/08/93 and corrects a minor mistake.]
The heat problems with the Pentium processor, to be released in personal computers (PCs) beginning this summer, are no secret. However, Norman Bailey of Pcubid, inventor of the CPU Kooler for the 486 chip, says he's ready with the Pentium CPU Kooler.
The Pentium has a whopping 3.1 million transistors - the more transistors, the more heat. Without thermal control, the Pentium can reach temperatures that are at or above 100 degrees Celsius, which is the boiling point of water. With plastic used so heavily in motherboards, the heat produced by the Pentium could cause serious damage not only to the chip itself, but to the chip socket and the motherboard. Heat problems with the four- to five-watt 486 will be nothing compared to what can happen with the 16- to 18-watt Pentium, Bailey said.
While Intel has released specifications regarding the way the Pentium needs to be placed and cooled inside the PC cabinet original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) trying to save money don't always follow those instructions, according to Bailey.
The original CPU Kooler for the 486 was a big success. So successful in fact, that Kooler clones are already flooding the market. Users with repeated intermittent error problems on their 486 machines reported that installation of the CPU Kooler solved those problems.
One of the biggest fans of the CPU Kooler is Jeffery Voss, of Voss Engineers, Planners, and Surveyers. Voss had critical drawings and deadlines that forced him to back-up his 486 system three to four times a day, because failures were so frequent. After installation of the CPU Kooler, those problems went away.
Simple in design, the CPU Kooler is a heat sink with a fan on top that gets its power from one of the extra cables that power the disk drives. If extra cables are not available, a "Y" adapter can be used to power the Kooler. The 486 Kooler reduced the 486 operating temperature by 90 degrees. Clones of the Kooler are rampant, but Bailey has added additional features to his Pentium Kooler and redesigned his 486 Kooler to set them apart from the crowd.
One feature the Kooler now offers is a way for users to monitor the temperature of the CPU (central processing unit) during the computer's operation. A hole in the center of one of the sides of the heat sink allows a $15 Radio Shack Digital Thermometer to monitor the temperature of the CPU at all times. Users requested the ability to monitor the temperature because the fan on the CPU Kooler is so quiet they can't hear it running. Bailey designed the fan so it would be silent and says clones of the product often have not taken the fan noise into consideration.
The new CPU Kooler is also only 0.6-inches high, which makes it fit in even the narrowest PC cabinet. The Kooler is also optimized so the position of the fan over the heat sink is at the precise height. This height allows the air vortex, created by the spinning of the fan's propeller blades, to offer the maximum "heat destruction."
The biggest problem Bailey sees coming with the new Pentium chips is replacing the 486 with the Pentium. "There may be half a million to a million zero insertion force (ZIF) socket motherboards out there, and users expect to be able to replace their 486 chip with a Pentium CPU," Bailey said. Possible scenarios from the heat of the Pentium range from intermittent data loss or melting of the ZIF socket. to damage to the Pentium chip itself. The Pentium CPU Kooler can bring down the temperature of the CPU to much more acceptable levels of about twenty degrees above the inside temperature of the case. The inside temperature of the case, of course, depends on the room but is usually five degrees above the room temperature or 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, users who upgrade 486 systems might want to consider the CPU Kooler. By going to a one-gigabyte (GB) hard drive, for example, users can find the extra heat energy from the new drive can cause them problems where they had none before. Bailey says he's had several cases of users buying CPU Koolers in upgrade situations precisely for those reasons.
Also, air movement in the cabinet is what is required to make a heat sink work. Bailey says a simple experiment can tell users if air movement is happening inside the cabinet. Tape single ply toilet paper to the sides of the cabinet inside, then watch through the back or through one of the disk drive slots to see if the toilet paper moves when the computer is on. Any air movement should flap the toilet paper. Users with just a heat sink on their CPU who are concerned about heat can purchase just the fan portion of the CPU Kooler to attach to their heat sink to be sure the heat is being dissipated.
The Pentium CPU Kooler is $39.95, the same price as the 486 Kooler. The current retail price of the Pentium chip alone is estimated at $1,100 to $1,500. Bailey says installation is a two-minute job and does not require removal of the current CPU.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930608/Press Contact: Norman Bailey Pcubid Computer Technology, tel 916-388-4007 fax 916-338-1338)
mputer Technology, tel 916-388-4007 fax 916-338-1338)
6/9/93
Update - Taking The Heat - $40 Device Cools Pentium
Sun Signs Up For TCP/IP Network
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Sun Microsystems claims that Infonet will provide it with a worldwide data network under the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) standard. It is the same standard used by the network of linked networks known as the Internet.
The new contract is based on an Infonet product called Infolan which is based on devices called routers. Infolan is sold as a method for linking local area networks in many locations. When JP Morgan announced recently it would out-source its data networks rather than continue to operate its own network, it went with Infolan. The JP Morgan deal was a joint win with MCI which owns 25 percent of Infonet. The rest of the company is held by a number of international phone companies.
Infonet uses its international partners, and its offices in over 47 countries, as a draw for selling its services. Infolan will be used by sun to complement a network nicknamed SWAN (Sun's Wide Area Network).
Infolan will also be used to bring the company's strategic partners and customers onto Sun's internal network. Examples would include customers who need to access Sun's product database for prices and availability, or suppliers supporting Sun factories who need to pick up or confirm orders.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930608/Press Contact: Infonet Services Mike Radice, 310-335-2861; Sun Microsystems, Cindee Mock 415-336-3563)
ystems, Cindee Mock 415-336-3563)
6/9/93
Sun Signs Up For TCP/IP Network
TELECOM
India - VSNL Offers EDI Service
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Indian traders may soon enjoy the benefits of paperless transactions. HCL Hewlett Packard is joining forces with Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (VSNL) to set up the country's first electronic data interchange (EDI) service for commerce, industry, and public administration.
Expected to be operational in July, the new facility - called Gedis Tradenet - will allow exporters and importers, traders and transporters, financiers and investors, as well as customs and insurance authorities to electronically process such documents as bills of landing, bank statements, letters of credit, and excise permits.
The pilot installations of Gedis Tradenet will be at the Bombay port. The main node will be in the form of a HP 9000 server based at VSNL's office in Bombay. To run the network, HCL HP is using a special EDI software package from INS, the UK-based subsidiary of General Electric. The software is being customized to meet local requirements.
VSNL is aggressively promoting its Rs 2.5-crore (around $800,000) project through awareness seminars at the four cities - Delhi Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras. Subscribers can use the EDI service after an initial investment of about Rs 2 lakh (around $6,000) for front-end software.
Users can even access international EDI networks through VSNL's gateway packet switching system. "Almost all exporters will subscribe to Gedis Tradenet and this will open up newer potentials for both VSNL and HCL HP," said a confident Ajay Choudhary, director of marketing for HCL HP. Anticipating the popularity of EDI to increase the demand for its Vectra series of PCs, he admits that his company's profits from the project will depend upon VSNL's marketing skills.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
keting skills.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930604)
6/9/93
India - VSNL Offers EDI Service With HCL HP
TRENDS
UK Software Sales Flat
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- According to a report issued by Context, the London-based market research company unit sales of software supplied via indirect sales channels in the UK showed a five percent drop for the first quarter of 1993 compared to the same period last year.
Clemency Read, a software market analyst with the company said that the slight downward trend is a reflection of the changes taking place in the distribution channels, rather than an actual downturn in sales. "For example, a substantial amount of business is now in upgrades sold to end users directly by the software vendors themselves, and not via the traditional channels," she said.
An interesting trend is that sales of software "suites" have shown massive gains, which has impacted sales of standalone word processing and spreadsheet software. "The price advantage of buying a suite rather than the individual products is enormous," Read commented.
According to Context, the software "suite" market is dominated at the moment by Microsoft Office and by Lotus Smartsuite. Read noted that Borland announced in the US its own Windows office package at the end of April. The package links the Windows versions of Quattro Pro and Paradox with Wordperfect.
Context also reports that database sales have also increased over the last year, with the bulk of the sales growth taking place at the beginning of the year - a 95 percent increase on the last quarter of 1992. This, the market research company notes, is due primarily to the launch of Paradox for Windows and Microsoft Access for Windows, and their special promotional offers of UKP99.
Context's figures also show that there has been substantial month-on-month growth of 35 percent in total database sales between February and March of this year.
Unit sales of Windows applications, on the other hand have grown by 129 percent in the first quarter of 1993, compared to the same period last year.
(Steve Gold/19930608/Press & Public Contact: Context tel 071-937-3595, fax 071-937-1159)
-3595, fax 071-937-1159)
6/9/93
UK Software Sales Flat
TRENDS
@ j N
UK - Persistence Bridges Object/
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Persistent Storage has announced plans to launch Persistence, its new software bridge for object oriented and relational technologies, at the Object Expo Europe (OEE) exhibition.
According to the company, Persistence allows relational tables to be used with C++ applications.
Persistent claims that the package is the first of its type to automate development of the database access, providing significant productivity, performance, and portability benefits. Trials using the software have already been carried out around the world, the company claims, with C++ developers such as Sunpro, Andersen Consulting, Dupont, and Nippon Steel taking part.
Persistence consists of a series of tools - the Database Interface (DIG) Generator and Runtime Object management System (ROMS).
The company says that DIG enables the developers to define an object model and then automatically generate the C++ program code to provide a set of data access methods that then allow the database to be treated as if it were object oriented.
The ROMS, meanwhile, interfaces the Persistence code with the relational database, allowing database access, transaction control, and object caching. By using Persistence, the company claims that users can increase their application run time performance by a factor of ten or more.
Pricing on Persistence will be announced at the OOE exhibition, which will take place at the Queen Elizabeth II conference center on July 14 and 15
(Steve Gold/19930608/Press & Public Contact: Peter Parsonage Tel: 061-777-8228; Fax: 061-776-2796; OOE Contact: Peter Lloyd PR - Tel: 081-449-3656; Fax: 081-441-4316; Email via the Internet - plpr@cix.compulink.co.uk or on Compuserve 100116,3104)
- plpr@cix.compulink.co.uk or on Compuserve 100116,3104)
6/9/93
UK - Persistence Bridges Object/Relational Technologies
GENERAL
Judge To Fine White House Over E
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- US District Judge Charles R. Richey has once again ruled against the Executive Office of the President and the National Security Council, at the White House, and the Archivist, whose office is charged with maintaining federal government records and releasing appropriate documents to historians and reporters. The latest ruling could cost the violators from $50,000 to $200,000 per day in contempt fines.
According to a report in today's Washington Post, Judge Richey said the defendants have "dillydallied, done little and delayed for the past five months rather than make serious efforts to comply" with his previous orders to keep the electronic federal records intact.
"The crux of this lawsuit is the preservation of the history of this country beginning with the administrations of Presidents Reagan and Bush and, more specifically, the preservation of electronic records," Richey said. Those records include electronic-mail and logs containing information that Richey said "historians and others need to know about what essential people in the government knew and when they knew it."
As a result, the judge has said that he will impose fines after June 21, escalating from $50,000 per day for the first week to $200,000 per day if the agencies involved fail to make secure backups of nearly 300 deteriorating computer backup tapes.
Although the new head of the National Archives has filed an appeal scheduled to be heard just prior to the June 21 date Judge Richey refused to stay his contempt order because the White House has transferred more than 6,000 tapes to the National Archives, which, according to the Washington Post have no facilities to duplicate the tapes.
This battle, with historians and the press (who want to make public policy records public) on one side and the federal government on the other, began when the history-oriented National Security Archives sued the Bush Administration over the White House's plans to erase all of what it considered "unimportant" electronic mail messages and telephone call logs.
The then-US Archivist, Don H. Wilson, agreed with the administration's seemingly contradictory contention that these records were both too unimportant to save for posterity and too revealing of internal policy discussions to be allowed outside the White House.
On the eve of his leaving office, President Bush signed a January 19 agreement with the outgoing Archivist with under which the files would be kept intact but would become the personal property of George Herbert Walker Bush.
This was a strange transaction necessary (to Bush) because, under The Presidential Records Act of 1978, which was passed into law to block former President Nixon from destroying the infamous Watergate tapes, the government now has complete ownership and control of all Presidential records.
Soon thereafter Don H. Wilson, now the retired head of the National Archives, was named head of the new Bush Presidential Library in Texas, and the curious coincidence of a government official signing such an agreement with an outgoing President at the same time he was apparently negotiating for a job at that President's Library, has resulted in both a civil lawsuit against Wilson and the recent announcement of a criminal investigation now being conducted into the events by the Clinton Justice Department.
Back in January, John Conyers Jr., Democratic Representative from Michigan and the chairman of the Government Operations Committee, had asked the General Accounting Office to conduct a separate investigation into possible violations of federal laws which some observers contend prohibit just the sort of actions taken by the former President and head of the National Archives.
The law referred to by Rep. Conyers prohibits anyone in government from negotiating with or making any decisions which would affect a company or individual with whom he or she is conducting employment discussions.
The Washington Post reported on February 17 that Wilson said through a spokesperson that he "welcomed" an investigation and that he was assured by all parties that these agreements were proper and legal.
A few days earlier, US District Judge Charles Richey expressed fears that the current administration may go ahead and erase important computer files in violation of his earlier ruling that the records must be left intact.
Some historians and journalists argue that, if the selective erasure of files is left up to Presidential staff, then vital records would be lost which will be needed by future generations to learn how decisions were actually made.
(John McCormick/19930609/)
e actually made.
(John McCormick/19930609/)
6/9/93
Judge To Fine White House Over E-mail Records
US Super Collider/Space Station
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Two high-profile high-tech projects are now on very shaky ground for the second time in two years, as the Texas-based Superconductor Super Collider and the Space Station Freedom are threatened by a combination of Democratic political losses in the Lone Star State and public demands for a cut in federal spending.
Although Democratic law makers, and members of the Clinton-Gore Administration, are busily denying any political motives of any sort, some observers claim that it was interesting to see that on the day following the election of new Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison from Texas, there was renewed talk of killing off the multi-billion-dollar Texas-based Superconductor Super Collider (SSC) and building a less expensive space station.
NASA, which reorganized during the Democratic Johnson (Texas Democrat) Administration in the 1960s when it moved its main base to the Houston, Texas area, will suffer proportional budget cuts for personnel and advanced computer systems if there are any cuts made in the expensive Space Station Freedom that was so widely promoted during the Bush (Texas Republican) Administration.
Although they did not wish to be quoted directly, some Democrats looking at the prospect of losing a critical Senate vote due to Texas having two Republican Senators for the first time in a century, have parroted the many campaign complaints about government pork and big government spending made by Hutchison during the recent Texas campaign and are now enthusiastic about supporting her budget-cutting stand, beginning with two major government projects based in her own state.
Earlier this week, Hutchison defeated the incumbent Democratic Senator who had been appointed by Democratic Texas Governor Ann Richards to fill the seat vacated by Lloyd Bentsen who was selected by President Clinton for the post of Secretary of the Treasury.
(John McCormick/19930609)
of Secretary of the Treasury.
(John McCormick/19930609)
6/9/93
US Super Collider/Space Station In Danger Of Cancellation
" L j
SoftSearch Will Get You Less Wel
US Telecom Update
Canon Unveils Next Generation Bu
Fujitsu & Sun To Develop Compati
Tata-IBM Secures Hong Kong Bank
iTRAN Toolkit Dev't Center Estab
Xircom Brings Nomadic Computing
Real-Time News Software For Maci
Geneva Services Unveils Mac To M
Andest Targets Market For Zero P
Enterprise '93: PowerOpen Associ
IBM Ready To Launch PC-DOS 6.1
High-Tech Job Listings On Career
FORT LEE, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Looking for a new job? Well, stop watching those late night info-mercials telling you to spray on more hair or make a kajillion dollars buying distressed real estate, and tune in to the CNBC cable channel at 5 a.m. for an hour of job-hunting tips and hot leads to actual job openings with the largest companies on The Career Television Network (TCTN).
CNBC, the Consumer News and Business Channel, a division of NBC has been running the TCTN program for about a month now and the viewer response seems to be growing with the daily caller-level now reaching 200.
The TCTN show, hosted by Bob Smith and Deborah Silverstein, not only provides the usual sort of "get out and sell yourself" pep talks for job seekers, but also lists actual professional managerial, and executive financial service job openings (many of them computer- or high-tech related). It also provides a toll-free telephone number to call for more information on each job lead.
In just the last few minutes of today's broadcast, Newsbytes saw several listings for programming-related positions at major companies. The leads themselves are one-screen job description very much like what you would see in a newspaper want ad section.
For the present, job seekers can obtain more information on each job listing for free, but this is described as a temporary offer so apparently there will be a charge after an unspecified introductory period. The information packet sent out in response to the call will generally include a job description and a contact at the advertising company, along with an application or instructions.
(John McCormick/19930609/Press Contact: Jason Klarman CNBC, 201-585-6437 or 201-585-6244 fax)
Jason Klarman CNBC, 201-585-6437 or 201-585-6244 fax)
6/9/93
High-Tech Job Listings On Career Television Network
TRENDS
Study At IBM Plants Links Miscar
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- A study of pregnancies among IBM workers, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, suggests a link between miscarriages and exposure to cleaning solvents containing ethylene glycol ether compounds (ECEs). The solvents are used in production of integrated circuit chips.
In a retrospective study covering 1980 through 1989, researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health looked at 561 pregnancies among workers in chip-producing clean rooms at East Fishkill, New York, and Burlington, Vermont. They compared miscarriage rates for three groups: those with extensive exposure to the solvents, those with moderate exposure, and those who never worked with the solvents.
Out of 30 pregnancies among those who worked extensively with solvents containing ECEs, said Dr. Ronald Gray of Johns Hopkins 10 miscarried. That 33 percent rate was significantly higher than the 18.9 percent miscarriage rate among 74 pregnant women with moderate exposure to ECEs, and a 14.9 percent rate among 332 pregnancies with no exposure.
Researchers also compared miscarriage rates among the clean room workers to rates among female IBM employees in other manufacturing and office jobs. Gray said there was no significant difference between miscarriage rates in the clean room over all and those among other workers (higher rates among the few workers extensively exposed to ECEs were not enough to affect over-all clean-room rates significantly, he explained).
The researchers also studied 92 pregnancies between 1989 and 1991 in more detail. This study, which monitored urine samples from women trying to become pregnant, detected higher over-all miscarriage rates because it was able to detect early miscarriages that occurred before the women knew they were pregnant, Gray said. Of 48 pregnant employees outside the clean rooms, 21 or about 44 percent had miscarriages. Of 38 working in clean rooms but not extensively exposed to the solvents, about 55 percent miscarried. Of six working extensively with the solvents four, or 66 percent, had miscarriages.
Gray cautioned that the figures from the smaller 1989-1991 study are not statistically significant because of the small samples. However, he added, they "do not contradict" the larger study which does indicate a relationship between exposure to the cleaning solvents and higher miscarriage rates.
Johns Hopkins believes the ethylene glycol ethers are the ingredient of the solvents to blame for the miscarriages because of earlier studies involving animals that link these substances to reproductive problems, he added.
An earlier study conducted by the University of California for the Semiconductor Industry Association yielded similar findings to the IBM study, Gray said. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is to hold hearings this summer on possible changes to rules governing the use of ECEs.
IBM commissioned the university to conduct the study. The company has already made a commitment to eliminate the ECE solvents from all of its operations worldwide by the end of 1994, company spokeswoman Janet Carnegie said, and they have been removed from some plants already.
(Grant Buckler/19930609/Press Contact: Dr. Ronald Gray, Johns Hopkins University, 410-955-5000; Janet Carnegie, IBM 914-765-6432)
ty, 410-955-5000; Janet Carnegie, IBM 914-765-6432)
6/9/93
Study At IBM Plants Links Miscarriages To Solvent
Systemhouse Mexican Joint Ventur
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Canadian systems integrator SHL Systemhouse and Mexican consulting firm Gervassi Clark have dissolved a joint venture created in 1992 to run computer operations for the Mexican finance ministry.
Systemhouse will continue providing technology services to the ministry, said Harry Schlough, a company vice-president. However about 2,000 former ministry employees who had become employees of the joint venture will go back to working for the ministry.
The government decided to bring the workers back under its own roof for "various political and policy reasons," Schlough said.
Since Gervassi Clark's primary role in the joint venture was managing the employees taken over from the ministry, it is no longer involved in the contract. However, Schlough said Systemhouse believes its own connection with the Mexican government is "still a long-term relationship."
Systemhouse will lose some revenue as a result of the change, he admitted, but this money was mainly going to pay the employees of the joint venture. "We don't believe that it will have any material impact on our financial performance."
Systemhouse will focus on system and network design for the finance ministry, company officials said.
The original deal was announced with much fanfare and signed on Mexican state-owned television in August of last year. It was originally said to be worth about US$500 million over 10 years.
(Grant Buckler/19930609/Press Contact: Harry Schlough, SHL Systemhouse, 416-366-4600; Marie Cloherty, SHL Systemhouse 613-236-1428)
Marie Cloherty, SHL Systemhouse 613-236-1428)
6/9/93
Systemhouse Mexican Joint Venture Dissolved
BUSINESS
The Net E-Mail System & EMBARC L
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Subscribers to The Net, an electronic mail and information service run by a subsidiary of Bell Canada, can now send electronic mail to users of the EMBARC wireless electronic mail service.
Bell subsidiary WorldLinx Telecommunications and Motorola Canada, operator of the Electronic Mail Broadcast to a Roaming Computer (EMBARC) system, announced the agreement saying it would be particularly useful to companies that regularly send the same message to long lists of recipients.
EMBARC currently provides coverage in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, and more than 220 cities in the United States. According to Don Smart, EMBARC project manager at Motorola Canada, about eight more cities will be added this year probably including Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Quebec City, and London and Hamilton in Ontario.
The link is one-way: users of The Net Mail can send messages to EMBARC subscribers, but EMBARC subscribers cannot send messages in the other direction, said Len Mcquat, director of business development at WorldLinx.
It is not the first wireless link for The Net, which also connects to the Mobitex and Bell Ardis networks and allows brief messages to be sent to pagers, Mcquat said.
Nor is it the first such connection for EMBARC, to which messages can already be sent through the GE BusinessTalk, IBM Mail Exchange, SprintMail, Pacific Bell Connection, and AT&T EasyLink mail services, Motorola said.
EMBARC can be used with most DOS-based and Apple Macintosh personal computers, including desktop machines, laptops notebooks, and palmtops, company officials said. The Canadian service operates over the 931 megahertz (MHz) radio network and uses a receiver that attaches to the user's computer.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Telephone subscribers in Toronto, already facing rate increases this fall if federal regulators approve an earlier application by Bell Canada, may see their bills go up even sooner. Bell has notified the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that calling volumes in Toronto have topped the limit for its current rate group, and assigning the city to the next group would boost rates by seven to eight percent.
Canadian regulatory policy divides local calling areas into rate groups based on the number of telephones subscribers can reach without long-distance charges, the volume of calling, and the distances involved. Calling volume in the metropolitan area was five percent above the upper limit for rate group 14 in April and May, said Sandra Cruickshanks, a Bell spokeswoman. So, Bell filed a report with the CRTC, which is expected to lead to Toronto being moved to rate group 15.
That would mean residential rates would rise by C$1.10 per month, to C$13.70, and business rates would go up C$3.30 to C$48.
In February, Bell Canada applied to the CRTC for a rate increase affecting all of its territory, with additional increases in Toronto, Montreal, and the Ottawa and Hull, Quebec, metropolitan area. These cities would see their local calling areas increased to allow free calls to more outlying areas.
(Grant Buckler/19930609/Press Contact: Sandra Cruickshanks Bell Canada, 416-581-4205)
: Sandra Cruickshanks Bell Canada, 416-581-4205)
6/9/93
Rate-Group Change To Raise Toronto Phone Rates
TELECOM
Comacs' Technology Replaces Mode
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- When a device becomes common, it's sometimes hard to understand the concept of a replacement. That's the problem Comacs President Oriana Schoneberg told Newsbytes she's having with her company's AHEAD technology.
AHEAD, which stands for Asynchronous Halfwave Encoding And Decoding, is not an error-correction scheme for modems. It's not a new way of modulation for modems. It's a complete replacement for modems. A team of 17 scientists under Dr. Rainald Schoneberg Schoneberg's husband, spend seven years coming up with AHEAD and the couple is now showing a prototype to potential licensees of the technology, which won a US patent in 1992.
A modem, which stands for modulator-demodulator, sends data on the pulses of a sine wave. The line's "signaling rate" works like the beat of a drum, and modem technology is limited by it. With AHEAD, the frequency of a tone has meaning, and so does the length of time it's held, says Dr. Schoneberg. "There's no drum keeping the rhythm. Information is contained in the duration of the chords - notes on the bit level, chords on the byte level and the notes the chords are composed of." A chip implementing AHEAD would code the notes, or decode them at the other end. You might think of AHEAD, then, as an analog codec.
Despite replacing the modem, AHEAD is compatible with all telephone networks, and all radios, Dr. Schoneberg says. The chip can encode with a microphone input, and decode with a speaker for output. All the error-correction techniques now used by modems work with AHEAD, he adds. AHEAD will work with any analog device whether a regular telephone line, a cellular phone line, or even a regular radio.
"Rainald said he made data sound better," said Schoneberg. "We just need 2-2.5 kilohertz (KHz) of bandwidth to encode digitized speech of high quality."
Dr. Schoneberg then offered a more technical explanation of AHEAD. "The only thing that carries information are frequencies. To put more data in those frequencies, we encode and decode half-waves. We look in the time domain, and measure the time from 0 to 0, or peak to peak, and we decode a time measurement. It's like a continuous phase - it doesn't matter when it crosses the zero line, just the difference in time between crosses measured in milliseconds. FSK, which is the most robust modulation used on modems, can manage to transmit only 1,200 baud, because they need 12 full waves to transmit one bit. We need half a full wave. And in this wave we can transmit large blocks of data.
Schoneberg says when she and her company began showing AHEAD, many corporate scientists didn't understand it, partly because they hadn't invented it, partly because it didn't follow existing rules of data transmission. "It's a new-born baby." One professor actually walked out of a demonstration, because the concept was too big. "He came back in 10 minutes to continue the conversation - he couldn't cope with it." NASA scientists however, who are more used to new concepts, had a better reaction. "They were real happy about it."
While Schoneberg could not be specific on who AHEAD is discussing licenses with, Newsbytes has learned they include radio makers, chip makers, even telecommunications concerns. When formal agreements are signed, she promised, the press will be notified.
Schoneberg founded Comacs in 1980, before she met Dr. Schoneberg. In the 1980s, Comacs specialized in computer systems for oil companies. The need for the AHEAD technology emerged from that work, because tankers need to be in communications with shore-based offices.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Prodigy will hang in there, while America Online will continue to score gains according to on-line market analyst Joshua Harris of Jupiter Communications.
Harris recently completed a new estimate of on-line networks' audiences, which showed that Prodigy, which claims to have over two million enrolled households, actually has just 1.23 million subscribers. That puts it slightly ahead of CompuServe, with 1.125 million. GEnie was third at 300,000, and America OnLine fourth, at about 275,000. A large number of "others," including The Well, StarText, The Sierra Network, USA Today Sports Center and US Videotel, had a total of 90,000 members among them.
Newsbytes asked Harris about those figures and how he got them. From most services, he gets some degree of cooperation. As to Prodigy - "they sell advertising, so I talk to advertisers. Prodigy has to tell them the truth."
Harris said CompuServe, America Online and GEnie remain profitable, and Prodigy will continue in business despite its lack of profits. "At this point Prodigy isn't losing that much money," he says. "They'll continue dragging along here. Of more interest is a Prodigy proposal to put a version of its service onto cable television. "They're all in the race to link with cable boxes. George Lucas agrees with my thinking that you'll end up with two TV sets - one a big screen and one a control monitor." The smaller set will have an on-line service. But most consumers already have a TV, linked to a computer, for an on-line service, and another TV with a cable box. "The whole thing is it will all be linked. The other thing coming out is you won't have 500 channels, you'll have broadband capacity in which you can pick and choose."
Harris says the biggest recent surprise in the market is that GEnie got slammed by some for supposedly raising prices, while it was in fact following a move by America Online. "The key announcement here is America Online's Steve Case pulling a fast one, claiming he was lowering his prices when he was in fact raising them. He said he was going after Prodigy's pricing plan while in fact he was raising his monthly minimum. He raised his monthly minimum and lowered his hourly charges. That's what GEnie did. The difference is Steve was a little smarter about it. It's all in the perception." Harris said America Online will catch GEnie "sooner or later" and become the third-largest service "just because they have smart management." However, "GEnie will make more profits, and I'd rather have that."
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- A coalition of state attorneys general appear to have settled anti-trust concerns with the cable television industry by requiring that programmers do what they've started doing anyway.
The investigation started last year, and was headed by New York Attorney General Robert Abrams, who at the time was running for a US Senate seat eventually won by incumbent Al D'Amato. The investigators charged that cable networks, which are owned in large part by big cable operators like TCI, were refusing to sell the services to new wireless, microwave, and direct broadcast operators, or were pricing them at a prohibitive price.
Under the terms of the settlement, cable programmers must sell their wares at a non-discriminatory price to potential wireless competitors, but they've already started doing this. DirecTv, a direct broadcast unit of GM's Hughes unit, has recently won agreements to carry many popular cable channels.
The settlement, as reported by other media, does not seem to go nearly as far as some firms, like TCI, feared it would. TCI last year spun-off its programming holdings into a new unit, Liberty Media, separating them somewhat from actual cable operations.
The idea of separating programming from delivery in antitrust law goes back to the 1950s, when movie house chains like Loews were forced to divest themselves of studios like MGM. It's also reflected in the so-called "fin-syn" rules, by which TV networks can't own the shows they put on their air. But the effects of those long-standing rules have lately been questioned by analysts. The rules on movies helped kill the old studio system and TV networks are fading as players in programming because if the fin-syn rules, which are due to be relaxed.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930609)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930609)
6/9/93
Cable TV Suits Reported Settled
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Develop
Time, TCI Get Serious About Cabl
Sega Versus Nintendo; The Battle
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa
Cablesoft Rumors Swirling
Sun Establishes Strategic Allian
More Furor Over Minnesota/Micros
Adobe To Demo Premiere 3.0 At Di
Dell Sees $1 Billion Revenue Gro
Bell Atlantic Details CDPD Plans
BEDMINSTER, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Bell Atlantic Mobile will install the CDPD packet cellular technology in its networks starting this fall in Washington. A spokesman discussed the company's plans with Newsbytes.
Karen Ann Kurlander confirmed that the plans for CDPD, first introduced last year by IBM and a coalition of major cellular operators, doesn't eliminate a competing technology, from CDI of Mountain View, California. CDI recently won agreement with Westinghouse to install CDI in Bell Atlantic's Baltimore system. CDI sends data at up to 2,400 bits-per-second (bps) in the spaces between calling channels. CDPD, on the other hand, can send data at up to 9,600 bps using unused calling channels. "Technically they can co-exist in a network."
Kurlander added that Bell Atlantic hopes to have CDPD in all its markets by the end of 1994. "We don't know the order, but it will be driven by our partners who create applications." In addition to the mid-Atlantic region, where it is the "wireline" operator Bell Atlantic also has "non-wireline" licenses in Charlotte and other parts of the Carolinas.
Kurlander said the company has high hopes for CDPD. Based on estimates by Booz Allen Hamilton, which reported in 1992 that wireless data could be an $8-$10 billion market by the year 2000 Bell Atlantic could be competing for a $1.3 billion market, based on how much of the country its markets cover.
The company is also looking to a number of partners to help it create applications, as it selects vendors to install the CDPD equipment. "We're selecting the companies that can come up with applications, and even market them to end users." One Bell Atlantic executive speculated that transit systems like that of Washington, D.C. which depend on pre-paid "fare cards" at train systems, could extend their use to buses with wireless technology, but, "Right now the bus application is blue-sky. It's currently impractical, because cellular networks are only transmitting circuit-switched data. But the potential application really exists."
The big advantage of CDPD, of course, is that it can reliably transmit data at high speed, and could cost less than using a modem on a regular cellular call. The problem is that Bell Atlantic, like other regional Bell companies, has come to the conclusion it's not adept at creating applications.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930609/Press Contact: Karen Ann Kurlander, 908-306-7552)
Karen Ann Kurlander, 908-306-7552)
6/9/93
Bell Atlantic Details CDPD Plans
TELECOM
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Sprint stock came under pressure, with one analyst revising his estimate downward, after Sprint announced at its annual meeting that former Centel Chairman Jack Frazee will be leaving the company.
The stock recovered somewhat after it announced a calling card plan with Visa, an enhancement to the Visa card which allows the Visa card to be used as a calling card. A Sprint spokesman told Newsbytes the new Visa calling card will be easier to use, since calling card codes will be home phone numbers, which are also used on Sprint Fon cards, and they can be used to access a wide array of Sprint services, like conference calls, voice mail message services and information services. It's also the first time callers using credit cards have been able to choose whether to get charges on their credit cards or their regular phone bills if they also have a Sprint Fon card.
Before Centel merged into Sprint, telecommunications analysts said the smaller company had much better management, and they expressed some hope that Centel managers might be about to turn-around Sprint, which they called too bureaucratic to compete in the fast-moving industry. The announcement that Frazee, now Sprint's president, would be leaving just a few months after the companies' merger, thus came as a shock.
Chairman William T. Esrey, who made the announcement part of his speech to shareholders, later said Frazee had said he wanted to spend more time with his family. But that is frequently an excuse used by executives who are, in fact, looking for new work. Frazee insisted on the Sprint merger in the face of strong opposition from some holders, who claimed that, based on Sprint's $22 stock price, their 1.35 Sprint shares were worth far less than Centel's then-selling price of $42 per share. At its recent price of $30 per share, however, the merged Centel shares are worth about $42.
As part of Esrey's speech, Sprint also announced a $30 million "corporate image campaign" for the remainder of the year featuring actress Candice Bergen, who's been advertising Sprint's long distance service. However, analysts are worried that Sprint is being left out of the global telecomm race by MCI's deal with BT and AT&T's WorldSource program. Legg Mason, for instance dropped its rating on Sprint from a buy to a hold, while raising its estimate of MCI. After the Visa plan was announced, Sprint stock recovered to about $31 by mid-day June 9.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930609/Press Contact: Robin Pence 202-828-7426, Sprint)
tact: Robin Pence 202-828-7426, Sprint)
6/9/93
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa Deal
TELECOM
AT&T Files New Complaint Against
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- AT&T pressed its legal advantage over MCI with a formal complaint charging that the second-largest long distance company is ignoring an order to reveal its rates.
All this began as part of AT&T's drive to remove the "dominant carrier" provisions which require that it file detailed rates with the Federal Communications Commission. After failing to have the order lifted before regulators, it sued MCI, calling the rules disciminatory. Courts agreed, and the FCC issued necessary orders May 4. Since AT&T claims MCI has not complied with that order, AT&T charges it is "defying the law in order to gain an illegal competitive advantage."
The AT&T documents filed with the lawsuit described special deals MCI has made under so-called Tariff 12 and Tariff 15 rules with, among others, Bank of America, Chrysler Corporation Citibank, K-Mart, Caesar's World, Gateway 2000 and Compaq. AT&T said these companies are being charged rates different from the rates MCI has on file with the FCC.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 6 (NB) -- Ikon Accounting has announced Ikon Plus, which it claims is a substantially enhanced and upgraded version of Ikon1, the company's original accountancy package.
Ikon claims that Ikon Plus is a fully featured, multi-user and multi-company package that is fully compliant with Microsoft Windows. The package is pitched at small to medium-sized businesses.
The Ikon accounting suite of software was developed in a series of modules which enable the user to upgrade the package easily and cost-effectively. The modules include sales ledger, purchase ledger nominal ledger full stock control and invoicing, as well as a separate cashbook and VAT (value-added tax) module.
Despite having to stick to modules, the package still claims to retain all of the Windows features, including the standard toolbar pull-down menus, icon menus and Windows help files. The package has been designed to easily integrate with other Windows applications, such as Microsoft Excel and Word, using the dynamic data exchange (DDE) facility.
Pricing on the complete suite of packages has been set at UKP499 and includes a year's free telephone support.
For potential purchasers, Ikon is offering what it claims is a unique demonstration version that includes all the software plus a "locked" set of demo data. This, Ikon claims, allows customers to test the features and functions of the software and, if a purchase is required, they are supplied with a unique license number that, when entered, unlocks the data for amendment.
(Steve Gold/19930609/Press & Public Contact: Ikon Accounting, tel 0705-465533)
s & Public Contact: Ikon Accounting, tel 0705-465533)
6/9/93
UK - Ikon Accounting Launches Icon Plus For Windows
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- "Blind in Business," a not-for-profit organization, has revealed that 80 percent of visually impaired people are unemployed and only two percent are actually employed in managerial or professional career roles.
The Blind in Business Trust was formed as a direct result of these statistics and is aimed at helping blind and partially sighted people achieve successful and challenging careers.
The three people behind the BiB Trust are Neil Heslop, Simon Meredith and Richard Hanson. Heslop, who lost his sight while at University, went on to gain a law degree, completing an MBA on the way, and is now a business planning manager with Northern Telecom Europe. Meredith is a blind solicitor with Slaughter & May, while Hanson is a partially-sighted solicitor with Cameron Markbyewitt.
The principal aims of the charity are to help the visually-impaired make themselves more employable through access to information technology (IT), to raise employer awareness of available technology, training and grants, and to enhance the availability of all relevant information in this area.
One of the Trust's activities discovered that many schools for the visually-impaired often had insufficient information technology equipment. As a result of this discovery, the Trust decided to target one of the schools and raise funds for a project that would provide students with continued access to the right technology throughout their education.
On June 25, the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) will announce the inaugural Blind in Business project. Newsbytes has learned that the project centers around ten networked PCs equipped with speech synthesizers that will be offered to 120 visually impaired pupils between the ages of 10 and 18 at the RNIB's New College Worcester.
(Steve Gold/19930609/Press & Public Contact: Blind in Business - 071-931-2198)
ublic Contact: Blind in Business - 071-931-2198)
6/9/93
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Technology Boost
GENERAL
UK - RISC-Based Networking Costs
NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Cabletron Systems has announced it has cut the cost of its RISC (reduced instruction-set computing)-based 24 port 10Base-T hubs by as much as 30 percent.
The price cuts mean that the MRXI-22 and 24 systems, which are designed to provide advanced management capabilities, including RMON, to low connectivity areas, are now UKP125 each.
So why the price cuts in what is, after all, not the most competitive of markets? David Palmer-Stevens, Cabletron's director of marketing, said that he is seeing customers having to choose between a low price per port solution or managed solutions.
"With these price changes, Cabletron is offering the most advanced management at commodity product pricing," he said, adding that while putting solutions into remote offices is desirable for organizations who have several branches that need supporting there are usually no skilled engineers to maintain the network.
"Using RISC processors has enabled this task to be automated by the networking units themselves. We think that major organizations need the management features and so we are trying to match their budget constraints," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930609/Press & Public Contact: Cabletron Systems - Tel: 0635-580000; Fax: 0635-44578)
stems - Tel: 0635-580000; Fax: 0635-44578)
6/9/93
UK - RISC-Based Networking Costs Slashed
GENERAL
Scottish Software Duplication Pl
CUMBERNAULD, SCOTLAND, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- The first Scottish plant operated by RR Donnelly, one of the world's leading duplicators of computer software, has gone live in Scotland. The Cumbernauld plant will eventually employ more than 120 people.
In the US, the company is perhaps better known as a commercial printer. In 1992, it claimed to have reached the highest profits ever in its 129 year history and, in the past three years, has increased its turnover by 34 percent.
The new UKP2.56 million Scottish facility will make a substantial contribution to its growing global services and capabilities. The Cumbernauld plant, which forms just a part of the company's rapidly growing documentation services operation, provides customized documentation, assembly and distribution services for Scotland's computer industry.
The plant covers an impressive 53,000 square-feet and already employs 25 staff, most of whom were recruited locally. According to John McClelland, IBM's director of manufacturing and hardware development at Greenock, and Jim Donnelly, group vice-chairman of RR Donnelly, the British government was closely involved with the plant from early on in the project.
A congratulatory letter was sent to the firm by Ian Lang, the Scottish Secretary of State, who said: "When I met this company's top management in Chicago last September I was delighted to conclude negotiations bringing this prestigious company to Scotland."
"Much has been accomplished since that time and I am pleased that RR Donnelly is already making a significant contribution to the supplier infrastructure for the blue-chip electronics and information technology companies operating in Silicon Glen," he added.
(Steve Gold/19930609)
Silicon Glen," he added.
(Steve Gold/19930609)
6/9/93
Scottish Software Duplication Plant Goes On-line
BUSINESS
Ericsson Forms Joint Telecoms Ve
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Ericsson has revealed that it has formed a new joint venture company with Guangdong Public Telecoms Board (GPTB) and Guangdong Machimpex. The new company has the express brief of handling the delivery and installation of Ericsson's telecoms equipment deliveries in China.
Ericsson is the major shareholder in the new company, which is known as the Guangdong Ericsson Engineering Company (GEEC). For the next two years, the company will remain largely dormant, while facilities in China are built up and the contracts for the supply of exchange equipment are formalized.
According to Ericsson, the establishments of the new company is a major step in the development of the company's trading links with the Republic of China. It will also serve as a springboard for the company's activities in other countries of the region, officials said.
(Steve Gold/19930624)
egion, officials said.
(Steve Gold/19930624)
6/24/93
Ericsson Forms Joint Telecoms Venture In China
TELECOM
Egghead Earnings Down For FY93
ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Software reseller Egghead Software closed its 1993 fiscal year (FY) with earnings that were less than half what it posted for FY1992.
The company, which Newsbytes reported recently had realigned its sales organization to provide additional focus on the small and medium-sized business market, reported earnings of $6.9 million, or $0.41 per share. That less than half the $15.7 million or $0.92 per share in the previous year.
Sales for FY93 were reported up slightly at $725.4 million, a nine percent gain over the $664.9 million reported for the previous year. However that gain was somewhat offset by the fact that the company's FY93 contained 53 weeks. Without the extra week, sales were up about six percent.
The fourth quarter kept the results from being even lower, with sales for that period up 26 percent at $195.6 million over the $155 million reported for the same period of 92. When the extra week is discounted, sales for this year's fourth quarter were up 14 percent.
Egghead President Timothy Turnpaugh said the 1993 earnings were affected by a decline in gross margins as a percentage of sales; restructuring charges related to the reorganization of the company's corporate and government sales group; and investments in new stores, systems, and services to support future growth. Egghead opened 33 new stores, closed 10, relocated four, and was operating 205 retail outlets at year end. The company plans to open 10 new retail stores during fiscal 1994.
The company said corporate and government sales increased five percent when adjusted for the extra week, and it added six new corporate/government sales offices during the year. Adjusted results of the company's retail outlets showed an eight percent increase in sales.
Egghead spokesperson Megan McKenzie told Newsbytes that sales figures for the company's mail-order operations are included in the retail sales totals, but said mail-order sales "are a rapidly growing portion of our business." The company is currently seeking a senior executive to head up mail-order operations and will probably report mail-order sales separately once that position is filled, she said.
EAGAN, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Cray Research has announced a new Fortran programming environment the company says combines the newest version of its Fortran 77 compiler and the Fortran tools, features and libraries into one simultaneous release.
Cray Software VP Irene Qualters says the integrated approach to compiler products give customers full programming environment support for new languages like C++ and Fortran 90, as well as all the supporting tools and features more quickly. The company plans to make all future releases of Cray compilers available in the same manner.
The company says the new CF77 Programming Environment also includes support for key Fortran 90 features such as array syntax and array intrinsics. Qualters says code developed now in the new language can be compiled by the CF77 environment, allowing users to start developing Fortran 90 programs in anticipation of the release of Fortran 90 later this year.
The new product also works in conjunction with the Cray T3D emulator, a new software tool the company also announced recently that provides early access to its massively parallel processing (MPP) programming model. The emulator allows programmers to develop MPP applications on the current Cray parallel vector systems.
The CF77 compiler, which Cray says is the main component of the integrated CF77 Programming Environment, uses advanced parallel detection techniques to take advantage of the inherent parallelism of Cray's supercomputers, said the company. The new compiler can reportedly achieve as much as a 100 percent speedup in running some code, according to Cray.
The compiler offers both manual and automatic multitasking, a process that allows Fortran tasks to be spread across multiple central processing units for overall improved performance. Manual-insertion multitasking allows more user control and lets programmers insert directives to gain a greater degree of parallelism. Automatic tasking, also known as autotasking automatically parallelizes a program, without programmer intervention.
The company says the CF77 Programming Environment also includes vendor-specific extensions, allowing code developed on other platforms to run on Cray Research systems with little or no source code changes. The environment automatically translates data to or from other internal or proprietary data formats for easier porting of data from other systems.
The new environment also includes as compilation of X Window system-based utilities called CrayTools, for debugging, and performance and source code analysis; scientific libraries that contain highly optimized routines that provide "building blocks" to speed high-performance code development; and a library of high performance input/output routines. Other features include ATexpert an expert system that interprets performance data and offers suggestions to improve code performance, and visual interfaces for many of the tools which provide easy to understand images for source code analysis and debugging.
Qualters said the CF77 6.0 Programming Environment is available for the entire Cray Research product line. Cray compilers translate code written in standard languages into instructions understood by its supercomputers without the scientists and engineers having to have any knowledge of the supercomputer hardware.
Cray Research spokesperson Mardi Schmieder told Newsbytes pricing is platform dependent, and starts at $35,000 in the U.S.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Zeos International has announced a new 486-based color notebook personal computer that uses Intel's 33 megahertz (MHz) 486SX microprocessor.
The company says the ColorNote 486 has a backlit screen, an internal 1.44 megabyte (MB) 3.5-inch floppy drive, and weighs less than six pounds. The dual scan screen measures 9.4-inches diagonally, and offers 640 by 480 pixel VGA images. Video support includes 512 kilobytes (KB) of video RAM.
The ColorNote 486 is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery which Zeos says can run the computer for up to three hours on a single charge. Standard configuration includes four MB of system memory, which can be expanded to 20MB. A PCMCIA slot is available for Type 1,2, or 3 PCMCIA devices such as additional memory, a modem, or a hard drive card. The system ships with an 80MB hard drive, and drives of 120MB and 180MB are also available. an 8KB built-in cache, built-in trackball, and 82-key keyboard are all standard.
Zeos says the ColorNote 486 starts at $2,695. Other options include DOS 6.0 with Enhanced Tools; Windows 3.1; Lotus Organizer; and a custom carrying case.
Zeos provides around the clock toll-free technical support, a one-year limited warranty, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
(Jim Mallory/19930609/Press contact: Rick Apple, Zeos International, 612-623-9614; Reader contact: Zeos International 800-423-5891)
Zeos International 800-423-5891)
6/9/93
Zeos Intros New Color Notebook
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
State Regulators Face Sunset
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
NYNEX Selling BIS
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With
US Survey Reports Large Users Hi
PsychSoft Offers Survey Software
India - Radio Paging Is DOT's Ne
Touchstone Offers Free Disk Chec
Intergraph Workstations Made In
$1.1 Million I
Companies To Intro Microsoft At
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Several companies have announced products and services that take advantage of Microsoft's "Microsoft At Work" technology being announced in New York City.
Microsoft At Work (MAW) is Bill Gates' technology that is designed to let all your office products - personal computers, telephones copiers, fax machines - talk to each other. Products already being announced include MAW-based telephones, handheld computers digital copiers, and fax machines.
In addition to the specific announcements being released Microsoft has published a list of more than 65 companies that say they will support the MAW technology. The diverse list includes Sprint, Tokyo Electric Company, Toshiba Corporation, US West Communications, US Robotics, Wordperfect Corporation, Xerox Corporation, Hayes Microcomputer Products, Hewlett-Packard Intel, MCI International, Minolta, Motorola, NEC, Okidata, AT&T Casio Computer Company, Compaq Computer, Data Race, and Bell Atlantic.
Murata/Muratec, a US independent unit of Japan's Murata Machinery Company, has announced that it will team up with Microsoft to bring the MAW technology to the fax market, and expects to have its first product available in the first half of 1994.
Xerox said that it will work with Microsoft to deliver "a new generation of documents products and software." The two companies also said they are collaborating on related business initiatives which will be announced later. Xerox tried to develop an office of the future in the 1970's at its Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), home of many innovative computer developments in common use today, but found the technology too expensive at the time.
The most specific product information obtained by Newsbytes by press time was from Compaq Computer, which said it will launch a completely new class of products called Mobile Companions" next year, which will feature mobile communications functions as well as traditional PC and networking capabilities.
Compaq said the Mobile Companions will give users constant access to information on their primary PCs by letting them connect to their computers whether they are in the office or in the field. The units would be able to recall information from the primary PC via wired or wireless communications channels and would also store personal information such as calendars to-do lists, and other notes. They would also be able to act as an open platform for third-party applications software.
As an example, Compaq says a person attending a meeting would be able to communicate with the office computer to view a spreadsheet or a relevant document while the meeting was going on, or could search for information that could then be downloaded and printed.
"People often find that the information they create is out of their reach when they really need it. Business users need the right information at the right time and place, which is how we will offer our Mobile Companions," says Compaq VP of Portable and Software Marketing Lorie Strong.
Northern Telecom said it will roll out a screen-based touch sensitive telephones based on the MAW system. Northern Telecom in affiliation with Matra Communications already produces liquid crystal display (LCD) screen-based phones.
Minolta says it will develop a new generation of copiers and fax machines that use MAW technology, and AT&T EasyLink says it will develop MAW-based devices that will allow EasyLink customers o broadcast messages to multiple recipients with a single command, access a central directory and a variety of information services such as newspapers and research databases, communicate with both wired and wireless devices and receive software updates automatically.
(Jim Mallory/19930609)
dates automatically.
(Jim Mallory/19930609)
6/9/93
Companies To Intro Microsoft At Work Products
Apple Announces Lower Earns, Ana
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Apple Computer is telling its stockholders to expect lower earnings than last year in this second half of its current fiscal year. The company is blaming price wars, saying its had to cut its profit margins to stay in the game.
Macintosh unit sales are up thirty-five percent, according to Apple officials, but Apple is selling the machines for less. This is a common scenario these days in the computer market with IBM and other large companies reporting higher unit sales than ever on personal computers, yet lower profits than before. In addition, a whopping forty-five percent of Apple's sales are outside the US.
Apple is banking heavily on its new products. The company announced more new products in the first half of this year than in all of fiscal 1992, including a line of Workgroup file servers. Later this summer, the company has said it will announce its first personal digital assistant (PDA), the Newton.
Apple is facing stiff competition in the PDA market, however. American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) has already delivered EO an IBM compatible pen-based system with high screen resolution. The Zoomer line of PDA's, also IBM compatible, are expected this fall from Casio and Tandy, who have already announced very specific details and demonstrated a working Zoomer.
Analysts are downgrading their earnings estimates for Apple. Standard & Poor's (S&P) is saying Apple's earnings per share will drop to $4.20 this quarter compared to $4.33 in the year ago quarter. S&P is sighting a narrower gross margin and higher research and development costs which offset an estimated seven percent revenue gain.
The Institutional Brokers Estimate System (IBES), who surveys over 2,500 financial analysts at 130 brokerage firms reports overall Apple's earnings estimates have been revised down 23 percent from last week, and 46 percent from four weeks ago. The 1994 averages for earnings per share have been revised down 20 percent.
An interesting twist to all this is Apple President John Sculley's recent admission to several publications, including Fortune Magazine, that he suggested IBM purchase Apple. Sculley claims he made the suggestion to the IBM search committee approached about becoming president of the failing computer giant.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930609/Press Contact: Bill Slakey, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-3488, fax 408-967-5651)
ple Computer, tel 408-974-3488, fax 408-967-5651)
6/9/93
Apple Announces Lower Earns, Analysts Downgrade
APPLE
Framebuilder For HP/Motif
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Framebuilder an environment for structured document management, is now available on Hewlett-Packard workstations running the Motif user interface.
Developed by Frame Technology, the product is described as a structured authoring environment providing a what-you-see-is-what you-get (WYSIWYG) user interface "guided editing" to add structure to documents, and support for the Standard Genetic Markup Language (SGML) import and export.
The problem is that companies need to interchange documents throughout organizations and across different enterprises without losing the structure of the document. The SGML is a vendor-neutral method for describing document structure and a syntax for "marking up" the contents of a document. Frame Technology claims FrameBuilder supports SGML and the importing and exporting of SGML files without loss of intelligence, while maintaining document validity during editing.
Introduced in September 1992, Frame says 40 companies have committed to FrameBuilder. Philips, Bell Northern Research and Hewlett-Packard, are listed among the companies adopting Framebuilder. The company says demand for the product has been particularly strong in the pharmaceutical, telecommunications, aerospace, automotive and electronics industries.
Framebuilder comes in two parts. The first part is Framebuilder itself which enables users to create, edit, revise and leverage the structure of documents. The Framebuilder Developer's Edition is a set of tools targeted at application developers creating custom, structured document-based applications. Frame also offers support, consulting and training services, the company said.
Licenses for the product on the HP/Motif platform range in price from $1,995 to $4,995 and volume discounts are available the company said. Framebuilder is also available on the Sun workstation platform.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930609/Press Contact: Steve Jursa Copithorne & Bellows for Frame Technology, tel 415-966-8700 fax 415-965-7686)
-966-8700 fax 415-965-7686)
6/9/93
Framebuilder For HP/Motif
B l
Windows & OS/2 Expo Changes Name
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- The Windows & OS/2 Conference and Exposition, acquired by Miller Freeman last September, now has a new name - Business Software Solutions - along with a revised focus.
The first edition of Business Software Solutions will run concurrently with the next offering of Miller Freeman's seven year-old Software Development Conference the week of August 23 to 27 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.
In an interview with Newsbytes, Fern Leaf, director of marketing said that the new show title reflects an emphasis that has expanded to accommodate all current GUIs (graphical user interfaces), as well as any that arise in the future.
"Right now, we're still very much a Windows and OS/2 show," she told Newsbytes. "But we've also become strongly positioned to offer corporate decision makers an objective view of all the options for desktop software."
Like the Windows & OS/2 conference, Business Software Solutions is aimed mainly at high-level corporate managers seeking exposure to the issues facing in-house developers, and at systems integrators. The Software Development Conference, on the other hand, will retain its orientation toward in-depth analysis of the technical issues involved in creating component software for the desktop.
Operating the shows side-by-side, and in the same venue, is a move meant to ease participation for attendees and vendors alike. The two conferences will also be run concurrently March 14 through 18 at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, CA.
"For the first Business Software Solutions in Boston, we're keeping a lot of the best things about Windows & OS/2, while adding some new offerings," Leaf told Newsbytes.
Attractions being held over from the previous show include the Test Drive Center, Computer Currents' giveaway of $50,000 in software and appearances by such popular speakers as Amy Wohl, president of Wohl Associates; Christine Comaford, president of Corporate Computing, and Brian Livingston. who heads up Windows Consulting.
New for Business Software Solutions are a separate Multimedia Test Drive Center, along with the Solutions Showdown Theater, the Solutions Showcase, and, in the conference arena, several new faces.
In the Solutions Showdown Theater, vendors will demonstrate the feature sets of their particular software packages, running comparisons against competitors' products. In the Solutions Showcase, systems integrators will show real-world examples of work performed for business clients.
A few of the new speakers on the Boston agenda are Peter Coffee advanced technologies analyst at PC Week; Larry Constantine, co founder of Constantine & Lockwood and a specialist in human interface design; and David Moskowitz, president of Productivity Solutions and author of the hotly selling book OS/2 2.1 Unleashed.
The 50 conference sessions coming up at Business Software Solutions are categorized into the following tracks: "Developing Workplace Solutions," "Training & Supporting End-Users," "Connecting the Workplace," "Managing: The Big Picture," and "Implementing New Products and Technologies."
For its part, the Software Development Conference in Boston will feature a newly expanded show floor space, along with 150 classes organized into 12 tracks, ranging from "Management and Organizational Issues" to "Methods and Tools."
The format for the Business Software Solutions/Software Development Conference in San Jose will be influenced, in part by participants' response to the Boston event, said Leaf.
Exhibit space for the combined Boston event is already more than 70 percent sold out, with 250 booths sold. Attendance is expected to reach 20,000.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930609/Press contact: Gail DeLano Sheppard Merrill Communications for Miller Freeman, tel 408-761-1953; Reader contact: Customer Service, Miller Freeman, tel 415-905-2784)
Miller Freeman, tel 415-905-2784)
6/9/93
Windows & OS/2 Expo Changes Name
GENERAL
Xircom Brings Nomadic Computing
CENTRAL, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 9 (NB) -- Xircom, the company that claims to have pioneered portable PC-to-LAN (local area network) connectivity, has opened its Asia/Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.
The local company, Xircom Asia, will supply and support a network of over 20 distributors throughout the region, and will be responsible for customizing Xircom products to cater for local language and system needs. Heading the company will be Scott Brear, who has been appointed managing director.
"Over the past 2-3 years, Xircom has built solid relationships with distributor operations throughout the Asia Pacific area," said Dirk I. Gates, Xircom's president, CEO and co-founder, who visited Hong Kong for the opening of Xircom Asia. "We now want to provide additional resources that will enable these distributors to deliver enhanced customer service and to develop new business opportunities.
"By 1996, portable PCs will make up half of all computer shipments worldwide," he said. "In Asia, where executives travel constantly and some countries span huge geographical areas, the portable PC has a special role to play. I expect Xircom Asia to become our fastest growing operation within the next two years."
Xircom was founded in 1988 to provide systems for connecting portable PCs to LANs. It adopted the parallel port, until then used exclusively for printing, as a communications interface and its Pocket LAN Adapter products have become something of a de facto standard for portable PC-to-LAN connectivity.
Xircom is currently engaged in a development program aimed at extending its "nomadic computing" concept to the widest possible range of users. "Within the past year we introduced our CreditCard family of LAN adapters based on the PCMCIA standard which are designed for new generations of even smaller computers," said Gates.
"We recently shipped the industry's smallest high- performance LAN print server and we have an advanced product development group working on our first cordless LAN products, which we hope to announce later this year," said Gates. "Our new products will enable the latest generations of mobile, pen-based and palmtop computers to become real productivity-enhancing tools."
Brear joins Xircom Asia from General DataComm, where he served as regional director for the past three years. Earlier, he spent two years as managing consultant with Price Waterhouse in Hong Kong where he was responsible for the firm's telecommunications consulting activities and for marketing.
"Portable PCs are among the hottest selling items throughout Asia right now. The potential for Xircom to help users link their portables to office networks, and through them to wide area gateways, must make this one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in our industry," said Brear.
(Brett Cameron/19930609/Press Contact: Scott Brear (Xircom) Tel:+852-525 2078;HK time is GMT + 8)
ar (Xircom) Tel:+852-525 2078;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/9/93
Xircom Brings Nomadic Computing To Asia/Pacific
GENERAL
Microsoft Intros Microsoft At Wo
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Microsoft Corporation rolled out its latest idea in software architecture, saying its goal is to create a workplace in which users - wherever they need to work - have full and easy access to all information, regardless of its origin or format, and to provide users with a way to manage their communications across a wide range of office devices that are incompatible today.
Called "Microsoft At Work," the new architecture is designed to smooth the path of information between formerly incompatible devices such as fax machines, telephones, copiers, and personal computers in the office or in the field.
Some of the concepts presented include telephones with graphical point-and-touch screens to replace the lengthy button pushing sequences of today's phones, that can transfer calls or check for voice mail messages; documents composed on a personal computer that are sent via electronic mail to a fax machine and held until it can be sent during off hours when phone rates are lowest; and documents created on a PC that can be sent to a copier that prints as many copies as the user needs. Other ideas being worked on include mobile computers that not only perform traditional computing tasks but also can receive data via cellular technology.
"Software technology is the key to making the features of office products easy to use, and to getting information to the user when where, and how the user needs it," according to Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. He's referring to Microsoft's flagship product Windows which Gates sees as the pathway between all the various pieces of hardware. "We are combining our expertise in operating systems and user interfaces with partners that are technical and market leaders in related product areas. Together we are working to establish a broad and open software platform on which companies can base innovative new products and business solutions to meet customer needs."
Gates says "We've been working on this for years. We wanted to make sure we had the demos and the critical mass of partners at the time we brought it out." Executives from Compaq Computer Corporation Hewlett-Packard, Ricoh, Muratec, Northern Telecom Limited, and Xerox Corporation appeared with Gates at the announcement, and Microsoft says a total of about 60 companies have said they will develop and market devices based on the Microsoft At Work architecture.
Gates said the new software architecture is compatible with existing office devices. "People can start with today's machines, add one or two new devices based on Microsoft At Work, integrate them into an existing work environment, and continue to build from there. Businesses will be able to preserve their current investments in office equipment while being able to add significant new functionality during their normal purchase cycles for new equipment," according to Gates.
The company said the Microsoft At Work architecture consists of several components which create digital connections between the various types of devices. The Microsoft At Work operating system is described as a real-time, pre-emptive multitasking operating system that is designed to specifically address the requirements of the office automation and communication industries. It supports Windows-compatible application programming interfaces (APIs) where appropriate for the device. Microsoft At Work (MAW) communications will provide the connectivity between MAW-based devices and PCs. It will support the secure transmission of original digital documents and is compatible with the Windows Messaging API and the Windows Telephony API of the Windows Open Services Architecture (WOSA).
Microsoft At Work rendering will make the transmission of digital documents, with formatting and fonts intact, very fast and cost effective, and will ensure that a document sent to any of the devices will produce high-quality output, according to Microsoft. The company calls this "What You Print Is What You Fax is What You Copy Is What You See," a play on the popular WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) terminology that refers to documents printing as exactly as they appear on the computer screen.
The Microsoft At Work graphical user interface is designed to make all devices very easy to use and will make sophisticated features accessible and provide useful feedback to the user. Microsoft says it will leverage the Windows user interface to provide simple graphical user interfaces for MAW-based products.
The Microsoft At Work desktop software for Windows-based PCs component is supposed to provide Windows-based PC applications the ability to control, access and exchange information with any product based on MAW.
Karen Hargrove, general manager of the digital office systems group at Microsoft, says the big benefit of MAW for customers will be ease of use, improved efficiency, and reduced costs. Hargrove believes most users don't use many of the features of modern office products such as voice mail because they are too difficult to learn and remember. "By putting software into those office products, we can make technology adapt to people's needs instead of the other way around."
Microsoft says that in all product scenarios involving MAW, every feature related to an action appears on the screen only when appropriate. For example, during a telephone call, graphical prompts will appear on the screen to help lead people through the process for holding, transferring, conferencing, and disconnecting calls. When the call is finished, those features would disappear from the screen.
Microsoft says one significant feature of MAW-based products is the ability to use the existing telephone network to share information between workplaces, making what it calls "anywhere-to-anywhere" messaging possible. For example, you would no longer have to be on the same network to receive a secure, formatted document from another user. Documents could be created and distributed from a copier by touching the appropriate names in an electronic address book and tapping the "send" icon. All recipients would receive digital copies of the formatted document, which could then be viewed on-screen or printed.
Microsoft says all MAW-based systems are completely open to software developers and hardware makers; third party developers are expected to create applications and services for both PCs and MAW-based devices using the same standard Windows-based development platform and tools they already use for applications development.
Microsoft says it plans to have applications and system software development kits available for telephony, fax, and handheld devices before the end of the year, and future versions of Windows will contain the necessary software to allow PC fax boards and other products to talk to MAW-based machines. The first such product, the Windows Printing System, is currently shipping, and Microsoft says MAW-based fax machines are expected to be available by the end of 1993.
(Jim Mallory/19930609/Press contact: Collins Hemingway, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080)
, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080)
6/10/93
Microsoft Intros Microsoft At Work
TRENDS
US Takes Tough Stand On Japan Tr
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- While many claim the Clinton/Gore Administration appears to be going soft on every front from Bosnia-Hercegovina to its much-touted deficit reduction program, one area on which The White House is still talking tough is Japanese trade issues, although it is apparently taking a carrot and-stick approach by talking tough, but appointing a popular ambassador.
Legend has it that "face" is everything to the Japanese, and one complaint they have had is that, while The Court of King James (Great Britain) and even Moscow get high-profile ambassadors Tokyo has been more likely to get career diplomats who carry with them little prestige.
So, while US Trade Representative Mickey Kantor plays hard ball by saying that the US will pressure Japan to buy more automotive parts, financial services, computers, and telecommunications equipment from other countries, President Clinton, who will have to face Japanese wrath when he travels to Tokyo next month, has appointed respected former Democratic Presidential candidate Walter Mondale as the administration's representative to Japan.
The new tough stand on trade will attempt to pressure Tokyo into reducing their massive $130 billion worldwide trade surplus by a full 50 percent over the next five years -- a demand which is expected to meet with the closest thing to a flat refusal that the renowned Japanese politeness will allow.
But will this just be one more Clinton initiative which begins with tough talk and ends with a cave-in to special interests and lobbyist pressure?
As Pat Choate says in his landmark book, "Agents of Influence" (Alfred A. Knopf), Japanese companies are reaping monumental profits from the US and have a powerful and well-financed on-going Washington campaign to keep those profits growing.
Mr. Choate said yesterday that the Japanese $50 billion trade surplus with the US is the equivalent of one million lost jobs in the US.
The last few administrations also talked tough at times, but many people remember that soon after leaving office President Reagan went to Japan to deliver two twenty-minute speeches for which he received a $2 million "friendship gift."
According to Mr. Choate's book, the "strongest ally" defending Toshiba from sanctions after that Japanese company was accused of selling important secret strategic defense submarine technology to the Soviet Navy was the Reagan Administration.
This, and dozens of other examples of the power wielded in secret by Japanese lobbyists, has led some Washington insiders to question whether the new and relatively weak Clinton Administration has either the resolve or the political savvy to really put pressure on Japan to reduce its massive trade surplus.
On the other hand, this White House, already reeling from a series of broken promises, personnel gaffes, and political defeats, may see public Japan-bashing as a no-lose crusade especially if it later drops or modifies its early demands in quiet diplomatic discussions, observers suggest.
So far, the new administration's efforts to reduce the deficit are widely thought in the investment community to be responsible for much of the recent plunge in the value of the US dollar which has lost almost 15 percent of its value versus the Japanese yen.
Speaking on Tuesday morning's Business Day on CNN, a Lehman Brothers' currency analyst predicted further increases in the value of the yen and says the administration concern over Japanese surplus is partially responsible, while Mickey Kantor denied that the US administration is responsible for the drop in the dollar.
Also appearing on Business Day was the Counsel General of Japan Hiromoto Seki.
In response to questions posed by Deborah Marchini, Counsel General Seki cited three reasons for the trade deficit: big US demand for imports; blaming of the Japanese entirely for the deficit; and the asking of the Japanese government to do something beyond its powers to improve trade.
He also said that the earlier semiconductor agreements, which were characterized by the US government as including specific percentage goals for opening up the domestic Japanese market actually involved "expectations," not "quotas."
The Japanese representative said that, while Japan is improving access to foreign goods and working to expand its own economy the government "will find it difficult to do so under pressure [from the US government."
As Mr. Choate points out in his book, Japanese representatives have been deflecting US complaints for years using virtually identical arguments.
(John McCormick/19930609/)
ments.
(John McCormick/19930609/)
6/10/93
US Takes Tough Stand On Japan Trade
Hongkong Puts China Business Inf
WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Hongkong Telecom CSL has launched a new on-line information service that enables customers to tap into databases in the People's Republic of China and to capture the latest business facts, figures and statistics.
Called ChinaLink, the service is an addition to Hongkong Telecom CSL's Spectrum family of electronic messaging information and networking services. It gives users access to the extensive databases maintained by the Shenzhen Information Centre (SIC) in Guangdong Province.
"The SIC's databases offer precisely the kind of information that companies and entrepreneurs are crying out for," said Lam Wai Yee manager of advanced data services at Hongkong Telecom CSL. "Before the advent of ChinaLink, gathering such information was a costly and time consuming exercise which few businessmen bothered to undertake comprehensively."
The SIC, part of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, is networked with information centers in 50 cities throughout China, continually accessing and exchanging information to keep its databases up to date.
The ChinaLink service gives customers access to databases containing information on investment opportunities in China and detailed profiles of joint-venture companies operating in the country. Just as important, ChinaLink provides instant access to the SIC's library of Chinese legal information, official ordinances and public announcements made by the government.
"Information on investment opportunities is available in English while the joint-venture and legal databases are presented in Chinese," said Lam. "Each of these databases can be accessed through Hongkong Telecom CSL's Spectrum information service, with prices ranging from HK$10 to HK$12 per minute."
The SIC's main responsibilities include drafting ordinances related to the dissemination of information as well as the registration of information copyright. However, the center is also responsible for planning, organizing and operating databases for municipal governments, and it plans and organizes public information service networks in Shenzhen.
"These roles mean that the center is extremely well placed to maintain existing links and set up new ones with databases throughout Southern China and the PRC as a whole," said Mr Lam. "The quality of the information is carefully monitored and the contents are continually updated."
"The value of this exciting new resource is incalculable," said Mr Lam. "Potential subscribers include the academic market as well as consultants, business analysts and prospective investors."
"ChinaLink will be particularly valuable to customers outside Hong Kong," said Mr Lam. "Businessmen or organizations that haven't got the contacts or any other means of compiling information on China will find the service a tremendous help."
(Brett Cameron/19930609/Press Contact: Caroline Chung, Hongkong Telecom CSL, Tel: +852-803 6551; HK time is GMT + 8)
ecom CSL, Tel: +852-803 6551; HK time is GMT + 8)
6/10/93
Hongkong Puts China Business Information Online
TELECOM
Predicasts Loses Its Name To Inf
FOSTER CITY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Information Access Company is consolidating the operations of Predicasts under its own name -- Information Access Co. In 1991, Ziff Communications purchased Predicasts, a privately held company which publishes the Promt database on Dialog, among others. Ziff has, for the sake of corporate identity, decided to abandon the Predicasts name.
"As products become increasingly available around the world and competition increases, a company's identity can be perceived as the deciding factor in the marketplace," said Information Access Co. President Morris Goldstein.
Information Access Co. has been in business for 15 years, and Predicasts has been in business since 1960. "Information Access Co. is now entering a new stage in its development," adds Goldstein. "As it expands internationally and acquires companies with related products and services, it is time for our company identity to reflect these developments."
Information Access Company also reports its sales and marketing departments will be differentiated by the markets to which they sell: Library Market or Corporate Market. The Midwest operations located in Cleveland, will be Information Access Co. Cleveland. The office in London will be named Information Access Co. Europe.
Most of Predicasts' staff members have been relocated to the Foster City offices of Information Access this year, although the firm was acquired by Ziff Communications in 1991.
(Wendy Woods/19930610/Press Contact: Celeste M. Alleyne, public relations manager, 415-378-5249, or Maureen Carrig, 415-378-5128 Information Access Co.)
rrig, 415-378-5128 Information Access Co.)
6/10/93
Predicasts Loses Its Name To Info Access
GENERAL
Stacker 3.1 Ships, Requires MS-D
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Stac Electronics says the new version of its data compression product, Stacker 3.1, is now shipping. Stacker 3.1 fits right into the MS-DOS 6.0 "hooks" for data compression, can replace Doublespace, and in fact, requires DOS 6.0 in order to run.
The product works with Windows 3.1 and DOS 6.0 and offers a conversion utility to allow Doublespace users to convert to Stacker. Like Doublespace, Stacker 3.1 offers another level of transparency to users by loading before DOS reads the environment files AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. In Windows, the product offers the Stackometer, a graphical gauge so users can monitor the disk space left, the compression ratio, and fragmentation levels on the drive.
Stac also claims Stacker will compress drives up to one megabyte in size, while Doublespace will only compress a drive up 512 megabytes (MB) in size. Users wishing to compress larger drives with Doublespace must use DOS partitions.
Other features include: Stacker Anywhere, which allows users to write compressed data to any removable drive and the data can be read any IBM compatible personal computer, even those without Stacker installed; Unstack to uncompress a drive; Autoprotect to detect disk errors dynamically at boot; and Autorecovery to repair errors on the disk.
Suggested retail price of Stacker 3.1 for Windows & DOS is $149. Upgrades from Stacker 3.0 are $19.95. Stacker 3.0 users who purchased the product after March 30, 1993 can upgrade free, the company added. A competitive upgrade from another compression product to Stacker 3.1 is available for $79.95. Stac has also announced versions of Stacker for the Macintosh and for IBM's graphical operating system OS/2 which are expected to ship this month as well.
Stac Electronics is fighting for its survival. The company laid off twenty-percent of its work force last month and is fighting a legal battle with software giant Microsoft, author of DOS 6.0. Microsoft negotiated with Stac last year to use its LZS compression scheme in MS-DOS 6.0, but Stac company officials maintain Microsoft refused to license the technology from the company. Microsoft says it offered Stac several different deals that would have meant "real money" to the software compression maker, but Stac officials rejected all the offers. Microsoft ended up licensing the basis for its Doublespace compression from Verisoft.
In January, before the release of DOS 6.0, Stac filed suit against Microsoft charging the beta version of DOS 6.0 was violation of its patents regarding its LZS technology. Microsoft counter-sued in February charging Stac deliberately stalled Microsoft's entry into the marketplace and Stac's products are in violation of one of its patents.
In addition, the firm is fighting its stockholders who filed suit in July, shortly after the company's initial public offering (IPO), charging they were misled about the company's performance by statements from the management. Microsoft has made it clear it has evidence that will help Stac's stockholders, claiming Stac withheld the knowledge that Microsoft was preparing to enter the data compression market from potential investors.
Stac is hoping reports of problems with the compression in MS DOS 6.0 will be of use in promoting Stacker 3.1. In fact, Stac has announced it plans a DOS 6.0 "rescue mission" this month offering DOS 6.0 users a scaled down special edition of Stacker 3.1 to replace Doublespace. The furor over Doublespace is dying down, as reports of serious bugs have turned out to be unconfirmed. Microsoft has confirmed two Doublespace problems neither of which are serious. A third bug, found by Stac, can only be replicated under special circumstances. However Stac is still betting users will switch.
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Sigma Designs says it has the lowest priced full-motion video capture and play-back board available. The Sigma Winmovie board retails for under $300 and includes Microsoft's Video for Windows.
Winmovie can capture Audio Video Interleave (AVI) movies under Video for Windows at up to the full-motion video rate of 30 frames per second (fps). Video can be captured from sources such as National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) composite, the European Phase Alternating Line (PAL) system composite, and S-Video devices, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), video camera, or laser disc player.
A maximum video capture and display resolution of up to 640 by 480 picture elements (pixels) is possible with the new video board. Other supported resolutions include 320 by 240, 240 by 180, 60 by 120, and 80 by 60 resolutions in 8-bit, 16-bit, or 24-bit colors. The interface for Winmovie is compatible with all super video graphics array (SVGA) adapters and does not require a VGA feature connector.
Video for Windows with the Winmovie board, supports capturing full-motion video or single frames and synchronizing audio. Editing features offered include cut, copy, paste, insert, and delete.
Picture Prowler, an image management database for Windows developed by Xing Technology, is also bundled with Winmovies. Picture Prowler can create thumbnail sketches of Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) images and decompress them for full screen viewing. AVI movies can also be played from within the Picture Prowler application by selecting a thumbnail icon of an AVI designated file.
For easy installation, Sigma Designs said it provides the Winmovie DTV utility software with the Winmovie adapter. The utility features a familiar television (TV) and VCR-style user interface to allows users to quickly install the Winmovie board. The interface is also used to preview video, as well as view and play-back AVI files. In addition, software capable of controlling all aspects of the video -- brightness, contrast saturation, and hue -- is included with the adapter.
Winmovie requires an IBM or compatible 386-based personal computer running at 33 megahertz or higher. Sigma Designs says the Winmovie will be available this month for a retail price of $299 and will come with a five-year extended parts and labor warranty.
Sigma Designs, headquartered in Fremont, California, also offers other multimedia products including the Winstorm 24-bit video and 16-bit sound adapter; the Winsound 16 compact disc (CD)-quality stereo sound adapter; the Winstorm compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) Upgrade Kit; the Winsound 16 CD-ROM Upgrade Kit; and the Movie Movie video and sound capture controller for Macintosh computers.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930610/Press Contact: Letty Dupuy, Sigma Designs, tel 510-770-2673, fax 510-770-2640; Public Contact 800-845-8086 or 510-770-0100)
2640; Public Contact 800-845-8086 or 510-770-0100)
6/10/93
Lowest Priced Full-Motion Video Board From Sigma
Macau Turns To Sybase Client-Ser
MACAU, MACAU, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- The Macau Government is using Sybase client-server technology to develop a central database of legal documents that can be accessed by users in some 40 different government offices around the territory.
The database, accessed from personal computers, will replace the current procedure of hand-delivering monthly diskettes to user departments. The diskettes only summarize the documents available. Any user who wants to study the full text of a particular law has to visit a government documentation center or public library and make a copy of the official bulletin in which the law was published.
"Our goal is to turn the archive into a client-server database system using Sybase," said Joe Tou Chi Man, head of the computing division at the government's Administration and Civil Service Department. "Users will be able to access both the summaries and the full text of laws direct from their desktops, in either Portuguese or Chinese."
Using Powersoft's PowerBuilder application development tools, Mr Tou expects to complete the legal database system within 2-3 months. He has already earmarked human resources as his next Sybase project.
"We're planning to develop a client-server database of all 16,000 Macau Government employees," he said. "The records exist already but not in a client-server format. Some departments can access them others cannot. It makes obvious sense to develop a standard database that will be accessible to all departments."
The Sybase client-server database management system has come as a revelation to Mr Tou and his colleagues, who provide systems development, consultancy, support and training services to user departments across the Macau Government.
Those departments administer their own budgets and are not obliged to accept recommendations from Administration and Civil Service. But in a 6.5-square-mile territory, many government departments are small and their needs rarely stretch beyond PCs and local-area networks.
"Client-server is a good environment for Macau," he said. "Before we discovered Sybase, we had already developed a number of custom client-server applications. They were successful but, because the environment was non-standard, they were difficult to maintain. In effect, we had to maintain the environment as well as the applications, and that was very troublesome."
A Sybase enthusiast, Mr Tou has installed the RDBMS in his department's training center and instituted training courses for MIS professionals within the government's user departments. "The important thing at this stage is to expose people to this new technology and see how they react," he said.
"We want to let all the computer professionals within the different departments get some experience of using Sybase, then they can decide for themselves if they want to adopt it or not."
(Brett Cameron/19930610/Press Contact: Laura Duggan, HCL Leung, Tel: 852-576 2878;HK time is GMT + 8)
HCL Leung, Tel: 852-576 2878;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/10/93
Macau Turns To Sybase Client-Server Technology
GENERAL
July Disabilities Employment Con
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- The 1993 ADA Expo '93 Conference & Exhibition, which will focus on the use of high technology by government agencies and private employers who need, and want, to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will be held at the Washington Hilton Hotel & Convention Center from July 26 through 29, 1993.
Newsbytes' Washington Bureau Chief and writer of The Enabled Computer Column is both an exhibitor (through the courtesy of McGraw-Hill) and speaker at the conference, as is Mari Shepard creator and producer of GEnie's electronic DisABILITIES Information Services.
ADA Expo '93, organized by the US Professional Development Institute, is the first major trade show intended to bring together employers and the companies which provide adaptive technology to help those companies comply with the anti discrimination law that has been taking effect in stages for several years.
The target audience for both exhibits and conference attendees includes: equal employment opportunity managers, information resource managers, human resources managers, buyers and users of assistive technology, business owners, and government agency managers.
As Conference Program Chairman John M. Williams points out, this is the only national conference and show dedicated exclusively to examining the ADA and its nationwide implementation.
The best news for disabled individuals who want to learn what products are available, but aren't in a position to shell out the combined workshop and conference fees of $895, is that free "exhibits only" passes are available for the July 27-28 exhibition.
Some of the well-known technology providers for the disabled who will have displays at the ADA Expo '93 include: IBM, Dragon Systems, Berkeley Systems, MicroTalk, Telesensory Systems, and Xerox Imaging Systems.
Public contact: ADA Expo '93, USPDI, 1734 Elton Road, Suite 221 Silver Spring, MD 20903; phone 301-445-4400.
(Beth Goldie/19930609/Press Contact: John Williams, USPDI, 301 445-4400 or 301-445-5722 fax)
USPDI, 301 445-4400 or 301-445-5722 fax)
6/10/93
July Disabilities Employment Conference
GENERAL
BoCoEx Index
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Boston Computer Exchange for the week ending June 4, 1993.
Closing Prices from the Boston Computer Exchange
June 4, 1993
Machine Main Closing Price Ask Bid
Drive Price Change
IBM PS1 386SX/25 130 MgB 850 900 750
IBM PS/2 Model 70-A21 120 MgB 875 950 800
IBM PS/2 Model 56SLC/20 120 MgB 1050 1300 900
IBM PS/2 Model 55SX 60 MgB 650 down 50 800 700
IBM ThinkPad 300 80 MgB 1500 1500 1325
IBM ThinkPad 700 80 MgB 1850 down 200 2400 2000
IBM ThinkPad 700C 120 MgB 3600 3700 3500
IBM V\P 3/25T MOD. 80 80 MgB 1500 1600 1500
IBM PS/2 Model 90-OH9 160 MgB 1700 1700 1600
IBM PS/2 Model 95-OJF 400 MgB 3000 3300 2700
Compaq Prolinea 4/66 340 MgB 2000 2150 2000
Compaq Prolinea 486/50 240 MgB 1450 1500 1200
Compaq Portable 386 100 MgB 650 800 600
Compaq SLT-386 120 MgB 925 950 850
Compaq LTE-286 40MgB 600 700 600
Compaq LTE-LITE 3/25 120MgB 1350 1450 1200
Compaq LTE-LITE\25C 120MB 2400 2600 2300
Compaq SysProXL 1.02 Gig 8,100 12,500 6,000
Compaq Syspro 486/50 Mod 1 6700 8500 6500
Compaq Prosigna 486 /33 550 MgB 3500 3800 3350
Compaq Portable 486/66 525 MgB 3650 4000 3500
Compaq DeskP 486DX2/66i 240 MgB 2100 2400 1900
AST Prem Exec 386SX20 40 MgB 675 750 650
NEC UltraLite 25C 80 M0gB 2000 3400 3300
NEC UltraLite Versa 20C 80 MgB 2850 2950 2800
Zenith Mastersprt-386SX 60 MgB 800 900 800
Zenith SuperSport 386SX 40 MgB 650 800 650
Macintosh Classic 40 MgB 650 700 600
Macintosh Classic II 40 MgB 750 800 700
Macintosh SE 40 MgB 575 650 550
Macintosh SE-30 80 MgB 1100 1250 1100
Macintosh LC 40 MgB 1000 1300 800
Macintosh II 40 MgB 1350 1400 1300
Macintosh II SI 80 MgB 1300 1400 1250
Macintosh II CX 80 MgB 1550 1650 1500
Macintosh II CI 80 MgB 2200 2350 2200
Macintosh II FX 80 MgB 2700 2900 2700
Macintosh Quadra 700 160 MgB 3150 3300 3100
Macintosh Quadra 900 160 MgB 3900 4100 3900
Macintosh Powerbk 165C 80 MgB 2550 2800 2500
Macintosh Powerbk 145 40 MgB 1500 1650 1500
Macintosh Powerbk 180 80 MgB 3100 3200 3000
Apple Imagewriter 2 200 ` 225 175
Apple Laserwriter IINT 900 1000 900
HP Laserjet II 675 700 650
HP Laserjet III 1050 1100 1000
Toshiba T-1200 XE 40 MgB 550 600 500
Toshiba T-1600 40 MgB 525 575 500
Toshiba T-2000 SX 40 MgB 700 800 700
Toshiba T-2000 SXE 40 MgB 800 900 750
Toshiba T-2200 SX 80MgB 900 1000 900
Toshiba T-3100 SX 80 MgB 800 1000 800
Toshiba T-3200 40 MgB 550 700 500
Toshiba T-3200 SX 40 MgB 600 750 500
Toshiba T-3200 SXC 120 MgB 1950 2100 1900
Toshiba T-6400DX 200 MgB 2200 2300 2100
Toshiba T-4400SX 120 MgB 1500 1800 1500
Toshiba T-5200 200 MgB 2100 2200 1900
BoCoEx Index data is compiled by Market Analyst, Gary M. Guhman
Here are some current retail-oriented Seats on the Exchange, presented in a cyclic basis.
Dallas - Ft. Worth, TX - DFW Computer Exchange - M.B. Lee - 817-244-7833
Escondido, Ca. - Affordable Computer Solutions - Dean Jacobus - 619-738 4980
New Orleans, Louisiana - Audubon Computer Rental - Mike Barry - 504-522 0348
Detroit, Michigan - CompuCycle - Walt Hogan - 313-887-2600
Albuquerque, NM, Western Computer Exchange - David Levin - 505-265-1330
Fresno, California - MacSource Computers - Mike Kurtz - 209-438-6227
BoCoEx Index prices are based on complete systems with keyboard, VGA monitor and adapter, less the value of any software or peripherals.
Boston Computer Exchange is available at: 617-542-4414, Buyer's HotLine: 1 800-262-6399, In Alaska and Canada 1-800-437-2470, FAX: 617-542-8849.
(BOCOEX/19930610)
COEX/19930610)
6/10/93
BoCoEx Index
BUSINESS
Massachusetts Mulls Computer Cri
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Gov. William Weld has filed three bills criminalizing certain computer-related acts that are not addressed by existing law, including computer trespass and the theft and damage of electronic information. A fourth bill minimizes the intrusiveness of computer searches and seizures in criminal investigations.
The four computer crime bills filed by Gov. William Weld are now pending before joint committees of the state legislature. Bills H4780, the "Act to Establish the Crime of Computer Intrusion," and H4781, the "Act to Establish the Crime of Theft of Commercial Computer Services," are now being considered by the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice. Bills H4782, the "Act Extending the Vandalism Prohibition to Cover Alteration or Destruction of Electronic Information," and H4783, the "Act Relative to the Admissibility of Duplicates of Computer Files," are both pending before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
"We want to send a strong message to anyone who illegally tampers with computer systems: This activity won't be tolerated and will be punished," Weld said. The legislation is a result of recommendations from the Governor's Commission on Computer Technology and Law, chaired by Mitch Kapor, chairman of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
At present, unauthorized computer access, without damage, is not a crime, whether access is accomplished using telephone communications or physically from the premises that contain the computer. The "Act to Establish the Crime of Computer Intrusion" acknowledges that computer trespass, or "hacking," is an invasion of privacy even though no specific harm is done. The maximum penalty for such an offense would be 30 days in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The "Act Extending the Vandalism Prohibition to Cover Alteration or Destruction of Electronic Information" broadens the definition of "personal property" to include electronic information. Existing law excludes from prosecution destruction or injury to another's electronic property.
The "Act to Establish the Crime of Theft of Commercial Computer Services" is designed to protect online information services. Presently, there is no law against the theft of commercial computer services or data, despite the existence of statutes that criminalize theft of analogous types of commercial services. The maximum penalty would be five years in prison and a fine of $50,000.
The "Act Relative to the Admissibility of Duplicates of Computer Files" is meant to minimize the intrusiveness of searches and seizures of computers in criminal investigations. Law enforcement would be able to gather as evidence copies and printouts of computer files without having to confiscate computers, unless the equipment itself were the evidence or instrumentality of the crime.
There is no way of predicting how long the legislative process will take. As a legislative spokeswoman said, "Congress is Congress. They're not quick guys."
(Jacqueline Emigh, Margaret Zentara & Computer Currents/19930610)
, Margaret Zentara & Computer Currents/19930610)
6/10/93
Massachusetts Mulls Computer Crime Legislation
National Information Highway Eff
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- When Commerce Secretary Ron Brown sits down at a roundtable discussion in Washington next Monday, he will help kick off a major effort to realize the National Information Infrastructure (NII) through efforts of government and private industry.
This project, also known by many as the Information or Data Superhighway project, is strongly backed by Vice President Gore. Also attending the June 14 meeting on behalf of the Clinton-Gore Administration will be deputy secretary of education Madeleine Kunin and besides telecommunications and computer industry companies, the health care sector will also be represented in the group which will strive to develop new standards for telecommunications, data exchange, and software.
Eric Benhamou, CEO of 3Com Corporation, one of the members of the newly formed non-partisan group of industry and private sector professionals formed to help speed development of the long awaited information superhighway, pointed out today that in addition to the well-known benefits to both education and industry, the NII could greatly ease the paperwork burden under which the health industry labors, bringing a potential for a massive savings.
While it is undeniable that an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network, a telecommunications network standard that allows voice and data transmissions on the same line) or other advanced telecommunications backbone would make data transfer faster and easier, if care providers and insurance agencies (including Medicare and Medicaid) would only agree on ways to file payment claims electronically, they could do so today over existing telephone lines using standard inexpensive high-speed modems.
The proposed information superhighway may provide the impetus for health care providers and insurance companies alike to finally adopt standardized claim forms at a great savings in trees and labor, but without strong Clinton Administration pressure on both sides, we will be left with a powerful information sharing technology and no improvement on the paperwork reduction front.
This latter, according to some observers is the most likely outcome as far as the health care industry is concerned because they could get together today and cut paperwork costs by a massive amount using technologies which have existed for a decade, but which haven't been used because neither side has any real incentive to reduce costs since they just pass along higher costs to consumers and the government.
(John McCormick/19930610/Press Contact: David J. Abramson, for 3 Com, 408-764-6621)
ontact: David J. Abramson, for 3 Com, 408-764-6621)
6/10/93
National Information Highway Effort Moves Forward
Correction - Touchstone Software
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- In Newsbytes' story dated 23 June, entitled "Touchstone Offers Free Disk Check Program To DOS 6.0 Users" we inadvertently published the wrong numbers for the company.
The correct contact number for the company numbers is 714/969-7746. Our apologies for this error.
(Steve Gold/19930625/Press Contact: Touchstone Software, tel 800 531-0450 or 714-969-7746, fax 714-960-1886)
el 800 531-0450 or 714-969-7746, fax 714-960-1886)
6/25/93
Correction - Touchstone Software's Phone Numbers
CORRECTION
GENERAL
Softech Wins DoD Info Management
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Waltham Massachusetts-based Softech, Inc., has been named prime contractor in a multi-million-dollar contract to provide information engineering and software re-use services to the Center for Information Management in the Defense Department's Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Other services will include software life-cycle improvement, open systems migration and technical integration services.
Prime contracts covering other recent Center for Information Management contracts include Electronic Data Systems (EDS), SAIC and Abacus.
Subcontractors working on the Softech contract will include: BDM International, CACI International, Network Solutions, Presearch Statistica, and Wizdom Systems.
The contracts are expected to bring Softech at least $2.5 million the first year, and, if carried over the four-year options, the total value of the CIM reorganization figure may climb as high as $200 million. Softech has assisted Fortune 500 companies and government agencies in meeting their complex computer information systems needs for 24 years, employing about 350 people in 17 locations throughout the United States.
Supporting the contract, which is now in effect, will require adding 20 to 60 more people to the current 120-person Washington staff, according to an individual in the Washington office.
When asked about the maximum value of the contract to CIM, a company spokesperson told Newsbytes, "It will be considerably larger than the initial year's $2.5 million. We feel that the size of the contract will increase as the DoD [Department of Defense] recognizes the benefits and merits of our services."
(Rick Bender/19930610/Press Contact: Norman Rasmussen, President and Chief Executive Officer, at 617-890-6900 or fax 617-890-6055)
ficer, at 617-890-6900 or fax 617-890-6055)
6/10/93
Softech Wins DoD Info Management Contract
INS Tests Hand Scanners To Speed
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- As any international air traveller well knows, it now takes a minimum of several minutes to pass through US Immigration at a major airport assuming that everything is in perfect order. Although this is not a major delay for an individual, it is important to remember that there may be 300 or 400 passengers ahead of you awaiting their turn to talk to several Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) officers. To help speed this process, the INS is now testing a Recognition Systems identification system that may cut the wait to 35 seconds.
According to a recent Science and Technology Today report on CNN the INS PASS system which is now being tested at the Newark, New Jersey, and New York's JFK airports, consists of a $25,000 hand geometry scanner that makes several nearly instantaneous measurements of the individual's right hand and compares the results to pre-recorded data carried by the person on a credit card-like ID card issued by the INS.
The present system is competing with retina scan and fingerprint ID systems but is favored over the others because it is considered less invasive.
For now the test IDs are only being issued to frequent US business travelers and those from 23 other countries, but if the six-month test is successful the $25,000 PASS scanners may show up in a number of ports-of-entry.
Of course, this system only automates the process of making certain that you are who you say you are and eliminates the need for an inspector to compare your face with that passport ID photo. After you make it past INS PASS, you still have to run the gauntlet of customs inspectors.
(John McCormick/19930610/)
f customs inspectors.
(John McCormick/19930610/)
6/10/93
INS Tests Hand Scanners To Speed Immigration Entry
Microsoft's Bill Gates Fifth Ric
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Fortune Magazine says Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is the nation's fifth richest billionaire.
The magazine released its 1993 list of the world's billionaires, and Gates garnered the number five spot among America's richest people. Fortune says Gates is worth $6.7 billion. In Fortune's last survey in October, 1992, Gates was the richest US citizen with $6.3 billion. He has since been topped by the Walton family, Forrest Mars ($14 billion), Sam Newhouse Junior, publisher ($10 billion) and John Warner Kluge ($8.8 billion).
The top entry on the list is the Walton family. Sam Walton, who recently died, founded the Wal-mart stores, and the family is reportedly worth $23.5 billion.
Other computer industry moguls also make the Fortune list. Paul Allen, a pioneer of the software industry, owner of the Portland Trailblazers basketball team, a schoolmate of Gates, co-creator of the BASIC computer language and the co-founder of Microsoft, is number 13 with $3.3 billion.
William Ziff Jr. and his family occupies number 19 on the US list with $3 billion. Ziff Publishing Company produces several computer-related magazines.
Other names on the list, while not associated with computers, are well known by many Americans. Amway Corporation founders Jan Van Andel and Richard DeVos occupy positions 18 and 16 respectively, each reportedly worth $3 billion, while Estee Lauder and family, founders of the cosmetics firm, are number 12, with $3.4 billion.
Former Presidential candidate H. Ross Perot, who founded and later sold Electronic Data Systems, and now is in real estate and oil and gas production, ranks 15th of Fortune's list with $3.3 billion. John Paul Getty, who claims England as his home, shows up in the number 23 spot with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion.
(Jim Mallory/19930610)
worth of $2.5 billion.
(Jim Mallory/19930610)
6/10/03
Microsoft's Bill Gates Fifth Richest Billionaire
GENERAL
SoftArc Adds FirstClass BBS Clie
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- SoftArc is now shipping client software that runs on Microsoft Windows for its FirstClass electronic mail and conferencing software.
FirstClass is a three-year-old work-group software application that until now has been available only on the Apple Macintosh. Dallas Kachan, manager of sales and marketing, said the system still needs a Macintosh server at the moment, but a Unix server is nearing completion and the company also plans to consider a version for Microsoft's new Windows NT operating system.
SoftArc wants to move the server off the Macintosh because of some technical limitations, especially the fact that "everything stops when you access the hard drive or a floppy drive," Kachan said. The Unix version will also support more connections to incoming telephone lines, he added.
Kachan said FirstClass is more than a standard electronic mail package since it allows electronic conferencing. It more closely resembles Lotus Development Corp.'s Notes work-group software than anything else, he said. "It's hard to sort of put it in a niche like e-mail."
As many as 250 clients on Macintosh or Windows can now connect to the same FirstClass server without dedicated Novell file servers routers, or other hardware, FirstClass said. The new Windows client can be used either over a local-area network or remotely via a modem, Kachan added.
FirstClass is available directly from SoftArc's Toronto headquarters in most parts of the world, though the company also has local distributors in some countries, Kachan said. More than 250,000 individuals use the software, according to the vendor.
The price of the new Windows client is US$295 for an unlimited number of users. It requires at least a 386-based PC with four megabytes of memory and Windows 3.1.
NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Next month in Chicago, the Interface Group will launch a new trade show aimed at capitalizing on current interest in what is called enterprise computing. The producer of the Comdex shows expects about 200 exhibitors and some 20,000 visitors at Chicago's McCormick Place for the first Enterprise Computing Exposition and Conference, a company spokeswoman said.
A rather nebulous term, enterprise computing generally refers to the linking of computers of all sizes through networks, and takes in the much-talked-about concept of client/server computing. Interface Group's show apparently will set out to address all those things.
According to officials, the show and conference are aimed at both executive-level managers and technical people concerned with information systems strategy.
Along with the exhibits will be a conference program with sessions for executives as well as technical types. Interface has no big-name speakers to announce so far, the spokeswoman said. There will also be a tutorial program made up of full-day technical sessions.
(Grant Buckler/19930610/Press Contact: Cheryl Delgreco or Kim Pappas, 617-449-6600, fax 617-449-2674)
lgreco or Kim Pappas, 617-449-6600, fax 617-449-2674)
6/10/93
Interface Group To Launch Enterprise Computing Show
GENERAL
DEC Backs COSE Initiative
MAYNARD, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Digital Equipment Corp. has publicly thrown its support behind the Common Open Software Environment (COSE) initiative, a move by various vendors to advance Unix standards.
Tim Yeaton, group manager of product management and marketing for Unix software at DEC, said his company has been talking with the original COSE backers since the initiative was made public in mid-March. DEC had some questions about the process COSE would follow, he said, and now that these issues have been resolved it is publicly supporting the plan.
DEC had input into the White Paper outlining COSE's plans, he added.
Many parts of the COSE framework already existed under the auspices of other standards groups such as the Object Management Group (OMG) and DEC was already participating in them, Yeaton said.
DEC said it will become involved in many of the working groups that are part of the COSE process.
Yeaton praised COSE, saying that "historically in the Unix industry these things have been ad-hoc," with the result that so-called standards were often inconsistent and in some areas things moved very slowly. COSE will "make co-operation much more straightforward," he said.
As reported earlier in Newsbytes, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sun Microsystems, Santa Cruz Operation, Unix Systems Laboratories and several others announced COSE at the Uniforum show in March. In doing so they agreed on several standards, including the Motif user interface, which Sun had strongly resisted in the past.
(Grant Buckler/19930610/Press Contact: Dave Bouffard, Digital Equipment, 415-617-3500)
al Equipment, 415-617-3500)
6/10/93
DEC Backs COSE Initiative
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades M
Comdex - The Untold Story, Edito
Reaction Positive to BT-MCI Move
Dell Shareholders Sue For Nondis
Twenty Indian Companies Particip
EC Retaliates Against US Trade S
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And N
Koala Habitat Database Aids Cons
Microsoft Introduces Technical I
Dell Energy Efficient PC Line
Fujitsu Develops Hybrid LAN Tech
Ericsson Forms Joint Telecoms Ve
Dayna Ships SafeDeposit Backup F
AT&T Brings Up NYMEX After-Hours
Cabletron Expanding In Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Cabletron Systems Inc., the Rochester, New Hampshire, local-area network (LAN) equipment vendor, has announced a sizable expansion of its Canadian operations.
The company is adding three employees at its Canadian head office here, as well as expanding its offices in Vancouver and Calgary and opening a new office in Ottawa. The net effect will be to more than double the current Canadian staff of 10 employees.
Michael Draper, managing director of Canadian operations, said that until he took that job about four months ago, Cabletron's Canadian operations had been run by Americans who typically stayed at the Canadian office only a short time before returning to the US. He said that he as a Canadian saw untapped potential in the Canadian market and was able to convince Cabletron's head office it was time for an expansion here.
The present two technical people in Vancouver will grow to four and, one more technical staffer will join the two in Cabletron's Calgary office, Draper said. The company also plans to add another sales representative in Western Canada, so that it will have one each in Vancouver and Calgary rather than one person covering both offices.
The company has just chosen a location for its new Ottawa office and hopes to open that by mid-July, Draper added. Cabletron has already hired one technical and one sales employee for that office and plans to hire one more technical person as well as a receptionist, he said.
Draper said Token Ring LANs are a big part of Cabletron's Canadian business, particularly in Toronto, which because of its large installed base of IBM equipment has many Token Ring networks. Toronto boasts the largest concentration of Cabletron's high-end network management platforms in all of North America Draper added.
(Grant Buckler/19930610/Press Contact: Andrew Berthoff, Hill & Knowlton for Cabletron, 416-483-1511; Public Contact: Cabletron 416-564-7280, fax 416-564-7180)
416-564-7280, fax 416-564-7180)
6/10/93
Cabletron Expanding In Canada
BUSINESS
& P 4
BellSouth, Cox Announce Deal
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- BellSouth, the Bell company for the Southeast, and Cox Enterprises, owner of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other newspapers, announced a joint venture to create information services based on their newspaper classifieds and Yellow Pages ads. The as-yet unnamed venture will run the 511 numbers in Atlanta and West Palm Beach that Cox has won the right to use from regulators. Other services using fax machines and perhaps PCs, are contemplated for the future.
The new venture follows many years in which both companies tried to find a market for online information services. BellSouth had the TUG gateway, for instance, while the Journal Constitution had Atlanta Access. While the newspapers got over 5 million calls a year on their 222-2000 number, those were free calls, with little profit.
While the new venture raises the possibility of local monopolies on information services, the fact is both companies are facing stiffer competition. The Journal-Constitution faces a free weekly called Creative Loafing, weekly and daily papers in the suburbs and specialized publications on the law and other matters. BellSouth, meanwhile, is finding many companies don't need its Yellow Pages -- a tour by Newsbytes through the Atlanta directory found many popular restaurants and other places of business without even a listing.
The biggest competitor, however, may be cable television. In Atlanta, operator GCTV has begun "The Ad Channel," a 24-hour classified service, and local ads on its other channels are proving popular with some advertisers who formerly depended on directories or newspapers to get their messages out.
BellSouth and Cox said their new venture will start up in business late this year, using the 511 numbers won by Cox. BellSouth has previously said it wanted to open the so-called "N11" numbers, local numbers like 411 for directory-assistance and 911 for emergency services, to outside vendors. When the numbers were offered in Atlanta, a unit of BellSouth requested one. Theoretically, the two companies could work with local newspapers in other markets to offer "511" services for a part of the fees.
David Easterly, president of Cox, said in a press statement "This is a great model for newspapers who want to move into the electronic world and who are willing to work with new partners." That's ironic, because Easterly, as head of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, was among the loudest voices opposing BellSouth and other phone companies' moves into online information services.
In the wake of this, "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution" reported other local newspaper-phone company deals may be in the works. The Los Angeles Times is reportedly talking to Pacific Telesis according to the Journal-Constitution. NYNEX in New York and Newsday, a New York newspaper, are testing a voice mail service. And the New Jersey Press Association has agreed to develop electronic services for Bell Atlantic' system in that state.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930610/Press Contact: BellSouth, Tim Klein 404-249-4135, Lynda Stewart, Cox Enterprises, 404-843-5123)
Cox Enterprises, 404-843-5123)
6/10/93
BellSouth, Cox Announce Deal
TELECOM
Sprint-Visa Phone Service Promis
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- The deal announced yesterday by Visa and Sprint to offer combine calling card and credit card functions could affect more than the phone business.
According to David Schwing, president of Sprint's consumer services group, it could mark the start of a merger between the billing systems of telephone companies and credit companies. Recently, Visa completed converting to a new system called Payment System-2000, which is far more sophisticated than past authorization systems. Phone companies, however, have the most efficient billing systems in the world, capable of tracking billions of individual calls costing less than $1 each each month.
To start, Schwing said, member Visa banks will put inserts into bills asking that customers contact Sprint. On that call, Sprint operators will assign them a security code, and a billing number usually their home phone number. Those numbers can then be used to access all Sprint services, including messaging and conference call services, from any telephone. And rates on those calls will be cut 25 percent -- that's 25 percent off Sprint or AT&T rates, Schwing said. Customers will be able to access Sprint by dialing "10 VSA," or 10872m then using their home telephone numbers, plus four-digit Visa codes for authorization.
For now, those calls will be a single line-item on the Visa bill or they can be made part of a regular Sprint bill. You don't have to use Sprint as your default long-distance company to get such a bill, Schwing noted -- "Fon" cards are available to everyone.
But that's just the start. Down the road, "Member banks could let us directly bill calls on the Visa statement." This would mean individual calls would appear, separately, on the credit card statement. "That would be available to member banks at their request." Making that happen, however, will require an unprecedented level of cooperation between the billing systems of Sprint and those of Visa member banks. Down the road, Sprint might even handle complete billing services for member banks Schwing speculated.
Sprint is most excited about the program, however, because there are 304 million Visa cards in circulation worldwide, and this is a global program. It will be also be available through affiliations with British Telecom, Hong Kong Telecom, Sprint International and Telstra, formerly OTC Australia.
Visa member banks have been angry with AT&T ever since it launched its Universal Card, a Master Card which is now one of the most popular pieces of plastic going. Calls placed on the Universal Card, however, are billed at AT&T operator rates. What's interesting here, is that Visa is offering the same calling capabilities for 25 percent less. MCI has calling card arrangements with both Master Card and Visa.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930610/Press Contact: Robin Pence, Sprint 202-828-7426)
n/19930610/Press Contact: Robin Pence, Sprint 202-828-7426)
6/10/93
Sprint-Visa Phone Service Promises 25% Discount Over AT&T
TELECOM
Bells Displeased With Bill They
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Senators Daniel Inouye, a Hawaii Democrat, and John Danforth, a Missouri Republican, introduced a bill that would let telephone companies compete in cable television, and vice versa. The Bell companies had been seeking the right to enter the cable television business, with Bell Atlantic launching trials of video services in its area, Southwestern Bell buying a Washington-area cable company, and US West buying into Time Warner's cable operations. The bill was introduced as the Telecommunications Infrastructure Act of 1993.
But many phone companies immediately denounced the plan, charging it would let cable companies "cherry pick" their best customers and would not let them into long distance.
The bill is simple. It would remove state regulations barring or restricting entry by cable companies into local phone service and allow phone companies to provide cable service on a competitive basis if they file tariffs before entering the business.
But the Bells said protections for rural areas were inadequate noting that rural rates are subsidized by urban and suburban customers. Many small towns don't get cable, and the Bells fear that cable companies could undercut them since they wouldn't have to subsidize rural customers. The Bells are also anxious to get into the long distance business, and say without that right they don't have "regulatory parity." Pacific Telesis, Bell Atlantic, and BellSouth all issued press statements against the bill as written. Hearings on it start in three weeks.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930610/Press Contact: Sen. Daniel Inouye 202-224-3121)
s Contact: Sen. Daniel Inouye 202-224-3121)
6/10/93
Bells Displeased With Bill They Requested
TELECOM
Editorial- Microsoft At Work
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- By Jim Mallory. Well, yesterday reporters got to see another part of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates "Vision Of The Future," and if things go like Bill hopes, he may have put the coup de grace to IBM's attempts to compete in the operating system arena.
After all, will users really be satisfied with something that just runs personal computers when they can get a single piece of software that not only performs that task, but also ties all the office gadgets - fax machines, copiers, and telephones - together so they can share information? Just think of it. You can touch the screen attached to your computer to dial a call, with the name and number being maintained in a database on your computer. Or create a word processing document and send it to as fax machine which will broadcast it to a whole list of addressees from the same database at a later time when phone line rates are lower. Or instruct your copy machine to print the same document and collate it without having to stand in line at the office copier. How about using your battery operated laptop computer or a new Personal Assistant while your sitting in a parking lot or in a meeting room to contact the office computer via a cellular modem and download or display information you need for the meeting or your next sales call?
Those are just some of the promises Microsoft At Work, the technology reporters got to hear about yesterday in New York, holds. While none of those devices are sitting on the store shelf yet, some of the vendors are promising they will be offering Microsoft At Work-based devices as early as the end of this year. Others, like Compaq, say their systems will be out in 1994. And Bill can't go wrong, can he? If all these nifty gadgets aren't forthcoming, it's not his fault. He promised the software -- the other guys just couldn't deliver the hardware.
It's rumored that Microsoft had to agree with its "partners" not to enter the hardware market. I don't wonder. If you were a maker of fax machines or copiers or phones, would you want that spectre rearing its ugly head? Few companies have the financial and market clout to compete with Microsoft should the software giant decide it wants a share of your market. Of course the telecommunications companies like AT&T and Bell Atlantic, which have announced support for Microsoft At Work, aren't too worried. They have that business pretty well tied up. But I'm glad I don't build fax machines or copiers.
Don't get me wrong, I think all this is great, and I want to be able to do all the things Microsoft At Work promises. I'm a booster of the free enterprise system, and Newsbytes readers may remember that when other companies were carping about Microsoft not telling them its trade secrets, I defended Microsoft. Building a better mousetrap has always been one of the great American dreams. So I, like you, await Microsoft At Work devices with great anticipation, and if it sounds the death knell of other operating systems, so be it.
What's next, Mr. Gates? Can we look for a "partnership" that will combine the personal computer, fax machine, copier, printer, and phone all into one device the size of a notebook computer, with everything driven by Microsoft software? Could be.
(Jim Mallory/19930610)
(Jim Mallory/19930610)
6/10/93
Editorial- Microsoft At Work
EDITORIAL
TRENDS
Software Toolworks Posts 4Qtr Lo
NOVATO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Although software publisher Software Toolworks incurred a net loss of $451,000 for its 1993 fiscal fourth quarter, the company actually reported net income of $3,500,000, or 12 cents per share on revenues of $119,600,000 for its fiscal year ended March 31, 1993.
The company says that the FY revenue is in contrast to a net loss of $14,500,000, or (59 cents) per share on revenues of $102,600,000 for the prior fiscal year.
For the fourth quarter the company losses panned out to two cents per share on $27,800,000 in revenues versus a net loss of $16,000,000 or (63 cents) per share on revenues of $23,100,000 for the same period last fiscal year.
The company says that revenues for fiscal 1993 grew 17 percent over the prior fiscal year. Software revenues grew 47 percent in fiscal 1993 to $57,000,000, while cartridge revenues were down 14 percent to $43,000,000. However, revenues for the company's popular Miracle Piano Teaching System were up 39 percent to $19,600,000 for fiscal 1993.
Fourth quarter revenues increased 20 percent above the fiscal 1992 fourth quarter. The company also says that gross profit for the 1993 fourth quarter grew 224 percent over the same period a year ago.
The company also says that Bob Lloyd, who joined the company in October 1990, and who led the company's turnaround as president and chief operating officer, has been appointed chief executive officer. The former chief executive officer and founder Les Crane, becomes the company's creative director and remains chairman of the board.
In announcing the result, Lloyd said, "Obviously, the year-to-year financial turnaround that we've accomplished at The Software Toolworks is most gratifying. However, we feel there's still much work ahead along with a number of tremendous upside opportunities. The Software Toolworks is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth in the CD-ROM multimedia arena."
As reported by Newsbytes, the company first started posting profitable quarters with its second fiscal quarter 1991, after two years of losses. The company has continued to do well since, due in no small part to its highly popular Miracle Piano a piano learning product.
At the beginning of June, Newsbytes reported that the company was set to introduce no less than 29 new products, including nine new CD-ROM titles for MS-DOS and Apple Computer Macintoshes.
(Ian Stokell/19930610/Press Contact: Vincent L. Turzo 415-883-3000 ext 568, Software Toolworks)
L. Turzo 415-883-3000 ext 568, Software Toolworks)
6/10/93
Software Toolworks Posts 4Qtr Loss, FY1993 Profit
BUSINESS
Semiconductor Billings Up 35% Ov
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- The key market indicator for the semiconductor industry, the book-to bill ratio was down for May, but the actual numbers from which the ratio is taken are up as much as thirty-five percent over last year. The announcement was made by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), who also announced support for Clinton's trade policy with Japan.
The May preliminary figure is 1.12, down from 1.16 in April. A book-to-bill of 1.12 means that for every $100 of products shipped (billed), $112 of new orders come in (bookings). Any book-to-bill ratio higher than 1.0 is good news, the SIA said.
However, the numbers from which the ratio is taken were up. Semiconductor billings were $1.972 billion, up 2.0 percent from the $1.974 billion recorded for April. Billings are up 34.4 percent from the May 1992 figure of $1.456 billion. The figures are compiled based on surveys of key semiconductor manufacturers participating in the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) program. The SIA has credited the strong growth in the semiconductor market this year to the growth in the personal computer (PC) market.
In addition, the SIA's chairman, Gil Amelio, who also serves as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of National Semiconductor, issued a statement of support for President Clinton's trade policy toward Japan. "In the case of semiconductor trade, a quantitative yardstick to measure progress, and strong government and industry cooperation, along with the industry's commitment to serving the Japanese market have been essential to the increased market share that has been achieved in Japan," Amelio said.
"The SIA will continue to pursue the program of the past seven years which focuses on increased market share in Japan consistent with our demonstrated competitiveness in world markets. At a time when American semiconductor manufacturers' market share outside Japan is greater than fifty-six percent it is clear that more progress must be made before the Japanese market can truly be considered to operate solely on free market principles."
"There should be no misunderstanding regarding the SIA's resolve to gain greater access to Japan's semiconductor market. There should also be no mistaking our willingness to work in partnership with the US government and seek whatever actions may be needed to ensure continued progress."
(Linda Rohrbough/19930610/Press Contact: Tom Beerman, SIA, tel 408-246-2711, fax 408-246-2830)
rman, SIA, tel 408-246-2711, fax 408-246-2830)
6/10/93
Semiconductor Billings Up 35% Over Last Year
TRENDS
UK - Vodafone Sees Market For On
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- In an unexpected display of generosity, Vodafone's CEO Gerry Whent has conceded that Mercury's One-2-One digital mobile phone network will have a market when it launches later this summer, but he still expects Cellnet and Vodafone's analogue cellular services to dominate the market-place for some time to come.
One-2-One is the name of the joint venture company between US West and Cable & Wireless that will launch its digital mobile phone network within the M25 "ring" around London in July. The company claims that it will offer its services at between 30 and 40 percent lower than those of Cellnet and Vodafone, the two existing analogue cellular services in the UK.
"I believe there's a niche for their offering but the real players will still be Vodafone and Cellnet," Whent said, adding that the initial restriction of coverage to the London area would be a severe limitation on its ability to penetrate the market.
Noting that the system is committed under the terms of its licence to roll the service out on a national basis within the next seven years, Whent said that this geographical restriction will prevent many users from considering the service as an alternative to Vodafone or Cellnet, as well as the Vodafone GSM digital network.
Whent was also highly critical of some media sources that predict a market penetration of one in ten users in the UK by the end of the decade. "If people start saying there's going to be more than that they're pie in the skying," said Whent.
Currently, Cellnet and Vodafone have a combined market penetration of about one in 40 adults in the UK, despite pushing hard over the last year with a range of innovative consumer tariffs.
(Steve Gold/19930610/Press & Public Contact: Vodafone - Tel: 0635 33251)
/Press & Public Contact: Vodafone - Tel: 0635 33251)
6/10/93
UK - Vodafone Sees Market For One-2-One Mobile Net
TELECOM
EC Retaliates Against US Trade S
LUXEMBURG, EUROPE, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- After weeks of being criticized as unresponsive to tariff barrier threats from the US the European Commission (EC) has reacted angrily, imposing what it claims are tariff counter-measures that will cost US firms at least $15 million a year in lost business.
At a meeting of the EC Council earlier this week, EC officials rubber-stamped plans to specifically ban US firms from bidding on public supply contracts worth less than UKP 100,000. Analysts have noted, however, that the action is very much a negotiating tactic since it is only a drop in the ocean in terms of US business activity in Europe.
The EC list of actions almost exactly matches those imposed by the US under Title VII of its 1988 Trade Act that were imposed earlier this year when discussions on US entry into the European telecoms market broke down. US news sources suggest that these US sanctions will cost European companies almost $20 million a year in lost contracts.
Although there is a significant chance that either side may get a little trigger happy on further sanctions and tariff barriers, EC sources suggest that the EC ruling will at least get both sides around a negotiating table. If this is successful, it could lead to a fresh set of rules on global trading -- the general agreement on trade and tariffs (GATT) -- being thrashed out. Analysts suggest that a new set of GATT rules will boost trade between the US and Europe by as much as $200 million a year.
(Steve Gold/19930610)
million a year.
(Steve Gold/19930610)
6/10/93
EC Retaliates Against US Trade Sanctions
European Telecoms Firms Recoil A
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- The billion dollar deal between British Telecom and MCI is causing consternation among the European telecoms companies, as they face up to the fact that they must form alliances if they are to cut costs to maintain their profitability.
The European telecom companies' problem is that, under the free trade agreement between European Community (EC) countries, which became law from the beginning of the year, their domestic customers can quite legally contract with BT for the provision of inter country telecom links within Europe. In addition, the MCI deal means that BT's transatlantic call pricing will fall substantially over the coming months.
Several industry analysts report a flurry of activity behind the scenes, despite the fact that all appears calm on the surface. "Outwardly France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom will remain cool and calm but inwardly there will be a feeling of unease," said Nick Williams, an analyst at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu International in London.
France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom have not been unaware of the threat from BT and others in the European telecoms market-place. In March last year, the two state-controlled companies set up a joint venture operation known as Eunetcom, with the express aim of offering international services on an out of country basis.
Although the new venture has yet to sign any major customers, it has been in active discussions with Cable & Wireless in the Far East, as well as AT&T and MCI in the US, regarding an inter-continental link up. MCI's decision to side with BT means that an AT&T link-up with Eunetcom is a distinct possibility.
Not that Eunetcom is the only possible European partner for AT&T. The Netherlands, Swedish and Swiss state-controlled telecoms companies have their own joint venture company -- Unisource -- that is still in its early stages. In the days following the BT-MCI link up, three other country telecom companies, Tele Denmark, Norwegian Telecom and Telecom Finland have indicated an interest in joining the Unisource consortium.
Both Eunetcom and Unisource were set up to prepare for the full deregulation of the European telecoms market-place which will take place on January 1, 1988. While the BT-MCI link-up is now irreversible, there is no doubt that there will be other inter country liaisons, although perhaps not on the same scale as BT's and MCI's.
(Steve Gold/19930610)
le as BT's and MCI's.
(Steve Gold/19930610)
6/10/93
European Telecoms Firms Recoil At BT-MCI Deal
TELECOM
Northern Extends VISIT To IBM PC
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- Northern Telecom Ltd. has extended its Visual Interactive Technology (VISIT) desktop conferencing system, originally released for the Apple Macintosh, to IBM and compatible personal computers.
According to Northern, this makes VISIT the only multimedia conferencing system that can link Macintoshes and PCs.
When Northern launched VISIT on the Macintosh a year ago, a spokeswoman told Newsbytes the PC version was due to be available in September, 1992. Company spokesman Pete Settles said it is shipping now.
VISIT Video permits two-way desktop videoconferencing over 56-kilobit-per-second lines linking Apple Macintosh computers and/or IBM and compatible PCs running the DOS operating system Version 5.0 and Microsoft Windows 3.1.
Full screen-sharing and file-transfer capabilities, which were not in the early Macintosh version, have now been added to both the Macintosh and PC versions, Settles said.
The complete package, including software, video board, and cabling, costs C$3,750, or US$3,899 in the United States.
VISIT Voice, a call-management tool that lets users dial, set up directories, log phone calls, and track usage, is available separately for C$170 or US$139.
Northern said the software conforms to Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) standards, which are gradually spreading across North America. It also works with private branch exchanges and switching equipment from Northern Telecom and other vendors.
Northern said VISIT Video will be available in color by mid-year and a multi-point bridge to let several users participate in a vidoeconference will also be available later in 1993.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- In a move aimed at Computer Associates, Minnesota Software Systems Development is giving away two million copies of its software.
All anyone has to do to get one of the products is to send a letter of request. Bargain hunters can choose between the company's Living Trust Software and Business Strategy Development Software, both normally retail at $149.95.
Requests should be mailed to: M.S.S.D.C., P.O. Box 54170 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454.
The company thinks that the shipment of the two million free copies of the software, as opposed to just samples or demos, is a marketing first, in the software industry.
In announcing the freebie deal, company President Brent Knapp claims that Americans are displaying a positive desire to control their own financial destinies. The company also claims that because the software was written by teams of attorneys and managers, it is the best financial advice available without hiring an attorney or financial consultant.
Living Trust Software provides the user with information and forms on disk to build a trust. Among the areas covered are Married Trust, Single Trust, Children's Irrevocable Trust, Amendments, Wills four different types of Power of Attorneys, and Quitclaim Deeds. The package includes over 45 different forms and is valid in all 50 states.
According to the company, the Business Strategy Development is a complete business plan outline integrating the experience and knowledge of operating business and industry. It is over 170 pages and includes 65 word processing and spreadsheet files. Also included is the company's new Incorporation Software, which includes all the necessary forms to incorporate in all 50 states.
Both packages are available in IBM, Windows and Macintosh format and can be used with both laser and dot matrix printers. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with customers paying only $6.99 postage and handling, which must be included with request.
(Ian Stokell/19930610/Press Contact: Bob Lockrem 612-673-0922, Minnesota Software Systems Development Corp.)
Minnesota Software Systems Development Corp.)
6/10/93
Firm Slashes Software Prices -- To Nothing!
GENERAL
3DO President Asserts Multimedia
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 10 (NB) -- In speaking to the National Cable Television Association convention in San Francisco, 3DO Chief Executive Officer Trip Hawkins said the new set-top boxes planned by cable companies for interactive multimedia have to be less than $200. Hawkins was not referring to the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, scheduled for release this fall, but to the cable boxes planned for the mass market by several cable companies.
The first focus of the cable providers in the set-top boxes is to provide video-on-demand. But by 1995 or 1996 predictions are consumers will have access to interactive services such as shopping, game playing, and live opinion polls.
To get the horsepower needed to compress and decompress video as well as to perform complex graphics, the planned cable boxes for the interactive networks will contain reduced instruction set computing (RISC) chips, the type that are the brains of workstation computers. Time Warner Cable and Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) announced plans to set up an entire prototype interactive multimedia cable system based on the SGI MIPS chip. The system is to be set up in Orlando, Florida by the end of 1993. Kaleida, Motorola, and Scientific Atlanta also announced a partnership to develop a set-top box whose brains will be the PowerPC RISC chip.
Representatives for 3DO said some cable companies are planning set-top boxes where a single chip alone costs the company $200. High materials costs could price the boxes out of consideration for the mass market. To attract a market of several million users to interactive multimedia services, the necessary equipment needs to cost less, according to Hawkins.
The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, also powered by a RISC chip will be in the $700 price range, but is billed as a home entertainment system. As previously announced, 302 software developers have committed to production of titles for the 3DO player. In addition, representatives for 3DO told Newsbytes the Interactive Multiplayer will be capable of performing the same functions as the new RISC-based set-top cable boxes.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930610/Press Contact: Diane Hunt, 3DO, tel 415-574-6786)
/19930610/Press Contact: Diane Hunt, 3DO, tel 415-574-6786)
6/10/93
3DO President Asserts Multimedia Boxes Must Be Under $200
TRENDS
AT&T Links With Tata In India
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- AT&T and Tata Industries Ltd. announced today the formation of a joint venture to manufacture and market the former's flagship telecom digital switching system, 5ESS for the Indian telecom market.
In the joint venture, AT&T Switching Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. AT&T holds a 51 percent majority in equity partnership and Tatas the remaining 49 percent in the agreement valued at approximately $35 million (Rs 1.1 billion). The manufacturing facility will be located in Bangalore, India's high-tech city for R&D, and manufacturing of electronic products and software.
5ESS switch manufacturing will go into operation within one year of the start of construction, scheduled to begin later this year.
Meanwhile, as part of the recent tenders by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), a 10,000-line 5ESS switch was recently installed in Ahmedabad and successfully met validation requirements and performance capabilities which are greater than most of the other systems in the fray. It is now poised to pick up further orders in the next round of tendering for digital switching by the government's DoT.
The joint venture combines the strengths of two major giants, the world leader in telecommunications and India's leading industrial group. "India is a country of considerable strategic importance to AT&T," said Randall L. Tobias, vice chairman of AT&T who addressed a crowded press conference, along with Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Industries. Also present on the occasion were Edward Prell Switching Systems International vice president, AT&T Network Systems, and Bala E. Kuchinad, who has just been appointed president of AT&T India.
As a part of AT&T's move to firmly establish itself in India Kuchinad, formerly director of strategy and market development will also assume the role of AT&T corporate lead manager for the entire country.
In 1992, AT&T Network Systems formed its first joint venture in India with a 50 percent stake in Trans-India Network Systems Pvt. Ltd. with Tata Telecom Ltd., a subsidiary of Tata Industries, to manufacture and market telecom transmission products.
Working in partnership with VSNL, AT&T Communications Services offers advanced services between India and the United States. These include long distance voice services on mostly digitized communications links and high speed digital data services. Specific services available in India include AT&T USADirect Service, allowing callers in India to reach directly an English-speaking AT&T operator in the United States; AT&T USADirect Namaskarr Seva one of AT&T USADirect's in-language services, which enables callers to reach nearly 58 countries with the help of an AT&T operator, and Skynet, a satellite data communications service that operates at 64 kb/s for software export from India.
On the other hand, AT&T NCR is also believed to be starting up its operations in India -- a 100 percent export-oriented unit. Krishna Tanuku, managing director of AT&T India Ltd. Liaison Office, has left for US to finalize those arrangements.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930611)
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930611)
6/11/93
AT&T Links With Tata In India
TELECOM
NEC Offers Disk-Based Digital Bo
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Japan's NEC has developed a digital book player whose floppy-disk-based volumes can also be read on existing PCs. Due for release this fall, the digital book player will be half the size of a B5-sized document and will weigh about 650g. The price will be around 50,000 yen ($455).
NEC's version is slightly larger than Sony's compact disc-based book player but is more flexible in that its books are on PC-readable 3.5-inch floppy disks. The proprietary software to operate this book player is expected to be sold for NEC's best-selling personal computer the PC-9801.
Data equal to about 1,000 pages of a standard book can be stored on each disk. On a desktop PC's large screen, users will be able to display two pages of data at a time instead of just one page as would appear on the book player.
NEC is planning to link with major Japanese book publishers such as Iwanami or Shogakukan, and aims for the release of about 50 software titles by this September. The prices of the titles will be about 2,000 yen ($18) -- or about the cost of a hardcover book.
NEC is also enlisting the help of printing firms such as Dainippon printing and Toppan printing which will actually input data and make the disk software-based books from those that are already in print.
NEC expects to sell more than 650,000 book players within three years. Due to its compatibility with the million-seller personal computer, the PC-9801, the book player is expected to be well-accepted in the Japanese market.
Currently, Sony has been selling a CD-ROM (compact disc)-based book player. Despite its high price, the product is selling well in Japan. Matsushita Electric and Sanyo have also released these book players after receiving an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supply from Sony.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Japan's industry newspaper says Apple Computer and Novell are discussing joint development of the Macintosh operating system for Intel chip-based personal computers. Apple Computer's (Tokyo) spokeswoman would not comments on the report.
According to the Nikkan Kogyo newspaper (June 11), Apple Computer and Novell in the US are discussing development of a version of the Macintosh operating system for Intel's 80486-based PCs. The idea behind the joint project is to go beyond Motorola chip-based computers to gain market share in the larger 80486 PC arena, according to the report.
Apple Computer and Novell have previous agreements which resulted in Novell's being granted a license for use of the Macintosh operating system in Netware for Macintosh. Joint development of an Intel version of the Macintosh operating system is seen as presenting Novell with big advantages because it will also be able to sell its LAN software on the same PCs.
Any joint development of a PC-based Macintosh is being regarded by observers as risky for Apple since it could eat into sales of existing Macintoshes.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930611/Press Contact: Apple Computer Tokyo, +81-3-5411-8715)
ple Computer Tokyo, +81-3-5411-8715)
6/11/93
Intel Version Of Macintosh OS Seen
APPLE
System Uses Motorola Paging To S
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Detailed data on fire alarms, security breaches, hospital Code Blues, and other emergencies will soon be just a "beep" away, due to a new alliance between Motorola and Simplex Time Recorder Co.
In the first major deal to involve Motorola's new Site Connect paging product family, Motorola's Alert Central paging technology will be integrated with Simplex alarm equipment so as to let critical information show up instantly on pagers.
During an interview with Newsbytes, officials of the two companies said that the newly integrated system is not only faster but more cost effective than traditional emergency warning methods for medical, industrial, and corporate campus environments.
Ron Kirby, director of Building Systems Marketing for Gardner, MA based Simplex, told Newsbytes that, up to now, Simplex customers have been using a system in which alerts are sent digitally to a central site, for viewing on an LCD (liquid crystal display) or CRT (cathode ray tube) called a "central enunciator."
At the central location, a person keeps an eye on the enunciator contacting a nurse, security guard, or other roving employee by two-way radio whenever an emergency arises, he added.
In Simplex's new, Alert Central-based system, though, data will be transmitted digitally from end-to-end, sparing the need for a central enunciator and human interpreter. "The economic implications of not requiring human intervention at the central location are obvious," commented Kirby. Notification and response time are speeded, as well.
To illustrate applications, Kirby cited the example of a patient in a severe stage of Alzheimer's disease, who is outfitted with a special bracelet to prevent the risk of unsupervised travel outside a hospital unit. The bracelet activates a receiver in the door which is hard-wired to the paging system. "A nurse can be immediately summoned to meet the patient at the door," he noted.
The Simplex system incorporates a "black box" that is used to convert data from Simplex format to Motorola format, plus the same Motorola pagers that are being utilized in Motorola's Site Alert alarm service and the other two members of the new Site Connect family: Site Call and Site Message.
Site Call will add paging capabilities to office voicemail. Site Message will send faxes, e-mail, and calendar messages from the user's PC to a pager.
The Motorola pagers are alphanumeric, meaning that words as well as numbers can be displayed. This capability allows transmission of highly detailed information, stressed Steve Spiro, director of Motorola's Boynton Beach, FL-based Customer Owned Paging Operations. The pagers can be set by users to either vibrate silently or emit a beep.
Motorola is now training Simplex field sales engineers in ways of surveying prospective customer locations to find out how much RF (radio frequency) power will be required at each site.
The engineers will use this information in preparing proposals and sales quotes for prospects. "The level of enthusiasm among our customers is extremely high," Kirby reported.
Simplex manufactures and markets a complete line of systems for fire detection, alarms, security and access control, nurse call time recording and time management, and engineered sound and communications. The company maintains more than 130 sales and service branch offices in North America, as well as distribution in other countries throughout the world.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930611/Press contact: Marianne Radwan, Capital Relations for Motorola, tel 407-391-4404)
wan, Capital Relations for Motorola, tel 407-391-4404)
6/11/93
System Uses Motorola Paging To Spell Out Emergencies
TRENDS
Telecom Software For Hearing Imp
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Futuresoft Engineering has announced that it is shipping an enhanced version of its DynaComm 3.1 Windows communications program which features special on-screen visual clues for hearing impaired users.
Although it is apparent that visually impaired computer users face formidable obstacles when it comes to using telecommunications software, it may not be as obvious to most people that hearing impaired users will also require special software to make bulletin board and other services easy to use.
The latest release of DynaComm provides special animated Windows icons that activate during operation to display the same information normally provided by audio signals from the user's modem.
Since most feedback for dial tone acquisition and exchange of protocol settings are signaled by sounds, the lack of this feedback for hearing impaired users can make telecommunications tasks quite difficult.
Although external modems do provide signal lights or a combination of lights and LCD text display to indicate modem status, this is not true for most internal modems and in any case, the visual indicators supplement, but do not replace the audio indicators.
Icons supplied by the new FutureSoft communications software include those which indicate a busy signal, a broken connection and other normally audible signals.
These same icons are also highly useful for non-hearing-impaired workers who are either situated remotely from the actual modem or can't hear the signals for other environmental reasons such as being in a noisy location.
A free copy of the upgrade is available to hearing impaired users of registered copies of DynaComm 3.1.
(John McCormick/19930610/Press Contact: Contact: Dawn Whaley Alexander Communications, 404-325-7555, or fax 404-325-8041)
ons, 404-325-7555, or fax 404-325-8041)
6/11/93
Telecom Software For Hearing Impaired
Editorial - Good Reviews And Bad
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- By John McCormick. According to reports initially aired on CNBC, Sony has apparently given up on cracking the US personal computer market, but just what caused this failure for a company which has proven to be solid-gold in the consumer electronics field?
Well, I may be a bit prejudiced here but, as a computer journalist who has written more than 1,500 reviews which have appeared in nearly 100 different computer publications, I have seen many companies' products come and go and, while they may all have had major flaws that caused them to fail, a number of them shared one important marketing position - they didn't send out review units to freelancers.
The Japanese keep telling us that the real reason foreign companies can't compete with Japanese firms in that country is that they don't play by Japanese rules. Well, Sony, I have news for you; in this country people pay a lot more attention to computer columnists opinions than they do to full-page color ads.
Sony may make great computer devices. Personally, I don't know because I have never had one here in my office where I can really evaluate it.
I do know that IBM, Apple, Compaq, AST, ALR, Dell, Swan, Hayes Practical Peripherals, Boca, and hundreds of other companies have some fine products (along with a few real dogs) and I have said so in my columns and reviews, but all I know about Sony products is what I have read or seen at trade shows and you can't believe anything you see or hear at a trade show.
Over the years I have often tried to obtain Sony products for review in my columns, buyer's guides, and books, but even when I am one of a handful of journalists covering a particular area in depth (optical storage is a prime example, with my two books and several print columns) I get nothing from Sony, or most of the other Asian-based companies, beyond press releases.
Since European and US companies often fall all over themselves to get products into my hands for review, I can only assume that this lack of review units is due to some Japanese cultural bias or else a reluctance to expose their products to my scrutiny.
Sony isn't alone in this among Asian companies, nor is the problem confined to Asia; it is just more common there. Hewlett Packard is also notoriously difficult to get products from for review purposes, providing them to some magazines but making it quite hard for freelancers to make contact. I would like to point out that virtually no one has bought a copy of NewWave and whether HP was afraid I wouldn't like it or just because they didn't think my columns and reviews were important, it also happens that I failed in five separate attempts to obtain a review copy.
On one occasion I was told that the only person who could approve a review copy of NewWave would be out of the office for several weeks -- now that's real PR savvy! In my experience, Sony is even worse.
By contrast, I have about 12 copies of Microsoft Windows 3.1 lying around. I don't particularly like it, but I have honestly evaluated it and pointed out that for some users it is a very important product, even while it isn't for me.
Needless to say, Windows gets coverage in my books and my column in the largest newspaper targeted to federal government buyers, while HP's NewWave barely gets a mention both because it has a tiny market share and because I have never seen it so I can't say much about it anyway.
Sony products haven't appeared in my columns at all but did get limited coverage in two of my books because they at least sent press kits with photographs of their products.
By contrast, Philips sent a review unit of their "Imagination Machine" which has an entire chapter in "The New Optical Storage Technology," John A. McCormick, Business-ONE Irwin, July 1993.
This isn't prejudice, nor was the limited coverage of Sony's optical products revenge for their not loaning a product for review; it's just that I couldn't say much about Sony hardware because I had nothing but their press releases to work from while I actually had a Philips machine to run through its paces so I had a lot more to say about it.
Many other Asian-based companies get no reviews from me because they also fail to make it easy (or even possible) to obtain loaners.
I must point out that NEC doesn't suffer from this marketing blind spot; I have always found them cooperative and therefore I have reviewed their products.
Most US companies recognize that the best way to stand out from the crowd is not to buy bigger ads but to get their products reviewed by respected journalists. There is no comparable network of freelance journalists in the consumer electronics field, so Sony has not suffered from this blind spot there.
Maybe that isn't the way it is done in Japan but if you want to really make a hit in the computer market you had better have some good independent reviews to back up your claims.
No, I don't think that Sony has trouble in the US PC market because they don't send me review units; my ego isn't that big thank you, but they do regularly fail to send review units to dozens of other well-known journalists and a number of us especially those with large circulations in important publications, only write about products we have personally tested.
(John McCormick/19930608/)
nally tested.
(John McCormick/19930608/)
6/11/93
Editorial - Good Reviews And Bad Marketing
EDITORIAL
BUSINESS
Zenith Tests 16-VSB Digital Cabl
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Zenith Electronics Corporation tested a digital cable television technology that demonstrated the ability to transmit and receive two high definition television signals simultaneously on a single cable channel earlier this week.
The test, conducted by Zenith in conjunction with Viacom Cablevision of San Francisco, was intended to show the transmission capabilities of Zenith's 16-level vestigial sideband digital modulation technology, known as 16-VSB. The technology complements any video compression techniques.
In the test, two digital signals recorded on a compressed videotape were transmitted on channel JJ (channel 46) from Viacom's cable head-end through a 19-amplifier cascade to the receiving site, a booth at the National Cable Television Association convention held in San Francisco this week. At the receiving end the signals were demodulated and decompressed using hardware from the Zenith-At&T digital high definition television (HDTV) system, and displayed on a prototype Zenith 34W HDTV receiver. Zenith says the 16-VSB system was tested by Cable Television Laboratories this spring and by Videoway Communications in Canada last month.
The testing was significant, says Zenith Cable Products Division President John Bowler, because it shows that the system can provide 33 percent more data than the proposed 64-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) approaches used in cable television transmissions. "In addition to the capability of transmitting two full HDTV channels the system will be able to deliver as many as 23 movie channels or nine live video channels in each 6 megahertz analog cable channel," according to Bowler. Most important, we can do this using current video compression techniques."
The system includes a unique synchronizing signal system that includes a pilot carrier, allowing it to acquire and lock the digital signal even in adverse nose and interference conditions sometimes found in cable distribution systems. Zenith division VP of advanced television research and development Wayne Luplow says data can be received error free even with micro-reflections, commonly known as ghosts, and white noise conditions, because of the synchronization signals and forward error corrections.
Zenith spokesperson John Taylor told Newsbytes the successful test will help HDTV get off the ground more quickly. "The ability to transmit 43 megabits per second down a six megahertz channel is a unique capability of this digital modulation technique. Until now cable operators planned to carry a single HDTV signal on each cable channel. With channels being a precious commodity, that is important." Taylor said the technology also expands the cable channel's 500-channel system to a 1,000-channel system.
Taylor said the FCC is expected to adopt an HDTV standard by 1994. Recently the companies that were competing agreed to combine their technologies into a single system. Taylor says that will benefit both the companies involved and the viewing public. "We all win. We share the costs and the benefits," according to Taylor. Zenith expects to have the system ready for testing within a year.
Zenith also announced plans to work with "TV Guide On Screen" on an interactive electronic program guide which would capitalize on the flexibility and advanced display capabilities of Zenith's HT-2000 addressable cable converter to receive the program service. The HT-2000 is an addressable decoder with built-in capability to receive and display electronic program guide and other data services from multiple providers.
(Jim Mallory/19930610/Press contact: John Taylor, Zenith Electronics Corporation, 708-391-8181)
or, Zenith Electronics Corporation, 708-391-8181)
6/11/93
Zenith Tests 16-VSB Digital Cable TV Technology
TELECOM
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market
C&W Secures Cellular Contract Fo
State Regulators Face Sunset
Japanese Silicon Valley Project
Fulcrum Announces Major Push Int
Kaleida, Motorola, Sci-Atl Plan
IDB Sets Deal With Hughes
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Te
NYNEX Selling BIS
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With
US Survey Reports Large Users Hi
PsychSoft Offers Survey Software
India - Radio Paging Is DOT's Ne
Touchstone Offers Free Disk Chec
ltimedia Alliance Su
Correction - Stacker 3.1 Ships,
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Stac Electronics says the new version of its data compression product, Stacker 3.1, is now shipping. Stacker 3.1 fits right into the MS-DOS 6.0 "hooks" for data compression, can replace Doublespace, and in fact, requires DOS 6.0 in order to run.
The product works with Windows 3.1 and DOS 6.0 and offers a conversion utility to allow Doublespace users to convert to Stacker. Like Doublespace, Stacker 3.1 offers another level of transparency to users by loading before DOS reads the environment files AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. In Windows, the product offers the Stackometer, a graphical gauge so users can monitor the disk space left, the compression ratio, and fragmentation levels on the drive.
Stac also claims Stacker will compress drives up to one gigabyte (GB) in size, which gives the user a two GB compressed drive. On the other hand, Doublespace will only compress a drive up 512 megabytes (MB) in size. Users wishing to compress larger drives with Doublespace must use DOS partitions.
Other features include: Stacker Anywhere, which allows users to write compressed data to any removable drive and the data can be read any IBM compatible personal computer, even those without Stacker installed; Unstack to uncompress a drive; Autoprotect to detect disk errors dynamically at boot; and Autorecovery to repair errors on the disk.
Suggested retail price of Stacker 3.1 for Windows & DOS is $149. Upgrades from Stacker 3.0 are $19.95. Stacker 3.0 users who purchased the product after March 30, 1993 can upgrade free, the company added. A competitive upgrade from another compression product to Stacker 3.1 is available for $79.95. Stac has also announced versions of Stacker for the Macintosh and for IBM's graphical operating system OS/2 which are expected to ship this month as well.
Stac Electronics is fighting for its survival. The company laid off 20 percent of its work force last month and is fighting a legal battle with software giant Microsoft, author of DOS 6.0. Microsoft negotiated with Stac last year to use its LZS compression scheme in MS-DOS 6.0, but Stac company officials maintain Microsoft refused to license the technology from the company. Microsoft says it offered Stac several different deals that would have meant "real money" to the software compression maker, but Stac officials rejected all the offers. Microsoft ended up licensing the basis for its Doublespace compression from Verisoft.
In January, before the release of DOS 6.0, Stac filed suit against Microsoft charging the beta version of DOS 6.0 was violation of its patents regarding its LZS technology. Microsoft counter-sued in February charging Stac deliberately stalled Microsoft's entry into the marketplace and Stac's products are in violation of one of its patents.
In addition, Stac is fighting its stockholders who filed suit in July, shortly after the company's initial public offering (IPO), charging they were misled about the company's performance by statements from the management. Microsoft has made it clear it has evidence that will help Stac's stockholders, claiming Stac withheld the knowledge that Microsoft was preparing to enter the data compression market from potential investors.
Stac is hoping reports of problems with the compression in MS DOS 6.0 will be of use in promoting Stacker 3.1. In fact, Stac has announced it plans a DOS 6.0 "rescue mission" this month offering DOS 6.0 users a scaled down special edition of Stacker 3.1 to replace Doublespace. The furor over Doublespace is dying down, as reports of serious bugs have turned out to be unconfirmed. Microsoft has confirmed two Doublespace problems neither of which are serious. A third bug, found by Stac, can only be replicated under special circumstances. However Stac is still betting users will switch.
RIDGEFIELD PARK, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Samsung has announced a new series of low-cost, 486-based PCs that will be sold direct to customers.
Samsung's new ValuePlus+ line includes one notebook, the Model S3800V, plus three desktop systems: models SD933V, SD966V, and SD760V. All three PCs will be available direct to customers through an 800 number starting June 15.
The SD933V and SD966V desktop computers each feature an Intel 486 architecture, two VESA local bus slots, and five ISA expansion slots.
The high-end SD966V, priced at $2,199, offers a 66 MHz processor a 250 MB hard drive, and 8 MB of RAM. The other Intel-based system, the SD933V, provides a 33 MHz processor, a 120 MB hard disk drive, and 4 MB of RAM for $1,600.
The SD760V, a desktop machine sold for $1,099, is based on a 25 MHz 486SLC processor from Cyrix. Other capabilities include a 120 MB hard drive, 2 MB of RAM (expandable to 16 MB), and flexible storage options.
Also three desktop systems also come with 3.5- and 5.25-inch floppy drives, a PS/2-style mouse, DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1, and a Samsung SVGA monitor optimized for Windows applications. The PCs are covered for one year of on-site service through an agreement with General Electric.
Samsung's new 5.9-pound S3800SV Notebook includes a Cyrix 486/25 MHz processor, 2 MB of RAM (expandable to 8 MB), a removable 2.5 inch 120 MB hard disk drive, a 3.5-inch floppy, a 10-inch LCD screen supplying 64 shades of gray, Windows 3.1, and Samsung's advanced Power Management System (PMS), which incorporates low battery alarm, suspend/resume, and the company's Smart Sleep Mode function.
One-year membership in Samsung's Executive Support Program (ESP) is also covered by the $1,499 price of the notebook.
In announcing the ValuePlus+ line, C.H. Park, executive vice president of Samsung's Information Systems Division, said that all PCs in the series will be shipped to customers within 24 hours of order placement.
Users will be able to order the new PCs by calling 1-800-724-6638.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930610/Press contact: Lydia Trettis or Bob Rinklin, HWH Public Relations for Samsung, tel 212-355-5049)
lic Relations for Samsung, tel 212-355-5049)
6/11/93
Samsung PC Line To Be Sold Direct To Users
Corel, New Media In SCSI Bundlin
CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- The Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) is an increasingly popular way to attach peripherals to a computer. And the trend towards portable computing has meant that some notebook vendors are unable to keep up with demand. Hoping to address the combined market Corel and New Media have signed an agreement which calls for New Media to bundle CorelSCSI for DOS and Windows with the its PCMCIA SCSI cards.
The New Media/CorelSCSI package is set for shipment in July and is claimed to be the world's first SCSI system to provide laptop and notebook users access to multimedia applications available on CD-ROM media.
In announcing the deal, Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and CEO of Corel, said: "Users....will be able to benefit from the performance and power of SCSI through the ability to connect with virtually any SCSI device available on the market."
New Media's president, Carl Perkins, echoed the sentiment claiming that, "Our Visual Media PCMCIA SCSI adapter card bundled with CorelSCSI is a highly integrated solution that allows users to effortlessly install peripherals such as SCSI CD-ROMs, disk and tape drives to their computers."
The companies say that the New media SCSI adapter card fits into PCMCIA card slots available on many laptops. The board includes on-card DMA with 32 kilobytes (KB) buffer on-card; on-card active termination; Microsoft Windows and Multimedia PC (MPC) compatibility; and 512KB of "publish" space on-card. The card also supports up to seven logical devices including all devices supported by CorelSCSI.
(Ian Stokell/19930610/Press Contact: New Media Corporation 714-453-0100; or Janie Sullivan, 613-728-8200 ext 1672 Corel Systems Corporation)
8200 ext 1672 Corel Systems Corporation)
6/11/93
Corel, New Media In SCSI Bundling Deal
BUSINESS
Ericsson To Work On Microsoft In
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Ericsson Business Networks a division of LM Ericsson, the Swedish telecoms giant, has revealed it is one of the companies working with Microsoft on its new telecoms hardware/software standard.
According to Ericsson, the company is currently working on integrating its MD110 private branch exchange (PBX) and DECT digital mobile phone systems with the new Microsoft architecture. The eventual aim is to integrate Ericsson's ATM and wide area network (WAN) technology with the Microsoft standard.
According to Ericsson, by working so closely with Microsoft Ericsson hopes to integrate its electronic mail and voice messaging technology with the desktop PC environment within a very short space of time, so fulfilling Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates' projection of an "all in one" desktop system.
"By integrating Microsoft software capabilities and Ericsson communication infrastructures, we will be able to provide solutions to our customers that substantially enhance the possibilities for effective collaboration," explained Lars Boman of Ericsson Business Networks.
(Steve Gold/19930616)
usiness Networks.
(Steve Gold/19930616)
6/11/93
Ericsson To Work On Microsoft Integration
TELECOM
Egghead To Host Business Softwar
ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Egghead Software announced this week that it will host a seminar next month that will showcase the industry's latest software releases, including applications, upgrades, operating systems, and technologies.
The company says the free "Smarter Computing" event will be held at the Holiday Inn Montgomery Field in San Diego, California July 13th. Egghead requests that you make reservations if you plan to attend and has a toll-free number, 800-344-5569. The company says in addition to the software in display, various seminars will be offered, and representatives of several software companies will be present to answer questions.
Seminar topics include "Improving System Performance: Microsoft System Strategies," "Increasing Productivity: Software Upgrades" "Bringing Multimedia To Business," and "The Power Of Information: New Database Developments." Representatives of Microsoft, Lotus, Borland IBM, Media Vision and Creative Labs will lead seminars.
Egghead's Cory Brown, Southern California district manager of corporate and government computers, will discuss Egghead's Electronic Commerce program, including Egghead Express, Electronic Data Interchange, and Electronic Software Distribution. The latter service is expected to be available by the end of the year.
Egghead says attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase software.
Egghead To Host Business Software Seminar In San Diego
GENERAL
Australia - Apple Cuts Prices 20
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Apple has announced another round of price cuts on its computer range. (Did someone just say there must be new models coming?) Models affected include PowerBooks desktops and imaging products.
Marketing Director David Rigg said the reductions reflect Apple's goal of strengthening Apple Australia's position as the leading personal computer vendor. "It's the next in a range of strategies aimed at increasing our leadership market share. For some time we've progressively enhanced the Macintosh as the most innovative personal computer platform with technologies such as QuickTime, personal file sharing and World-ready system software architectures."
"In addition we've broadened the use of Apple technologies by making many of them cross platforms, such as QuickTime for Windows and a range of imaging products. With today's announcement, our aim is to drive the market share through aggressive pricing."
Some examples of the Australian dollar pricing are: Mac IIvi 4/160 down to $2995 from $4295; Centris 650 8/230CD now $5985, down from $7495; Quadra 800 24/1000 $8195 from $8995 and the Apple Color Printer now $2495, down from $4495. (US$2 buys AUS$3 at present).
(Paul Zucker/19930611)
resent).
(Paul Zucker/19930611)
6/11/93
Australia - Apple Cuts Prices 20%
APPLE
Comdex - WordPerfect Announces 6
Japan - Mitsubishi Develops 4-Me
AST To Buy Tandy's Computer Manu
Lasermaster's Color Controller F
800,000 Copies Win/NT In 12 Mont
Microsoft Ships Access 1.1, Acce
NCR Enters UTS Mainframe Market
The Net E-Mail System & EMBARC L
IDB Mobile Deals
Lowest Priced Full-Motion Video
Dell Shuffles Product Execs
Payphone For The Deaf
Computer Network Technology To A
Cable Mess To Be Aired In Congre
Australia - Discounter To Open S
Fundamental Flaws In ATM Securit
-Day Free Tr
Review of Prince of Persia, Game
Runs on: Macintoshes
From: Broderbund Software 500 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94948 415-382-4700
Price: $49.95
PUMA rating: 3.75 (on a scale of 1=lowest to 4=highest)
Reviewed for NEWSBYTES by: Naor Wallach
Summary: An action game with some adventuring elements. Save the princess from the evil vizier before time runs out by getting out of the dungeon and killing all of the vizier's henchmen. Great graphics.
=======
REVIEW
=======
The Sultan has left the capital to fight a war. The evil Grand Vizier is ruling in his stead with an iron fist and much cruelty. In addition, the Grand Vizier has decided to marry the fair princess. You are the princess's real love but the Grand Vizier has placed you deep within the dungeons and has given the princess an ultimatum: either marry him within the hour, or die!
So, is your challenge clear? All you have to do is escape the dungeon and get to the princess in less than an hour. Simple right? Well... given that the dungeon has about twelve levels, that it is guarded by armed guards while you are not armed, that there are various traps and pitfalls along the way, and that you do not know the way out the answer is no.
Each level of the dungeon and the castle above it is a maze. In this game you have to be both an intrepid explorer as well as a master swordsman and accurate runner. Anything less means that you may die a horrible death and so will the princess.
The game takes over the whole screen on your Macintosh. You control your character using either the keyboard or a joystick. When using the keyboard, you need to learn how to use seven keys. Their function may change slightly between the normal explorations and the fighting scenes but overall, it is very easy to get the hang of what's what.
The dungeon from which you are trying to escape is full of surprises. Each screenful may show up to three stories. At times you will have to fight and kill some of the Grand Vizier's guards. At other times you must rely on your quickness and speed to get you through, and there are those times when you must solve some rudimentary puzzles to get through.
In addition to all the bad things, there are also various good things strewn throughout the dungeon. For instance, somewhere on the first level is a sword. This comes in very handy for beating some of the guards who are armed. If you approach an armed guard without a sword of your own, hell slice you to little bits.
The dungeon contains all kinds of traps. You will encounter sections of floor that give way under you, to sections of flooring that raise or lower gates, to hidden stakes that pop out of the ground, to big gaps that must be jumped over. At length, you will reach a door that allows you to go up to the next level. However, the door is normally closed.
This pulls in the adventuring aspects of the game. To open the door to the next level, you need to find the lever that opens it. Sometimes that lever is right there and it is clear how this must be done. At other times, an almost fiendish sequence of events has to happen to allow you to get to the lever and open the door. In at least one level, you must solve several problems in quick succession on your way BACK to the door to be able to get through it in time.
The game comes with three diskettes and a 20-page manual. The three diskettes contain the actual application and the files necessary for running the game on a black and white Macintosh. If you have a color equipped Macintosh, or a Macintosh LC, then the necessary files are present on the other two diskettes. Installation is simply a matter of copying the necessary files from the appropriate diskettes to your hard disk.
One of the more special features in this hand-eye coordination game is the beauty of the graphics and animation. The dungeon that you're trying to escape from is rendered in a very appealing way. The various elements like floors, and the stone walls really gave me the creeps. As they should have. When you reach the castle the whole mood changes and so does the rendering. In between levels, little scenes are played out that show the princess in various states of repose waiting for her hero.
The animation is superb. According to Broderbund, the programmers who created this game had access to a set of videotapes of actors performing the actions of the hero. Then they rendered the hero's actions to look as realistic as possible. In that they succeeded admirably. The first few times that I played the game, I spent almost as much time watching the hero move around as I did actually playing the game. When the hero jumps across a chasm and, at the last moment, grabs onto a chink in the wall and pulls himself in, the effect is just short of amazing.
As I said before, this game relies on hand-eye coordination. As a person who is older than 15, it took me several tries to master each series of steps that are necessary to complete a level. In several cases, it took many attempts before I figured out the proper sequence of moves and finger placements to get my hero through that level. Thankfully Broderbund has included a save feature in this game that saves your game at the beginning of the level you last reached. On the other hand, the amount of time left when you save is what gets saved as well. So, if you finally reach level 4 with only 3 minutes to spare, that's all you'll get from that point on. You are allowed to save games under different names so it is possible to have several games in progress.
The game is copy protected. The copy protection kicks in once in every saved game and after you have climbed out of the first level. A special, untimed, maze is displayed and you have to solve it. In this scene, you must find the right bottle to drink to get the door to the next level to open. Each bottle is labeled with a letter. You are given a page number in the manual and instructions on which letter within that page should be chosen. You have two chances to get it right. If you succeed, the door is opened to continue the game. If you do not succeed, you are booted out of the game.
I cannot say what happens when you finally save the princess. In the period of time allocated to this review I only managed to get as far as level 8. I do know what happens when time runs out. I'll leave it to your imagination, though.
In all, I really like this game. It has a good blend of action and thinking needed to solve the puzzle. It is a pleasure for me to play a game that does not require constant and unstoppable finger tapping to get through. In Prince of Persia I felt that I could take a second or two to catch my breath after getting through a tense spot and reflect on what should be done next. Yet, there was enough action to leave even the most devoted action fan feeling satisfied. Rumor has it that a Prince of Persia 2 is in the works. I Hope it is as good or better than this one and intend to add it to my collection when it comes out.
=============
PUMA RATINGS
=============
PERFORMANCE: 4 Things run smoothly. The animations are without pauses and the action sequences are believable.
USEFULNESS: 4 This is certainly an entertaining game that kept me coming back for more. On several occasions I would take a break vowing that I had it with the game only to come back to it in a couple of hours with a new idea to try.
MANUAL: 4 It tells you everything you need to know.
AVAILABILITY: 3 I have seen the game advertised by the mail order houses and seen it at Computer City and other outlets. Broderbund does not maintain a toll-free number for support.
Runs on: PC with 8088 or faster microprocessor, DOS 3.0 or higher, 512 K (kilobytes) of memory (640 K recommended), and hard disk drive with 10 megabytes available.
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Rick Bender, Washington Bureau 06/11/93
Summary: Translate is a useful English-Spanish translator for the intermediate student or teacher of Spanish and somewhat less useful in a business setting.
======
Review
======
Translating from Spanish to English and vice versa is becoming more crucial in American society as an increasing number of Hispanics become US citizens. Therefore computer translators are becoming ever more popular.
Unfortunately, translation between languages is an extremely complex task even for the most advanced software, and no PC-based program can actually translate text without extensive intervention by someone who knows both languages. Nevertheless, a good translation program can greatly lighten the workload for a human translator.
As an eighth-year Spanish student with speaking and writing abilities in the intermediate range, I can report that Translate is a fairly useful all-purpose English-to-Spanish translation program. Work can be done either by entering text directly from the keyboard or by importing an ASCII text file. In both modes the translator operates a line at a time. It must be noted that the program only supports ASCII input files, so word processor text must be converted to ASCII format before translation can begin.
Translate works at a variable rate, depending on sentence complexity, but on a 16 MHz 386SX Zeos PC the program can produce the Spanish equivalent of a simple sentence such as "Johnny went home" in three to four seconds in both keyboard entry and ASCII modes. This would be faster on a more advanced machine.
A few major problems were encountered in the test run. Translate could not render this sentence properly into the imperfect: "I always used to go to his house," translating it as "Acostumbrar a siempre ir a su casa." The program also confused the use of "ser" and "estar:" "He is dead" and "Where are you" were translated as "Es muerto" and "Donde es Ud." (Both of these should be "estar").
More problems had to do with pronouns - the program confused direct and indirect object pronouns, putting "Le" instead of "La" in the sentence "Le llamo por telefono" (I call her on the telephone). Improper pronoun gender could prove very embarrassing! Translate also could not properly order pronouns in "I give them to him," rendering it as "Le a ellos doy" instead of "Se los doy." Improper pronoun order can cause trouble.
The dictionary is functional but not excellent, as often only one translation of an English word is given -- for example, entering "try" prompted the response "intentar" without options such as "tratar" which may be more common. For Translate to be a really powerful translation assistant it would be important to have more alternatives offered.
A special feature of Translate in ASCII text mode is the marking option, which allows the exclusion of untranslatable material such as addresses, from text to be processed.
Translate is a basic translator useful to the intermediate student but is not recommended for a novice or beginning student due to its lack of grammar help.
If I were working in a company translating letters and other short documents, would I prefer to work on my own with a dictionary for help, or would I want to work with this program? That is actually difficult to say because in many cases I could do a faster translation on my own, but I have no doubt that I would want Translate or a similar program if I were working on longer documents.
===========
PUMA Rating
===========
PERFORMANCE: 2 Has plenty of power and speed, but translation accuracy is poor; editing is essential to make the translation intelligible.
USEFULNESS: 2 Useful as basic translator/dictionary only, or to do a lot of the repetitive work in longer translations.
MANUAL: 2 Difficult to follow, but on-screen menus help compensate.
AVAILABILITY: 4 Mail order only - but readily available.
(Rick Bender/19930610/Press Contact: Mario Teuffer, FinalSoft 305-477-2703, fax 305-477-0680)
Mario Teuffer, FinalSoft 305-477-2703, fax 305-477-0680)
6/11/93
Review of Translate English-Spanish Translator, For PC
REVIEW
Roundup - Stories Carried By Oth
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Roundup is a brief look at some computer stories carried in other publications received here this past week.
Computer Reseller News dated June 7 says that the "Allocation Nightmare Eases," meaning that the shortage of IBM and Compaq systems may be coming to an end. Taiwanese makers of monitors DRAM and ISA chipsets are, according to the front-page article rapidly ramping up production.
Federal Computer Week dated May 31 reports that Zenith Data Systems, co-winner of the infamous Desktop IV contract, has increased the base configurations for its systems to include a 486SX/25, 14-inch non-interlaced SVGA monitor, 115-megabyte hard drive, 4 megabytes of memory, 512 kilobytes of fast local bus video memory, built-in Ethernet network card, and Windows. New government price: $1,549, up from $1,395 for the 486SX/20 with VGA monitor originally specified in the ZDS bid.
Informationweek for the week beginning June 7 highlights the big CAT (Caterpillar) and shows how the beleaguered US construction equipment maker has fought off Japanese competitor Komatsu through massive use of information technology to cut costs and raise profits through a closer link between production and computer technology.
The June 7 Network World says that the new 800 number portability has generated a lot of marketing incentives geared to entice users to switch providers. 800 number holders can expect to be offered giveaways and service guarantees to tempt them away from their present telecom company. The article also provides a lot of technical details on how the new 800 call processing architecture works.
(John McCormick/19930611/)
g architecture works.
(John McCormick/19930611/)
6/11/93
Roundup - Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
GENERAL
The Enabled Computer
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- The Enabled Computer by John McCormick. A new book, a major conference on implementing the ADA, and an important decision from the EEOC make up this issue of The Enabled Computer.
Your intrepid columnist, along with GEnie's well-known disABILITY advocate Mari Sheppard (GEnie MARI.S), will be sharing both an exhibit booth and participating in the educational programs at the July 26-29 conference, which will be held at the Washington Hilton (DuPont Circle, Washington, DC.)
Mari will be speaking on both days on behalf of the GEnie ENABLE forum, while I will be speaking on Tuesday afternoon in conjunction with the publication of my new book, "Computers and the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Manager's Guide," John A. McCormick, August 1993, Windcrest/McGraw Hill (#4422), ISBN 0 8306-4445-8 (paperback) $22.95, 400 pages.
Mari, who has long been active in trying to expand coverage of disabilities-related topics on commercial bulletin board systems will speak on that subject.
Any readers who are planning on attending are invited to stop by the McGraw-Hill/General Electric booth and say hello, but this is a business-oriented conference and won't deal with many issues of concern to the disabled community other than by addressing the ways companies can provide a friendly work environment for disabled employees.
Despite the focus of the conference, I urge all readers in the area to attend on either the 27th or 28th because while the conference is too expensive for casual attendance, the conference organizers have made the exhibit area open to all on those days.
You will have to register, but the exhibit passes are free from USPDI, 1734 Elton Road, Suite 221, Silver Spring, MD 20903, 301 445-4400 or fax 301-445-5722. Send them information on your company size, number of employees, and area of interest (visual impaired, etc.).
Mari will be in the booth, which is co-sponsored by GEnie (General Electric Information Services) and Windcrest/McGraw-Hill (book publisher), both days except during her scheduled talks and on Tuesday there well be Windcrest representatives in the booth all day.
I will be at the booth during early Tuesday afternoon and most of the day Wednesday while Mari is busy elsewhere.
You might even see some high-level (very high-level) Clinton Administration members and Senators who are scheduled to attend or speak at the conference.
This major conference should be a real consciousness-raiser for both government agencies and private employers who are currently struggling to learn how they can comply with the ADA and hire more disabled workers by using adaptive computer technology.
On another work-related topic, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency charged with enforcing anti-discrimination laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, has just released a major ruling that puts extra teeth into the ADA and greatly strengthens the position of seriously ill workers such as those with AIDS.
In the early June ruling the EEOC stated that while companies can set some boundaries on the health benefits coverage they offer employees, such as offering more coverage for physical than mental illnesses, they must show why the limitations are needed and companies must provide equal access to insurance for all employees, no matter what their pre-existing conditions.
Of course they are still free to reduce overall coverage or even eliminate it as long as they do it for every employee, but pressure from the Clinton Administration's forthcoming health insurance plan is expected to make it difficult or impossible for most companies to fail to provide coverage.
As any disabled person knows, the threat of losing Medicare protection while being excluded from other insurance plans makes it nearly impossible for most individuals to decide to get a job in the first place.
(John McCormick/19930610/Press Contact: SYSOP, The Enabled Computer BBS, 814-277-6337 8N1 all speeds)
7-6337 8N1 all speeds)
6/11/93
The Enabled Computer
GENERAL
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades M
Comdex - The Untold Story, Edito
Reaction Positive to BT-MCI Move
Dell Shareholders Sue For Nondis
Twenty Indian Companies Particip
EC Retaliates Against US Trade S
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And N
Koala Habitat Database Aids Cons
Microsoft Introduces Technical I
Dell Energy Efficient PC Line
Fujitsu Develops Hybrid LAN Tech
Ericsson Forms Joint Telecoms Ve
Dayna Ships SafeDeposit Backup F
Editorial - Software Registratio
AT&T Brings Up NYMEX After-Hours
Support For Clinton Trade Stand
WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Considering the number of political hits he has taken lately, President Clinton must have been relieved this week when his on-again, off-again relationship with high-tech managers appeared to be back on track as The American Electronics Association came out in public support of the announced tough stand on opening up Japanese markets which the Administration has said it will take beginning in today's trade talks.
AEA Chairman Arnold Silverman said on Thursday, "The impact of electronics and information infrastructure requires that it be given prominence in the US/Japan framework. "We [members of the high-tech trade association] have been assured by the administration that it is committed to gaining full access to Japan for US electronics products and will address barriers identified by AEA, such as government procurement, intellectual property protection, and regulatory areas."
The American Electronics Association, which represents 3,000 US technology companies, has been working closely with the new administration's trade negotiation team since the election.
While the US has outlined a tough position regarding cutting the massive Japanese trade surplus with both the US and much of the rest of the world, Japan has claimed that the US is trying to practice managed trade, a code word for protectionism, and rejected calls by US negotiators to meet specific trade deficit benchmarks.
One administration official pointed out that having Japan complain about managed trade was very strange since that country is well known to have the most successful managed trade-based economy in the world.
In a related trade story which shows the problems facing the Clinton Administration's move to open up markets, the European Community has charged Germany with violation of EC trade agreements to keep Europe a closed telecom market because the country reportedly agreed to allow US telecommunications companies to bid on German government jobs. Bonn quickly rejected the EC complaint saying that it had only reaffirmed a bilateral trade agreement made with the US back in the 1950s.
Those watching these bellicose preliminary trade moves should remember that presidential candidate Clinton constantly railed against human rights violations in China during his election and called in the strongest terms for Congress and then-President Bush to reject most favored nation trade status for the last major Communist country. Just a few weeks ago President Clinton approved MFN status for China.
(John McCormick/1993611/Press Contact: John Hatch or Debra Waggoner, AEA, 202-682-9110)
ebra Waggoner, AEA, 202-682-9110)
6/11/93
Support For Clinton Trade Stand
AT&T Working With KDD On ATM
BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- AT&T is beginning a technical trial of asynchronous transfer mode, or ATM, fast-data service with KDD of Japan, but an international ATM service is not expected to be available until 1995 at the earliest.
AT&T spokesman Shelly London told Newsbytes the trial will link KDD offices in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo, which is the local equivalent of Midtown Manhattan, with AT&T Bell Labs' offices in Holmdel, New Jersey, a distance of 9,000 miles. "We'll test whatever is needed to create a global service and infrastructure that will carry current services. The trial starts in July, and will last three years." But, while AT&T will launch domestic ATM service in the first half of 1994, "We don't have specific plans for an ATM service globally." In any case, "We would not be able to offer a service to Japan until the TPC-5 fiber cable goes into service, in 1995." The test will be conducted on an older, existing cable.
ATM is an emerging standard for passing data at speeds from 1.544 million bits/second up to 622 million bits/second and, perhaps beyond that. For many long distance carriers, it's seen as a follow-on to Frame Relay, which in turn is seen as a replacement for X.25 systems found on networks like Sprintnet. ATM is also seen as a standard that can be used for backbone links in the National Research and Education Network being built at the behest of the Clinton Administration. In the trial, AT&T GCNS-2000 ATM switches will be at both ends of the link, although Fujitsu builds ATM switches which BellSouth, among others, is depending on for future ATM service. In the KDD trial, two 45 million bit/second lines will be operated and evaluated through Libra-II a system developed by KDD.
In other AT&T news, the company hired away Ron Ponder from Sprint as its chief information officer. He had been in a similar position with Sprint for two years after leaving the same post with Federal Express, where he was a key man in developing that company's package tracking system. Ponder, 50, will concentrate on making sure that the company is making optimal use of its own information management resources, and will report to CFO Alex Mandl.
Finally, AT&T formally asked the Clinton Administration to remove most Cold War trade barriers with China and the CIS, formerly the Soviet Union. In a Commerce Department petition, the company called the COCOM restrictions on such things as fiber cable "outdated and ineffective" against its competitors.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930611/Press Contact: AT&T, Shelly London 908/221-4355)
T, Shelly London 908/221-4355)
6/11/93
AT&T Working With KDD On ATM
TELECOM
IDB Mobile Deals
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- IDB Communications Group finished a week of deal-making by signing two agreements for its IDB Mobile unit.
IDB Mobile, a joint venture with Teleglobe International of Canada, signed a two-year agreement with Sea Link Ltd. for Inmarsat-A services, through which Sea Link will coordinate mobile satellite voice, data and fax links with Canada and points overseas, through IDB earth stations in California, New York and Australia. The deal means Sea Link can also offer 56,000 bit/second data links, telex, phone-card charging, and high-speed broadcast services, according to Sea Link. The services are aimed at fishing vessels, offshore oil, and gas platforms and shippers.
IDB's Worldcom unit, which handles private line and international long distance services, also signed a deal with Unitel, the Canadian long distance company 20 percent owned by AT&T. Under the deal, Unitel will handle calls into and out of Canada for Worldcom's network, which has routing to every region of the world.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930611/Press Contact: Kim Dewling, IDB Communications, 212-607-2036; Nils Helle, Sea Link, 709-334-2405; John Marra, IDB MOBILE, 908-431-2002)
ILE, 908-431-2002)
6/11/93
IDB Mobile Deals
TELECOM
International Phone Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- In a slow week for world telecommunications news, Cable & Wireless sought to mend fences in the Philippines. The company refused to participate in a plan by Digitel there to expand service on the island of Luzon cutting its stake from 40 percent to 27 percent, and Digitel has threatened a lawsuit.
Cable & Wireless made the move after the Philippine courts ruled its Eastern Telecommunications Philippines unit could not operate an international gateway in the country. Digitel, which also wants the gateway, has threatened to raise its capital in a way that would cut C&W's holding to 4 percent. C&W says it could re-enter the market if its gateway is approved.
In Poland, which is marching toward democracy and free markets in double-quick time, Digital Microwave Corp. of the US signed to provide microwave equipment and services to Telefonia Komorkowa/Centertel, the local cellular licensee, for linking cell sites and mobile switching centers in Warsaw, Gdansk Poznan, and Katowice. The operator is a consortium among the main Polish network operator TPSA, Ameritech, and France Telecom.
Also in eastern Europe, Ericsson signed yet another contract to serve Hungary's fast-growing cellular system, which could have 40,000 customers by year-end.
Finally, Latin America breathed a sigh of relief over the failure of a coup by Guatamala's President, and celebrated the defeat of former military ruler Hugo Banzer in Bolivia's elections. Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, known as Goni, introduced free market reforms to the country, and drew 36 percent of the vote. Goni is expected to press hard for the privatization of the state's Entel phone network.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930611/Press Contact: Digital Microwave, Tom Drohan, 408/943-0777)
e, Tom Drohan, 408/943-0777)
6/11/93
International Phone Update
TELECOM
Corel Setting Up International H
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Corel Corp. has announced plans to set up an office in Dublin, Ireland, that will oversee all of its operations outside Canada.
The new international headquarters of Corel -- which will keep its head office in Ottawa -- will be responsible for the company's business in the United States as well as in the rest of the world, said John Hladkowicz, an investor relations officer at Corel.
Company officials said the move will lead to the creation of at least 40 specialized jobs in Ireland over the next four years. Only a handful of people will start work at the new office right away, but Hladkowicz said that as contracts to translate the company's flagship CorelDraw graphics software into other languages expire, work will be brought in-house at the Dublin location, and manufacturing for the international market will also gradually shift to Ireland.
Some jobs will be lost in Canada as a result of the move, he admitted, but he said it is too early for the company to give specific numbers. About 300 people work full-time for Corel in Ottawa now, he said.
Hladkowicz said Ireland was chosen partly because of Corel's healthy sales in the United Kingdom and partly because the country offered a suitable infrastructure. And he agreed that the Irish government's favorable tax treatment of corporate earnings was a factor.
Corel is the first Canadian software company to set up operations in Ireland.
Eight-year-old Corel is best known for CorelDraw, but also makes software used in attaching peripheral devices to personal computers through the Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI).
(Grant Buckler/19930611/Press Contact: John Hladkowicz, Corel 613-728-0826 ext. 1194)
John Hladkowicz, Corel 613-728-0826 ext. 1194)
6/11/93
Corel Setting Up International HQ In Ireland
BUSINESS
Motion Works Acquires Vision Sof
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Motion Works Corp., a developer of multimedia tools and CD-ROM titles has acquired San Francisco-based Vision Software International.
Vision, which publishes the CameraMan personal training software for the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows, will become a subsidiary of Motion Works, said Bob Lunde, a spokesman for the Vancouver firm. Vision's five employees will remain with the company, he added.
Terms of the agreement were not released, but officials said the purchase was paid for in Motion Works shares. Only legal formalities remain to complete the deal, Lunde said.
Motion Works hopes to use some of Vision's technology in its own products, Lunde said. These include animation software for the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows as well as one compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) title, the PrimeTime CD.
A marketing agreement that Motion Works signed with Ottawa-based Corel Corp. in February will not be affected by this deal, Lunde added. Under that deal, Corel took over the marketing of Motion Works' existing products, leaving the smaller company to concentrate on software development.
Motion Works had revenues of about C$1 million in 1992.
(Grant Buckler/19930611/Press Contact: Bob Lunde, Motion Works 604-685-9975)
: Bob Lunde, Motion Works 604-685-9975)
6/11/93
Motion Works Acquires Vision Software
BUSINESS
CA Swamped With Calls For Free S
ISLANDIA, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- It seems the price is right.
Since announcing it would give away copies of its new personal finance software to the first million callers in the United States, Computer Associates International has been struggling to keep up with the calls.
CA started with 168 operators answering its toll-free telephone number after launching Kiplinger's CA Simply Money on June 8. By Monday, company spokesman Bob Gordon said, the company expects to have 525 people working the phones.
The operators have been unable to keep up with the calls. In one 15-hour period, CA said, 785,000 calls were placed to its operators at company headquarters here and in Omaha and Cincinnati. Of those, 15,000 got through to place their orders.
As of Thursday night, CA had processed 50,000 orders for the software, officials said.
CA is giving away the software, only in the United States, free except for a $6.95 shipping and handling fee. Once the million free copies are gone, Simply Money is to sell for $69.99.
CA's promotional tactic has already attracted at least one imitator. Minnesota Software Systems Development of Minneapolis which sells financial software packages called Living Trust Software and Business Strategy Development, announced this week it will give away two million copies of the packages (Newsbytes June 10).
Kiplinger's CA Simply Money, developed with the aid of The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc., publisher of a personal finance magazine, runs on personal computers using a 386 or later processor and equipped with Microsoft Windows 3.1.
The toll-free order number is 800-FREE-MONEY.
(Grant Buckler/19930611/Press Contact: Bob Gordon, Computer Associates, 516-342-2391)
ordon, Computer Associates, 516-342-2391)
6/11/93
CA Swamped With Calls For Free Software
GENERAL
Control Data Completes Evernet A
ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Control Data Systems says it has completed the acquisition of Evernet Systems Inc a network systems integration company. The intent to merge was announced in March 1993.
Control Data says it paid about $22 million, half in cash and half in CDC common stock, for all of the outstanding capital stock of Evernet. Based in Los Angeles, Evernet specializes in the design integration, and support of multi-vendor network-based systems which include desktop, midrange, and mainframe computers.
CDC says the approximately 180 Evernet employees will join the CDC family. Former Evernet chairman, president and CEO, Michael Caglarcan has been named vice president of systems integration services for CDC as well as an executive officer of the company. Caglarcan has worked at Computer Sciences Corporation, and at Electronic Data Systems.
Control Data Systems President Jim Ousley says the acquisition will allow CDC to better serve its customers. "We have been working closely with Michael Caglarcan and his team over the last few months to merge our two organizations and develop new services for both our customer bases. In addition to supporting current customers of Evernet and Control Data, we see significant growth opportunities as we join forces, particularly in the commercial integration market."
(Jim Mallory/19930611/Press contact: Charlotte Fransen, CDC 612-482-4857)
ontact: Charlotte Fransen, CDC 612-482-4857)
6/11/93
Control Data Completes Evernet Acquisition
BUSINESS
StorageTek Sues EMC for Patent I
LOUISVILLE, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Storage Technology Corporation announced today that it has filed a patent infringement suit against Hopkinton, Massachusetts-based EMC Corporation.
The company says the suit alleges three of Storagetek's patents, all granted in 1985 or earlier and dealing with what the company calls "fundamental disk storage caching technology" have been infringed.
While declining to discuss specifics, spokesperson David Reid told Newsbytes that prior to filing suit, StorageTek officials had notified EMC of the alleged infringement claim. Chris Byrne StorageTek senior intellectual property counsel, told Newsbytes the suit seeks an injunction to stop the alleged infringement "and monetary damages where appropriate." However he said discussion of damages is premature at this point in the process. US law provides for award of three times the amount the aggrieved party was damaged if the infringement was willful.
Byrne said StorageTek is using the same attorneys to try the suit that represented Hewlett-Packard in the Apple Computer suit against Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard alleging that the "look and feel" of Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft software violated Apple copyrights. That court was dismissed by the court recently after three years.
Byrne declined to specify how StorageTek determined that EMC was violating its patents. He said the trial process is not a speedy one, and hopes that the matter can be settled prior to coming to trial. "We certainly don't prefer litigation," said Byrne.
"We have made concerted efforts to protect our investment in our future by assembling a strong portfolio of patents," says StorageTek general counsel Russell Wayman. "These efforts have accelerated over the past couple of years and the action taken today is consistent with a comprehensive program of strategic patent protection. When appropriate, this program includes cross-licensing agreements with key members of the industry."
Wayman says Storagetek views intellectual property as a strategic corporate asset. The company says it spent $148 million for research and product development in 1992. That's about 9.7 percent of its total revenue. Storagetek filed 47 patent applications in 1991, 62 in 1992 and expects the number of filings to be even greater this year.
The patents in question cover the general area of intelligent queuing of data from disk to cache. In the computer world, the term "cache" refers to a high speed storage buffer that contains the most frequently accessed data and is used to reduce access time, a key measurement of effectiveness of a disk drive.
No one was answering the phone at EMC Corporation when Newsbytes attempted to contact the company for a statement.
(Jim Mallory/19930611/Press contact: David Reid, Storagetek 303-673-4815; EMC Corporation, 508-435-4655)
303-673-4815; EMC Corporation, 508-435-4655)
6/11/93
StorageTek Sues EMC for Patent Infringement
BUSINESS
New Lotus Training Centers For N
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Lotus Development's Consulting Services Group has formed a network of companies in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia that are certified to provide training at all levels on Notes and cc:Mail.
The Lotus Authorized Education Centers (LAECs) are aimed at end users as well as systems administrators and applications designers officials said in making the announcement.
The new network is designed to expand Lotus Notes and cc:Mail course offerings to many new locations, giving customers greater flexibility in deciding on their training solutions.
"Lotus is committed to providing basic and advanced education and training programs that meet the requirements of our growing installed base of Lotus communications products," reported Jim Krzywicki, director of Lotus Education and Training. Effective training will bring about highly successful rollout of Notes or cc:Mail within an organization, he added.
Approximately 50 training centers are under proposal, and about a dozen, located in the US, have been certified so far. In addition Lotus is encouraging its Notes Business Partners -- an alliance of some 300 VARs (value-added resellers), consulting firms and systems integrators -- to provide training.
Victor Cruz, a company spokesperson, told Newsbytes that the already certified centers include CompuCom, Hi-Tech Resources, Info Image, Productivity Software Resources, Professional Training Services, Quality Inc., Trellis, Wordlink, and Workflow Designs.
To be chosen by Lotus to take part in the new program, a company must meet a set of criteria that includes permanent training facilities, at least a year of being in business, and a proven background in offering scheduled courses to the public in high-end software, networks and operating systems.
Instructors at participating organizations will deliver courses in Lotus Notes and cc:Mail that have been developed by Lotus. The instructors proceed through a structured educational program that culminates in passing exams administered by Drake Text Centers, an independent testing agency.
Once accredited, authorized LAECs receive software, course materials, and assistance with the operation of their Lotus communication product training businesses. To maintain top quality, Lotus will audit classes routinely and also organize Train-the-Trainer sessions.
Industry analysts expressed enthusiasm about the new program from Lotus. "When you're dealing with network issues, basic levels of phone support can sometimes fall short," stated Kurt Johnson senior analyst four IDC Market Research Group, Framingham, MA.
"The beauty of certification is that Lotus can now outsource areas not strategic to their core business, yet still have a voice in shaping the curriculum. This is further proof that Lotus is serious about providing services that its customers require, beyond onsite support," he continued.
Commented John Donovan, director of Business Groupware Services for Workgroup Technologies, Hampton, NH: "If an organization wants to realize the full capabilities of Notes, if they want the most bang for their buck, they are going to need training on all levels. By authorizing training centers, Lotus is bringing Notes' strength as an open application development platform to a wider base of customers."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930611/Press contacts: Victor Cruz or Peter Bartolik, McGlinchey & Paul for Lotus, tel 617-862-4514; Reader contact: Jill Guardia, Lotus Education and Training, tel 617-693 1232, or call the Education Helpline at tel 800-346-6409)
r call the Education Helpline at tel 800-346-6409)
6/11/93
New Lotus Training Centers For Notes And cc:Mail
GENERAL
Fifth Generation's Fastback Plus
HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Fifth Generation Systems (FGS) has announced the availability of Fastback Plus 6.0 the latest version of its hard disk backup software. In parallel with this new version, FGS has announced what it calls an aggressive new pricing structure for the UK.
Fastback Plus for DOS, Windows and the Apple Computer's Macintosh will now sell for UKP 99, with existing users allowed to upgrade to version 6.0 for UKP 30. Users of competing hard disk backup software can also upgrade for UKP 46.
Kim Bergeron, FGS' managing director, said that Fastback has always been a market leader in terms of backup software. He said that this version has strengthened its leadership in two ways.
"Firstly, we have added security and network features. Secondly, we have simplified the interface. We invited 40 users of Fastback with various levels of user experience to our head office, where they participated in 30 days of interface design and usability testing," he explained.
As a result of this testing, Fastback 6.0 was coded. According to Bergeron, the package is now based "on their concept of an ideal backup utility, both in technological superiority and ease of use."
Other key enhancements of Fastback Plus 6.0 include: virus protection (v6.0 includes the scanner section of Untouchable Search and Destroy, another FGS product), support for small computer system interface devices, backup to tape drives across networks, and a new notebook backup (to desktop) facility.
Bergeron described these enhancements as improving Fastback Plus several times over, but moving back to the simple operation interface that version 2.xx had. "For example, we now list backup and restore operations as separate menus," he said.
Bergeron claims that FGS has surpassed the virus protection offered by competing packages, "addressed the need of network users, added the most extensive tape support on the market and provided backup for notebook users, making Fastback 6.0 the fastest, most complete, most reliable and safest backup program in the industry."
(Steve Gold/19930611/Press & Public Contact: Fifth Generation Systems - Tel: 0494-442223)
Generation Systems - Tel: 0494-442223)
6/11/93
Fifth Generation's Fastback Plus 6.0
NEC Scanned And Delivered Printe
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- NEC UK has announced a special promotion whereby it gives a free Logitech Scanman 32 handheld scanner with every one its Silentwriter S62P laser printers.
The Scanman normally costs UKP 119 for the DOS, and UKP 249 for the Apple Computer Macintosh versions. NEC claims that is equivalent to a healthy discount off the normal retail price of the printer UKP 1,359.
The idea behind the bundling offer is to offer users a complete input/output system for all their publishing requirements. The offer runs from July 1 until August 31 of this year.
Announcing the deal, Martin Taylor, NEC UK's group product manager said that the ability to input graphic images and documents into the computing systems is becoming as important to users as having a printer which can faithfully reproduce the quality of their new screen display.
"As the importance of DTP and presentation applications grow and new technologies like document image processing (DIP) emerge, users need the standard of hardware to match their application requirements. The purpose of this NEC promotion is to offer users everything they need to take full advantage of these new technology developments," he said.
The Silentwriter S62P is billed as a good all-purpose laser printer with a six pages per minute (ppm) output. Using what NEC calls its "sharp edge" technology, the printer gives a virtual 600 dots per inch (dpi) print output using a 300 dpi laser engine. Printer emulation modes include Adobe Postscript level 2 and HP PCL5, as well as others such as Epson and IBM. As supplied, the printer comes with an 8,000-page, one-piece toner cartridge and a 300-page cassette with an optional second cassette give a total 550-page capacity.
(Steve Gold/19930611/Press & Public Contact: NEC UK - Tel: 081-993 8111)
ress & Public Contact: NEC UK - Tel: 081-993 8111)
6/11/93
NEC Scanned And Delivered Printer/Scanner Deal
GENERAL
AT&T EO Gets Hard Drive
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- The new AT&T/EO Personal Communicator 880, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, will be available with a 40-megabyte (MB) hard disk drive provided by Ministor Peripherals. The AT&T/EO PDA has been described as a lightweight, mobile unit that combines the capability of a cellular phone, a fax machine, and a personal computer.
Mountain View, California-based Ministor indicates the 40 MB hard disk has an integrated drive electronics (IDE) interface and the highest level of shock resistance available at 200 Gs both operating and non-operating. The drive is from a family of Ministor drives, the Portables Series, which include 42, 64 and 85 MB capacities.
The AT&T/EO Personal Communicator is based on the reduced instruction set computing (RISC) chip, the Hobbit. The unit offers a pen-based user interface and screen resolution of 110 picture elements (pixels) per inch. The AT&T/EO 440, available to consumers now, offers 4 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) and comes in four models that each in turn add a modem, more memory, and a hard disk drive. Prices start at $1,999 and go to $3,299 for the 8 MB of RAM, modem-equipped 440 model with a 20 MB hard disk. The 880 model, offering 40 MB of hard disk capacity, is expected to be available later this summer.
EO was founded in 1991 and has major funding from American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T), Marubeni, Olivetti, and Matsushita Electric Industrial.
EO employs approximately 100 people between its headquarters in Mountain View, California and its European office in Cambridge England.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930611/Press Contact: Paige Burgess, Walt & Sommerhauser, tel 408-496-0900; Jim Miller, MiniStor Peripherals, tel 408-943-0165, fax 408-943-0784; Public Contact, EO, 800-458-0880)
ontact, EO, 800-458-0880)
6/11/93
AT&T EO Gets Hard Drive
GENERAL
Sound, PCMCIA Available For X Wi
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 11 (NB) -- Human Designed Systems (HSD) announced it was adding stereo sound and the ability to add PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association) interfaces to its line of X Windows terminals.
The sound option, HDSperx Multimedia, is 16-bit compact disc (CD) quality sound compatible with industry standard protocols. The company says the compatibility factor means users don't need to purchase new software and developers don't need to write new versions of applications, since HDSperx Multimedia will support any sound that currently works on Sun or Hewlett Packard workstation platforms.
The sound package comes with an internal speaker and a microphone for voice input. External speakers can be added and a CD player can be connected to play compact disc recordings according to HDS. HDSperx Multimedia is available immediately for a factory-installed option price of $199 per X terminal or it can be added to existing HDS X terminal models for $249 per terminal.
PCMCIA adapters, commonly used in laptop, palmtop, and notebook computers, can now be added to the HDS X Windows terminals. The company says the addition of PCMCIA capability opens the door for the terminals to be equipped with more random access memory (RAM), flash programmable read-only memory (PROM), modems, and network adaptor cards. The adapters are priced at $99 per unit. In addition, 2.6 megabyte (MB) and 5 MB flashPROM cards are also available for $399 and $499 respectively.
FlashPROM memory allows the X terminal to store server code local clients, and fonts, with the effect of reducing traffic on the network and the work load on the host computer. Also, because flash memory can be reprogrammed, system administrators can update X terminals remotely by downloading new software over the network and eliminate the need to open individual X terminals to install new PROM chips.
The company further announced that it is supplying versions of Hewlett-Packard's 1.3-inch PCMCIA Kittyhawk hard drive in 20 MB and 42 MB versions for $599 and $699 respectively. Drives up to a capacity of 200 MB are available in the 1.8-inch form factor, HDS added.
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania-based HDS claims there is strong growth in the X Windows terminal market. The company recently announced that it was awarded two large US government contracts, one to supply 58,000 X terminals to aircraft company Boeing, and another for over 43,000 X terminals to PRC. The contracts are estimated to be over $40 million each. Even though HDS says it has shipped $10 million worth of equipment on the two contracts, the shipments accounted for less than 35 percent of HDS' business over the past six months, the company said.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930611/Press Contact: Michael Kantrowitz Human Designed Systems, tel 215-277-8300, fax 215-275-5739)
gned Systems, tel 215-277-8300, fax 215-275-5739)
6/11/93
Sound, PCMCIA Available For X Windows Terminals
Canadian Product Launch Update
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- This regular feature appearing every Monday or Tuesday, provides further details for the Canadian market on announcement by international companies that Newsbytes has already covered. This week: Apple's new PowerBooks Dell signs a Canadian distributor for its DellWare program
Apple Canada unveiled two new PowerBook notebook computers, the high-end, color-display 180c and the less pricey 145B, as well as its File Assistant software for PowerBooks (Newsbytes, June 7). Both new PowerBook models are available immediately in Canada.
The PowerBook145B, with four megabytes (MB) of memory and an 80MB hard drive, lists at C$2,489. The 180C lists at C$5,429 with an 80MB hard drive or C$5,979 with a 160MB drive; both versions have 4MB of memory. File Assistant is to be available in July at a suggested retail price of C$99.
Dell Computer (Canada) announced its choice of Merisel Canada as the Canadian distributor for its DellWare program (Newsbytes, October 7 1992). Merisel will manage the inventory of DellWare products, which include some 1,000 software packages and personal computer peripherals, and will ship orders for Dell.
Microsoft Canada joined its US parent in announcing Microsoft at Work, an architecture for linking office equipment with computer systems (Newsbytes, June 9 & 10). Applications and system software development kits are to be available before year-end, the company said.
(Grant Buckler/19930614/Press Contact: Franca Miraglia, Apple Canada, 416-513-5511; Lisa Held, Merisel Canada, 416-660-2864; Marc Camm, Microsoft Canada, 416-568-0434, fax 416-568-1527)
416-568-0434, fax 416-568-1527)
6/14/93
Canadian Product Launch Update
GENERAL
Database World & Client/Server W
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Can network-based environments replace minicomputers for database applications? Can relational systems evolve to support objects? Who will win the Microsoft/Borland/Computer Associates battle as Xbase becomes a new corporate standard?
These and countless related questions will be considered this week at Database World & Client/Server World, a three-day extravaganza sponsored by Digital Consulting Inc. (DCI), that begins today at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Billed as the largest show to be offered yet on database management systems and tools, this year's event is organized into nine different conferences, each open to any conference registrant.
In addition, at least 120 vendors, starting alphabetically with Alpha Software Corp. and ending with Zyga Corp., will be exhibiting their database and client-server wares on the exhibition floor. DCI expects some 20,000 attendees, all told.
The nine conferences within the show include four that make up Database World: Object-Oriented Technologies, PC Databases & Xbase, Database Technologies, and DB2/Information Warehouse. On the Client/Server World side, there are another five: Building Client/Server Applications, Managing the Client/Server Environment Client/Server Databases, Middleware & Database Connectivity, and Systems Integration.
Each of the nine conferences has its technical co-sponsor and its own chairman. Each will feature a chairman address, along with several conference sessions. Beyond this discourse, DCI has scheduled a total of 15 keynote speakers, including such well known names as Gerry Cohen, president and founder of Information Builders; Adele Goldberg, chairman and co-founder, ParcPlace Systems; and Tom Furey, general manager of client/server computing, IBM.
What's more, Charles Wang, chairman and CEO of Computer Associates International, and Philippe Kahn, who heads up Borland, will each be delivering plenary talks. Wang's topic is "A CEO Perspective on Investing in Technology." Kahn, on the other hand, plans to explore "The Present and Future of Database Management."
Additional expo highlights include show pavilions on EDA/SQL and database gateway solutions, an industry panel about "The State of Xbase," a half-day user forum on "Experiences in Client-Server Computing," and an address by Dr. George Schussel, chairman of the entire event, on "Understanding the New Database Technologies."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930614/Reader contact: Digital Consulting Inc. tel 508-470-3880, fax 508-470-0526; Press contact: Keith Todd Digital Consulting Inc., tel 508-470-3870)
Keith Todd Digital Consulting Inc., tel 508-470-3870)
6/14/93
Database World & Client/Server World Opens In Boston
GENERAL
PenMagic Updates Applications
NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) PenMagic Software has announced updates to its two pen-based applications packages, Numero and LetterExpress. Both packages are applications for the PenPoint operating system from Go Corporation which runs on several pen-based personal computers and communicators.
PenMagic said it is now shipping Numero 2.0, an upgrade to its financial work processor. The highlight of the new release is MagicScript, a visual scripting system that lets users automate tasks by drawing diagrams that resemble the flow charts familiar to computer programmers. A user creates a script by drawing connections between "smart buttons" that represent predefined tasks. The scripts can be stored for later use.
Tasks in a MagicScript script can include not only Numero operations but functions that are not part of Numero, such as operations performed by other PenPoint applications.
Ron McIntyre, vice-president of sales and marketing at PenMagic said that MagicScript can operate on its own, hinting at the possibility it might be spun off as a separate product.
Other additions to Numero include multi-page documents, improved calculation handling, choice lists for entering data with less writing, and a unified pen palette. A new document type called a chit is essentially a form for entering one type of data repeatedly on a larger report. For instance, filling out an expense chit would automatically post the information to an expense report.
Numero 2.0 is available now at $399, and current users can upgrade for $99 during June or $149 thereafter.
PenMagic said that it is also about to ship LetterExpress 1.1, an upgrade to its writing assistant software that adds compatibility with AT&T's Hobbit chip for personal communicators and some other improvements.
LetterExpress is designed for creating letters quickly by filling in blanks in predefined templates.
Additions to the new release include integration with the Go Mail and Go Fax applications, and a new electronic pen palette that offers more ways to sign and annotate documents.
The new release lists at $199. Current users can upgrade for $25.
McIntyre admitted sales of both packages have been fairly slow so far because the hardware on which they run is not yet widely used. "Sales in the pen market are not very large," he said, but he added that PenMagic's applications have captured a substantial share of the infant market -- PenMagic software is on 85 percent of the Eo Personal Communicators sold so far, he said.
(Grant Buckler/19930614/Press Contact: Ron McIntyre, 604-988-9982 fax 604-988-0035)
604-988-9982 fax 604-988-0035)
6/14/93
PenMagic Updates Applications
GENERAL
Specialized Shows, Conferences o
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- A growing number of computer-related shows and conferences in Canada are zeroing in on more specialized areas. Examples in the next few months deal with interactive services, downsizing, and open systems.
Interact93, sponsored by the Interactive Services Association of Silver Spring, Maryland, will take place in Toronto July 18-21. It's the eighth annual conference of the association, which is concerned with electronic services such as bulletin boards, online databases home shopping and, increasingly, interactive entertainment services like movies on demand.
The conference will feature keynote speakers from the computer communications, and entertainment industries, organizers said along with related exhibits.
In September, Digital Consulting of Andover, Massachusetts, will run Downsizing Expo Canada and OP/EN Expo side by side in Toronto. Downsizing Expo will deal with downsizing, client/server computing and business re-engineering. OP/EN expo is concerned with open systems and enterprise networks.
The conference will include presentations by DCI's chairman software industry commentator George Schussel, and a number of other software luminaries. There will also be exhibits by more than 100 vendors, according to DCI.
Such specialized events notwithstanding, Canada's traditional something-for-everybody computer show remains. The Canadian Computer Show and Conference, now in its 24th year, will be held November 22 to 25 at the Toronto International Centre. Organizers at Toronto-based Industrial Trade & Consumer Shows are expecting more than 30,000 visitors.
Specialized Shows, Conferences on Canadian Calendar
GENERAL
F *
11th Annual PC Expo Slated To Op
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- With PC Expo 93 set for takeoff two weeks from tomorrow, the final countdown has begun on what show organizers Bruno Blenheim Inc. expect will be the biggest and best offering in the 11-year history of the event.
Slated for June 29 to 31, the expo features the first trade show screening of an interactive movie called InterFilm, an increasingly international audience, a new PCMCIA Gallery, and product announcements by at least 300 vendors, including Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard, said Mark Dineen, show manager, in an interview with Newsbytes.
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates will give the keynote, and Robert Corrigan, president of the IBM PC Company, will deliver the plenary, Dineen told Newsbytes. Gone, though, is the Windows & OS/2 Pavilion of previous years. Instead, the competing operating environments from IBM and Microsoft will be shown in separate areas of the floor.
Gates' talk is scheduled for June 29 from 9:00 to 10:10 a.m. Officially entitled "New Technology for the Information Age," the address will be simulcast to Networks Expo, a Blenheim show that is taking place in Birmingham, England at the same time PC Expo is happening in New York.
Gates also keynoted at Comdex Atlanta, introducing Windows NT. Microsoft, however, has assured Blenheim that the content of Gates' talk at PC Expo will be entirely different.
"We've also been told that Gates will be making some announcements at PC Expo," Dineen said. Corrigan will be speaking June 30 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the recent revitalization of his company.
Aside from Microsoft and IBM, other vendors that will be major exhibitors at the 1993 show include HP, Intel and Borland. "HP has taken out a lot of booth space. They'll be making a very big splash this year," noted the show manager.
Although the Windows & OS/2 Pavilion has departed, new pavilions have sprung up meanwhile. An expansive new Multimedia Pavilion will offer an array of hardware and software, along with the airing of InterFilm.
Produced by Controlled Entropy and shown up to now in movie theaters only, the CD-ROM-based interactive feature-length film lets the audience help determine the plot, including how the story ends. Periodically in the film, the action stops, and characters ask the audience for input as to what they should do next.
Audience members cast their "votes" on buzzers at their seats. The alternative that receives the most votes dictates what will occur within the film. Controlled Entropy has just signed a deal with Sony/Columbia Pictures to develop six more interactive feature length films, Dineen told Newsbytes.
A smaller Mobile Computing Pavilion at PC Expo 93 will include the PCMCIA Gallery, along with a large separate booth for AT&T, EO and Go Corp.
Multimedia and mobile computing have also attained a newfound presence on PC Expo's conference agenda, with a full eight-session track for multimedia and a minitrack for mobile computing.
Seminars in the multimedia track include "Multimedia: Real-World Applications," "Multimedia: Applications Performance on Existing Hardware," "Desktop Video Production," "Desktop Video Conferencing: Multimedia's Killer Application," "Managing Imaging Multimedia Information," "Developing Multimedia Applications for Windows and OS/2," "CD-ROM for Referencing," and "Multimedia Futures."
Other tracks in this year's conference series are devoted to Fundamentals, Hardware, Software, Windows, Connectivity, and Management.
Also on the PC Expo show floor, Con Edison will host an Energy Star booth, featuring many of the same energy-conscious computer products used in a conference the electric company will be holding in New York on June 28. Officials attending the Con Edison show will receive guest passes to PC Expo.
From farther afield, PC Expo will be receiving its first delegation of attendees from Moscow, and possibly a telecommunications exhibit first displayed in Peru. "Over the past two years, our international audience has expanded considerably," commented Dineen.
Dineen predicts that, in 1993 again, PC Expo will continue its tradition of surpassing its own records for total attendance number of exhibitors, and exhibition space. This year, attendance will increase some 4,000 to 9,000 over the 1992 figure of 81,464 to reach the 85,000 to 90,000 range, he told Newsbytes.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930614/Reader contact: Bruno Blenheim, tel 800 829-3976 or 201-346-1400; fax 201-346-1532; Press contacts: Annie Scully, Bruno Blenheim, tel 201-346-1400, ext 145; Mark Haviland Bruno Blenheim, tel 201-346-1400, ext 152)
Haviland Bruno Blenheim, tel 201-346-1400, ext 152)
6/14/93
11th Annual PC Expo Slated To Open June 29 In NYC
IBM Japan Releases Notebook PCs
Comdex: Alpha's Unusual Features
Telecom Software For Hearing Imp
Comdex: Spring Comdex '93; A Fon
Federal Computer Security Confer
HDTV Work Less Than Meets the Ey
FGS Intros Data Compression Soft
HP To Expand Net Mgt Line, Port
Washington-Bangalore Video Confe
Cabletron Expanding In Canada
Electronic Mail Association Meet
AT&T EO Gets Hard Drive
Cognos Allies With Database Vend
Olivetti Self Service Multimedia
Aussie Bounty Hunters Active On
Enterprise '93 - CIOS Have High
Gupta Distribution Changes In Au
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Gupta Corporation, the manufacturer of client server software for PC networks, has changed the distribution system for its products in Australia, and reduced prices by 20 percent at the same time.
Jarrah Technologies in Sydney will distribute product and provide service to a number of "Authorized Partners" throughout Australia. They will be the only end-user source of product, maintenance and support. Gupta said that the price reduction would bring Australian prices into line with world pricing.
"These pricing and distribution changes are driven by our aim to provide the best, most efficient contact and the highest level of technical service and support to our customers in Australia and New Zealand" said Richard Heaps, Gupta's VP for Asia Pacific Operations.
"In the short term we have asked Jarrah Technologies to act as a source of supply of our products. During this period we will be putting our longer term distribution strategy in place. Ultimately our aim is to establish a new distribution structure that increases our commitment and presence to our dealer network and customer base in Australia," he added.
Jarrah Technologies is the developer of TeamWindows which provides the collaborative programming component of SQLWindows. It is marketed around the world by Gupta.
(Paul Zucker/19930614)
keted around the world by Gupta.
(Paul Zucker/19930614)
6/14/93
Gupta Distribution Changes In Australia Mean Lower Prices
Australian Computer Society Book
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is a professional body with demanding entrance standards. It's also seen by some people as old fashioned, ultra conservative and largely irrelevant in today's computing world. As a result, the group is seeking an upgrade of its image.
The ACS has appointed a PR consultancy to research its image and what role it should be playing in the Australian information technology sector. Macro already has IT clients in Australia such as Microsoft, Dell, Business Software Association of Australia (BSAA) SynOptics, Anixter Australia and Telecom Technologies.
Ron Schmid, honorary secretary of the ACS, said that the society had already introduced a number of new and improved member services during the past year but was keen to further improve its performance and service to the industry. The society's journal has recently been handed to a new publishing company and has undergone a dramatic facelift, bringing praise from the members and ads from the vendors.
Macro's survey will include research among senior IT managers, non ACS members, academics and media to determine services and issues that the ACS should be involved in to attract an increased membership and to have a leading position in the industry.
(Paul Zucker/19930614/Contact ACS on phone +61-2-283 5544 or fax 61-2-283 5543 or Macro on phone +61-2-439 3655 or fax +61-2-436 4221)
Macro on phone +61-2-439 3655 or fax +61-2-436 4221)
6/14/93
Australian Computer Society Books In For A Facelift
GENERAL
Dataflex Design Offers Easy ISDN
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Dataflex Design has unveiled what it claims is an "easy ISDN" module for its original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The ISDN module is designed to fit directly on to the motherboard of customer's OEM equipment.
ISDN stands for integrated services digital network, a technology that allows high-speed data communications to a known standard across relatively low cost switching circuits. ISDN is normally offered to the CCITT international telecoms regulatory body's standard specification of 2 x 64,000 bits per second (bps) plus 1 x 16 bps data channels. This 2+1 system is usually referred to as 2B plus 1D channels.
Announcing the basic rate ISDN module, Philip Benge, Dataflex's marketing director, said that it provides OEMs with a route to immediate BABT-approved ISDN equipment, with the need for further testing of modification to the motherboard's circuitry. BABT standards approval is required on all telecoms kit sold in the UK and connected to the public telecoms networks.
"Dataflex has a well-established record with PC manufacturers datacomms and telemetry companies, providing them with custom-made product. Our ISDN module will ensure that these relationships continue to develop by satisfying both present and future demands for ISDN applications such as videoconferencing, video telephony electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS), EPOS and local area network (LAN) bridging, which require the higher speeds, lower operating costs and greater efficiencies of ISDN," benge explained.
According to Benge, OEMs will benefit from a fast and cost-effective ISDN solution which BABT-approved. When used on asynchronous basis the standard "AT" command can be used to operate the module, which Dataflex claims to provide an easy and seamless migration from analogue modem to ISDN communications.
Newsbytes notes that, using the "AT" command instruction allows the ISDN module to directly replace a modem. Using an extended AT command set (effectively a subset of the Hayes command system), both ISDN B channels can be combined to produced an aggregated 115,000 bps data channel.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- RasterOps has released a high-resolution 20-inch monitor, along with a new 24-bit display adapter specifically optimized for large-screen support.
The new RasterOps 20/20 Multimode Color Display can be used with PCs as well as Macs. The new RasterOps PaintBoard Turbo is for Macs only. The display, however, is also compatible with the RasterOps PC Paintboard 24-bit accelerated display adapter and a variety of PC boards from Truevision, as well as with additional Mac adapters from Apple and third-party vendors.
The 20/20 Multimode is aimed at such purposes as two-page display and presentation applications, officials said when announcing the product. When the monitor is used with an adapter with resolution of less than 1,152 x 870 pixels, text and images are blown up to fill the entire 20 inches.
The monitor supports resolutions ranging from 640 x 480 all the way up to 1,152 x 768 pixels. At 1024 x 768 pixels resolution, text and graphics can be shown in full-page WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what you-get) mode.
For image quality and color fidelity, the monitor uses a high definition Invar shadow mask picture tube with EBU (European Broadcasting Uniformity) phosphors. Through an automatic degaussing feature, the shadow mask is magnetically cleansed at start-up, to eliminate magnetic fields that can interfere with picture display.
Other capabilities of the monitor include 0.31 mm dot pitch, a flicker-free refresh rate of 75 cycles per second, digital controls a tilt/swivel stand, and an anti-static/anti-reflective coating. To be compatible with the RasterOps 20/20 multimode color display, a display adapter must support one or more of the monitor's nine pre-set modes.
The newly introduced RasterOps Paintboard Turbo for the Mac supports monitors of up to 20 inches from RasterOps, Apple and most third-party manufacturers.
The board provides acceleration of up to 50 times over standard unaccelerated QuickDraw and a 9-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter), according to the company.
The accelerator can also address a color space twice as high as traditional 8-bit DAC standards, allowing a full range of 16.7 million colors to be displayed without color replication on systems with a gamma setting as high as 2.4, officials asserted.
An extended desktop feature supplies a virtual work space of 4,096 x 1,024 pixels, or four times that of the actual size of the monitor, so the user can work on spreadsheets, layouts or other materials up to four-and-a-half feet in size.
"Even occasional users of applications such as QuarkXPress PageMaker, Photoshop and Illustrator will experience increased productivity from our large-screen display and acceleration capabilities," commented Jon Bass, RasterOps' product marketing manager.
The new adapter also offers a daughterboard expansion capability. Functionality can be extended, for example, with the use of RasterOps PhotoPro, a RISC-based daughtercard for Photoshop filer acceleration.
Other key features of the accelerator board include smooth panning for moving quickly and easily around the desktop, and instant magnification.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930614/Press contact: Michele Janin Cunningham Communication for RasterOps, tel 408-982-0400; Reader contact: RasterOps, tel 800-SAY-COLOR)
408-982-0400; Reader contact: RasterOps, tel 800-SAY-COLOR)
6/14/93
RasterOps Intros 20-Inch Monitor And Large-Screen Adapter
GENERAL
Editorial - Phone, Newspaper Tie
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- By Dana Blankenhorn. A few years ago newspaper chains and telephone companies were eyeing each other warily, each fearful the other would try to monopolize new markets in local online services, voice services and fax.
Now they've dropped the hatchets and climbed into bed together. In Atlanta, it's Southern Bell and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. In LA, the Times and Pacific Bell. In New York Nynex and Newsday.
The reaction? A big yawn. Why? Because newspapers and phone companies simply don't have the power they once did. Even if there's just one daily in a market like Atlanta, there are free weeklies like Creative Loafing, four local TV news teams, specialty publications of all kinds, and cable. As for the Bell companies, the old joke that if they were selling sushi they'd call it "cold, dead fish" rings true.
Failure has cooled the fears of monopoly. In Atlanta, for instance the newspaper tried an online service and an audiotex service. The latter drew lots of calls, but little revenue. The phone company tried an online service, and has launched a cellular news-clipping service. No big deal there, either.
And it doesn't look like either side is going to wise up any time soon. Cox Enterprises chairman James Cox Kennedy says that journalism jobs will actually decline as new media come on-stream to be replaced by "packagers" of information.
Wrong, Jim. These new markets are not easy pickings. To win, you've got to provide something new, different, and valuable. That means reporters, as well as editors, dedicated to the new markets, and their readers.
Just as you needed new news crews for radio and TV, you'll need new kinds of newspeople to make fax-based news work, for instance. Why? Because fax needs high value-added, tight writing, in-depth, with a fast turnaround -- the speed of TV with the depth of a newspaper.
Same thing with online services, which require interaction, a cross between magazine writer and radio talk-show host. Same thing with audio services, where you need need depth, clarity and -- again -- a high value-added, a cross between radio and newsletters.
It's true. These markets have not developed yet. It's possible they'll never develop, and it's possible I'm wrong. But I've just looked at each market from a reader's point of view. That's the only view that counts.
Unless and until local editors in fax, online and audio services think and act from that point of view, nothing will succeed. Newspaper people can only think and act from a newspaper reader's point of view, phone company people from a utility's point of view. Neither is a fax reader, an online services user, or a heavy user of audio services.
Down the road, after fax, audio, and local online services are proven, the phone company and newspaper company might buy-out good people, but meanwhile there's nothing but opportunity here.
If you want to be a press baron, think like a reader of one of these media, act like someone dedicated to serve that reader, and have no fear of the Big Bad Monopoly. You will be rewarded and retain your independence, just as Newsbytes has been rewarded and retained its independence, if you just remember that the customer is always right. No amount of money or power will ever change that.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930614)
change that.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930614)
6/14/93
Editorial - Phone, Newspaper Tie-Ups A-Gogo
EDITORIAL
TELECOM
First MPC 2 Multimedia Upgrade K
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Media Vision has introduced two multimedia upgrade kits that are the first to be compatible with the Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC) Marketing Council's recently introduced MPC Level 2 specification.
Both the Pro 16 Multimedia System and the Fusion Double CD-16 contain a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive and a CD quality sound card, but the Pro 16 system offers faster performance than the Fusion Double CD-16.
The Pro 16 Multimedia System kit includes the NEC model 84JD-1 CD-ROM drive with a 300 kilobytes per second (kps) data rate and a 250 millisecond (ms) average access time. Also included is the Pro Audiospectrum 16 sound card and specialized software including: musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) sequencing software, a professional waveform editor, mixer, and voice recognition.
The kit also includes no less than eight software applications on CD-ROM: Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia; Interplay's Battle Chess; Mantis and Civilization games from Micropro; Macromedia's Action! presentation package; the complete Mayo Clinic Health Book; Sirrus Publishing's PC Karaoke; and Broderbund's Carmen Sandiego Deluxe Edition. The kit is retail priced at $1,199.
At a lower price, but still MPC Level 2 compatible, the Fusion Double CD-16 upgrade kit offers a NEC model 55J CD- ROM drive performing at a 300 kps data rate, 350 ms access time and a 16 bit sound card. Four bundled CD-ROM software applications offered in the kit are: Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia; Interplay's Battle Chess; Broderbund's Arthur's Teacher Trouble; and The Seventh Guest from Virgin, which the company claims is one of the first games to take advantage of double speed CD-ROM technology. This package retails for $799.
The MPC Level 2 specification expands industry standard minimum requirements for multimedia systems to 16-bit (or CD-quality) sound, a double-speed CD-ROM drive, and multi-session Photocd capability. Complaints throughout the industry were that the original MPC specifications didn't require enough horsepower to make a satisfying multimedia experience for users. Especially concerning the data transfer rate the CD-ROM drive is capable of, which is why double-speed CD-ROM drives have been introduced.
Data transfer rates determine just how fast information can be moved between the storage device and the computer. With hard drives the bottleneck is mostly the due to limitations of the computer bus but with CD-ROM drives the bus transfer speeds are restricted by how quickly the drive can read data from the disc.
Double-speed CD-ROM drives operate at two different rotation speeds -- standard, and twice the standard speed. This speeds data transfer rates and reduces average access times to as low as about 250 ms.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930614/Press Contact: Abigail Johnson Roeder-Johnson for Media Vision, tel 415-802-1851)
nson Roeder-Johnson for Media Vision, tel 415-802-1851)
6/14/93
First MPC 2 Multimedia Upgrade Kits From Media Vision
AIFP Offers High Volume Fax Serv
BEAVERTON, OREGON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- American International Facsimile Products says it will offer two of Dell Computer Corporation's 486-based computers as the main platforms for its Host-Fax line of host-connect fax servers.
A fax server is a computer which is configured to send and receive high volumes of fax traffic. The fax server is connected to a mid-range host system, and contains a fax board which performs the functions of a standalone fax machine.
AIFP says that fax servers can be either hardware or software based. The Host-Fax system is software based, which AIFP says provides more flexibility than a hardware-based system, such as more sophisticated printing options. The company will be using Dell's 433/M desktop and 450/T tower systems, which will be pre-configured by Dell.
The Host-Fax system, which operates under Unix to take advantage of multitasking, functions as an outbound fax systems that uses forms overlay and formatting, and as a forms printing system for files and documents. For example, suppose you want to deliver a document to a customer or supplier via fax, fax a copy internally to your own receiving department, and print date/time stamped copies with routing information for your archives. The system also offers multiple fonts a feature often not available with fax boards.
According to AIFP, Host-Fax can support up to 48 lines, each with its own fax board, for incoming and outgoing faxes, and performs file maintenance such as purging of files, automatically based on user criteria. Host-Fax graphics are in TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format.
A number of page layout and drawing programs, including Aldus Pagemaker, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Draw, recognize TIFF files and can be used to prepare customized forms for faxing via Host-Fax. The program can also use scanned forms, and has a set of graphics commands that allow form and document printing on the fly. A number of fonts are supported in sizes from 6 to 72 points. The program supports CCITT Group III and IV.
Other features include document batching which allows all faxes being sent to a particular phone number to go out together, regardless of where they reside in the fax queue. A broadcast fax feature sends documents to an unlimited number of phones, and the program supports transmission to alternate numbers and retries up to eight hours.
AIFP Marketing Director Dale Paulin told Newsbytes the concept of attaching a Unix based fax server to the host is unfamiliar to many companies, but the word is now getting out. "With the kind of payback that these servers provide, it doesn't surprise me." Information provided by Paulin reflects that a company that sends out 100 document pages per day can save nearly $1,500 per month by faxing instead of mailing, using a fax server instead of the US Postal Service. At that rate, says AIFP, you would recover the cost of a $9,000 server is just over six months. The cost savings claimed for companies sending 500 document pages daily jumps to $7,350 per month.
AIFP provides a toll-free number for inquiries, and will do a free application analysis. You can also write your name on a sheet of company letterhead and fax it to them.
ST CLAIR SHORES, MICHIGAN, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- One of the problems users of discontinued computer lines have is the obtaining the same level of support that the manufacturers once supplied. Called "orphans," the systems frequently remain in use long after the company has gone out of business or has introduced a new line.
Traditionally, the search for support has spawned user groups on national and local electronic bulletin boards and third-party firms have bought up all the parts and software they could find just to support these waifs of the industry. Now a Michigan company has announced new support plans for the Apple II market that include an expanded product line and a new all-Apple II magazine.
"The Apple II community feels abandoned by Apple," explained Joe Gleason, President of Quality Computers. "Apple sold over six million Apple IIs then decided to turn their backs on them. There's no dealer support. There's little corporate support. We want to fill that void," he said.
To do just that Quality Computers has launched "II alive", a magazine devoted to the Apple II computer. "We want to make II Alive like Apple II publications were 5 or 6 years ago -- packed with information and fun to read," said Gleason.
The first issue of II Alive went out in March of this year, and will be published every other month. Gleason claims that it will have feature articles, regular departments, interviews, nostalgia, and a Buying Guide. A one year subscription is $19.95 and you get a free video. Quality spokesperson Carl Sperber told Newsbytes the video which is a little under an hour long, contains some product demos some video shot at Apple Expo West in San Francisco a few months ago, and some tech tips.
Quality obtained the subscription list for A+ and InCider magazine from IDG and will fulfil those subscriptions. They are mailing II Alive to about 65,000 readers at present, and say the subscriptions are coming in at the rate of about 200 per day.
Last year Quality Computers announced an array of products under its brand name, including RAM cards for the IIe and IIGs, a 2400 baud modem, and several utility programs. The company has also acquired the rights to Beagle Bros Software's Apple II product line, and has already released one new product and a major upgrade under the Beagle Bros name. "We plan to expand both product lines in 1993," Gleason said.
The company also serves the educational market (K-12) with multi vendor hardware and software, and publishes a free magazine and catalog for educators, called Enhance.
(Jim Mallory/19930614/Press contact: Carl Sperber, Quality Computers 800-777-3642,X726 or 313-774-7200; Reader contact: Quality Computers 800-777-3642 or 313-774-7200)
y Computers 800-777-3642 or 313-774-7200)
6/14/93
Michigan Company Supports Apple II Line
APPLE
Japan - NEC PC-VAN Connects Govt
Software Toolworks To Intro 29 P
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unreg
Apple Gearing Publishing, Teleco
RightBrain Software Intros Exact
Roundup - Stories Carried By Oth
Intel Claims $1 Billion In Damag
Dell Seeks Japanese Portables Pa
Wordperfect Ships Document Templ
Microsoft's Bill Gates Fifth Ric
NEC To Release 1.8-inch 125.8M H
First MPC 2 Multimedia Upgrade K
Enterprise '93 - Bull's New Stra
Bellcore Offers System for Natio
Translated Korean Information Av
New Checkit Adds Floppy Disk Ali
Companies Combine On Mobile Heal
NMC Vision Upgrade Launched In A
Real-Time News Software For Maci
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Mainstream Data has announced MacWire, a newswire processing software package for Apple Computer's Macintosh that can receive, filter, and display news on a real-time basis.
In the old days newspapers, radio and television stations, and news magazines had a bank of teletype machines in their news rooms to receive the stories coming over the Associated Press, United Press International, Reuters and local news wires. As technology improved and computers moved into the news rooms, the clacking teletypes machines made way for quieter computer terminals.
The new system is called MacWire, and allows most of the major newswires to be inserted directly into a Macintosh computer. Mainstream Data claims that the software is fully compatible with all services conforming to the ANPA Bulletin 1312 format including Knight-Ridder/Tribune, Associated Press, UPI, Reuters, PR Newswire Business Wire, Agence France Presse, Comtex and other services.
In addition to receiving stories coming in on the telephone lines MacWire can also receive FM and satellite transmissions via Mainstream Data's North America-wide broadcasting network.
The software, which will be officially unveiled at the NEXPO Trade Show in New Orleans June 14th, lets the user set up as many as 32 separate "sections" or windows, each dedicated to a different topic or subject based on user-defined key words. For example, one section might capture computer-related stories, while another would collect financial news, and another sports. The company says each section is updated in real-time, as the stories are received.
The company says MacWire does not require a dedicated Macintosh computer, but works in the background while the user performs other tasks such as word processing. The program has a suggested retail price of $995. Mainstream spokesperson Rob Kay told Newsbytes the program will run with as little as 1MB of system memory.
Robert Harris, director of Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News, likes the concept. "Users of Knight-Ridder/Tribune newswires have been waiting for this," says Harris. "the publishing community has had newswires and Macintosh computers for years, but nobody has put the two together. MacWire gives publishers the facility they've been waiting for - applying the creative power of the Mac to the newswires.
(Jim Mallory/19930614/Press contact: Robert Kay, Mainstream Data 415-777-2760; Reader contact: Mainstream Data, 801-584-2800)
contact: Mainstream Data, 801-584-2800)
6/14/93
Real-Time News Software For Macintosh
APPLE
Traveling Software's Nifty Text
BOTHELL, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- It's not often that you get something that's really free. But the folks at Traveling Software include a very nice text editor at absolutely no cost with their already nifty product, Laplink.
Laplink itself is designed to make it easy to transfer files from one computer to another. Laptop computers users use it to transfer files easily between laptops and desktop PCs. It can do its work via a special cable that comes with the software and connects either the parallel or the serial ports on the two computers, or you can transfer files via the phone lines if the PCs are modem-equipped.
When the programmers wrote the Laplink software, they included LapLink Editor, an easy-to-use text editor that supports a mouse if you have one, or can be controlled via the keyboard. LapWrite uses pull-down menus, and automatically reformats text as you insert or delete information. You can merge files, inserting the contents of one file anywhere in a second file, and you can have two files open simultaneously, either switching from one to the other or displaying both in the split screen mode.
The program includes a clipboard feature to which text can be moved or copied, and contents of the clipboard can be automatically saved if you turn that option on. You can also display the contents of the clipboard. There's a search feature, and search and replace. All of the features are available from the menus, and many are invoked via various Alt-key combinations.
Word wrap is user selectable, with the options of choosing screen width, print width, or at a user-specified column. You can turn on a large text feature which makes it very easy to read what you are typing or editing, particularly on notebook machines, and you can select 43 or 50 lines of text per screen if you have EGA or VGA video. You can also change the case of a selected portion of the text, and remove carriage returns.
There are several print options. You can view the layout, which displays three pages of the document side by side so you can see what it looks like; print the document to the screen; or print to your printer. Some of the set-up choices available are the tab interval in spaces, turning on or off the beep, an auto save feature, and selection of the display color. The latter includes an LCD selection specifically for laptop systems.
When you purchase LapLink, you get an order form for the $24.95 Hot Links Book. The book comes with an upgraded version of LapLink Editor called LapWrite; DeskConnect, a drive sharing program; and some file management software. In addition to the features mentioned above LapWrite also adds number of additional features.
There are various print options, including left and right margins line spacing, page width, top and bottom margins, page length justification, number of copies, number the pages starting with a user-selectable page number, and select the output port. That last feature lets you send the output to any of the parallel or serial ports on your machine.
There's also an auto-save feature, and a spell checker and thesaurus. The spell checker lets you check the entire document, a selected portion, or an individual word. You'll get the spell checker and thesaurus sat no cost when you register LapWrite.
(Jim Mallory/19930614/Press contact: Marci Maule, Traveling Software 206-483-8088; Reader contact: Traveling Software, 800-343-8080 or 206-483-8088, fax 206-487-1284)
-8080 or 206-483-8088, fax 206-487-1284)
6/14/93
Traveling Software's Nifty Text Editor
Radius Intros Mac Photoshop Acce
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- The Macintosh platform from Apple Computer has always been heavily favored for graphics-intensive applications. Now Radius has introduced PhotoBooster, a hardware/software package designed to speed compute intensive operations for users of Adobe Systems Photoshop 2.5. The company has also introduced the PrecisionColor Pro accelerated 24 bit display interface.
According to the company, PhotoBooster is powered by twin AT&T 3210 digital signal processors running at 66 megahertz (MHz). The product is intended to provide acceleration of such critical Adobe Photoshop bottlenecks as filters, image resizing and rotation, as well as RGB to CMYK color conversions.
Announcing the product, Chuck Berger, Radius' president and chief executive officer, said: "Adding Radius' PhotoBooster to a Macintosh Quadra or Centris 650 provides significant performance improvements for the production Photoshop user."
"Radius now offers its customers a number of acceleration alternatives that meet the most stringent price/performance needs while providing unprecedented productivity improvements," he added.
PhotoBooster includes a small form factor, general-purpose computational co-processor for the Processor Direct Slot (PDS) in the Centris 650 and Quadra versions of the Mac. The PhotoBooster software diverts Photoshop 2.5 filtering operations to the DSPs or engages them in combination with the Macintosh processor.
The DSP3210 uses a 32-bit architecture for both its data and address buses. The PrecisionColor Pro graphics card may be installed "in-line" with the PhotoBooster card installed in the PDS slot. The two cards require only the footprint of a single NuBus slot.
The company says that the Radius PhotoBooster card for the Quadra and Centris 650 Macs will begin shipping in July 1993.
Radius claims that PrecisionColor Pro offers the best on-screen performance of any interface in its class, and includes the Dynamic Desktop software with the interface for ease-of-use. Radius also says that Dynamic Desktop provides users with "instantaneous resolution and bit-depth switching without having to re-boot their system or re-launch applications."
The PrecisionColor Pro is designed in a reduced size seven-inch NuBus form factor, which offers compatibility with all NuBus-based Macintosh systems. The seven-inch size assures compatibility with future Macintosh NuBus CPUs (central processing units).
The Radius PrecisionColor Pro uses an application specific integrated circuit design to deliver 32-bit QuickDraw acceleration. According to the company, the integrated design uses fewer components than many competitive products, which results in higher performance, reduced heat build-up, and lower overall power consumption.
The PrecisionColor Pro is set for shipments in June, 1993 and will carry a suggested list price of $2,499.
(Ian Stokell/19930614/Press Contact: Dee Cravens 408-434-1010, Radius Inc.)
9930614/Press Contact: Dee Cravens 408-434-1010, Radius Inc.)
6/14/93
Radius Intros Mac Photoshop Accelerator, PrecisionColor Pro
APPLE
DeltaPoint Unveils Graphics Util
MacTV Schedule for June
CompuAdd Intros VESA Systems Wit
Editorial: Do People Buy Softwar
REVIEW: Loom Fantasy Adventure C
India May Relax Import Duty Regi
Virgin Record Publisher Going In
Sun Signs Up For TCP/IP Network
India - VSNL Offers EDI Service
UK - RISC-Based Networking Costs
Samsung PC Line To Be Sold Direc
Northern Extends VISIT To IBM PC
EMA Show - X.400 Is A Big Topic
Dataquest Multimedia Alliance Su
Maxis Railroad Simulation Game A
Chip Reaches Out And Touches Thi
Real Life Model For Jurassic Par
Review of - Hot Links, Guide To
Geneva Services Unveils Mac To M
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Geneva Services (UK) Limited a company that specializes in information management and the analysis of change, has announced ASC 5PM, a French package that allows Apple Mac systems to be connected to a wide range of mini and mainframe host computers.
According to the company, ASC 5PM is a unique interfacing product that allows interfacing with multiple computers simultaneously. The software, which costs UKP 412, enables users to benefit from client/server computing within their own Mac environment, the company claims.
In addition, ASC 5PM allows for a "vamping" facility, i.e. the ability to transform the on-screen appearance of a text-based application. A customised Mac interface can be created for host applications, such as accounting or customer information, which allows packages running on non-Mac environments -- over the link to have a Mac-like graphical user interface (GUI).
In use, ASC 5PM supports IBM mainframe and AS/400 environments, as well as DEC VAX, HP-3000 and most leading Unix environments. Several terminal emulations are also supported. Announcing the availability of the package in the UK, Simon Love, Geneva Systems' managing director, said that ASC 5PM is a major breakthrough for majority of computer users who are still using dumb terminals on host computers.
"Users can now have a flexible, easy to use interface that delivers real productivity gains. ASC 5PM gives managers an affordable opportunity to link standalone or networked Apple users simply into central company computers to gain access to massive investments in information and processing power," he said.
As supplied, ASC 5PM includes support for full color screens, as well as host terminals that support mono and eight colour emulations. The package is fully compatible with Apple Comms Toolbox, and includes a scripting language with palettes, buttons and other objects to automate multiple operations.
(Steve Gold/19930614/Press & Public Contact: Geneva Services (UK) Tel: 0273-608311)
& Public Contact: Geneva Services (UK) Tel: 0273-608311)
6/14/93
Geneva Services Unveils Mac To Mini/Mainframe Connector
APPLE
Apricot Announces New Budget PCs
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Apricot has unveiled a new range of aggressively-priced PCs known as the Xen PC series. The budget machines claim to bring 80486 processor computing power and Apricot's quality design and performance to a new range of PC users many of whom are used to buying "off the page."
To handle the new machines, Apricot has created what it claims is a new sales channel -- the Apricot Connection. The machines will be sold through four of the company's main resellers: 3C UK, Clifton Reed Consultants, Fraser Associates and The Database. All four resellers will target buyers in the direct sales market-place with the new machines.
Pricing on the Xen PC series starts at UKP 799 for a 25 megahertz (MHz) 80486SX microprocessor-based system with 4 megabytes (MB) of memory, an 80MB hard disk and a 14 inch super VGA color monitor. This price runs until the end of July, when it will rise by UKP 100 to UKP 899.
Other machines available are a similarly-equipped 160MB hard disk system for UKP 999, a 33MHz 486DX-based system with 160MB hard disk at UKP 1,199 and a 240MB equipped system at UKP 1,299. Optional extras include a 14 inch EVGA color Trinitron monitor (UKP 75 extra) and a 17 inch EVGA color Trinitron monitor (UKP 475 extra).
Dr Peter Horne, group managing director of Apricot, said that the machines are pitched at the volume sales market-place. "As well as small organizations and individuals, there are many large institutions in both the public and private sectors who buy standard PCs in volume, but have recognised the need for well-designed and manufactured systems from quality manufacturers," he said.
"The Zen PC, built on our new low-cost production lines, can rival ant of the existing direct sales or price-sensitive manufacturers such as Dell, Elonex, Compaq's Prolinea and Ambra," he added.
(Steve Gold/19930614/Press & Public Contact: Apricot Computers Tel: 021-717-7171)
Public Contact: Apricot Computers Tel: 021-717-7171)
6/14/93
Apricot Announces New Budget PCs; New Sales Channel
F d
Ford's Biggest Secret Up For Sal
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- The Ford Motor Company's biggest secret -- a software package that helped the automobile giant snip $1,200 million from its manufacturing costs -- is now for sale in India. The package, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), which was developed by Boothroyd Dewhurst in the US, can now be bought for just $3,750 in India.
Boothroyd Dewhurst decided to release the package in India after sales requests from several potential customers in this country. After extensive dealing with a number of local companies, the US software house settled on Product Management Services (PMS) and its New Delhi-based associate, SQL Star People (India), to handle sales in the Indian sub-continent.
"We expect to sell about 150 DFMA licences in the next seven months," explained Jas Walia, PMS' managing director, who has began offering product demonstrations to several companies such as Bajaj Auto, Telco (of Tatas) and Videocon.
DFMA is a package that logs all manufacturing activity within a company and looks carefully at the economic implications of altering the methods of manufacture. Since between 70 and 95 percent of the end product's cost is due to the marginal cost of manufacture rather than the overheads involved (e.g. sales and marketing), any changes in the cost of manufacture will have a strong effect on the end user costs.
In use, DFMA allows the manufacturer to identify those areas of manufacture where costs can be trimmed. The package is used by several companies, including Alcatel, Compaq, Digital Equipment Hewlett Packard General Motors and Xerox, in their bid to keep costs under control and keep prices competitive.
SQL Star People is also marketing the Adina Finite Element System (AFES), a package written and developed by Adina R&D Incorporated. This PC package, which was designed for the construction, rubber steel, energy and heavy engineering industries, costs around $8,000. A minicomputer version sells for around three times this price.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930614)
mes this price.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930614)
6/14/93
Ford's Biggest Secret Up For Sale In India
GENERAL
Cablesoft Rumors Swirling
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A.,1993 JUNE 14 (NB) -- The New York Times reports that Time Warner, TCI and Microsoft are discussing a venture called Cablesoft which would work on interactive cable software. Microsoft spokesmen confirmed the talks with Reuters, but Time spokesman Ed Adler refused all comment to Newsbytes and other services.
If the deal goes down, it would get Microsoft around two new competitors, IBM-Apple's Kaleida partnership and Silicon Graphics both of which have recently signed to get into the cable business. Kaleida offered its Scriptx language, which will go along with the IBM-Motorola-Apple PowerPC chip in a new set-top converter from Scientific Atlanta. Silicon Graphics said it will provide chips for Time Warner's new interactive system in Orlando.
The rumors of a Microsoft connection follow by one week the announcement, at the National Cable Television Association show in San Francisco, that TCI and Time Warner, the two largest cable operators, would work to make their interactive systems compatible.
At the same show Microsoft confirmed a deal to put its Modular Windows software onto Intel chips for a General Instruments cable box, and TCI ordered 1 million of them. Major online systems like Prodigy and America Online seized on that news to offer their networks to cable viewers. While online services reach just about 10 million, cable television reaches 60 million households.
Speculation is that TCI, which is buying Modular Windows-based cable boxes, may be more keen on this deal than Time, which is working with Kaleida and Silicon Graphics. While analysts generally applauded the report, most noted that the announcement of a joint-venture is the first step toward creating a product which itself is just one step on the road to market acceptance of a technology.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930614)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930614)
6/14/93
Cablesoft Rumors Swirling
TELECOM
Aha! For Fast, Smart Pen-Based N
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- If you've been waiting for the perfect program for note taking on a pen-based computer, Aha! Software might have what you're looking for in its first product, Inkwriter. Inkwriter claims to be fast enough to keep up with you while you take notes and can even allow you to add to your notes on the fly.
The problem in the past with note taking on pen-based computers is the computer tries to translate your notes as you write, which slows things down considerably. Aha! President, Gregory Stikeleather, said that Inkwriter gets around that problem by not allowing translation of the notes until you request it.
In addition, the software is smart enough to know if you're writing a paragraph, making a list, marking up, drawing, or editing. If you're writing a paragraph the software automatically wraps the words to the next line. It will even allow you to insert words in your own handwriting and will wrap the text to accommodate the insertion.
Aha! claims that many users won't want to bother with translation of their handwriting, as many faxes and documents are hand-written to save time. But translation can be done, using the operating system's built-in handwriting recognition software. Users can also decide what text they'd like translated, so they can have a mix of translated and handwritten text. The company also claims it offers tight integration with other handwriting recognition modules including some that recognize cursive handwriting.
Other features include a twenty-level undo (so you can back out of anything, the company claims); a variety of "stationary sheets" including meeting notes, faxes, to do, memos, and presentations; automatic insertion of date and time; write big, read small; write narrow, print wide; and yellow marker highlighting. A number of ink and text styles, fill patterns, fonts, font sizes, shades, and thicknesses are available to choose from. The company even claims you can use the electronic equivalent of a yellow marker to highlight your text or handwritten ink.
Inkwriter is aimed at the personal digital assistant (PDA) market, and company officials mentioned the software works well with the American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T)/EO Personal Communicator.
The software requires a 386, 486 or reduced instruction set computing (RISC) Hobbit central processing unit (CPU), Go Corporation's Penpoint Operating System 1.01 or higher, and a minimum storage configuration of 275 kilobytes. Retail price is $249, but the company is offering an introductory price of $199.
Aha! says that Inkwriter will ship in July, but is taking orders now. The software comes on floppy disks and needs to be moved to the PDA from another IBM compatible computer.
Stikeleather founded Mountain View, California-based Aha! in 1991 after leaving his position as "Manager of Evangelism" for Go Corporation. He has also worked for Forefront, Ashton-Tate, and Apple Computer. Steven Kusmer, Vice President of Engineering, worked on Authorware's interactive multimedia Windows product and Hewlett Packard's Unix operating system for the first Unix computer. Seed money for the company came from its founders who have since raised venture capital funding.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930614/Press Contact: Sharon Miller, Access PR for Aha!, tel 415-904-7070 ext 272; Gregory Strikeleather Aha!, tel 415-988-2080, fax 415-988-2081)
r Aha!, tel 415-988-2080, fax 415-988-2081)
6/14/93
Aha! For Fast, Smart Pen-Based Notetaking
Ungermann-Bass Scores With NY St
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Reliability is an important feature of any networking environment, but for some organizations, it is critical. Addressing that concern Ungermann-Bass has won a contract for the sale of an integrated network management and monitoring system to the Securities Industry Automation Corp (SIAC), a subsidiary of the New York and American stock exchanges.
SIAC provides key information technology systems support to both exchanges, as well as to the National Securities Clearing and the securities industry nationwide.
Ungermann-Bass and its development partner ProTools' system includes the NetDirector network management console, and ProTools' Foundation Manager and Cornerstone Probe. According to the two companies, they provide network-out-of-band capability that allows the user to put the agent-to-manager communication on a secondary adapter and therefore a secondary network.
The companies claim that this allows network management personnel to maintain communication to that segment even if the primary network goes down.
Reliability was a primary concern of SIAC. Said Didier Moretti general manager of Ungermann-Bass' Network Management business unit "The Ungermann-Bass/ProTools solution was designed to address The New York Stock Exchange's reliability concerns."
"The combined solution is the only one to offer advanced network management features, such as baseline operation that allows automatic setting of minimum and maximum alarm thresholds, and an open, standards-based approach that provides enhanced reliability," he added.
Andrew F. Bach, SIAC managing director of communications engineering, said of the system: "Because of the speed and quantity of transactions that SIAC handles, it is crucial that we have a network infrastructure in place that we can count on not to buckle under on days when the transaction load is extremely heavy."
SIAC says that it plans, develops, implements and operates a variety of automated information-handling and communication systems that support order processing, trading and market data reporting as well as trade comparison, clearance and settlement for a range of securities.
The company maintains that ProTools' Foundation Manager integrates Ungermann-Bass' network management product into NetDirector. Foundation Manager is both a desktop monitoring and analysis system, as well as a central console for viewing and controlling subnets throughout the enterprise.
The Cornerstone Probe, consists of Cornerstone Agent software and two Ungermann-Bass Ethernet adapters pre-installed on a Dell computer in order to provide remote monitoring of the network managed from Foundation Manager and NetDirector.
(Ian Stokell/19930614/Press Contact: Jim DeTar 408-987-6531, Ungermann-Bass Inc.)
: Jim DeTar 408-987-6531, Ungermann-Bass Inc.)
6/14/93
Ungermann-Bass Scores With NY Stock Exchange
BUSINESS
Sun Establishes Strategic Allian
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Sun Microsystems and Wipro Infotech have established a strategic alliance with each other in the Indian sub-continent. The aim of the alliance is to expand both companies' respective positions as India's leading workstation and server supplier.
Sun Microsystems entered the Indian market-place in 1987 via a simple distribution agreement with Wipro Infotech, a company that is ranked as number two in terms of Indian information technology (IT) firms. Since then, the relationship between the two companies has continued to the point where Sun/Wipro-distributed workstations and servers are regarded as occupying the number one Indian sales slot.
Thanks to this success, both companies have decided to expand their relationship with the formation of a new company -- Wipro Network Systems -- which will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wipro Infotech. The new company, which will employ 160 staff, aims to promote the sale of Sun's hardware, as well as third-party solutions through specialized sales channels such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), value added resellers (VARs) and general dealers.
Newsbytes notes that Wipro recently scored a success by landing prestigious deals with the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Unit Trust of India, fighting off fierce competition from the likes of IBM (through Tata Information Systems), Hewlett-Packard and Digital Equipment.
Rober MacRitchie, Sun Asia's corporate vice president, said that the formation of the new company will be well place to explore vertical sales channels. "In today's rapidly changing computer industry, the most successful companies are pursuing strategies of vertical commitment rather than vertical integration," he said, adding that vendors who are trying to cover all bases themselves, are failing at the task.
"This alliance offers many benefits of a classical equity joint venture while allowing each company to focus investments in their own core competencies," he said, adding that, for Sun "this means building world-class networked systems at affordable prices while committing to India's best distribution, solutions and support network from Wipro."
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930614)
port network from Wipro."
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930614)
6/14/93
Sun Establishes Strategic Alliance With Wipro Infotech
GENERAL
Act! Version 1.1 For Windows Arr
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Contact Software International (CSI) has announced it is shipping an upgrade to its contact management software Act! for Windows.
The company says that version 1.1 includes performance gains and increased data integration. The performance is improved by as much as 300 percent in some areas of the program, and users now have quicker access to contact and schedule information.
The company claims that importing, exporting and merging of contact records is now significantly faster. According to CSI, saving almost 300 contacts with notes and history as a unique group now takes less than 20 seconds in Act! for Windows version 1.1, compared to 6 minutes 33 seconds in version 1.03. The comparisons were made using a 386-based personal computer running at 33 megahertz (MHz).
Contact programs like Act! use a database to keep track of information about companies and individuals you want to contact periodically. Most record a history of each contact, and allow scheduling of activities and have other features that make it easy to do follow-up with customers and prospects. Interaction with a word processing program allows the user to send customized form letters to clients and prospects. Follow-up can be scheduled as desired.
The new version allows users to exchange data between Act! programs and other Windows-based applications such as Word for Windows AmiPro, and Wordperfect for Windows through DDE (dynamic data exchange).
There's also a "point and shoot" import filter for dBase IV and ASCII files, a data link to Act! for the Hewlett Packard 95LX palmtop, and new merge features to reconcile data between multiple version of Act! CSI has also added filters to import most data from other contact managers and PIMs (personal information managers) such as PackRat, Lotus Organizer, and Maximizer. The program includes a DDE link to WinFax PRO, allowing an Act! user to capture the name and fax number from the current contact record and send it to WinFax Pro to fax a document.
CSI claims that some of the new features are user requested including optional auto-rollover of uncompleted activities, a quick dial phone list, and enhanced lookup features for searching within existing groups.
The company has changed the package and lowered the price for new users. Previously priced at $495, CSI says the suggested retail price is now $395, and registered users of Act! for Windows will automatically receive the upgrade at no charge.
A two lesson audio tape, with each lesson taking about one hour, is included in the box. The package also includes a coupon that allows you to buy the HP 95LX version of Act! for $99. The regular price for the 95LX version is $149.
CSI provides online support for Act! in the PC Vendor E forum on CompuServe, a subscription information service, and the Act! box contains the information to get you a free introductory membership on CompuServe. You receive one month of free Basic Services and a $15 credit towards connect charges.
Several third party providers publish add-on products for Act! including MCI Mail for Act!; Act! Pak!, a mail merge program; MapLinx for Act!, which displays the location of your contacts on a map; and several other useful products. Ordering information and pricing is included in a brochure included with Act! for Windows.
If you don't already have Act! for Windows and plan to buy it, you'll need a 386-based PC or better, 4 megabytes (MB) of system memory Windows 3.0 or higher or Windows for Pen Computing, and a 3.5 inch high density floppy drive. The program files occupy about 3MB of hard drive space.
I CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Apple Computer faced with increasing pricing pressure in the highly competitive personal computer (PC) market, is cutting prices and offering rebate incentives. The rebates will be effective September 30, 1993 and will be administered by participating Apple authorized resellers.
The price reductions are approximately ten percent on selected Macintosh Centris 610 models, Macintosh IIvx models, Powerbook 180s Apple Onescanners, and the Applecds compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drives. For example, the Powerbook 180 4/120 has been reduced from $4,469 to $4,059.
Rebates of $50 to $350 are being offered on a variety of Apple desktop, notebook, and Duo computers as well as on printers monitors, and compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drives. The models in each of the following product lines have been reduced: Macintosh Classic, Macintosh Centris, Macintosh IIvx, Powerbook Macintosh Duo Dock, Apple Monitors, Laserwriter printers, the Apple Onescanner, and the Applecd.
In addition, Apple has announced a low-cost laser printer, the Apple Personal LaserWriter 300. The product is aimed at home office, small business and educational markets and is retail priced at $689.
The Personal Laserwriter offers power conservation. The Laserwriter is always "asleep" until it detects something to be printed, and after printing goes back to "sleep." When printing, it uses 120 watts, less than one-half the power of most laser printers and while in "sleep" mode, the printer uses less than five watts of power, or the equivalent of a television set that has been turned off.
The new Laserwriter 300 weighs less than 15 pounds and is compact enough to fit on a desktop. The printer offers up to four pages per minute print speed and print resolution of up to 300 by 300 dots per inch (dpi) with grayscale printing. It can be connected to a Localtalk or Ethertalk network and comes with 39 Laserwriter Truetype fonts.
In addition, the Personal Laserwriter 300 comes with a 100-sheet universal cassette for printing on a variety of paper sizes up to legal size, and a standard manual feed tray for printing on envelopes, labels, or heavy paper stock.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930614/Press Contact: Stacey Byrnes, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-6076, fax 408-967-5651; Public Contact 800-538-9696)
76, fax 408-967-5651; Public Contact 800-538-9696)
6/14/93
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And New Laser Printer
APPLE
Microsoft Shipping Mail Gateway
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Microsoft has announced it is now shipping version 3.2 of the Microsoft Mail Gateway to X.400. The new version reportedly includes a variety of enhancements, including support for LANs (local area networks) easier gateway administration, and broader international support.
"Because our customers have different connectivity needs, version 3.2 provides the flexibility of both LAN and WAN (wide area network) connectivity from the same gateway," explained Tom Evslin, general manager of Microsoft's workgroup division. He added that the native TP4 connection in the new release allowed Microsoft to eliminate extra software links and utilize existing Ethernet network technology.
Microsoft claims that the new version simplifies and reduces the cost of connecting to other systems, such as DEC All-In-One, that are connected via X.400 to the same LAN as the X.400 gateway. Existing network infrastructure, such as Ethernet, can be used to access X.400 without additional software or a leased X.25 line.
A simplified gateway configuration and administration has been provided, using a new utility through which all gateway files and parameters are maintained. A full screen utility allows the user to configure and maintain the gateway.
There's also a new Administrator's Guide that describes the configuration utility and the other new features, and another manual that describes the TP4/CLNP stack utilities included to monitor and maintain the gateway in an OSI LAN environment.
Multiple connection support allows three active sessions simultaneously. That can be two incoming and one outgoing or three incoming sessions. The new version also includes support for the Norwegian and German IA5 text as well as the existing Swedish IA5 support.
Microsoft says it has designed the new version to shield users from the complexities of X.400. Message encapsulation allows for seamless transport of messages, including OLE (object linking and embedding) objects, multiple binary files and directories across foreign mail system backbones. There's also an X.400 integrated message transfer agent (MTA) that can be used to route mail from any X.400 source to a recipient on another X.400 MTA over a WAN or LAN, or route local mail without forwarding it to a remote MTA.
Version 3.2 supports the NIST and A/311 profiles and is OSTC conformant. It requires a dedicated PC with at least 1 megabyte (MB) of memory, at least 5MB of free hard disk space, a 286 or higher microprocessor, one high density floppy drive, and a network interface card compatible with the network operating system workstation drivers.
While the system will run with 1MB, Microsoft recommends extended or expanded memory also. In a Novell network an NDIS MAC network interface card is required. For wide area network connectivity, a dedicated X.25 line either from a local X.25 service provider or from a private in-house X.25 network is required for each gateway, as well as an Eicon card.
Microsoft Mail Gateway to X.400 is shipping now, and has a suggested retail price of $4,995.
(Jim Mallory/19930614/Press contact: Collins Hemingway, Microsoft 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
oft Corporation, 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
6/14/93
Microsoft Shipping Mail Gateway 3.2 To X.400
Kahn Sees On-Going Battle On Cry
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- David Kahn author of "The Codebreakers", speaking at the Third CPSR Cryptography Conference, told those assembled that he sees an on going battle between government and privacy advocates over personal and business uses of cryptography.
Kahn began by saying "My thesis is that the growth of cryptography follows the growth of communication. When there was little literacy writing itself was a form of cryptography"
"A great leap forward came in World War I -- the use of radio brought the need for greater use of codes to insure the privacy of messages. In the fall out after the war, the use of cipher machines was attempted but this approach was not really practical until computers came along," he added.
According to Khan, in recent times, interest in cryptography has grown dramatically. "When the RSA algorithm was mentioned in Scientific American, there were 5,000 requests for reprints of the article; the story "Ultra Secret" about the breaking of the Germans' code raised interest and threats such as computer "hackers", viruses and cellular phone fraud raised additional interest in cryptography and the protection of privacy," he said.
Kahn then moved to his Antithesis: "(The) Government wants to stop the movement toward privacy. (The) Government wants to know about criminal and terrorists. It tries to accomplish this objective through such things as export controls and the Clipper & Capstone chips," he told the audience.
"The Government sees its activity. not as an additional intrusion into individual privacy. but as an attempt to maintain the present state. However, the domain of individual rights has been expanding the Miranda warnings, abortion decisions and the more strident avocation of privacy rights are examples of this trend," he said.
"The Government moves are trying to block the advance of privacy rather than intrude into present rights. Export limits inhibits business expansion," he added.
Kahn concluded: "Now we have to look for the synthesis. It's a matter of "privacy is good" and "business profits are good" versus "security is good." The question that must be answered is how to balance these goods. Do we give up the first for the second?"
"The World Trade Center bombing shows that terrorism is here and is a concern. Government wants to hold back technology. This can't be done forever but can be done for a while. Government will argue that the temporary holding back will save some lives and properties," he said.
In the question and answer period that followed, Bill Murray consultant to Deloite and Touche, commented: "When the government wants us to give up the right to private communications, it must show us the danger (that warrants it). If drug dealers and terrorists are the problem, it should be demonstrated that drug dealers and terrorists are abusing private communications."
In response to a Newsbytes question as to whether the triumph of the expansion of privacy rights over government concerns was inevitable Kahn said: "Privacy is to powerful a force to be stopped. It will eventually prevail."
Ross Stapleton, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst commented: "These changes in information may cause a rethinking of the concept of national sovereignty. Governments have always have tried to control the flow of information; with the new technology and communications capabilities, they cannot. control it any longer."
Murray said: "We cannot control it but we can criminalize it and that would be a mistake. By criminalizing drugs, we have destabilized society. There is so much illegal money from this policy that courts, law enforcement departments and legislatures have been corrupted."
Asked by Newsbytes if he saw illegal money growing if the government tries to rein in the growth of cryptography or tries to make wiretapping more pervasive, Murray said: "No, it's not analogous in the money sense. But the criminalizing of anything without real justification causes destabilization."
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/19930614/Press Contact: David Banisar, Computer Professionals For Social Responsibility 202-544-9240 (voice); 202-547-5481 (fax); banisar@washofc.cpsr.org on the Internet)
; banisar@washofc.cpsr.org on the Internet)
6/14/93
Kahn Sees On-Going Battle On Cryptography
GENERAL
Kyocera & Cadence In Multichip M
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- Co-operative development deals are part of business life in the semiconductor industry. Now in a deal that links a Japanese manufacturer and an American firm, Kyocera and Cadence Design Systems have signed a partnership agreement that calls for the offering of Kyocera's ceramic multichip module design (MCM-C) tool kit with Cadence's Allegro-MCM design automation system.
The partnership is claimed to be the first of its kind for ceramic manufacturing giant Kyocera. The companies hope that it will increase the utilization of low-cost, high-performance ceramic multichip modules.
Announcing the deal, Kyocera's General Manager of Strategic Planning, Dr. Masami Terasawa, said that his company entered into the Cadence deal, "to increase the world-wide market for multichip modules."
According to the companies, the tool kit will feature a design environment based on Kyocera's ceramic multichip design technologies, and will provide users with the "complete suite of tools required for design, verification and physical implementation" of the technology.
Ceramic multichip module technology allows several devices to be housed on a single substrate, rather than packaged individually. This in turn allows increased device speeds with decreased space requirements.
Kyocera America plans to market the MCM-C Design Tool Kit beginning July 1. The company expects to ship kits in October.
(Ian Stokell/19930614/Press Contact: Paula Knight 408-451-1308, Kyocera America Inc.)
t: Paula Knight 408-451-1308, Kyocera America Inc.)
6/14/93
Kyocera & Cadence In Multichip Module Design Deal
BUSINESS
QMS Intros First Laser Color Pri
MOBILE, ALABAMA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- QMS has today announced what it describes as the world's first desktop color laser printer.
The company claims that the QMS ColorScript Laser 1000 uses laser technology to produce vivid, dependable, low cost color output as well as high quality monochrome printing on a variety of paper stocks and on standard transparency film.
The Laser 1000 uses four toner/developer cartridges, one each for the primary print colors black, cyan, magenta and yellow, to create a palette of 16.7 million colors. The system automatically notifies the user when the toner supply for a particular color needs to be replaced.
QMS says that the 1000 transfers an entire color image to paper in a single pass. A belt, rather than the paper, makes four passes (one for each color) to capture the image, which is then assembled on the printer's drum and transferred to the paper. The printer supports several color matching systems, including Apple Computer's ColorSync and the EAColor color management system from Electronics For Imaging.
A Business Color Rendering Dictionary provides WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) for users not using either of those systems, and a Colorimetric matching system is also built into the system.
QMS claims that the Laser 1000 can emulate PostScript Level 1 and 2 HP PCL 5C with GL/2, and there is optional DEC LN03 Plus emulation support. Standard interfaces include parallel, serial, and LocalTalk. The unit can also be connected to most local area networks (LANs), since NetWare, EtherTalk, TCP/IP, and DECnet are supported on Ethernet networks, and Netware or TCP/IP is supported on Token Ring networks.
The new printer uses a software-loadable system that allows printer software to be located on an internal 60 megabyte (MB) hard disk. New system software is downloaded from the computer via a floppy disk. The printer uses an Intel 25 MHz 80960CF RISC processor. Print speed is rated at eight pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 2 ppm for color.
QMS spokesperson Kristin Chancey told Newsbytes that the cost per page varies with the amount of color printing. She quoted a typical example of a page that contained five percent black, 15 percent cyan, 10 percent magenta, and five percent yellow that would cost slightly over $0.32 per page.
The typical cost per page is based on a basic fixed charged per page (2.4 cents for black, 3 cents for one color, 4.2 cents for two colors, and 5.4 cents for all colors) plus the variable cost that's dependent on the amount of color used. The costs described include replacement cost for the belt, developer and fuser.
The unit ships with 12 MB of RAM (random access memory, or system memory) which can be expanded to 32MB via user-installable SIMM (single in-line memory modules). It uses both RAM and hard disk space for job spooling. A 250-sheet paper tray is standard, and a second 250-sheet tray is available as an option for $625. Other options include an Ethernet Netware or Ethertalk network interface for $895; Ethernet TCP/IP and DECnet interface for $1,395; Ethernet TCP/IP only or Token Ring Netware interface for $1,095; and a Token Ring TCP/IP interface for $1,170.
The black toner cartridge, rated for 4,000 images at five percent coverage, sells for $60. Cyan, magenta, and yellow toner cartridges are $80 for about 2,000 images at five percent coverage. All the developers are $180, with the black rated for about 30,000 images regardless of coverage. The cyan, magenta, and yellow developers are rated for about 15,000 images. The OPC belt sells for $305, and is rated for about 50,000 images, regardless of coverage.
The Laser 1000 has a suggested retail price in the US of $12,499, and comes with a 90 day return to depot warranty. It is scheduled to ship in August. One site service is available.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 14 (NB) -- SunDisk Corporation says its flash mass storage cards will be designed into all Zoomer Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and demonstrated the cards at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago recently. Zoomer a joint product of Tandy Corporation and Casio, was introduced to the US computer industry last week.
The company says that the cards will not require any software drivers. SunDisk says it was able to develop a low enough power storage device to meet Zoomer's low power specifications. The cards are available in 2.5, 10 and 20 megabyte (MB) capacity. That can be doubled using software compression.
"One of the main advantages of our flash storage cards is that they meet the PCMCIA-ATA industry standard and are interoperable between computers regardless of which operating system or host processor is used," explained SunDisk President Eli Harari.
Harari claims that Zoomer will have broad acceptance in the market place because it offers the features that user want, including long battery lie and storage expansion. "The SunDisk card offers an easy way to expand storage capacity," he said.
The storage cards can be easily removed from one unit by the user and plugged into another, making it easy to use the same files in different machines. The information can also be read by a card reader attached to a desktop PC.
The company said that pricing has not been determined. It expects there will be a number of add-on applications for Zoomer, with some of those being sold pre-installed on SunDisk flash cards. Unlike hard drives, the flash memory cards have no moving parts, and have faster access times.
SunDisk spokesperson Nelson Chan told Newsbytes that the company expects publishers of software products such as dictionaries airline guides, maps, and restaurant guides will be interested in the cards. PDA's frequently have application software such as spreadsheet and word processing installed in the read-only memory (ROM), but Chan said such applications could also be recorded on a flash card.
Casio/Tandy Zoomer To Use SunDisk Flash Memory Cards
Sanyo Creates Multimedia Subsidi
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Sanyo Electric has set up a 100-percent owned subsidiary devoted to the business of multimedia, and has linked with France's Thomson to create semiconductor chips for its multimedia devices.
Sanyo Marbic Media will develop optical disks, CD-ROMs, and the Mini-Disk-based software, mainly music and game programs. Sanyo expects its subsidiary to make 10 billion yen ($90,000) during fiscal 1995.
The subsidiary's main office is at Sanyo's information device headquarters in Gifu Prefecture. Actual business will be conducted at Sanyo's Tokyo office. The total capitalization of the subsidiary is 90 million yen ($820,000). General Manager Toshiharu Oku, from Sanyo's optical disk department, has assumed the presidency of the firm. About 200 employees were transferred to this new firm from Sanyo.
Sanyo is already been producing 1.5 million music compact disks per month on an OEM basis. The new firm will take over this business, and plans to ship 2.5 million music CDs per month by July. The new firm will also take over Mini-Disk production and is creating a project team for software production.
Meanwhile, Sanyo has linked with French electronics firm Thomson concerning joint production of multimedia chips. To start both firms will develop LSI sets for super-fast fax machines, and for picture-data compression and decompression.
Both firms plan to ship LSI sets for fax machines by the end of this year. The LSI sets for picture and data are expected to be shipped in early 1994.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930615/Press Contact: Sanyo Electric 81-3-3837-6206, Fax, +81-3-3837-6381)
act: Sanyo Electric 81-3-3837-6206, Fax, +81-3-3837-6381)
6/15/93
Sanyo Creates Multimedia Subsidiary, Links With Thomson
BUSINESS
Ex-Next Exec Joins Xerox
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Just three months after leaving Next, following that company's decision to get out of the hardware business and concentrate on its NextStep object-oriented software environment, Peter van Cuylenburg has joined Xerox Corp. as an executive vice president for operations.
According to Xerox, four document processing divisions will report to van Cuylenburg, who will take over his new role July 1.
The position has been vacant since the death of Vittorio Cassonia a year ago. Van Cuylenburg is set to become one of the eight members of Xerox's corporate office.
In March, Newsbytes reported that van Cuylenburg, Next's president and chief operating officer, resigned after being in the position since March of 1992.
At the time, Next said that, as the company was becoming a 200-person software company, both, "Next and van Cuylenburg mutually agreed that the restructured company no longer requires both a CEO and a president/COO."
(Ian Stokell/19930317)
(Ian Stokell/19930317)
6/15/93
Ex-Next Exec Joins Xerox
GENERAL
McAfee Offers 24-hour Computer V
WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Support and services continue to be an important source of revenue for both hardware and software companies. Now McAfee Associates, a developer of anti-virus software, has established a 24-hour "virus emergency response center."
According to the company, the service extends access to McAfee's technical support to 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
In announcing the new service, William McKiernan, president of McAfee, said: "The new program is a proactive response to corporate America's growing need for around-the-clock technical support especially in the area of data security and integrity. Today's mission-critical PC networks don't sleep and neither do viruses. Our 24-hour coverage will maximize system uptime by providing rapid, effective response to virus outbreaks."
The company says that a special after-hours dedicated phone line allows McAfee customers to page an on-call anti-virus technician who contacts the customer back "within minutes." The technician then works with the customer to identify the virus and suggest corrective action.
In the event that the user has discovered a new virus, the company claims that its programmers can develop a "custom solution for that customer, usually within 24 hours," after the customer first uploads the virus to the McAfee bulletin board system (BBS).
The service is now available to McAfee customers for a one-time service fee of $325, or 10 percent of their site license fee whichever is greater. The fee provides access to the virus emergency response center for two years and is renewable after that. The virus emergency response center services are free during normal business hours.
(Ian Stokell/19930611/Press Contact: Phil Talsky 408-980-3629, McAfee Associates)
: Phil Talsky 408-980-3629, McAfee Associates)
6/15/93
McAfee Offers 24-hour Computer Virus Hotline
GENERAL
Apple Network Upgrade Rebate, In
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Apple Computer's Enterprise Systems Division (ESD) announced a rebate program to encourage customers to upgrade to its Appleshare Pro and the company's flagship Apple Workgroup Server 95 products for networks and new versions of its electronic mail server products, MacX.400 v.1.1.
The benefits to upgrading are an increase in network speed expandability, and ease-of-use, according to the Apple's ESD. AppleShare Pro and the Apple Workgroup Server 95 boosts performance up to 4 times that of AppleShare 3.0 running on a Quadra 950 and supports as many as 5,000 open files, 200 concurrent logons, and 50 highly active users, Apple's ESD asserts.
Customers who purchase Appleshare Pro and an Apple Workgroup Server 95 qualify for a $1,000 rebate if they purchased Appleshare 3.0 after January 1, 1993 or a $500 rebate if they purchased Appleshare before January 1, 1993. Macintosh Quadra 900 or 950 users can turn their Quadras into an Apple Workgroup Server 95 purchasing Appleshare Pro and an upgrade kit, and qualify for a rebate as well, the company said. A coupon and proof of purchase is required and will be accepted for the rebates until October 31, 1993.
To encourage Unix value-added resellers (VARs) to promote the Workgroup Server 95 systems, Apple is offering a "loan-to-own" incentive that allows US VARs to earn an Apple Quadra 800 A/UX compatible system when they sell three Apple Workgroup Server 95 systems.
For electronic mail (e-mail) on the network, Apple's MacX.400 products are designed to enable Macintosh users to send e-mail to recipients on other platforms connected to X.400 networks both nation wide and around the world. Support for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and the Open System Interconnection (OSI) Connection are the features in the MacX.400 1.1 version that make such connection possible.
The latest 1.1 versions of MacX.400 and MacX.400 SD servers allow electronic mail exchange over the popular electronic mail network, the Internet, Apple's ESD said. With these new versions, customers can run X.400 messaging applications over the Internet using their existing TCP/IP infrastructure. They also will support public X.400 services such as MCI, Sprint and IBM Advantis.
The OSI Connection for Macintosh v.1.1 will be Apple's software platform for users and developers who want to extend the reach of their Macintosh computer applications to OSI environments. It will support the International Standards Organization (ISO) Transport protocol that provides end-to-end connections in multi-vendor environments and includes an RFC 1006 module. It allows OSI services like X.400 to run over TCP/IP networks. OSI Connection for Macintosh v.1.1 will facilitate the connection of the Macintosh computer to IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks, and to X.25 networks when used in conjunction with MacX25. Additionally, OSI Connection for Macintosh v.1.1 is designed to be used for terminal emulation or file transfer over OSI networks.
Apple is encouraging third-party developers implement X.400 gateways for existing e-mail systems and create x.400 user agents for the Macintosh computer. The company is offering an application programming interface (API), the MacX.400, and says the API is the same for MacX.400 and MacX.400 SD servers.
Gateways between MacX.400 v.1.1 and popular e-mail systems are available from third-party developers, including Intercon Systems Corporation of Herndon, Virginia, and Starnine Technologies of Berkeley, California.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930614/Press Contact: John McCreadie, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-4398, fax 408-967-5651)
ie, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-4398, fax 408-967-5651)
6/15/93
Apple Network Upgrade Rebate, Internet E-mail Support
APPLE
C&T Intros Low-Cost Chipset For
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- In the cut-throat PC hardware business, anything that can shave a few dollars off costs can be the difference between survival and Chapter 11. Now Chips and Technologies has announced a system logic chipset that it claims greatly reduces the design and manufacturing costs of 486-based PC AT-compatible systems.
According to the companies, the new two-chip CS4031 can be combined with a 486 processor and eight discrete TTL (transistor transistor logic) components to form a complete PC AT system with VESA (Video Electronic Standards Association) local bus support.
The chipset has been designed in what the company claims is the first two-layer, FCC-compliant, 486 motherboard. The CS4031 supports 486SX, 486DX and 486DX2, running at clock speeds from 16 megahertz (MHz) to 33MHz.
In announcing the chipset, C.S. Chao, product manager for systems logic at Chips and Technologies, said: "The CS4031 now allows designers to greatly reduce component and system cost without compromising performance. OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) can design systems with an inexpensive, two-layer board and still achieve high levels of reliability and performance. We are providing a price-performance value that lets OEMs put 486 systems on retailer shelves for the same selling price as today's entry-level 386 systems."
The company says that the CS4031 chipset is partitioned into two chips: the F84031, which incorporates CPU (central processing unit) DRAM and ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) controllers; and the F84035, which is an integrated peripheral controller.
The company claims that CS4031-based designs require only eight additional TTL devices for designs that utilize up to 32 megabytes (MB) in two banks of memory. Two TTL devices are required for core logic and six are needed for AT-bus drivers. The external real time clock, separate peripheral controllers and other discrete components normally required by core logic chipset are not needed to complement the CS4031, says the company.
In addition to reduced costs, the CS4031 offers the company's patented page interleave DRAM scheme and burst mode support with 3-2-2-2 read and zero wait-state write cycles at 33MHz. The CS4031 can address up to 64MB of memory.
The F84031 controller is packaged in a 160-pin quad flat pack while the F84035 SIPC is offered in a 100-pin, plastic quad flat pack. Samples are already available, with production scheduled for August. The price is $15 in 1,000 unit quantities.
(Ian Stokell/19930614/Press Contact: Annie Gladue 408-434-0600, Chips and Technologies)
Gladue 408-434-0600, Chips and Technologies)
6/15/93
C&T Intros Low-Cost Chipset For 486 Systems
GENERAL
Update -- Kahn Sees On-Going Bat
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- [Editor's note - this version corrects this same story which ran on our wire yesterday under the same title, which had some punctuation and grammatical errors.]
David Kahn, author of "The Codebreakers," speaking at the Third CPSR Cryptography Conference, told those assembled that he sees an on-going battle between government and privacy advocates over personal and business uses of cryptography.
Kahn said, "My thesis is that the growth of cryptography follows the growth of communication. When there was little literacy writing itself was a form of cryptography."
"A great leap forward came in World War I -- the use of radio brought the need for greater use of codes to insure the privacy of messages. In the fallout after the war, the use of cipher machines was attempted but this approach was not really practical until computers came along," he added.
According to Khan, in recent times interest in cryptography has grown dramatically. "When the RSA algorithm was mentioned in Scientific American, there were 5,000 requests for reprints of the article; the story "Ultra Secret" about the breaking of the Germans' code raised interest and threats such as computer 'hackers.' Viruses and cellular phone fraud raised additional interest in cryptography and the protection of privacy," he said.
Kahn claimed: "Government wants to stop the movement toward privacy. Government wants to know about criminals and terrorists. It tries to accomplish this objective through such things as export controls and the Clipper & Capstone chips," he told the audience.
"The government sees its activity not as an additional intrusion into individual privacy, but as an attempt to maintain the present state. However, the domain of individual rights has been expanding the Miranda warnings, abortion decisions, and the more strident avocation of privacy rights are examples of this trend," he said.
"The government moves are trying to block the advance of privacy rather than intrude into present rights. Export limits inhibits business expansion," he added.
Kahn concluded: "Now we have to look for the synthesis. It's a matter of 'privacy is good' and 'business profits are good' versus 'security is good.' The question that must be answered is how to balance these goods. Do we give up the first for the second?"
"The World Trade Center bombing shows that terrorism is here and is a concern. Government wants to hold back technology. This can't be done forever but can be done for a while. Government will argue that the temporary holding back will save some lives and properties," he said.
In the question and answer period that followed, Bill Murray consultant to Deloite and Touche, commented: "When the government wants us to give up the right to private communications, it must show us the danger (that warrants it). If drug dealers and terrorists are the problem, it should be demonstrated that drug dealers and terrorists are abusing private communications."
In response to a Newsbytes question as to whether the triumph of the expansion of privacy rights over government concerns was inevitable Kahn said: "Privacy is too powerful a force to be stopped. It will eventually prevail."
Ross Stapleton, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst commented: "These changes in information may cause a rethinking of the concept of national sovereignty. Governments have always tried to control the flow of information; with the new technology and communications capabilities, they cannot control it any longer."
Murray said: "We cannot control it but we can criminalize it and that would be a mistake. By criminalizing drugs, we have destabilized society. There is so much illegal money from this policy that courts, law enforcement departments and legislatures have been corrupted."
Asked by Newsbytes if he saw illegal money growing if the government tries to rein in the growth of cryptography or tries to make wiretapping more pervasive, Murray said: "No, it's not analogous in the money sense. But the criminalizing of anything without real justification causes destabilization."
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/19930614/Press Contact: David Banisar, Computer Professionals For Social Responsibility 202-544-9240; 202-547-5481, fax; banisar@washofc.cpsr.org on the Internet)
-5481, fax; banisar@washofc.cpsr.org on the Internet)
6/15/93
Update -- Kahn Sees On-Going Battle On Cryptography
GENERAL
Computer Viruses Rampant In Japa
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- The Japan Information Processing Association (IPA) has announced that May produced a record number of reported virus attacks.
According to the IPA, May produced 49 incidents from members the highest number since the association was started. Between January and May of this year, a total of 186 cases were reported. This represents 2.3 times more incidents than were reported during the same term last year. A total of 510 cases were reported since 1990.
Among the 49 cases reported in May, the association has pinpointed 12 specific viruses. The most popular ones were "Yankee Doodle Doo" (21 cases) and "Cascade" (13 cases). 31 cases were reported by NEC PC9801 users, and the rest were by IBM and Epson computer users.
The type of users were as follows: 21 cases for the data processing industry including hardware and software makers 14 cases for individual users, and 13 cases for general users.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- NEC will ship a 1.8-inch 125.8-megabyte hard disk in July and claims these specifications are an industry first. Not only is this hard disk small in size, but it will not be expensive, NEC claims.
NEC's latest 1.8-inch hard disk is the size of a cigarette package. It measures 76.8 x 50.8 x 15mm, and weighs only 75 grams. The price of the sample product will be 160,000 yen ($1,500), but the price will drop as the device goes into mass production in August, possibly to as low as 50,000 yen ($450).
NEC is planning to ship this 1.8-inch hard disk for pen-input type PCs, notebook-type PCs and multimedia devices.
NEC's latest 1.8-inch hard disk is the improved version of the firm's 85.3M-type hard disk. NEC has incorporated the technology called Spatta method, which involves the application of two aluminum disks and a thin-layer magnetic head. The size of this disk, 125.8 megabytes, is high compared to the average 1.8-inch hard disk today that holds between 40MB and 60MB of data.
NEC plans to raise production to 50,000 units per month by the end of this year.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Fujitsu has released low-cost notebook-type personal computers in Japan. These A4-size PCs are the lowest priced among Fujitsu's entire PC range and are expected to escalate the PC price war further in Japan.
The lowest-cost version is the FMR-50NL, 198,000 yen ($1,800). It is equipped with a 25MHz 80486SX processor, and is 3 to 4 times faster than its predecessor. The FMR-50NE is equipped with a TFT (thin film transistor) display and costs 268,000 yen ($2,500). The 50T is equipped with a color display and costs 468,000 yen ($4,300), which is quite reasonable for a color notebook PC.
The rock-bottom priced NL is equipped with two IC card ports which are based on the standard set by the Japan Electronics Association. The screen supports both 640 x 400 pixels and 640 x 480 pixels, enabling it to support Windows 3.1. The main memory is 2.75MB. The other two notebooks are equipped with a 3.75MB main memory.
3.5-inch floppy disk versions and 120MB hard disk versions are also available.
Fujitsu expects to ship a total of 300,000 of these little hard disks within two years.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Japan's major game machine maker Sega Enterprises says it will create high-tech game parks worldwide including in Japan, the US, and European countries. Sega has already started construction of the game parks in Japan, the US and England.
Sega Enterprises is creating high-tech game parks for each Prefecture in Japan -- the goal is to build at least 48 of them.
In the US, Sega Enterprises is building its game park at the the Luxer hotel in Las Vegas. Sega will spend a total of 600 million yen ($5.5 million) to create this facility inside the hotel. It should be operational by Fall Comdex.
In the UK, Sega's game center will be in Bournmouth, England. It will include some 200 rides and arcade games, including three-dimensional and virtual reality game machines.
A second UK game center is destined for London and is being created jointly with Japan's Yaohan group. It will be situated in Yaohan's major shopping center, due to open in August.
Sega Enterprises also has set its sights on Spain, Germany and France for more game centers and hopes to create a total of 10 of them outside Japan by the end of this year.
Throughout the spring, Sega has been expanding. The company just set up an Overseas Operation Department and has been hiring executive managers from major banks and rival game machine firm Nintendo.
(Masayuki Miyazawa/19930614/Press Contact: Sega Enterprises, +81-3 3743-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
-7603, Fax, +81-3-3743-7830)
6/15/93
Sega Gets Into Theme Parks
TRENDS
NTT Software Rejects Forged Phon
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Japan's major domestic telephone firm NTT has developed software that rejects forged telephone cards which promises for now to do something about a widespread problem.
NTT's new software will be installed at public pay phones which use cards rather than cash. There are 743,371 of them in Japan. NTT claims over 99.9 percent of forged telephone cards will be detected. When a forged card is inserted into the public phone the software detects it and keeps this card inside of the telephone.
Forgery of telephone cards is a serious problem for NTT. The forgery has mainly been attributed to the Yakuza group or Japanese "Mafia," and foreigners. Japanese police arrested several forgerers in January and retained 170,000 forged cards. Also, in February, police arrested Iranian nationals and retained a forged-card making machine and forged cards. The alleged criminals first stole the public phones and analyzed the scanner and the software in the telephone. Then, they made the machine to create forged phone cards.
The job of replacing the pay phone software in all the public phones should be complete by September, and should take care of the problem until criminals think of new ways to trick the system.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Corning has announced an agreement to supply leading Russian fiber cable manufacturers with its own cables as well as fiber technology.
The All-Russian Scientific Institute of the Cable Industry and four Russian cable manufacturers -- in Moscow, St. Petersburg and in the towns of Podolsk and Mytishi -- will purchase Corning optical fiber for use in making fiber-optic cable.
The All-Russian Scientific Institute is a government and industry association that represents the majority of established cable manufacturers in Russia. It is the first such deal between the Institute and a Western company, according to the Institute.
Russian companies are also expected to explore the possibility of manufacturing optical fiber in Russia using Corning's patented technology.
Fiber cable technology was for a long time subject to strict export control restrictions, enforced by the joint committee of export control (COCOM). The lifting of the ban will allow improvements in the telecommunications network in Russia, the communications ministry said in a press statement.
The financial side of the deal was not disclosed, although John O'Hare, marketing spokesman for Corning, reports that it should result in a "great deal of business over the next 10 to 20 years," a statement which indicates to some that no profits are seen in the near future.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930613)
ar future.
(Kirill Tchashchin/19930613)
6/15/93
Russia - Corning To Sell Fiber Technology
TELECOM
Dell Takes New Road In Russia
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Dell has begun to sell in the ex-Soviet market but admits that it can't rely on its US marketing policy which made it so successful in the US. Dell will sell through a local distributor.
The announcement was made at the 4th International Computer Forum in Moscow. This partner is Intermicro Business Systems (IBS), a Russian firm created by Anatoly Karachinsky, formerly the manager of Intermicro Joint Venture, the parent company.
Gamid Kostoev from IBS tells Newsbytes that Dell admits it can not sell directly in the ex-Soviet market. "The market here is 10-15 years behind and the methods which Dell has developed can't be used without a mature market." So IBS is going to distribute Dell computers through dealers in the CIS and the Baltics. But IBS will "reproduce the service palette" of Dell. Computers will be customized according to a customer's wishes. There are even plans to pre-install Russian-language software. When and where this installation will occur is unclear.
IBS already sells 27 Dell models in Moscow, including Dell Powerline servers and Micropolis Radion network disc systems.
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- The lure of the Indian moolah has tempted yet another multinational to transform its Indian affiliate to a de jure subsidiary. Pleased with the prospects and profits of Digital Equipment India Ltd. (DEIL), Digital Equipment Corp. will hike its equity stake from 40 percent to 51 percent in the local outlet. This means an additional investment of $5 million.
Making available, for DEIL, its first Alpha-based AXP series of workstations within weeks of their launch abroad, giving it a repeat order for the export of software worth Rs 14 crore, DEC is nurturing its Indian cousin well. And why not? With its coffers running low the world over, it can certainly do with proceeds, however little, from anywhere.
Checking For Gate Crashing
The Bombay-based Datapro Electronics Pvt. Ltd. has recently launched a high grade access control system called Access, developed by using fingerprint identification technology. Access makes the system foolproof by allowing only registered users into secure areas. The system can be of use in keeping a vigil on places such as arms and ammunition depots, strong rooms, and lockers of banks.
Datapro, started in 1986, has undertaken projects for integration of communication products and services in India and has also provided packages for messaging networks. Some time back, the firm had introduced a range of electrical energy management products which aid in monitoring, analyzing and controlling electrical energy consumption from a central point. Datapro's project for development of advance control systems for paper machine control is being financially assisted by the Technology Development and Information Company of India Ltd. (TDICI), a venture capital firm.
Copyright Act To Be Amended
Certain sections of the Copyright Act pertaining to software are being amended to conform to international norms, the secretary Department of Electronics (Government of India), N. Vittal, said recently. A mandatory punishment of one month imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 for violators, are part of the proposals under consideration. A clause to empower enforcement authorities to conduct search and arrest would also be included, he added. The DoE he said, has recommended the setting up of special courts to expedite settlement of software piracy cases. DoE has also set up a national committee for the effective enforcement of the Copyright Act. The industry, on the other hand, has set up the Indian Federation Against Software Theft (INFAST) to initiate cases against software piracy.
Belarus Buys From Tata Unisys
Fourteen U6000, the Unix server from Tata Unisys Ltd. (TUL), will soon be reaching the shores of Belarus, of the former Soviet Union. The company will be shipping initially six U6000/60s to JV Belcom, a private sector company in Belarus. The order follows the signing of an agreement between the two companies during the visit of K.F. Kebich, Prime Minister of Belarus. The Belarus dignitary also showed a keen interest in TUL's software packages like Signbank, its signature verification product; Picture post, its imaging product; and Crisp, its finger verification package, among others while visiting the TUL unit at the Santa Cruz Electronics Export Processing Zone, Bombay.
In the second phase, two U6000/65s and six U6000/35s will be supplied to the Ministry of External Affairs in Belarus.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930615)
C.T. Mahabharat/19930615)
6/15/93
India Technology Briefs
BUSINESS
BoCoEx Index
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Boston Computer Exchange for the week ending June 11, 1993.
Machine Main Closing Price Ask Bid
Drive Price Change
IBM PS1 386SX/25 130 MgB 850 900 750
IBM PS/2 Model 70-A21 120 MgB 875 950 800
IBM PS/2 Model 56SLC/20 120 MgB 1050 1300 900
IBM PS/2 Model 55SX 60 MgB 650 800 700
IBM ThinkPad 300 80 MgB 1400 down 100 1500 1325
IBM ThinkPad 700 80 MgB 1850 2400 2000
IBM ThinkPad 700C 120 MgB 3600 3700 3500
IBM V\P 3/25T MOD. 80 80 MgB 1500 1600 1500
IBM PS/2 Model 90-OH9 160 MgB 1700 1700 1600
IBM PS/2 Model 95-OJF 400 MgB 3000 3300 2700
Compaq Prolinea 4/66 340 MgB 2000 2150 2000
Compaq Prolinea 486/50 240 MgB 1450 1500 1200
Compaq Portable 386 100 MgB 650 800 600
Compaq SLT-386 120 MgB 925 950 850
Compaq LTE-286 40MgB 600 700 600
Compaq LTE-LITE 3/25 120MgB 1350 1450 1200
Compaq LTE-LITE\25C 120MB 2400 2600 2300
Compaq SysProXL 1.02 Gig 8,100 12,500 6,000
Compaq Syspro 486/50 Mod 1 6700 8500 6500
Compaq Prosigna 486 /33 550 MgB 3500 3800 3350
Compaq Portable 486/66 525 MgB 3650 4000 3500
Compaq DeskP 486DX2/66i 240 MgB 2100 2400 1900
AST Prem Exec 386SX20 40 MgB 675 750 650
NEC UltraLite 25C 80 M0gB 2000 3400 3300
NEC UltraLite Versa 20C 80 MgB 2850 2950 2800
Zenith Mastersprt-386SX 60 MgB 800 900 800
Zenith SuperSport 386SX 40 MgB 650 800 650
Macintosh Classic 40 MgB 600 down 50 650 600
Macintosh Classic II 40 MgB 750 800 700
Macintosh SE 40 MgB 575 650 550
Macintosh SE-30 80 MgB 1050 down 50 1150 1000
Macintosh LC 40 MgB 1000 1300 800
Macintosh II 40 MgB 1250 down 100 1300 1250
Macintosh II SI 80 MgB 1200 down 100 1300 1200
Macintosh II CX 80 MgB 1450 down 100 1550 1400
Macintosh II CI 80 MgB 2150 down 50 2250 2000
Macintosh II FX 80 MgB 2600 down 100 2800 2600
Macintosh Quadra 700 160 MgB 3050 down 100 3100 3000
Macintosh Quadra 900 160 MgB 3700 down 200 4000 3600
Macintosh Powerbk 165C 80 MgB 2400 down 150 2500 2400
Macintosh Powerbk 145 40 MgB 1450 down 50 1550 1400
Macintosh Powerbk 180 80 MgB 2950 down 150 3100 2900
Apple Imagewriter 2 200 ` 225 175
Apple Laserwriter IINT 900 1000 900
HP Laserjet II 675 700 650
HP Laserjet III 1050 1100 1000
Toshiba T-1200 XE 40 MgB 550 600 500
Toshiba T-1600 40 MgB 525 575 500
Toshiba T-2000 SX 40 MgB 700 800 700
Toshiba T-2000 SXE 40 MgB 800 900 750
Toshiba T-2200 SX 80MgB 900 1000 900
Toshiba T-3100 SX 80 MgB 800 1000 800
Toshiba T-3200 40 MgB 550 700 500
Toshiba T-3200 SX 40 MgB 600 750 500
Toshiba T-3200 SXC 120 MgB 1850 down 100 2000 1800
Toshiba T-6400DX 200 MgB 2200 2300 2100
Toshiba T-4400SX 120 MgB 1450 down 50 1600 1400
Toshiba T-5200 200 MgB 2100 2200 1900
BoCoEx Index data is compiled by Market Analyst, Gary M. Guhman
Here are some current retail-oriented Seats on the Exchange, presented in a cyclic basis.
Dallas - Ft. Worth, TX - DFW Computer Exchange - M.B. Lee - 817-244-7833
Escondido, Ca. - Affordable Computer Solutions - Dean Jacobus - 619-738 4980
New Orleans, Louisiana - Audubon Computer Rental - Mike Barry - 504-522 0348
Detroit, Michigan - CompuCycle - Walt Hogan - 313-887-2600
Albuquerque, NM, Western Computer Exchange - David Levin - 505-265-1330
Fresno, California - MacSource Computers - Mike Kurtz - 209-438-6227
BoCoEx Index prices are based on complete systems with keyboard, VGA monitor and adapter, less the value of any software or peripherals.
Boston Computer Exchange is available at: 617-542-4414, Buyer's HotLine: 1 800-262-6399, In Alaska and Canada 1-800-437-2470, FAX: 617-542-8849.The BoCoEx Database is on the Delphi system: ME BO.
(BOCOEX/19930615)
COEX/19930615)
6/15/93
BoCoEx Index
BUSINESS
Editorial - Privatize NASA
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1992 JUN 15 (NB) -- By Dana Blankenhorn. Let me offer a modest proposal that will narrow the deficit, help people get into space faster, and drive Texas Senator Phil Gramm nuts. (That last should get the President's attention.)
Privatize NASA.
Not everything, mind you. Just leases on Canaveral and Edwards Air Bases, all the Shuttles, most of the people, and all non military missions. Keep the pure science and dump the engineers in other words. Put the assets into a pile, get a top-notch accounting firm to estimate their value, and appoint a board of directors. The government would take those assets out in stock then sell it through the markets. Then invite foreign participation. Maybe the Europeans will throw in part of Arianespace, and the Russians will throw in the Mir space station. Again, they'll get stock which can be sold or held by a quasi-government entity, voted for the control it offers.
How to get the money needed to pay salaries and proceed? Sell more shares to the public, sell debt to institutions. Bring Neil Armstrong out of retirement to pitch them on TV. Sell ads on rockets, if need be. Who runs it? Whoever has the most shares. (That should bring in the money.)
What's the advantage for space? Efficiency, for one. The biggest advance in space aviation this decade, the Vertical Take Off and Landing systems of McDonnell-Douglas and Boeing, are being run by the Defense Department, not NASA, because the government knows NASA wouldn't run them right. And these systems could cut the costs of putting a payload into orbit by a factor of 100.
Autonomy is a second advantage. Freed of the need to obey government contracting and labor rules, Space Inc. would also be free to pursue whatever ideas promised a financial rather than a purely political pay-off.
Internationalism is a third advantage. Forget Freedom use MIR -- and you've got the start of a space station. Bring in German, Japanese and Russian scientists for a flight to Mars if you can make financial sense of it. Open plants in orbit to make ball bearings, chemicals -- whatever works.
Obviously, this might drive Sen. Gramm crazy. He lives to scream about cutting spending as a solution to debt. He'll fight this to the last breath. So in proposing it, the President can prove his chief critic a hypocrite. Deke Slayton, who died this past week spent the last years of his life trying to find a place for business in space. Now's the time to make his dream real.
If we still want to have a space program for the pursuit of pure science, without the thought of a pay-off, we can still have one. But let's find out what the economic value of space is, alongside the psychic and scientific value.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930614)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930614)
6/15/93
Editorial - Privatize NASA
EDITORIAL
TELECOM
UMax Scanner With Novice Version
Correction: Microsoft Upgrades M
Comdex - The Untold Story, Edito
Reaction Positive to BT-MCI Move
Dell Shareholders Sue For Nondis
Twenty Indian Companies Particip
EC Retaliates Against US Trade S
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And N
Koala Habitat Database Aids Cons
Microsoft Introduces Technical I
Dell Energy Efficient PC Line
Fujitsu Develops Hybrid LAN Tech
Ericsson Forms Joint Telecoms Ve
Dayna Ships SafeDeposit Backup F
Database World - Online Services
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Online services should be available to consumers and businesses as surely and constantly as water, electricity and the telephone, according to Timothy Chou of Tandem Computers.
Chou, who is general manager of Tandem's NonStop Availability Initiative, outlined the reasons why nonstop access is needed, the barriers standing in the way, and how Tandem plans to overcome them at a press briefing held yesterday in conjunction with Database World & Client-Server World.
Outages in online services cause losses in productivity, revenues and even in reputation for the affected parties, Chou explained. For organizations, these outages create costs amounting to $1,000 to $100,000 per minute.
Tandem, a vendor known for its fault-tolerant systems, is responding with plans to move beyond fault tolerance into complete nonstop availability over the next two years. "Our 1995 goal is to deliver a Tandem NonStop server that is an order of magnitude more available than the current one," said Chou.
To represent the difficulties involved in reaching this goal, Chou illustrated his presentation with slides of a "client-server jungle." Commented the executive: "In a journey through any jungle, you have to know where you're headed. Our destination is dependable, available, low-cost applications."
Hardware and software failures, operator errors, and environmental events all play roles in causing outages, he said. About 80% of all hardware and software failures are transient, or temporary, he added. Transient hardware failures often wreak long-term havoc though, by corrupting software data. Beyond corrupt data, software can be beset by computer viruses and design flaws.
One of the most common operator errors involves purging the wrong files, he stated. On top of these problems, computer systems face environmental hazards ranging from hurricanes, blizzards, bombings floods, and earthquakes to a general deterioration in the quality of electricity.
Difficulties like these can be hard to document, he said. However a study by the National Power Lab shows that the average US computer room experiences 443 power faults per year from fluctuations in the electrical power flow.
Chou also drew examples from a survey done on US phone companies. On November 3, 1992, for instance, 58,440 lines in the Illinois Bell service area went down for 47 minutes due to defective hardware in an AT&T 1AESS switch, he noted. On September 2, 1992 Sprint lost more than 50,000 lines for 229 minutes when a problem developed with BCS-33 software for a Northern Telecom DMS-250 switch.
On October 9, 1992, Sprint lost 1.6 million lines for 7,200 minutes when heavy rains flooded a central office. On September 13, 1992 MCI forfeited 110,880 lines for 360 minutes when an aerial fiber cable was snapped by a passing locomotive train.
To arrive at additional documentation to support development of its upcoming new server, Tandem is conducting studies based on software modeling, Chou told the journalists.
The company's NonStop Availability Initiative calls for driving outage minutes to zero as well as extending Tandem's NonStop architecture to networks and end users.
The plan is addressing physical, design, environmental, and operator-created hazards, in addition to temporary problems that can occur when software or hardware is being reconfigured, through a series of improvements to hardware, system software, and application software for servers, clients, and networks.
One technology now under development at Tandem, process-pair involves switching operations to a second processor, which is running a different software environment from the first, during a transient software failure. This method will allow the system to tolerate 85 to 95% of all transient software bugs, according to Chou.
Eventually, he emphasized, the constant availability of online services will be something everyone comes to expect and demand just as Sunday shopping, once unheard of, has become commonplace by now in our society.
After the presentation, a company spokesperson told Newsbytes that the press briefing represented a new effort by Tandem to make the company's high-end technology more interesting and accessible to the press and public.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930615/Press contact: Press contact: Noreen Lovoi, Tandem, tel 408-285-6120)
ntact: Press contact: Noreen Lovoi, Tandem, tel 408-285-6120)
6/15/93
Database World - Online Services Should Be Always Available
GENERAL
Phone Firms Form Worldwide Allia
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mon
British Telecom & MCI Link To Ta
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Develop
Time, TCI Get Serious About Cabl
Sega Versus Nintendo; The Battle
Sprint's Frazee Steps Down: Visa
Cablesoft Rumors Swirling
Sun Establishes Strategic Allian
More Furor Over Minnesota/Micros
Adobe To Demo Premiere 3.0 At Di
Dell Sees $1 Billion Revenue Gro
Altia Intros Prototype And Desig
Microsoft, Powercore To Produce
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Microsoft Corporation and Powercore announced this week they will collaborate in producing an MS-DOS client version of Microsoft's Schedule+.
The product, which will be called Schedule/DOS, will allow users of DOS-based network workstations to schedule meetings and coordinate electronic calendars with users of workstations running Windows on the same network. The announcement was made at the 10th annual Electronic Message 93 conference being held in Atlanta this week.
"The reality is there are still a lot of DOS users out there in corporate America. Our recent survey of Fortune 1000 companies indicates that at least two-thirds of their total workstations are still on DOS, says David Ferris, president of Ferris Networks.
John Hitchins, Powercore executive VP, says, "Schedule+ has raised the awareness of group scheduling, but its lack of support for DOS clients has limited its acceptance into companies with cross platform requirements." Hitchins believes the new product will encourage companies that use both DOS and Windows to take advantage of group scheduling for time management.
Powercore says Schedule/DOS will have nearly identical functionality and features as Microsoft's Schedule+. Users will need Microsoft Mail for DOS, as it acts as the transport mechanism for notifying group members of meeting requests or other scheduled events. Neither Schedule+ or Windows is required to use Schedule/DOS, allowing it to support DOS-exclusive workgroups.
Schedule/DOS will be sold as a Powercore product through that company's distribution channel. Microsoft says it will handle the majority of the marketing and will include cross-sell collateral material in every Microsoft Mail and Schedule+ package. The product is expected to ship in the third quarter this year with a suggested retail price comparable to Schedule+, which carries a $395 price tag or 5 licenses.
(Jim Mallory/19930615/Press contact: Carl Melville, Powercore 815-468-3737)
9930615/Press contact: Carl Melville, Powercore 815-468-3737)
6/15/93
Microsoft, Powercore To Produce DOS Version Of MS Schedule+
IBM Japan Releases Notebook PCs
Comdex: Alpha's Unusual Features
Telecom Software For Hearing Imp
Comdex: Spring Comdex '93; A Fon
Federal Computer Security Confer
HDTV Work Less Than Meets the Ey
FGS Intros Data Compression Soft
HP To Expand Net Mgt Line, Port
Washington-Bangalore Video Confe
Cabletron Expanding In Canada
Electronic Mail Association Meet
AT&T EO Gets Hard Drive
Cognos Allies With Database Vend
Olivetti Self Service Multimedia
Aussie Bounty Hunters Active On
Enterprise '93 - CIOS Have High
IBM Closes Acquisition of CGI In
Freebie Software Company Admits
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- It's been a busy week for Minnesota Software Systems Development Corporation. Last Thursday, June 10th, the company announced it would give away one million copies of its software.
On June 11, MSSDC denied rumors that it will be purchased by Microsoft Corporation, and doubled the number of copies of its Living Trust and Business Strategy software it was offering to give away. In denying the buyout rumor, MSSDC President Brent Knapp said the company has never been in a more solid financial situation.
Today the company told Newsbytes that it has tentatively accepted an offer to be purchased, but declined to reveal the name of the buyer. However MSSDC Vice President Bob Lockrem told Newsbytes, "We will be moving to the Seattle area." Lockrem would not deny the buyer is Microsoft. Asked why the company denied the rumor initially then confirmed it later, he told Newsbytes, "We didn't to spoil anything. We were still in the negotiation process." One person familiar with the company described Knapp as "eccentric."
Newsbytes reported last week that MSSDC would give a copy of either Living Trust Software or Business Strategy Development Software to anyone that would mail in a request and $6.99 to cover postage and handling. Lockrem told Newsbytes today that so far about 700,000 requests for the Living Trust program have been received, and about 400,000 people have asked for a copy of the Business Strategy program. Referring to the increase in the number of free copies being offered, Lockrem told Newsbytes, "We increased it because of the volume. People were afraid they wouldn't get through in the mail."
According to Lockrem, specific details of the purchase, such as how much stock Knapp will get in the deal and the exact purchase price rumored to be in the $90-95 million range, are still being worked out. But he said, "I can tell you it will go through." He said all 700 employees will be offered positions at the new location. Those who choose not to relocate will be offered a severance package.
Knapp is expected to remain in the Minneapolis area, and will reportedly be named to the buyer's board of directors. MSSDC will become a division of the buying firm, with a new manager named from that firm. Lockrem said he might also remain in Minneapolis.
Living Trust software provides the user with information and forms on disk to build a trust. It includes a married trust, single trust children's irrevocable trust, amendments, wills, four different types of powers of attorney, and quitclaim deeds. The company says the package includes more than 45 different forms and is valid in all 50 states.
The Business Strategy Development program is a business plan outline that includes 65 word processing and spreadsheet files, as well as MSSDC's new incorporation software with the forms needed to incorporate in any state. Both programs are available in IBM Windows, and Macintosh versions. Each usually retails for $149.95.
WESTLAKE, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- The trend towards portable computing, the 486 platform, and pen computing has been highlighted with Grid Systems' introduction of a new 486-based version of its Convertible notebook computer. The company claims that in addition to extra processing power, the notebook has longer battery life and additional power management features.
In announcing the notebook, Rosendo Parra, vice president and general manager for Grid Direct, said: "We are confident its superior mobility intuitive pen pointing device, lifetime guarantee on the case, and competitive price will make our Convertible 486 the portable system of choice for today's notebook buyers."
The company says that the Convertible 486 is built with a magnesium DuraShell case which includes a lifetime guarantee, a shock resistant hard drive, and features tempered glass over the display panel.
The Convertible 486 comes standard with MS-DOS 6.0, Microsoft Windows for Pens 3.1, and a version of the PenCell spreadsheet from PenWare. The system also features simultaneous video. The company says that this allows for live presentations and demonstrations to be performed using both the system's internal display and an external color VGA monitor or video projection system.
Users can use either a keyboard or a pen. The system is designed to accept data from the keyboard, from a pen, or from both the keyboard and pen interchangably within the same application. The last feature is claimed to be unique to this type of pen-enabled notebook design. The user converts from a notebook computer to a pen tablet computer by folding the screen down over the keyboard.
The notebook is a 25 megahertz (MHz) Intel486 SL system that comes standard with a backlit VGA screen, four megabytes (MB) of RAM and a choice of a 125MB or a 200MB hard disk drive.
The Convertible 486 also has a PCMCIA version 2.0-compatible expansion slot and also comes with an easily attached 3.5-inch 1.44MB floppy drive. The system weighs in at six pounds, and starts at $2,699. It will be available in July.
(Ian Stokell/19930615/Press Contact: Lauren Baker 817-491-5369, Grid Systems Corp.)
n Baker 817-491-5369, Grid Systems Corp.)
6/15/93
Grid Notebook Doubles As a Pen Computer
Nat Semi Reports $2 Billion In S
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- While a great number of PC manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to survive, many in the semiconductor industry are posting high profits. One example is National Semiconductor, which has reported that sales for fiscal 1993 passed the $2 billion mark. The company also claims the highest earnings in its history.
Net earnings for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1993 were $130.3 million, or 98 cents per share, on sales of $2,013.7 million. This compares with a loss of $120.1 million, or $1.24 per share, on sales of $1,717.5 million in fiscal 1992. The high 1992 losses were because of $149.3 million restructuring charge taken in the first quarter in connection with the company's plans to consolidate worldwide manufacturing capacity.
In announcing the results, Gilbert F. Amelio, president and chief executive officer, said, "Passing the $2 billion milestone in sales with record earnings represents a real resurgence of both growth and profitability at National Semiconductor. I am gratified by the success of our efforts to rebuild the company."
Nat Semi also reported increased profits for the fourth quarter. For the three months ended May 30, 1993, the company posted net earnings of $46.2 million, or 35 cents per share, on sales of $557.9 million. This compared with net earnings of $27.5 million, or 22 cents per share, for the comparable quarter a year ago. The company says that the 1993 quarter included 13 weeks versus 14 weeks for the fiscal 1992 quarter.
Said Amelio, "The past year was a period of tremendous progress at National Semiconductor. We completed a large portion of our planned restructuring activities, including significant expansion of our manufacturing centers of excellence at Arlington, Texas, and Greenock, Scotland."
Employee reductions was a big part of that restructuring. "While sales increased to a record level, we reduced worldwide headcount to 23,400 at year-end compared with 27,200 a year earlier. As part of the restructuring we continued to transfer production operations out of Santa Clara, California, sold our Bangkok assembly and test facility, and completed the establishment of a joint venture to operate our former manufacturing facility in Migdal Haemek, Israel as an independent entity."
Three-volt integrated circuits were highlighted as one of the main areas targeted by Nat Semi. Said Amelio, "The convergence of communications and computing and the proliferation of portable equipment has accelerated the need for low-power solutions."
(Ian Stokell/19930615/Press Contact: Mary Ann McKay 408-721-2646, National Semiconductor Corporation)
6, National Semiconductor Corporation)
6/15/93
Nat Semi Reports $2 Billion In Sales
BUSINESS
Comdex: OS/2 Versus NT; The Insi
MCI Improves Links With The Inte
Zoomer Specifics
Bell Atlantic Details CDPD Plans
Framebuilder For HP/Motif
SoftArc Adds FirstClass BBS Clie
Support For Clinton Trade Stand
International Phone Update
Microsoft Shipping Mail Gateway
Sega Gets Into Theme Parks
Electronic Mail Conf - Object Tr
Dell Takes New Road In Russia
BT Lands BP International Dataco
Control Data Systems' New E-Mail
Japan's UCOM Vice Chair Comments
Lotus, MCI In Mail Alliance
New Names Floated For FCC Posts
Austin Computer Systems Announce
Dataquest Multimedia Alliance Su
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Multimedia is one of the most talked about technologies in the computing industry. Not wanting to be left out in the cold, many hardware and software vendors are linking up to develop products designed to take advantage of the potential market. However, keeping track of all these alliances can be tough. Intended to address just that problem, Dataquest has formed the Dataquest Alliance Support Program.
The company says that the program is just the "formalization of a consulting activity that Dataquest has done for many years in other technology areas."
According to the company, multimedia alliances between disparate industries such as media, computers, and telecommunications have recently increased drastically in number. Said the company, "Many of these alliances have been hastily formed, and several have already fallen apart."
The Dataquest Alliance Support Program is designed to help "cross-industry companies entering the multimedia technologies markets to analyze and assess potential markets, products, and partners."
In announcing the program, Judy Hamilton, Dataquest president and CEO, said: "This service is especially helpful to media and publishing companies whose understanding and expertise in technology is in the early stages of the digital revolution."
Bruce Ryon, principal analyst in charge of multimedia research at Dataquest, adopts a realistic approach to these alliance. "The current activity is definitely one of a field of dreams, where many companies believe that they can simply agree to get together, build a multimedia product, and the consumer or business buyer will come. However, this has not turned out to be the case in the majority of situations."
The company says that the program will help clients define objectives for markets, products, and potential partnering. It will also provide industry, product, and market information on size segmentation, growth trends, and competition. The program is also designed to help clients identify and profile potential alliance candidates specifically for the client company.
(Ian Stokell/1993061593/Press Contact: Mary Hand 408-437-8312, DataQuest Inc.)
ontact: Mary Hand 408-437-8312, DataQuest Inc.)
6/15/93
Dataquest Multimedia Alliance Support Program
TRENDS
Running Customer Service With Lo
WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Azlan, the networking specialist distributor, has signed an agreement Quality Decision Management (QDM) to market its Quality at Work (QAW) system that supports improved customer management.
QAW is a Lotus Notes application that employs Lotus' workflow technology to provide an integrated system for managing and sharing all information relating to customer transactions, which the company claims results in increased business efficiency and customer satisfaction.
According to Helena Bullen, Azlan's director of network products the company is striving to provide the best of breed technologies to the growing European networking systems marketplace. "QAW fits into this category and is clearly the leading Lotus Notes workgroup application -- this product will help satisfy the growing demand for higher levels of customer service and satisfaction," she said.
QAW is available from Azlan's resellers in the UK with a retail price of UKP 199 per user. The package comes as a series of templates for Lotus Notes that can be customized, by the reseller to match the needs of any business, according to the company.
(Steve Gold/19930615/Press & Public Contact: Azlan - Tel: 0734 894400)
& Public Contact: Azlan - Tel: 0734 894400)
6/15/93
Running Customer Service With Lotus Notes
Siemens Nixdorf's Fast Print Ser
BRACKNELL, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems has announced a new page printer controller (PPC) that it claims will allow its LED and laser-based printer systems to be used as high performance print servers for a range of local area networks (LANs).
According to the company, the new PPC can act as a print server to support PC, Ethernet TCP/IP, DECNet, ICL, OSLAN and a range of other host environments. Alan Sutcliffe, a technical spokesperson for Siemens Nixdorf in the UK, told Newsbytes that the UKP 12,500 system has been designed for users who need to downsize their systems to 50 to 240 pages per minute printers over a network.
"Traditionally, these types of printers have been associated with mini and mainframe computer usage. What the PPC does is to link these printers to a network, allowing a variety of machines to address the printer server and print out their jobs at high speed," he said.
Despite the high price tag, Sutcliffe said that the pricing of the PPC is still way below that of the competition. "It's based around an 80486 microprocessor-equipped PC, with add-on hardware and our software," he explained, adding that the software has a user friendly set of menus to control it.
For maximum print efficiency, a range of jobs can be combined in a single print run, so as to make maximum use of printer resources. This is important, Newsbytes notes, where the high speed printer requires several sheets of printing before reaching optimum efficiency.
Siemens Nixdorf claims to be Europe's largest and most experienced supplier of LED and laser-based high speed printing systems. It has around 40 percent of the European high-speed printer marketplace and more than 7,000 systems installed worldwide.
(Steve Gold/19930616/Press & Public Contact: Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems - Tel: 0344-862222; Fax: 0344-850912)
on Systems - Tel: 0344-862222; Fax: 0344-850912)
6/15/93
Siemens Nixdorf's Fast Print Server Technology
GENERAL
Database World - IBM Outlines Cl
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- IBM is pursuing a client-server strategy based on adherence to open systems, use of its own experience in mission-critical applications, and getting top management at client companies involved in system decision making, officials stated yesterday in a press conference at Database World & Client-Server World.
"The vision we have is that anyone can access data at any time from anywhere, and in any form," commented Tom Furey, general manager of Open Client/Server Computing for IBM. "In order for that to happen, we need to be able to interoperate with other vendors' products."
Elaborating on IBM's vision, Furey said that ultimately users of palmtop and other computers will be able to access data from any point in the world through a single log-on, secured only at the point of contact. Future client-server services will be built around object technology and a mix of transport vehicles, including high bandwidth fiber networks. The services include directories that will help users navigate through the system.
This vision is already well on its way to fruition, he added. By 1995, just two years from now, the majority of all PCs sold will be portable. Further, high-bandwidth networks are already facilitating the use of client-server applications. In the 10 month period since the Internet completed deployment of T3 lines on its network, client-server applications have risen to account for 44% of all services on the Internet, he reported.
Now that the client-server age is definitely to pass, IBM needs to give customers a choice of platforms and solutions, said Peter J. Tarrant, client-server marketing director for IBM United States the second speaker at the briefing. "Our customers' needs -- not a limited product set -- should dictate the solutions," noted Tarrant.
Yet while IBM is stressing interoperability in its client-server applications, the company is also using strengths developed in the mainframe world, he added. "We've got skills like no one else in the industry in building mission-critical applications. We're going to apply these to client/server technology," he explained.
Successful deployment of these applications requires involvement at all levels of a client company, so that developers can better understand the needs of the organization, he said. "We're sitting down with people at all levels from the board room, to the CEO and CIO, to the workgroup level," he remarked.
Discussions between IBM and customers are taking place throughout the world: at the Dallas Open Systems Center and almost 50 Area Support Centers in North America, at ten Open Systems Centers (OSCs) in the Asia/Pacific, 13 OSCs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and, on a global level, through IBM Consulting Services ISSC, and Advantis.
The customer service centers are stocked with equipment from all vendors, according to Tarrant. Also in the interests of open systems, IBM is working to create a more open software environment he stressed. Citing one example, he said that IBM has ported its CICS client-server software to the Hewlett-Packard operating system, and just last week announced a port of CICS to Microsoft's Windows NT.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930615/Press contact: Kathleen Ryan, IBM, tel 914-642-4634)
5/Press contact: Kathleen Ryan, IBM, tel 914-642-4634)
6/15/93
Database World - IBM Outlines Client-Server Strategy
Canadians Like Computers; Are Wa
IBM Offers Handwriting Recogniti
Cable & Wireless; Telecom Eirean
Hewlett-Packard Intros New RAID
Sculley Says He Suggested Apple/
Telecom In Russia
Caere Gets India Distributor
Dragon Systems' Speech Recogniti
UK - Ikon Accounting Launches Ic
Apple Announces Lower Earns, Ana
Massachusetts Mulls Computer Cri
Macau Turns To Sybase Client-Ser
Casio/Tandy Zoomer To Use SunDis
Australian Computer Society Book
Media Vision To Intro PC Video G
Color Hard Copy Conference Start
First Look At Scriptx -- How Goo
AT&T Releases Dominant Carrier S
Electronic Mail Conf - Motorola
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- At a San Jose press conference simulcast to the Electronic Mail Association meeting in Atlanta, Motorola announced a new family of PC Card wireless and wired modems under PCMCIA standards, which will be delivered over the next 18 months.
The first product in the new family is the NewsCard Advanced Information Receiver, originally announced at the Fall Comdex last year. The NewsCard will begin shipping to computer makers this summer, who can make it part of their own products on an OEM basis. NewsCard runs on a single AAA battery, drawing no power from its host device, and stores up to 128,000 bytes of data.
At the press conference, Motorola demonstrated a prototype of a wireless, two-way PCMCIA wide area modem. That product will ship in 1994. Motorola is also developing a PCMCIA card for local area networking, also due for release in 1994. Motorola's UDS unit demonstrated a PCMCIA-based wired modem which can work with Motorola's MicroTAC cellular telephones or with regular phones. That product will ship late this year. Motorola said it will reveal detailed pricing and distribution plans at the next Fall Comdex.
Glenn Brownlee of the company's wireless data group, who hosted the Atlanta press gallery, emphasized the collaborative agreements Motorola has in place with various networks, software companies, and other vendors. "Making wireless data a reality requires collaboration," he said.
Newsbytes asked about Motorola's position regarding Spectrum Information Technology's patent claims, which seem to extend to all modems used on wireless networks. Motorola vice president Pat Richardson indicated Motorola is ready if a lawsuit comes from Spectrum, which has licensed its error-correction schemes and connectors to AT&T. "At this point we believe we have a firm position with out own technology," he said.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930615/Press Contact: Lisa Croel, Edelman PR, for Motorola, 415-968-4033; FAX: 415-968-2201)
elman PR, for Motorola, 415-968-4033; FAX: 415-968-2201)
6/15/93
Electronic Mail Conf - Motorola PCMCIA Wireless Modems
TELECOM
Banyan Intros ENS For NetWare 1.
WESTBORO, MASSACHUSSETS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Even though competition is fierce between networking vendors, it pays to support the leading products. Along those lines, Banyan Systems has announced ENS for NetWare version 1.1.
Banyan's Vines competes with Novell's NetWare in the network operating systems (NOS) market. Vines was generally considered the best NOS for internetworking environments linking multiple LANs. Novell's recent release of version 4.0 of NetWare was designed to specifically address some of the internetworking shortcomings of NetWare 3.11, in order to compete more effectively with Vines at the high-end. However, NetWare already commands between 65 and 70 percent of the NOS market.
According to Banyan, version 1.1, coupled with a series of major enhancements and options, will provide support for Novell's new NetWare 4.0; StreetTalk III global directory service and extended StreetTalk III APIs (application programming interfaces); more extensive interoperability between NetWare and Vines networks; support for Macintosh and OS/2 clients; and new mainframe communications options.
In announcing the new version, James D. D'Arezzo, Banyan vice president, marketing, said: "The idea of Banyan delivering enterprise network services - like StreetTalk - to non-Banyan network operating systems - like NetWare - has generated uniformly positive responses from customers, resellers, and industry experts alike. Today's announcement adds many new and desirable features which strengthen ENS for NetWare and expand its applicability to NetWare 4.0."
The company says that the incorporation of StreetTalk III is instrumental in ENS supporting NetWare 4.0. The ability to load an ENS NLM (NetWare Loadable Module) - providing full integration with StreetTalk III - on a NetWare 4.0 server will allow users to integrate NetWare 2.x, 3.x and 4.x networks with each other and with Vines networks. A single ENS server can support up to eight NetWare servers, and there is no limit on the number of ENS servers that can be incorporated into a NetWare environment.
ENS for NetWare 1.1 is set to begin shipping in July, 1993. ENS for NetWare server software costs $3,995. ENS NLM/VAP software costs $295 for five-users; $495 for 10-users; $995 for 20-users; $1,495 for 50-users; $2,495 for 100-users; and $3,495 for 250-users.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- At the Electronic Mail Association convention in Atlanta, SoftSwitch announced what it calls the Open Object Translation Interface for Enterprise Mail Exchange (EMX), the company's distributed mail product. With OOTI and translation software, the company said EMX becomes an enterprise-wide resources for bi-directional translation of objects -- words, numbers, graphics, and invoices.
The idea is that object translation becomes part of the basic network service. Any translation fotware will work with OOTI SoftSwitch said
SoftSwitch also announced that the US House will implement an e-mail network based on SoftSwitch technology, which will also provide access to the public through the Internet. That announcement follows by one week word from President Clinton's office that he also has an Internet address which voters can write to. At that time, spokesmen hinted that the House was close to doing the same.
Michael Zisman, president of the privately held company, also gave one of three keynote addresses to the EMA. He emphasized the high value of e-mail and called for more of that value to be shuttled to vendors. "Knowledge is the only enduring asset," he said. "What we should be talking about is value creation."
Zisman's analogy was this. "We take for granted that a telephone costs $50 and a telephone bill comes every month for $100. We take for granted the service cost is twice that of the device. The bill represents all the infrastructure of the telephone system. You pay dearly for it, and don't pretend the cost of the service is the price of the telephone. Do we really believe that what we're about," he said, as e-mail service providers, "is an order of magnitude less valuable than word processing and spreadsheets? I really don't think so. What we're really building is an infrastructure for knowledge sharing. The real benefit is organizational transformation. Information Systems become the load-bearing material which moves us to team-oriented processes both internally and externally."
The effect of Zisman's talk, and the talk in the halls at EMA may be to drop the other shoe on a talk Lotus Chairman Jim Manzi gave at last month's Comdex show, where he pointed to the high value of connecting people using products like his company's Lotus Notes.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930615/Press Contact: Walt Wilson SoftSwitch, 215-640-9600)
tact: Walt Wilson SoftSwitch, 215-640-9600)
6/15/93
Electronic Mail Conf - Object Translators
TELECOM
I Want My IMTV, Say Top Hollywoo
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Bell Atlantic demonstrated how users will be able to make phone calls and receive video over the same telephone line. A host of top Hollywood studios, cable programmers, and independent producers are participating with Bell Atlantic in Interactive Multimedia Television (IMTV), which it is prototyping with 300 of its employees in Northern Virginia this month.
More than just video-on-demand (VOD), Bell Atlantic says the new IMTV will allow users to receive a mix of entertainment educational, and informational videos, at the time and in the order they choose.
The technology behind the IMTV is an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), video servers, digital video switching and digital compression for television signals. ADSL provides the capability of delivering video signals into homes over the existing telephone network by simply adding equipment to each end of an existing line. Bell Atlantic said it chose ADSL because it works with existing telephone lines and offers the advantage of relatively easy installation.
A trial of the system will operate in three phases. Phase I already underway, is the installation and maintenance stage. Up to 100 employees will be involved in this effort. Phase II is slated to begin in early fall and will focus on additional functionality, such as a simple menu capability. Phase III, to begin in January, will include tests of interactivity and other functions in the VOD service.
Columbia Tristar International Television, Walt Disney Universal Pictures/Universal Pay Television, MGM/UA, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, and Warner Bros. have already committed to supplying content for IMTV as have broadcasters such as NBC, cable programmers such as HBO, Black Entertainment Television and USA Network, and many leading independent producers such as Multimedia, Worldvision/Spelling, National Geographic Society and BBC/Lionheart.
During the test, Bell Atlantic is using ADSL equipment from Northern Telecom, AT&T and the Chicago-based Westell. The video server for the trial is an IBM reduced instruction set computing (RISC) Systems (RS)/6000 workstation system equipped with video applications software written to Bell Atlantic's specifications. Bell Atlantic is using one storage module which has enough digital capacity for up to 30 feature-length films. The films will be stored using Motion Picture Experts Group Level 1 (MPEG-1) compression supplied by Compression Labs Incorporated (CLI). CLI is the company which offered the compression technology behind the American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) Video Phone. CLI will compress the video and is also supplying the prototype MPEG decoding units for each employee home involved in the trial.
Bell Atlantic maintains the tests of IMTV are being conducted under ground rules issued last July by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These rules permit local telephone companies to offer video dial tone, which is the basis for IMTV.
The parent of one of the nation's largest providers of mobile communications, Bell Atlantic is also the parent company of New Jersey Bell, Bell of Pennsylvania, Diamond State Telephone (Delaware) and the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Companies serving Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930615/Press Contact: Larry Plumb, Bell Atlantic, tel 703-974-2814, fax 703-974-1030)
lantic, tel 703-974-2814, fax 703-974-1030)
6/15/93
I Want My IMTV, Say Top Hollywood Studios
TRENDS
Synoptics Offers Interim Step In
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 15 (NB) -- Synoptics Communications has announced a product it is calling an "Interim Step" to downsizing for IBM mainframe networks. The company announced the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Transport Gateway to allow IBM mainframe network managers to see what is happening at remote sites without spending a lot of money overhauling their current systems.
Network managers in large mainframe-based companies, such as banks or retail chains, have been wanting to see what is happening on networks in place at remote sites, such as bank branches or individual store outlets. But the remote sites have their own hub-based networks, such as Token Ring, that use the SNMP protocol. Since the mainframe uses SNA protocol, the two mainframe and the remote site cannot communicate. Up until now the network manager had two choices: not to see what was happening at the site at all or overhaul the current mainframe system to add a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) passage or "gateway" for the data. The second alternative is an expensive and time consuming one, Synoptics maintains.
Tim Helms of public relations for Synoptics, says now there is another way -- the company's SNMP Transport Gateway. The SNMP Transport Gateway wraps the SNMP data from the remote network in a "wrapper" or "envelope" called the Advanced Program-to Program Communications (APPC) packet so it looks compatible to the SNA network and the data can go across. At the other end the data is "unwrapped" so it can be viewed, usually by an IBM RS/6000 workstation running Optivity network management system on the Netview/6000 platform. The company sells a card that goes into the back of a personal computer (PC) running IBM's OS/2 operating system that turns the PC into a gateway. The product was developed in conjunction with Eicon Technology a supplier of branch office integration products, Synoptics added.
Eventually, companies will be forced to go to open systems that will talk to each other. But Helms describes the SNMP Transport Gateway as a cost-effective way to manage an existing network. "We have the tools to take companies to the intelligent hub based networks, which are the open systems of the future, but this is a step for companies who don't want to take the risk and expense right now." The SNMP Transport Gateway is US list priced at $2,495 and expected to be available in October 1993.
Synoptics, headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif, was founded in 1985 and has more than 50 offices worldwide.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930615/Press Contact: Tim Helm, Synoptics tel 408-764-1157, fax 408-764-1197)
Synoptics tel 408-764-1157, fax 408-764-1197)
6/15/93
Synoptics Offers Interim Step In Downsizing
Control Data Systems' New E-Mail
ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Control Data Systems (CDS) has announced an expanded set of products and professional services designed to support its electronic mail (e-mail) integration products.
The company said Mail*Hub, an infrastructure designed to integrate all of a company's electronic mail systems and directories into a single information sharing system, has been enhanced by the addition of several new services and PC local area network (LAN) gateways to their e-mail systems, such as cc:Mail, Microsoft Mail, Lotus Notes Wordperfect Office, and MHS Mail.
The new tools provide users the ability to share a centralized X.500 directory which lets them look up anyone on their network, and send mail to users on almost any e-mail system in the world, according to CDS. Control Data's integration services will aid clients in synchronizing their local directories with the Mail*Hub X.500 directory so users can be added locally and published globally without additional network administrator effort. The company will also assist with the transfer of a company's existing database information into the X.500 database.
According to CDS Marketing Manager Jim Payne, Mail*Hub is one of the first commercially available electronic mail integration suites to use the X.500 directory system as an integral part of its backbone.
The company says Mail*Hub is currently being used to connect more than 100,000 users at the University of Minnesota who are using six different e-mail packages running on desktop, departmental and mainframe computers including LAN-based PCs and Unix-based systems.
CDS spokesperson Pat Kelly told Newsbytes the 100,000 users include faculty and students whose names have been entered in the directory. The users can use the e-mail software they prefer, but are able to communicate with people in other departments who are using different mail programs.
CDS says pricing is based on the number of users in an organization as well as the type of services they need. A basic Mail*Hub backbone which includes X.400, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), X.500 and directory synchronization, plus two PC gateways can cost from $18,000 to $45,000 in the US. Additional services can range from $2,000 for the installation of an additional PC gateway, to $20,000 for a complex needs analysis at a 50,000-plus user installation.
(Jim Mallory/19930615/Press contact: Pat Kelly, Control Data Systems 612-482-4859; Reader contact: Control Data Systems, 800-257-6736 or 612-482-4859)
Data Systems, 800-257-6736 or 612-482-4859)
6/16/93
Control Data Systems' New E-Mail Services
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- MUSIC Semiconductors has announced a commercially available content addressable memory (CAM) which incorporates a user-configurable random access memory (RAM) cache.
MUSIC (Multi-user Specialty Integrated Circuits) Semiconductors' monolithic CMOS (complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) MU9C1640 , called CacheCAM, features a 1K by 64-bit CAM array that is configurable on 16-bit boundaries into CAM and RAM segments. The combination of CAM and RAM makes CacheCAM suitable to fully associative high speed data search operations. The company says potential applications include virtual memory, optical and magnetic disk caches, data compression, code conversion, database accelerators, and image processing.
CacheCAM is currently available in two speed versions. Write cycles are 40 nanoseconds (ns) in the MU9C1640-40 and 55ns in the MU9C1640-55 version. In a single compare cycle the 40ns version can locate within its contents , or rule out the existence of, any information presented to it, making it hundreds or even thousands of times faster than RAM in most search applications.
MUSIC President Bruce Threewitt says CAMs have been used for years in extremely performance-driven applications such as military radar communications and electronic countermeasures, as well as in very select commercial and research applications. "Now our CacheCAM makes this elite technology available for high-volume commercial applications. Since CAMs operate hundreds or thousands of times faster than RAM in many common search algorithms, the impact on system performance will be truly revolutionary," according to Threewitt.
In a conventional RAM, random data is retrieved by supplying a specific address to the device. Conversely, when specific data is applied to the CAM, the location or address containing that specific data is retrieved. RAM operates sequentially, while the CAM achieves multiprocessing by examining all memory locations simultaneously. CacheCAM also has a user-configurable RAM cache that can be used to store associated data directly related to the data stored in the CAM portion of the chip, making it immediately available after a match is found.
CacheCAM uses a 64-bit internal data path for rapid internal comparison, with an external 16-bit multiplex I/O (input/output) interface for low system cost. The chip has TTL (transistor transistor logic)-compatible I/Os and operates from a single standard +5 volt power supply. It supports vertical cascading and system flag generation without external logic to support large databases, is synchronously controlled by four signal inputs and is directly compatible with conventional memory subsystems.
The company says the chip is presently available in 44-pin plastic leaded chip carriers. In 1,000-piece lots the 40ns version sells for $32.50, while the 55ns edition is priced at $25.00.
(Jim Mallory/19930615/Press contact: Jil Goebel, Origin Systems for MUSIC Semiconductors, 719-630-3384; Reader contact: MUSIC Semiconductors, 719-570-1550 or 800-788-6874 fax 719-630-8537)
9-570-1550 or 800-788-6874 fax 719-630-8537)
6/16/93
MUSIC Semi Intros Large CAM With RAM Cache
TRENDS
Jurisoft DirectConnect Links WP
OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Wordperfect has announced Jurisoft DirectConnect, a software product that provides links between Wordperfect 5.1 for DOS and Columbus, Ohio-based Jurisoft's Legal Toolbox software for legal professionals.
Wordperfect for DOS Product Marketing Director Todd Ashman says Jurisoft DirectConnect gives Wordperfect 5.1 for DOS users seamless access to the suite of Jurisoft products, including CompareRite CiteRite II, FullAuthority, and CheckCite. "Both companies listened to the needs of the legal market and responded quickly with a solution," according to Ashman. According to the company, the product was developed, tested and released in less than 90 days.
CompareRite is a tool for redlining documents, a process that highlights the differences between two versions of any document. CheckCite uses the Lexis service to automatically retrieve information and produce a customized report showing the accuracy and standing of all cites in a legal brief. It also allows retrieval of the full text of any legal case.
FullAuthority automatically compiles tables of authorities for a legal brief without requiring citations to be marked, and CiteRite II checks cites for proper Bluebook or California citation form. DirectConnect allows users to incorporate the information into a Wordperfect word processing document, using all its formatting editing and printing features.
The company says development of DirectConnect is underway for other platforms. Jurisoft is a division of Mead Data Central, the company that provides the Lexis/Nexis legal database service.
fect, 800-321-4566 or 801-225-5000, fax 801-228-5077)
6/16/93
Jurisoft DirectConnect Links WP With Legal Software
Wordperfect UK In Double Act Wit
ADDLESTONE, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Wordperfect UK has announced a new sales campaign - "The Double Act" - which offers customers the opportunity to buy Wordperfect 5.2 for Windows for UKP99, when they buy a PC from a selection of PC vendors.
According to Wordperfect UK, AST, Compaq Computer, Digital Equipment, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Olivetti have elected to join the campaign. The campaign runs until August 24.
Wordperfect claims that the scheme is the first of its kind in the UK, not only because it gives users the choice of whether to buy the software or not, but also because of the number of PC vendors involved. The company claims that its vendor list accounts for 48 percent of PCs sold in the UK.
David Moore, product manager with Compaq, said that the deal is good boost for the company's products, as well as a great offer for Wordperfect's software. "The combination of Wordperfect and Compaq as market leaders in their own field gives great value to our customers," he enthused.
Mike McCormac, marketing manager with Olivetti's Systems Division was more pragmatic. He said that the deal is good for both companies and the customer. "Today's PC buyer looks for value for money and this offer has a high perceived value in the minds of the customer," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930615/Press & Public Contact: Wordperfect UK tel 0932-850500, fax 0932-843497)
Wordperfect UK tel 0932-850500, fax 0932-843497)
6/16/93
Wordperfect UK In Double Act With PC Vendors
UK - Autodesk Intros Cyberspace
GUILDFORD, SURREY, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Autodesk has announced the availability of the curiously-named Cyberspace Development Kit (CDK), which it claims is a complete toolkit for three-dimensional (3-D) visualization and simulation. The package carries a price tag of UKP1,995 and can be used with the company's Autocad computer-aided design (CAD) software, although this is by no means mandatory.
Autodesk is a name more commonly associated with the serious side of CAD technology for the PC, but the company claims that since 1988, it has been working on virtual reality software. As far back as November of that year, Autodesk claims that it demonstrated the computer industry's first virtual reality (VR) system on a PC at the Autofact computer show in Detroit.
"We view VR as the next logical step in design automation, because it adds interactive 3D visualization and simulation to the drafting and design process," explained Nick Manning a product specialist at Autodesk. "VR is critical to maintaining our leadership in CAD over the longer term," he said.
The CDK includes, what Autodesk describes as, a comprehensive set of C++ class libraries, and allows software developers to build PC-based applications in which users interact with 3D worlds in real time. This, Newsbytes notes, neatly describes VR.
The CDK aims to make life easier in the development of VR software by automating the creation and import of 3D geometry files into the application. It also features "physical phenomena," which Autodesk describes as the ability to facilitate realistic simulations by assigning objects and environments with real physical properties such as mass and density, and apply forces such as gravity, friction and spring.
Autodesk has been seeding the VR community with beta test copies of its CDK. According to Scott Redmond, the president of RPI Advanced Technology Group, a San Francisco-based VR hardware and software vendor, the CDK has proved excellent in generating applications software. "The kit and its links to existing Autodesk products have enabled us to generate robust and diverse applications in a time frame 40 percent shorter than expected, and provide amazing performance as well," he said.
The CDK will run on an 80386-based or better PC equipped with eight megabytes (MB) of memory and an 80MB hard drive. In use, it claims to support a wide range of PC graphics cards, including simple VGA with a standard VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) monitor driver. The software runs on DOS 3.1 or later and requires either the Zortech 386 C++ 3.0 or Metaware C/C++ 3.0 compiler in addition to the Pharlap liner and 386/DOS extender software development kit.
(Steve Gold/19930615/19930615/Press & Public Contact: Autodesk - tel 0483-303322)
ess & Public Contact: Autodesk - tel 0483-303322)
6/16/93
UK - Autodesk Intros Cyberspace Development Kit
TRENDS
Zia Intros Hard Disk Drive Devel
k SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Zia has introduced a hard disk drive (HDD) development kit that allows for the rapid design and prototyping of hard disk drives (HDDs) with form factors as small as 1.0 inch.
The company claims that the kit is the semiconductor industry's first product to enable designers to quickly evaluate HDD chipsets in a total system context.
Zia is an alliance between Zilog, International Microelectronic Products (IMP) and Allegro MicroSystems.
According to the company, the kit features a complete development board which serves as both a chip test environment and firmware development platform. The board is fully compatible with, and optimized for, Zia chipsets. The company says that designers can use it to develop drives based only on a Zia chipset or a combination of Zia chips and integrated circuits (ICs) from other semiconductor manufacturers.
In announcing the kit, Alex Malaccorto, vice president of magnetic media systems at Zilog, said: "The Zia development kit is the first tool that allows designers to evaluate and test all of the ICs required for a drive system in one neat and clean package. Our board and firmware provide designers with a stable environment for drive development prior to committing to the final form factor. (The kit) significantly shortens the iterative process of debugging the drive interface and printed circuit board (PCB) architecture. Typically, this can cut several months off the final PCB and drive prototype development cycle."
The development board in the kit can accommodates up to five daughter boards. It also provides on-board memory, dedicated surface mount footprints for Zia's AT and PCMCIA interface ICs a power connector, an RS-232 connector, two PCMCIA connectors an ATA interface connector, a HDA connector and a reset control.
The company says that each daughter board and drive component can be isolated in the system and independently monitored at test locations on the daughter board headers.
The ZIA Hard Disk Drive Development Kit, including development board, monitor firmware and core microcode function library is priced at $965, and is available immediately.
(Ian Stokell/19930615/Press Contact: Chris Bradley 408-370-8246, Zilog; Stephen Bahn, 508-853-5000, Allegro MicroSystems Inc.; Carol Cassara, 408-434-1281, International Microelectronic Products)
281, International Microelectronic Products)
6/16/93
Zia Intros Hard Disk Drive Development Kit
GENERAL
HP Enhances HP OpenMail & HP X.4
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Support for different platforms and applications is increasingly important for electronic mail systems if they are to be used in large corporate networking environments. In addressing this issue, Hewlett-Packard has enhanced its enterprise-wide messaging offerings with new releases of HP OpenMail and HP X.400.
According to the company, the new version of HP OpenMail includes support for Lotus cc:Mail and Microsoft Mail as direct clients; HP clients for Macintosh and Sun users; HP Phonebook support for Windows, Macintosh and Motif clients; OpenMail bulletin board; OpenMail integration with HP OpenView; and directory synchronization. The company also claims that major new functionality for HP X.400 includes X.400 integration with HP OpenView and X/Open-APIA Gateway API (application programming interface).
The company claims that PC users will benefit from HP OpenMail's integration with Microsoft Mail and cc:Mail by letting end users access OpenMail's feature set through the LAN (local area network) based electronic-mail interface or mail-enabled applications with which they are familiar.
The company also says that HP OpenMail's support of direct clients will remove the need for gateways, directory synchronization and dedicated PC-server post offices. The company also says that will lead to lower costs.
The company says that, one advantage of Microsoft Mail and Windows simple messaging application programming interface (MAPI) support is that Windows users will be able to communicate multimedia messages based on Microsoft's object linking and embedding to other MAPI-aware mailboxes through HP OpenMail.
HP also has announced increased integration of HP OpenMail and X.400 with its OpenView network and system-management package. The company says that this will make it easier for network managers to monitor HP OpenMail and X.400 processes and to initiate administrative actions.
The integration of HP OpenView with HP OpenMail and HP X.400 allows network managers to monitor message-store disk usage queue levels and gateway usage, and obtain accounting/billing reports of mail usage.
HP says that its OpenMail product offers a choice of desktop clients including HP clients for MS-DOS, Windows, NewWave, Macintosh HP-UX, Sun and terminal environments, along with third-party clients, such as Lotus cc:Mail, Microsoft Mail, Applix Aster x, and Clarity Rapport.
HP expects to ship the X/Open-APIA gateway API with HP X.400 in the fourth quarter, 1993.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Japan's software venture firm ASCII says it intends closer ties with California-based software developer Macromedia.
Under terms of the deal, ASCII will market more Macromedia programs in Japan. Currently, ASCII and Macromedia have a sales agreement concerning Macromedia's Authorware in Japan. It is a program designed to create multimedia software and has been selling well in Japan.
ASCII has already created Japanese language versions of a number of Macromedia programs including Macromedia Director 3.1.1, Mac Recorder Sound System Pro 1.0.3, and Sound Edit Pro 1.0.3.
Macromedia Director will be used to create multimedia entertainment software such as animation programs, while the other two programs can be used to create sound data. All of the programs are used in combination with Authorware.
ASCII is planning to market the programs in a bundle called Multimedia Studio Set starting in July. It is said the firm will start a special sales campaign on July 9.
ASCII is mainly concerned with selling the multimedia programs to value-added resellers (VARs), which will add additional features or peripheral equipment. ASCII will provide various support services relating to the programs, such as seminars.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930616/Press Contact: ASCII tel +81-3-3797-6506, fax +81-3-3486-0488)
CII tel +81-3-3797-6506, fax +81-3-3486-0488)
6/16/93
Japan - ASCII Enhances Ties With Macromedia
BUSINESS
Japan - NTT's Digital Net Reache
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- NTT's digital network service has been gaining in popularity, and has recently reached 200,000 in membership.
NTT's digital network service, called INS Net, reached the 200,000 mark at the end of May. Two kinds of digital network service are offered. One is called INS Net 64, which offers data transmission speeds of 64 kilobits-per-second. The other, called INS Net 1500, offers speeds of 1.5 megabits-per-second.
INS Net 64 has gained 168,562 in memberships, with the rest for INS Net 1500 - for an actual total of 202,032.
NTT's ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Networks) service started in April 1988, and is currently available in 2,443 areas in Japan. It is available in most Japanese cities. However, due to high transmission fees, membership consists of corporate or bulk users.
NTT is planning on providing digital telephone lines for each Japanese household to allow individual users access to the service. However, this is expected to take a number of years to implement.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930616/Press Contact: NTT tel +81-3-3509-5035, fax +81-3-3509-3104)
Contact: NTT tel +81-3-3509-5035, fax +81-3-3509-3104)
6/16/93
Japan - NTT's Digital Net Reaches 200,000 Membership
TELECOM
IBM's Green PC Makes Its Debut
k SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- The rumored energy-saving "green PC" from IBM has arrived. Its official name is the PS/2E, and IBM says it will use less power than a 60-watt light bulb. Along with its energy-saving characteristics, IBM is pushing the PS/2E's small space requirements and ergonomic design features.
The PS/2E has a system unit one foot square. The keyboard sports a detachable numeric keypad and IBM's Trackpoint II pointing device - a tiny lever mounted in the middle of the keyboard. IBM has previously used the Trackpoint only on portable computers.
The detachable keypad is intended mainly as an ergonomic feature Michael Cart, brand manager for PS/2 products at IBM Canada Ltd. said at a Toronto press conference.
The new machine is available with a color flat-panel display or with a 14-inch low-power cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor.
When used with the flat screen, the system will consume about 59 watts of power when in full operation, Cart said. When not actually being used it will scale down to about 32 watts. A machine equipped with the low-power CRT uses about 130 watts when actually in use officials said, but can cut down to 21 watts when idle.
The PS/2E, like many notebook computers, saves power by shutting down parts of the system - such as the display and the hard drive - if there is no keyboard activity for a set length of time. Pressing any key restores full power.
In fact, the PS/2E has much in common with portable computers. In addition to its flat screen and power-saving capabilities, it uses Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) slots, which accept credit-card-sized memory cards and peripherals, rather than the much larger expansion slots usually found in desktop computers.
List prices start at $2,245 for the version with the 14-inch color monitor. Company spokesman Michael Reiter said street prices for that model will probably run around $1,850. The flat-panel version will be sold only through special bids, with a list price of $5,640; Reiter said it is likely to be discounted by as much as $1,000. Canadian list prices are C$3,939 for the CRT version and C$7,777 for the flat-screen version.
The PS/2E is due to be available by the end of June, IBM said.
(Grant Buckler/19930616/Press Contact: Michael Reiter, IBM 914-766-3226; Anne McDonagh, IBM Canada, 416-946-4841)
onagh, IBM Canada, 416-946-4841)
6/16/93
IBM's Green PC Makes Its Debut
Quarterdeck QEMM 7 Offers More M
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) Quarterdeck is shipping version 7 of its Quarterdeck Expanded Memory Manager (QEMM) product, its Manifest system analysis program, and its Desqview and Desqview 386 DOS multitaskers.
According to the company, the new products build on their predecessors, offering more memory and "under-the-hood" compatibility and performance enhancements.
The company specializes in products for memory management which attempt to give users as much free conventional memory to run applications as possible.
QEMM version 7 offers gains in the amount of memory free for running programs through its new DOS-Up feature that moves the DOS operating system kernel, resources and data above 640 kilobytes (KB) freeing between seven and 70KB. Users running Doublespace, the disk compression utility in DOS 6.0 will find it takes up 43KB of memory. However, QEMM's Stealth DoubleSpace feature frees 40KB of the 43KB used by Doublespace by moving it out of conventional memory, leaving the three KB to point to the remaining portion.
The VIDRAM feature was a part of the product, but now it works with Windows to allow the user to take advantage of video RAM to free as much as 736KB.
Therese Myers, President of Quarterdeck told Newsbytes VIDRAM is especially popular with users running large database applications, such as Foxpro or dBASE, under Windows.
QEMM 7 also offers support for DOS 6 multiple configuration files, enhanced MS Windows, Stacker and Superstor support express installation, a new QEMM Setup feature for changing QEMM parameters, editing configuration files and getting on-line help and hints, built-in DPMI support, and enhanced hardware compatibility including Pentium, battery-powered notebooks and bus-mastering controllers.
Software drivers for the sound and compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drives on the MPC and network software drivers tend to each up lower memory critical to DOS application software. However, Myers maintains QEMM 7 users can get up to 633KB of conventional memory free even if they have a multimedia personal computer (MPC) running on a network.
Manifest version 2, included with QEMM 7 provides reporting and analysis of networks, battery-support, the Pentium processor and Microsoft Windows. In addition, Manifest also supports the editing of configuration files.
Quarterdeck says the new releases of Desqview and Desqview 386 feature enhanced network support, including support for Netware Lite and Lantastic and other peer-to-peer networks. Both DESQview and DESQview 386 include Manifest and DESQview 386 also includes QEMM 7. Desqview/X version 1.1 also incorporates QEMM 7 and Manifest 2.
The suggested list price of QEMM 7 is $99.95, Manifest is $59.95 Desqview 2.6 lists at $99.95, and Desqview 386 2.6 costs $149.95. Upgrade pricing is $35 plus $5 shipping and handling for QEMM $15 for Manifest, $20 for Desqview 2.6, and $45 for Desqview 386 2.6. Upgrades for Manifest, Desqview 2.6, and Desqview 386 2.6 are available from Quarterdeck only and a $5 shipping and handling charge applies. Users may have to pay $39.95 when upgrading QEMM from a retailer, the company added.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930615/Press Contact: Claudia Zimmer Quarterdeck, tel 310-392-9851, fax 310-314-4218; Customer contact US 800-854-3210, fax 800-354-3329, Canada 800-268-5181)
fax 800-354-3329, Canada 800-268-5181)
6/16/93
Quarterdeck QEMM 7 Offers More Memory
EMA Show - QuickMail To Use MHS
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- At the Electronic Messaging Association show, CE Software said it will support Novell's Message Handling System. That will be done through a license of MailMAN for MHS, while designing its own new MHS client for the Macintosh.
Ford Goodman, president of CE Software, told Newsbytes the deal does not mean CE is abandoning its own QuickMail transport system. "We have over a 50 percent market share on the Mac platform," he said. "We're not abandoning our transport system at all. But we support MHS because it has over 70 percent of the LAN market."
The version of MailMAN will be offered to the market as QuickMail MHS for Windows, he adds. Goodman calls it part of his company's effort to create "time-centric" workgroup computing increasing the speed with which people react to messages wherever they come from. The result is to group-enable the Day Runner, or in Goodman's words "calendaring on steroids."
For Reach, the deal with CE Software makes its MailMAN "business process glueware," according to director of product planning Lynn McLeod. "Our business is automating the business process, building toolkits" like its WorkMAN workflow platform. Taken together, McLeod and Goodman said, the combination of their products is a complete, integrated workgroup computing solution across the Novell NetWare platform.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: Ford Goodman, CE Software, tel 515-221-1801, fax 515-221-1806; Lynn McLeod Reach Software, tel 408-733-8865, fax 408-733-9265)
h Software, tel 408-733-8865, fax 408-733-9265)
6/16/93
EMA Show - QuickMail To Use MHS For Transport
TELECOM
Two Into One Will Go; Prodigy Li
Hitachi Maxell Links With TEAC O
Flight Simulator 5.0, New Scener
US Companies Keep Contracting In
Computer Associates Set To Launc
Motorola Codex Claims New Modem
INS Tests Hand Scanners To Speed
Ex-Next Exec Joins Xerox
Russia - Corning To Sell Fiber T
Grid Notebook Doubles As a Pen C
UK - Tricord Adds Pentium Suppor
UK - Autodesk Intros Cyberspace
Time Warner Signs With Qualcomm
Telelogic Unveils Comms Software
AST Boasts of Product Quality
IBM Canada Offers 30-Day Free Tr
Aldus Completes Acquisition Of A
Graphics Add-In for Latest 1-2-3
Hong Kong - Hospital Authority U
EMA Show - Overview
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- The 1993 Electronic Mail Association conference, the group's 10th annual meeting drew about 1,800 to a downtown Atlanta hotel this week. For the first time, there was a small trade show. One of the original members told Newsbytes this was because the group was founded by vendors, who are finally outnumbered by users who can use the venue.
The group, now dominated by corporate electronic mail (e-mail) enthusiasts and managers, breaks down along three lines. First came the phone companies, like British Telecom and GE Information Services, offering on-line data networks and services. Next came the LAN (local area network) mail companies. These included firms like Retix and CE Software, and now Microsoft and Lotus, which first offered LAN-based mail and are now offering connections between those systems and others.
Also, this last year has seen the arrival of the wireless bunch. Mobidem-equipped Hewlett Packard 100XLs, packed away in small toolcases like Bibles, filled the hall. RAM Mobile Data, a packet radio network, had one of the largest receptions at the show complete with a rock band. When Motorola demonstrated its new wireless modems by sending messages, via RadioMail, to mailboxes linked by the RAM and Ardis radio data networks, the beeps from received messages sounded like a plague of crickets.
The acceptance by that audience of wireless extensions to their current LAN-based systems would mark a real turning point for the industry. RadioMail Chairman Geoff Goodfellow, wearing a t-shirt and kaleidoscopic pants, was showing off his company's wireless gateway to one and all, and the question on reporters' minds was whether the deference being shown him was like that shown a budding Bill Gates - a future billionaire - or a Jaron Lanier. How those network managers answer that question, in the form of purchase orders, will be the legacy of this show.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616)
Blankenhorn/19930616)
6/16/93
EMA Show - Overview
TELECOM
RAM Signs Network Deals with AT&
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- RAM Mobile Data which competes with ARDIS as one of two radio packet networks in the US, has signed affiliation agreements with Lotus Development's CC:mail and AT&T's EasyLink Services. Both deals involve bundling service or software with Intel-branded radio modems.
The Lotus product is called the cc:Mail Wireless Pack, and combines the services of RAM Mobile Data's wireless radio networks, which run under the Mobitex standard, and the Intel Wireless Modem. Lotus will offer the cc:Mail Wireless Pack for use with both cc:Mail Remote for DOS and cc:Mail Mobile for the HP 100LX palmtop PC. Using it, someone can send electronic-mail (e-mail) over RAM's networks to cc:Mail Router 4.0 on a local area network. The cc:Mail Wireless Pack will ship by the end of July.
Lotus said this is just the first in a series of products aimed at offering wireless links to its products. Future versions of wireless cc:Mail will support IBM's OS/2, public networks like Sprintnet, and any private network using the X.25 standard. For RAM, the deal with its links to mainstream LAN managers, means the wireless radio network might become part of the messaging mainstream, rather than a sideshow. Intel licensed the technology to make its Wireless Modem, which some contend looks and works just like the Ericsson-GE Mobidem, last year.
The whole package will retail for $775, significant because when the Mobidem was introduced less than 18 months ago it carried a retail price of $1,795, without software. RAM will also offer three months of unlimited monthly messaging at $75 per month on its network this fall.
AT&T EasyLink also said it will package the Intel Wireless Modem with its services and software. Starting September 1, buyers will be able to get an Intel wireless modem and AT&T Mail Access PLUS for Windows version 2.5 at one price.
AT&T said its software offers what it calls remote mail-filtering allowing the browsing of e-mail folders on the AT&T Mail services eliminating the need to download all messages and saving a mobile worker time and transmission costs.
AT&T also noted in its press statement on the arrangement that the Intel modem uses the Hayes AT command set, which opens the use of the RAM network to the installed base of AT-compatible software like Procomm Plus and Hayes' Smartcom. The modem can link with any PC that has an RS-232 serial port.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: RAM Mobile Data 212-373-1930; Customer Contact: 1-800-MOBITEX; David Grip, for Lotus, 617/862-4514; Intel, John Thompson, 408-765-1279; Ed Lopez, AT&T EasyLink, 201-331-4136)
79; Ed Lopez, AT&T EasyLink, 201-331-4136)
6/16/93
RAM Signs Network Deals with AT&T, Lotus
TELECOM
EMA Show - X.400 Is A Big Topic
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- The X.400 message transfer standard was a major subject at the Electronic Mail Association show and conference in Atlanta, with a number of major companies announcing products to support it.
X.400 is a standard for transferring messages between different mail systems, both public and private. But it involves a very complex routing procedure, with a half-dozen levels, all of which must be completed exactly for a message to be transferred. For some time, the companies which developed the X.400 standard have been working on a follow-on called X.500, which would allow the creation of global address books on mail systems, which can hide the complexity of X.400 from ordinary mail users.
To get out an X.400 message without going through that long involved addressing problem, you need what's called an "X.400 Message Transfer Agent," which can, in essence, complete the envelope and make the transfer of a message to a system with a different format. Such agents work together to hide some of the complexity of X.400 from users and even network managers.
Digital Equipment's entry in this area is called the MAILbus 400 and it transfers messages to other agents from DEC's Unix or VMX-based mail systems. Isocor announced a new generation of LAN-based X.400 mail products developed with Banyan Systems so VINES users can get the same benefits from X.400 addressing which Novell MHS users have become accustomed to.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: Isocor 310-476-2671; Banyan, 508-898-1000; Digital Equipment 603-881-0638)
; Digital Equipment 603-881-0638)
6/16/93
EMA Show - X.400 Is A Big Topic
TELECOM
EMA Show - More On Control Data'
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Control Data, once a power in mainframe computers, had a hospitality suite at the Electronic Mail Association show pushing its Mail*Hub technology.
Rich Barker of Control Data explained the technology to Newsbytes. Mail*Hub is seen as a "non-intrusive approach" toward integrating large companies' electronic mail systems. "We talk the native protocols" of Digital Equipment, Novell, IBM WordPerfect and other mail systems, he explained.
Instead of trying to convert among these formats, Mail*Hub builds an X.500 directory of all addresses on all networks, and handles translations transparently. Thus, every user appears to be using their "native" system, so a Novell user can feel like they are using MHS when sending a message to an IBM PROFs user, and vice-versa.
A big key to the offering is that Control Data handles the job of electronic-mail integration, and doesn't just sell a product, Barker said. "We don't sell a black box. We work to create a solution. Whether that turns out to be a centralized or distributed system" should not matter to the customer.
Barker also said the company will announce Mail*Hub support for the Sun platform in two weeks, and is very hopeful that will increase business.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: John Nuckols Control Data, tel 612-482-4860, fax 612-482-4876)
ol Data, tel 612-482-4860, fax 612-482-4876)
6/16/93
EMA Show - More On Control Data's Mail*Hub
TELECOM
EMA Show - Microsoft Farms Out D
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- At the Electronic Mail Association conference, Powercore International announced an agreement with Microsoft under which it will develop an MS-DOS version of Microsoft's scheduling application, Schedule+.
The agreement frees Microsoft to continue work under Windows while giving Powercore access to a key part of Microsoft's market and giving potential customers with mixed workgroups a scheduling system.
Schedule/DOS will be published under the Powercore label and sold by both companies, with pricing just like that of the Windows version, $395 for a five-pack.
Carl Melville, Powercore's vice president of marketing, told Newsbytes that, "It's for companies that aren't 100 percent Windows," which he called the majority of firms. "And the solution is more full-featured than the Windows version, with cross-platform support between DOS and Windows."
Powercore International was formed in January by a merger of Powercore of Manteno, Illinois and Finansa of the United Kingdom. It is one of the world's largest independent groupware developers.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: Powercore International, Carl Melville, tel 815-468-3737, fax 815-468-3867)
l, Carl Melville, tel 815-468-3737, fax 815-468-3867)
6/16/93
EMA Show - Microsoft Farms Out DOS Mail Development
TELECOM
More Furor Over Minnesota/Micros
MINNEAPOLIS MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- More controversy arose yesterday over the alleged claims of a Minnesota software firm that the company is being purchased by Microsoft when the software giant roused itself to deny any plans to buy Minnesota Software Systems Development Corporation (MSSDC).
The whole thing started when a public relations wire service reported that the Minneapolis company was giving away free software, after well known Computer Associates said it was giving away free copies of its Kiplinger's CA Simply Money financial software for Windows. That program regularly sells for $69.99.
Yesterday another wire service story appeared reporting that MSSDC had tentatively accepted an offer to be purchased by "one of the largest software companies in the nation." Interviewed by Newsbytes yesterday, an individual who identified himself as Bob Lockrem, vice president of MSSDC, would not confirm that the deal was with Microsoft in response to a direct question from Newsbytes. However, he did say "We will be moving to the Seattle area."
When Microsoft saw the wire story, it denied any knowledge of MSSDC or any agreement to purchase that company. The British news service Reuters reported yesterday afternoon that a Microsoft spokesperson told them "Microsoft categorically denies it is buying this company (MSSDC)."
A Microsoft spokesperson told Newsbytes late Tuesday that, "It is not true that we offered to buy them (MSSDC) and to be honest Microsoft has never heard of this company."
The Microsoft spokesperson told Newsbytes the original story which originated on the Minnesota PR Newswire, said MSSDC was being purchased by "Microsoft Systems." The well known software company led by Bill Gates is correctly known as Microsoft Corporation. After the controversy arose, the Minnesota PR Newswire issued a notice instructing its subscribers to disregard the story.
Microsoft told Newsbytes it learned about the story after being contacted by the Business Wire, a national news wire service. The spokesperson said the company had received what a Business Wire representative referred to as a "really fishy release."
When contacted by Newsbytes, Minneapolis directory assistance provided a phone number listing for MSSDC which was the same number listed on the wire service story. No number was listed for the individual who identified himself as Bob Lockrem, vice president of MSSDC. There is a listing for the individual alleged to be the president of MSSDC, Brent Knapp, however the operator said that number is non-published at the customers request.
Reuters reported Thursday that the Minnesota Software Association, a non-profit trade group, said MSSDC is not one of its members, "nor are they in our database of 900 software and service companies in Minnesota," Reuters said the group's executive director Pat Schultz told its reporter.
Reuters said Schultz said his group began getting calls about this company two or three weeks ago. Lockrem would reportedly only provide Schultz with a post office box mailing address, and the group said it was unable to learn anything else about MSSDC.
Repeated attempts by Newsbytes to contact the company were met by a busy signal well into Tuesday night. This morning callers were greeted by a recorded message that states yesterday's press release should be disregarded.
It goes on to say that, "MSSDC has been purchased by Microsoft Systems, a Japanese holding company that has no affiliation with Microsoft Corporation,, for $2.9 million." The message also states that Bob Lockrem no longer works for the company. The message goes on to says all software orders will be mailed within three weeks.
Newsbytes was unable to learn whether the free software offer MSSDC is making, which requires the buyer to send $6.99 for postage and handling is legitimate, but has no information that it is not. Lockrem told Newsbytes Tuesday that the company has received a total of over one million requests for the free software. At $6.99 per request the company has received as much as $6.9 million already.
Authorities frequently warn consumers to check on companies from whom they are ordering merchandise. One of the ways that can be done is to contact the Better Business Bureau serving the area in which the seller is located.
(Jim Mallory/19930616)
the seller is located.
(Jim Mallory/19930616)
6/16/93
More Furor Over Minnesota/Microsoft Buyout Claim
BUSINESS
VSLI Intros 486 Chipset For Note
TEMPE, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- VSLI Technology has announced SCAMP IV, a 486 notebook chipset that the company says integrates all major system and peripheral functions, plus important mobile computing technologies licensed from Intel and Hewlett Packard.
VSLI says it licensed the power management architecture of the 386SL and 486SL chip sets, the 80C51 microcontroller, and the 82365SL compatible ExCA (PCMCIA) controller logic from Intel.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association) is the industry standard technology which allows third-party credit-card size devices such as memory cards and modems to work in the products of different vendors. It acquired the wireless infrared communications technology used in Hewlett Packard's mobile computing systems from that company.
The company says the SL power management compatibility and the embedded 80C51 microcontroller allow the system designer to reuse a large base of existing power management software and firmware which has been developed for existing 386SL and 486SL based systems. The same is true of the PCMCIA controller, which is register compatible to Intel's standard 82365SL PCMCIA PC card interface chip.
VSLI says SCAMP IV consists of three devices: the VL82C420 system controller and the VL82C144 peripheral combination chip - both packaged in 208-pin TQFPs; and an optional VL82C146 PCMCIA controller packaged in a 100 pin TQFP. A standard SCAMP IV system design can use as few as 3 TTL components.
The devices in the chip set interconnect via the VLSI proprietary Multiplexed Local Bus interface which minimizes the system pin count and package cost. The chips are built with 0.8 micron CMOS (complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) technology and support mixed voltage operation at three and five volts.
The VL82C144 incorporates an 80C51 keyboard controller licensed from Intel as well as a floppy disk controller with digital data separator, an industry standard 16C550-compatible UART with infra-red communications capability, an Extended Capabilities Port capable of high speed bi-directional parallel communications, and two Pulse Width Modulator outputs.
Power management features include socket power control, 3.3-volt and five-volt suspend with modem and ring resume detection, and power saving with window inactivity. Up to four VL82C146 devices can be used in each system. No external buffering is required for full hot insertion capability.
VSLI says SCAMP IV chip set samples and evaluation boards are scheduled for availability in August with volume production expected in October. The VL82C420 is priced at $32.50 and the VL82C144 at $25. The VL82C146 will cost $8.50. All prices are in sets of 1,000.
(Jim Mallory/19930616/Press contact: Barbara Hamilton, VSLI Technology, 602-752-6226)
Barbara Hamilton, VSLI Technology, 602-752-6226)
6/16/93
VSLI Intros 486 Chipset For Notebook Computers
TRENDS
Lotus Ships New 1-2-3/cc:Mail/Sm
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- New releases of Lotus Development's spreadsheet, electronic-mail and application suite offerings for Microsoft Windows are on their way out the door, the company said.
Lotus said release 4 of its 1-2-3 for Windows spreadsheet is now shipping in English, French, German, and Japanese versions, and will be widely available from US resellers by June 22. Versions in other languages are to follow within 90 days, Lotus said.
Release 2.0 of cc:Mail for Windows, the company's electronic mail program, will also be widely available by the end of June, Lotus officials said.
Both of these are also available as part of SmartSuite 2.0 for Windows, an application suite that also includes release 3.01 of the Ami Pro word processor, Freelance Graphics for Windows release 2.01, and Lotus Organizer 1.0, a personal information manager. SmartSuite 2.0 for Windows is also shipping in English French, and German versions.
The new release of 1-2-3 for Windows comes with a simplified context-sensitive user interface that Lotus said will make it easier to learn and use. A new Version Manager feature tracks changes in spreadsheets shared among work groups. This is the first use of Chronicle, technology that Lotus eventually plans to incorporate in many of its products, company spokesman Peter A. Cohen told Newsbytes.
All applications in SmartSuite 2.0 are mail-enabled, allowing users to send mail directly from their applications.
Suggested retail prices are $795 for SmartSuite 2.0, $495 for cc:Mail 2.0, and $495 for 1-2-3 release 4.0 for Windows.
(Grant Buckler/19930616/Press Contact: Peter Cohen, Lotus 617-693-1283; Mark McHarry, Lotus, 415-335-6786)
hen, Lotus 617-693-1283; Mark McHarry, Lotus, 415-335-6786)
6/16/93
Lotus Ships New 1-2-3/cc:Mail/SmartSuite Windows Releases
IBM Adds To ThinkPad Line
SOMERS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- IBM has added three new models to its ThinkPad line of notebook computers, extending the product line downward to lower-priced machines.
The announcements include IBM's first subnotebook computer, the 3.8-pound ThinkPad 500. They also include the ThinkPad 350 and 350C, lower-priced monochrome and color notebook computers. These models complement IBM's ThinkPad 720 and 720C models launched earlier in the year.
The ThinkPad 350C is IBM's first notebook computer with a passive-matrix color screen, said Michael Cart, brand manager for PS/2 products at IBM Canada. Passive-matrix color screens cost less and deliver less vivid color than active-matrix screens like that used in the ThinkPad 720C.
All three machines comply with the Level 2.01 Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) specification for credit-card-sized memory cards and peripherals. All use IBM's TrackPoint II pointing device, a tiny lever mounted in the middle of the keyboard, in place of a mouse.
The ThinkPad 500 contains a 50 megahertz (MHz) IBM 486SLC2 processor and comes with a choice of 85 or 170 megabyte (MB) hard drives. It measures 10.1 by 7.5 by 1.6 inches. The 500's battery has a built-in plug so it can be plugged directly into an AC outlet for recharging. IBM officials said it will power the machine for about four hours of continuous use and as much as six hours in typical use, where power-management features conserve energy when the machine is on but not actually being used.
The ThinkPad 350 and 350C both use a 25 MHz 486SL processor. A choice of 125MB and 250MB hard disks is available. The 350 weighs 5.2 pounds and the 350C 5.8 pounds, IBM said. Both machines use local-bus video. The battery will last a minimum of two hours and up to seven hours in typical use, officials said.
IBM's list price for the ThinkPad 500 is $1,999 with an 85MB hard drive, or $2,499 for the same system with a 170MB hard drive. The 350 is $1,999 with a 125MB hard drive and $2,429 with a 250MB drive. The 350C is $2,599 with the 125MB drive and $2,999 with the 250MB drive. All these prices include four MB of memory, DOS 5.02 and the Prodigy on-line service.
IBM said the ThinkPad 500 with an 85MB hard drive will be available in June, and in August it will be available with a 170MB hard drive. The ThinkPad 350 and 350C are due to be available with 125MB hard drives by June 25, and in July with 250MB hard drives.
(Grant Buckler/19930616/Press Contact: Jonathan Gandal 914-251-5989, IBM)
n Gandal 914-251-5989, IBM)
6/16/93
IBM Adds To ThinkPad Line
Database World - Non-IBM RDBMS F
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- The first non IBM RDBMS (relational database management system) to be supported by IBM's new SystemView Information Warehouse DataHub will probably be Unix-based, Newsbytes has learned.
Introduced in May, DataHub is a family of software products designed to simplify database management tasks by providing a common screen appearance for different software tools and a workstation control point for multiple local and remote RDBMSs.
As initially announced, the product set includes a front-end based on IBM's OS/2, along with server components than operate on OS/2 IBM's MVS and VM mainframes, and IBM's AS/400 midrange systems. Each server component is tailored to the database characteristics of the particular IBM host. The OS/2 system runs IBM's Database 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) RDBMS.
However, in an interview this week, David Schwartz, director, Data Management Solutions, for IBM's Programming Systems, told Newsbytes that IBM is now working with outside database vendors to add support for non-IBM RDBMSs. "The first (non-IBM RDBMS) to be announced will likely be Unix-based," said Schwartz, speaking with Newsbytes at Database World & Client-Server World in Boston.
Support for the first non-IBM RDBMS will arrive after the forthcoming addition of support for IBM's AIX Unix system, he noted. The product manager declined to give specific dates, but indicated that neither move will be a very long time in appearing. "We don't want to be like the 'IBM of old,' and take years to implement our plans," he said.
Upon the introduction of DataHub, several third-party vendors announced plans to enable their database tools for the DataHub platform, include Candle, Platinum and Legent. Some of these tools are now available, according to Schwartz.
In a separate interview at the show in Boston this week, Janet Perna, director, Database Technology, for IBM Canada, told Newsbytes that DataHub constitutes part of the systems management layer that underlies IBM's client-server model. Running on top of the systems management layer are networking, database applications, and application development software layers, she said.
In another interview, William C. Pressley, senior market support administrator, Client/Server Marketing, for IBM US Marketing, told Newsbytes that third-party vendors are now providing the application development tools for the IBM client-server environment. However, IBM is also now in the process of developing its own client-server visual programming tool of its own, he added.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930616/Press contacts: Barbara S. Cerf, IBM tel 914-642-4664; Carol Felton, Technology Solutions for IBM, tel 415-617-4714)
Felton, Technology Solutions for IBM, tel 415-617-4714)
6/16/93
Database World - Non-IBM RDBMS For DataHub On The Way
Database World - Information Bui
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- At Database World & Client-Server World, Information Builders has announced a pair of tools aimed at simplifying implementation of client-server applications, along with a series of gateways designed to lower the costs.
Release 3.0 of Level5 Object for Microsoft Windows introduces Business Object Paks, a series of visual objects, "process objects," and database interfaces. The Paks are intended to let novice developers quickly come up with custom client-server applications.
Visual Planner, a product created by Finland-based ViSolutions and now being distributed by Information Builders in North America, is a project management tool for end users that also runs on Windows. ViSolutions has built an interface to Visual Planner for Information Builder's Focman, a Focus-based VAX and IBM mainframe project management package. Additionally, Visual Planner will act as a front-end to Information Builders' Enterprise Data Access (EDA)/SQL client-server software.
Also at DataBase World, Information Builders has unveiled a series of gateways for the 13 IBM mainframe databases which are supported by EDA/SQL, a software environment that provides transparent access to more than 50 different databases and file structures residing on 35 platforms, all told.
In an interview with Newsbytes, Charlie Small, manager of marketing for Information Builders' EDA Division, said that the gateways are meant to let organizations ease into client-server applications gradually, by working with applications from one database first before committing resources to the entire EDA/SQL environment.
The gateways can be used not only from Visual Planner, but from Level5 Object and about 100 other EDA/SQL front end tools including Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft's Access, Easel, DataEase, and Information Builder's own PC/Focus, PM/Focus, EDA/EIS for Windows and EDA/Compose.
In a demonstration for Newsbytes, the company's Thomas Castriota showed how the new Business Object Paks in Level5 Object Release 3.0 give developers instant point-and-click access to visual objects, as well as to a "process object" for adding end user navigation to an application, an expanded EDA/SQL interface, and new links to Microsoft's ODBC and Q&E's QELIB database interfaces.
Castriota also showed how the GUI objects, which include items such as picture boxes and sliders, can be rapidly enhanced with a variety of capabilities that were also present in previous editions of Level5 Object, including animation.
The interfaces in the Business Object Paks permit access to more than 60 different local and remote databases, Castriota said. Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, dBase, Paradox and Sybase are a few examples.
In the future, Information Builders will expand the number of processes provided in the Business Object Paks, he told Newsbytes. A scheduling object is one process object that is now under development.
Visual Planner, the company's new tool for end users, is meant for quick creation of items ranging from simple project status sheets to extensive project scheduling and modeling reports.
The project management software is targeted at a wide variety of industries, including engineering, marketing, government construction, finance, telecommunications, utilities, and manufacturing and production.
Available in German, Swedish and Finnish as well as English, the tool provides mouse-driven windows, pull-down menus, and dialog boxes for graphical entry and manipulation of objects.
The newly introduced database gateways are for Oracle, VSAM, IMS Focus, CA-IDMS, CA-Datacom/DB, Total, System 2000, Supra, Adabas Model 204, Teradata, and SAP. Small told Newsbytes that access to SAP has just been added to EDA/SQL.
The gateway software supplies all the same capabilities as the complete EDA/SQL environment, with two exceptions, he said. An organization that purchases only one gateway will be unable to join the database accessed through the gateway to another database.
In addition, because the gateway acts as the database server, a customer buying only one gateway will be unable to perform routing between multiple servers.
The gateways are fully scalable, however, meaning that any number of them can be purchased, incrementally, or at the same time, he added. Customers with two or more EDA/SQL gateways will be able to join databases and route between multiple servers.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930616/Press contact: William Madaras Information Builders Inc., tel 212-736-4433)
am Madaras Information Builders Inc., tel 212-736-4433)
6/16/93
Database World - Information Builders' Tools/Gateways
GENERAL
Database World - Red Brick Wareh
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- At Database World & Client-Server World, Red Brick has announced the immediate availability of Red Brick Warehouse 2.0, a product billed as the first RDBMS (relational database management system) tailored to the needs of enterprise-scale data warehousing.
In issuing the announcement, officials explained that data warehousing is the process of collecting operational data, such as on-line transaction processing (OLTP) systems, and transforming it into a separate informational database.
"Quick analysis of information is the cornerstone of business competitiveness in the 1990s. Red Rick Warehouse 2.0 gives corporate users even greater performance in making information easily accessible and cost-effective as a business decision-making tool," said Chris Erickson, president and CEO.
Red Brick Warehouse 2.0 is available directly from Red Brick Systems, as well as from IBM for data warehousing on RISC System 6000 Servers and from Sequent Computer Systems in Sequent's DecisionPoint Open Systems Data Warehouse Program. In addition, as previously reported in Newsbytes, Red Brick Warehouse has been announced as a key component of Hewlett-Packard's new OpenWarehouse system.
Version 2.0 of the enterprise-oriented RDBMS supports databases of more than 75 gigabytes (GB), a larger size than that supported by version 1.5, according to the company. Data can be loaded and indexed at the rate of one GB-per-hour.
Version 2.0 also adds new business extensions to RISQL, Red Brick's expansion of the standard SQL (structured query language) used to query a database. Like earlier business extensions, the new extensions are aimed at doing away with the need to transfer thousands of extraneous records down to the PC.
The new extensions include comparison and sequential analysis capabilities that save time by letting the user select a top or bottom subset during the query process - such as the top ten customers by name, for example - instead of manually extracting the subsets.
Also added to Red Brick's RISQL is a new report generator for enhanced report formatting, columnar formatting, and batch reporting.
In addition, Version 2.0 brings new incremental load capabilities for updating Red Brick Warehouse with the most current data only. "Database updates that could take a whole weekend on some systems can now be completed on the Red Brick Warehouse in a single evening run," Erickson stated.
Red Brick works closely with a number of leading vendors to provide hardware server platforms, collection and transformation tools front-end query and analysis, and client-server networking for data warehouses, according to officials. Red Brick Warehouse 2.0 ranges in price from $23,000 to $300,000.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930616/Press Contacts: Christopher Erickson Red Brick Systems, tel 408-354-7214; LeeAnne French, Jennings and Company for Red Brick Systems, tel 415-349-8400)
s and Company for Red Brick Systems, tel 415-349-8400)
6/16/93
Database World - Red Brick Warehouse 2.0 Is Shipping
UK - Tricord Adds Pentium Suppor
MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Tricord has announced it will support Intel's new Pentium processor across its entire range of superservers, including the Powerframe ES5000 enterprise superserver unit launched last month.
Announcing the decision to go with Pentium, Mark Nott, the company's product marketing director, said that, in Tricord's own tests adding a single 66 megahertz (MHz) to the ES5000 unit increased its performance by 95 percent. "Our superservers are designed to make full use of the power and features of the new CPU (central processing unit), including parallel processing," he said.
What is interesting about the Tricord announcement (amidst all the other PC companies "committing" to the Pentium chipset) is that the Tricord superserver range is one of the most powerful PC based systems on the market. Many analysts have conjectured that the Pentium chipset would only marginally improve the performance of a 66MHz 80486DX2 (Intel Overdrive)-based PC. Tricord's findings seem to refute these suggestions.
The Powerframe series of superservers are normally based on a 33MHz 50MHz or 66MHz 80486 processors. The addition of Pentium support gives a further two options - the 60 and 66MHz Pentium processors. However, the cheapest superserver is UKP23,350.
Tricord also claims that it is not switching to other chip manufacturers, even though their pricing on some 486 chips is cheaper. "Our open systems philosophy has been well supported by our choice of Intel as the standard for its CPU, as its supports the widest range of network operating systems," explained Nott.
(Steve Gold/19930616/Press & Public Contact: Tricord Tel: 0908-211880; Fax: 0908-211933)
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- The majority of British modem manufacturers have joined together in voicing their concern about the lack of enforcement of current UK approvals for modems. To publicize their concerns and push for a change in the law, they have formed the Modem Approvals Group (MAG).
The group is the brainchild of Phil Benge, the commercial director of Dataflex Design, a leading modem manufacturer. Benge, who has been campaigning against unapproved modems for the last year, claims that as many as 20 percent of modems sold in the UK are not approved for connection to the telephone networks.
Dataflex's research has also discovered that unapproved modems are now finding their way into companies, rather than just being bought by home users.
Newsbytes notes that approved high speed modems are typically twice the price of unapproved units in the UK.
The most obvious feature of the MAG is the launch of a new group approved logo on members' modems. The five pointed star has the "safe and legal" message emblazoned across it.
According to Jeremy Hunt, the independent chairman of the group, the star is a lot more understandable to the customer than the current green circle approvals label.
In the longer term, the group is hoping that the British government will change its planned implementation date for European Commission (EC) legislation, which will make it illegal to sell unapproved modems in the UK. This, Hunt told Newsbytes, will cut the problem off at the source.
Hunt claims that support from the modem industry for the group has been excellent, since the majority of people he has spoken to have agreed that, good though the legislation is, it is toothless. "No-one has been prosecuted by the government for using an unapproved modem on the telephone network" he said.
Hunt acknowledges that a change in the current UK legislation is unlikely, especially since, while it is legal to sell an unapproved modem, it is illegal to connect it to the phone network. "The problem with this legislation is that it's unenforceable," he said.
Support from the British modem industry has been good. So far alongside Dataflex Design, Andest, BT Datacomms, Cray Communications, Faxback, Gandalf, Microcom, Modular Technology Motorola Codex, Pace, Paxdata, Penril, Psion Dacom, PSL, Racal and Tricom have agreed to become members.
The group has drafted in David Shaw, Member of Parliament for Dover, into its plan. Shaw, who was wheeled out at today's formal unveiling of the group, should be able to put the group's collective voice to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), whose job it is to consider changes in the law.
Tony Sellers, Andest Communications' managing director, whose company is a full member of the group, agrees that the current legislation is toothless. "The way the law is constituted at the moment is that it's legal to import and sell an unapproved modem but illegal for the user to use it. We want to change that," he said.
He welcomes the group's decision to push for the rapid implementation of EC legislation relating to telecoms approval procedures in the UK. He also notes that the same laws will allow British modem manufacturers to sell their modems a lot more easily into other European countries.
"Harmonizing European approvals standards would give a great opportunity to UK manufacturers, as they could take advantage of the economies of scale offered by a larger market," he said.
Newsbytes suggested that the price differential between approved and unapproved modems is profiteering. Sellers disagreed. "Obtaining BABT approval incurs a cost overhead that is reflected in the price of approved products," he said.
Sellers noted that, although the law states that non-BABT approved products cannot be connected to the telephone network, "in reality it is not enforced, so sales of modems that can be legally used on the public switched telephone network are handicapped on price. In the current situation, it's not a level playing field."
(Steve Gold/19930616/Press & Public Contact: Profile Tel: 081-332-6932)
lic Contact: Profile Tel: 081-332-6932)
6/16/93
Modem Approvals Group Announced In UK
TELECOM
Japan - Sega Intros Multimedia T
Japan - Nintendo Becomes Third L
Comdex: Zeos Subsidiary Intros I
The Good Times Roll At MCI
Dick Tracy Watch Controls TV & V
Ukraine Hikes It Phone Charges T
Hewlett-Packard Introduces Omnip
Novell Intros NetWare Global MHS
Hongkong Puts China Business Inf
UK - Vodafone Sees Market For On
Kyocera & Cadence In Multichip M
Correction - Enterprise Computin
IBM's Green PC Makes Its Debut
NTT Software Rejects Forged Phon
Enterprise '93: Operating System
Nutrition Software For The HP95L
Quello Settling-In at FCC
Enterprise '93 - Integris Upgrad
Telelogic Unveils Comms Software
MALMO, SWEDEN, 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- Thinking of developing a communications package on the PC? Telelogic claims that its Software Design Tool (SDT) will help you develop your system software.
The package, although primarily aimed at telecoms software developers, can be used with many applications. Marketed internationally, the software is now in version 2.3 and has been updated from earlier editions to cope with larger programs. This increase in program size capacity is due to what the company claims is a new feature called SDT Validator.
Telelogic claims that SDT Validator allows system engineers to make comprehensive and advanced tests of software in technical systems. Nowadays, the company notes, the major problem when developing technical systems is the time-consuming act of testing the system software.
SDT Validator is claimed to considerably reduce this requirement. The company maintains that software testing can be up to 100 times faster using Validator and, since testing can take up to 50 percent of the development time of a package, the benefits are obvious.
Ingemar Ljungdahl, Telelogic's deputy managing director, claims that SDT 2.3 is eagerly awaited in the Swedish software market place. "This is the first time in the world that such a product has been released for commercial use," she said. "Using SDT Validator dynamic errors can be detected that would otherwise take a long time to trace. These can be errors that no human being could anticipate, for example, deadlocks and signal race conditions."
This latest version of SDT was four-man-years in the making. The programmer behind the package, Anders Ek, worked on the software himself. Pricing of the package depends on site licensing conditions.
(Steve Gold/19930616/Press & Public Contact: Telelogic Tel: +46-4017-4701; Fax: +46-4017-4747)
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- A jury in Santa Clara has found ULSI founder and president not guilty of criminal charges in using Intel documents in developing its Intel-compatible math coprocessor chip. However, Intel is preparing an appeal to the Supreme Court on patent and trade secret suits against ULSI.
ULSI officials said the charges were that one of Intel's former employees, who became an employee of ULSI, brought documents with him that were Intel's private property. According to ULSI the jury ruled the documents were not private property but were public documents, vindicating ULSI. However, ULSI officials insist the documents were not used in the development of its math coprocessor. ULSI says the four and a half year litigation with Intel cost the company more in legal costs than it spent on product development.
A math coprocessor chip assists the central processing unit and is often required to speed processing in math-intensive applications such as computer-aided design (CAD). ULSI makes the Math-Co family of 386 system compatible coprocessors. While many of the new CPU (central processor unit) chips from Intel have math coprocessors built into the chip, ULSI plans to make chips for CPUs from IBM, Texas Instruments, and Cyrix that still require a separate math coprocessor.
Intel officials said that, while they have to accept the verdict in the jury trial, it does not impact their plans to pursue civil litigation against ULSI.
Intel is or has been involved in litigation with several other chip makers, including Cyrix and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). A recent decision in the AMD case put Intel on top, overturning an earlier decision giving AMD a legal "right" to manufacture 386-compatible processors. The semiconductor world is waiting to see if Intel will get the $1 billion in damages it says represents the revenue that it lost once AMD 386 chips began appearing on the market. Estimates are that AMD has sold $874 million-worth of 386-compatible processors since June of 1991.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930616/Press Contact: Robert J. O'Brien ULSI, tel 408/943-0562, fax 408-943-0951; John Thompson Intel, tel 408-765-1538, fax 408-765-1513)
hn Thompson Intel, tel 408-765-1538, fax 408-765-1513)
6/16/93
Jury Vindicates ULSI, Intel Headed For Supreme Court
MCI Wins Big Contract, AT&T Targ
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- MCI won one of its biggest contracts ever, while AT&T opened a new unit to pursue even bigger business in China.
MCI said it won a contract with Insurance Value Added Network Services, the insurance industry's electronic network, to provide voice and data services, estimating the deal will be worth over $1 billion over five years. Included are domestic and international voice, data, imaging and video conferencing services to over 400 member companies, including property casualty, life, and health insurance companies. The impact on the bottom line is muted by the fact MCI already was doing about $100 million in annual business with IVANS members, the company said.
Also included are services specific to the insurance industry like catastrophe-relief operations and a service that simplifies dialing and administration for members. MCI's previous record holding contract was a 10-year, $1 billion deal with the Federal Aviation Administration. IVANs, technically a non-profit organization founded in 1983, combines the voice and data bills of its members, who have 50,000 data users and 18,500 agency offices, representing over 90 percent of the industry, and accounting for 60 percent of the industry's calling volume. Bond-rating agencies termed the award positive, but still warned that the company will be hard-pressed to keep up its growth rate.
AT&T, meanwhile, formed a new unit in Beijing, China to pursue opportunities there. It will be headed by current AT&T Microelectronics head William Warwick who will be replaced in his current job by Vice President Curtis Crawford. Warwick will also have charge of planning for AT&T's business in Hong Kong and Taiwan, a necessary move considering Beijing's insistence that neither place exists as a separate entity. In February, AT&T and China's State Planning signed a memorandum which assures the company it will get a share of business in areas like telephone switches, chips, network management, and wireless communications markets previously dominated by European companies.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: Yvonne Gagnon, MCI 914-933-6035, Peter van Aartrijk, Jr., IVANS, 203-532-2139; AT&T, Jim McGann, 202-457-3942)
3-532-2139; AT&T, Jim McGann, 202-457-3942)
6/16/93
MCI Wins Big Contract, AT&T Targets China
TELECOM
US West, GTE Improving Networks
IRVING, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 16 (NB) -- GTE has announced plans to build 50 fiber rings around its operations in 12 states to improve service. Meanwhile, US West has set vendors for its previously-announced upgrade plans.
GTE said its telephone operations group will build 50 fiber rings under the Synchronous Optical Network or SONET standards, late this year and early next year. The first ring is already active in Los Angeles. It estimates it will spend over $240 million on the plan.
The network topology is similar to that used by many so-called "bypass companies," like Teleport and Metropolitan Fiber which use rings of fiber cable to enclose a chosen service area then connect businesses to the rings for fast data services. GTE called its SONET rings "the backbone for the high-speed information network of the future," in the words of Clark Barlow senior vice president-operations for GTE Telephone Operations.
The rings run data at speeds up to 2.488 billion-bits-per-second and they can re-route transmissions in much less than a second, a "self-healing" ability which improves reliability. GTE said AT&T will be its primary vendor, although Northern Telecom is also expected to get some work.
US West, meanwhile, has announced that DSC Communications AT&T and Scientific Atlanta will be among its lead suppliers in a complete network restructuring it has embarked on in its 14-state service region.
The announcement is the first big win for Scientific-Atlanta, which is working with Kaleida on new cable set-top converters that could be based on the Motorola-IBM-Apple PowerPC chip. DSC and AT&T will provide transmission equipment and connections at curbs. Scientific Atlanta will provide video equipment needed for mass distribution of TV pictures. US West chose an architecture for its network which combines fiber, coaxial cable and standard telephone lines, and plans to test video delivery in its Omaha network as early as next year, using the new network design.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: US West, Terri Howell 402/422-3587l Scientific Atlanta, Bill Brobst, 404/903-6306; DSC Terry Adams, 214/519-4358; AT&T Network Systems, Jeanne Snell 303/290-5652; GTE, Barbara L. Walker 214-718-6917)
, Barbara L. Walker 214-718-6917)
6/16/93
US West, GTE Improving Networks
TELECOM
Canadians Like Computers; Are Wa
IBM Offers Handwriting Recogniti
Cable & Wireless; Telecom Eirean
Hewlett-Packard Intros New RAID
Sculley Says He Suggested Apple/
Telecom In Russia
Caere Gets India Distributor
Dragon Systems' Speech Recogniti
UK - Ikon Accounting Launches Ic
Apple Announces Lower Earns, Ana
Massachusetts Mulls Computer Cri
Macau Turns To Sybase Client-Ser
Casio/Tandy Zoomer To Use SunDis
Australian Computer Society Book
Media Vision To Intro PC Video G
Color Hard Copy Conference Start
AT&T Releases Dominant Carrier S
Non-Mobilink Nets Make Other Arr
BT Lands BP International Dataco
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- British Telecom (BT) has announced that its Syncordia operation, the international "one stop" telecoms company based in Atlanta, has signed a telecoms supply contract with British Petroleum (BP) Finance.
Terms of the contract call for Syncordia to handle the datacomms side of BP Finance, which plans to implement a global financial trading network later this year. The network will span the US Europe and down to Australia.
Although the network will cost a small fortune to install, BP Finance claims the payback period will be relatively short, since the global network will effectively replace current regional headquarters and networks. Instead, BP managers around the global will use the Syncordia-supplied network to access currency, and share and credit line details of their customers around the world.
According to BP Finance, the Syncordia network will link operations centers in Harlow and London in the UK with similar centers in Melbourne and Cleveland. Ohio.
Terms of the deal were not revealed, although Newsbytes notes that around $5,000 million worth of trades are completed every day by the BP Finance operation.
(Steve Gold/19930616)
P Finance operation.
(Steve Gold/19930616)
6/17/93
BT Lands BP International Datacomms Contract
TELECOM
Payphone For The Deaf
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Following the lead set by AT&T five years ago, British Telecom (BT) has at last unveiled its own pay telephone for the deaf, the text payphone.
The unit can be operated like any normal telephone, but, tucked away under the phone is a QWERTY keyboard plus a backlit liquid crystal display with a two-line field that pops out like a cash register drawer whenever a textphone modem tone is detected at the other end of the link.
To use the textphone, the user takes the receiver off-hook and places it on a special trigger hook on the side of the phone. This switches the phone into textphone-ready mode, ready to operate in text mode when required.
The new phones are on trial with BT. There is one unit on trial at London's Kings Cross station, which this Newsbytes bureau passes through on a regular basis, as well as at four other sites around the UK. The payphones accept BT charge cards, as well as pre-paid BT debit cards. They can be used as standard payphones if required.
The textphones built into the payphones are of the "Typetalk" variety, a standard which BT uses on its network for links between deaf and hearing-impaired users who wish to use a keyboard to communicate.
If the user wishes to speak to a phone user without a textphone they can use the phone to call up a special operator, communicating via the keyboard and allow the operator to call up the third party and act as a translator between the spoken word and the keyboard. The remote party is called and informed that the caller is deaf. The call then progresses as normal.
The inaugural call on the BT prototype phone, which was manufactured by Ultratec in the US, was Steve Illiffe, a deaf magazine editor. The call was to his wife Emma, who is also hearing-impaired.
"We saw text payphones on our honeymoon in the United States," he said, adding that the system will make life a lot easier for deaf people, from both a personal and business point of view.
(Steve Gold/19930616)
(Steve Gold/19930616)
6/17/93
Payphone For The Deaf
TELECOM
H ,
EC Attempts To Breathe Life Into
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- European Commission (EC) officials, meeting in Brussels, are debating whether to continue funding the long-running high definition television project.
Originally planned for inception last year, the EC planned to "invest" funds in several HDTV manufacturers who wanted to manufacturer HDTV sets. After a series of blocking votes by the British Government, the EC trimmed down its plans, only to see its plans blocked again by irate British officials who claim that the free market will produce the technology of its own accord.
This third and final draft plan, the least expensive of the three centers around a planned $270 million investment trust which will grant money to those TV manufacturers who can demonstrate plans to develop a Euro-HDTV systems. The only provision on the grant is that the EC funds will not amount to more than half the cash that is being invested in the project.
This investment plan is a far cry from last year's plans to offer four times this amount on a no-holds-barred basis to all European TV manufacturers. Not surprisingly, the TV manufacturers came swarming looking for money, before the EC voted on its approval for funding.
As Newsbytes goes to press, the debate on the investment plan continues. The early evening news in London reports that the discussions are expected to last several days.
(Steve Gold/19930616)
to last several days.
(Steve Gold/19930616)
6/17/93
EC Attempts To Breathe Life Into HDTV Project
TRENDS
UK - Mercury Communications Sign
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Mercury Communications claims that it is busily signing up around 1,000 new subscribers to its residential 2300 "indirect" telephone network. This is a substantial boost on last year's figures and means that Mercury has around 500,000 subscribers to its service -- twice what it was this time last year.
Mercury attributes its success to the fact that the areas which have access to the Mercury network from BT have increased from 70 to 90 percent of the UK in a little over 18 months. It's now possible for most of the UK's BT subscribers to access Mercury for their trunk and international calls, saving up to 40 percent on BT-switched calls in the process.
According to Newsbytes' calculations, this places Mercury as having more than 10 percent of the UK's telecoms market-place, compared with 8.4 percent just a year ago.
(Steve Gold/19930624/Press & Public Contact: Mercury Communications Tel: 071-528-2000)
UK - Mercury Communications Signing 1,000 Users A Day
TELECOM
Low-priced Nextstep Intel Evalua
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Next Computer, which has moved its operating system from its own proprietary computer onto the Intel platform, says it is offering a low-priced Nextstep 3.1 evaluation kit for business users.
The Nextstep 3.1 Evaluation Kit contains both the user and developer versions of Nextstep 3.1 for $299 and runs in Intel 486- and Pentium-based personal computers (PCs). Next has aimed the product at creation of custom object-oriented applications in a client/server environment, saying it allows application development at two to five times the speed.
Next started shipping the developer edition of Nextstep 3.1 distributed on compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), last month. However, the developer portion requires the user edition, which is now shipping. The user edition is retail priced at $795, while the developer edition is priced at $1,995.
In addition, the company announced the Objectware catalog of 1412 objects from more than 100 independent object designers. Objects are reusable software applications that sit between traditional system software and traditional application software and can be used to create custom applications.
For example, a set of communication objects enable customers to send and receive information such as faxes or multimedia objects. The Objectware has the following categories of objects: Communication Objects & Device Drivers, Database Systems & Objects, Development Tools & Utilities, Financial & Data Analysis Tools, Graphics and 3D Objects, Information Display Objects, Networking & Telecommunications, Sound, Music and Multimedia, User Interface Objects. The catalog is available from Next for $12.
Earlier this year, Next shut down its hardware manufacturing to focus just on its operating system and development tools. Redwood City, California-based Next is headed by Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930615/Press Contact: Karen Logsdon, Next Computer, tel 415-780-3786, fax 415-780-3714)
puter, tel 415-780-3786, fax 415-780-3714)
6/17/93
Low-priced Nextstep Intel Evaluation Kit
R |
Electronics Study Sees Globaliza
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- The North American electronics industry is living in interesting times, according to consulting firm Ernst & Young's fourth annual study of the sector.
Shifts in the industry's balance of power, a continuing trend to globalization, and the formation of "virtual corporations" are among the key trends the study identifies.
Titled Electronics 93: The New Global Reality, the Ernst & Young study is based in part on a survey of the chief executives of 300 electronics firms in the United States and Canada.
Several developments in the past year dramatize the pace of change in the industry, the study says. "In 1992, the gradual transfer of electronics industry leadership became more dramatic as IBM posted the largest loss in US high-tech history while Intel and Microsoft posted record sales and profits. For the first time the individual market capitalizations of each of these two innovators exceeded IBM's."
That watershed was the culmination of a 10-year climb to industry dominance for Intel and Microsoft, on whose processors and software the IBM personal computer standard was built, Ernst & Young noted.
There was some good news for the United States in the survey which found that US semiconductor companies' share of the worldwide market exceeded that of their Japanese rivals for the first time since the mid-1980s. Also, a US company, Applied Materials, edged out Japanese firms as the leading supplier of semiconductor manufacturing gear.
However, while US employment in the semiconductor sector rose in 1992, the workforce shrank in every other segment of the electronics industry that Ernst & Young studied. Almost 100,000 jobs were lost in the electronics industry in the United States in 1992, the study said -- a four-percent drop from 1991 employment levels.
Globalization -- companies operating around the world without close ties to any one country -- continues to be the trend, the study said. "The new double-digit growth is really in the developing countries," observed Peter Farwell high-technology director in Ernst & Young's Canadian operation.
The need to move into new global markets, coupled with the pace of innovation that forces companies to develop new products faster than before in order to keep up, puts many demands on electronics companies.
Increasingly, they are turning to alliances to help them deal with those challenges, Ernst & Young found. "The virtual enterprise," the study said, "is a network of companies ... that align to pursue specific market opportunities and achieve a competitive advantage. Rather than rely on synergies and cost savings that the traditional, vertically integrated organization was thought to provide, companies are now seeking the benefits of the virtual enterprise: quick access to far-flung markets other companies' skills and resources, new sources of capital and technology leadership."
Introducing the report to a Canadian audience at a Toronto press conference, Farwell said Canadian electronics firms face an added challenge in fitting into this trend, since they often must form alliances across international boundaries.
However, he added that Canadian firms have a certain advantage due to the small Canadian market, which forces them to move into international marketing early in their development. "Our companies are actually on average gaining experience in international sales faster than their US counterparts," he said.
(Grant Buckler/19930616/Press Contact: David Rowney, Ernst & Young, 416-943-3185)
Contact: David Rowney, Ernst & Young, 416-943-3185)
6/17/93
Electronics Study Sees Globalization, Power Shifts
TRENDS
Lotus, MCI In Mail Alliance
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- MCI and Lotus Development Corp. have announced plans to link Lotus' cc:Mail electronic-mail software for personal computers with the worldwide MCI Mail service. The two firms signed a joint development and marketing alliance.
The deal says cc:Mail Post Offices will be built into the MCI Mail network so users of cc:Mail Mobile and cc:Mail Remote can exchange messages without the need for a local-area network (LAN) or special gateway software on a personal computer. These users will also be able to exchange messages with users of MCI and 54 other public electronic mail services in 40 countries, and send facsimile, telex, and paper messages as regular MCI Mail subscribers can, company officials said.
MCI Mail subscribers will also be able to send messages into any cc:Mail installation that is hooked into MCI Mail, a spokeswoman for the company told Newsbytes.
Officials said these services will be available by year-end to all cc:Mail Mobile and cc:Mail Remote users, including users of Hewlett-Packard Co.'s recently announced HP 100LX palmtop computer, which has cc:Mail embedded in read-only memory (ROM).
In a prepared statement, Larry Crume, Lotus' vice-president of electronic messaging and mobile computing, said the deal "will open the universe of mobile workers to new modes of messaging and information access."
(Grant Buckler/19930616/Press Contact: David Grip, McGlinchey & Paul for Lotus, 617-862-4514)
Paul for Lotus, 617-862-4514)
6/17/93
Lotus, MCI In Mail Alliance
TELECOM
Time Warner Signs With Qualcomm
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Qualcomm won another battle for digital cellular supremacy, as Time Warner Cable said it would put its Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, digital phone system into its full service cable network to be built in Orlando, Florida. The announcement was made by former FCC chairman Dennis Patrick, now president of Time Warner Telecommunications.
Patrick said the Orlando network will be the first US cable network with wireless phone service built-in. The system will test the ability of CDMA to operate seamlessly in multiple environments, and test personal phone number services which follow their holders from car to office to home. Patrick said Qualcomm will create a specialized package of handsets and an infrastructure which will help Time Warner figure out where it wants to go in telephone services.
Qualcomm has been in a long-running battle with Interdigital Communications, which offers a digital cellular standard called Time Division Multiple Access, or TDMA. The two companies are presently engaged in a court battle over whether Qualcomm infringes on Broadband CDMA patents Interdigital acquired when it bought SCS Mobilecomm last year. While TDMA was endorsed by the cellular industry a few years ago, and some companies like McCaw and Southwestern Bell remain committed to it, other major cellular operators like US West, Bell Atlantic and PacTel have committed to CDMA, citing its higher capacity.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930616/Press Contact: Edward Adler, Time Warner, 212-484-6630; Thomas Crawford, Qualcomm, 619-597-5715)
; Thomas Crawford, Qualcomm, 619-597-5715)
6/17/93
Time Warner Signs With Qualcomm For CDMA
TELECOM
NTT Talks With Apple On Telecom
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Japan's major telecommunication firm NTT is talking with Apple Computer concerning possible joint development of multimedia telecommunication devices and on unified telecommunication protocol, according to a published report.
The first talks between Apple and NTT were reportedly held in February when Apple's chairman, John Sculley, visited Japan. The firms are discussing development of pictorial data transmission software and multimedia devices. Also, NTT may invest Apple's subsidiary, General Magic.
NTT may develop devices jointly with AT&T, which is planning to provide next-generation electronic mail service in the US called Magic Mail based on General Magic's technology in mid-1994. NTT may provide a similar service in Japan using its digital network called B-ISDN or broad integrated services digital network.
Apple Computer (Japan) has not commented on this issue however NTT's vice president, Junichiro Miyazu, has told the Nikkei newspaper that NTT is talking with Apple. The key problem to solve will be how to interconnect a terminal device with the digital telecommunication network, he reportedly stated.
On the subject of joint business with General Magic AT&T, Sony and Matsushita Electric are already involved with the firm. NTT will decide whether it will also link with the Apple subsidiary by this fall.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- No matter how many people in the United States watch the Soccer World Cup in the United States in 1994, Sun Microsystems knows a good thing when it sees it, publicity-wise anyway, because the worldwide audience will be immense. And Sun has been named an official marketing partner and exclusive computer supplier for the 1994 World Cup.
While cynics maintain that even the world's best will not spark a successful professional soccer league in the US, soccer remains the world's most popular sport. Even the US public, oblivious to previous attempts to establish the professional domestic game appear to be snapping up tickets to World Cup matches as soon as they become available.
In keeping with the current trend towards downsizing, the information system used by World Cup USA 1994 will be a client-server networking model.
Sun Microsystems says it will provide World Cup '94 with SPARCcenter 2000 servers along with SPARCserver 10s, in addition to about 1,000 workstations made up of SPARCclassics and SPARCstation LXs. All systems will use Sun's own Solaris version of the Unix operating environment.
All "mission critical" applications will be managed by the system including: accreditation, results, security, logistics and media systems at all nine game sites along with all applications used at World Cup office sites.
In announcing the deal, Alan I. Rothenberg, chairman and chief executive officer of World Cup USA 1994, said: "We believe Sun Microsystems is the only supplier who can provide us with the hardware and all other technology support in order to implement our vision of client-server computing. These games will make history as the first World Cup to be held in the United States."
World Cup USA 1994 is the non-profit group charged with staging the 1994 World Cup championship under the directions of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), soccer's international governing body. The 1994 World Cup will take place from June 17 to July 17, 1994, in nine cities nationwide. The World Cup for Soccer, which is one of, if not the, most popular sporting event outside the US, is held every four years.
The company says that the SPARCcenter 2000s will be installed in Los Angeles, Washington, and Dallas, with the SPARCstation 10 servers being installed at all nine sites.
Doubting Thomases maintain that US soccer fans will remain fans as long as the best in the world are demonstrating their histrionics in the World Cup. But, they argue, when the tournament ends, so will soccer in the US. Some US players have been very successful in the professional game, but they have had to go to Europe to make a living.
However, the US national side did beat England in a US-based international tournament recently, for the first time in many years. But the England team is so lacking these days that it may not even qualify for the World Cup in 1994. And the England team that lost to the US was hardly in the same class as the great England team that beat West Germany to take the World Cup in 1966. That included such immortals as Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Jack and Bobby Charlton, the great England captain Bobby Moore, and probably the best goalkeeper that ever played the game - Gordon Banks.
(Ian Stokell/19930617/Press Contact: Chuck Mulloy, 415-336-6424 Sun Microsystems Inc.; Jim Trecker, 212-332-1994, World Cup USA 1994)
, 212-332-1994, World Cup USA 1994)
6/17/93
Sun Sets On World Cup Soccer 1994
PacTel, Apple & ComputerWare Dem
WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- PacTel Apple Computer and ComputerWare are teaming up in Northern California to offer demonstrations of how to send data over cellular networks using the Apple PowerBook.
The hands-on demonstrations will take place from June 17 through September 30, at ComputerWare stores in San Francisco, San Rafael Dublin, and Sunnyvale.
According to the companies, visitors can participate in a hands-on demonstration to learn how to send facsimiles, access corporate and third-party information databases or send electronic mail messages over PacTel's cellular network at "effective speeds exceeding 9,600 bits-per-second."
In announcing the promotion, Lee Franklin, president, PacTel Cellular's Wireless Data Division, said: "Our customer research shows that these will be the applications used most by professionals while on the road. As people become untethered from their desks by using these applications, their productivity will soar."
The companies will notify thirty-six thousand cellular users and ComputerWare customers in the Bay Area about the wireless data demonstrations through a direct mail campaign. The campaign will also offer individuals discount coupons for purchases of selected PacTel equipment and ComputerWare merchandise.
The companies maintain that data over cellular service is currently available through PacTel Mobile Services, a Cellular One reseller. PacTel Mobile Services' customers will have access to a special 800 number hotline providing technical support.
The companies maintain that four devices are required to send data over cellular networks: a portable computer, a cellular interface which gives dial tone to the modem, a modem, and a cellular telephone. The four devices are expected to be integrated sometime in the future into a single device.
PacTel's Wireless Data Division and ComputerWare claim to have tested a number of devices that enable the PowerBook to send or receive data transmitted over the cellular network.
The equipment demonstrated at ComputerWare includes the Apple PowerBook, the Applied Engineering PowerBook modem, Motorola cellular interface and cellular telephones. The whole package will set the user back about $2,666. For those who already have a PowerBook, modem and cellular phone, a cellular interface device can be purchased for about $299.
, PacTel Corp.; Robert Cudd, 415-496-1006 ComputerWare)
6/17/93
PacTel, Apple & ComputerWare Demo Cellular Technology
TELECOM
Energis Scores BBC Broadcast Net
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Energis, the telecoms subsidiary of the England's National Grid Company, has secured a ten year contract to operate a managed broadcast network for the distribution of BBC TV and radio signals around the UK.
The contract, the first major one for the fledgling telecoms company, which has only just obtained a licence to offer telecoms services in the UK, is significant. Until now, the BBC's TV and radio signals have been managed in-house using British Telecom circuits around the UK.
Energis is claiming that its brand new digital network is ideally suited to moving the large volumes of data that BBC TV and radio signals generate. Energis' network is currently being built and is based around synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) technology.
David Dey, Energis' chief executive, said that the BBC is the company's first customer "coming only three weeks after our licence was granted."
"It is a significant milestone in our plans to become a full service telecoms supplier to businesses and homes throughout the country. This contract with the BBC demonstrates confidence in the quality and competitiveness of our network and its service capability. It's the result of working together in partnership with our customer over the past 12 months," he said.
Bert Gallon, the BBC's chief engineer in the resources division, was enthusiastic about signing with Energis. He welcomed the entry of Energis into the UK's telecoms market-place and the competition it is introducing into the distribution of broadband signals.
"We're delighted to be associated with this exciting new development and are looking forward to the introduction of the new network and to a successful working relationship with Energis," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930617/Press & Public Contact: Energis - Tel: 071-936 5440)
ublic Contact: Energis - Tel: 071-936 5440)
6/17/93
Energis Scores BBC Broadcast Net Contract
TELECOM
Australian Bounty Hunters Active
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- A month ago the Business Software Association of Australia (BSAA) launched its controversial campaign to get members of the public to report anyone using unofficial copies of software. In return, the caller would get a $2500 reward for successful prosecutions.
In Australia the action of "telling" on someone to the authorities (or in the case of children, to parents or teachers) is to "dob" on them. Well, there's been a whole lot of dobbing going on.
The BSAA reports around 150 calls per week with about 60 of these from people actively inquiring about the reward. In many cases it is ex-employees who want to report actions of their former employers. Another 60 or so want information on the subject of software piracy, and the remaining 20 percent were oddball calls such as the press.
Jim McNamara of the BSAA said he had learned of backyarders selling brand-name software for as little as $5 a diskette. "We have also heard of dealers selling systems with lots of free software that is of course, pirated commercial software. And there are also lots of stories about whole networks running on just one copy of the software."
The Australian Computer Society said it hoped its members would report such occurrences by employers, not for the reward, but because it was the ethical thing to do.
Another industry body, the AIAA, said that it was not in favor of the scheme because employers were often still not aware of what was happening in their organizations, or had not realized that it was illegal. It said that this scheme really only appealed to people who want money or revenge.
(Paul Zucker/19930617)
o want money or revenge.
(Paul Zucker/19930617)
6/17/93
Australian Bounty Hunters Active On Snitch Line
GENERAL
Champion Accounting Package Adds
ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Champion Business Systems announced this week that it has added 35 new enhancements to its high-end accounting products, the Champion Controller and System 5 Networking packages.
Champion President Charlie Hager says most of the enhancements are directed at getting information from Champion instantly, with more detail and more choices for selecting what the customer wants to see. One of the new features is QuickStat, which allows the user to quickly design up to 500 different reports just by pressing a hot key.
Another new feature is an automatic data recovery system. In earlier versions of the software a file containing records damaged by a power surge or hardware failure halted processing. In the new system, a routine removes the damaged record, continues processing, and restores all undamaged data. Champion performs an internal audit to make sure accounts are in balance, and prints or displays a list of all the records or transactions that need to be reentered.
New selection criteria for deciding which customers get billing statements and how they are printed has also been added. It's now possible to print and reprint billing statements retroactively and as often as desired. Interest calculations are computed and adjusted accordingly.
The company says it has also added more detail to the accounts payable ledgers to show payment history on an invoice-by-invoice basis, and retroactive listing of vendor ledgers is available. Champion has also revised the Federal 940 and 941 forms that report payment of withholding and other taxes to comply with the new government forms, and a rounding error on the 941 has been eliminated. The company has also added a new automatic check alignment routine to eliminate wasting checks and invoices, and a new payroll report projects payroll expenses for any future period.
Hager says the changes were a direct result of a direct mail survey of users, and some of the results were surprising. "Many enhancement requests were predictable because we keep a history of requests and monitor support calls by frequency of occurrence. However there were a few surprises. One feature, a request for an automatic fulfillment of back orders, was rated low on the (survey) and a request for browsing, on screen, through various reports rated number one."
The Champion Bookkeeper, Accountant, and Controller are upwards compatible and have a suggested retail price of $195, $795, and $1,295 respectively. A network version with a source code option is available for $595 per module.
Champion also says it is working on a new accounting product line that will be modifiable without any programming, and expects to announce the beta version and product capabilities within the next few weeks. Marketing manager Bill McCabe told Newsbytes the product code named Crystal, will be more a tool than an accounting package although it will provide full accounting functionality. McCabe said Crystal is designed to be modified by the dealer rather than the user.
Written in FoxPro for Windows, selected items will be able to be changed or added, such as the length of a field or new fields, by choosing from a pick list. Pricing and specific features haven't been set yet, but McCabe said Crystal will be a high-end package. "It's more than an accounting package, it's a tool, like a case tool for accounting," he told Newsbytes. Current users of Champion accounting products will be able to upgrade to Crystal without losing any data according to McCabe.
(Jim Mallory/19930616/Press and reader contact: Champion Business Systems, 800-2443-2626 or 303-792-3606)
usiness Systems, 800-2443-2626 or 303-792-3606)
6/17/93
Champion Accounting Package Adds New Features
Nutrition Software For The HP95L
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- A Colorado company has announced a nutritional software designed to run on the Hewlett-Packard HP95LX palmtop computer.
Mirical Corporation is now shipping the Personal Food Analyst, a software program that analyzes nutrition intake against user-determined standards and displays or prints the results in graphical or numerical form.
Mirical says the software can analyze up to 27 nutrients such as calories, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and cholesterol and has a built-in database of over 4,000 food items. The database can be added to by the user.
The company says the software tracks progress throughout the day recording calories and nutrients consumed, and displaying remaining calorie and nutrients for the day. The program is intended to allow individuals to modify and improve their eating habits. Personal Food Analyst displays a seven-day calendar of daily goals.
Presently PFA is available on a one-megabyte ROM card exclusively for the HP95LX, which loads directly into the computer's PCMCIA slot. Mirical says its long term objective is to manufacture a custom hand held version of the PFA for the consumer market.
For users interested in the software, but without an HP95LX, Mirical is offering a package deal that gets you both the software and the 95LX with PFA already loaded for $599.95. By itself PFA sells for $289.
Mirical says Hewlett-Packard is inserting a PFA brochure in its 9LX boxes, and it has received a request from Apple Computer for an Apple version of the PFA to be used with Apple Computer's Newton. Mirical President Mike Hidrogo told Newsbytes the company has been approved as an Apple developer and is waiting for the necessary technical information to covert the program from DOS to the Apple operating system. Hidrogo says PFA is also being reviewed by HMO Kaiser Permanente.
(Jim Mallory/19930615/Press and reader contact: Mirical Corporation 719-598-5276 or 800-732-7707, fax 719-598-5790)
or 800-732-7707, fax 719-598-5790)
6/17/93
Nutrition Software For The HP95LX
GENERAL
* T 8
Database World - Borland To Upsi
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- "In the computing world, the name of the game isn't power, and it isn't ease of use. It's a combination of both," stated Philippe Kahn chairman, president and CEO of Borland, in a plenary talk on "The Present and Future of Database Management" at Database World & Client-Server World in Boston this week.
Mainframe applications have traditionally been known for power, and desktop software for simplicity. Now that these two computing hemispheres are converging, the ultimate goal should be rightsizing, he maintained. "Rightsizing involves juggling hardware and software architectures, so that you get the best and most cost effective solution to the application you're trying to accomplish," he commented.
Vendors are approaching rightsizing from both the downsizing and upsizing directions, and Borland has been a player on both sides of the movement. "But our prediction," he continued, "is that we'll play mainly in the upsizing marketplace."
To achieve upsizing, the ten-year-old company is adding simplicity as well as scalability and open connectivity, to its entire product line, according to the CEO. Historically, Borland's spreadsheet and database applications and development tools have been aimed mainly at power users and professional developers, a group that comprises 60% of the current PC market, he said.
"But now you'll see us pioneer new frontiers in ease of use," he pledged. The new Borland products will also be interoperable with other vendors' products, and ready for quick transformation into powerful client-server tools.
To achieve interoperability, Borland has rewritten all its applications to comply with BOCA (Borland Object Component Architecture), an architecture the company first launched four years ago. "We've turned our world upside down to build a new generation of products," he reflected.
At the center of BOCA is the Interbase Relational Engine, an open API (application programming interface), said the company chief. For conversion to client-server use, the BOCA engine can be rapidly replaced with an engine conforming to the IDAPI Initiative. Founded by Borland, IBM, Novell and WordPerfect, the client-server interoperability initiative is now about 50 members strong, and more vendors are joining all the time, he noted.
The biggest challenge for Borland in the application reengineering process is to constantly keep simplicity in mind, said Kahn. "We spend so much time in thinking through, architecting and building our applications that we should never lose sight of that essential point," he remarked.
In creating its upcoming applications, the company spent many months on usability testing to arrive at features that will provide simplicity. "These features, which will be a surprise, will kind of guess what you're doing and figure things out for you," he explained.
One of these capabilities, which will debut in the upcoming Quattro Pro 5.0 for Windows, is a "network deployment installer" that lets a network administrator quickly establish configurations for different sets of users, he said. This and other ease-of-use features will be extended across Borland's product line.
By incorporating the network deployment installer into its development tools, for example, Borland will allow developers to rapidly come up with applications that solve a pressing need for users. "We've found that 80% of technical support calls for multiuser environments are installation-related," asserted Kahn.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930617/Press contact: Keith Todd, Digital Consulting Inc., tel 508-470-3870)
th Todd, Digital Consulting Inc., tel 508-470-3870)
6/17/93
Database World - Borland To Upsize, Simplify Apps
GENERAL
Database World - DataEase Upgrad
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- At Database & Client-Server World, DataEase has introduced the first revision of a Windows-based RDBMS (relational database management system) initially produced in September, 1992.
DataEase Express for Windows 1.1 features a built-in import/export facility, access to additional SQL engines, new multi-user capabilities, and improved interoperability with DataEase 4.53 for DOS, officials said in announcing the upgrade.
Built-in import capabilities now include DataEase for DOS, dBASE Lotus 1-2-3, DIF, and ASCII (fixed and variable length). Built-in export capabilities includes Lotus 1-2-3 and ASCII. The first version handled import and export through an external utility.
As in Version 1.0, the application will continue to provide online connectivity to Paradox and dBASE databases through Microsoft's ODBC (Open Database Connectivity). Now, however, drivers will be separately available for Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Server 6.0 OS/2 Database Manager, and DB2 through Micro Decisionware's Database Gateway.
Multi-user enhancements include certification for the Artisoft LANastic and Microsoft Windows for Windows peer-to-peer networking environments, a more flexible multi-user configuration, and new Access Paks that permit DataEase Express to be managed from a central server and accessed by multiple users.
Interoperability with DataEase 4.55 for DOS has been improved with the ability to execute DataEase 4.53 procedures from the Windows based GUI. As a result, users can now combine the highly visual forms, menus and reports in the Windows version with the procedural, transactional capabilities of the DOS edition according to officials.
DataEase for Windows 1.1 is priced at $395. A Server Access 3-Pak adding three concurrent network users, is priced at $915, and a Server Access 5-Pak, adding five concurrent network users, at $1,260.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930617/Press contacts: Randy Newell, DataEase tel 203-365-2308; Dave Gayman or Bruce Rogers, Rogers Communications for DataEase, tel 617-224-1100)
s, Rogers Communications for DataEase, tel 617-224-1100)
6/17/93
Database World - DataEase Upgrades Express For Windows
IBM Canada Seeks To Cut Staff By
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- IBM Canada Ltd. hopes to cut its payroll by about 10 percent through a new round of retirement incentives.
The company is offering two incentive programs, one for those already eligible for retirement and another for those within five years of retirement, company spokesman Mike Quinn said. Officials hope that about 1,000 of the Canadian subsidiary's roughly 10,000 employees will choose to leave under one of the plans.
If that goal is not met, Quinn said, "we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it -- but we don't anticipate having to cross that bridge." He said a similar plan offered earlier was well received.
IBM Canada has just announced that the retirement incentives offered to employees in its manufacturing and development operations a couple of weeks ago, will also be available to those in marketing and services jobs.
IBM Canada employees are normally eligible for retirement at the age of 55 or after 30 years of service.
Worldwide, IBM last year cut 40,000 jobs from its payroll, and in December the company said it planned to chop another 25,000 during 1993. This year, for the first time in its history, IBM has resorted to involuntary layoffs to cut staff. So far, there have been no layoffs in Canada.
The worldwide company lost $4,965 million in 1992. IBM Canada after losing C$17 million in 1991, logged net income of C$800,000 in the year ended Dec. 31, 1992.
(Grant Buckler/19930617/Press Contact: Mike Quinn, 416-474-3049)
Press Contact: Mike Quinn, 416-474-3049)
6/17/93
IBM Canada Seeks To Cut Staff By 1,000
Cognos Plans PowerHouse For NT,
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Cognos plans to port its PowerHouse application development software to Microsoft's recently launched Windows NT operating system. The company also announced versions of several products for the Japanese, Chinese, and Korean markets.
Cognos said the Windows NT version of PowerHouse will provide a full 32-bit implementation of the software, full multitasking support for Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), and compatibility with networks using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is widely used in large networks in North America.
To allow access to data stored in a variety of databases, the software will also support Microsoft's Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standard as well as application program interfaces (APIs) from various database vendors, Cognos officials said.
The company plans to release a PowerHouse Software Developers' Kit for NT by the spring of 1994.
Cognos also said its PowerPlay executive information system software, PowerHouse, and the PowerHouse Windows interface for PowerHouse are now available in Japanese, and will be offered in traditional Chinese and Korean versions by this fall. A version supporting the simplified Chinese character set is also planned.
PowerHouse is also available in English, French, and German, a spokeswoman for the firm said.
The company also announced a partnership with Teijin Ltd., a Japanese conglomerate, to develop a version of PowerHouse for the NEC4800 hardware, which runs the Unix operating system.
(Grant Buckler/19930617/Press Contact: Michael Greeley, Cognos 617-229-6600 ext. 220; Wendy Rajala, for Cognos, 416-338-8532)
0 ext. 220; Wendy Rajala, for Cognos, 416-338-8532)
6/17/93
Cognos Plans PowerHouse For NT, Japanese Products
Accelerated 486 VGA Controller F
TEMPE, ARIZONA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- VSLI Technology this week introduced an accelerated 486 local bus super VGA controller designed for portable computer flat panel displays.
The company says the device has a glueless CPU interface and supports a broad range of panel types, with graphics hardware overlays, a 32-bit video memory, and an embedded BitBLT graphics accelerator engine. BIOS and driver software will also be supplied by VSLI.
The device will interface with a wide range of color, monochrome LCD, and CRT display units. The integrated BitBLT graphics accelerator and the flat frame buffer graphics modes enhance performance in GUI (graphical user interface) environments such as Microsoft Windows, according to the VSLI announcement.
The company says backwards compatibility is maintained with CGA MDA, and EGA while offering CRT resolutions up to 1024 by 768 with 256 colors. The chip also implements hardware graphic overlays which can be used as pop-up control panels for power management and system status. The overlays are 64 X 64 or 128 X 128 pixels with four colors which are independent from the main video palette.
Called the VL82C170, the chip is manufactured in 0.8 micron technology and packaged in a 208-lead metric quad flat pack. Support software including VGA, VESA and Windows drivers are also available from VSLI. The company says chip samples and evaluation boards are scheduled for availability in September, with volume production beginning in November. The chip is priced at $28.50 in lots of 1,000.
(Jim Mallory/19930616/Press contact: Barbara Hamilton, VSLI Technology, 602-752-6226)
ontact: Barbara Hamilton, VSLI Technology, 602-752-6226)
6/17/93
Accelerated 486 VGA Controller For Flat Panel Displays
GENERAL
Comdex: Microsoft Endorses DigiB
PCs Aid In Medical Self-Diagnosi
Dell Ships Pentium PCs To Austra
Canadian Product Launch Update
Systemhouse Mexican Joint Ventur
Cray Intros New Fortran Programm
BoCoEx Index
July Disabilities Employment Con
Firm Slashes Software Prices --
Egghead To Host Business Softwar
Ungermann-Bass Scores With NY St
New Lotus Training Centers For N
Low-priced Nextstep Intel Evalua
IBM Adds To ThinkPad Line
Atari Establishes Marketing Foot
Alpha-Artisoft Deal Offers Netwo
Mac Sales Slow In India
Sunconnect To Develop Interconne
Motorola Flex Paging Protocol
Windows On Wallstreet Debuts
UK - Mercury Communications Sign
Russian Telecom Stats Unveiled
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- The Russian State Statistical Committee has published the results of a communications survey during 1992. The report suggests that the communications industry is doing well, unlike the Russian economy as a whole.
In 1992 the length of long-distance phone lines increased by 6%, totalling 272 million kilometres (km), while fiber phone cables increased by 40 percent, totalling to 367,000 km. Satellite channels increased by a tiny fraction of 0.4%, while digital lines multiplied by a factor of 1.5. The total length of digital transmission channels has reached 4.1 million km.
Rural communications also experienced growth -- in 1992, 96,500 new phone numbers were installed, which is 40 percent higher than in the previous year. But phones are still in demand in small Russian villages, and you can easily find places with a 30 minutes drive to the nearest phones, even in the Moscow region.
Otherwise, new cable line installations were down by 35 percent, new radio relay channels were down by 27 percent. New city phone exchanges were down by 17 percent. The total number of new phone lines in cities and towns installed in 1992 was only 705,000.
The installation of new ground satellite stations also decreased by 18 percent to 939, while four new communications satellites were launched.
According to the report, Russia is the first East European country to install a national cellular network. By the beginning of 1993 this network consisted of 25,500 subscriber radial stations of the "Altai" brand (the outdated system working on the 450 MHz frequency band), 10,000 pagers, and 6,000 cellular and zone cellular phones.
The total installed phone base increased by 504,000. Meanwhile as the number of home phones rose by 687,000, the number of business phones fell by 183,000, which is attributed to state enterprises cutting their costs by decreasing their phone calls. Still, there are about 11 million Russian families waiting for home phones to be installed.
The number of public pay phones plunged last year, with local pay phones declining 11 percent and long-distance pay phones by 13 percent. The main reasons are increased costs of pay phone production and maintenance, theft, and vandalism. Another reason is the cost of the call -- phone authorities just completed a rate switch from 2 kopeks (approximately $0.00017) to 1 rouble ($0.001) for an unlimited local call from a payphone.
The registered base of fax machines doubled to 13,400, but experts suggest that only a small number of fax machines are registered. The number of telex stations also increased by one third -- to 6,800.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19910616)
in & Kirill Tchashchin/19910616)
6/17/93
Russian Telecom Stats Unveiled
TELECOM
UK - Skills Shortage Threatens E
RICHMOND-UPON-THAMES, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) Britain's long-awaited economic recovery could be hindered if the Government does not take steps to solve a national shortage of information technology (IT) skills that are already damaging employment prospects, according to a report just out.
The report, issued by the West London ITEC (industry training and enterprise council), a Government-funded IT services organization is based on a survey of more than 700 companies around Britain. It notes that widespread deficiencies in IT skills at all levels, "from the boardroom to the mailroom," combined with a shortfall in critical IT specialists, is blocking British industry's ability to capitalize on the upward trend in the economy.
The survey concludes that around 20 percent of the organizations interviewed by the ITEC will not survive unless a solution is found soon.
"Our research indicates that over seven million people, around a quarter of Britain's workforce, are now involved in IT," explained Meenu Vora, the executive director of West London's ITEC.
Vora, who claims that the ITEC is the most skilled of the UK's several dozen ITECs, said that IT has permeated into every aspect of business life, but that businesses are failing to exploit its potential, because they lack the skills to do so.
"There is a national backlog of 50 to 100 million man days of computer skills training. To put the problem right using conventional methods would cost between UKP 10,000 and 20,000 million. There is an urgent need for new thinking," he said.
The report -- "IT skills in the 90s -- overcoming obstacles to growth" -- notes that most, if not all, businesses are failing to exploit IT to the full, inhibiting their sales growth and expansion in existing markets, as well as lowering their profits. According to West London ITEC, 90 percent of those organizations questioned in the survey admitted that the IT skills problem is also slowing their expansion into new markets, while 30 percent say it is inhibiting their ability to create new jobs.
"No single company can deal with a problem of this size," Vora said. "Its scale is national and its impact on business widespread. It must be attacked on a collaborative basis. A partnership between business, education, training and government would pool resources and accelerate solutions to the problem," he added.
The report makes for some damning comments on the state of British industry, as well as the British Government's abilities to plan ahead in the IT arena. The problem goes back more than a decade but, rather than apportion the blame, the report attempts to plan a way out of the IT skills shortage pit.
The report notes that most companies are "making do" with minimal skills training. This suggests a lack of investment in individual skills development. "Two out of three businesses have no form of training in IT and eight in ten companies surveyed (reported) that the most common form of skills development was "learning on the job" or "by trial and error," rather than through structured training and development," said the report.
Copies of the "IT skills in the 90s" report are available from the West London ITEC, priced UKP 25 for the management summary and UKP 235 for the full report.
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- British Telecom (BT) has launched the telecoms industry's first cordless private automatic branch exchange (PABX), the Meridian Companion. The telecoms company claims that, by the end of the decade, cordless telephony will amount for 50 percent of all telephone usage.
What's interesting about the new PABX is that no one has come out with a cordless exchange before. BT notes that the workplace, at which the PABX is pitched, is one of the few areas where cordless telephony has not been fully available.
The Companion PABX is a low-power cordless phone system, based around the cordless telephony type two (CT-2) digital phone standard, with a range of around 200 meters from the base station.
The main selling points of the system are its ability to instantly locate users around the building (BT plans that users will keep their phones on their pocket), plus the lack of any need to wire the building up. This second feature means that the PABX can be up and running in a very short space of time.
According to David Hayward, VT's voice products marketing manager research has shown that almost three quarters of all office calls never reach the intended person, causing both caller frustration and a general loss in office productivity. "With the Meridian Companion users can now initiate and receive high quality digital calls anywhere in their work environment using cordless handsets," he said.
The Companion has a total capacity of 31 cordless handsets and is designed to operate on a stand-alone basis, or, as BT envisages, as a subset of a hard-wired PABX. Up to 15 base stations can be hooked up, with each base station capable of handling two calls at the same time. Talk time on the handsets is around four hours, so overnight charging is suggested.
The PABX operates with a handset power of just 10 milliwatts, with the phones operating in the 848 to 868 megahertz radio waveband. Pricing on the system depends on the modular requirements of users. A typical systems of the control unit, five base stations, five wired phones and seven cordless handsets would be around the UKP 8,000 mark.
(Steve Gold/19930617/Press Contact: Penn Communications - Tel: 081 569-9667)
: 081 569-9667)
6/17/93
Cordless PABX
TELECOM
Dell Shuffles Product Execs
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Dell Computer Corporation announced this week it has named a former Apple Computer executive as the new senior vice president of its product group, and created a new position of chief technology officer.
Dell said it has hired former Apple executive Eric Harslem to the position of senior vice president of the product group, replacing Glenn Henry. Henry has been named to the newly created office of chief technology officer.
Harslem comes to Dell from his position as vice president of Apple's Macintosh Desktop Division, where he had responsibility for Apple's multi-billion dollar desktop business. His responsibilities at Apple included the division's financial management as well as product design, development, and marketing.
Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell says the company's growth over the past several years calls for a seasoned business manager as well as a product development expert. Harslem was hired after a search that stretched over the past several months. In addition to several positions at Apple, he has held various jobs with Xerox Corporation and Rand Corporation, has a bachelor's degree in engineering from the California Institute of Technology and holds a master's degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Henry moves to his new position after five years at Dell. He joined the company in 1988 as vice president of research and development and nine months later was promoted to senior vice president of the product group. When Henry joined Dell the engineering staff numbered seven people. It now employs several hundred, and the company's product line has increased from three to more than 40. Prior to going to Dell, Henry spent 21 years at IBM, and is an IBM Fellow, that company's highest recognition for technical achievement.
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- It's small, can stick to things or dangle from your keyring, and it reaches out and touches things - electronically.
"It" is a coin-shaped data carrier chip from Dallas Semiconductor that transfers information between it and things as diverse as auto ignition locks, hospital bracelets, ID badges or bracelets, or food containers and can be used in place of ink-on-paper labels like bar codes.
Called Touch Memory, the chip-based label is available with an adhesive backing that attaches to nearly anything. Used in conjunction with a reader Dallas Semiconductor calls Proximity, the device can be used to open locks, identify people, determine the contents of unlabeled containers, and even guide unattended vehicles through a factory.
One application is for positive identification of persons authorized to use a vehicle. Don't want your kids to be able to drive the family car? Just attach the Touch Memory device to the ignition system. The car won't start until someone using a properly programmed Touch device touches the button on the dash. The touch device, about the size of a dime, can easily reside on your key ring.
In security applications, the system can be programmed to automatically unlock a door as an employee whose badge has a Proximity device stuck to it approaches. That's accomplished by a short range radio link. Two versions of the Proximity device allow signal recognition from less than two meters or at about 15 meters.
The chip is enclosed in a coin-shaped stainless steel enclosure called MicroCan which protects it from damage or corrosion. The MicroCan lid also serves as the point of electrical contact. When the Touch Probe is contacted, it sends a unique 48-bit serial number and a cyclic redundance check code (CRC). The company says the code written by laser, is unalterable. Marketing and Product Development VP Mike Bolan told Newsbytes the number is also engraved on the can lid, and can be read from the outside. The CRC validates the serial number and allows the electrical connection. An internal scratchpad area prevents inadvertent writing over existing data, or writing to the wrong location. Data is first written to the scratchpad verified, then written to memory. There's also a secure version of Touch Memory that requires a 64-bit password to be entered before the data is transferred.
Data can also be sent directly to a personal computer. A probe can be built into the PC, or the computer can be retrofitted by plugging in a Dallas Semiconductor-provided adapter with a DB-25 connector that plugs into the serial port.
Asked about the future for Touch Memory, Bolan said the company sees it in terms of its ability to become a labelling technology. "As paper has served a role in labelling, we think silicon will play an important role in labelling objects." Asked if Touch Memory will replace bar coding, Bolan said, "I see it as a technology that co-exists with bar coding. Where bar codes are lacking, this technology picks up. One example is when more information needs to be represented than is practical for bar code density." He also cites the bi-directional ability of Touch Memory. "The reader and the writer are the same, and most of read-write capability is built into the chip." He also spoke about the extremely low energy needs of Touch Memory.
Bolan doesn't see Touch Memory technology as a replacement for our key ring in the foreseeable future, but thinks it will replace locks and keys for things like desks and storage cabinets. "It addresses some of the complexities of key management systems."
Bolan told Newsbytes Touch Memory is available at $1.59 in lots of 1,000. Dallas Semiconductor has Touch and Proximity evaluation kits available which can be ordered using a major credit card. The company says if the kit doesn't meet your needs, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
(Jim Mallory/19930617/Press contact: Mary Carol Coffman, Capital Relations for Dallas Semiconductor, 214-907-9500; Reader contact: Dallas Semiconductor, 800-336-6933)
: Dallas Semiconductor, 800-336-6933)
6/17/93
Chip Reaches Out And Touches Things
GENERAL
Microsoft Repeats Cautious Growt
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- In what is becoming a familiar refrain Microsoft has again cautioned that the company continues to expect sales and earnings growth rates to be below historical levels.
The latest warning was sounded by Microsoft Treasurer Michael Brown who reportedly told an investor conference in Seattle recently, "We do not expect to be able to achieve the historical growth rates that we have achieved in the past. Brown declined to confirm or deny the accuracy of financial analysts fourth quarter share earnings estimates of about $0.85 to $0.90 The quarter ends June 30.
Brown also declined to discuss details of the company's growth plans saying Microsoft officials are currently planning the fiscal year 1994 budget. But he cautioned investors to keep in mind that the company does not expect to grow at historic rates despite an increase in revenues over the past year of about $1 billion. It took Microsoft about 15 years to reach the $1 billion sales mark.
Brown also pointed out that fourth quarter results may not include the same earnings boost that large product launches have provided in past year. He cited the example of last year, when Microsoft released its Excel spreadsheet and Windows 3.1. This year the company has DOS 6.0 during the current period.
Microsoft recently announced its Microsoft At Work technology designed to link telephones, fax machines, computers, printers and copiers, and Microsoft VP of Advanced Technology Nathan Myhrvold told the British news service Reuters this week that he expects the power of a typical personal computer will rise from the current 100 MIPS (million instructions per second) to around 10,000 MIPS by the year 2000.
(Jim Mallory/19930617/Press contact: Microsoft Public Relations 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation, 800-426-9400)
ntact: Microsoft Corporation, 800-426-9400)
6/17/93
Microsoft Repeats Cautious Growth Outlook
BUSINESS
International Telecom Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Worldwide trends toward competition and privatization remain under challenge especially in Europe.
The European Community endorsed a plan under which poorer countries, notably Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, could have 10 years instead of five to adjust to free competition. The fear is national monopolies in those countries will suffer as competitors move in. Belgium and Luxembourg won a tentative two-year delay, and a move to demand quick action on ending monopolies was brushed aside. Belgium's Belgacom phone unit is due to cut a list of potential GSM digital cellular partners from 20 to 5. A final choice is due in July and service will open next year. The EC is also engaged in a stand-off with Germany over that nation's separate deal in a telecom trade dispute with the US. The EC passed rules against US bids for government telecomm work, but Germany agreed not to apply it winning an exemption from US retaliation.
France is behind the criticism of the Germans, as its new conservative government realizes it's behind the curve in privatizing and rationalizing the telecom sector, after years of claiming its France Telecom monopoly was a market leader. The company's Sodira unit, which would be that nation's GSM digital cellular provider, sold 20 percent of itself to Cofinoga, the credit card unit of Galeries Lafayette, and an insurance group took another five percent stake. Sodira will do business as Cellway, and compete with a private company, Societe Francaise du Radiotelephonie, which launched service in April.
Even in Germany and Italy, which approved the move toward market liberalization, there is no assurance the state role in telecom will end anytime soon. Germany's ruling Christian Democrats and its Social Democrat opposition have agreed that the government will retain a majority stake in Deutsche Bundespost Telekom even after it's privatized in 1996. Italy's move to privatize its STET monopoly is held up by problems in reforming tariffed phone rates, although the government remains committed to selling off nearly half the unit. Linking the two stories is word that Germany's Siemens is bidding for a stake in Italtel, the state owned equipment maker.
Two stories extend European trends to the Middle East. Bulgaria is leading a group of five countries which plan to build a new link to the region through the Balkans. Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey Macedonia and Albania all plan to extend digital lines from Italy through to Istanbul, Turkey. Elsewhere in the region Israeli Finance Minister Abraham Shohat promised he will follow through on moves to privatize that country's Bezek phone monopoly.
In Eastern Europe, new links continue to come online with help from Western companies. IDB Worldcom launched service on its new C-Band earth station in London to Russia. The IDB link is a cooperative arrangement with the Russian Satellite Communication Co., and will offer service both to Russia and the Baltic states as well as some locations in Eastern Europe, using a Russian Statsionar 5 satellite at 53 degrees east. US customers can link to that station through IDB's New York switch, then a fiber cable link to London.
Ericsson of Sweden, meanwhile, was chosen to supply a digital mobile radio system for the Hungarian police, and will serve that contract with equipment made in the US. When fully installed, the network will serve over 50,000 subscribers with Ericsson's Enhanced Digital Access Communications System or EDACS technology.
Argentina made the South American headlines this week. Sociedad Comercial del Plata, a local holding company, said it wants to sell its 5.24 percent stake in Cointel SA, which controls Telefonica de Argentina. The company may sell it to network operator Telefonica de Espana. The company paid $18.8 million for the stake in 1990, and it's now said to be worth $135 million. The company could use the profits to invest in two new opportunities, as the government has begun the process of offering cellular concessions in outlying provinces. Those concessionaires will have a two-year exclusivity, then the Telecom and Telefonica groups can open their own systems. The government also deregulated the provision of radio-based telephone service in rural areas, so farmers can form cooperatives to link their systems to Telecom and Telefonica.
Finally, in Asia, the Korean government of Kim Young Sam began the process of dismantling its "chaebol" conglomerates, starting with Samsung and Hyundai. The head of Hyundai was an unsuccessful candidate against Kim last year. Critics say the move may hamper the nation's ability to compete in telecommunications. The government also said it would definitely pick a new cellular phone concessionaire by mid-1994. The first award, to Sunkyong Group and partners, was overturned last year. It's expected the winner will use Qualcomm's CDMA technology -- all the major Korean equipment makers agreed to make CDMA equipment earlier this year.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- As the annual Electronic Mail Association meeting ended in Atlanta, time was taken to note the huge volume of news made at the meeting.
Lotus Development's release of version 2.0 of its CC:Mail for Windows product was almost unnoticed. The LAN-based e-mail program is a market leader, and now has such things as spell checking, folders for storing draft and deleted messages, and user-savable e-mail addresses. The user interface has also been improved for faster handling of messages and directories. And support for key Windows technologies like Dynamic Data Exchange and Object Linking and Embedding, was also added, along with the Vendor Independent Messaging application programming interface which allows third parties to develop mail-enabled applications.
The new release was unheralded in part because Lotus was so active in creating alliances to link CC:Mail with both wired and wireless networks. In addition to its deal with RAM Mobile Data under which versions of CC:Mail will be bundled with wireless modems, MCI said it will work on integrating its MCI Mail network into CC:Mail Post Offices, allowing users to exchange messages without the need for a LAN or gateway, or to exchange messages through MCI Mail with 54 other public electronic mail services in 40 countries. The full range of MCI Mail features are supported in the offer.
Also, a group headed by AT&T, Apple Computer, Digital Equipment and Intel announced they have produced a specification called the Asynchronous Protocol Specification. This will allow multimedia traffic combining text, voice, images, fax and binary files to be transferred over the telephone network. Support for APS could make multimedia a seamless offering of LAN-based mail systems.
Microsoft made two pieces of news. It demonstrated support for the Common Mail Calls aspect of the XAPIA standard, connecting CMC to the Microsoft Messaging application programming interface. The result is developers can write CMC applications that work with the Microsoft Windows for Workgroups and Microsoft Mail for PC Networks. Those CMC applications will now work not only with Microsoft Mail, but also with Microsoft Mail's services for HP OpenMail, Banyan VINES and AT&T EasyLink. Microsoft also demonstrated its first version of the CMC dynamic link library which allows users of Microsoft Mail version 3.0 and higher to work together with CMC-enabled applications.
Microsoft's EMA stand also showcased Object Productivity's "SmartFolders" technology, which can organize and hold all types, sizes and numbers of documents as objects like clip art spreadsheets, and word processing, so users can e-mail a SmartFolder or group of SmartFolders without fear of losing the structural integrity of the data.
Banyan announced a new release of its ENS for NetWare Version 1.1. This provides NetWare 4.0 support and more inter-operation with the VINES environment, as well as new support for Macs OS/2, and mainframes. According to James D. D'Arezzo, Banyan vice president, marketing, "The idea of Banyan delivering enterprise network services -- like StreetTalk -- to non-Banyan network operating systems -- like NetWare -- has generated uniformly positive responses from customers, resellers, and industry experts alike. Today's announcement adds many new and desirable features which strengthen ENS for NetWare and expand its applicability to NetWare 4.0."
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- With President Clinton still lacking a nominee to head the Federal Communications Commission chairmanship, he's getting tarred with the problems that agency is having trying to enforce last year's cable reregulation act.
The first problem, cited by interim chairman James Quello, is that the FCC just doesn't have the money to follow-through on policing the regulations. Thus, it has delayed enforcement for three months, a move House telecommunications subcommittee chair Edward Markey charges will cost consumers $250 million in overcharges. Markey called in Quello and the other two FCC commissioners to defend the delay, where they told him that they still need money in order to make the law enforceable.
A bigger problem involves the "retransmission consent" and "must carry" rules of the act. Under the "must carry" provisions, local cable companies must transmit all local broadcasting signals if the local broadcaster demands it. Viacom, among other operators are challenging the rule in court, claiming their First Amendment Rights are being violated. If pressed, they claim they'll knock out popular public-interest networks like C-Span in order to put on less-popular local ethnic channels.
Broadcasters who don't opt for "must-carry" can demand fees from cable companies for "retransmission consent." The four major broadcast networks, which demanded this provision in the act, are all demanding the fees. The cable industry has united to say they won't pay, meaning that in October, when the act goes into effect, the networks will be blacked-out on the nation's cable systems. National Association of Broadcasters head Eddie Fritts cited statistics indicating many people will cut-off their cable subscriptions if this happens, to press his group's demand for payment. It may be, however, that the stand-off won't be broken until cable companies see just how many customers they lose when they turn-off the broadcasters, which could happen during the baseball play-offs.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Today in Washington the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new Energy Star will officially release the Energy Star emblem for display on computers and peripherals that meet the agency's energy conservation guidelines. Apple Computer is boasting it has twenty products that qualify for the emblem, including upgrade products users can add to Apple equipment for energy efficiency.
As a starting place for energy conservation, efforts were made to make buildings more efficient first. Then attention was turned to development of standards for business lighting. Now the EPA has turned its attention to computers. Estimates are reducing the energy consumed by computers in the United States will save enough electricity by the end of the decade to eliminate 10 coal-fired power plants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 5 million cars. President Bill Clinton issued an Executive Order in April that requires all federal agencies to purchase only computers that meet the Energy Star requirements, providing they are commercially available and meet the agency's performance requirements.
But the issue is more than the environment. Energy efficient computers save money. The EPA estimates that users of Energy Star computers will save $2 billion annually. Apple estimates its products could save users as much as fifty percent in energy consumption costs.
To qualify for an Energy Star, a computer or monitor must use no more than 30 watts of energy to operate or automatically "power-down" after a period of inactivity. An integrated monitor and CPU must use 60 watts or less. The requirements for desktop printers are specific to particular performance categories: 1-7 pages-per-minute, 30 watts after 15 minutes; 8 14 pages-per-minute, 30 watts after 30 minutes; color laser printers and more than 15 pages-per-minute, 45 watts after 60 minutes.
Apple says its Macintosh Color Classic, introduced in February of this year, was the first energy efficient computer on the market. The company also just introduced a new laser printer the Apple Personal Laserwriter 300, that goes to "sleep" until called upon to print.
Software and hardware add-ons for current Apple computers can also help users meet EPA guidelines for energy savings according to Apple representatives. A software upgrade to the Apple's Laserwriter Pro printer offers energy savings. In addition, third party developer Sequence Electronics offers its Smartbar family of energy saving software and hardware products planned for Apple, DOS, and Unix and Apple will be a distributor of the energy products for its platform. The add-on products offered by Apple range in price from $59 to $129, Apple officials said.
For more information on Apple's energy saving software and hardware, users are encouraged to call the Apple Assistance Center, 800-776-2333, or Sequence Electronics, 800-663-1833.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930617/Press Contact: Marianne Lettieri Apple Computer, tel 408-974-1109, fax 408-967-5651; Bill Kemp Sequence Electronics, 800-663-1833; Public Contact, Apple Assistance Center, 800-776-2333)
ic Contact, Apple Assistance Center, 800-776-2333)
6/17/93
Apple New Products, Upgrades For Energy Savings
APPLE
Apple Denies Sculley Is Leaving
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 17 (NB) -- Apple Computer is denying a report that John Sculley is planning to leave the company. An article in USA Today reported Wednesday that Apple's Chief Executive Officer was planning to leave the company to run his own high-tech company on the East Coast.
Newsbytes talked with Apple Computer public relations specialist Kate Paisley who said the USA Today article simply isn't true. "John has no plans to leave Apple. He is 100 percent committed to the company," Paisley added.
Sculley has, however, talked to several publications about when he was considered by a search committee recruited by IBM's board of directors to look for a new CEO. Sculley said he suggested merging Apple with the "best parts" of IBM, and contended both companies had the parts to put together a "very strong business." Sculley said his view was IBM would have a much better chance for success with Apple on the "team."
The reason Sculley gave for the rejection of his proposal was in the weakened condition of IBM's stock, acquisition of Apple would have meant too much dilution. Former chairman and CEO of Nabisco, Louis Gerstner was the candidate selected by the committee and Gerstner started at IBM in April.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930617/Press Contact: Kate Paisley, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-5453, fax 408-967-5651)
el 408-974-5453, fax 408-967-5651)
6/17/93
Apple Denies Sculley Is Leaving
APPLE
Tiny AT-compatible On A Card
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Seiko-Epson has developed an IBM PC/AT-compatible card as small as a regular credit card, but with all the necessary features of a PC/AT packed onto a tiny board. The firm claims it is the smallest PC/AT-compatible card in the industry.
Seiko-Epson's PC/AT-compatible card contains Intel's 80386SL processor, an I/O controller, a VGA controller, a 1-megabyte DRAM and a flash memory. Also, this card has a 236-pin connector which Seiko-Epson is trying to push as an industry standard.
Called Cardio386, the card is slated for release by Seiko-Epson in October. The retail price is expected to be around 400,000 yen ($3,600). Total shipment is anticipated to be around 100,000 units per month.
Seiko-Epson is targeting this PC/AT-compatible card at factory automation firms as well as personal computer companies on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis.
Seiko-Epson is planning to release an 8086-based PC/XT-compatible card and an 80486-based DOS/V-compatible card in 1994.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has a new computer database that identifies koala habitats in Australia. The $225,000 system is being called one of the most useful tools ever developed for wildlife preservation.
The system has been produced with assistance from computer vendors Hewlett-Packard, Ingres and Genasys II. The next stage in the project is Koala Habitat Atlas which will be a Unix-based Genamap running on HP computers. Spatial data on all aspects of the relevant areas is being donated by the Land Information Center. Funding has been secured for the next phase - the Tweed region from a number of Australian organizations and an American zoo consortium coordinated by San Diego Zoo.
For the first time there will be a comprehensive information resource on the Koala, including data on the species' fragmented habitats, its population numbers, feeding patterns and migratory habits. This information may lead to the species being removed from the Endangered Species List as rare and vulnerable in the state of New South Wales. Information collected in the field will be added to the Land Information Center's spatial data to produce the most complete and accurate compendium on the animal and its habitat. The information includes tree communities being used by the animals, location of fecal pellets and ranging behavior.
The map will give invaluable evidence to planners in regions where to date there is only anecdotal evidence as to the presence of the shy and hard-to-see animals. 80 percent of the remaining koala habitat is on private land. It is believed that unless there is a coordinated regional strategic plan to maintain the koala's habitat, it is futile to try to protect small patches of the animal. For this reason, confining the koalas to patches in small national parks is not the solution. A Koala can travel over 50km in two weeks which can take it well outside the protection of the national parks system, a problem similar to the African elephant.
The atlas project is designed to identify the areas which are crucial to the Koala's survival and how to integrate this into the spread of human population.
(Paul Zucker/19930617/Contact: Australian Koala Foundation on phone +61-7-229 7233 or fax +61-7-221 0337)
hone +61-7-229 7233 or fax +61-7-221 0337)
6/18/93
Koala Habitat Database Aids Conservation
GENERAL
Maxis Railroad Simulation Game A
V ORINDA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- One of the most popular hobbies in the country is model railroading. Probably no one knows how many basements are filled with the complex multi-level model train layouts that include scenery, towns, people and vehicles.
Some of those enthusiasts choose to do their model railroading on personal computers, and that's where companies like Maxis come into the picture. Maxis publishes software that makes you the owner of your own private railroad company, and all that's required is your personal computer.
Now the company has announced a Macintosh version of its A-Train Construction Set, software that allows the railroader to customize his or her terrain.
Features of the add-on software include the ability to remove items such as buildings or animals from any scenario or saved game, or start from scratch with a blank screen to build the city of your dreams. You can also accumulate trains, track, land, buildings even money, or sculpt the landscape to suit your playing strategy or aesthetic sensibilities. You can add mountains or valleys, lakes or rivers, forests, farms and crop fields, and operate as many as 27 trains simultaneously using A-Train.
Since A-Train is a game, you can also give your computerized competitors assets such as airports, ski resorts, or sports stadiums then compete against them in business.
A-Train is a US version of a game originally published in Japan in 1990 by Artdink, based on a series of games that began in 1986. Maxis says the game has sold over 50,000 copies since its US introduction by the company in 1992. Maxis also publishes A-Train and the construction set for IBM-compatibles and Amiga, and supports Soundblaster, Sound Master, Adlib, Roland, Tandy, Macintosh and Amiga sound cards.
The A-Train construction set for Apple Computer's Macintosh has a suggested retail price of $34.95, and requires a Macintosh A500 or above and two floppy drives or a hard disk. Other system requirements include Workbench 1.3 or higher, and one megabyte (MB) of system memory for low resolution monitors. The company says you need at least 1MB of system memory and 512 kilobytes of fast memory for high resolution monitors.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- When the MobiLink consortium was announced earlier this year, combining most Bell based cellular nets under one brand name with a common roaming agreement, the question arose as to what would happen to those Bell-owned cellular companies which compete with other Bell-owned units. An example of the problem is in Atlanta, where MobiLink member BellSouth competes with MobiLink-member PacTel.
Newsbytes has learned that the answer is fairly straightforward. The "wireline" unit gets MobiLink, name and agreements, while the "non-wireline" unit must make other arrangements. In the case of Atlanta, this means PacTel will continue to use the PacTel brand name, said spokesman David McNaughton. But, to compete effectively, PacTel and other non-wireline competitors in the Southeast have formed a new roaming agreement, called SouthReach. Members include Bell Atlantic Mobile, as well as GTE and Contel both of which do business as Cellular One.
The four companies said SouthReach will offer automatic call delivery and inter-system handoffs in a region covering more than 85,000 licensed square miles, and make calling in other participating markets as simple and convenient as calling in a customer's "home" market.
One feature of SouthReach gives callers the ability to reach cellular customers traveling in the region without knowing their exact location. The caller simply dials the customer's cellular number and the call is automatically delivered. Previously, the customer would have to manually activate commands for a call delivery service or the caller would need to know the location code of the customer. Another feature allows customers to continue a call without interruption while traveling between SouthReach carriers' systems. Calls crossing the service area boundaries will be carried by unaffiliated long distance providers.
McNaughton, whose title is director of marketing and business development, noted to Newsbytes that the SouthReach deal may even trump MobiLink competitor BellSouth, which serves the entire nine-state region. "BellSouth doesnt have the whole region. There are areas in the Carolinas owned by Centel and others." He added All four of the parties are part of the MobiLink agreement, but they're segmented, and the people in the wireline market have priority in terms of membership." What this means is that, in Los Angeles, where PacTel and BellSouth also compete, PacTel will have the MobiLink cache, while BellSouth must make other arrangements.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930617/Press Contact: PacTel Cellular Rick Orchard, 404/257-5382)
PacTel Cellular Rick Orchard, 404/257-5382)
6/18/93
Non-Mobilink Nets Make Other Arrangements
TELECOM
AT&T Ships PassageWay
BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- AT&T said it is delivering PassageWay Solution, a Windows-based program that lets companies manage their Merlin Legend telephones and process calls from their PCs, or enables data from Merlin systems to manipulate PC software applications.
PassageWay can process or dial calls while operators handle other things, as well as retrieve data on calls tied to local Caller ID offerings. Later this year, AT&T said, it will deliver versions of PassageWay for its Definity and Partner systems.
AT&T said it is busy recruiting independent software developers to build PassageWay support into their programs. It says they can use PassageWay to support Windows features like Dynamic Data Exchange or use the program's own application program interface. Programs that have already committed to supporting the system include Campbell Services' OnTime calendar and group scheduler Remote Control International's TeleMagic PhoneLink sales and customer support system, and Jensen-Joines' Commence information management tool.
The software, which costs $360 at retail, requires a PC with an 80286 or faster chip, a minimum of two megabytes of memory and two megabytes of hard disk space, along with Windows Version 3.1 or higher, and an available serial port. The program is optimized for using Com ports three and four.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930617/Press Contact: Craig Settles, for AT&T, 510-644-3837)
for AT&T, 510-644-3837)
6/18/93
AT&T Ships PassageWay
TELECOM
IBM, HP, Sunsoft In Object-Orien
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- IBM Hewlett-Packard Co., and SunSoft Inc., have announced they plan to work together to make it easier to move software across their respective object-oriented software platforms.
The firms said they will start from standards set by the Object Management Group (OMG), an industry standards body. Each company will support these interfaces in its own distributed object development programs: IBM's SOMobjects, HP's Distributed Object Management Facility (DOMF), and SunSoft's Distributed Objects Everywhere (DOE) project.
Officials said a set of common distributed object interfaces will let software developers and information systems managers build applications across multiple open computing environments, and move them one to another.
Applications will have to be recompiled to move from one of the platforms to another, said Mike Matthews, product marketing manager for HP's distributed computing program, but no changes to source code will be required.
IBM, HP, and SunSoft said they plan to provide common interfaces for software developers at the Object Request Broker (ORB) and Object Services levels.
The ORB is a mechanism by which objects transparently make requests and receive responses across the network. All objects use Object Services for communication, identification, consistent use, and management. The ORB interfaces will comply with the OMG's Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) specification and the Object Services will be based on the three companies' submissions to the OMG.
Some of the technology is in place today, Matthews said, while other pieces will appear over the coming year. The project does not have a fixed completion date, he said, because OMG standards are still evolving.
The companies plan to make the interface specifications publicly available and offer them to the OMG for inclusion in future specifications. Officials said they hope the agreement will speed adoption of OMG-compliant technology by helping developers get more from their development investments.
The deal complements the Common Open Software Environment (COSE) initiative announced earlier this year by a group of vendors including IBM, HP, and Sunsoft. Matthews said this alliance is "very much within the spirit of COSE," though not directly dependent on work being done under the COSE initiative.
(Grant Buckler/19930617/Press Contact: Rob Crawley, IBM, 914 766-3963; Lynne Hanson, Hewlett-Packard, 408-447-1415; Laura Ramsey, SunSoft, 415-336-0739)
447-1415; Laura Ramsey, SunSoft, 415-336-0739)
6/18/93
IBM, HP, Sunsoft In Object-Oriented Alliance
GENERAL
Andest Targets Market For Zero P
MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- After more than a year in the market-place, Andest Communications' zero power modem (ZPM) is still the only approved line-powered modem on sale in the UK. As a result, the modem manufacturer claims that it has had a unique chance to examine the market into which the device is selling.
According to Andest, the ZPM is selling into three markets: the notebook or laptop PC user who wants to save space and weight on the ZPM over power supply unit (PSU) or battery-equipped powered modems; original equipment manufacturer applications that only have a limited amount of power available to driver peripherals; and in telemetry.
Of the three markets into which ZPM is selling, telemetry is perhaps the most interesting, since meteorological stations and the like are frequently unmanned and set up to operate automatically in remote operations. This requires a high degree of reliance on the modem, which, since it is line-powered, has very little to go wrong.
Tony Sellers, who commissioned the research, reckons that the real growth in the market for ZPMs will come from resellers and systems integrators who will be able build the ZPM into a wide range of innovative solutions.
"It's a problem-solving type of product," he said, adding that, once people realize that you can power up a modem from a phone line "they start thinking of all the applications which this makes possible."
"We recognize there will always be some engineering required to provide a total solution and we have set up a ZPM integration group at Milton Keynes specifically to address this," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930618/Press & Public Contact: Andest Communications Tel: 0908-263300)
act: Andest Communications Tel: 0908-263300)
6/18/93
Andest Targets Market For Zero Power Modem
TELECOM
Olivetti Self Service Multimedia
MILAN, ITALY, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Imagine going down to your local bank branch and, even though the branch is closed, sliding your card through the door lock and entering a video lobby where you can browse a video booth and even talk to headquarters bank staff via a live video link.
You're talking about the multimedia kiosk, a state of the art multimedia center in a photo-style booth that the San Paolo Institute, one Italy's largest retail banking groups, is trialling at three locations around Italy. Plans call to extend the service to 300 branches by the end of the year.
The kiosk was developed by Olivetti and, according to the Italian electronics giant, is the first application of the technology in the world. The trial kiosks allow customers to have access to 20 or more services, ranging from routine bank enquiries to browsing estate agent catalogues in real time.
Information is presented to the customer in a multimedia format integrating videos, still images, text, graphics and sound onto a few video screens. Control of the system is via a 14 inch color touch-screen. At any time during the local browse mode, the customer presses a special on-screen "button" and a small video image pops up in the top corner of the screen. This area is usually filled by a customer representative of the service being browsed who can talk to the customer using a telephone handset if required.
Jerry Cahill, Olivetti UK's finance division manager, said that this first application of the technology has been designed to act a remote counselling service for banks and building societies to improve customer service and reduce costs.
"It enables financial institutions to centralize finance specialists while maintaining the level of service to the branch. The system today can deliver the capability of having an 'expert' in every branch," he said.
Given the increasing emphasis placed by financial services organizations on improving customer services and pro-active point of information and marketing systems, we expect to see kiosks like this become commonplace across Europe," he said.
The heart of the Italian multimedia kiosk is an Olivetti PC, linked to the headquarters using an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection. All video and audio links go through the ISDN connection.
The aim of the system is to cut down the need to staff all bank branches with high caliber specialist staff. By concentrating resources centrally, accessible over a free link, for use when required, the cost of banking services can be brought down, both Olivetti and bank are claiming.
(Steve Gold/19930618/Press & Public Contact: Olivetti UK - tel: 081 780-8232)
Contact: Olivetti UK - tel: 081 780-8232)
6/18/93
Olivetti Self Service Multimedia Kiosk
TRENDS
Canadian Company Offers Multimed
MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- 3D Microcomputers a manufacturer and distributor of PCs and related products, has announced a personal computer with a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive built-in, plus a stereo sound card and external speakers. 3D describes the IPC 486CD/FX as "multimedia-ready."
The new machine has an Intel 486sx microprocessor running at 33 megahertz (MHz), and the standard package includes four megabytes (MB) of memory and a 120-MB hard disk drive. A 200-MB drive is available also, said Chuck Yeung, vice-president of marketing at 3D.
Yeung said he does not view the IPC 486CD/FX as a full-fledged multimedia PC for business applications. It is meant to give home and small business users a sense of what sound hardware and CD-ROM can do for them, he said.
The system will come with a bundle of CD-ROM titles, including: Microsoft Bookshelf '93, a collection of seven popular reference books; the multimedia edition of the Microsoft Works for Windows integrated software; the 21-volume Grolier's Encyclopedia on CD-ROM; and the Microsoft Multimedia Pack, a CD of graphics, clip art, games, and utilities.
MS-DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1, and Microsoft's Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Project software are also preloaded.
The system has a 14-inch Super VGA color monitor, a Microsoft mouse, a Sound Wonder stereo sound card, and external speakers. It uses an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) system bus with seven expansion slots, has one internal and five external drive bays, and comes with 128K bytes of external cache memory. The chassis is a mini-tower type with a 200-watt power supply.
The suggested retail price is C$2,579. 3D is focusing on the Canadian market, Yeung said, but is also looking at the United States. Sales in many international markets will have to wait until the CD-ROM titles bundled with the machine are available in other languages, he added.
(Grant Buckler/19930618/Press Contact: Chuck Yeung, 3D Microcomputers, 416-479-8822, fax 416-479-7688)
crocomputers, 416-479-8822, fax 416-479-7688)
6/18/93
Canadian Company Offers Multimedia-Ready PC
T ~
Cognos Allies With Database Vend
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Cognos has announced alliances with four major database software vendors. The maker of application development and decision support software, which has dual headquarters in Ottawa and in Burlington Massachusetts, announced collaborative business alliances with Informix, Ingres, Oracle, and Sybase.
Cognos officials said the company views these alliances as strategic steps in addressing the client-server application development market. Products from the four database companies are largely used on servers in client-server systems.
Cognos' desktop query tool, Impromptu 2.0, and its PowerPlay 3.0 desktop executive information system software, can already read data from all four vendors' databases. These deals will lead to closer ties between PowerHouse, Cognos' application development software, and the four databases, said Michael Greeley, a spokesman for Cognos.
The first fruit of the alliances is expected to be tighter integration with Sybase in a new release of PowerHouse for Unix systems this fall, Greeley said. Over the coming year, similar links to the other databases will come to market.
Greeley said that in the past Cognos viewed the database vendors as competitors, but is now looking on them as partners. "Database independence has become a prerequisite to a lot of the big decisions," he said.
Under the terms of the alliances Cognos can participate in the database firms' beta testing programs and be involved in joint marketing projects such as technical fairs and seminars. Cognos will also get preferred terms on software licenses, support, and training. Its membership in Sybase's Synergy program for independent software vendors also includes access to on-line technical information.
(Grant Buckler/19930618/Press Contact: Michael Greeley, Cognos 617-229-6600)
Michael Greeley, Cognos 617-229-6600)
6/18/93
Cognos Allies With Database Vendors
Philly Area Depending on BBSs
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) The Delaware Valley is hoping computer bulletin board technology can put its economic development into high gear.
A new BBS using Galacticomm's Major BBS is going online as a pilot program of the Ben Franklin Technology Center in Southeastern Pennsylvania. But Newsbytes has learned that's just a first step. A spokesman for the center said the group is also looking toward developing a higher-capacity board that will serve the entire region, capable of handling hundreds of simultaneous phone calls. The largest BBSs in North America, Canada Remote and Exec-PC, handle just about 200 calls at once.
The initial board is called the "Strategy 21 Network" and is designed for economic development officials. Like most business boards, it offers e-mail and databases. Newsbytes was told that Major BBS was used in part for access to the Raster Image Processing, or RIP, technology the company implemented in February. RIP, since implemented by Mustang Software for its Wildcat BBS and Qmodem communication programs, gives the board a more graphic look -- more like Microsoft Windows, we were told.
The idea is that people using the board can coordinate their economic development efforts. Participants include Bell of Pennsylvania, local utilities, and local development authorities. The host system is provided by PenCycle, managed by Pennsylvania Recycling Council.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930618/Press Contact: Phillip A. Singerman Ben Franklin Technology Center, 215-382-0380)
echnology Center, 215-382-0380)
6/18/93
Philly Area Depending on BBSs
TELECOM
Big Future Seen For Adobe Acroba
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Business Link, a service bureau which uses fast ISDN data lines to collect print jobs from magazines and designers, said it will use the new Portable Document Format, or PDF, of Adobe Acrobat.
Michael Schoolnik, the company's vice president-business development, told Newsbytes he sees a big future for the format. Current customers send files using ISDN and Switched 56 fast-data services, he said. "We're finding these publishers' subscribers could read the publication online if they also have a subscription" using the format.
"It's a young idea, and we're trying not to over-do it, but we're talking about having these files on our server, telling our clients about other clients' files, so they can read it or download it." As a practical matter, "Our customers are designers, ad agencies, and packagers. They could have changes made before publication, if necessary." This would save "make goods" on botched ads, by letting the buyers proofread exactly what's about to be printed, he speculated.
To become practical, however, anyone looking at the .PDF file would have to be downloading it with a fast digital service, not a regular modem. "You can't read a PDF file well online using a modem," he said, so "It's going to take time" before this becomes a practical offer.
Schoonick emphasized to Newsbytes that, for now, this is a very small network, because so few people use ISDN or Switched 56 services. "We have deployed maybe 50 ISDN lines. There are ad agencies, service bureaus and designers. That's a very small network. I don't want this to be more than it is. But as we sell more lines in New York, we will be able to offer previews."
He added, "We're still trying to educate the phone companies. We don't want to mislead people at all." It will take time for Acrobat to make its mark online.
Meanwhile, Knight-Ridder's PressLink service announced plans to use Acrobat for creating new online offerings. PressLink was originally launched in 1985 as a means of distributing text and graphics among the company's newspaper, but was turned into a stand-alone service in 1989 for distribution of electronic documents. PressLink offers an extensive on-line database of photos, graphics and text, mainly to newspapers. PressLink has also added an Acrobat bulletin board to its on-line Media Mall. The company also plans to make Media Express and PressLink available in Acrobat format later this year. PressLink has a total subscriber base of 3,000 people at more than 950 customer sites.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930618/Press Contact: Adobe Systems, Linda Prosser, 415/962-3840; PressLink, Todd Carter, 703/758-1745; Business Link, Michael Schoolnik, 212/268-0777)
k, Michael Schoolnik, 212/268-0777)
6/18/93
Big Future Seen For Adobe Acrobat
TRENDS
Compaq Signs First Asia-Wide Sys
Windows World: Virtuoso 2.0 From
Two West Coast Conferences For D
Pyramid's ServiceExpert Frees Sy
Community Chest Benefits From Su
First Major Private Phone Exchan
Prodigy Pushes Into Cable
Softech Wins DoD Info Management
PenMagic Updates Applications
Zia Intros Hard Disk Drive Devel
Sun Sets On World Cup Soccer 199
Japan - NTT's Digital Net Reache
Database World - Borland To Upsi
Energis Scores BBC Broadcast Net
Comcast Cellular Offers New Serv
AT&T Ships PassageWay
Motorola Launches Chip Ad Campai
Novell Fault-Tolerant Disk Array
Comcast Cellular Offers New Serv
WAYNE, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Comcast, one of the first companies to combine ownership of cable, cellular and telephone properties, moved to enhance its Philadelphia-area cellular service with information services and a voice-dialing system. In the Delaware Valley, Comcast does business as Metrophone.
The info services are now available at *411 -- the * or star key is often used by cellular phone companies to initiate a call to a special computerized information system. As its name implies 411 is designed as a cellular replacement to the 411 number used to get phone numbers through wired networks. But Comcast is offering more. The service, Comcast Connect, offers listings by city or street as well as type of business, so if you want a pizza, the service can find you a delivery truck in your area. In addition, Comcast operators stay on the line until the call goes through, and even connect a customer to another number if the first listing isn't what they wanted.
Comcast also began testing a voice-activated dialing system called VoiceTouch. After a summer-long test with 300 customers the company hopes to roll it out as a commercial service by the fall, and introduce it in other Comcast marketers later in the year. The service lets customers store a personal voice directory, so they can speak the words "call office" and have the system dial their office number automatically. Or you can say the digits you want to dial, and the system will dial them automatically. Comcast said its VoiceTouch can recognize a subscriber's voice if they're ill, and refine recognition of the directory for faster operation.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- By Dana Blankenhorn. In the last week, studies in both Australia and the US have shown that people who work at home are just as productive as their office-bound counterparts, even drinking less and taking fewer drugs.
I've been working at home for 10 years, so my reaction is something like this: "Duh-uh." And the latest studies just touch on the advantages. My neighborhood is safer because burglars are never sure when I'll be in or out. My wife, who has a desk job knows she can rely on me for chores like food shopping, cooking or picking up the kids when she has to work late. All this makes for less stress.
For me, however, the best part of telecommuting is I'm my own boss. I'm a one-man business doing what I want, when I want. One of my favorite jokes is that, in the 1950s when I was a kid, dad went to work while mom and the kids stayed home. Now, in the 1990s, dad stays home while mom and the kids go to work, or in their case a day care center.
But the real reason many companies are saying nice things about telecommuting today is more pernicious. They want to pay us less. As an independent contractor, I'm responsible for taking taxes out of my own checks, and I'd have to buy health insurance if my wife's job didn't come with it. I do piece work, and when I'm not actually pounding the typewriter -- if I'm getting a cup of coffee or going to the bathroom -- I'm not making money. All this fits in well with business' drive to "temp" the American workforce. By turning us all into independent contractors big business can pay only for the work we do, and not for our presence. Unlike some people, I'm not dumping on this trend it's just something we as "employees" or "contractors" need to deal with, in how we price our services and how we look at those we serve.
But there are some things which must change if more of us are to work at home, especially with computers. We need to change some local zoning laws which currently discourage telecommuting. We need to change some labor laws which assume people working at home are doing cheap piece-work labor. More important, we need to upgrade the electrical and phone systems coming into our homes and for that we need help from utilities. I want ISDN, and I still don't have it, and I want it at a price I can afford.
But all this can be worked out. If you're locked in an office consider this. I'm wearing my usual summer work uniform, a gimme t-shirt and shorts. I just stopped for an egg and watched a comedy show on the cable. I'm heading from here to my kids' "father's day lunch" at day-care. And I'm probably making more money than you are. If you work with your head, in other words it doesn't matter where you are. You can be productive, and you can make a living. Think about it.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930618)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930618)
6/18/93
Editorial - Working At Home
EDITORIAL
TRENDS
Internet Services For Libraries
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- It sounds too good to be true -- open DRANET, an Internet-linked service offering magazine full-text and index databases, and new databases from Cambridge Scientific Abstracts. Technically, any Internet account can access DRANET, and any DRANET subscriber can access other Internet services.
But wait. This is too good to be true, admits Joe Bonwich of DRA. DRANet has just 50 members, all of them university libraries. To access the service, you must have a Z39.50 client software package and Internet connection. Despite the fact that increasing numbers of homes and businesses have Internet access "You can't get to it from a home computer. It's a library to library, host to host system. It's set up so libraries can tap into periodical indexes and share databases."
And that won't change. "We don't sell it to businesses. The product is available only to libraries right now. Businesses are tricky. There are some PC-based systems setting up client Z39.50 access. If they have that the business can purchase access from that. You can call for a price from us. The price is in the thousands to access the network, and add-in prices of $500-$2,000 per year for the databases. Butler University in Indianapolis and the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Public Library are the latest libraries to subscribe to Open DRANET, bringing the total to 51. But despite the name, it's not that open.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930618/Press Contact:Joe Bonwich, Data Research Associates, 314-432-1100)
esearch Associates, 314-432-1100)
6/18/93
Internet Services For Libraries
TELECOM
Bellcore Offers System for Natio
RED BANK, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Bellcore, the research arm of the regional Bell companies, wants to help those companies get into more long distance services. To that end, it's released what it calls a technical document on a system called Message Transport and Routing Service. MTRS would be offered to messaging services providers on a national basis, starting at a July 1 Industry Forum hosted by NYNEX, the regional Bell for New York and New England.
MTRS enables a messaging subscriber to use one telephone number to transmit an electronic message in any media, whether voice, e mail or fax, from one mail system to another, regardless of the system's provider. MTRS SR-INS-002662, which describes the system, contains feature definitions, describes how the service can operate in conjunction with existing messaging systems, and contains two possible national network architectures that could support MTRS. It's aimed at suppliers of messaging service equipment, big businesses, governmental agencies, universities and information service providers who might use the system, as well as local and long-distance telephone companies.
Generally, the Bell companies have been frustrated in their efforts to offer much more than local wired service or cellular service. The Bells blame regulations which keep them out of the long distance markets, although despite their huge capacity for handling data they've been unable to crack such markets as frame relay and X.25 data networking in a big way.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930618/Press Contact: Bellcore, Barbara McClurken, 201/740-6467 )
ct: Bellcore, Barbara McClurken, 201/740-6467 )
6/18/93
Bellcore Offers System for National Messaging
TELECOM
IBM Ready To Launch PC-DOS 6.1
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- IBM will launch its own version of MS-DOS 6.0. The package will be known as PC-DOS 6.1 and will be issued as part of Big Blue's ongoing licensing arrangement with Microsoft, Newsbytes head learned.
The official unveiling of PC-DOS will be at PC Expo, which opens next week in New York. Similar announcements are planned from other IBM headquarters around the world.
Steve Walker, IBM UK's marketing programs manager, said that PC-DOS 6.1 solves a large number of problems that early users of MS-DOS 6.0 reported, including some of the conflicts with other TSR (terminate and stay resident) packages. A new version of Memmaker, the DOS 6.0 memory manager, is included in PC-DOS 6.1, which has been updated to take account of other memory managers in active use, such as Quarterdeck's QEMM, version 7.0 of which was released earlier this year.
Pricing on PC-DOS 6.1 has yet to be finalized, although US executives with IBM, discussing the package with a group of UK journalists at its Austin, Texas, headquarters, said that the eventual price will probably be within $5 or $10 of the Microsoft RRP of MS-DOS 6.0.
The extra price will enable IBM to ship a full suite of utilities with PC-DOS 6.1, such as Central Point's Anti Virus, rather than the stripped-down utilities. According to Walker, this will greatly simplify IBM's planned 24-hour support line operations.
"Our aim to provide 24-hour support for this version of DOS has taken some organizing. We have direct links with the producers of the utilities and, quite frankly, if we are offering a full version of the utility, it makes life a hell of a lot easier for our guys to be able to offer support," he told Newsbytes.
One interesting feature of PC-DOS 6.1 is its ability to offer customized error message management. This feature is for IBM's resellers, who will be expected to customize the error messages to dovetail in with other IBM-supplied software.
(Steve Gold/19930618/Press & Public Contact: IBM UK - Tel: 071-928-1777)
act: IBM UK - Tel: 071-928-1777)
6/18/93
IBM Ready To Launch PC-DOS 6.1
H r
EC Finally Approves HDTV Funding
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- It's taken more than a year but the European Commission has finally agreed its proposed high definition television (HDTV) project with the British Government.
The EC's original plan to invest around a billion European Currency Units (ECUs) was knocked back time and again by the British MPs (member of parliament) and officials at various meetings. This week's last ditch attempt to offer European TV companies 228 million ECUs over the next few years, provided they develop a European digital HDTV system, appears to have met with British approval.
According to Hanja Maij-Weggen, the Dutch public works minister, the British have climbed down on their original objections that a Euro HDTV system was unworkable. Sources close to the EC suggest that a last-minute switch-around of British ministers may have a lot to do with the change of heart.
Maij-Weggen was quoted in the British media as saying that Patrick McLoughlin, the replacement for Edward Leigh, in the EC discussions was a lot more cooperative and constructive than his predecessor.
Interviewed on British TV, McLoughlin was adamant that he had not conceded anything that Leigh has not. He said that Britain's views on the subject of HDTV technology had changed because the EC had agreed that Japanese TV companies, such as Sony, would have a chance to receive the investment funding.
Final details of the plan will be thrashed out over the next six weeks, now that the EC has agreed the project in principle. The good news is that the EC's original plans to develop the analog MAC HDTV system (DMAC) have now been dropped in favor of all-digital technology.
Another key feature of the deal is that the EC will not hand over its cash to the TV companies without a firm commitment that every dollar the EC invests will at least be matched by another dollar from other sources.
(Steve Gold/19930618)
m other sources.
(Steve Gold/19930618)
6/18/93
EC Finally Approves HDTV Funding Project
Comdex - Mustang Intros Rip-Base
Comdex - Epson Intros Progressio
IBM Out To Raise $3 Billion
Comdex: Next Tries To Take Next
GEnie Clarifies Details Of Rate
Breakthrough Ruggedized Computer
NEC To Produce 4Mb DRAM In China
Computerland Introduces Chinese
LaserData Document Management Fo
Electronic Mail Conf - Motorola
Hard Copy Consumables Conference
Database World - DataEase Upgrad
TDK Supplying Mini-Disks To Koni
IBM Desktop OS Strategy Has Four
Egghead's First Software Develop
Software Developer's To Buy PC T
HINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- The Software Developer's Co. Inc., said it has signed a letter of intent to buy California-based Personal Computing Tools Inc. (PC Tools), for an undisclosed amount of SDC common stock.
PC Tools, a privately owned catalog distributor of PC-based software and specialty hardware products for engineers scientists, and technicians, has annual revenues of about $3 million, officials said. Software Developer's has revenues of about $34 million per year, company spokesman Steven Oremland said.
Software Developer's expects to complete the deal by the end of June.
The deal will help Software Developer's expand beyond its current business -- supplying tools to programmers -- into a "much larger niche" in the scientific and engineering market, Oremland said. He said that market comprises about five million people, and PC Tools has a strong presence there. Company officials said they expect continued growth in the market.
SDC will add PC Tools' catalog to its line of direct marketing vehicles and add more products to it.
The company plans to integrate PC Tools' California-based operations into its own in Massachusetts. Oremland said it appears unlikely that any of PC Tools' 13 employees will be offered jobs with his firm.
(Grant Buckler/19930618/Press Contact: Steven L. Oremland, The Software Developer's Co., 617-740-0300)
oftware Developer's Co., 617-740-0300)
6/18/93
Software Developer's To Buy PC Tools
BUSINESS
Japan - Matsushita & Hitachi Dev
US West Renews Random Access PC
Japanese Windows 3.1 Debuts
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clea
Australian Study Shows Telecommu
Tetra Announces Plans To Attack
Judge To Fine White House Over E
Stacker 3.1 Ships, Requires MS-D
Fifth Generation's Fastback Plus
Sound, PCMCIA Available For X Wi
Jury Vindicates ULSI, Intel Head
Jurisoft DirectConnect Links WP
Editorial - Working At Home
Australian Bounty Hunters Active
Software Developer's To Buy PC T
EC Finally Approves HDTV Funding
IBM Canada Offers 30-Day Free Tr
MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- In an effort to get more buyers interested in its PS/ValuePoint line of personal computers, IBM Canada is trying a new tack: allowing potential customers to try one free for 30 days.
IBM Canada is mailing out an offer to about 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses across Canada, drawing on names of those who have inquired about the ValuePoint PCs in the past as well as a purchased mailing list, a spokesman for the company said. The first 300 to respond and meet some basic requirements will get a ValuePoint to try out for a month.
To qualify, potential customers have to be registered for the federal Goods and Services Tax -- a simple way of indicating that they operate some kind of business -- and pass a basic credit check, the spokesman said.
The offer covers all ValuePoint models except those in the mini-tower chassis, which are in short supply, he said.
After 30 days, the customer will have the option of buying the machine or returning it to IBM and paying nothing.
The ValuePoint machines, launched last year, are IBM's attempt to lure price-conscious buyers back from the lower-priced compatible machines that have eaten into the company's share of the PC market in recent years.
The free-trial offer is a Canadian innovation that IBM has not tried elsewhere, the spokesman said.
(Grant Buckler/19930618/Press Contact: Steve Wright, Atkins & Ellis for IBM Canada, 416-368-6880; David Keating, IBM Canada 416-946-4185)
16-368-6880; David Keating, IBM Canada 416-946-4185)
6/18/93
IBM Canada Offers 30-Day Free Trial Of ValuePoints
Canada Unitel Signs Amway To Hel
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Unitel Communications Inc., the national Canadian carrier that got the regulatory green light last year to offer long-distance service in competition with established telephone companies, has signed a marketing deal with Amway, the US-based direct sales organization.
The deal is similar to one that exists between Amway and MCI Communications, an American long-distance company. Stephanie MacKendrick, a spokeswoman for Unitel, said that deal has proved to be MCI's biggest source of residential long-distance business and Unitel hopes working with Amway will do as much for its own sales.
Amway describes itself as a "network marketing company." It signs up individuals as representatives, and they then sell Amway products. The 34-year-old Michigan-based firm claims sales of more than $3 billion annually, with one million representatives in 50 countries and territories worldwide.
Amway Canada has about 100,000 representatives across Canada MacKendrick said, and their distribution closely matches the areas in which Unitel provides long-distance service.
Amway representatives won't sell Unitel's services, but will simply tell their customers about them and leave it up to the customers to contact Unitel, MacKendrick said.
MacKendrick acknowledged that Amway may have a poor image with some people because of past questions about its sales practices but denied that this could reflect badly on Unitel. "I know in the past there have been some issues with Amway," she said, "but they have been well sorted out."
She added that in making the deal, Unitel insisted that Amway follow practices laid down by the Canadian Direct Marketing Association, such as refraining from contacting people who have placed their names on lists indicating they do not want to be approached by direct marketers.
Canada Unitel Signs Amway To Help Sell Long-Distance
TELECOM
H ,
Canadian Piracy Battle Heats Up
The Enabled Computer - Computers
Sun Units Ship Enhanced SunLink,
Dial-Up Network Link For Mobile
Software Toolworks Posts 4Qtr Lo
CA Swamped With Calls For Free S
I Want My IMTV, Say Top Hollywoo
VSLI Intros 486 Chipset For Note
Database World - Red Brick Wareh
Cognos Plans PowerHouse For NT,
Champion Accounting Package Adds
RadioMail Winner Files From Elvi
Internet Services For Libraries
Miniature PCs Debut From Proside
International Telecoms Update
Seybold - Apple's 1st Demo EZ TV
3Com Slashes UK Pricing by 15%
India - Autodesk Sets Up 100 Tra
SRI Report On Security In Cybers
Review of - Hot Links, Guide To
From: Osborne McGraw Hill
Runs on: Disks run on IBM PC/AT (286 or higher) running DOS
Price: $29.95 in the US.
PUMA Rating: 4 on a scale 1=lowest to 4=highest
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Paul Zucker 06/18/93
Summary: This book by Mark Eppley and David Hakala also includes three communications utilities on a 3.5" disk. It comes from the developer of the well-known LapLink software. It not only explains just about everything you ever wanted to know about connecting PCs together, but it also has software for connecting PCs and transferring files without a network.
======
REVIEW
======
There's no such thing as a simple way to connect PCs. Anyone who has ever tried to install a network or get a modem working knows that there is a series of annoying little problems waiting to pop up, one by one. And the more software and hardware you have installed in the PC, the more chance there is of some sort of conflict that prevents things from working.
For instance, do you really understand what interrupts are? Can you have the same interrupt for two logical devices in the machine? How fast can you send data over a wire? Will that high speed modem really send data at 50,000 bits per second?
The chapter headings in Hot Links are: Basic linking know how - parallel and serial communications; Sharing printers among several PCs; Linking PCs to exchange files and electronic mail; Sharing files - three types of local area networks; Long distance linking - modems and online services; Linking laptop computers at home and on the road; Linking DOS-based PCs and Macintoshes; Linking PCs to mainframes; Wireless links; New linking challenges - little tiny computers; Installing Hot Links Software; Using Desk Connect; Using File Manager; Using Lapwrite.
The last four chapters refer to the software included with the book, on a 3.5" diskette. The first program lets you link two PCs by a simple cable (which is available by mail order for $20). The second is a file manager that is equally useful in moving files and directories around on a single machine or two machines connected by Desk Connect. The last is a lean word processor for use on laptop computers.
Although a proportion of the book covers modem communications and associated topics such as bulletin boards and dial-up information services, the information covered is much wider in scope. It ranges from the basic concepts that help users understand why something isn't working correctly, to a good coverage of the way things are moving and what we should expect in the next couple of years. These topics include cellular phone communications, infra-red and wireless communications, hand held PCs and personal assistants.
This is the sort of book that you don't mind reading from cover to cover, and then refer to when a problem arises. Many people will find it useful in broadening their understanding of what can and can't be achieved. Others will skip the basic explanations of computer principles but find much of value in topics such as UARTs or network cables types.
There is a hefty resource directory in the back of the book. It lists the contact details for dozens of computer companies mentioned in the book. And at the very back of the book is a mini mail-order catalog of Travelling Software products such as LapLink cables, specialist linking packages and the famous Road Warrior Toolkit which can be used for getting access to just about any phone system (in a nice way, of course).
(Paul Zucker/19930610)
a nice way, of course).
(Paul Zucker/19930610)
6/18/93
Review of - Hot Links, Guide To Linking Computers
REVIEW
GENERAL
Review of - Career Opportunities
Runs on: MS-DOS-compatible computer with CD-ROM player, 512K RAM memory available, MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, MS-DOS version 2.11 or higher.
From: Quanta Press Inc., 1313 Fifth Street SE, Suite 208C Minneapolis, MN 55414. 612-379-3956 voice or 612-623-4570 fax
Price: $70
PUMA Rating: 4 on a scale 1=lowest to 4=highest
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Rick Bender, 06/18/93
Summary: Career Opportunities on CD-ROM is an excellent way to explore your qualifications for a college major or job field with ease and speed and to view detailed job descriptions for federal and private employment.
======
REVIEW
======
As a college senior about to enter the job market, I found Career Opportunities on CD-ROM to be a great help in searching quickly and easily through the mountains of information describing a wide range of careers. Career Opportunities provides addresses and contact people for those looking for a position in the near future, and, if you're looking for a more immediate, temporary position, the job profiles include list contacts for internships and summer job possibilities.
Using Career Opportunities, you can search databases for key words or phrases related to your occupation or field of interest in my case, journalism. Typing "journalism" at the prompt yielded a wealth of information related to reporting, writing and editing, such as: job description, working conditions average incomes, job outlook, education requirements, breakdown of regional employment, contacts, and other information.
I found the "personality characteristics" section of the Career Opportunities profile, which lists some traits of people who will be successful at a career in a particular field, very useful in helping me narrow my search within the very broad field of journalism. It also helped me consider more carefully how my temperament, not just my writing abilities, would fit in (or not fit in) sufficiently with the nature of the work to let me become a successful journalist.
The list of contacts included at the end of each job occupation description can be very helpful in finding just whom to go to for further information/hiring possibilities.
Under "government careers" in the majors/areas of study subheading, you can read about each government agency related to your field, its history, and employment possibilities. This is a lucrative possibility since there are about 17 million federal state, and local government employees. Career Opportunities also lists government pay levels and educational requirements for some occupations.
Career Opportunities is very easy to use, because all you have to do is enter the key word you want to search for and press Enter. The menus explain the rest to you as you go.
I would recommend Career Opportunities to any high school or college student wanting to find out more about his/her field of interest. College students in particular will find this reference CD-ROM useful because of the "additional information" entries and contact addresses and numbers.
===========
PUMA Rating
===========
PERFORMANCE: 4 Quick and easy to use.
USEFULNESS: 4 A good reference tool to find out more about many careers.
MANUAL: 4 Very brief, but complete and easy to follow.
AVAILABILITY: 4 Mail order direct from Quanta, Bureau of Electronic Publishing, and many other CD-ROM dealers.
(Rick Bender/19930611/Press Contact: Mark Foster, Quanta Press 612-379-3956 voice or 612-623-4570 fax)
ress 612-379-3956 voice or 612-623-4570 fax)
6/18/93
Review of - Career Opportunities on CD-ROM
REVIEW
Comdex: OS/2 Versus NT; The Insi
MCI Improves Links With The Inte
Zoomer Specifics
Bell Atlantic Details CDPD Plans
Framebuilder For HP/Motif
SoftArc Adds FirstClass BBS Clie
Support For Clinton Trade Stand
International Phone Update
Microsoft Shipping Mail Gateway
Sega Gets Into Theme Parks
Electronic Mail Conf - Object Tr
Dell Takes New Road In Russia
BT Lands BP International Dataco
Control Data Systems' New E-Mail
Japan's UCOM Vice Chair Comments
Lotus, MCI In Mail Alliance
New Names Floated For FCC Posts
Austin Computer Systems Announce
PDA Market To Reach 3.5 Million
Enterprise '93 - Bull's New Stra
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Groupe Bull is repositioning itself to take advantage of its key strengths in the changing global marketplace of the 90s, officials of the Paris based global corporation said yesterday at Enterprise '93, an international conference being held this week in Boston.
Cosponsored by Groupe Bull, the Open Software Foundation (OSF), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Enterprise '93 is aimed at helping to demystify the information technology decision making process for selected top executives of companies from around the world.
About 7000 executives are attending the event, along with members of the worldwide computer, business and general press. In a press briefing yesterday, Groupe Bull strategists told journalists that the corporation's historical focus on proprietary mainframe and minicomputer systems has been replaced by a new emphasis on systems integration and multivendor open systems support.
Groupe Bull encompasses US-based Bull HN, as well as Zenith Data Systems Corp. (ZDS), Bull SA France, Bull SA Europe, and Bull Systems Products. Of Bull's $5.7 billion in revenues for 1992, 38% were derived from France, 36% from elsewhere in Europe, 20% from North America, and 6% from other regions of the globe.
Groupe Bull's repositioning involves establishing separate arms for systems integration, open systems support, and maintenance of existing mainframes and minicomputers from Bull and other vendors officials said.
"We've had the image of being a traditional computer company. This repositioning represents a complete rupture from the past," noted Jacques Lebhar, executive vice president, Tour Bull. "If we want to give Europe its best chance in the global marketplace, we must place our hardware and software at the service of integration."
To carry out the repositioning, Bull is drawing on its own expertise in such areas as large and complex systems, databases imaging, transaction processing, and networking, while teaming up with a potpourri of partners, he added.
Donald Callahan, director of Business Technologies Communications told the journalists that Bull's repositioning is being spurred by transformation of the global market from a system-driven to a user centered place.
This change calls for improved customer service, as well as enhanced collaborative efforts, according to Callahan. "We must work with customers to allow information to flow across the infrastructure wherever it's needed," he commented.
Jacques Weber, executive vice president of Groupe Systems and Integration Services, supplied details on the three new operational areas. Bull has instituted systems integration units in each cluster, or group of neighboring countries, serviced by the company, he said.
Each systems integration project is managed by a project manager who selects staff for the project and is ultimately responsible for profitability of the effort. Customer pricing is determined through MOSIC (Management of System Integration Contracts), a system based on risk assessment.
In Europe, three large projects now under way include a flight simulation environment for the French-based CEV (Centre D'Essai en Vol) and defense contracts with NATO in Brussels and Great Britain's Unicom.
In the Unicom contract, Bull is partnering with Northern Telecom and Logica. Bull won the contract, worth $100 million pounds, over two competing parties: IBM (with partner Computer Sciences Associates) and EDS.
Bull's new open systems support unit represents a group effort by Bull North America, Bull UK, and Bull's Amsterdam office, he said. About 7000 employees are involved worldwide.
The new unit for mainframe and minicomputer support, Operation Facilities Management, was launched in France in February. The French unit gained its first customer in May, and entered into its first partnership in June.
"We have similar plans for the US and UK. I cannot tell you more now, but I hope to do so by the end of the year," remarked Weber.
In an interview after the briefing, Chris Kindermans, director of Operations Support Europe for Groupe Systems Integration and Services, told Newsbytes that two other large systems integration contracts Bull holds in Europe include a tax revenue system in Poland and a voting system in Belgium.
The system in Belgium is especially complex, because there are about 14 or 15 different political parties in that country. In the latest elections in Brussels, government officials had to tally the votes for 20 offices and 600 office-seekers, said Kindermans.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930618/Press contact: Debbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
ebbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
6/18/93
Enterprise '93 - Bull's New Strategy For Changing Market
BUSINESS
Enterprise '93 - CIOS Have High
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- In a press briefing at Enterprise '93 yesterday, Deloitte & Touche outlined the results of its fifth annual survey on "Leading Trends in Information Services."
The year 1992 ended on a note of cautious optimism, according to the survey, which was conducted among over 500 CIOs (chief information officers). After three years of persistent malaise the economy showed some faint signs of restored vitality, leaving information executives more hopeful than in the past.
However, respondents' expectations for the future were often greater than reality would seem to merit, H. Thaine Lyman, director of the company's Systems Integrations Center of Expertise, told journalists at the briefing.
Other trends that stood out in the survey included a much higher interest in Windows/Windows NT than in OS/2, an accelerating movement toward superminicomputers, workstations and PCs, and a strong increase in the number of business reengineering projects under way.
About four times as many CIOS rated Windows/Windows NT as more important to their companies than OS/2, and in many industries, the higher interest in the environments from Microsoft was overwhelming.
Well over 80% of the executives in financial services manufacturing, food consumer products, distribution, health care and publishing found Windows/Windows NT to be more important than OS/2. Conversely, only about 60% of the survey participants in the energy, oil and gas businesses gave that response. Interest in Windows/Windows NT was also more muted in the transportation insurance, retail, and banking/thrifts industries.
As a group, the respondents said that just over 60% of all their applications are running on the mainframe, down from about 70% the previous year. Re-engineering initiatives rose even more dramatically, from 1.6 per respondent in 1991 to 4.4 per respondent in 1992.
Reengineering remained most extensive in the fields where it has held sway longest, approaching 6 per respondent, for example, in manufacturing. The initiatives were much less numerous in service businesses, especially in financial services, banking/thrifts, and insurance.
According to Lyman, though, most of the reengineering efforts in manufacturing now fall within service areas -- such as customer service, accounting and finance, and order processing -- perhaps because the manufacturing and product development sides of these businesses have already been reengineered.
But in the area of reengineering, respondents' expectations failed to live up to reality. When asked to rate the expected benefits and actual benefits of re-engineering on a scale of 1 to 10, the executives tended to rank the expected benefits about 1 to 2 points higher.
Lyman added that, in general, many executives are expecting to add new technologies that appear objectively to be outside affordable limits.
For example, the percentage of applications using client-server technology ranged from only about 1% in distribution to just over 10% in financial services. In 1994, though, executives in the distribution sector are expecting more than 20% of their applications to be client/server-based. Those in the financial services sector predict that figure to be over 25%.
Similarly, only about 50% of respondents in all industry areas are now using CASE. Nearly 80%, however, expect to be employing CASE by 1994. Meanwhile, the same respondents projected, on average, an increase of only 1% in departmental budgets for 1993.
Use of handheld computers, the perceived importance of Unix expected and actual benefits of outsourcing, staff turnover rates and areas of personnel shortage are a few of the other areas covered in the extensive report.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930618/Press and reader contact: H. Thaine Lyman, Deloitte & Touche, tel 312-946-3032; Debbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
Debbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
6/18/93
Enterprise '93 - CIOS Have High Expectations, Survey Says
TRENDS
Japan's UCOM Vice Chair Comments
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Little has caused so much attention in the international trade markets as the claims and counter-claims involved in foreign manufacturers' share of Japan's domestic semiconductor market. Following the announcement of first quarter 1993 foreign market share, Hidehiko , senior Japanese industry executive has offered his comments.
Japan's imports of foreign semiconductors into the domestic market dropped from 20.2 percent in the last three months of 1992, to 19.6 percent for the first quarter of 1993.
Yoshida is senior executive vice president of Toshiba and vice chairman of the Electronic Industries Association of Japan Users' Committee of Foreign Semiconductors (UCOM). Yoshida was elected UCOM chairman on May 31, and will take over the post on June 20.
Said Yoshida, "We recognize that the foreign semiconductor market share is influenced to a great extent by a variety of factors including economic conditions in Japan, exchange rates, and the supply capabilities of foreign semiconductor manufacturers. We would like to stress our position that fluctuations in foreign market share figures should not sway sentiments toward satisfaction or disappointment."
The EIAJ and the United States Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) held talks in Tokyo on June 4. As an outcome of that meeting Yoshida said, "We are confident that foreign suppliers fully understand the importance of promoting design-in and constructing long-term relationships to provide the utmost benefits for both semiconductor users and suppliers."
In response to demands by some quarters in the US that the government demand from Japan a 20 percent market share average throughout 1993, Yoshida said, "We could not accept such a demand which could go against the basic approach taken by EIAJ and SIA at the June talks. Adhering to the 1991 Japan-US semiconductor agreement, we will keep working to fulfill its purpose, which is to provide foreign semiconductor suppliers with further market access opportunities in Japan."
As reported previously by Newsbytes, foreign-manufactured microchips made up an estimated 20.2 percent of the total Japanese domestic market for the last quarter of 1992.
Just a week ago Newsbytes reported that SIA's chairman, Gil Amelio who also serves as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of National Semiconductor, issued support for President Clinton's trade policy toward Japan, saying: "In the case of semiconductor trade, a quantitative yardstick to measure progress, and strong government and industry cooperation, along with the industry's commitment to serving the Japanese market, have been essential to the increased market share that has been achieved in Japan."
"The SIA will continue to pursue the program of the past seven years which focuses on increased market share in Japan consistent with our demonstrated competitiveness in world markets. At a time when American semiconductor manufacturers' market share outside Japan is greater than fifty-six percent it is clear that more progress must be made before the Japanese market can truly be considered to operate solely on free market principles."
"There should be no misunderstanding regarding the SIA's resolve to gain greater access to Japan's semiconductor market. There should also be no mistaking our willingness to work in partnership with the US government and seek whatever actions may be needed to ensure continued progress."
(Ian Stokell/19930618)
ensure continued progress."
(Ian Stokell/19930618)
6/18/93
Japan's UCOM Vice Chair Comments On Chip Market Share
Microsoft Awarded $1.1 Million I
TAIPEI, TAIWAN, 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- The Taiwan High Court has ordered a Taiwan company to pay $1.1 million to Microsoft Corporation for counterfeiting Microsoft's MS-DOS 3.3 and 4.01 operating system software.
The settlement is reportedly the largest ever awarded in Taiwan for civil copyright infringement, and was awarded against Datastate Corporation. That company has 20 days to appeal the decision. No one from Datastate was available for comment.
Microsoft Regional Manager Yang Shaw-gang issued a written statement to reporters after the court handed down its decision, saying the judgement was a "clear indication" that pirates would be tracked down and convicted. He said the piracy problem in Taiwan can be alleviated with continued support from the government and police.
About a month ago three Taiwanese were convicted of counterfeiting MS-DOS and Windows software. Two of the offenders received four-year jail terms and a third was sentenced to a two-year term.
On May 1, US trade representative Michael Kantor placed Taiwan on the US government's "priority watch list" of countries suspected of violating American copyrights. The US government has threatened trade sanctions unless Taiwan steps up enforcement of intellectual property rights by the end of July. Some experts believe violations of US copyrights by Taiwanese companies cost American companies more than $700 million last year.
(Jim Mallory/19930618/Press contact: Microsoft Public Relations 206-882-8080)
ress contact: Microsoft Public Relations 206-882-8080)
6/18/93
Microsoft Awarded $1.1 Million In Taiwan Piracy Suit
Dell Sees $1 Billion Revenue Gro
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- Dell Computer Corporation Chairman Michael Dell told the company's shareholders this week that the company expects to increase revenue growth by $1 billion during fiscal year 1994.
"This year (FY 1994) we intend on adding $1 billion of revenue onto our business," Dell told shareholders assembled for the company's annual meeting. The company reported revenues of $2.01 billion in fiscal year 1993.
Dell later told reporters his remarks were not meant as an estimate and that he is comfortable with total revenues for the year of about $3 billion, according to the British news service Reuters.
Dell Computer turned in a disappointing first quarter with earnings for the period of $0.25 per share compared with more than twice that for the same period last year. Dell attributed the first quarter results to problems with the company's notebook computer business and told shareholders the company is taking "aggressive action" to re-build the notebook business. Notebook sales accounted for about six percent of total revenue in the first quarter. Dell said it should be 20 to 25 percent of revenues.
Asked whether Dell would manufacture its own notebook computers or contract with another company, Dell would only say the firm is evaluating various options including those two alternatives. The company recently hired John Medica to rebuild its notebook business and Dell spokesperson Roger Rydell told Newsbytes recently that Medica was in Japan for a week this month talking with potential partners to aid in the rebuilding of Dell's notebook computer business.
One of Medica's first acts was to stop development on most of the dozen or so notebook product designs that were to have been introduced this summer, saying several of the units were deemed too expensive and too slow to bring to market. Rydell wouldn't discuss specific issues that were discussed by Medica and Japanese companies but wouldn't rule out the possibility of an OEM agreement with one or more Japanese manufacturers or a financial partnership. "We're looking for key players who can help us better provide for notebook customers. We haven't limited our thinking. Part of the reason for John's trip was to try to uncover the potentials and make an educated decision as to what kinds of partnerships make the most sense for us," Rydell told Newsbytes.
Speaking about a Securities and Exchange Commission review of the company's currency hedging and trading activities, Chief Financial Officer Tom Meredith said yesterday the company has had "virtually very little contact with the SEC recently."
During the meeting shareholders approved Price Waterhouse as the company's independent auditors for 1994, and approved the 1993 stock option plan as well as certain amendments to the company's 1989 stock option plan. Shareholders also re-elected Michael Dell and Bobby Inman as directors for three-year terms, and elected Michael Jordan to his first three-year term as director.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- While John Sculley says he isn't leaving Apple Computer, he is being replaced as chief executive officer (CEO) by the company's president and chief operating office (COO), Michael Spindler. Sculley's new role appears to be to run around the country, and the world, looking for "new business opportunities" for Apple but analysts are speculating about how bad things are at Apple.
Sculley said in a prepared statement, "My personal interests have long been in defining the opportunities and technologies for Apple in the convergence of computing, communication, and content. There is so much to be done here, and now I will be able to concentrate fully on these activities while Michael runs the company. I am energized by the possibilities for Apple's continuing growth and remain committed to Apple."
The chain of announcements coming from Apple the last few weeks leaves question as to whether or not things are worse than Apple is letting on. The company took what appears to be the final blow in sixty-three months of litigation against Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard in the judge's dismissal of Apple's case. US District Court Judge Vaughn Walker granted a motion on the part of Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard to dismiss the last remaining copyright infringement claims Apple had against the Microsoft Windows operating system versions 2.03 and 3.0 as well as HP Newwave. Apple was suing for $5.5 billion in damages, but the suit never made it to trial. Company representatives say Apple will appeal the decision, but speculation in the computer industry is Apple won't have much of a chance.
At the same time the Judge's decision was announced in the Apple/Microsoft suit, John Sculley was widely reported as saying he suggested IBM purchase Apple. He maintains he made the suggestion when he was interviewed earlier this year by an IBM search committee who was looking for a new CEO for the failing computer giant.
The second week of June, Apple announced stockholders should expect earnings will be lower for the first half of this year than in the same period last year. This was despite the assertion that Macintosh unit sales are up thirty-five percent. Apple blamed the personal computer price wars, saying it had to cut its profit margins to stay in the game.
Just this week, Apple announced price cuts of between nine and eleven percent and rebates on its Macintosh Centris, Macintosh IIvx, Powerbook, and peripheral products. Analysts have downgraded their earnings estimates for Apple and Standard & Poor's said the company's narrower gross margin and higher research and development costs would offset an estimated seven percent revenue gain.
The biggest news was yesterday when Sculley was quoted in a USA Today article stating he was leaving Apple Computer to start a new high-tech venture on the East Coast. Apple representatives denied the report saying it simply wasn't true. "John has no plans to leave Apple. He is 100 percent committed to the company," Apple public relations specialist Kate Paisley told Newsbytes.
Today, however, Apple announced Sculley was being replaced by Spindler as CEO. Spindler was quoted in a release from Apple saying, "John will focus on our outside alliance partners in our emerging businesses. We will continue to work together on technology and product strategies, and he will maintain offices both in California and on the East Coast since many of our new business relationships are in the East and abroad. John and I have crafted so much of Apple's business strategy together and I'm glad that I will be able to continue to count on John's full-time support."
Spindler joined Apple in 1980 as marketing manager for European operations. Prior to joining Apple, he was European marketing manager for Intel Corporation, the company best known for its technology leadership in components for the IBM and compatible PC market. Before working for Intel, Spindler spent eight years as European marketing manager for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and he also has held positions at Schlumberger Ltd and Siemens A.G.
How bad are things at Apple? Dan Ness, an industry analyst with Computer Intelligence, told Newsbytes, "If it was really really bad they would have put Sculley completely out of the company. But the move does suggest they are serious about change at Apple."
Apple knows it is at a critical point, according to Ness. Two things have "caught up" with Apple now -- the strong introduction of Microsoft Windows 3.1 and the PC price wars. These forces have put Apple under tremendous pressure and Apple's answer traditionally has been to explore new territory Ness maintains.
Apple has already started development of Star Trek, which is the Macintosh operating system developed for the Intel platform and is doing more work in the field of telecommunications. Ness pointed to Sculley's comments concerning his new role at Apple noting the words computing, communication, and content and saying a lot could be read into those words.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930618/Press Contact: Christopher Escher Apple Computer, tel 408-974-2202, fax 408-967-5651)
pple Computer, tel 408-974-2202, fax 408-967-5651)
6/18/93
Sculley Out As CEO, How Bad Are Things At Apple?
APPLE
Spectrum HoloByte To Merge With
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 18 (NB) -- As part of a larger trend within the entertainment software industry towards consolidation, Spectrum HoloByte has announced its intention to merge with game fellow game-maker MicroProse.
The deal, worth an estimated $10 million, is not yet completed although the companies hope it will be finalized by June 30.
A report in the Washington Post says that the two companies combined would account for about 17 percent of the market for computer games, excluding cartridges for video games such as Sega and Nintendo. Spectrum holds about four percent, while MicroProse has about 13 percent.
However, MicroProse is cash-strapped and posted a loss for 1992. According to the Post story, Spectrum has already invested $1 million into the company this week, and will put the other $9 million in next week.
Spectrum stands to own about 60 percent of the merged company with MicroProse shareholders owning the rest.
The Post report says that MicroProse owes an estimated $3 to $5 million to Signet Bank, and the bank has agreed to extend a line of credit to the company for daily operations while the merger negotiations continue.
No-one was available for comment at either company by Newsbytes dead-line.
(Ian Stokell/19930618)
sbytes dead-line.
(Ian Stokell/19930618)
6/18/93
Spectrum HoloByte To Merge With MicroProse
BUSINESS
Australian Koala Habitat Databas
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has a new computer database that identifies koala habitats in Australia. The $225,000 system is being called one of the most useful tools ever developed for wildlife preservation.
The koala is a huggable bear that is noted for its vacant seemingly smiling face. In fact, the animal spends most of its life in a semi intoxicated state, owing to the constantly fermenting eucalyptus leaves in its digestive system. The koala, which has become an endangered species recent times, in is an extremely popular "national mascot" in Australia.
The computer system has been produced with assistance from Hewlett Packard, Ingres and Genasys II. The next stage in the project is Koala Habitat Atlas, which will be a Unix-based Genamap software system running on HP computers. Spatial data on all aspects of the relevant areas is being donated by the Land Information Center.
Funding has been secured for the next phase, which covers the Tweed region, from a number of Australian organizations and an American zoo consortium co-ordinated by San Diego Zoo.
The introduction of the database means that, for the first time there will be a comprehensive information resource on the Koala including data on the species' fragmented habitats, its population numbers, feeding patterns and migratory habits.
This information may lead to the species being removed from the Endangered Species List as rare and vulnerable in the state of New South Wales. Information collected in the field will be added to the Land Information Center's spatial data to produce the most complete and accurate compendium on the animal and its habitat. The information includes tree communities being used by the animals location of fecal pellets and ranging behavior.
The map will give invaluable evidence to planners in regions where to date there is only anecdotal evidence as to the presence of the shy and hard-to-see animals. 80 percent of the remaining koala habitat is on private land. It is believed that unless there is a co-ordinated regional strategic plan to maintain the koala's habitat it is futile to try to protect small patches of the animal.
For this reason, confining the koalas to patches in small national parks is not the solution. A koala can travel over 50km in two weeks which can take it well outside the protection of the national parks system, a problem similar to the African elephant. The atlas project is designed to identify the areas which are crucial to the Koala's survival and how to integrate this into the spread of human population.
(Paul Zucker/19930621/Contact: Australian Koala Foundation on phone 61-7-229 7233 or fax +61-7-221 0337)
ndation on phone 61-7-229 7233 or fax +61-7-221 0337)
6/21/93
Australian Koala Habitat Database Aids Conservation
GENERAL
Japan - NEC PC-VAN Connects Govt
Software Toolworks To Intro 29 P
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unreg
Apple Gearing Publishing, Teleco
RightBrain Software Intros Exact
Roundup - Stories Carried By Oth
Intel Claims $1 Billion In Damag
Dell Seeks Japanese Portables Pa
Wordperfect Ships Document Templ
Microsoft's Bill Gates Fifth Ric
NEC To Release 1.8-inch 125.8M H
First MPC 2 Multimedia Upgrade K
Enterprise '93 - Bull's New Stra
Bellcore Offers System for Natio
Translated Korean Information Av
New Checkit Adds Floppy Disk Ali
NMC Vision Upgrade Launched In A
Virtual Reality Gets An Award In
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Virtual Reality (VR) is finding some definite niche markets in industry, one of which is in the architectural design of buildings. Now Sense8 has announced that the "barrier-free design" virtual reality system created by Prairie Virtual Systems using Sense8's WorldToolKit, has received a CyberEdge Journal Virtual Reality Software and Applications Product of the Year Award. WorldToolKit also received the same award.
According to the company, WorldToolKit was used as the core software technology in Prairie's application. The development package is used for building real-time virtual reality and graphics simulation applications across a range of industries.
Announcing that the package had won the award, Dr. John Trimble president of Prairie, said: "Our objective in building the barrier free design system is to foster designs that accommodate everyone. Both the physically-able and disabled should be able to use public and private spaces with equal ease."
According to Trimble, Prairie's system assists designers in meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The system allows designers to test buildings to make sure they comply with accessibility requirements before the design is actually built.
The system assists in the design of interiors that are "accessible and safe," according to Prairie. It allows architects and designers to move through a virtual reality environment, experiencing obstacles and possible design flaws that may not have become apparent until after the building is constructed. Actual items and objects in the design, such as faucets for example, can be changed if required.
Prairie's system also uses Greenleaf Medical's Greenleaf DataGlove Virtual Research's Flight Helmet, and A Flock of Birds from Ascension Technology Corporation
Trade publication CyberEdge Journal's publisher, Ben Delaney, said of Prairie's system: "As far as I'm concerned , Prairie Virtual has created one of the best applications of virtual reality ever. It solves problems in a superior fashion, better than any similar applications that I've seen."
(Ian Stokell/19930621/Press Contact: Tom Coull, Sense8 - Tel: 415 331-6318)
s Contact: Tom Coull, Sense8 - Tel: 415 331-6318)
6/21/93
Virtual Reality Gets An Award In The Real World
GENERAL
Cisco Launches Remote-Access Rou
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Claiming its latest offerings will make it easier for small offices and remote locations to become part of enterprise networks, Cisco Systems has launched several new remote-access routers, network management software, and software designed to let network managers set up the routers by remote control.
One of the routers, the Cisco 2000, is a two port unit aimed at small corporate branch offices. Two versions are available, one for Ethernet and one for Token Ring networks. Both have a limited protocol set meant to address the most common needs in smaller locations, company officials said.
A company spokesman said that the goal of these units is to provide the lowest possible cost without compromising on features. Both models are due to be available in the third quarter of 1993.
Cisco also launched two new models in its Cisco 3000 router line. These are also remote access routers, and join four existing models in the 3000 series.
One of the new models comes with an Ethernet network port, two serial ports, and an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Basic Rate Interface (BRI) port. The other comes with a Token Ring connection, two serial ports, and an ISDN BRI connection.
Both are based on Motorola's 68030 microprocessor, and can forward 5,500 packets per second, according to the vendor.
Cisco has also cut prices on existing models in the 3000 line.
The company has enhanced its Cisco 500 Communication Server, a combined asynchronous dial-up router, terminal server, protocol translator, and telecommuting server. According to the vendor the 500 now offers true dial-on-demand and bandwidth-on-demand routing, plus router support for Novell's IPX protocol and support for all services on all ports.
This will give small remote offices and telecommuters better access to corporate internetworks through public phone lines company officials said.
In a press conference in Toronto recently, John Morgridge, chief executive of Cisco, said networks are shifting from just providing information to supporting the actual operation of organizations. At the same time, he said, they are becoming accessible to smaller organizations than those that first installed them.
Further, Cisco launched a new version of CiscoWorks, its router management software. CiscoWorks 2.0 adds more features aimed at remote management of routers, the company said.
For example, new or updated software can now be distributed easily from a central location, and a common command facility lets administrators make the same configuration changes to groups of routers simultaneously. The new software is due to be available in the first quarter of 1994.
Meanwhile, a new software feature called AutoInstall, now available with all Cisco 2000, 3000, and 4000 routers, is said to let an administrator configure routers at remote locations without visiting them. The remote user can connect the router to leased lines running to the existing corporate internetwork, and it will learn its network address and download the software configuration automatically, company officials claimed.
Officials said that while network bridges that do this already exist, Cisco's is the first true router to offer the capability.
Finally, Cisco introduced a dual-port Ethernet network processor module for its Cisco 4000 router. Due to be available in the third quarter, the device is meant to let users consolidate lines into regional nodes or provide direct access to Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) backbones for small work groups on Ethernet networks.
(Grant Buckler/19930621/Press Contact: Cisco Systems 415-326-1941, fax 415-326-1989)
t: Cisco Systems 415-326-1941, fax 415-326-1989)
6/21/93
Cisco Launches Remote-Access Routers, Software
GENERAL
Austin Computer Systems Announce
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- With its new management team now in place, recently purchased Austin Computer Systems (ACS) has announced several new products, including a notebook computer line and personal computers that meet US Environmental Protection Agency energy consumption guidelines.
Austin Computer Systems was purchased in January 1993 by Singapore based Integrated Processors and Communication (IPC), a manufacturer of high-end microcomputers and point of sale systems. IPC was originally incorporated in 1985 as Essex Electric Pte Limited and went public in Singapore in May with a 250 million share offering.
ACS is now led by President and CEO David Scull. According to his biography, Scull joined IPC in 1992 after spending 15 years in sales, manufacturing and management for various multinational corporations in Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and Singapore. He is also a former employee of Seagate Technology, and was managing IPC's Atlanta,Georgia-based subsidiary when tagged for the ACS job.
Charles Mitchell, Vice President of Product Marketing comes to ACS from Dell Computer Corporation where he was Senior Staff Project Planner. Judith Bitterli, former director of sales at CompuAdd, was named Vice President of Sales.
ACS said that it plans to begin manufacturing personal computer systems that meet all the requirements of EPS's Energy Star Computers program, and will begin phasing out non-energy efficient lines.
The Energy Star program was first introduced in 1992, establishing voluntary guidelines to promote manufacturing of energy efficient PCs. Companies building PCs that require 30 watts or less in the "sleep" (inactive) mode can display the Energy Star logo.
ACS says that its energy efficient, or "green," PCs will be 80486 based systems running at 25, 33, 50, and 66 megahertz (MHz). Standard configurations will include four megabytes (MB) of system memory, which can be expanded to as much as 32MB. Hard drive options include 170MB, 250MB and 340MB drives with access times of 13 milliseconds.
The computers will go into a standby mode when a user-selected period of inactivity has occurred. The standby mode slows the microprocessor to 8MHz and turns off the hard drive. Two monitor standby modes are available. The first option turns off the monitor completely, while the second option offers an upgradable, VESA-compatible monitor that keeps the cathode tube warm, allowing for instant return to activity rather than waiting for the display to warm up.
The EPA estimates that office equipment is the fastest growing user of electricity. Computer systems have been estimated s using five percent of commercial electricity consumption, says ACS. That could rise to as much as 10 percent by the year 2000.
ACS also introduced an 80486-based notebook computer line today that includes units with monochrome LCD and active matrix color displays powered by Intel 486SX, 486DX and 486DX2 microprocessors. The systems use 32-bit local bus video and a PCMCIA slot for use of either type II or type III PCMCIA cards such as modems, additional memory, LAN interface cards, and multimedia audio cards.
Standard configurations include 4 or 8MB of memory, which can be expanded up to 32MB. A built-in optical type 16mm trackball positioned at the front of the membrane keyboard (closest to the user) is available as an option. The systems have a port for an external VGA monitor, which can run simultaneously with the built-in display, and all systems come with DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1 installed.
The company told Newsbytes that a 486-based notebook running at 66MHz, with a monochrome monitor, 8MB of memory, and a 340MB hard drive, prices at $2,999. Prices for color notebooks start at under $3,000 with the same configuration. All the notebooks are scheduled to ship late this month.
(Jim Mallory/19930621/Press contact: Linda Johns, Austin Computer Systems, 512-339-3500; Reader contact: Austin Computer Systems 512-539-3500, or 800-752-1577)fax 512-484-1557)
ter Systems 512-539-3500, or 800-752-1577)fax 512-484-1557)
6/21/93
Austin Computer Systems Announces New Product Line, Focus
Alpha-Artisoft Deal Offers Netwo
BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Bundles, in which some combination of computer hardware and/or software products are offered together for a single price, seem to be an increasingly popular marketing gimmick. Now here's one you may not have seen before: buy A SET OF database software that can run on a local-area network (LAN) and get the network thrown in for a few more bucks.
The offer is the result of a deal between Alpha Software, a Burlington software vendor, and Artisoft, the Tucson, Arizona-based manufacturer of LANtastic, a simple LAN system popular in smaller installations.
The two companies are offering the Complete Solution, which includes a three-user edition of the Alpha Four relational database software and all the adapter cards, connectors, terminators, cables, and network software needed to link three PCs in a LANtastic network.
The bundle has a list price of $899, compared to regular prices of $549 for the database software and $729 for the network kit.
The network does not require a dedicated file server, a spokeswoman for the company said, although one of the three linked PCs must act as a non-dedicated server. This machine must have a hard disk drive and at least 40K bytes of available memory. The other PCs need at least 13K of available memory to support the network, and must have diskette drives. Any PC running DOS 3.1 or later can be used.
The spokeswoman said that Alpha Four is not a programmable database but is customizable by users without programming. The bundle is aimed at small to medium-sized business buyers, she said.
07; Brodeur & Partners for Alpha Software, 617-894-0003)
6/21/93
Alpha-Artisoft Deal Offers Network And Database Bundle
Aussie Bounty Hunters Active On
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- A month ago, the Business Software Association of Australia (BSAA) launched its controversial campaign to get members of the public to report anyone using unofficial copies of software -- in return for a $2,500 reward for successful prosecutions.
In Australia the action of "telling" on someone to the authorities (or, in the case of children, to parents or teachers) is to "dob" on them. Newsbytes can report that there has been a whole lot of dobbing going on.
The BSAA reports that around 150 calls per week are coming in to the dob line, with about 60 of these from people actively enquiring about the reward. In many cases it is ex-employees who want to report actions of their former employers. Another 60 or so want information on the subject of software piracy, and the remaining 20 percent were oddball calls such as the press.
Jim McNamara of the BSAA said that he had learned of backyarders selling brand-name software for as little as $5 a diskette. "We have also heard of dealers selling systems with lots of free software that is, of course, pirated commercial software. And there are also lots of stories about whole networks running on just one copy of the software," he said.
The Australian Computer Society said it hoped its members would report such occurrences by employers, not for the reward, but because it was the ethical thing to do.
Another industry body, the AIAA, said that it was not in favor of the scheme because employers were often still not aware of what was happening in their organizations, or had not realized that it was illegal. It said that this scheme really only appealed to people who want money or revenge.
(Paul Zucker/19930621)
who want money or revenge.
(Paul Zucker/19930621)
6/21/93
Aussie Bounty Hunters Active On Piracy Snitch Line
BUSINESS
Wordperfect Shipping Wordperfect
* OREM, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Wordperfect Corporation has begun shipping an interim release version of its popular word processing program for the Nextstep operating system platform.
The company said that the updated release, version 1.0.1, includes support for Next Computer's new Nextstep operating system for Intel processors. Version 1.0.1 also adds support for Nextstep's drag-and drop text feature and online help.
Wordperfect programmers were generous in their praise about programming for the Nextstep graphical user interface (GUI).
"Programming for Nextstep is a developer's ream," said Nathan Hatch Unix product marketing manager at Wordperfect. "Because of the way Nextstep manages information, we were able to add powerful new features to this interim release in a relatively short amount of time," he added.
Other features in the latest release include program disks that store multiple file allocation tables, which allows Wordperfect for Nextstep to run on Nextstep for Motorola-based proprietary machines as well as Intel-based 486 and Pentium personal computers. Nextstep for Intel-based machines was introduced last month at the Nextworld Expo held in San Francisco.
Wordperfect claims that the interim release takes advantage of Nextstep's drag-and-drop feature that allows users to select text or graphics and move them anywhere within the same document, other open Wordperfect documents, or other Nextstep software applications that support the Nextstep drag-and-drop feature.
Users can also drag and drop file icons into open Wordperfect documents to insert the contents of that file into the current document. Wordperfect for Nextstep accepts Wordperfect, ASCII, WPG TIFF, EPS, and RTF files. The last three are formats for graphics files.
The new release also integrates online documentation, allowing the user to access both Wordperfect and Nextstep online help from within Wordperfect.
Hatch said that the new features are steps towards Wordperfect's goal to develop a version of the word processing program for Nextstep that will be feature and file compatible with its DOS and Windows counterparts while taking advantage of Next technology.
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- This regular feature appearing every Monday or Tuesday, provides further details for the Canadian market on announcement by international companies that Newsbytes has already covered. This week: several new products from Hewlett-Packard, plus Radius' PrecisionColor Pro series.
Hewlett-Packard (Canada) has unveiled the DeskJet 1200C and 1200C/PS, color ink-jet printers designed to be equally good at color or black-and-white printing (Newsbytes, May 24). Canadian list prices are C$2,302 for the DeskJet 1200C and C$3,251 for the 1200C/PS, which works with the PostScript page description language as well as HP's own PCL 5. Both are expected to be available in Canada this fall.
Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft announced the OmniBook 300 (Newsbytes, June 7), a sub-notebook-sized personal computer the companies call a "superportable."
There are two models in the line, a 40 megabyte (MB) system with a recommended list of C$2,695, and one that contains a 10MB flash disk with a suggested price of C$3,282. Options include Fax/Modem Communications Pack (C$524); 2MB memory expansion (C$247); and replacement AC/DC adapter (C$137).
HP also launched the NetServer LE series, a line of entry-level network servers based on Intel's 80486 processors (Newsbytes, May 19). Designed to be easy to maintain and upgrade, company officials said, the LE series are aimed at small to medium-sized workgroups.
The servers are shipping now. A unit with a 33 megahertz (MHz) processor and a 240MB hard drive is C$3,588. One with a 66MHz processor and 535MB hard drive is C$4,265.
Radius Canada followed its US parent's lead in launching PrecisionColor Pro, an accelerated 24-bit display interface for Apple Macintosh computers (Newsbytes, June 14). Due to begin shipping before the end of June, PrecisionColor Pro will carry a Canadian list price of $2,999.
(Grant Buckler/19930621/Press Contact: Pat Farrell, HP Canada 416-206-3311; Maire Kushner, Radius Canada, 416-777-9900, fax 416-777-9911)
416-777-9900, fax 416-777-9911)
6/21/93
Canadian Product Launch Update
GENERAL
H r V
Digital Hong Kong Backs Open Sof
TAIKOO SHING, HONG KONG, JUN 21 93 -- Digital Equipment Corporation has thrown its support behind the Common Open Software Environment (COSE) initiative. According to the company, it will help to move the COSE process forward by actively participating in many of the working groups evolving from the initiative and by making industry leading technology and expertise available to the COSE group.
The COSE initiative was defined in a white paper recently released by Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Santa Cruz Operation, Sun Microsystems Univel and Unix Systems Laboratories. The white paper is currently being distributed through The UniForum Association, of which Digital is a leading member.
"Digital sees the advent of COSE as a clear signal that Unix environments are becoming unified," explained Kaizad Heerjee, open systems manager of Digital Asia. "Our strategy has always been to support the widest range of industry standards and to help define and implement new standards in areas where we have expertise."
According to Heerjee, Digital's Unix offerings already include a large number of the technologies being considered in COSE. "We believe that our active participation in the COSE development process will help ensure that our customers' needs for a truly unified Unix environment will continue to be met," he said.
At the same time as all this, Digital has announced it is participating in a new industry working group that numbers Hewlett Packard, IBM, Sun Microsystems and the Open Software Foundation as its members.
According to Digital, the group is working to define a "federated naming" capability that will improve interoperability across name services provided by such technologies as the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) and Open Network Computing (ONC). This activity is part of a plan for a "fast track" proposal and sample implementation under the sponsorship of the X/Open Distributed Computing programme.
"Indications of Digital's participation in the development of a common Unix environment include our active role in the Object Management Group, with the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) specification, and in the X Consortium, where we are helping to define PEXlib and other graphics standards," explained Heerjee.
Digital currently sells its Application Control Architecture Services (ACAS) software, which is consistent with the COSE definition for a CORBA-compliant object management environment and is available on Digital platforms as well as those of HP, IBM, Sun and others.
Digital has also announced its participation in the recently formed X/Open Desktop Working group. This team will work with the developers of the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) technology, one of the first COSE efforts, to advise on the specifications in conjunction with their submission to X/Open.
(Brett Cameron/19930621/Press Contact: Bonnie Engel (Digital): Tel: 852-805 3510; HK time is GMT + 8)
Digital): Tel: 852-805 3510; HK time is GMT + 8)
6/21/93
Digital Hong Kong Backs Open Software Standard
GENERAL
Enterprise '93: PowerOpen Associ
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- The PowerOpen Association has revealed it is now readying test tools and technical support, beefing up membership and staff, and preparing to move to a permanent headquarters
According to the top official of the industry consortium, which was formed three months ago by IBM, Motorola, Apple and other players to promote a new RISC-based cross-platform environment, the eventual aim is to create an environment that will foster the development of PowerOpen-compliant software.
Speaking with Newsbytes at Enterprise '92, where the PowerOpen environment was demonstrated last week, Domenic J. LaCava PowerOpen's president, said that the consortium will finish the development of a tool suite and support program for verifying PowerOpen compliance over the next six months, before the first PowerOpen-based products come to market.
The first PowerOpen-compliant products are expected to be shipped by IBM in the fourth quarter of this year, and deliveries from other vendors will follow in the second half of 1994, he added.
The new PowerOpen environment is built around the PowerOpen Application Binary Interface (ABI), a hardware and software interface that will allow binary-compatible Unix and Apple Macintosh System 7 applications to run across compliant systems from multiple vendors.
The ABI combines PowerPC microprocessors, now under development by IBM and Motorola, with an API (application programming interface) base operating system, and X Window system software extensions for Motif and Macintosh. Motif and Macintosh GUIs (graphical user interfaces) are layered above the ABI. Macintosh Application Services, an upcoming software product from Apple, will incorporate the Macintosh extension and GUI.
Ultimately, the new bus independent, cross-platform environment is aimed at hardware platforms ranging from notebooks to multi processor supercomputers.
IBM, Apple, Bull, Thomson-CSF, Harris, and Tadpole Technology all plan to release PowerOpen-compliant systems. IBM, Motorola, Apple Bull, and Thomson-CSF comprise the five founding sponsors of the group, and Harris and Tadpole the founding principals.
At Enterprise '93, a three-day conference and expo co-sponsored by Bull, the OSF and MIT, the new consortium demonstrated PowerOpen running WordPerfect straight out of the box on IBM RISC 6000 and Bull DPX/20 workstations.
In an interview with Newsbytes on the show floor, LaCava said that the association hopes to add at least one more system vendor or technology supplier as a sponsor, and at least four more system vendors or large software developers as principals, by the end of this year, along with more associate members.
Associate membership, a category now numbering upwards of 125 participants, is for system vendors and software developers as well as end users and academia.
The consortium is especially interested in recruiting members from outside North America and Europe, LaCava told Newsbytes. To that end, the association president took a one-week trip to the Pacific Rim earlier this month.
Other recent developments include the appointments of Pat Riemitis as vice president of marketing, Norm Kalat as vice president of finance and operations, and Sanjoy Chatterji as vice president of technology services, rounding out the senior management staff.
Total staffing will consist of only about a dozen people, but the consortium is now considering applicants for second tier management slots on both the technical and marketing sides, LaCava noted.
To accommodate its growing staff, the organization will move from temporary offices at the Bull facility in Billerica, MA to permanent headquarters, probably in the Burlington, MA area, within the next 30 to 45 days, he told Newsbytes.
The system and application test tools and technical support program now under way at the association will be used for assuring the interoperability of PowerOpen products.
In related activities, IBM and Motorola are now sampling the first chip to be based on the PowerPC architecture. Slated for availability in 50 megahertz (MHz) and 66 MHz versions, the new PowerPC 601 microprocessor is aimed at the desktop, workstation, and symmetric multiprocessing computer systems markets.
Three more PowerPC chips are also in the works: the 603, for cost sensitive desktop and portable PCs; the 604, a high-performance part for single- or multiprocessor desktop, workstations and servers; and the 620, a 64-bit high performance part for high-end workstations, servers, and multiprocessor systems.
(Jacqueline Emigh/10030621/Press contacts: Pat Riemitis, PowerOpen Association, tel 508-294-4463; Debbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003; Reader contact: Jaye Rasmussen, PowerOpen Association, tel 800-457-0463 or 508-294-4540, fax 508-294-4585)
iation, tel 800-457-0463 or 508-294-4540, fax 508-294-4585)
6/21/93
Enterprise '93: PowerOpen Association Revs Into High Gear
GENERAL
Microsoft Introduces Technical I
TAI KOO SHING, HONG KONG, JUN 21 1993 -- Microsoft has introduced a series of information services making definitive, in-depth information on Microsoft products available to Hong Kong's information technology professionals including software developers information system department personnel and power-users.
The Microsoft Developer Network is the company's official source of development-related technical, strategic and resource information. TechNet provides technical information on Microsoft products and on building, implementing and supporting Microsoft-based information systems. Microsoft Press publishes technical reference books on the Microsoft product range.
"Information dissemination is one of the major elements in our customer support strategy, along with technical services and education programmes," explained Laurie Kan, country manager of Microsoft Hong Kong, who added that, by making these information products and services available in Hong Kong, local information technology professionals can enjoy the same levels of support as their colleagues in the US and Europe.
A subscription to the Microsoft Developer Network entitles local application designers and programmers to comprehensive information on all Microsoft software development products on a quarterly basis.
Using a powerful Windows-based interface, the Microsoft Developer Network CDs pack a huge amount of information about programming in Windows, including hundreds of technical articles written exclusively for the Developer Network by experts at Microsoft, complete issues of the Microsoft Systems Journal, text from selected Microsoft Press books, plus complete documentation for all Microsoft development products.
There will also be available sample application code, fully documented and tested, the latest specifications on all Microsoft's programming interfaces, the entire Developer KnowledgeBase including bug reports and workarounds, programming tools and utilities and self-study courses on various aspects of Windows programming.
The HK$1,600 (US$205) annual subscription fee also includes six bi monthly issues of Developer Network News and invitations to developer events.
Microsoft has designed the TechNet service for those who support and educate end users, use Microsoft tools to create customized front ends, implement or integrate Microsoft software into multi-vendor environments, or design and recommend IT solutions.
Annual membership to Microsoft TechNet costs HK$2,400 (US$308) and includes monthly updates to the TechNet CD; a Microsoft Service Directory and a Windows-based front end for accessing the Microsoft TechNet forum on CompuServe.
The TechNet CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) provides hard information on crucial technical subjects from a variety of sources. The disk includes Microsoft KnowledgeBase that provides easy access to the same extensive library of technical support information used by Microsoft Product Support Specialists.
The disc also contains resource kits containing technical references troubleshooting information, utilities and accessories to aid application installation and support; training materials including tutorials, training guides and slides with speaker notes; session notes from key Microsoft conferences; customer solution profiles that detail how real IT problems have been solved with Microsoft products.
(Brett Cameron/19930621/Press Contact: Sasha Skinner (Microsoft): Tel: 852-804 4261;HK time is GMT + 8)
Skinner (Microsoft): Tel: 852-804 4261;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/21/93
Microsoft Introduces Technical Information Services In HK
GENERAL
Enterprise '93: Operating System
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Carrying forward a company thrust toward multivendor interoperability, Bull HN Information Systems has unveiled GCOS 6 HVX, a new operating system that it claims is the first to allow Unix and proprietary minicomputer applications to be executed without modification on the same server.
At Enterprise '93, where the new operating system was introduced last week, Dwight Oglesby, director of Enterprise Product Marketing told Newsbytes that in Single Decor, its first release, HVX will run GCOS 6 applications on Bull's new DPX/20 servers.
DPX/20 was introduced at Uniforum in April of this year as one of the first non-IBM systems to be based on IBM's Power RISC architecture. Up to now, GCOS 6 applications have been available only for Bull DPS 6000 minicomputers.
A future upgrade of HVX, Dual Decor, will be able to run Unix applications as well as GCOS 6 applications on the DPX/20, Oglesby told Newsbytes.
He added that the new HVX operating system is aimed at easing the migration of proprietary GCOS 6 applications into the standards based, client-server Unix environment. GCOS 6 applications perform online transaction processing (OLTP) and a variety of communications functions in heterogeneous and homogeneous environments.
The only other system that even comes close to HVX is a system from Amdahl that runs mainframe- and Unix-based applications, Oglesby said, adding that the Amdahl system operates on a large mainframe.
Newsbytes notes that the mainframe version of Amdahl's Huron applications development and production system can be used to build and run applications under MVS or UTS, Amdahl's implementation of Unix System V, or under a combination of MVS and UTS running in separate partitions on the same host.
The Single Decor version of GCOS 6 HVX is available immediately for selected Bull DPX/20 models. All models of the new server family are expected to be available with Single Decor in September. Dual Decor is slated for delivery in mid-1994.
A sample mid-range system comprising a Bull DPX/20 Model 460 with HVX, configured for 32 users, is priced at $53,361 with a total yearly maintenance fee of $5,630. According to the company, a system like this represents a 45 percent cost reduction and an 80 percent performance improvement over an equivalent Bull DPS 6000 Model 522 minicomputer.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930621/Press contact: Debbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
bbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
6/21/93
Enterprise '93: Operating System For Unix and Mini Apps
India: Raytheon Secures $85M ATC
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- "Whenever there is an accident, we see our market opening," explained Steve Teel marketing manager with the International Air Traffic Control (ATC) Directorate of Raytheon, rubbing his hands in glee as news of an $85 million contract for the modernisation of Bombay and Delhi airport ATCs was announced.
The RS 264 crore ($85m) deal was awarded to Raytheon and its Indian partner, the National Radio and Electronics Company (NELCO).
According to Walter Stowell, Raytheon's vice president, the existing ATC systems are around 20 years old, with monochrome displays and computers that fill an entire room.
"The modernisation would mean replacement of these with latest systems," he said, adding that the planned equipment that will replace the outmoded systems will include solid state radar technology, as well as color displays, navigational aid systems and an integrated voice and datacomms system.
The radar systems will be delivered by Raytheon Canada and its UK subsidiary, Cossor. The airport surface detection radar (ASDR) system, plus the color displays, will be supplied by Raytheon's Spanish partner, Ceselsa.
Airport Systems International in the US, meanwhile, will deliver (via Raytheon) the electronic navigation systems that include Instrument Landing Systems, Doppler and conventional VORs plus distance measuring equipment.
Teel claims that the technology which will be used in the ATC update project is open systems. This means, he said, that the application software in the systems will run on almost any Unix-based hardware whether it supplied by Hewlett-Packard, Data General or Motorola.
The communications protocols used by the system are CCITT X.25, the internationally recognised datacomms standard and Ethernet Newsbytes understands.
As far as passengers going through the airport will be concerned there will be no major differences, except that the present 10 flights an hour limitation will be progressively increased to between 35 and 40 flights an hour, once the systems have come online.
Almost all the equipment required for the project will be shipped into India. Raytheon's local partner, NELCO, will install the systems, provide software support, and offer maintenance services. In return for providing all the logistical support and after-sales services, NELCO will scoop around 15 percent of the contract payments.
According to Ratan N. Tata, NELCO's chairman, this contract fits in well with the company's longer-term plans to "switch over from consumer to professional electronics."
Plans call for Raytheon to start shipping the equipment around the end of the year, with the contract expected to finish within a two and a half year timespan.
Not that Raytheon or NELCO are resting on their laurels. Both companies are reported to working on their bids for a similar project for Calcutta and Madras airports, so this latest contract will serve as a feather in their caps at the negotiating table.
(C T Mahabharat/19930621)
iating table.
(C T Mahabharat/19930621)
6/21/93
India: Raytheon Secures $85M ATC Contract
GENERAL
Japan - NEC PC-VAN Connects Govt
Software Toolworks To Intro 29 P
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unreg
Apple Gearing Publishing, Teleco
RightBrain Software Intros Exact
Roundup - Stories Carried By Oth
Intel Claims $1 Billion In Damag
Dell Seeks Japanese Portables Pa
Wordperfect Ships Document Templ
Microsoft's Bill Gates Fifth Ric
NEC To Release 1.8-inch 125.8M H
First MPC 2 Multimedia Upgrade K
Enterprise '93 - Bull's New Stra
Bellcore Offers System for Natio
Translated Korean Information Av
New Checkit Adds Floppy Disk Ali
Companies Combine On Mobile Heal
NMC Vision Upgrade Launched In A
Digital World - Virtualcinema
Atari Establishes Marketing Foot
HELSINKI, FINLAND, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Atari is attempting to gain a marketing foothold in Finland, having seen its previous efforts to establish a distribution network in the country hit problems.
According to the Finnish media, previous attempts to create a network of distributors in Finland were hampered by financial problems with the importers, as well as arguments over distribution rights.
This time around, Atari has enlisted the help of Ion Finland, part of the Lauri Valjakka group, which will import and market Atari's entire range of computers and games consoles into the Finnish consumer market.
The only exception to this is the Falcon 030 multimedia computer which was unveiled in Europe at the Cebit computer show last March. This machine will be handled by SLO Viestinta, another Finnish company.
(Steve Gold/19930621)
nother Finnish company.
(Steve Gold/19930621)
6/21/93
Atari Establishes Marketing Foothold In Finland
TRENDS
Sunconnect To Develop Interconne
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Recognising that networking interconnect technology is vital to the success of a relatively new networking system, Sunconnect has announced it is developing an management interconnect technology for its Sunnet system to the brand leader, Novell Netware.
Sunconnect claims it is working closely with Novell on the development of a a new version of Sunnet Manager, its network operating system.
According to Stan Baldwin, Sunconnect's director of marketing, by integrating the Netware environment under a single management framework, along with other corporate systems and resources, the company can maintain a high level of service to its customers.
"By developing this co-operative environment between Sunnet Manager and NMS, applications based on Sunnet Manager will be able to utilize the Netware management information available through NMS," he explained.
Both companies admit that it's still very early days in terms of the development of interconnect between their two network operating systems. If all goes to plan, when the project has been completed in the first quarter of next, users of Sunnet Manager and Novell Netware will be able to exchange information necessary for them to manage the Netware environment.
Although rudimentary interconnect technologies already exist between Sunnet and Netware, Sunconnect cites the example of a Sunnet Manager console being unable to manage information held on the Netware side of the link. Using the interconnect, the company claims, it will be possible for information about basic server configuration, including revision information, as well as file system information such as volume directory and caching system to be monitored by the console.
Administrators on the Sunnet side of the network link will also be able to use their consoles to access information on user sessions held on the Netware network, including users' account disk details volume usage and login privileges.
(Steve Gold/19930621/Press & Public Contact: Sunconnect - Tel: 415/336-4768)
621/Press & Public Contact: Sunconnect - Tel: 415/336-4768)
6/21/93
Sunconnect To Develop Interconnect Technology For Netware
GENERAL
RadioMail Winner Files From Elvi
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- At the recent Electronic Mail Association show in Atlanta, Radiomail chairman Geoff Goodfellow challenged journalists to file stories without wires, and promised some recognition to those who did so.
Well, we have a winner. Eric Arnum, editor of the EMMS newsletter went from Atlanta to Memphis and actually filed a note from the grave side of Elvis Presley.
"It's not until you start using wireless messaging systems that you begin to see their limitless potential to change the way people use e-mail," he wrote. "These few paragraphs were written ad filed by the EMMS editor at the grave side of Elvis Presley. All around are tourists with cameras, all being watched over by dozens of cheerful tourguides."
"Using the RadioMail package and the RAM Mobile Data network, filing this bit of copy from Graceland was as easy as taking a photo of Elvis Presley's final(?) resting place. This wireless messaging technology is as much a breakthrough for e-mail as the MicroTAC pocket cellular was for telephony," he added.
"Filing from the King's grave was part of a shameless publicity stunt done to qualify the editor for next year's RadioMail Users Group award for 'most unusual place' for sending a file," Arnum added. "But it illustrates a point: it's hard to leave the office (behind) when it fits into a bag."
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930621/Press Contact: Eric Arnum e-mail: earnum@radiomail.net on the Internet)
ail: earnum@radiomail.net on the Internet)
6/21/93
RadioMail Winner Files From Elvis' Grave
TELECOM
Design And Editorial Enhancement
FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Network World has announced design and editorial enhancements that will make their first appearance in today's edition.
The improvements include a new graphical look, a reorganization of technical sections, and a new feature, the Network Help Desk, that will run on page two of every issue.
In reorganizing the sections, the seven-year-old networking newsweekly has focused on four areas deemed to be of greatest concern to readers: enterprise internetworks, local networks client/server applications, and global services.
"At Network World, we consider ourselves to be advocates for our readers, and staying closely attuned to their needs is of the utmost importance. The new sections, coupled with the new design, enable us to deliver more of the news that our readers really care about," explained John Gallant, the magazine's editor.
In the new editorial configuration, a section called Enterprise Internets will replace Data Net Architectures and Internetworks. This new section will examine the technologies and issues involved in building an internetworked local area network (LAN) architecture that supports distributed computing across an enterprise.
Client/Server Applications, another new section, will address the challenges faced in deploying distributed applications, with a particular emphasis on such key technologies as databases electronic mail, and workgroup applications. Global Services, a third addition, will hone in on the areas of voice and data services.
Network World also intends to bolster its existing section on Local Networks with more extensive coverage of LAN issues and technologies.
According to the magazine, the tabloid's new Network Help Desk feature will serve a dual function, answering readers' questions on networking topics while at the same time acting as a forum for mediating issues between readers and vendors.
As part of the plan to achieve a new look, Network World has installed a new client/server-based desktop publishing system.
"We cover networking technology and distributed applications every day, and how we're producing Network World using the technology we write about. This will facilitate greater flexibility in design and layout, which will benefit both our readers and our advertisers," explained Gallant.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930621/Press contacts: Evilee Thibeault Network World, tel 508-875-6400; Karen Breehy, Rourke & Co. for Network World, tel 617-267-0042, ext 310)
e & Co. for Network World, tel 617-267-0042, ext 310)
6/21/93
Design And Editorial Enhancements For Network World
GENERAL
Sun/Fujitsu Announce MicroSPARC
Comdex: Star Offers Heat Fusion
Japan's MITI Predicts Next Gener
Bulgarian Telecommunications Ove
Seeing Organs In 3D
Everything You Need To Run Your
Matsushita Turns To Taiwan For C
HCL HP, Wipro's Pentium-Based Sy
SuperMac Ships Color Printers, T
System Uses Motorola Paging To S
C&T Intros Low-Cost Chipset For
RasterOps Intros 20-Inch Monitor
Siemens Nixdorf's Fast Print Ser
Computer Viruses Rampant In Japa
Database World - Information Bui
Wordperfect UK In Double Act Wit
Virtual Reality Gets An Award In
Big Future Seen For Adobe Acroba
Hongkong - GSM In Spotlight At C
Two Computer Exhibitions Held In
Parsons Technology Announces Leg
HIAWATHA, IOWA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Parsons Technology, a company best known for its personal finance software, has announced it will release a Windows version of its legal document generating computer software later this summer.
The company says that "It's Legal For Windows" will prepare 41 legal documents, customized and legally binding for every state but one.
Some documents may not be valid in Louisiana. Parsons Director of Corporate Communications Joan Dyal told Newsbytes that's because of the way the laws of that state are written in regard to the preparation of certain probate documents such as wills.
DOS users who presently use "It's Legal" aren't being left behind either. Parsons says that a DOS version, It's Legal 4.0, will be released at the same time as the Windows version, and will contain the same documents. The DOS version of It's Legal was first introduced in 1990.
Eight new documents have been added to the earlier version of the package. They include a Personal Fact Sheet, Home Purchase Worksheet Home Evaluation Worksheet, Home Sale Worksheet, Business Entity Planning Worksheet, Memorial Service Worksheet, License Agreement and a Pre-marital Agreement.
In addition to the "fill in the blanks" method of completing the documents, Parsons says complex documents are divided into sections giving the user an easy way to customize forms to fit their particular needs. Documents can also be generated as templates for re-use, and you can save disk drive space by installing only the documents you are interested in using.
The new Windows version will take advantage of Windows features such as drag and drop, and a print preview feature from the earlier version will be enhanced to include the ability to view documents on-screen with user-selected fonts. Documents can be viewed in a variety of sizes for easier proofreading.
Parsons says that the documents are even set up to handle users who live in US Territories or have APO or FPO (Army Post Office and Fleet Post Office) addresses, the equivalent of city addresses for military members serving outside the US. The program also recognizes international addresses.
System requirements for the Windows version of It's Legal include an IBM-compatible personal computer capable of running Windows 3.1 or later in standard or enhanced mode, and a hard drive with two to ten megabytes (MB) of available space. The necessary disk space varies with the number of documents the user chooses to install.
The company says the DOS and Windows versions of It's Legal have a suggested retail price of $69, with the street price (the amount you will actually have to pay if you buy from a retail outlet) expected to be under $30.
(Jim Mallory/19930621/Press contact: Joan Dyal, Parsons Technology 319-395-9626)
ress contact: Joan Dyal, Parsons Technology 319-395-9626)
6/21/93
Parsons Technology Announces Legal Software For Windows
International Telecoms Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- At the summer solstice, it's equity investments that are taking the international telecomms hotlines.
Taiwan, for instance, confirmed it signed a letter of intent to invest in Motorola's Iridium satellite-phone project, which will put 66 satellites in low-Earth orbit to deliver low-power wireless phone services anywhere in the world. Pacific Electric Wire and Cable Co of Taiwan will reportedly take a five percent equity stake in Iridium.
IDB Communications Group made two major international investments. The company said it will buy one-third of Darcom Communications of Israel, with an option to raise its equity stake to 50 percent. The deal gives IDB a beachhead in the growing Middle Eastern satellite communications market. Darcom provides voice, data videoconferencing and Intelsat services in Israel, and IDB said it's benefiting from a liberalized market.
IDB also said its Worldcom unit has signed an operating agreement with Telecom New Zealand International, giving the New Zealand company new routing options and IDB access to new customers. IDB is also filing to issue $150 million in notes that can be converted into stock, putting it in position to do more deals.
Ericsson of Sweden was busy. In its home market, it signed a contract with Swedish Telecom Radio covering the continued expansion of its GSM digital cellular telephone network. The expansion will increase the density of coverage for pocket phones.
Sweden has over 700,000 mobile phone subscribers. The company's Spanish unit, meanwhile signed a major contract to supply more of its AXE switches to the booming Chinese province of Guangdong, to be financed by Spanish institutions. And the company increased its ownership in Schrack Telecom AG of Austria to 80 percent, buying-out a local bank syndicate. Schrack will act as Ericsson's entry point into the growing Eastern Europe market.
InterDigital Communications of the US signed a contract from Inmarsat under which it will look into incorporating its Broadband-Code Division Multiple Access, or B-CDMA, technology into the Inmarsat satellite paging system.
B-CDMA was part of a patent portfolio InterDigital acquired in buying SCS MobileComm last year. InterDigital is best known for owning rights to a competing technology, called Time Division Multiple Access, or TDMA, but says its version of CDMA can transmit accurately over wider frequencies without interfering with other services. The news has not helped the company's stock, however which remains under pressure. One analyst publicly question the company's staying power on the CNBC cable network June 21.
On the privitization front, Romano Prodi, chairman of Italy's IRI conglomerate, insisted he's looking for a complete sale of the company. That includes STET, the telecommunications unit, considered a "crown jewel" of the company. Italy is seeking to recover from a massive corruption scandal, and Prodi is working for new prime minister Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.
In Latin America, James Capel analyst Matthew Hickman called Peru's Compania Peruana de Telefonos, or CPT, the best bet for big profits in the next round of privitization. That's great news for Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, who is anxious to bring more capital into the troubled country.
And in France, industry minister Gerard Longuet admitted France Telecom is being hurt by the fact it's still owned by the state. He acknowledged France Telecom was in talks with MCI before that company agreed to sell 20 percent of itself to British Telecom in a wide-ranging co-operation agreement.
He indicated for the first time France Telecom might be sold if Germany is able to handle its pending sale of part of its Deutsche Bundespost Telekom unit.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Compaq Computer Corporation has increased the networking capabilities of its Pagemarq printers with the introduction of NetLinq, an array of network interfaces that make the printers compatible with most of the network operating systems currently in use.
Netlinq allows the Pagemarq printers to interface with Netware Ethertalk, LAN Manager, LAN Server, Windows NT and TCP/IP, a low level protocol standard used in non-proprietary network systems. Each interface consists of a network interface card and the necessary software.
Hugh Barnes, Compaq Peripherals Division senior VP and general manager, says that Netlinq makes available the connection of Pagemarq printers to more than 85 percent of today's market.
Pagemarq printers are designed for network use and can print up to 20 pages per minute using Postscript Level 2 software from Adobe or PCL 5 emulation. The printers can hold up to 1500 sheets of paper and can print on paper sizes up to 11 by 17 inches at up to 800 by 400 dots per inch. An internal fax modem is available that allows users to send Postscript quality graphics over phone lines in documents up to 11 by 17 inches.
Compaq says that Netlinq provides increased printer feedback on status and errors, greater flexibility in locating the printer away from the server, and improved performance for large scale graphics jobs. It's also designed to make the job of network administrators easier, since it eliminates the need for external devices such as black boxes and printer servers.
Compaq describes Netlinq for Netware/Ethertalk as a dual protocol option that allows Pagemarq printers to be directly connected to mixed hardware systems that include both IBM-compatible and Macintosh platforms. It also includes a remote printer management program called the Administrator Utility. Pagemarq printers use a network interface that contains flash ROM, allowing users to upgrade to Netware/Ethertalk through a software download.
Netlinq for LAN Manager, LAN Server, and Windows NT will be available in July in Ethernet and Token Ring versions. Users who purchase this option prior to Windows NT shipping will be able to upgrade to NT through a software option.
Netlinq for TCP/IP provides Unix-based users a single protocol that supports multiple types of Unix hosts, and includes compatibility with LPR/LPD printing environments as well as binaries for host systems like Sun, DEC, IBM, Hewlett Packard, and SCO (Santa Cruz Operation). It's scheduled to ship in August.
Compaq will be showing Netlinq in its booth at PC Expo, the trade show being held next week at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. The show opens June 29th and runs through July 1.
r contact: Compaq Computer Corporation, 800-345-1518)
6/21/93
Compaq Adds Network Interfaces To Pagemarq Printers
The Mayo Clinic Heart Book CD-RO
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Interactive Ventures has announced plans to release a software program on CD-ROM in October that is an interactive multimedia guide to heart health and heart disease.
Called the Mayo Clinic Heart Book CD-ROM, the interactive multimedia software is a way for the 70 million Americans afflicted by heart disease to learn more about their condition. The CD-ROM disk includes all the information contained in a 400 page book that's scheduled to be released in October by William Morrow and Company, plus illustrations, animations, video and audio that Interactive Ventures says makes the reference material and the anatomy lessons easier to understand.
Interactive released the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book CD-ROM" late last year. Like that disk, the new heart program puts a book into a multimedia format which takes advantage of multimedia features like animation, audio and video. The disk includes three dimensional animations showing how angioplasty is performed, videos of echocardiograms, and other diagnostic tests performed by Mayo Clinic and other health providers specializing in heart problems.
Interactive claims that more than 130 Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers contributed to the new program, which includes a symptoms guide, a list of various heart diseases, tests and treatment options including more than 100 medications, and what to do in an emergency.
The program also focuses on what the user can do to keep his or her heart healthy. "The disk gives information and dispels myths about lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease," says Mayo Clinic cardiologist Dr. Michael McGoon, editor of both the CD-ROM disk and the book.
Topics include the risks of smoking and sedentary lifestyles and the pros and cons of taking aspirin and drinking alcohol as methods for improving heart health. "We've provided straightforward information to help take the mystery out of the healthy heart and heart disease. It will be useful whether you want to monitor your own healthy heart program or to learn more about your mother's upcoming coronary by-pass," says Dr. McGoon.
Every word on the disk is searchable, according to Interactive Ventures CEO Ron Buck. Users can enter several words or a phrase to narrow the search. The company says the program also compensates for misspelled words. Users can record personal notes with the reference material, and any screen can be printed.
Scheduled to be available on Windows and Macintosh versions, the program will sell for $59.95
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- A Philadelphia software company has called the million plus copies of financial management software given away this month "flawed."
Dr. Alex Shr, marketing director for Ones & Zeros, says that heeding the advice of Kiplinger's CA Simply Money "may be hazardous to your pocketbook."
He says that the copies given away by Computer Associates to introduce its new program doesn't include all the necessary factors when comparing the cost of a new mortgage with the cost of the old one.
"The comparison between the new mortgage and the old depends on three things: the closing costs, the monthly payments, and the duration. Both (Quicken, another personal finance program, and Simply Money) make the same mistake, they compare only the closing costs and monthly payments."
Shr says that the result could cost users who trust the advice of the programs quite a bit of money. He says both programs almost always tell you to refinance, whether or not there is an advantage in doing so.
Shr thinks his company has the right answer. It publishes Per%Sense a financial calculation and decision making program for consumers.
Ones & Zeros says that Per%Sense gives professionals and laypersons access to financial calculations for mortgage comparisons, loan amortizations and annual percentage rate calculations, financial planning, life insurance, annuities, savings accounts and other financial matters. The program uses pull down menus, and has online hypertext help.
Ones & Zeros President Joshua Middledorf says that programs like Quicken and Simply Money do a good job of balancing the user's checkbook but not much else.
"These programs are really nothing more than check book balancers. What Intuit (publisher of Quicken) and Computer Associates did is not add auxiliary features like graphics, calendar and pull down menus. The problem is that none of the add on features is very well thought out. They are tacked on so that the ads can sport a longer list of features."
Middledorf says that his company's sole product, Per%Sense, was specialized for financial calculations. "Computer Associates and Intuit just got somebody to add the computational features to their checkbook programs so that they could say they have them." Middledorf's conclusion? "Don't trust your checkbook balancer for financial advice."
A Ones & Zeros spokesperson told Newsbytes that Middledorf and Shr aren't slamming the other products. "What the other products do they do well. They just aren't designed for what they are purported to do. These companies are trying to horn into the market."
His software comes in three versions. The consumer version of Per&Sense has a suggested retail price of $49.95. Per%Sense 2, with a suggested retail price of $99.95, has calculations screens for mortgage, amortization, present value, and chronological.
Per%Sense Pro (retail price $350) has the same features as the consumer version, and adds actuarial analysis for problems involving annuities, life insurance, tax interest and statutory interest on past losses.
Contacted by Newsbytes for Computer Associates reaction to the story spokesperson Bob Gordon would only say "We have no comment."
(Jim Mallory/19930621/Press contact: Cathy Brooks, S&S Public Relations for Ones & Zeros, 415-986-0966; Reader contact: Ones & Zeros, 415-986-0966)
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, JUN 21 1993 -- Novell has appointed PT Asaba Computer Centre as its distributor in Indonesia as part of its expansion strategy for Southeast Asia.
PT Asaba Computer Centre was founded in 1990 and offers consulting services, implementation and technical training to various financial institutions, as well as light and heavy industries and government agencies. It specializes in local area networks and wide area networks.
According to Novell's regional director, Andrew Lai, Novell first entered the Indonesian market in 1985 with the appointment of PT Elang Mahkota Komputer as its distributor.
Over the past eight years, he said, Novell has experienced and average year-on-year growth rate of almost 80 percent in Indonesia and is commanding an 85 percent share of the Indonesian market.
"PT Asaba adds to the depth and breadth of our marketing reach especially in the financial and government sectors. With the expanded distribution network, Novell is well poised to take advantage of the bullish LAN market in Indonesia," Lai said.
(Brett Cameron/19930621/Press Contact: Andrew Lai, Novell, Tel:+852 827 2223;HK time is GMT + 8)
ew Lai, Novell, Tel:+852 827 2223;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/21/93
PT Asaba Named As New Indonesian Novell Distributor
GENERAL
Interactive Media Festiv
Fujitsu Develops Hybrid LAN Tech
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Fujitsu has developed a hybrid integrated circuit (IC) chip that it claims has a local area network (LAN) facility on board. If installed on PC, Fujitsu claims that it embodies most of the main fetures of a LAN, on a single chip.
The new chip uses a technology known as high density double sides bonding technology. Using the chip, PC manufacturers will be able to equip even the smallest portable computer with Ethernet capabilities.
The chip is numbered the MBH10351 and measures 28mm square. Integrated onto the chip's surface are 20 devices, including a LAN controller LSI, 256 kilobytes of static random access memory (SRAM) and driver circuitry "blown" on to an erasable EPROM.
Fujitsu claims that samples of the new chip have begin shipping to interested PC manufacturers. Sample chips cost 12,000 yen ($110) each, but this prices is expected to fall once volume shipments begun this September, when around 10,000 chips a month will be rolling off the production line.
In a related story, Fujitsu has announced that it will soup up production of its four megabit dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips at its overseas facilities. In the UK, the company plans to double production to two million units a month by March of next year. Over at the Oregon facility in the US, production should increase from 200,000 to 300,000 units a month.
The reason for the changes in production are that demand for 4Mb DRAM chips is soaring, the electronics giant claims. Moving production outside of Japan also helps to keep production costs down, as the Yen climbs relentlessly upwards in the foreign exchange market-place.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Proside, a Japanese PC company has released three new types of machines on to the Japanese market-place. Based around an 80386 or 486 microprocessor, the machines are small -- the smallest is a palmtop unit that tips the scales at just 600 grams.
The top of the range from the new trio is an A5-sized notebook known as the Handy PC. Equipped with an 80486SL processor, an 80 megabyte (MB) hard disk and a seven inch backlit display, the machine comes with the Japanese DOS/V operating system and runs for a five hour stint on a single charge. Tipping the scales at 1.5 kilos, the machine is one of the lightest in its class. The same cannot be said for the price -- 159,000 Yen ($1,450).
The mid-range miniature PC is the BSL80, another A5-sized machine. This is the budget version of the Handy PC and is based on an 80386SL microprocessor. The BSL80 costs 159,000 yen ($1,450).
Back at the palmtop end of the market, the 600 gram PS3000 comes with MS-DOS 5.0 and Microsoft Works in read only memory (ROM) although an option exists to have DOS/V in place of these two packages. Pricing is an interesting 119,000 yen ($1,080).
Proside is only planning to ship 100 each of the new machines a month initially. If they take off in the Japanese market-place, then the company will ramp up production as required.
Proside was created as a joint venture firm, and later, it was acquired by Toshiba. Under Toshiba, the frontier spirit of Proside still exists. The firm continues to develop and produce unique personal computers.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A. 1993 (NB) -- In the world of printing what's the difference between color and color-capable? Which factors motivate a user to buy a color laser printer? And where do color standards stand?
Users, vendors, and consultants alike are taking a good hard look at these and related questions at the Color Hard Copy Conference a two-day event that starts today in Boston.
The color printing conference is sponsored by BIS Strategic Decisions, and analysts from the Norwell, MA-based consulting firm will be leading some of the approximately 15 sessions.
Providing additional marketing and technical perspectives will be panels of users, along with speakers representing such wide ranging companies as Adobe Systems, Apple, Eastman Kodak, Hewlett-Packard Tektronix, Electronics for Imaging, Seiko, Sharp, Xerox, and Genoa Technology.
Today's agenda kicks off with a presentation by William Flynn senior analyst, Color Hard Copy, for BIS, on a recent BIS study on the end user color hard copy market.
Later in the day, panels of vendors and users will be airing their views on these two topics: "Color Lasers in the Office" and "Color vs. Color-Capable."
Tomorrow's activities will begin with a roundtable discussion of Color Standards. Next on the agenda are four separate sessions on "Selling Color."
A session on "Comparing Color Output Devices: What's Fair?" will be followed by two presentations on color distribution, and lastly by an examination of "The Life of a Full- Color Document."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930621/Press contact: Martha Popoloski, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500; Reader contact: BIS Strategic Decisions, Conference Registrar, tel 617-982-9500)
Decisions, Conference Registrar, tel 617-982-9500)
6/21/93
Color Hard Copy Conference Starts Today In Boston
GENERAL
Media Vision To Intro PC Video G
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Media Vision is announcing its first graphics boards, the Pro Graphics series. The company says the new line of video graphics products is a result of its acquisition of graphics hardware company Pellucid.
Pellucid was started by a team of engineers out of Silicon Graphics and Media Vision is boasting it intends to adapt the expertise it acquired in Pellucid for workstation graphics to the PC.
"These new Pro Graphics products bring affordable workstation quality graphics to PC users. This means that PC users will now be able to create multimedia effects like moving three-dimensional objects, morphing, fancy special effects, and other high end graphics," said Media Vision's President, Paul Jain.
The first two products planned are the Pro Graphics 1024 and the Pro Graphics 1280, both of which will incorporate Media Vision's Captain Crunch video compression. Aimed at the Windows video market, the products use Media Vision's own custom- designed graphics chips versions of which will be offered later this year to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the company maintains.
The Pro Graphics 1024 supports both video graphics array (VGA) and an "accelerated" mode that offers 640 by 480, 800 by 600, and 1024 by 768 picture element (pixel) resolution. The pixel depth of the Pro Graphics 1024 is selected by the amount of memory installed and can be either 8-bit, 16-bit or 24-bit color, the company said. In VGA mode, Media Vision claims the product is fully hardware compatible with VGA and the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) 800 by 600 16-color mode.
The Pro Graphics 1280 also has a unique accelerated mode where it supports 24-bit color at 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution. Media Vision asserts this high resolution increases the display size by 67 percent.
Both of the Pro Graphics products will offer up to 75 hertz (Hz) non-interlaced vertical refresh at 1024 by 768 resolution. At the higher resolution of 1280 by 1024, Media Vision claims the Pro Graphics 1280 can offer a flicker free display with a non-interlaced vertical refresh rate of up to 72 Hz.
The Pro Graphics 1024 uses the VESA VL-bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), or Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) buses for interface to a PC with a 386DX-based or higher central processing unit (CPU). The Pro Graphics 1280 uses the VESA VL-bus or PCI bus.
The Pro Graphics 1280 can process 16 million pixels per second in bit block transfer (bitBLT) mode (a common function in Microsoft Windows), and 160 million pixels per second in flat fill mode. Media Vision says the Pro Graphics will also ship with Windows 3.x Windows NT, and Auto Desk ADI software drivers.
The Pro Graphics 1024 will be available in September for a retail price of $599 for the 24-bit version. The Pro Graphics 1280 is available now for $995, Media Vision added. Media Vision is also known for its sound card products for the PC.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930621/Press Contact: Elizabeth Fairchild Media Vision, tel 510-623-5856, fax 510-623-5749)
edia Vision, tel 510-623-5856, fax 510-623-5749)
6/21/93
Media Vision To Intro PC Video Graphics Boards
Novell Fault-Tolerant Disk Array
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Storage Dimensions is shipping a fault-tolerant disk array and software drivers for IBM and compatible personal computer (PC) servers running Novell Netware that the company is calling a new generation of disk storage. These redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) drives offer up to 134.4 gigabytes (GB) of storage and have a digital audio tape (DAT) drive built-in.
Fault-tolerant drives offer redundant data storage so that, in case of failure, other components in the system can take over. Backups can be a problem as well, as the central processing unit (CPU) on the PC server can get bottlenecked with handling network requests and backing up the data. Storage Dimensions claims that it has thought of both problems in its new design.
The individual drives that make up the Lanstor Continua RAID 5 and the Lanstor Reflex modular products are 3.5 inch, 2.1 Gigabyte drives connected to the PC via a small computer systems interface (SCSI)-2.
The drives feature an average seek time of 9.8 milliseconds (ms) 5400 rotations per minute (RPM) rotational speed, average rotational latency of 5.56 ms, and a 256 kilobyte (K) read-ahead cache buffer.
The company claims that the systems can achieve burst data transfer rates of 10 megabytes per second (MB/sec) and sustained rates of up to 5.4 MB/sec per drive. The individual drives feature a mean-time between-failure rating of 500,000 hours.
The drives make up the Lanstor Continua RAID 5 and the Lanstor Reflex modular, hot-pluggable external storage systems. Modular means the drives can each be pulled and replaced and hot-pluggable means the user can unplug a drive while the system is running and still have access to the data.
Lanstor Continua also integrates an optional 2 or 4-8 GB digital audio tape (DAT) drive module within the same enclosure and on the same SCSI bus as the hard disk drives, avoiding the typical CPU and network bottlenecks associated with traditional backups. In addition, Storage Dimensions claims faster backup, restore, or compare jobs are possible. This also makes it unnecessary to add another card in the system for a tape backup drive.
In addition, the company has announced intelligent software drivers Lanstor Plus and Lanstor Diskalert, to aid in the protection of user data. A common problem encountered by enterprise-wide network administrators is that when a storage system fails, it is often difficult to determine the nature and location of the failure.
To help system administrators isolate the problem, Storage Dimensions says its Lanstor Plus software monitors SCSI sense codes the cryptic information generated from component-level failures and translates these codes into plain English error messages and passes the information to Lanstor Diskalert notification software for user definable broadcast.
Pre-Fix, a feature in Lanstor Plus monitors the readability of data blocks on a hard drive, tagging marginal or failing blocks are by monitoring read success rates. If the read head of the disk drive makes multiple successive attempts to read a data block (a sure sign of a failing block) Lanstor Plus interprets the multiple read attempts as a corrupted area and reassigns the data to another block. Lanstor Plus then closes the marginal block off from subsequent writes before the data becomes unreadable.
The company claims that its software can speed network traffic by taking advantage of Netware's intelligent disk access caching scheme that places the most commonly read data in the PC server's random access memory (RAM) for quick retrieval. It also executes read requests to the disk first because if the data is not located in RAM, network users must wait for the request to be accessed from disk.
Also, Netware stores writer requests in "dirty" cache buffers since write requests can be processed later as the network load permits and users will perceive no waiting. However Netware mixes together, or mingles, read and write requests on elevator queues. To speed things up, Lanstor Plus offers "unmingling," separating the reads and writes and executes the reads first to reduce network response time.
Storage Dimensions also boasts it is the first to offer enterprise wide remote error notification with the introduction of its Lanstor Diskalert, Lanstor Continua, and Lanstor Reflex products.
The company says that network systems administrators have the option of notification through pager signalling via a modem and/or 25th line messages to pre-determined workstations. Individuals accessed are chosen in advance from the Netware user list, and the company claims the software can notify systems administrators of exact nature of the problem, location, time, and date of the failure within minutes.
A 8.4 GB Lanstor Continua, configured with five 2.1 GB disks and an optional 4-8 GB DAT drive module, has a list price of $30,275 (extended industry standard architecture or EISA version). A 10.5 GB Lanstor Reflex, configured with five 2.1 GB disks and an optional 4-8 GB DAT drive module, has a list price range of $23,430 to $24,920 depending on enclosure features and bus type.
The Lanstor Plus driver and Lanstor Diskalert remote error notification software are available immediately with all Lanstor Continua RAID 5 and Lanstor Reflex modular external systems through the company's dealers. Upgrades for existing users are available as well.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930621/Press Contact: Randy Enos, Storage Dimensions, tel 408-894-1439, fax 408-944-1200)
torage Dimensions, tel 408-894-1439, fax 408-944-1200)
6/21/93
Novell Fault-Tolerant Disk Arrays Offer Built-In DAT
New Checkit Adds Floppy Disk Ali
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- If you suspect you have a floppy disk drive out of alignment, you can check the drive with the new version of Touchstone Software's personal computer (PC) diagnostic software, Checkit Pro: Deluxe.
Occasionally, the read/write heads of floppy disk drives get out of alignment, and while you can still read and write to a disk, the disk formatted on such a drive may not be readable on the disk drive of another PC. While it is possible to check the alignment of disk drives by attempting to read disks in a variety of computers, CheckIt PRO: Deluxe offers the acid test.
The product includes CheckIt PRO: Sysinfo and Tests & Tools software, plus a diagnostic "Tool Kit" with one 5.25 inch Mini Spiral Disk and one 3.5 inch Mini-Spiral disk to identify alignment, clamping, hysteresis, and drive rotation problems. In addition the product offers other testing and includes one 9-pin and one 25-pin serial loopback plug, and one 25-pin parallel loopback plug.
"Our research shows that about half of our diagnostic software users want the loopback plugs or the alignment testing disks required to more extensively test and diagnose the PCs they support," said Shannon Jenkins, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Touchstone Software.
Company representatives told Newsbytes they were also developing a tool to align floppy disk drives, but discovered it was less expensive for users to simply replace the drive at a cost of $35 to $50 than to spend time aligning it.
The Mini-Spiral Disks contain special tracks that are written in spirals on the disk, rather than concentric circles. Touchstone says this technique provides more accurate results than traditional digital or analog alignment disks, and spiral disks are also less expensive.
While Touchstone maintains Checkit Pro: Deluxe is Windows aware, the product is still a DOS product. A Windows product is under development, however.
The product includes system component labels so that the PC's various input/output (I/O) ports and cables can be identified and reconnected easily if disconnected. The labels also help users track configuration assignments.
Labels are included for all cables and auxiliary devices, including facsimile (fax), modem, network and mouse cards, small computer systems interface (SCSI), parallel and serial ports. a double-ended pocket screwdriver with both standard flathead and Philips is included for the user's convenience and the technical support number for Touchstone is printed on the handle.
The software offers diagnostic routines with over fifty charts graphs, and displays that describe the hardware, software and setup information and can identify faulty components. Users can also set up custom test scripts their individual needs and the type and format of test report data can be customized as well.
The package will work on any IBM PC, XT, AT, 386, 486, PS/2 or compatible microcomputer and offers mouse support.
Retail price for Checkit Pro: Deluxe is $249.95. Owners of CheckIt PRO: Sysinfo and CheckIt PRO: Tests & Tools can buy the add-on Deluxe Tool Kit from Touchstone for $99.95.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930621/Press Contact: Leigh Ann Kelley Touchstone Software, tel 800-531-0450 or 714-969-7746, fax 714 960-1886)
00-531-0450 or 714-969-7746, fax 714 960-1886)
6/21/93
New Checkit Adds Floppy Disk Alignment Tests
Translated Korean Information Av
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Kodensha, the Japanese applications software developer, has begun offering a variety of Korean information online and by fax. Nothing unusual with that you might think, until you realise that the information has all been translated into the Japanese language.
Kodensha has figured, quite correctly, that foreign information on Korea is rather thin on the ground. To have that information available in a high technology format adds to its value immensely.
To provide the new service, Kodensha has been working with various organizations in Korea, including the Korean Government, private research companies and newspaper companies. In addition, the software house has signed deals with no less than five private databases firms in Korea to obtain details on 150,000-plus companies in the country.
According to Kodensha, 15 categories of information on the new services: corporate information, personnel information, securities and financial data, trades, commodity prices, governmental research information, news, economic analysis and sightseeing information.
To obtain the information, Japanese language speakers can access the request service online through the PC-VAN or Niftyserve networks in Japan. A fax request can also be sent. The basic data fee is 10,000 yen ($90) for the search and 10 yen (9 cents) per letter.
Eventually, Kodensha wants to provide an interactive search system but admits that this will take a long time to get finalized.
Translated Korean Information Available Online And By Fax
GENERAL
NEC Stops Making 2.5 Hard Disks
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- NEC was planning to ship 2.5-inch hard disks in March 1994, but has decided to stop shipments due to low market demand.
NEC's 2.5-inch hard disks offered a 265-megabyte storage capacity. NEC had been trying to obtain low cost parts from suppliers, but did not succeed, and claims that factor was also a part of its decision not to release the units. Competition in the 2.5-inch drive market is severe because many firms sell similar units. The market has also seen the withdrawal of Japan Victor, which has decided not to market any more 2.5-inch hard disks.
In place of 2.5-inch hard disks, NEC is planning to ship 1.8-inch hard disks at the end of this year. These have 125.8MB of storage are extremely small in size, and weigh only 75g. Also, the retail price will be only 50,000 yen ($450) thanks to lowered costs in NEC's mass production plans.
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- After all the fanfare that accompanied the launch of locally manufactured Macintosh LC II and other products in Apple Computer's range, Macintosh sales took an unexpected beating in 1992-93 in India.
While Digital Equipment India Ltd. (DEIL), the Indian subsidiary of DEC, sold just 90 machines as against the projected 500 units, Raba Contel's (nee RCL Systems Ltd.) sales too fell much below projections. The latter has managed to sell about 400 Macs, while the target was for 1,000. And this was despite the price reductions resulting from local manufacture and lowering of customs duties.
The main reason, as Kapil Jain, general manager, marketing, DEIL sees it, is the demand slump in March. But if demand slump alone were the reason, Mac sales should have picked up in April when most companies, including DEIL itself, reported an upsurge in sales. Moreover, most of the 90 Macs sold by Digital were sold to desktop publishing users instead of the graphics and animation segments the company hoped to penetrate.
Says Jain, "The familiarity with IBM machines has put users in a mindset. It will be some time before one can get out of it." The penetration of IBM-compatible systems into almost every conceivable application area is a hurdle DEIL has to cross. Support is yet another area. Remarks a competitor, "Support for IBM machines is easily available, even in small towns. Digital's support image is brighter only among the urban users."
The kind of ad campaigns and roadshows that accompany desktop launches did not go with Macs. These, some reckon, would have helped DEIL promote Macs as office machines and not just a special purpose system for DTP as it has been perceived all along. Arun Nath, the chief of RCL Systems Ltd., also admits the lack of concentrated marketing effort required to boost Mac sales in India. But he expects the sales to grow considerably in 1993-94. "RCL has already sold about 150 machines since April last and we expect to cross the 650 Mark by March '94," claimed Nath.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930622)
C.T. Mahabharat/19930622)
6/22/93
Mac Sales Slow In India
APPLE
African Computing Topic Of Comin
GRAVELEY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Computers & Communications in Africa magazine has announced it is sponsoring "Computers & Communications for Development in Africa," this coming September in London. The two-day event claims to be the premier pan African information technology (IT) conference of its type.
According to Sean Moroney, editor/publisher of Computers & Communications in Africa magazine, the conference has been timed to coincide with Business Computing '93, which takes place from September 21 to 24 at the Earls Court exhibition center. C&C in Africa takes place at the nearby Olympia center on September 22/23.
C&C in Africa is aimed at anyone with an interest in IT in the African continent. A number of vendors with a keen interest in Africa will be staging a small private exhibition in parallel with the main conference. The event organizers claim that this exhibition will be an ideal opportunity to meet with these vendors to discuss business opportunities in Africa.
The conference event costs UKP 190 for the two days. Accommodation in the nearby Earls Court Park Inn has been arranged at the special rate of UKP 65 per night. Other special deals are available on request.
AITEC (African Information Technology Exhibitions & Conferences) the event organizers, have made special arrangements for travel and accommodation requirements for non-UK delegates to the conference. Contact agents are available in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
MAIDENHEAD, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND, 1993, JUN 22 (NB) -- Claiming to be signalling a general reduction in the price of networking technology, 3Com has cut its UK pricing by an average of 15 percent.
According to Richard Joyce, 3Com's European president, the move is part of an aggressive new marketing strategy for the company in Europe generally.
"We believe this move will stimulate growth in the market, which will benefit our channels in addition to end users. It will undoubtedly put pressure on the smaller, niche networking companies because they do not have the economies of scale to allow such a move," he said.
3Com claims that several contributory factors have allowed the company to cut its prices in Europe. The move is partly due to the company having achieved what its calls critical mass in Europe, which it says has allowed economies of scale to be passed onto the end user.
3Com also claims that the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Ireland last year has been a positive factor in reducing manufacturing costs, as well as import duties.
Most of 3Com's business in the UK centers around products such as adapter cards and fixed port hubs, Newsbytes notes. The company claims that it is also working towards servicing its major company customers who also need a high degree of technical support and advice. 3Com officials claim that the price cuts will not affect this element of its services at all.
Example pricing on 3Com's products are the popular Etherlink III adapter, which falls in price from UKP 185 to UKP 155. The Linkbuilder FMS Twisted Pair Stackable Hub,, meanwhile, falls from UK 890 to UKP 735.
(Steve Gold/19930622/Press & Public Contact: 3Com UK - Tel: 0628 897000)
act: 3Com UK - Tel: 0628 897000)
6/22/93
3Com Slashes UK Pricing by 15%
GENERAL
Enterprise '93 - Integris Upgrad
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Integris, a systems integration unit of Bull that competes against similar ventures from the likes of IBM and DEC, has unveiled a new version of its UniKix applications software. The Bull company claims that this latest revision of its downsizing software for Unix users migrating from an IBM mainframe environment is more powerful, yet easier to use.
In an interview with Newsbytes at Enterprise '93, where UniKix R4.0 was introduced last week, Michael C. Kott, marketing director for Downsizing Solutions, said that Integris was formed in 1991 as the North American component of a worldwide plan by Paris-based Groupe Bull to move into the expanding systems integration arena.
Now 150 employees strong, Integris is made up of two divisions. One division produces off-the-shelf systems for downsizing IBM mainframe applications, while the other supplies custom systems integration for complex applications that can involve products from virtually any vendor.
UniKix, a shrink-wrapped package from Integrix, consists of a transaction monitor and related tools for porting IBM/COBOL/VSAM CICS mainframe applications to Unix operating systems. In addition applications using IBM's DB2 mainframe relational database management system (RDBMS) can be migrated to Unix-based RDBMSes. UniKix also provides support for existing SNA mainframe networks.
In one recent application, Burlington Coat Factory employed UniKix to build a new warehouse and merchandising system. Kott explained that, after completing a multi-year transition away from mainframes, the clothing firm found that applications that would support its needs for centralized merchandise distribution and "just in time (JIT) allocation" were still available for mainframes only. Using UniKix to port these applications to Unix saved the company the expense that would have come from implementing and maintaining a mainframe.
According to the marketing director, the Integrix software offers several advantages over CICS/6000, a rival downsizing product from IBM. Although IBM has announced support for HP workstations CICS/6000 currently works only with IBM RISC 6000 workstations, he said. In contrast, UniKix can be operated with any of the 12 flavors of Unix that support symmetrical multi-processing.
In addition, unlike CICS/6000, UniKix gives IBM 3270 "dumb" terminals on existing SNA networks direct access to Unix applications, without preliminary mainframe processing, stated Kott.
Integris' XPU4 migration tool allows 3270 clustered devices to connect directly to Unix systems through SDLC and Token Ring links and thereby access UniKix applications. Another tool from Integris, XPU5, permits a Unix system to act as a mainframe host within an IBM SNA network. Networked 3270 terminals can then address UniKix applications on the Unix system directly.
Kott told Newsbytes that R4.0 offers many enhancements over previous releases of UniKix, including the new KixWorld system management tool, new algorithms for faster online transaction processing (OLTP) and batch processing on very large Unix systems a new Extended Batch Facility option, additional RDBMS support, and new support for the SNA LU6.2 protocol stack.
The new KixWorld tool provides a single control point for all system management functions under an X/Motif GUI, including security, accounting, capacity planning, and systems monitoring. KixScan, a previously offered monitor, is being integrated into KixWorld, and upgraded with the ability to monitor multiple UniKix systems on a single screen.
The new algorithms in UniKix R4.0 are designed to boost processing speeds on large Unix systems by reducing the number of message and I/O requests, according to Kott. A recent benchmark showed the new release beating an ES/9000-720 mainframe running the same CICS application, in both OLTP response time and elapsed batch processing.
The new Extended Batch Facility option for R4.0 includes an automated IBM MVS JCL (Job Control Language) conversion product designed to provide batch capabilities that are similar in job management and control functionality to those available for mainframes.
UniKix R4.0 also supports Sybase, in addition to the Unix-based Oracle and Informix RDBSes supported in the past.
The new support for the SNA LU6.2 protocol stack is designed to increase the ability to support existing mainframe applications in implementations where only some applications are ported to Unix.
The first LU6.2 protocols to be supported are function shipping which will provide UniKix applications with access to data running on the mainframe, and transaction routing, which will allow users to execute applications on either the mainframe or the UniKix system within a single session.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930621/Press contact: Debbie Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
Tabone, Clarke & Company for Bull, tel 617-536-3003)
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- AT&T has won through the courts what it failed to get politically, the removal of the "dominant carrier" rules which it says hurt it in competition with MCI and others.
The US Supreme Court let stand without comment lower court rulings which would force MCI and other long distance carriers to post all their rates publicly, even special deals with large customers. In the past, only AT&T has been required to post its special deals, allowing competitors to come in and undercut its prices. And when competitors made special deals, AT&T did not have the same right to look at the details.
The rules were set in place in the 1980s because AT&T was considered the "dominant carrier" in long distance, a potential monopolist. As its market share dropped to between 60-65 percent of the market today, AT&T argued before the FCC and Congress that it was, in fact, no longer dominant. Rebuffed, it argued in court that the rules were unconstitutional. And there it seems to have won.
The complex filings were considered a bureaucratic nightmare even by AT&T, and if required of all companies, could drive many of them out of business, so it's likely they'll be changed. That would suit AT&T, which didn't like anyone having to go through the filings. All this is now before the Federal Communications Commission, which in 1989 had dismissed AT&T's original complaint on the matter, but was overturned by the US Court of Appeals.
In the final Supreme Court appeal, however, the US Justice Department sided with AT&T, and the FCC reversed its position earlier this spring, demanding that MCI file its special tariffs. AT&T will now go to court and demand that MCI comply with that order. MCI calls the latest AT&T move "without merit." What's most interesting, however, is the position of interim FCC head James Quello, who now says AT&T and MCI compete on an equal basis, and should be subject to identical rules.
In other news, the FCC is expected to vote this week on a new round of price caps on AT&T. AT&T won the caps in 1989, under former chairman Al Sikes, as a replacement for rate of return regulation, and regional Bell companies have since been fighting usually successfully, on a state by state basis for similar rules. AT&T wants the caps lifted so it can set prices on a competitive basis, noting that other companies aren't subject to the caps.
Finally, AT&T made its first competitive reply to MCI's 800 COLLECT service, stating that it would offer 30 percent discounts off collect calls from certain airports this summer. MCI has been heavily advertising 25 percent discounts for its 800-COLLECT service, and the ads don't mention the carrier by name.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930622/Press Contact: AT&T, John Mellor 908/221-5017)
Contact: AT&T, John Mellor 908/221-5017)
6/22/93
AT&T Releases Dominant Carrier Shackles
TELECOM
NYNEX Selling BIS
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- NYNEX said it has reached agreement to sell its BIS Group software unit to ACT Group of the United Kingdom for $140 million. BIS is best known for its Midas banking software.
ACT, based in Birmingham, specializes in software for international finance, health care and governments. The deal is due for completion in July, and NYNEX expects a small profit.
Included are BIS Banking Systems, BIS Information Systems, Brann Direct Marketing, and the corporate parent, BIS Group Ltd. The company operates primarily in Europe and Asia, and was part of NYNEX' efforts in the 1980s to diversify outside the phone services business. Many of its regional Bell counterparts made similar moves during the decade, and most were losers. NYNEX itself had a computer store chain it lost money on -- many other companies lost money in real estate. In recent years, the Bells have concentrated their attention on such areas as cellular phones and international investments.
BIS Strategic Decisions is not part of the current transaction but NYNEX acknowledged that unit too is on the block. BIS Strategic Decisions is a high-tech consulting firm.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Right after wrapping up the two-day Color Hard Copy Conference, BIS Strategic Decisions will be opening a three-day event, adding up to a full five days industry discussion in Boston this week around hard copy issues.
Slated to start tomorrow, the Hard Copy Consumables Conference will deal with topics ranging from PDAs to plain paper fax, and from today's superstore shakeout to the future of the copier marketplace.
Activities get underway Wednesday morning with an overview of "Electronic vs. Print Technologies" by C. Thomas Ashley, vice president of Consumables Markets Services for the BIS facility in Norwell, MA. Speaking next, Gary N. Tisley, managing director for BIS Shrapnel Pty, Ltd., North Sydney, Australia, will focus in on "Paper in the Pacific Rim."
That afternoon, the forum moves on to the environmental front, with presentations by Chris Denniston of the National Office Paper Recycling Project on "The Office Recycling Challenge" and related talks by representatives of Lexmark International and Jaakko Poyry Consulting.
Thursday's agenda features industry-wide tracks, a new addition for the eight-year-old show. In the morning session, attendees will have their choice of "Track 1: Traditional Media" or "Track 2: Copier and Fax Markets."
Afternoon selections are "Track 3: Marking Materials" and "Track 4: Electronic Technologies." Each of the four tracks consists of five or six sessions on topics geared to a particular industry segment.
Track 2 participants, for example, will hear about such subjects as "State of the Copier Marketplace," "Charting the Course for Plain Paper Fax," and "Reaching the Small Business Customer -- In the US and Abroad."
"Office Technology -- A Market in Evolution," "Personal Digital Assistants -- Paper Substitute or Supplement?" and "World of Pen Computing -- It's Not about the `Pen' Anymore" are among the entries in Track 4.
On Friday, the final day of the show, the emphasis turns to "Channel Challenges in the 1990s" and "End-users with an Environmental Conscience."
Highlights for Friday include presentations on "The Small Business and Home Opportunity" and "Superstore Games -- Survival of the Fittest," plus a pair of industry roundtables. One panel will examine "Competitive Supplies," while the other will consider "Recycling as a Corporate Initiative."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930622/Press contact: Martha Popoloski, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500; Reader contact: Conference Registrar, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
ference Registrar, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
6/22/93
Hard Copy Consumables Conference Opens Tomorrow in Boston
GENERAL
India - DoT To Launch Satellite
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), of the Government of India has come out with a proposal to launch a satellite communication network system, to counter a plan for a similar system by Hughes Escorts Communications Ltd., an associate of General Motors.
DoT has floated a tender calling suppliers to provide suitable equipment for this project. Sources in the department said that DoT, which initially considered Hughes' plan to launch a satellite-based data communication network for boosting software exports, has decided to come out with its own version to provide an effective communication network for software exporters.
Under the DoT plan, around 200 very small aperture terminals (VSAT) will be set up. These will have direct access to the C-band transponders of Insat-1A for beaming software into other countries. The scheme is expected to be complete by end 1993.
The scheme is expected to eliminate many lacunas faced by software exporters currently. Presently, this kind of link-up is only available to firms in designated software technology parks (STP). Though the STP scheme was conceptually sound, software firms were finding it difficult to move to the four designated STPs: Noida near Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad and Bangalore.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930622)
Bangalore.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930622)
6/22/93
India - DoT To Launch Satellite Network
TELECOM
Comdex - HSC Intros Digital Morp
Digital Video Processing Deal
Morphing Software For Windows Ar
Scientific Atlanta Unveils Data/
NEC Ships 100,000 Units Of Windo
US/India Hope To Resolve ISRO Ro
NEC Licenses Appletalk
Epson Intros 3.8-Pound 486 Subno
CES: Wireless Cable Net Ready to
Hewlett-Packard To Use NETstor's
Editorial - Good Reviews And Bad
Intel, Microsoft Sponsor Compute
Philly Area Depending on BBSs
NEC Scanned And Delivered Printe
Something For Everyone Is IBM LA
Microsoft Awarded $1.1 Million I
TIA Moves Toward Approving CDMA
Fancard Cools The Inside Of Your
Review of Apple Macintosh PowerB
Multimedia PC For $999 - Beethov
Northern Telecom To Install Long
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- STC Submarine Systems, a division of Northern Telecom Europe, has been awarded a UKP 80 million contract to supply and install the first European link to use undersea optical amplifiers together with the longest unrepeatered system in the world.
The contract has been awarded by a consortium of telecom companies involved in the Rioja project, as the entire project is known. The consortium consists of Telefonica (Spain), DBT (Germany), Belgacom (Belgium), PTT Telecom (Netherlands) and BT plus Mercury in the UK. Terms of the contract call for the project to be completed by the end of 1994.
The 1,800km system, which will link Santander in Spain with Porthcurno in the UK, Veurne in Belgium and Alkmaar in the Netherlands, in three separate sections, will operate to the new international synchronous transmission standard (SDH).
All the segments on the link will use optically amplified technology, with two of them -- Spain/UK and UK/Belgium incorporating optical amplifiers.
From the beginning of service on the project, these two segments of the cable will be equipped to operate at 2.6 gigabits/second offering what Northern Telecom claims is the equivalent to 60,000 voice grade circuits. Plans call for the cable to have the facility to double this capacity.
Northern Telecom claims that, because of the length of cable, it had to adopt a novel approach, a "stretched" unrepeatered system. Phil Black, technical director for STC Submarine Systems said that the systems used in the cable is at the leading edge of technology.
"Here we are incorporating two technological firsts -- installing a future proof optically amplified system and linking that with the longest unrepeatered span to date," he said.
(Steve Gold/19930622/Press & Public Contact: Northern Telecom Europe Tel: 0628-812483)
ublic Contact: Northern Telecom Europe Tel: 0628-812483)
6/22/93
Northern Telecom To Install Longest Unrepeatered Cable
TELECOM
Graphics Add-In for Latest 1-2-3
NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Intex Solutions has announced a graphics add-in for users of Lotus 1-2-3 release 3.x and 1-2-3 for Windows.
In addition to a dozen innovative 2-D and 3-D graph types UltraGraphics is said to feature automatic range selection 360-degree rotation, automatic scaling along all three axes and "live" graphs, which automatically update as spreadsheet values change. The company says UltraGraphics offers many graph types not available in any spreadsheet program.
One version of UltraGraphics is for 1-2-3 for DOS release 3.1 3.1+ or 3.4. The other version is for 1-2-3 for Windows version 1.1 or higher (Windows 3.1 required). Approximately 2 megabytes (MB) of RAM is required for either version, in addition to the normal requirements of each spreadsheet.
UltraGraphics costs $159.95 plus $5 shipping and is available directly from Intex by calling 617/449-6222.
(Marguerite Zientara, Computer Currents/19930623)
erite Zientara, Computer Currents/19930623)
6/23/93
Graphics Add-In for Latest 1-2-3 Versions
Microsoft Education Programs In
TAIKOO SHING, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Microsoft has set up two complementary programs, Microsoft University and the Microsoft Certified Professional Program. The software giant claims that they will create new standards in the support of Microsoft system and application products in Hong Kong.
Microsoft University will provide intensive, classroom-based courses that give application developers, and those involved in systems support, a thorough grounding in various Microsoft products. The Microsoft Certified Professional Program is a qualification system that assesses technical skills and verifies that an individual has the knowledge to support or train others on a specified product.
"We have a responsibility to develop and support a substantial pool of knowledgeable IT professionals capable of applying Microsoft solutions to business problems. This is a responsibility that we take very seriously," said Laurie Kan, country manager of Microsoft Hong Kong Ltd.
"By introducing Microsoft University to Hong Kong we hope to create a new standard of excellence in professional education. And with the Microsoft Certified Professional Program in place there will now be a rigorous international reference standard that Hong Kong employers can look to when hiring technical personnel," he said.
To launch Microsoft University in Hong Kong the company has teamed up with the City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, where the first courses will be offered in July. These will be on Windows NT support and Win32 application development. Another 10 courses are also scheduled during the summer.
"This is something of a natural alliance for our institution and we are all very excited about it," said Charles Wong, head of the City Polytechnic's Centre for Continuing Education. "With a pool of more than 100 academic staff to draw from we have Hong Kong's largest team of expertise in computer education.
"The Microsoft University will enable us not only to serve the community, but also to forge closer links with industry. It also provides our staff with valuable non-academic exposure to the world's most popular commercial software."
The City Polytechnic has fitted out a teaching laboratory to Microsoft specifications, with 16 networked workstations, and will have completed another by the end of August. Microsoft is providing the City Polytechnic with full student kits (including handbooks, course and laboratory materials), delivery guides and train-the-trainer sessions in the United States and Australia.
The two organizations have been working since April to mould these courses to match the high pace of learning that is the expected norm in Hong Kong. Courses will typically last between two and five days and will not only help participants to get the most out of their Microsoft software, but in some cases will prepare them for a Microsoft Certified Professional exam.
The Microsoft Certified Professional Program has been running in the United States since late 1991.
"If your business depends upon people in support, training or consultant positions, then periodic assessment of their technical knowledge is essential to ensure quality service and effective career development," said Kan. "Those holding Microsoft CP qualifications can be guaranteed recognition in the job market worldwide."
The program, which will be independently administered in Hong Kong by Drake International, a worldwide training organization, has already attracted attention from some of the territory's leading businesses.
A fee of HK$1,000 is payable per exam, each of which lasts about an hour.
When a new product version is released, re-certification may be required, depending on the magnitude of changes to the product. In general, re-certification exams test only on these changes. Microsoft Certified Professionals will be notified of the need for additional testing and will have approximately three months to re-certify.
Microsoft maintains a global database on Microsoft Certified Professionals, information from which can be accessed through the Microsoft Hong Kong office.
(Brett Cameron/19930621/Press Contact: Sasha Skinner (Microsoft): Tel: 852-804 4261;HK time is GMT + 8)
ft): Tel: 852-804 4261;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/22/93
Microsoft Education Programs In Hongkong
GENERAL
EDS, Amdahl Launch Antares Joint
DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Electronic Data Systems Corp. and Amdahl Corp. have announced a joint venture to sell technology they say will help speed up the development of applications software.
EDS, a major systems integrator and computer services provider and Amdahl, a maker of IBM-compatible mainframe computers, have named the new operation Antares Alliance Group. Initially Amdahl will own 80 percent of Antares and EDS will control the other 20 percent. The companies said they are inviting other partners to join.
Antares will bring together two key pieces of technology. One is Amdahl's Huron, an applications development platform that allows applications to be written once and then run on a variety of hardware from desktop workstations to mainframe computers. The other is InCASE, a 10-year-old, EDS-developed integrated computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool.
Amdahl will now sell both Huron and InCASE, and EDS is already using both products in providing services to its customers, said John Cavalier, president and chief executive officer of Antares in a videoconference from the Harvard Club in Cambridge Massachusetts.
Joe Zemke, president and chief executive of Amdahl, said the backlog of applications waiting to be developed -- a problem in information processing for years -- has "assumed Gordian-knot proportions." He described Antares' software as "the sword that will cut the Gordian knot ... a very bold statement, but we believe it."
Zemke said his company invested about $100 million and 10 years of work in Huron before releasing it in 1991. The company then realized that "if Huron was to become a pervasive standard ... that we would have to seek additional partners." More distribution channels were also needed, he added.
"We felt we needed to establish a level of independence for Huron from our hardware business," Zemke said.
Amdahl began discussing Huron with EDS, which has been an Amdahl customer for many years, about a year ago.
Jeff Heller, senior vice-president of EDS, said his company sees "really big" market opportunities in Antares. He added that the joint venture will perform ongoing research that will benefit both Amdahl and EDS.
Antares will have its world headquarters in Dallas, with development centers in Dallas and in Toronto, where Amdahl developed Huron. The company will have its own board of directors, and is to start off with about 300 employees.
Antares' software will carry an initial license fee plus per-user pricing, Cavalier said.
The company's name comes from astronomy: Antares is a red giant star. Cavalier said the name indicates the backers' ambitious plans for the company. It might also be a pun on a nickname occasionally applied to Amdahl, whose IBM-compatible mainframe computers with red panels on their outer casings have sometimes earned it the name "Big Red" in contrast to IBM's "Big Blue."
(Grant Buckler/19930622/Press Contact: Larry Fillmer, Antares 214-383-2993; Bill Stewart, Amdahl, 408-746-6076; Pat Callaway EDS, 214-392-8056)
-746-6076; Pat Callaway EDS, 214-392-8056)
6/22/93
EDS, Amdahl Launch Antares Joint Venture
BUSINESS
Something For Everyone Is IBM LA
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- IBM is trying to cover all the bases with its local-area network (LAN) strategy an IBM executive speaking to developers in Toronto indicated.
Susan Rubino, systems manager for IBM LAN systems products, was a keynote speaker at the OS/2 and IBM LAN Systems Technical Interchange conference in Toronto. She said IBM sees four parts to the LAN market: small companies, autonomous departments, bottoms-up enterprises, and tops-down enterprises.
All have somewhat different needs, Rubino said, and IBM is trying to address them all with a variety of products.
IBM maintains that its LAN Server 3.0 software, which runs on top of the OS/2 operating system, is the fastest performing server in the industry today. The company also, not surprisingly, contends that OS/2 is the ideal operating system for client PCs, and that there is an advantage in having one system -- OS/2 -- on both client and server.
However, Rubino said, IBM will support whatever users already have on their desktops, including DOS and Microsoft's Windows. And IBM is reselling NetWare, the highly popular LAN operating system from Novell, because many customers want that choice.
In the next couple of years, Rubino said, IBM will be focusing on network management and tools to support distributed and object-oriented computing on networks.
She said the LAN NetView family of products, which provides network management and related functions, will evolve over the coming year or two. It will include not only IBM products but software from other vendors, including Computer Associates and Microcom, she said. The whole structure will be based on prevailing network management protocols: Common Management Interface Protocol (CMIP) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
IBM will soon introduce a certification program meant to ensure that products from third-party developers work not only with IBM's LAN products but with each other, Rubino said.
IBM also plans software to make it easy for LAN administrators to set up LAN workstations remotely, and to help monitor and manage critical network resources, Rubino said.
She added that the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) specification from the Open Software Foundation (OSF) will be a key to the company's future approach to client/server computing. "We are committed to the interoperability between NetWare and DCE and LAN Server and DCE," Rubino said.
(Grant Buckler/19930622)
," Rubino said.
(Grant Buckler/19930622)
6/22/93
Something For Everyone Is IBM LAN Strategy
IBM Desktop OS Strategy Has Four
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- When John Soyring asked a room full of independent software developers and a few reporters how many understood IBM's desktop operating system strategy, only a couple of hands went up. Noting that there must be some IBM employees in the audience, Soyring, the company's director of software development programs, set out to clear up the confusion.
Delivering a keynote speech at the OS/2 and IBM LAN Systems Technical Interchange conference here, Soyring said IBM is committed to four desktop operating systems: DOS, OS/2, AIX, and Workplace OS.
Despite new 32-bit operating systems that offer greater power and added features, Soyring said, DOS will be around for a long time. He promised that IBM will very soon launch its own new version of DOS, to be dubbed 6.1 because, according to IBM, it offers some improvements over Microsoft's recently launched DOS 6.0, such as a better virus-detection feature.
In the future, he said, IBM plans to add Workplace Shell -- the graphical user interface found in recent releases of OS/2 -- to DOS. The company is also planning to license its version of DOS to other hardware vendors, in direct competition with former ally Microsoft.
Not surprisingly, OS/2 is next on IBM's list. Soyring said the recently launched OS/2 2.1 has had a very good response -- he claimed, for instance, that reseller Egghead Software ordered 13,000 additional copies. Another indicator that OS/2 has a bright future is strong sales of compilers and development tools that independent software developers need to create OS/2 applications, Soyring said.
Third on the list is AIX, IBM's variant of Unix, which is most prominent on the RISC System/6000 workstations but is also available on other hardware.
This will evolve into the PowerOpen standard that IBM is developing through a joint venture with Apple Computer Soyring said, and will "bring the capability of the Unix world together with the Mac world."
The fourth piece of IBM's plan is Workplace OS, a yet-to-be-released operating system that will in a sense replace the Portable OS/2 that turned into Windows NT when IBM and Microsoft parted ways.
Workplace OS will be built on the Mach III portable microkernel developed at Carnegie-Mellon University. According to Soyring IBM considered this and Microsoft's development work as possible bases for its future operating system, and chose Mach III.
The microkernel itself is public and freely downloadable from computers at Carnegie-Mellon, he said -- a feature developers like because it ensures openness.
Workplace OS will have "multiple personalities." It will be able to run software written for OS/2, DOS, Unix, and the Taligent system that IBM and Apple are working on in another joint venture. The latter will mean much closer ties between IBM and Apple hardware architectures, Soyring said.
The graphical user interface on the system will be a new generation of the Workplace Shell, with added multimedia pen-computing, touch-screen, and speech-recognition support, he said.
Talking to reporters later, Soyring said Workplace OS could eventually replace the other operating systems, since it can run their applications. However, he noted that Workplace OS will be a 32-bit system and therefore will not be able to run on older PCs so it is unlikely to supplant DOS on those machines. "The installed base of 16-bit machines is huge," he said.
(Grant Buckler/19930622)
hines is huge," he said.
(Grant Buckler/19930622)
6/22/93
IBM Desktop OS Strategy Has Four Pillars -- Soyring
BoCoEx Index
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Boston Computer Exchange for the week ending June 18, 1993.
Closing Prices from the Boston Computer Exchange June 18, 1993
Machine Main Drive Closing Price Ask Bid
Price Change
IBM PS1 386SX/25 130 MgB 850 900 750
IBM PS/2 Model 70-A21 120 MgB 875 950 800
IBM PS/2 Model 56SLC/20 120 MgB 1050 1300 900
IBM PS/2 Model 55SX 60 MgB 650 800 700
IBM ThinkPad 300 80 MgB 1400 1500 1325
IBM ThinkPad 700 80 MgB 1850 2400 2000
IBM ThinkPad 700C 120 MgB 3600 3700 3500
IBM V\P 3/25T MOD. 80 80 MgB 1500 1600 1500
IBM PS/2 Model 90-OH9 160 MgB 1700 1700 1600
IBM PS/2 Model 95-OJF 400 MgB 3000 3300 2700
Compaq Prolinea 4/66 340 MgB 2000 2150 2000
Compaq Prolinea 486/50 240 MgB 1450 1500 1200
Compaq Portable 386 100 MgB 650 800 600
Compaq SLT-386 120 MgB 925 950 850
Compaq LTE-286 40MgB 600 700 600
Compaq LTE-LITE 3/25 120MgB 1350 1450 1200
Compaq LTE-LITE 4/25C 120MB 3450 3600 3400
Compaq SysProXL 1.02 Gig 8,100 12,500 6,000
Compaq Syspro 486/50 Mod 1 6700 8500 6500
Compaq Prosigna 486 /33 550 MgB 3500 3800 3350
Compaq Portable 486/66 525 MgB 3650 4000 3500
Compaq DeskP 486DX2/66i 240 MgB 2100 2400 1900
AST Prem Exec 386SX20 40 MgB 675 750 650
NEC UltraLite 25C 80 M0gB 2000 3400 3300
NEC UltraLite Versa 20C 80 MgB 2850 2950 2800
Zenith Mastersprt-386SX 60 MgB 800 900 800
Zenith SuperSport 386SX 40 MgB 650 800 650
Macintosh Classic 40 MgB 600 650 600
Macintosh Classic II 40 MgB 750 800 700
Macintosh SE 40 MgB 575 650 550
Macintosh SE-30 80 MgB 1050 1150 1000
Macintosh LC 40 MgB 1000 1300 800
Macintosh II 40 MgB 1250 1300 1250
Macintosh II SI 80 MgB 1200 1300 1200
Macintosh II CX 80 MgB 1450 1550 1400
Macintosh II CI 80 MgB 2150 2250 2000
Macintosh II FX 80 MgB 2600 2800 2600
Macintosh Quadra 700 160 MgB 3050 3100 3000
Macintosh Quadra 900 160 MgB 3700 4000 3600
Macintosh Powerbk 165C 80 MgB 2400 2500 2400
Macintosh Powerbk 145 40 MgB 1450 1550 1400
Macintosh Powerbk 180 80 MgB 2950 3100 2900
Apple Imagewriter 2 200 ` 225 175
Apple Laserwriter IINT 900 1000 900
HP Laserjet II 675 700 650
HP Laserjet III 1050 1100 1000
Toshiba T-1200 XE 40 MgB 550 600 500
Toshiba T-1600 40 MgB 525 575 500
Toshiba T-2000 SX 40 MgB 700 800 700
Toshiba T-2000 SXE 40 MgB 800 900 750
Toshiba T-2200 SX 80MgB 900 1000 900
Toshiba T-3100 SX 80 MgB 800 1000 800
Toshiba T-3200 40 MgB 550 700 500
Toshiba T-3200 SX 40 MgB 600 750 500
Toshiba T-3200 SXC 120 MgB 1850 2000 1800
Toshiba T-6400DX 200 MgB 2200 2300 2100
Toshiba T-4400SX 120 MgB 1450 1600 1400
Toshiba T-5200 200 MgB 2100 2200 1900
BoCoEx Index data is compiled by Market Analyst, Gary M. Guhman
Here are some current retail-oriented Seats on the Exchange, presented in a cyclic basis.
Dallas - Ft. Worth, TX - DFW Computer Exchange - M.B. Lee - 817-244-7833
Escondido, Ca. - Affordable Computer Solutions - Dean Jacobus - 619-738 4980
New Orleans, Louisiana - Audubon Computer Rental - Mike Barry - 504-522 0348
Detroit, Michigan - CompuCycle - Walt Hogan - 313-887-2600
Albuquerque, NM, Western Computer Exchange - David Levin - 505-265-1330
Fresno, California - MacSource Computers - Mike Kurtz - 209-438-6227
BoCoEx Index prices are based on complete systems with keyboard, VGA monitor and adapter, less the value of any software or peripherals.
Boston Computer Exchange is available at: 617-542-4414, Buyer's HotLine: 1 800-262-6399, In Alaska and Canada 1-800-437-2470, FAX: 617-542-8849.
(BOCOEX/19930622)
COEX/19930622)
6/22/93
BoCoEx Index
BUSINESS
AST Boasts of Product Quality
CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- AST's manufacturing operations in Hong Kong recently gained registration to the ISO 9001 standards following a comprehensive assessment by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA).
"The old preconception that Asian local production is of inferior quality is now totally outdated with the increasing commitment to quality management by Asian manufacturers," said Philip Wong, AST Pacific managing director.
"The quality of manufacturing coming out of this part of the world had made great strides. In fact, it's not the geographic factor which dictates a product's quality, but rather, the quality policy within the worldwide operation," he said.
With plants in Kwai Chung and Tuen Mun producing more than 160,000 units of computer systems annually, AST's total quality management systems have been recognized by its winning of the 1990 Industry Department Quality Award and the Quality Certificate of Merit in 1991 and 1992.
The Hong Kong facilities, which employ over 1,500 workers manufactures 80 percent of its products for the US and European markets and 20 percent for the Asian markets.
"At AST, quality is our first consideration and the ISO 9001 certification represents an important milestone for our quality assurance," said Mr Wong.
More than 15 percent of the Hong Kong facilities' workers are engaged in full-time quality control, performing outgoing audits, in-process audits, on-site quality control, and post-installation evaluations.
Bill Lui, managing director of AST's Hong Kong Regional Manufacturing Headquarters, attributed the consistent standard to the continual employee education program that stresses the importance of quality.
"We put a great deal of emphasis on design and built-in quality, and our quality standards are also compliant with the applicable regulatory requirements on the product," said Mr Lui. "Regular quality audits are carried out internally every quarter and on a corporate level twice a year."
"We believe a successful quality management system is a team effort and requires a great deal of employee involvement," said Mr Lui. "So far, we have been very successful in instilling quality consciousness in employees by organizing regular seminars to explain the quality concept and workmanship standard, and by holding regular weekly meetings to review and discuss quality problems and solutions."
(Brett Cameron/19930621/Press Contact: Billy Lui, AST Asia Pacific Tel:+852-410 8888;HK time is GMT + 8)
52-410 8888;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/22/93
AST Boasts of Product Quality
GENERAL
Pioneer To Open Karaoke Rooms In
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 21 (NB) -- Hoping to duplicate the success of the karaoke fad in Japan, Pioneer Electric, Tokyo says it will launch "karaoke" rooms in the U.S. The karaoke room is a rental space equipped with a karaoke laser disk player.
Already popular among families and university students in Japan, karaoke rooms are now headed for the US. Pioneer has already tested a karaoke room in Chicago in the US. The room was built in July 1992, and tested for about a year. According to Pioneer, Windy City residents lapped it up as much as their Japanese counterparts, prompting the company to set up karaoke rooms in other cities.
To start, Pioneer will create karaoke rooms in Honolulu and Los Angeles in July. They are being located in restaurants and shopping centers. Each facility offers 6 to 7 rooms, and each room can accommodate 6 to 10 people.
Pioneer aims to create 500 karaoke rooms by 1998 in the US. Most of them will be franchises. So, the firm will seek joint partners or investors in each area.
In Japan, about 350,000 Pioneer Karaoke Laser Disk machines were sold to restaurants, bars and karaoke rooms. Karaoke was first popularized by Japanese businessmen, who wanted to let off steam from work by singing the voice parts to popular Japanese songs. Later it was picked up by families and university students as a way to break the ice socially.
Pioneer and other record producers are now producing English language versions of karaoke disks, and some are already available. Also, Pioneer has just developed a family version of the Karaoke Laser Disk player, which is equipped with a game machine.
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Officials of the Department of Telecommunications are not sure how to deal with the issue of granting licences for cellular phones in the four metros: Delhi Calcutta, Madras and Bombay.
This comes almost two months after the Delhi High Court indicted DoT for the manner in which it made its choice of licensees. The Court asked the DoT to accommodate Max-Hutchison among the eight licensees and lift the curbs on Sterling. While the chairman of the Telecom Commission, H.P. Wagle, wanted the court decision to be implemented, other members of the Commission advised against it, saying it was better to increase the number of licensees to three each for the cities of Bombay and Delhi (against the original two each).
In a related development, the Ministry of Finance has also started looking for ways to solve the issue. Although, the ministry does not have a locus standi in the affair, sources suggest that its interest in the matter arises out of its perception that a delay will scare away foreign investors, whatever their level of interest from the telecom sector. This will generally be against the spirit of liberalization.
As of now there are at least five options before the telecom officials. Apart from the two mentioned above, a third one is to call for fresh bids or retendering. Also being considered are an appeal to the Supreme Court and an offer to include Hutchison Max in Bombay (as the company came up with the highest bid for Bombay city but was disqualified in the pretender rendering stage itself), and also expand the scope of tender to two additional cities. This would entail moving Bharati Cellular from Bombay to Delhi, Tatas from Delhi to Calcutta, and RPG from Calcutta to Madras. And then, to placate Sterling (one of the litigants), they would have single operator status for a new city, probably Bangalore, and accommodate India Telecomp in another new city.
However, this option too is not easy to implement. It is more than clear to the Department that none of the parties are willing to be affected by any of its decisions. The Tatas, for example, have already stated that any attempt to dislodge them from Delhi, will mean their moving the Supreme Court.
The Indian companies (with their foreign collaborations) are: BPL (France Telecom); Bharti Cellularr (CGE, UK; Emtel; Mauritius Mobile Systems, UK); Tata Cellular (Bell Canada); India Telecomp (Telecom Malayasia); Sterling Cellular (Cellular Communications International Inc.); Usha Martin (Telecom Malayasia); Skycell (Bell South, USA); Max Hutchison (Hutchison, Hong Kong); Mobile Communications India Pvt. Ltd. (Singapore Telecom); Modi Telecom (Nynex, USA); Adino Telecom (Alcatel, Canada); TCIL Vanguard (Vanguard Cellular, USA).
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930622)
d Cellular, USA).
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930622)
6/22/93
India - Confusion Reigns Over Cellular Tenders
TELECOM
ZiffNet Enters Book Distribution
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Ziff-Davis' ZiffNet unit will try distributing one of its major titles online in order to test the market.
The "guinea-book" is PC Magazine DOS 6 Techniques and Utilities by Jeff Prosise, from Ziff-Davis Press, and it will be available beginning June 28 through ZiffNet on CompuServe. The 1,035-page book has been selling well at $39.95, and the printed version has a disk, the service says. Members can download the book, along with search and viewing software, at $12.95 plus connect-time charges. The service said it does not expect online distribution to replace printing presses anytime soon, citing research showing that only 13 percent of US households now have modem-equipped PCs, and 24 percent will have the equipment by 1995. Still Ziff-Davis is one of the first major publishers to try this distribution method.
The file itself is compressed with ZVIEW, a Ziff compression and file viewing technology. When uncompressed and viewed, however the file looks like text as it would appear on a computer screen. The technology is unrelated to Adobe's new Acrobat or NoHands' Common Ground. "This is not a graphical viewing technology," noted Lisa Landa of ZiffNet.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930622/Press Contact: Janice Brown, for ZiffNet, 617-332-8066; Lisa Landa, ZiffNet, Lisa Landa 617-252 5211)
ZiffNet, Lisa Landa 617-252 5211)
6/22/93
ZiffNet Enters Book Distribution
TELECOM
PsychSoft Offers Survey Software
QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- For those who must gather data through surveys, PsychSoft has released "Make-A-Likert" software, said to let researchers create Likert scale, True/False and other types of scale surveys and conduct them on PCs.
Make-A-Likert offers a mouse-driven, windowing type interface throughout, even though it is DOS product, and allows the researcher up to 999 questions in one survey set.
Make-A-Likert consists of three modules: a researcher interface module, which allows the researcher to set up surveys in a mouse-driven environment; the survey module, which conducts the survey on the PC by having respondents select choices by mouse; and the statistical analysis module, which allows the researcher to analyze the data collected.
Make-A-Likert costs $300, and PsychSoft offers free updates and free tech support for life. The package runs on IBM PCs and compatibles with DOS 3.3 and above and works with, but does not require, a mouse. PsychSoft is at P.O. Box 232 North Quincy, MA 02171. Telephone 617/471-8733 or 800/426-3622.
(Marguerite Zientara, Computer Currents/19930622)
ntara, Computer Currents/19930622)
6/22/93
PsychSoft Offers Survey Software
Intex Develops Graphics Add-In F
NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Intex Solutions has announced a graphics add-in for users of Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3.x and 1-2-3 for Windows. UltraGraphics is said to be the first true spreadsheet graphics add-in for Windows.
In addition to a dozen innovative 2-D and 3-D graph types UltraGraphics is said to feature automatic range selection 360-degree rotation, automatic scaling along all three axes, and "live" graphs, which automatically update as spreadsheet values change. The software reportedly offers many graph types not available in any spreadsheet program.
One version of UltraGraphics is for 1-2-3 for DOS Release 3.1 3.1+ or 3.4. The other version is for 1-2-3 for Windows Version 1.1 or higher (Windows 3.1 required). Approximately 2MB RAM is required for either version, in addition to the normal requirements of each spreadsheet. UltraGraphics costs $159.95 plus $5 shipping and is available directly from Intex at 35 Highland Circle, Needham, MA 02194. Telephone 617/449-6222.
Intex Develops Graphics Add-In For Latest 1-2-3 Versions
Comdex - Hayes Faces New Legal C
Stac Cuts 20% Of Staff
Switzerland's Infologistik Buys
Comdex: Positioning The Alpha
Comdex: Cinepak Licensed by Micr
Comdex: Alpha, The Future Awaits
Olivetti Unveils Radio LAN Techn
AT&T Japan Links With ASCII On N
Convert Videos To Interactive PC
Database World & Client/Server W
Traveling Software's Nifty Text
AIFP Offers High Volume Fax Serv
Database World - Non-IBM RDBMS F
Freebie Software Company Admits
Cisco Launches Remote-Access Rou
Canadian Company Offers Multimed
Greek Phone Company Confirms Wir
Wordperfect Shipping Wordperfect
IBM's Fireworks Define Multimedi
Seybold - Sculley's Live Demo Of
IBM, Irvine Sensors Open Pilot C
RealWorld's First Windows-Based
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- RealWorld Corp. a developer of accounting and business software, has introduced RealWorld Spectrum Accounting, its first Windows-based product.
RealWorld Spectrum Accounting was developed for operation in a Windows environment using RealWorld Practical Accounting System the firm's integrated software for small to medium-sized businesses.
RealWorld Spectrum Accounting combines accounts receivable, sales invoicing, inventory management, accounts payable, payroll check reconciliation and general ledger. The software includes action-oriented menus, which logically sequence accounting tasks, showing the flow of data and how the modules relate to each other. RealWorld Spectrum Accounting also displays up to four reports concurrently, so users can compare information among them.
Spectrum Accounting reportedly contains a shutdown procedure that automatically checks all active applications for incomplete work. If any is found, the shutdown procedure ends and the user is positioned at the point of incomplete work and directed to complete the action.
Spectrum Accounting costs $495 for the single-user version and $995 for the multi-user version, which accommodates up to four terminals. RealWorld Corp. is at 282 Loudon Road, P.O. Box 2051, Concord, NH 03302. Telephone 603/224-200 or 800/678-6336.
(Marguerite Zientara, Computer Currents/19930622)
rite Zientara, Computer Currents/19930622)
6/22/93
RealWorld's First Windows-Based Software
First CD-ROM On Mars
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- If there are any Martians on Mars, they may be able to read all about the way we have envisioned them throughout the years, thanks to a CD-ROM project being created by a US/Russian research alliance.
The Planetary Society, in cooperation with the Russian Space Research Institute (IKI), will create Visions of Mars, a CD-ROM collection of science fiction stories, and have slated it to travel to the red planet aboard Mars 94 when it is launched to Mars next year. The probe is slated to be launched by Russia in mid to late 1994.
Visions of Mars will be a collection of science fiction stories sounds and images on a compact disc that chronicle humanity's fascination with Mars and its imagined Martians from H.G. Wells to the present day. A copy of the disc will be placed inside each of the two small stations that Mars 94 will land on the surface of the red planet in September, 1995, say organizers.
The stations will not contain a CD-ROM drive, unfortunately says Carols Populus, speaking to Newsbytes from the Planetary Society Headquarters in Pasadena, California. "The CD-ROM will have to be built, or saved from the past," he suggested. "It's really a time capsule to ourselves."
It is still unclear as to whether the disc will be sold commercially or a limited number of discs will be made for this one event, he added. The flight disc and CD-ROM replicas will be produced by Time Warner Interactive Group (previously Warner New Media) in Burbank, California. The CD-ROM will be designed to play on both Apple and IBM computers.
Dr. Carl Sagan, president of the Planetary Society, at the news conference in New York, said: "Before our technology caught up with our dreams, the way to Mars was described by the great writers of modern science fiction. Those who built and operated the first robot explorers of Mars, the Mariners and Vikings and those who are now designing new missions -- for robots and for humans -- often recall how they were motivated by science fiction. The first adventures of space exploration were some mix of fiction and reality, interacting in the minds of the spaceflight pioneers.
"Now, in 1993, we are preparing the first mobile robotic explorers of Mars, and human exploration of Mars is becoming more and more feasible. It seems appropriate to place a collection of these works on Mars -- as a motivation and memento for future explorers there. These will be the first volumes in Visions of Mars."
A label on the exterior of each lander will announce in five languages what's inside and how to play it. A microdot on the surface of the disc will contain additional technical information about its operation.
At the press conference to announce the disc, the editors issued a special call for additional submissions from non-English speaking countries. All stories will be recorded onto the disc in the language in which they were written.
The disc will also include a portion of the Orson Welles radio broadcast of War of the Worlds that panicked thousands of people when it aired on Halloween in 1938; an audio recording made the night that the Viking I lander made the first successful landing on Mars, featuring reactions from Gene Roddenberry, Robert Heinlein, Ray Bradbury and others; and brief messages to the future inhabitants of Mars from key figures such as Arthur C. Clarke.
A portfolio of artwork will feature images from classic science fiction stories and films as well as works of astronomical art. Artists include Kelly Freas, Frank R. Paul, Frank Frazetta Chesley Bonestell, Andrei Sokolov and Robert McCall.
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Microsoft Corporation has announced it will join forces with two other companies to develop integrated client-server software for life insurance offices.
Microsoft announced this week that it will work with Andersen Consulting and Sterling Wentworth Corporation (SWC) to design a program called Solutions for Life Insurance Enterprise Computing (SLIEC). The program will be based on the Windows family, including Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups, and the recently announced Windows NT operating system that hasn't shipped yet.
The software giant says the open design program will handle specialized life insurance industry tasks such as contract administration, customer service, underwriting, and investment management. Buyers will be able to pick and choose the components that best meet their needs.
Microsoft says it will provide the systems technology and desktop applications, while Andersen Consulting will contribute its expertise in the life insurance process design, insurance systems methodology and technical integration of the suite of products. The deal calls for software vendor SWC to integrate the application with its PATH product, an agent marketing system that runs under Windows 3.1.
The announcement says that while life insurance providers are under continuing pressure to find ways to better serve their clients and become more productive, they are frustrated by inefficient workflows and inflexible systems. SLIEC is designed to overcome some of those problems. "Many life insurance companies are looking for innovative solutions for leveraging their investments in legacy systems improving time to market, and using technology to really improve the bottom line," says Andersen Consulting Managing Partner Thomas Skelly, who sees SLIEC as a viable approach with its incremental open design.
Microsoft says SLIEC will be designed as an open platform, allowing users to access information from any source via the Windows Open Systems Architecture (WOSA), which provides programming interfaces between Windows-based applications.
The first version of SLIEC will integrate SWC's PATH technology Microsoft SQL Server, and the Microsoft Office Professional, which includes word processor Word for Windows, spreadsheet Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint presentation graphics. Microsoft's database program Access and a workstation license for Microsoft Mail will also be included.
PATH is a program for the front office that includes the sales functions of prospecting, client profiling, needs identification product selection, and cross selling.
(Jim Mallory/1993062/Press contact: Anne Kutscher, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation 206-882-8080, 800-426-9400)
Corporation 206-882-8080, 800-426-9400)
6/22/93
Microsoft's Insurance Office Software
Japan - Matsushita & Hitachi Dev
US West Renews Random Access PC
Japanese Windows 3.1 Debuts
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clea
Australian Study Shows Telecommu
Tetra Announces Plans To Attack
Judge To Fine White House Over E
Stacker 3.1 Ships, Requires MS-D
Fifth Generation's Fastback Plus
Sound, PCMCIA Available For X Wi
Jury Vindicates ULSI, Intel Head
Jurisoft DirectConnect Links WP
Editorial - Working At Home
Australian Bounty Hunters Active
Software Developer's To Buy PC T
EC Finally Approves HDTV Funding
India: Microland Restructures, M
Color Hard Copy - BIS Details St
Video Software Developers Kit
VTech Offers Five-Year Limited W
Windows Program Sales Surpass DO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced this week that North American sales of programs that run under Microsoft Windows have surpassed sales of applications for MS-DOS for the first time.
SPA says sales of applications software that perform specific tasks such as word processing or spreadsheets reached $1.46 billion in the first quarter of 1993. That's an increase in dollar value of 20 percent from the first quarter in 1992, and a 26 percent increase in unit sales, according to the trade association.
SPA Executive Director Ken Wasch said Windows applications outsold DOS applications in all four of the largest business-oriented applications categories: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation graphics.
For the first quarter, Windows application sales totaled $669 million an increase of 114 percent from the prior year period. During the same period sale of DOS-based applications fell 20 percent to $502 million as more and more computer users move to Windows.
In just one category, databases, sales jumped 112 percent to $164 million, boosted by the introduction of Microsoft's Access and an update of Borland's Paradox. Sale of both programs were aided by special introductory pricing. SPA says word processing and spreadsheet software remain the biggest sellers, with sales of $203 million and $179 million respectively.
Microsoft Windows was fist introduced in the mid-1980s, but didn't attain its current level of popularity until the company introduced version 3.0 in May 1990. Microsoft says currently more than one million copies of Windows are sold each month. The company had about one million orders already on hand for version 3.1 before that product started shipping.
(Jim Mallory/19930622/Press contact: Terry Childs, SPA, 202-452-1600)
t: Terry Childs, SPA, 202-452-1600)
6/22/93
Windows Program Sales Surpass DOS
Dell Energy Efficient PC Line
P AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Dell Computer has joined the rapidly growing list of personal computer makers that are shipping personal computers that meet the US Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary guidelines for energy efficient machines.
Dell says it will begin shipping its energy efficient computers June 23rd. The federal government, as outlined in President Bill Clinton's Earth Day speech, has committed to purchasing computers, monitors and printers that met the EPA's "Energy Star" guidelines for energy efficiency whenever possible. Computer equipment that meets the voluntary standards of using less than 30 watts of power when in the inactive mode can display the Energy Star logo. The government estimates that it can save as much as $40 million per year in reduced electricity costs from computer equipment, as well as reducing air pollution caused by power generation.
It may be that the buying public isn't as committed to energy and pollution reduction as is the government unless it comes at little or no cost. Rob Howe, Dell acting senior VP of Dell USA, says while it's ecologically sensible to build products that use less energy, "It is clear that customers do not want to spend significant additional dollars to obtain this class of machine." Dell spokesperson Dean Kline told Newsbytes the company is also exploring incorporation of other energy saving technologies such as flat panels, PCMCIA devices and some ergonomic issues at reasonable price points as customers ask for them.
Dell says an energy efficient 425s/L with floppy drive, 120-megabyte (MB) hard drive, 4MB of system memory, a mouse, DOS and Windows will sell for $1,270. A similarly configured 466/L with a 170Mb hard drive will carry a $2,150 price tag. Kline told Newsbytes the additions to meet Energy Star requirements did not add anything to the cost of these systems. "They were originally designed to be energy efficient and run coolly. With minor changes, they are Energy Star compliant. With the additions we made we didn't to have to add to the (consumer) cost." Dell provides unlimited lifetime toll-free technical support and guaranteed next business day onsite service.
MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Computer Network Technology Corporation says it has reached an agreement to acquire Ultra Network Technologies.
CNTC says it will issue 432,000 newly issued shares of its stock valued at $2.75 million, to cover the cost of the acquisition, and will assume certain unstated liabilities of Ultra. The deal is still subject to approval by Ultra shareholders but could be completed as soon as early next month.
Ultra Network Technologies, located in San Jose, California, produces the Ultranet HUB 1000 with supercomputer and IBM host channel interfaces as well as other networking products. Ultra reported 1992 revenues of $13 million.
Ultra President and CEO Mike Paul declined to discuss specifics of the deal, but told Newsbytes acquisition talks were initiated in April. Paul said the 50 Ultra employees have been offered positions with CNTC in Minnesota. The San Jose operations will be moved to Minneapolis over the next 3-4 months, said Paul. Ultra employed about 150 people a year ago, but has experienced a series of layoffs throughout the year, he told Newsbytes.
Newsbytes recently reported on Channelspeed, a CNTC software product designed to increase the volume of file transfers between mainframe computers that can be used by banks to speed up electronic data transfer.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Apple appears to be accelerating into a major change and rumors are flying fast and furious as to what that change will be. Speculation is layoffs are just around the corner and the company may be purchased by telecommunications giant American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T).
Talks with AT&T have been reported by industry publication PC Week, which says discussions have run from potential joint ventures involving personal digital assistants (PDAs) to a merger between Apple and AT&T's computer division NCR. NCR makes IBM-compatible personal computers (PC) and other computer products. Apple public relations specialist Kate Paisley said regarding the Apple/AT&T rumor, "We talk to lots of companies all the time. We have no comment on that rumor."
However, the notion that the company was for sale became wide spread after several magazines published statements from Apple's chief executive officer, John Sculley, that he suggested IBM buy Apple. Sculley said the suggestion was made to a search committee formed by IBM earlier this year who talked with him as part of their pursuit of a new leader for the failing computer giant.
Further, there's the question of what Apple would have to offer AT&T. AT&T and EO have already beat Apple to market with the AT&T/EO Personal Communicator, a hand-held, pen-based, portable PDA device. Newton, Apple's PDA, is behind Apple's estimated delivery date. When asked if Newton could help Apple in its current dilemma, Computer Intelligence analyst Dan Ness quipped "Newton is a statement of vision."
Apple has been looking carefully into telecommunications work and into ways to allow people to "really communicate," according to Ness who mentioned Apple is doing work on voice recognition technology. Last week when John Sculley stepped down to pursue "new business opportunities for Apple," he said in a prepared statement, "My personal interests have long been in defining the opportunities and technologies for Apple in the convergence of computing, communication, and content." Ness noted the words "computing, communication, and content," saying a lot could be read into that statement. "The introduction of Microsoft Windows 3.1 and the PC price wars have put Apple under tremendous pressure and Apple's answer traditionally has been to explore new territory," Ness added.
"PC Week" magazine executive editor, John Dodge, who wrote the story, talked with Newsbytes about the report that AT&T may buy Apple. He said he's certain of his sources, although no one on either side of the talks would go on the record.
He tells Newsbytes that AT&T would bankroll Apple's expensive visions in PDAs, electronic publishing and enterprise computing while Apple would give AT&T unique technology.
"The story is not the two will merge tomorrow," Dodge warned "We just describe the nature of the talks going on."
Newsbytes asked Dodge for his personal opinion on all this. "The idea is interesting," he said. "I don't greet it the way people greeted NCR. That has turned out fairly well. They've been hands off on NCR -- they let NCR be NCR and stay in Dayton with few cutbacks. Looking with Apple I think there's a lot to be gained on both sides." He says Apple's big ideas carry risks. "The idea that PDAs are a huge business is a long way from being proven. And just because you're big doesn't assure success."
To observers, Apple Computer right now appears to be scrambling around trying to gather its direction before it has to announce its earnings. "The New York Times" reported Apple plans to lay off 10% of its workforce, or nearly 2,000, including the US marketing arm software development, and European operations. The company announced June 9 investors can expect lower earnings than last year for the first six months of its current fiscal year, which will end on June 30, 1993. Traditionally, Apple's mid-year earnings statement has been released in the middle of July each year.
The company's stock has dropped over a third in value since the beginning of this month and the Institutional Brokers Estimate System (I/B/E/S) is reporting the trend among over 2,500 financial analysts at 130 brokerage is to continue to revise Apple's earnings estimates downward.
(Linda Rohrbough & Dana Blankenhorn/19930622/Press Contact: Christopher Escher, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-2202, fax 408-967-5651)
Apple Computer, tel 408-974-2202, fax 408-967-5651)
6/22/93
Apple Rumor Mill -- AT&T Merger, Layoffs Expected
APPLE
Adobe To Demo Premiere 3.0 At Di
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Adobe Systems will demonstrate for the first time at Digital World in Beverly Hills, California this week its Adobe Premiere 3.0 product, the latest version of its software for creating digital video movies, videotapes, and multimedia presentations on the Macintosh.
The company says enhancements in the new version include faster previewing, 99 stereo audio tracks, 99 superimpose tracks, a video wave monitor, multiple layering, batch digitizing, and an enhanced titler.
The improved previewing feature allows the user to preview long edits at full motion and previews can be made from disk at the frame rate supported by the Macintosh on which the software runs. In addition, the software will compile and cache only those sections of a preview that have changed since the last preview and previewing can be processed at a different resolution than viewing. The Print to Video command can be used to export previews to videotape without additional compiling time.
Adobe claims users have more creative control with layers and virtual clips. Motion, filters and transparency can be set independently for each of 97 superimpose tracks. Also, a virtual clip feature allows any area on the video timeline to be treated as a clip so that multiple transitions can be applied to any layer.
Like style sheets, pre-sets allow the application of options and are especially helpful for new users, Adobe maintains. The company supplies pre-sets in the product that have already selected combinations of frame rate, output options, preview options, compression settings, and timebase. Users are free to also create and save their own pre-sets, the company added.
Users can add effects for titles using the title window, such as gradient fills that can be applied to any object, including shadows and alpha channel masks. Drop shadows and soft edges can be applied to any object and can be set to show from any angle or distance.
Adobe says the batch digitizing, list information, and sub pixel motion and field rendering will be of particular interest to professional users, Batch digitizing stores a list of clips to be automatically captured at one time to simplify the process of acquiring video clips. List information can be imported or exported from the Movie Capture window or a dialog box or from a text file. Sub-pixel motion and field rendering make motion flow smooth.
A enhanced sequence window improves control of multiple items such as providing multiple item select and move, and multiple item dragging to the construction window. In addition, the ability to have Print to Video pause for mouse clicks aids in constructing presentations.
Scheduled for release in the third quarter of 1993, the retail price of Adobe Premiere 3.0 is $695. However, the company is planning a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) Deluxe Edition of Premiere 3.0 version which is expected to include: Quick/Time tutorials on new features; Quick/Time tips and techniques and demonstrations; electronic versions of portions of the product's documentation; stock Quicktime movie examples titles, templates, type fonts, still images, sounds, and animation; demo versions of Adobe and third-party products; and the Adobe Type On Call CD-ROM. Retail price for the CD-ROM Deluxe version is $795.
Upgrades are $129 for the standard version, and $199 for the Deluxe CD-ROM Edition until November 2, 1993 when the prices will change to $179 and $249, respectively. Those who purchase the current Adobe Premiere for the Macintosh product between June 21, 1993, and the date the new version ships will receive a free upgrade to Adobe Premiere 3.0, the company added.
The minimum system requirements for Adobe Premiere 3.0 for Macintosh are: a Macintosh computer with 68020 or greater processor, and 80 megabyte (MB) hard drive and 4 (MB) of random access memory (RAM) available; Apple System Software 6.0.7 or greater. Quicktime is required, but is included with the Adobe Premiere 3.0 program.
However, Adobe recommends a little more muscle for running Premiere 3.0. The company encourages users have 6 MB or more of RAM available for the application, a Quicktime capture card, a 200 MB or greater hard drive, and Apple System Software 7.0 or greater.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930622/Press Contact: Patricia Pane, Adobe Systems, tel 415-962-3967, fax 415-961-3769; Public Contact Adobe, 800-833-6687)
961-3769; Public Contact Adobe, 800-833-6687)
6/22/93
Adobe To Demo Premiere 3.0 At Digital World
APPLE
New CD-ROM Title For Kids, The L
SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 22 (NB) -- Dinosaurs are hot and Sanctuary Woods is taking advantage of the fascination with the prehistoric beasts in its new multimedia title for children, "The Last Dinosaur Egg."
In the new title, the player is a museum archivist for the 22nd century Museum of Fantastic Phenomena. Guided by field agents Victor Vector and Yondo, players travel into the past to recover an egg from one of the last surviving and most terrible of dinosaurs, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The company maintains the title offers the most accurate and up-to-date information on the dinosaurs and their surroundings in the compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) adventure.
Sanctuary Woods boasts over 100 hand-painted backgrounds and animated characters in the new game as well as video clips digitized sound effects, and original music.
The company's other titles include Sanctuary The Vampire's Coffin and actress Shelley Duvall's "It's a Bird's Life." Electronic Arts is handling distribution of "The Last Dinosaur Egg" in North America and the suggested retail price is $59.95. In addition, the company is scheduled to release "The Last Dinosaur Egg" on the IBM compatible multimedia personal computer (MPC) platform in July, 1993.
Founded in 1988, Sanctuary Woods describes itself as a developer of interactive education and entertainment titles on CD-ROM. The company is an affiliated label of Electronic Arts and is a licensed developer for the new 3DO Interactive Multiplayer expected to make its debut to consumers this fall.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930622/Press Contact: Joseph F. Flatley Sanctuary Woods, tel 604-684-8177)
Joseph F. Flatley Sanctuary Woods, tel 604-684-8177)
6/22/93
New CD-ROM Title For Kids, The Last Dinosaur Egg
APPLE
NEC Shifting Game Machine Produc
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- NEC Home Electronics, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC, plans to shift manufacturing of its game machines to overseas plants. This is part of the firm's restructuring plan to fight an industry slump as well as the surging Japanese yen.
NEC Home Electronics is currently scouting sites for the new plant and while Southeast Asian countries, such as Taiwan and Thailand figure prominently, Thailand is said to hold favor. That is because Thailand is already the location of an NEC subsidiary. NEC expects to have chosen the site, and have actual production of games underway by the end of this year.
Production isn't expected to be hard to ramp up since NEC supplies most of the parts to its plants -- workers just have to assemble them. Gradually, NEC Home Electronics expects to shift all production to these overseas plants.
To start, the plant will produce a CD-ROM-based game machine called the PC-Engine which competes in Japan with Nintendo's Super Famicom and Sega's Mega Drive.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930624/Press Contact: NEC Home Electronics, +81-3-3454-5111, Fax, +81-3-5232-6161)
tronics, +81-3-3454-5111, Fax, +81-3-5232-6161)
6/24/93
NEC Shifting Game Machine Production Overseas
BUSINESS
CompuAdd Announces Pentium-Upgra
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Compuadd has announced a new line of 486-based personal computers that can be upgraded to Intel's Pentium technology when that chip is ready to ship. The Centura line includes 47 models, and represents the largest product launch in the company's 11-year history.
The new models, available in four chassis styles, start at $1,295 and are certified by Novell as network ready. Centura is available in low profile, desktop, mini-tower, and tower models. The low profile models have five available expansion slots and four drive bays.
The basic configuration for the machines includes a CD-ROM drive for all models except the low profile systems, local bus IDE hard drive controllers, and local bus graphics based on color-capable ATI 68800XL chipsets. Also standard is one megabyte (MB) of video memory, which can be expanded to 2 megabytes (MB), and support for resolutions up to 1,280 by 1,024 pixels.
The new systems come with Windows 3.1, DOS 6.0, Netware Lite, a Compuserve starter kit, and CloseUp 4.0 communications software. A Zero Insertion Force socket supports all Intel SX, DX, and DX2 processors as well as the future Pentium chips. The company claims that all models have cooling expandability and electromagnetic interference shielding to accommodate future processors running at speeds in excess of 100 megahertz (MHz). Two serial and one bi directional parallel port are standard on all models, as is a mouse.
An included program called Remote Rescue allows CompuAdd technical support representatives to access a customers' PC if it has a modem installed, in order to solve any set-up or configuration problems. The company is also including one month of free hazard insurance which covers non-warranted problems such as dropped PCs, theft water damage, and power surges.
The coverage can be extended for one year at $49 per Centura PC, and is also available for Compuadd's notebook systems for $200 per year. The company says it will refund the difference if they advertise the same system you buy at a lower price within 30 days of purchase.
Compuadd says its bezels, the plates that mask openings around drives, are made from recyclable plastic, and its shipping boxes are plain brown, replacing the current non-recyclable boxes. It has also teamed up with Dow Plastics to replace urethane cushioning material with a low-density polyethylene foam.
The bottom of each Centura shipping carton converts to a return shipping container if the buyer wants to send the foam cushioning back for re-use instead of discarding it. The company says the new packing will cut their overall packing and handling expenses by about $185,000 annually, a saving it will pass on to buyers.
Service technicians and do-it-yourself upgraders will like the Centura case. Its accessible by undoing two thumbscrews. The Centura motherboards support up to 64MB of system memory, and the floppy disk controller can handle drives up to 2.88MB in capacity. The low profile models comes with a 14 inch non-interlaced 0.28 dot pitch color monitor and 1MB of video RAM (random access memory) which can be upgraded to 2MB.
The desktop and mini-tower models have eight expansion slots and seven drive bays. Two of the expansion slots have VESA local bus capability. Eight megabytes of system memory is standard, and can be expanded to 64MB on ISA motherboards and 128MB on the EISA-based systems. Both systems include a 15-inch non-interlaced 0.28 dot pitch color monitor, a 200 watt power supply, and include the CD-ROM drive.
The tower models use three thumbscrews to secure a removable side panel for access to expansion slots, and the drive bays are accessible from the front or rear of the chassis. A 300-watt power supply, eight expansion slots, and nine drive bays are standard with two of the slots having VESA local bus capability. All models are being shown at CompuAdd's booth at PC Expo in New York. The show runs June 29th through July 1 at the Jacob Javits Center.
The company says that prices for the low profile models range from $1,295 to $1,995. Desktop and mini-tower models carry price tags that run from $2,095 to 44,295, while tower models go from $2,245 to $4,445.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Qualcomm claimed that members of the Telecommunications Industry Association, or TIA, indicated strong support for its version of the Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, digital cellular technology. That increases the likelihood that Qualcomm's CDMA will be made an industry standard.
The re-balloting, which started May 18, followed reports that InterDigital Communications claimed Qualcomm's technology might infringe on its Broadband CDMA patents. The two companies are now in court over that issue. According to Qualcomm, the results of the re-balloting were 23 votes in favor of issuing its standard, four votes against and one abstention. The results go to the group's Technical Standards Subcommittee, which will review the proposal and could give final approval for publication of the standard within three weeks. If the committee approves, the CDMA standard, known as IS-95, could be issued as early as August, Qualcomm said.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930624/Press Contact: Qualcomm, Thomas Crawford, 619/597-5715)
m, Thomas Crawford, 619/597-5715)
6/24/93
TIA Moves Toward Approving CDMA
TELECOM
Packard Bell & Zenith Announce A
e CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Packard Bell and Zenith Data Systems have announced a strategic alliance. The two companies say Packard Bell's expertise in desktop computers and ZDS's expertise in notebook computers will complement each other in a manufacturing economy of scale and in the distribution channel meaning lower prices for the consumer.
While no specific numbers were mentioned since Packard Bell is a privately held company, ZDS says it has purchased a 19.9 percent share in Packard Bell as part of the agreement and will be represented on Packard Bell's board of directors. ZDS is a subsidiary of Bull, a company whose primary shareholder is the French Government.
ZDS President Bernard Pache said he expects the alliance to increase the sales volume of ZDS notebook and subnotebook personal computers (PCs) through Packard Bell's wide distribution network in the retail channel. Packard Bell boasts 1992 sales were $930 million with shipments up 40 percent and a 60 percent increase in unit sales over 1991. Before the ZDS alliance, Packard Bell estimated sales in 1993 would top $1.2 billion. International Data
ZDS claims that its sales were $900 million world-wide in 1992. In addition, ZDS was recently awarded the Desktop IV contract from the Air Force which entails the purchase of 300,000 computers at an estimated cost of $800,000. The company said that the alliance with Packard Bell will offer it additional opportunity to produce and service the Desktop IV contract.
Both companies are expecting to leverage their buying and manufacturing power together to cut costs. Packard Bell President Beny Alagem denied that Packard Bell was simply looking for an infusion of cash after its failed initial public offering (IPO) last year. Alagem said the IPO didn't happen because the price of the stock was unacceptable to the company's board of directors.
While the core of the computers developed in the deal will be the same, Packard Bell and ZDS say they plan to retain their own labeling, although ZDS will supply Packard Bell with private label versions of its notebook and subnotebook PCs. Consumers can expect to see products developed as a result of the alliance as soon as September of this year.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930623/Press Contact: Philip Little, The Bohle Company for Packard Bell, tel 310-785-0515, fax 310-785 0459)
Bell, tel 310-785-0515, fax 310-785 0459)
6/23/93
Packard Bell & Zenith Announce Alliance
Energy Saving Powerstrip Auto Co
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Sequence Electronics has developed a line of "smart" electrical power strips for your computer that can actually turn your computer, monitor, printers and other peripherals on and off for you as you use them. The company estimates energy savings gained from use of the Smartbar family of products can make the products pay for themselves.
An estimated installed base of 65 million computers and several 100 million peripherals together use an about $8 billion per year in electricity. Sequence Electronics estimates substantial savings can be gained in energy costs if each computer is turned off after one hour of non-use.
The company came up with the figures after doing a survey of 94 computers over an eight week period. An estimated 63 percent of the time computers are not in use and that figure jumps to 85 percent for monitors, according to Sequence. In the experiment the Smartbar software and hardware was installed and set to shut down the computers and monitors after one hour of non-use. The results were a thirty-three percent reduction in energy use, or about $150 per year per computer.
Much like an ordinary power strip, the Smartbar offers surge protection, but is equipped with a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor that via a connection with the computer's keyboard, can control the power to several outlets on the Smartbar.
The user controls when and what is turned on and off via the software and a touch on the keyboard brings the monitor or computer back on. The Smartbar itself works with any computer system and the software to control the Smartbar is available for DOS, Macintosh and Unix systems. Company representatives added that OS/2 software is in the works. The software is smart enough to save the work in the last open application and bring it back up again as well, the company added.
As for whether or not the Smartbar puts a drain on the microprocessor in the computer, the company says no. Sequence President William Kemp told Newsbytes that the RISC processor in the power strip handles all the necessary polling and no interaction with the system's microprocessor is needed.
Four main Smartbar products are available. Smartbar I offers two outlets for a retail price of $149, Smartbar II offers six outlets for $299, and Smartbar III which is software only for the Macintosh is $59. In addition, a wall mounted motion sensing device can be added to the Smartbar to automatically turn on the computer when the room is occupied and turn the computer off when the room is empty.
For remote communications, the Smart Remote connects between the Smartbar and the modem and can power up the computer when a "ring" or "off hook" signal comes through the phone lines. In addition, the company says the products can make computers and peripherals qualify the new Energy Star program officially implemented by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(Linda Rohrbough/19930623/Press Contact: William Kemp, Sequence Electronics, tel 613-257-4773, fax 613-257-1840)
e Electronics, tel 613-257-4773, fax 613-257-1840)
6/23/93
Energy Saving Powerstrip Auto Controls Computers
Indian Software Package Makes It
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Quality Systems and Resources (QSP) Pvt., a Madras-based company, has unveiled Qualisys, a software package that it claims makes it much easier for companies to achieve the International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000 certification.
ISO 9000 certification is widely recognized by consumers as a "seal of approval" for a company. It is used by companies as a means of gauging whether a supply company will still be around in the longer term, which helps in longer-term planning.
Qualisys is not alone in the Indian software market-place. Last year, Sundram Information Systems (SIS), announced a package called Ki-QMS. Ki-QMS stands for Knowledge Integrated Quality Management System.
According to QSP, Qualisys provides around 75 percent of the assistance required for the ISO 9001, 9002 and 9003 levels of certification. This, QSP claims, leaves the interested company only to seek external assistance in customizing the package for its specific needs, plus advice on highly specialized needs.
The package takes a "tree and branch" approach to solving users' queries and problems relating to ISO certification. In the ISO 9000 Series 1, for example, the package has split the 20 elements into 104 levels of detailed counseling, claiming to answer more than 499 questions relating to the subject.
Qualisys has several modules ranging from a control module to utility and print modules. Each package comes with five user licences for the software.
QSP is taking an innovative approach when it comes to pricing the package. The base price for the software is Rs 15,000 ($500), but this price is for medium-sized and large companies. For small companies and "not for profit" organizations, a 50 percent reduction is offered.
Ki-QMS, the Sunderam package, in comparison, costs Rs 40,000 ($1,350) for a single user site licence. SIS claims to have sold more than 500 copies of the software to date.
(C T Mahabharat/19930623)
opies of the software to date.
(C T Mahabharat/19930623)
6/23/93
Indian Software Package Makes It Easier To Achieve Quality
GENERAL
D n R
Greek Phone Company Confirms Wir
ATHENS, GREECE, 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- OTE, the Greek state telephone company, has confirmed allegations that the phones of Socialist politicians, as well as inner-party rivals of conservative Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis, have been tapped.
A seven-member OTE committee, which probed Athens' phone network throughout last month, has reported that evidence of eavesdropping was found on many telephone lines. Among those wiretapped were former prime minister Andreas Papandreou, the offices of his Socialist party headquarters and former conservative minister Miltiades Evert.
The committee's findings supported allegations by former OTE employee Christos Mavrikis, who has said that, acting under orders from senior conservative party officials, he tapped scores of phones of rival politicians, judges and journalists from 1988 to 1990.
Mavrikis told the press and a state prosecutor investigating the case that Mitsotakis' security chief at the time, general Nikos Gryllakis, master-minded the phone tapping and that he worked under the general's direct orders.
Gryllakis, who remains a senior adviser at the New Democracy party headquarters, has denied being involved in the growing scandal. He is reported to have testified before state prosecutor George Zorbas claiming that he hired Mavrikis merely to defend the New Democracy party against phonetapping by the Socialists.
Mavrikis, meanwhile, has provided details on how he routinely tapped phones between 1988-90, allegedly to help the conservatives negotiate a string of alliances during a political crisis.
Reporting on the affair it had broken earlier this year, the Kathimerini daily newspaper in Athens said that "until now the citizen who read of the wiretapping case had every reason to be reserved."
"Mavrikis's allegations, stunning as they were, remained without proof. OTE's findings confirm the charges," the paper added in its editorial on the affair.
Gryllakis has brought a civil law suit against Mavrikis, claiming that he tried to blackmail him with the illegal tapes. Mavrikis is now in jail pending trial.
OTE's findings were given to Zorbas and radio stations said Gryllakis may be summoned for further testimony.
Mitsotakis has publicly denied any knowledge of wiretapping and claimed that the accusations came from one jailed man, Mavrikis. Despite protesting his innocence, he agreed in April to set up an all-party parliamentary committee to investigate the phone tapping allegations.
(Steve Gold/19930623)
e phone tapping allegations.
(Steve Gold/19930623)
6/23/93
Greek Phone Company Confirms Wiretapping Allegations
TELECOM
US Survey Reports Large Users Hi
PORTLAND, OREGON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- The results of a large user survey on telecommunications security show that toll fraud is a more far-reaching problem than even the most pessimistic of analysts could have predicted.
Telecommunications Advisors, a Portland, Oregon-based research and consulting firm that trains companies about the problems of toll telephone fraud, has surveyed 624 users throughout the US on several aspects of telecommunications security.
More than 70 percent of the 124 respondents have been hit by hackers at least once during the past five years, with the average aggregate loss per victim, many of whom were struck more than once, was an amazing $125,000.
In the survey, users revealed how toll fraud was performed, who they thought the perpetrators were, how much it cost them and how they became aware that they were victims. In addition, they ranked the effectiveness of local, state and national law enforcement groups in dealing with toll fraud.
The respondents said that toll fraud losses primarily involved, in order of importance, manipulation of their private branch exchange penetration of voice mail, abuse of the switch's maintenance ports misuse of remote access and so-called social engineering, where the operator or staff is deceived into providing a dial tone to unauthorized parties.
About 58 percent of the users reported that they believed the primary culprits to be hackers; 11 percent blamed insiders; 9 percent -- employees or agents of interconnects, vendors or suppliers; 9 percent -- so-called shoulder-surfers or dumpster divers, as well as people who fraudulently obtain a victim's long distance access code; 7 percent -- employees or agents of long distance service providers; and 6 percent -- employees or agents of local telephone companies.
More than 17 percent of the survey respondents blamed free access to systems through toll free services, while 14.6 percent said that switch manipulation was to blame. 14.2 percent cited manipulation of voice mail systems, 8.6 percent noted absence of or failure to use call detail reports or station message detail reports, 8.5 percent pointed to entry through remote maintenance ports, and 7.1 percent said that remote access through direct-inward system access ports was causing problems.
Toll fraud victims were also asked how they first learned that they had a toll fraud problem. 25 percent of the respondents said that their end users noticed problems with their switching systems, while 23 percent were notified by their interexchange carrier, and 22 percent found out they had a problem by reviewing their monthly phone bills.
Another 18 percent noticed abnormal activity on call detail reports generated by call accounting systems linked to their PABX, and eight percent were alerted by their staff. The remaining four percent received a call from their local phone company.
(Steve Gold/19930623/Press & Public Contact: Telecommunications Advisors - 503/227-7878
ss & Public Contact: Telecommunications Advisors - 503/227-7878
6/23/93
US Survey Reports Large Users Hit Badly By Phone Fraud Losses
TRENDS
Fancard Cools The Inside Of Your
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- For users who are concerned about all the heat the new central processing units Windows accelerator cards, and television cards are generating inside their PCs, T. S. Microtech has announced its Fancard family of products.
The Fancards are simply fans in cards that help cool your PC by moving the air flow inside the cabinet. One way to test if air is moving at all inside your computer cabinet is to tape strips of single-ply toilet tissue to the inside of the case and then look in through on of the disk drive slots while the computer is running.
If the toilet tissue is not moving, then neither is the air inside your computer. Heat problems can cause errors such as the computer locks up after a period of use, screen flickering, run-time errors during program execution, and so on. The new Pentium microprocessor from Intel is said to operate at temperatures near the boiling point of water.
The company offers the Fancard-I, a half-slot card with a single fan, and the Fancard-II, a full-slot card with two fans, each blowing in a different direction. The cards use 1.2 watts of energy per fan, are narrow enough not to touch any other cards in the system, and are barely audible when running, the company claimed.
Simon Lindner of T. S. Microtech was careful to point out the fan that cools the computer's power supply is critical to the power supply and users whose power supply fans fail should not consider the Fancard a substitute for a power supply fan unit that is causing problems.
In an interesting twist, the company is also offering models of the Fancard with a six volt power supply for computer users to plug in their stereo speakers for multimedia PCs rather than using a transformer and other power outlet. The company also makes Fancards for Macintosh and IBM PS/2 (Microchannel) computers.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930623/Press Contact: Simon Lindner, T. S. Microtech, tel 310-787-1640, fax 310-787-1647; Public Contact 800-959-9419)
87-1647; Public Contact 800-959-9419)
6/23/93
Fancard Cools The Inside Of Your PC
L v
Creative Labs First To Ship Cine
MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Creative Labs announced it is the first to ship the Cinepak compression/decompression technology with the Videospigot for Windows, its video capture card for PCs. The company claims it is the only one shipping the Cinepak technology, developed by Supermac although it has licensed the technology to Microsoft, Sega, 3DO, and Cirrus Logic.
Compression and decompression of video on-the-fly is critical due to the enormous amount of physical storage space digitized video information requires. One minute of uncompressed full motion digitized video can take up as much as 27 megabytes (MB) of hard disk storage. Also, the video compression/decompression scheme (codec) is important when distributing the video in applications, as the codec that created the video is necessary to play it.
Supermac, known for the development of the original Videospigot for the Macintosh, claims the advantages to the Cinepak codec is it requires little in the way of processing muscle from the computer's central processing unit (CPU) for video playback.
This means it can be run on less powerful processors. In addition, the video files are compact with a compression ratio of 20:1, even with 24-bit full-color video, and average less than 1.5 bits-per-picture-element (pixel). On a local bus graphics card, Cinepak can playback as fast as 24 frames per second at 320 by 240 resolution from a double-speed compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive.
The Videospigot for Windows video capture board can capture 30 frames per second full-motion video from video cassette recorders (VCRs), cameras, and laserdiscs. The captured information is converted into Window's Audio Video Interleaved (AVI) format files that can be edited using Microsoft's Video for Windows.
Creative Labs is offering the Videospigot for Windows for $499.95. The company says registered owners of the Videospigot may receive the Cinepak upgrade at no extra cost by returning the reply card enclosed in their original Videospigot package.
RICHARDSON, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Texas-based MarketArts has announced a software program that allows users to monitor current and potential investments by creating their own indicators or rules using the software's formula builder.
Called Windows on Wallstreet, the program runs under Microsoft Windows 3.1 and includes an array of financial analysis and productivity tools. The company says the formula builder can create over 5,000 indicators containing multiple plots, trend lines, and buy/sell signals. It can also combine multiple securities into custom composite indices. Windows on Wallstreet is compatible with MetaStock and Computrack, allowing Windows on Wallstreet to analyze historical data collected over a period of time using those programs.
The program comes with a data downloading system that works with a variety of data vendors and can download data at the same time charts are being displayed. MarketArts CEO John Jennings told Newsbytes that repetitive tasks such as downloading historical end of-day security prices, printing chart analyses and other special applications can be set up to occur automatically using the program's Personal Investment Assistant.
Jennings said that PIA can also perform other unattended tasks such as backing up files, and has the capability to do things like printing charts only if the data download was successful. Scheduling can be daily, weekly, or on a one-time basis. The built-in communications software can either logon, download the financial information, and log off automatically, or can automatically logon and allow the user to manually navigate through the online service.
Jennings claims that the formula builder is designed more for the advanced user, but does use cut-and-paste technology to build the formulas that determine the best time to buy and sell stock. Jennings says the indicator library contains a wide range of standard indicators that have been in use for a number of years as well as the more recent ones.
"Indicators play a very important role in doing technical analysis," said Jennings. Indicators study factors such as moving averages and volume action. "The user can construct any indicator they want," he said.
The program has a suggested retail price of $295, and comes with an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee. Jennings told Newsbytes that the company is working on other software products for the financial industry but said it was premature to discuss specifics.
(Jim Mallory/19930623/Press contact: Phil Hall, GS Schwartz & Co for MarketArts, 212-696-4744; Reader contact: MarketArts, 214-783-6791 or 800-998-8439, fax 214-783-6798)
00-998-8439, fax 214-783-6798)
6/23/93
Windows On Wallstreet Debuts
US Credit Card Fraud Growing, Bu
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Credit card fraud continues to grow at a double-digit rate, but much slower than the alarming rates of recent years, Mastercard International has revealed in its latest survey.
According to the international card issuer, the total fraud on Mastercard credit cards world-wide grew 23 percent to $460 million in 1992, down from a growth rate of 25 percent, or $375.5 million in 1991.
"This trend in slower growth is due, in part, to the co-operative efforts of our members and law enforcement agencies," said Phillip Verdi, Mastercard's executive vice president of electronic services.
Fraud due to lost cards rose by 29 percent in 1992, below the 60 percent growth rate in 1991 and 49 percent rate in 1990. Mail order and telephone order fraud grew by 24 percent in 1992, down from 46.5 percent in 1991. Counterfeit card fraud, meanwhile, grew by 33 percent in 1992, down from a 75 percent rate in 1991.
Verdi credited "aggressive fraud prevention programs" that started in Mastercard's Asia-Pacific region as responsible for the overall decline, and plans to apply lessons learned in that region to its world-wide anti-fraud efforts.
(Steve Gold/19930623/Press & Public Contact: Mastercard International - 212/649-4600)
ntact: Mastercard International - 212/649-4600)
6/23/93
US Credit Card Fraud Growing, But Not So Fast
TRENDS
Woodside Technologies Intros For
} WOODSIDE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Woodside Technologies, the US security software house, has unveiled Fortress a graphical user interface (GUI) -equipped package for Unix computer users. The company claims that the software is the first "shrink wrapped" Unix solution for the computer industry.
According to the company, Fortress offers protection from Unix security risks, such as Trojan horses, worms, viruses, file tampering and weak passwords. The company claims that the intuitive point-and-click user interface makes security easy, even for non technical users.
Announcing the package, Ken Ross, vice president of development for Woodside said: "the standardisation of Unix has made it easier for disruptive programs to spread. More holes have been opened for a computer hacker and there is more opportunity for a disgruntled employee to cause damage."
"In addition, increased use of Unix systems by commercial firms has increased the average loss since these organisations have a greater cost of downtime and/or lost data," he added.
Fortress includes several features that Woodside claims are unique to its package, including:
[] Password Cracker -- The package attempts to hack all passwords to ensure that those which are easy-to-guess do not threaten the security of the system. If the program is successful, it informs the user of its success without revealing user passwords. Passwords may also be tested on an ad-hoc basis by users before they are changed.
[] Trojan Horse Detector -- A Trojan horse is a disruptive program concealed within an ostensibly useful program. The Trojan Horse Detector searches the user's path, the entire system or any portion specified to locate duplicate copies of common Unix commands.
[] Worm-Proofer -- This module claims to intuitively detect and eliminates weak security entry points that might allow unwanted programs to log onto a remote system through network connections and replicate themselves.
[] File Inoculation -- Inoculates files and protects against unauthorised or accidental file modification by searching files and adding a unique fingerprint in an encrypted format without changing the files.
Pricing on Fortress depends on site licensing conditions, as well as the variant Unix system the software is to run on.
(Steve Gold/19930623/Press & Public Contact: Woodside Technologies Tel: 408/733-9503)
Public Contact: Woodside Technologies Tel: 408/733-9503)
6/23/93
Woodside Technologies Intros Fortress Security For Unix
Dayna Ships SafeDeposit Backup F
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Dayna Communications has started shipping SafeDeposit, an automated backup application for the Apple Mac, at an introductory price of $99.
The company claims that the software is simple to install and walks users through four set-up questions, creating a "backup plan" that determines which files/folders to back up, where to back them up when to back them up, and how to back them up. File backup can occur continuously, on command, at system shutdown, upon disk insertion or at a specified time. The SafeDeposit application is launched only to create or modify a backup plan; it does not need to be launched to make a backup since it runs unattended in the background, the company says.
SafeDeposit will back up to any Macintosh-compatible medium that can mount on the desktop including floppies, internal hard disks removable media like Bernoulli and Syquest drives, and any AFP compliant server volume including AppleShare, NetWare, PacerShare and KShare. It also supports magneto-optical drives, and tape drives that can mount on the desktop. SafeDeposit works with Salient Software's DiskDoubler compression software to automatically compress files during backup.
David Romney, Dayna's president and CEO, said SafeDeposit is especially suited to providing unique backup options while on the road with a PowerBook. "SafeDeposit lets traveling PowerBook users backup their home networks with a modem and ARA," he said.
The $99 introductory price is valid until July, when the suggested retail price will go up to $189. Free demonstration copies are available by calling 801/269-7311.
(Computer Currents/19930623)
9-7311.
(Computer Currents/19930623)
6/23/93
Dayna Ships SafeDeposit Backup For Mac
APPLE
Software Piracy Yet To Take Off
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- India seems to be the odd country out in Asia as far as software piracy is concerned. While the rest of Asia is reknowned for piracy, a report just out from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) says that India is very much in the minor league as far as piracy is concerned.
The news will a welcome relief to the Indian Government, which has been steeling itself against a strong set of trading rules from the US Government. Reports from the US suggest that the US might take punitive action against India under its anti-piracy legislation.
According to the BSA, a not-for-profit association of major software vendors, around $12,000 million a year is lost in the software industry globally. Of this, around $5,400 million is lost in Asia with China on its own accounting for $200 million in lost income.
The losses due to software piracy in Europe and the USA, meanwhile amount to $4,500 million and $1,900 million respectively.
The BSA's reports also indicate that, in 1992, about 99 percent of the total software sold or used in Thailand was illegal. Japan came next down the list with 92 percent followed by 86 percent in Spain and 62 percent in Germany.
India's contribution to piracy losses seem negligible, judging from the simple fact that it does not figure in the BSA table.
(C T Mahabharat/19930623)
gure in the BSA table.
(C T Mahabharat/19930623)
6/23/93
Software Piracy Yet To Take Off In India -- Report
TRENDS
Claris Intros Power To Go PowerB
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- PowerBook users can simplify the task of managing the power consumption and battery life of their systems with Power To Go, now shipping from Claris Clear Choice, the new software publishing unit of Claris Corporation.
Claris recently acquired the exclusive world-wide marketing and distribution rights to this product, formerly called Utilities for the PowerBook, from the developer, ALSoft Inc. of Houston Texas.
Power To Go is a collection of utilities designed to extend the PowerBook's operation time between battery charges and to enhance overall usability of the PowerBook environment. The software handles battery power consumption and offers security for private data, screen saving, automatic menus, a choice of animated cursor locators, modem/fax and hard disk activity indicators, instant system sleep and a fast airport security check feature. Power To Go also supports settings for multiple users, as well as for different work environments.
"Power To Go provides a comprehensive group of power management utilities, as well as the simplest and easiest-to-use tools for PowerBooks. This allows users to maximize their PowerBook efficiency without having to become versed in the technical trade-offs of power management," said Bruce Chizen, vice president and general manager of Claris Clear Choice.
Power To Go is compatible with all currently distributed PowerBooks. It is now available through Claris resellers, its authorized distributors and directly from Claris. The suggested retail price is $89. For more information, call 300/3CLARIS.
(Computer Currents/19930623)
l 300/3CLARIS.
(Computer Currents/19930623)
6/23/93
Claris Intros Power To Go PowerBook Utilities
APPLE
Touchstone Offers Free Disk Chec
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Touchstone Software has announced that it is offering a free licence for Checkit Pro's CKMEDIA program to any PC user worried about the integrity of his/her DOS 6.0 hard disk data. According to the company, it is responding to reports of confusion and worry surrounding the latest version of DOS from MIcrosoft.
Touchstone claims that tests carried out in its labs revealed several elements of the data corruption problems reported with DOS 6.0 relate to latest media errors, with the FORMAT command in DOS 6.0 actually unmarking bad tracks. This means that data problems that occurred after installing to DBLSPACE (Doublespace) program module of DOS 6.0 were possibly caused by undetected or mismanaged physical media defects on the disk's surface.
Touchstone also claims that, since DOS 6.0 reassigns those marginally usable areas, many of which were marked as bad previously, for use by the Doublespace volume, problems can occur.
Checkit Pro negates these problems, Touchstone claims, since marks the bad sectors or clusters, independently to the DOS 6.0 format etc., commands. In use, Checkit Pro uses the CKMEDIA utility to verify the integrity of the data on the disk.
According to Touchstone, Checkit Pro succeeds where other programs fail, since it supports a report-only format. The package creates a report, but does not alter the disk recording.
are Tel: 714/769-7746; Fax: 714/960-1885; BBS: 714/969-0688)
6/23/93
Touchstone Offers Free Disk Check Program To DOS 6.0 Users
After Dark Announces Display Con
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- A $10,000 cash Grand Prize will be awarded in the Third Annual After Dark Display Contest, sponsored by Berkeley Systems. This year's contest includes three entry categories: Windows Programmer, Macintosh Programmer and Computer Artist.
To be eligible, programmers or artists must submit an original After Dark module with an official entry form. To get an entry form, call Berkeley Systems at 510/540-5535 ext. 600 or send a fax to 510/540 5115.
Submissions must be received no later than midnight, July 15, 1993. Entries will be judged on originality, appearance and functionality. Berkeley Systems will undertake first-round judging, then the top 10 entries in each category will be judged on August 11 by a distinguished panel of 22 industry experts.
The $10,000 Grand Prize will go to the best overall entry, while First Prizes in each category are as follows: Windows Compaq Contura 3/25c Model 84 PC; Macintosh -- Fujitsu two-gigabyte M2652SA Hard Drive; Computer Artist -- Epson ES800C Color Scanner with Interface Kit.
The Second Prize in all categories is an NEC MultiSync 5FG 17-Inch Monitor and the Third Prize is a Wacom Art Z (for Macintosh) or 6 x 9-inch Graphics Tablet (for Windows). All winners will receive an engraved Flying Toaster trophy and T-shirts will be awarded for all Honorable Mentions.
Everything a programmer needs to write an After Dark module comes with the After Dark package, including programming examples in C and Pascal. Artists must submit digitized artwork in any Macintosh or Windows format, along with a script or storyboard detailing the proposed display. Artists may also submit animation loops or QuickTime sequences.
(Marguerite Zientara, Computer Currents/19930623)
Zientara, Computer Currents/19930623)
6/23/93
After Dark Announces Display Contest
GENERAL
Comdex - Xerox's $99 Windows Pac
Applix Establishes German Subsid
Nintendo Rejects Sega Video Game
Networking Expo To Be Held In Sa
Integra Intros PCMCIA Type III R
JAL, Sega Develops Airline Game
New Games From Davidson
AT&T's Big Week
NASA Develops Public Domain GUI
Unisys Sues Michigan Firm
Microsoft Intros Microsoft At Wo
UK - Persistence Bridges Object/
StorageTek Sues EMC for Patent I
Motion Works Acquires Vision Sof
Russian Telecom Stats Unveiled
Editorial - Privatize NASA
Digital Hong Kong Backs Open Sof
Sculley Out As CEO, How Bad Are
India - Confusion Reigns Over Ce
Parsons Technology Announces Leg
Energy Saving Powerstrip Auto Co
RealWorld's First Windows-Based
Correction - Touchstone Software
Printers Should Meet Real World
IBM Launches Major Collection Of
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- IBM has again signalled its desire to be a full-range local-area network (LAN) equipment supplier with the launch of 20 new LAN products covering Ethernet, Token Ring, and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) technologies.
The list of products includes Ethernet and Token Ring adapters Ethernet and multiprotocol hubs and an intelligent hub management program, Token Ring bridge products, 10 FDDI adapters, and IBM's first network adapter cards for the Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a rival to its own Micro Channel Architecture.
Big Blue officials claim that a new member of its LANStreamer product line, the EtherStreamer MC 32 Adapter, offers throughput at the speed of the cabling media for all frame sizes. It runs in full or half-duplex, allowing 20-megabit-per-second (Mbps) or 10-Mbps transmission speeds respectively. Auto-sensing sets the adapter for the type of cabling used (10BaseT, 10Base2, or 10Base5). The adapter is to be available July 30, at a list price of $595.
The 8222 Six Port Ethernet Workgroup Hub can connect as many as seven workstations serving small work groups such as classrooms grocery stores, travel agencies, and branch banking offices. It features six RJ45 jacks for 10BaseT media, plus one AUI connector. Each port can connect to Ethernet segments or to another 8222 hub. Due to be available July 30, the hub will list at $345.
Meant as an alternative to IBM's 32-bit LANStreamer Adapter for high-end servers, the new LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter connects OS/2 Micro Channel client computers and low-end servers to the LAN. According to the vendor, it can boost file-transfer performance by as much as 44 percent over previous 16/4 MicroChannel client adapters and cut CPU use by as much as 80 percent. Available June 25, it has a $645 price tag.
IBM claims that its new LANStreamer Token-Ring Bridge/DOS Version 1.0 software gives the best throughput in a Token-Ring environment when used with the LANStreamer 32-bit adapter. Due to ship July 30 the software is priced at $1,995.
IBM now offers its Token-Ring Network Bridge in local and remote bridge versions. The Local Token-Ring Network Bridge/DOS has the same functions as the current product at a lower price: $1,495. The $2,495 Remote Token-Ring Network Bridge/DOS adds support for full T1 line speeds. Both are slated to ship July 30, replacing the current product.
The company has also announced a new Token-Ring Network Bridge Manager, which it said will cut the cost of running large numbers of IBM Token-Ring bridges. Version 1 for OS/2, due to be on the market July 30, is priced at $495. There is also a DOS agent component also to ship July 30, for $95.
Again showing a new willingness to support non-IBM developments even when they compete with its own products, IBM unveiled the Token-Ring 16/4 Busmaster EISA Adapter. Compatible with the EISA bus that several rival vendors launched in response to IBM's Micro Channel Architecture, the adapter gives IBM products for all three PC bus types. The Token-Ring 16/4 EISA Adapter available June 25, will cost $720.
The 8250 Intelligent Hub - Model 06S is a six-slot, entry-level intelligent hub for multi-protocol concentration. IBM recommends it where no redundant power supply is required. The price is $1,780 and availability is July 16.
IBM has also launched an Automatic Update Service for all models of the 8250, so users can ensure their hub's microcode is upgraded as enhancements and extensions appear.
IBM officials said that the company's AIX Intelligent Hub Management Program/6000 - Release 2 and IBM AIX Intelligent Hub Management Program/6000 - Entry Release 2 provide point-and-click mouse access to a graphical display of the 8250 hub's configuration and enhanced configuration updating as new hubs are added to a network. Both are to ship in late September. The fully-fledged version is $8,400 and the Entry model $4,500.
Finally, IBM brought out 10 FDDI adapters, produced for IBM by Schneider & Koch & Co. and SysKonnect, Inc. of Saratoga, California. The new adapters are priced from $700 to $1,700, which IBM said is 80 percent lower than its first FDDI offering. They are to be available July 30 in Micro Channel, EISA, and Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) models for both optical fiber and copper wiring.
(Grant Buckler/19930623/Press Contact: Paul Warren, IBM 914-642-5474)
30623/Press Contact: Paul Warren, IBM 914-642-5474)
6/23/93
IBM Launches Major Collection Of Network Products
Comdex - Manzi Announces New Not
Comdex - Pentium Concerns Includ
Comdex - ATI Offers Multimedia U
Datawatch Sells Tempest Division
Compaq Gets 1993-94 GSA Schedule
GEnie Rate Cut Criticized As Rat
Microsoft Climbs Through Windows
Hewlett-Packard Announces New Ea
June 9 Named Virus Awareness Day
Bill Gates To Show Blueprints To
Windows & OS/2 Expo Changes Name
Cable TV Suits Reported Settled
Bells Displeased With Bill They
BellSouth, Cox Announce Deal
11th Annual PC Expo Slated To Op
3DO President Asserts Multimedia
NTT Talks With Apple On Telecom
Microsoft, Powercore To Produce
Compaq Adds Network Interfaces T
Apple Denies Sculley Is Leaving
Visual Cybernetics Intros eNotes
PT Asaba Named As New Indonesian
US Trade Deficit Worsens
Nationwide Paging Network Gets F
Altia Intros Prototype And Desig
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- A Colorado software company has announced a new version of its human interface design software the company says is used by product developers to quickly create graphical prototypes and designs of custom user interfaces without having to write graphics code or even have a staff software specialist.
Altia claims that its product, Altia Design 1.2, isn't a Graphic User interface (GUI) builder or a graphics toolkit, which use a limited set of standard user interface components. Rather, Altia Design enables designers to create fully custom dynamic user interfaces that accurately simulate their physical counterparts and display real-time data and information.
The company claims that current Altia users are using the program to acquire customer feedback on product feature sets, functionality and human factors. They have also integrated the resultant dynamic graphical prototype with their products' software and hardware to test and verify its operations. In some instances the interface created using Altia Design was embedded in the final product and used as the man-machine interface and display graphics.
Altia Design was initially released in August 1992, and has been used to design products and systems ranging from telecommunications network simulators and critical care monitors to oscilloscopes ultrasound machines, as well as communications equipment. The company says that its development team worked closely with several early customers to obtain feature and usability feedback, which was then used to refine the tool and create version 1.2.
The program includes a graphical editor that makes it easy to assemble pre-built graphical components such as buttons, meters dials, CRT display, trackballs, and keypads. It can also be used to create custom components, eliminating the need to have software specialists write thousands of lines of graphics code to achieve the same results.
A suite of interactive animation features is provided to make the creation of dynamic components easier. Designers also have full control over input stimulus, with interactive definition of input areas, triggers, and actions, so users can manipulate components with a mouse, a touchscreen, or other input devices. A record and playback feature is included to capture user interaction and gather human factors data, and can be used to create online training and automated demos. Altia provides a runtime version of the software for software integration into the finished product.
Version 1.2 supports the importing of color bitmaps from other design systems or from a scanner. The program supports the Tadpole SparcBook, a portable SPARC comparable workstation, and Altia designs can be integrated with existing Motif or other X Windows applications.
A complete Altia Design system costs $7,900 for a single license with multi-license discounts available.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Paramount is transferring its legal software and information divisions to Information America in a deal that will give Paramount 49 percent of the Atlanta-based company.
Information America, currently publicly traded, was founded 10 years ago to deliver local legal records to Atlanta lawyers, and now offers similar services in a number of states. It had 1992 revenues of about $18 million.
The units it is taking control of in the transaction include Prentice Hall Legal and Financial Services, Prentice Hall Legal Practice Management, and Prentice Hall Professional Software, which had 1992 revenues of approximately $83 million. The first-named of those units provides services like those of Information America, the second provides office automation software for lawyers and a database on intellectual property rights, the third offers software to accountants, tax preparers and real estate property managers.
A complex of stock, preferred stock, and warrants are being used to effect the transaction, and it does seem that Paramount is most anxious to acquire Information America's managers, chairman Burt Goldstein and president Mary Madden.
But the two may still have freedom of action to make other acquisitions, which could dilute Paramount's stake somewhat. They now have the chance to build a $110 million company which can take its place as a third force in serving lawyers alongside Westlaw and Lexis. The transaction must be approved by shareholders and both sides, as well as regulators -- it's expected to close around the end of the year.
At a teleconference on the transaction attended by Newsbytes Goldstein admitted that Paramount could, in time, increase its ownership of Information America to 60 percent, using warrants and other rights exercisable at a price higher than the current market price.
A Paramount spokesman denied at the conference that Paramount was "buying" Information America, saying "this is not an acquisition in any way, where we manage the company." In the agreement, Goldstein added, the management structure set-up to run the company must stay in place "in excess of three years," which he considers adequate protection of his freedom of action.
Assuming the deal gets done, Information America has hired Howard A. Tullman, former CEO of COIN, an Atlanta company he turned around and restructured. After the closing, he'll head the Prentice Hall software and legal practice units, and help in integrating the third unit into Information America.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930623/Press Contact: Mary A. Madden Information America, 404-892-1800)
Madden Information America, 404-892-1800)
6/23/93
Paramount Buys Into Information America
TELECOM
Aldus Completes Acquisition Of A
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Aldus Corporation announced this week that it has completed its acquisition of After Hours Software. The deal was initially announced in mid-May of this year when Aldus signed a letter of intent.
Aldus said that the purchase price included an initial payment of about $4 million, and additional payments over the next three years the amount of those determined by performance.
Functions of Los Angeles-based After Hours Software will be merged over the next several months into the San Diego facilities of the Aldus Consumer Division. The acquisition is being accounted for as a purchase, so the June financial results of After Hours will be incorporated into Aldus' financial statement for the second quarter which ends July 2, 1993. The company says that the acquisition is expected to result in a one-time charge against earnings of as much as $2 million, or about $0.15 per share for the second quarter.
After Hours is the creator of Personal Information Manager (PIM) software programs TouchBase Pro and DateBook Pro, both written for Apple Computer's Macintosh platform. Aldus Consumer Division VP and General Manager Steve Cullen says that the products are an important strategic acquisition as Aldus expands its line of consumer oriented software.
"We believe the personal information management category has the potential for excellent growth, and this acquisition positions us well to participate in this emerging category," he said.
After Hours released the latest versions of TouchBase and DateBook in April, each with a suggested retail price of $79.95. Aldus spokesperson Kathy Episcopo told Newsbytes Aldus hasn't made any determination about continued pricing for the two programs. Episcopo said Aldus is working with a majority of After Hours 33 employees to either relocate to San Diego or will be offered a severance package.
Some employees have been working on a third After Hours product SalesBase. That product is now owned by the former After Hours shareholders, who will decide the fate of the product and the employees involved in its development.
Aldus Completes Acquisition Of After Hours Software
BUSINESS
It's Chapter 11 For CompuAdd's R
AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Compuadd Computer Corporation announced this week that it has filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition in order to settle claims by its creditors resulting from the phasing out of the company's retail stores.
Several months ago Newsbytes reported that Compuadd planned to close all of its 110 US. retail outlets and sell its product through the direct market channel, using telemarketing and catalogs.
Compuadd CEO Bill Hayden said that the company has tried for three months to reach an out-of-court settlement with creditors such as landlords and suppliers on claims that resulted from the discontinued retail operations.
"This process was consuming an unacceptable amount of management attention that, when coupled with a substantial increase in our core business, a strong backlog, and the need to preserve the company's 435 jobs, made bankruptcy court protection the most orderly way to run our business in the short term," Hayden said.
"Strategically, we had to leave the market-place to focus on our core business. In turn, we incurred liabilities we could not meet or resolve in an out of court settlement. Our direct marketing sales are strong, our customer and employee commitments will be met in a business-as-usual manner, and we'll begin shipping a new generation of products next month. We're mounting a full court press to emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible," he added.
Compuadd claims that it will continue to fulfil customer commitments and expects to emerge from bankruptcy protection following the filing of the requisite reorganization plan as soon as possible. The company said its European unit is not expected to be affected.
Compuadd spokesperson John Pope told Newsbytes: "The toughest challenge in a situation like this is to get over the negative connotation. This is clearly not that type bankruptcy; it's a reorganization. We are putting together a plan and have every confidence that we will emerge quickly."
Major creditors in addition to owners of the property in which the stores were located include Lexmark, IBM, Texas Instruments, and Samsung. Pope said the inventory of the stores has been consolidated in Dallas and Austin, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma for liquidation.
Details of the plan are still in draft stage, said Pope, and no specifics are available, but he told Newsbytes that the plan is expected to be submitted "very soon."
The company says it completed the closure of its retail store division last week. Calls to the closed store's phone numbers are now automatically routed to Compuadd's headquarters in Austin.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- The new hit movie "Jurassic Park," which shows scientists bringing long-extinct dinosaurs back to life, is not quite as mythical as audiences might imagine, Sun Microsystems has disclosed.
According to the Mountain View, California-based workstation vendor, the new cinematic adventure is based on the real life research experiences of a real Sun user, paleontologist Jack Horner.
Horner, who is curator of the Museum of the Rockies in Bozelman Montana, was not only the model for the lead character in the film but also director Stephen Spielberg's dinosaur advisor.
In his work at the museum, the scientist is employing a new technique for scanning dinosaur fossils to learn more about what they ancient beasts saw and heard, how they communicated, and how intelligent they actually were.
Prior to CAT scanning, the fossils are wrapped in plastic bags for protection, surrounded by layers of wet towels, water and additional bags, and finally placed in a plastic bucket.
The wet towels are like the organs in the human body, and the bucket like the skin, says Sun. When these items are manipulated on a Sparcstation running CMAX medical imaging software, the resulting images are clear and show extensive detail.
Commented Horner: "There are bones inside the skull that are just paper thin. (Before the advent of this technique) they were destroyed, because most people didn't even know they were there. I would say that CAT scanning and reconstructing images is how most research will be done in palaeontology in the next 20 years."
Sun officials have also pointed out that Dr. Raul Cano and his colleagues -- who made news headlines the day before the release of "Jurassic Park" for identifying DNA taken from a prehistoric weevil -- do their work on Sun workstations, as well. The insect had been trapped in amber, or hardened tree sap, for 135 million years.
Cano and his associates performed a multi-step process to extract a tiny strand of genetic information taken from inside the long dead insect, using a Sun workstation to speed up the time-consuming process of analyzing this material.
Also according to Sun, Cano hopes this work will lead to actual isolation and identification of dinosaur DNA in the near future. In the meantime, his research also includes gene analysis of ancient, amber-trapped plans and insects that could lead to improved crop production and better protection for human beings against infectious parasites.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930623/Press contact: Susan Hathaway, Sun, tel 415-336-7064)
/19930623/Press contact: Susan Hathaway, Sun, tel 415-336-7064)
6/23/93
Real Life Model For Jurassic Park -- A Sun Workstation User
Rolm Enhances PhoneMail
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Siemens' Rolm unit announced an enhanced version of its PhoneMail voice processing software which improves its phone directory and links with more private phone switches made by other companies.
The company also announced that PhoneMail will be available in the United Kingdom in October, linked at first to GPT's iSDX and iSLX PBXsm then to Siemens' Hicom 300 and MCX PBXs. PhoneMail will be marketed in the United Kingdom by GPT, jointly owned by Siemens and GEC of Great Britain.
The new software will be available August 2 in the US and connect to PhoneMail Long Distance Networking services in Canada, Hong Kong Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. This lets multinational companies use the same set of voice messaging commands and features across all their sites. And a message can be recorded on one machine and then sent via the network to multiple locations saving time and charges.
The new software also supports TDDs, or Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf, for the first time, and supports enhancements to PhoneSpell, ROLM's phone directory application.
ROLM plans to provide free software upgrades to customers migrating from the current PhoneMail release to the new one. PhoneMail customers will be charged a minimal installation fee of $200 for the first four channels and $150 for each additional four. Customers with the smaller PhoneMail SP will pay only the $200 installation fee.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930623/Press Contact: ROLM, Steve Bauer 408/492-2171)
Steve Bauer 408/492-2171)
6/23/93
Rolm Enhances PhoneMail
TELECOM
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Rolm Enhances PhoneMail
Zenith Data Intros Monitor That
BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Zenith Data Systems will introduce at PC Expo in New York next week a new computer monitor that goes to sleep during periods of inactivity to lower the level of power consumption.
The company claims that the 15-inch Super VGA multisync flicker-free display unit offers resolution up to 1024 horizontal by 768 vertical pixels and is intended for graphical applications, desktop publishing, layout work, or other environments where users have to look at the display for long periods of time.
Called the ZCM-1540, the non-interlaced monitor automatically switches to lower levels of power consumption when not in use. ZDS says any application that has the capability to blank the screen such as Microsoft Windows, or the multitude of "screen saver" software available commercially or from public access bulletin boards can automatically switch the monitor into its standby mode.
The company sats that energy consumption can be lowered by as much as 30 percent, or to less than 30 watts in the standby mode. That makes it eligible for the Energy Star designation, a voluntary standard for computer equipment makers established by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
After a further period of activity the 33 pound ZCM-1540 switches into a "rest state" in which it uses only eight watts of power. A touch of any key on the computer keyboard restores the monitor to full activity.
ZDS spokesperson John Bace told Newsbytes features include 0.28 dot pitch, auto synchronization, auto-sensing of the power voltage being supplied, support for five different resolution modes, and conformation with both US and European standards. The latter is particularly important, says Bace.
The US Federal Communications Commission and European regulatory agencies have established emissions standards, with some of the European standards being particularly tough. "The European and world-wide regulatories are absolute killers when it comes to monitors. This unit meets the Swedish and Norwegian standards. To be able to clear those Scandinavian regulations in particular is very difficult, and this unit does," he said.
Price hasn't been established yet, but Bace says it will be about the same as other 15-inch color monitors.
(Jim Mallory/19930623/Press contact: John Bace, Zenith Data Systems 708-808-4855; Reader contact: Zenith Data Systems, 800-553-0331)
der contact: Zenith Data Systems, 800-553-0331)
6/23/93
Zenith Data Intros Monitor That Goes To Sleep
GENERAL
India - Autodesk Sets Up 100 Tra
BOMBAY, INDIA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Autodesk, the PC CAD leader has appointed Datapro Information Technology as its authorized training center in the country. The company will be setting up 100 ATCs in the country over two years, Autodesk's country manager Bobby Srinivasan claimed.
After the success of Autocad, Autodesk is launching Autodesk 3D Studio, a multimedia product, in the country. The setting up of the ATCs is part of the company's "penetrative strategy for demand creation of its products," Srinivasan said. The ATC program is highly subsidized and directly controlled by Autodesk. Presently, it has 20 ATCs which are being restructured and strengthened.
One of the aims of the ATC is to create awareness for using legal software among users.
ATCs will also develop special programs for the handicapped to enable them to be competitive in the job market. The centers will also get into consultancy in systems integration. A placement service to find jobs for those trained at the ATCs is also being planned.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930625)
o being planned.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930625)
6/25/93
India - Autodesk Sets Up 100 Training Centers
GENERAL
LDDS Moves Into Fax Services
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- LDDS has signed a deal with Technology Solutions International of Atlanta to provide fax services over its network, and to its customers.
Under the terms of the agreement, LDDS customers will be able to use a variety of fax services including Broadcast Fax and Fax-On-Demand. Toll-free 800 number access can be combined with Fax-On-Demand to provide access from any location specified by the LDDS customer.
Newsbytes discussed all this with Mark McWilliams, vice president market and client services for TSI. He said the company provides primarily fax broadcasting.
"There are a lot of companies in the enhanced fax services market-place, but most are doing specialized work with fax on demand," he said. "The major part of our business is broadcast, and there may be 15 factors in that business nationwide.
"Primarily this brings us a distribution channel. They are a well-recognized long distance company, with a good sales force. Our products are complementary," he told Newsbytes.
"They can help us distribute and market to a broader market-place. We've already been a customer of theirs for a while, and we're pleased with the costs and quality of service. The more we sell, the more opportunity we have for reduced rates, of course, so that goes almost without saying," he said.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930623/Press Contact: Technology Solutions International, Mark McWilliams, vice president-market and client services, 404/843-5890)
client services, 404/843-5890)
6/23/93
LDDS Moves Into Fax Services
TELECOM
Canada's New Telecom Act About T
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Royal assent may be given today to Canada's new Telecommunications Act, which would replace 85-year-old legislation and unify a fragmented regulatory structure.
A spokesman for the federal Department of Communications confirmed that the act has been passed in the House of Commons and gone through third reading in the Senate, and is expected to be proclaimed very soon.
The bill asserts federal jurisdiction over telecommunications across Canada. In the past many regional telephone companies were provincially regulated, while others were regulated by the federal government.
Some provincial phone companies have accepted federal jurisdiction in the past three years, since a 1989 court decision that said the federal government had the right to regulate all telecommunications companies. That decision included companies owned by lower levels of government, but said Ottawa must first assert its authority in law. The new act will meet that requirement.
A hole in the legislation gives the province of Saskatchewan which owns its own phone company and has staunchly resisted federal regulation -- five more years before it comes under federal control.
Joseph Schmidt, president of the Canadian Business Telecommunications Alliance (CBTA), a lobby group of major telecommunications users, criticized this provision, saying it gives the province "five more years to shut out competition."
But Schmidt said his group is pleased with the law over all, and accepts that some compromises were necessary.
The CBTA sees the bill as promoting competition, Schmidt said. It "will help bring about a truly national dimension in communications," he said, and will give policy-makers new tools with which to do their jobs.
The Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC), also supported the bill. A statement from ITAC said the law "acknowledges that we are on the threshold of major telecom transformations, and that Canada intends to be a leader in telecom internationally." It also moves toward a more open domestic market, ITAC said.
The original law, introduced in February, 1992, would have required all telecommunications carriers in Canada to obtain licenses from the federal government. It has since been amended to remove the licensing provision, instead giving the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) authority to enforce a rule limiting foreign ownership of licensed carriers to 20 percent.
Earlier, Toronto telecommunications consultant Eamon Hoey said the 20-percent limit on foreign ownership would effectively shut out foreign investment, since no investor would want to pour money into a venture in which it cannot hold a controlling interest.
This is bad, Hoey said, because "we don't have enough investment dollars in Canada ... to build the kind of facilities we're talking about." The result, he predicted, will be that no new telecommunications competitors will appear.
Under the new law, the CRTC would also be allowed to decide not to regulate areas of telecommunications where it judged there was enough competition to serve as an alternative to regulation.
(Grant Buckler/19930623/Press Contact: Paul Villeneuve, Dept. of Communications, 613-990-4842; Joseph Schmidt, CBTA, 416-865-9993; Bob Crow, ITAC, 416-602-8510 ext. 229)
5-9993; Bob Crow, ITAC, 416-602-8510 ext. 229)
6/23/93
Canada's New Telecom Act About To Become Law
TELECOM
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Color Hard Copy - BIS Details St
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- A full 60 percent of end users who now have a color printer will buy another within the next 24 months, and the same is true for 38 percent of users who haven't yet entered the color printing arena, according to Bill Flynn, senior analyst at BIS Strategic Research.
Almost three-quarters, or 74 percent, of users who are buying their first color printers plan to perform work in-house that is now being done outside, said Flynn, detailing the results of a recent BIS study at the Color Hard Copy Conference in Boston.
To the same question, which allowed for multiple responses, 28 percent of the first-time buyers mentioned "new work" as a reason for buying a color printer, and 18 percent cited other factors.
As reported on Newsbytes May 17, the BIS' Color Hard Copy End-User Survey projects a quadrupling of the color printer market over the next four years, from 90,000 in 1991 to 2.4 million by 1995.
Speaking at the conference yesterday, Flynn suggested that purchase motives are quite different among users who already have a color printer. In this group, 66 percent said they are looking to replace the current model with a better/newer model, 50 percent mentioned more work or a need for more resources, and 12 percent pointed to other factors.
In an interview with Newsbytes afterward, though, Flynn noted that in actual fact, most users with previously purchased color printers are holding on to the older units after buying new models.
The survey presented yesterday was the second conducted by BIS on the printer market, Flynn told Newsbytes. Both the 1991 and 1993 surveys had end user as well as high-end color graphics components. Surprisingly, many of the end user findings remained roughly the same in the 18 months that separated the two surveys.
For example, when asked to rank a series of five color printer attributes, end users who already owned color printers gave these responses in 1991: 4.4 for number of colors, 4.1 for color matching, 4.6 for text quality, 4.5 for graphic quality, and 3.4 for photographic quality.
In 1993, responses for this category of users were as follows: 4.2 for number of colors, 4.0 for color matching, 4.4 for text quality 4.4 for graphics quality, and 3.3 for photographic quality.
Of those who do not have a color printer now, and do not plan to purchase one within the next two years, 87 percent of the 1993 respondents said they had no need for color output, as compared to 77 percent in 1991.
Also in this group of users, another 20 percent of the 1993 respondents said that color printers were too expensive, as opposed to 17 percent in 1991. A total of 17 percent of the 1991 respondents and 12 percent of the 1993 respondents said that color printing was too difficult. Exactly 23 percent of the 1993 respondents said they have their color printing done outside, as opposed to 13 percent in 1991.
"Where we did see a big change was in the end users' ability to give specific answers," Flynn told Newsbytes. "Instead of just telling us that they had no need for a color printer, they were able to tell us why." The analyst attributed this change to greater awareness of color printing, derived from magazine articles and advertising.
In another area of change, users' perceptions of the difficulty of color printing dropped dramatically. In 1991, only 17 percent mentioned "too difficult" as the most problematic aspect of color printing, down from a considerable 40 percent in 1991. Flynn pointed to a combination of improved software and greater product familiarity for this situation.
"Colors not what expected" remained the most problematic area for end users, drawing mentions from 61 percent of the survey participants in 1991 and 62 percent in 1993.
In the third quarter of this year, BIS will launch a third and much more extensive study of both the end user and high-end graphics segments of the color printer market, Flynn told Newsbytes.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930623/Press contact: Martha Popoloski, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
a Popoloski, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
6/23/93
Color Hard Copy - BIS Details Study On Color Printers
TRENDS
Two Computer Exhibitions Held In
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Two large computer exhibitions Network '93 and Windows World Expo -- were/are being held held in Tokyo.
Network '93 has just started at Harumi, Tokyo. This is the second year the show has taken place and, as you can guess from its name majors on network-related products, including both hardware and software.
A total of 87 companies are participating in the show this year including NEC, Sony, Fujitsu, IBM Japan, Oki Electric, Novell Microsoft, Lotus and Phoenix International. The majority of the products on show are local area network-oriented, with a smattering of Windows applications.
As with all exhibitions of this type, the real focus of interest was on the conferences. Several industry leaders, including Microsoft's Toru Furukawa and Novell's Jan Newman, were on hand to answer delegate's queries. While Furukawa discussed the era of "corporate resolution for Windows," Newman explained Novell's business strategy for Netware version 4.0.
IDG World Expo, meanwhile, hosted Windows World Expo at the Makuhuri Messe in Tokyo last year. This is another show celebrating its second year, with 67,400 people -- twice those of last year flooding the show site during its three day run. Newsbytes notes that a total of 119 companies were exhibiting from 593 booths at the show this year.
The major highlight of this show was, unsurprisingly, Windows related packages such as Japanese Windows 3.1, Windows NT, Windows for Workgroups, Windows for Pens, Windows for Video and Modular Windows.
The hands-on section of the exhibition had between 50 to 60 PCs on constant display. 27 overseas companies teamed up to create the International Pavilion at the show entrance. The foreign companies were keen to talk to distributors interested in stocking their products.
At the keynote address, a tape of Microsoft's founder Bill Gates greeted the audience. The real Furukawa from Microsoft, meanwhile introduced Japanese Windows 3.1 and Pen Windows.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930623/Press Contact: IDG World Expo 81-3-5276-3751, Fax, +81-3-5276-3752)
po 81-3-5276-3751, Fax, +81-3-5276-3752)
6/23/93
Two Computer Exhibitions Held In Tokyo
GENERAL
India: Microland Restructures, M
BANGALORE, INDIA, 1993 JUN 23 (NB) -- Microland Electronics, India's master distributors for Compaq kit, has been working on establishing alliances with other countries to create new profit vehicles.
The Bangalore-based distributor recently announced the creation of two new divisions -- Micro Univ, a training division; and Microsell a distribution division. According to Pradeep Kar, the company's chairman and managing director, plans call for the new operations to be spun off into separate companies eventually.
Kar said that Micro Univ will draw on Microland's experience in networking along with Computerland's methodologies and its status as a Novell authorised training centre. Courses available from the training division include programming skills specific to networking and electronic mail.
Although Microland has been an authorised Novell training centre for some time, it is only now that the company seems to be tackling training for Netware seriously. It is currently holding training sessions in three Indian cities -- Bangalore, Hyderabad and Madras with plans to expand to a further three cities as the training program progresses.
According to a spokesman for the company, Micro Univ aims to cater for the corporate customers. "We are looking at people who have invested in Windows and networking," he said.
Prior to Micro Univ's formation, Microland conducted several training courses for major organizations such as Brooke Bond, Union Carbide and ANZ Grindlays among several others. The company claims that it is confident of potential demand for the course, with an projected revenues of between Rs 75 lakh to 1 crore ($250,000 to $350,000) by the end of the financial year.
(C T Mahabharat/19930623)
of the financial year.
(C T Mahabharat/19930623)
6/23/93
India: Microland Restructures, Moves Into Training
GENERAL
Lincoln Mint Aims Home Shopping
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- California-based cable TV program producer Lincoln Mint Network has linked up with Spring Arrow of Japan to launch a home shopping network in the Japanese market. They will use satellites and cable TVs for the broadcast and reception of the network.
Lincoln Mint Network Japan, as it will be called, will established in Tokyo within a couple of months. According to a spokesman from Spring Arrow, Lincoln Mint is currently developing a home shopping program for American cable TV in which customer payments will be processed through a special device with a modem. This service is slated to start by the end of this year.
The Japanese joint venture will get these programs via space satellite and will transmit them to subscribers equipped with the modem devices through cable TV real-time. There are no plans to charge customers for usage of the modem device which will be connected to their TV set.
The new firm will be capitalized with $12 million, and an additional $20 million will start the business in Japan. A Spring Arrow spokesman tells Newsbytes that the firm is seeking another partner to join the Japanese venture. A cable TV firm or a department store in Japan are likely candidates. But first the new firm must clear the Japanese government's red tape hurdles in order to set up this new business.
Lincoln Mint has reportedly gained rights to broadcast on General Electric Americom Communications space satellite transponders. Lincoln Mint also has a studio in Hollywood California.
(Masayuki "Massey" Miyazawa/19930623/Press Contact: Spring Arrow, +81-3-5956-8051, Fax, +81-3-5952-1951)
ow, +81-3-5956-8051, Fax, +81-3-5952-1951)
6/24/93
Lincoln Mint Aims Home Shopping At Japan
TRENDS
Russia Creates New Information I
MOSCOW, RUSSIA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Russian Prime Minister Victor Chernomyrdin has signed a government decree creating the new Center of Information Technology and Systems of Executive Power Bodies. The new state institution will be based on the Russian part of Moscow-based International Center of Informatics and Electronics.
The decree create a reserve data communications center connected with computer systems of the presidential and government bureaucracy and local executive bodies. New Centre will also research and develop various data and communications systems for the information infrastructure of Russian state agencies according to the decree.
The Center will be a state enterprise under the patronage of the Information Resources Agency, directly controlled by the Russian President. For 1993, it will have a budget of 750 million rubles (US750.000), but starting next year the Center should become self-financing. The Center will be a member of the International Center of Informatics and Electronics on the behalf of Russian Federation.
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930625)
(Eugene Peskin & Kirill Tchashchin/19930625)
6/25/93
Russia Creates New Information Institution
IBM Closes Acquisition of CGI In
ARMONK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- IBM's bid for French software and services company CGI Informatique has succeeded. IBM will take over 98.11 percent of CGI's stock today in exchange for convertible bonds from IBM France.
The former CGI shareholders who agreed to exchange their stock for the IBM France bonds will be able to trade them in for IBM stock any time in the next five years, IBM spokesman Jon Iwata said.
Other financial details of the transaction were not available. IBM announced plans to buy CGI on April 6.
Iwata said CGI will keep its present name and operate as a subsidiary of IBM France. The company's employees can expect to keep their present jobs, he added.
IBM officials said buying CGI gives the firm an experienced subsidiary in many countries and regions where CGI is established. Also, they said, IBM's worldwide marketing and services companies will be able to offer customers CGI's software and related services.
CGI's primary businesses are in computer-aided software engineering (CASE), application software, custom application development, consulting, and real-time control systems. In the year ending August 1992, CGI had revenue of about $350 million some two thirds of that generated in France. The company also operates in other countries including the United States, Germany Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
(Grant Buckler/19930623/Press Contact: Jon Iwata, IBM 914-765-6630)
/Press Contact: Jon Iwata, IBM 914-765-6630)
6/24/93
IBM Closes Acquisition of CGI Informatique
India - Radio Paging Is DOT's Ne
NEW DELHI, INDIA, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Coming as it does in the wake of the cellular scandal (in which the Department of Telecom was taken to the courts by the companies that missed out and its selection was considered "arbitrary, irrational, and even whimsical"), the bids for radio paging tenders may prove to be another headache for India's Department of Telecommunications (DOT).
The licence fee, quoted by 17 bidders for 27 cities, range from a low of around Rs 2 lakh to over Rs 10 crore (around $6700 to $3.3 million), for a three-year period.
As the industry pundits see it, if the licence fee amounts are accepted at face value, it may be difficult for the major players in the telecom sector to stay in the race, even if they score high on other parameters.
According to the tender documents, the smaller companies have quoted the highest, while the bigger companies are somewhere in between the lowest and highest bids. For example, for Bombay city, BPL (a tie-up with Sanyo of Japan and a market presence in almost all segments of consumer electronics) has quoted Rs 7.5 lakh (around $25000) while the highest bid is by Efsjoy Telecom, over Rs 10 crore (around $3.3 million).
If DoT rejects the highest bids on the grounds of lack of experience, it may find itself embroiled in a legal battle. While the debate of the what and how of the parameters of selection may continue to rage, it is interesting to look at the economies of scale of providing such a service.
Is it feasible to pay a fee of over Rs 10 crore (around $3.3 million) in three years to DoT. DoT has made it clear that there will be at least four operators per city and no company will get more than 10 cities. DoT has also fixed the rates to be charged from subscribers. Companies have to charge Rs 1,500 per (around $50) month, per subscriber.
Sources say that an operator can hope to get around 40,000 subscribers in three years. This means maximum revenue that can be earned in this period will be Rs 13 crore (around $4.3 million). "How can you think that the operators will give nearly 70 percent of their total earnings as licence fee to DoT?" wondered an industry insider. For the investment too is quite huge. Companies will have to have huge establishments for running these services.
The only answer seems to be that the operators are willing to take a loss, initially, to get selected. But this means that from the fourth year, they will ask DoT to reduce the licence fee. So even if revenue is the only consideration, the question remains if DoT will really gain in the long run.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930624)
the long run.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930624)
6/24/93
India - Radio Paging Is DOT's New Headache
TELECOM
Intergraph Workstations Made In
BOMBAY, INDIA, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- To strengthen its hold in the computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) market, the Bombay-based Rolta India Ltd., is all set to introduce a new set of Intergraph workstations and servers. The systems are being manufactured at the company's new facility in Bombay set up in technical collaboration with Intergraph of the USA.
The Roltastation 7700, 7750, 6730 and Roltaserver 8400 are expected to be available from the next month, informed J.K. Das, Rolta's director, marketing.
The Roltastation 7700 will come with single and dual 19 and 27-inch monitors. Also incorporated into these workstations is the EDGE II Plus color graphics system. The 7750 workstations are equipped with the CT II graphics system which processes 830,000 2D vectors and 60,000 3D vectors per second. The recently launched 3 megapixel 21 inch monitor is also an option with the 7750 workstations. The 6730 series is configured for entry-level 2D/3D applications.
The company has also formalized a pact with Magellan Corporation of the US for distribution of the microprocessor-based global positioning system (GPS) in India. The systems, priced between Rs 5-10 lakh ($16,000-$32,000), depending on the configuration are used for determining locations in terms of latitudes and longitudes. These can be of use to survey conductors, aircraft fishing crawlers, and security operations.
For facilitating communications with Rolta International Corp, its subsidiary in Alabama and Intergraph, Rolta has recently established a 64 kbps datacom link at its head office in Bombay.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930624)
n Bombay.
(C.T. Mahabharat/19930624)
6/24/93
Intergraph Workstations Made In Bombay
Leading Economist Discusses Indu
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Comdex: NEC Releases Image PCI-P
Hewlett-Packard Intros New PCs;
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Nat Semi Reports $2 Billion In S
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The Mayo Clinic Heart Book CD-RO
Up Close And Personal -- A Sneak
Japan - NCR Japan Gets 5 LAN Dis
TDK Supplying Mini-Disks To Koni
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- TDK has expanded its market for Mini-Disks by shipping supplies to Konica, a company which previously has not sold them.
TDK will supply blank Mini-Disks to Konica on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis. The blank Mini-Disks will be sold under Konica's brand name. Actual shipment is expected to begin at the end of this year. A total of 50,000 to 60,000 units will be shipped to Konica per month.
TDK is currently making 100,000 Mini-Disks monthly at its Chikuma plant in Nagano, Japan. The firm has been adding new production lines at this plant, spending 2 billion yen ($18 million). With these new lines, the firm expects to raise the production rate to 500,000 units per month by this fall. Then, it will supply part of these disks to Konica.
The relationship between TDK and Konica was established when TDK began supplying videotapes and floppy disks to Konica on an OEM basis. Also, TDK started to supply 3.5-inch optical disks to Konica this past April. The supply of Mini-Disks further deepens their relationship.
The original Mini-Disk technology was developed by Sony and it competes with the budding DCC (digital compact cassette) technology, which was jointly developed by Matsushita Electric and the Netherlands' Philips. Interestingly Konica has no plans to sell DCC (digital compact cassette) tapes at present.
REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Microsoft has announced a multimedia edition of its Golf For Windows that takes advantage of multimedia effects such as video, customizable sound, and interactive help.
Anthony Garcia, manager of the entertainment product unit at Microsoft, says the new software is a great example of how multimedia technology can make entertainment products for the PC more compelling. "We are excited to add the multimedia dimension to Golf and expect that users who are new to PC simulations will find this game easy to use and engaging. Also, it's more fun!" according to Garcia.
Golf for Windows, Multimedia Edition is a cooperative effort between Microsoft and Access Software, the company that developed Access Links The Challenge of Golf for DOS-based computers.
Just like the pros entered in a real life tournament, Golf for Windows players can take a complete course tour of the Torrey Pines golf course before they play in order to plan their strategy.
As the player arrives at each hole, he or she can call up a quick video "flyby" of the hole that resembles the overview you see at a televised game. The program offers a Tip button that the user can click on before taking a shot that runs a video showing a golf pro offering advice on how to play that particular hole. For more detailed instruction, the user can select an online video demonstration on swinging and aiming, and your own computerized swing is user-controlled to add realism to the game.
The wags at Microsoft have also added some interesting sound effects capabilities that are user-selectable. You might choose Egyptian music when the ball is hit into a sand trap, or a fanfare when it lands near the pin. Serious players can select traditional background course sounds like the wind blowing, while less serious players can choose exotic bird calls or wildlife noises. You can choose a male or female voice for the commentator, and personal computers equipped with a microphone can even add their own audio comments.
Microsoft has announced several new entertainment offerings recently. Newsbytes reported recently a new version of Microsoft flight Simulator, said by Microsoft to be the best selling PC entertainment title of all time. The company also announced new scenery packs for Flight Simulator that let the electronic aviator fly over and land at New York and Paris. For less earth-bound gamers the software giant announced Space Simulator an off-world version of Flight Simulator.
The multimedia edition of Golf for Windows is scheduled to ship in early August 1993, and will have a $64.95 price tag. System requirements include a multimedia personal computer or a PC with a multimedia upgrade kit. You will need a PC with at least a 386SX running at 16 megahertz, MS-DOS CD-ROM extensions 2.2 or higher, a VGA or better monitor, Windows 3.1 or higher, 4 megabytes (MB) of system memory, 5MB of available disk space, a CD-ROM drive with faster than one-second access and 150 kilobytes-per-second transfer rate, an audio board, speakers or headphones and a mouse.
(Jim Mallory/19930624/Press contact: Julie Larkin, Microsoft Corporation, 206-882-8080; Reader contact: Microsoft Corporation 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
rosoft Corporation 206-882-8080 or 800-426-9400)
6/24/93
Microsoft Golf For Windows, Multimedia Version
Japan - Matsushita & Hitachi Dev
US West Renews Random Access PC
Japanese Windows 3.1 Debuts
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clea
Australian Study Shows Telecommu
Tetra Announces Plans To Attack
Judge To Fine White House Over E
Stacker 3.1 Ships, Requires MS-D
Fifth Generation's Fastback Plus
Sound, PCMCIA Available For X Wi
Jury Vindicates ULSI, Intel Head
Jurisoft DirectConnect Links WP
Editorial - Working At Home
Australian Bounty Hunters Active
Software Developer's To Buy PC T
EC Finally Approves HDTV Funding
India: Microland Restructures, M
Color Hard Copy - BIS Details St
Video Software Developers Kit
VTech Offers Five-Year Limited W
Electronic Forms Growth Strong B
Japan - NCR Japan Gets 5 LAN Dis
Seybold - Apple's 1st Demo EZ TV
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JUN 24 (NB) -- Apple Computer Chairman John Sculley demonstrated publicly for the first time Apple's interface for interactive television, EZ TV. While the interface had a stylish, crisp look and feel, Apple had no announcements as to how television providers might actually use the interface.
Like Modular Windows from Microsoft, EZ TV offers larger icons that can be seen from a distance on a television screen and is controlled via a remote control. For users who like to view several channels at once, the interface allowed 12 channels to be displayed with the main viewing channel in the center and the other channels running in real time in boxes spaced around the outside. For pay-per-view movies, the interface had icons for a preview, information about the movie, and an icon of a ticket. A click on the ticket icon starts an animation in which the ticket tears in half and the user is informed as to how long it will be until the movie starts.
Sculley said Apple has expanded its concept of the virtual educational environment demonstrated last year to include virtual malls and virtual shopping. In the virtual mall, users can "move" from place to place by simply moving the arrow in the window in the direction that they want to move. The experience is much like viewing the environment through a video camera. Sculley took users into a hat shop, clicked on a hat on the wall, and the hat was displayed. The hat could also be rotated to different viewing angles. In the case of a bill fold, a click on the remote started a video explanation of the features by a store clerk. As each item was purchased, EZ TV kept a running total of the amount spent.
The Company Store, Apple's consumer outlet in Cupertino, was also part of the demonstration. Sculley went in the virtual store over to a new Duo Docking Macintosh with the new split keyboard and started up a video in which the features of the unit were demonstrated. He purchased the unit, which was retail priced at over $4,300. Sculley commented on how expensive it was.
When asked why no public announcements of deals with interactive television providers have been made along with the EZ TV announcement, Sculley did an about-face. Historically, Apple has talked about new products and services a year or more before they're announced and has been criticized for going for "mind share," but this time Sculley said Apple wants to focus on products instead of making long term announcements.
Rumors are rampant that Apple Computer is in talks with American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) possibly for the purchase of Apple. However, Sculley would neither confirm nor deny the rumors, but he did hint at an inclination toward partnerships with telephone companies. When asked if he favored cable delivered systems for EZ TV, Sculley said telephone companies should not be dropped for consideration as a delivery channel. "Even though we haven't seen the higher bandwidths yet, don't count out the telephone companies," Sculley asserted.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930624/Press Contact: Frank O'Mahony, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-5420, fax 408-967-5651)
ony, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-5420, fax 408-967-5651)
6/24/93
Seybold - Apple's 1st Demo EZ TV Interactive Interface
APPLE
Seybold - Sculley's Live Demo Of
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JUN 24 (NB) -- Apple Computer Chairman John Sculley, who last week stepped down as the company's chief executive officer (CEO), demonstrated the company's Newton personal digital assistant (PDA) at the Seybold Digital World conference in Beverly Hills.
Sculley first asserted the Newton is on track for delivery and emphasized the product is not behind schedule for shipment this summer. He said the read-only-memory (ROM) in the unit had only one bug and the product is in the "golden master" stage meaning it is ready for manufacture.
In the short demonstration, the already announced features of the Newton were demonstrated, including translation of handwriting to text and the ability to look up a name in the unit's address book and place the correct address on a letter. The letter contained a graphic which the Newton centered on the page and the letter could also be translated from the narrow page format on the Newton to a full page format. A page preview of the document could also be viewed. Once the letter was completed, it could also be faxed by connecting the Newton to a telephone outlet.
Sculley said the Newton would have a few surprises for users and one was an animation of paper wadded up and tossed into an on-screen trash basket when a document is discarded.
Since Newton has no moving parts, Sculley said it could be used in other applications such as in automobiles. Also, the newly announced Apple Media Kit was demonstrated for application development for the Newton. In one specific example, an Apple employee showed an application that allowed him to measure his blood pressure, which he said was "probably a little high these days." The application was developed with the Apple Media Tool the evening before, using a Powerbook on the plane in-route to the conference.
Newly introduced, the Apple Media Tool allows development of an application without programming by connecting icons that represent functions. For programmers, Apple is offering the Apple Media Tool Programming Environment which offers the ability to use the object-oriented tools as well as a traditional programming language approach. Apple claims code developed in the Apple Media Tool Programming Environment is portable between Macintosh and IBM-compatible personal computers (PCs) running Microsoft Windows and offers access to toolboxes in both environments through a C language interface.
Turmoil at Apple these days has sparked public interest. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Sculley told various publications he suggested IBM buy Apple when interviewed by the search committee looking for a new chairman for IBM. Shortly afterward, Sculley announced he was stepping down as CEO to be replaced by Michael Spindler former chief operating officer (COO). Apple has announced investors can expect lower earnings compared to last year when it releases its financial statement next month and rumors are rampant that the company will lay off 2,000 employees soon. In addition, there have been hints of talks that American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T) could buy Apple, but neither company will confirm the report.
Sculley said during his talk at the Seybold conference that he stepped down at Apple because he loves high technology and hasn't had time to fully explore the field as CEO. His new responsibilities are to look for new technology opportunities for Apple.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930624/Press Contact: Tricia Chan, Apple tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
Apple tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
6/24/93
Seybold - Sculley's Live Demo Of Newton
APPLE
Printers Should Meet Real World
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- When printing products are under development, users' needs for compatibility performance and quality should come first, stated Randy Troast manager of Color Testing Products for Genoa Technology, at the Color Hard Copy Conference in Boston this week.
Printers rarely hit the market until compatibility problems are ironed out, but vendors' ideas of performance and quality are often far removed from users' "real world" experiences, he elaborated.
Troast's employer, Genoa, supplies a range of printer and Group III fax testing products and services. Major magazines like Byte InfoWorld, and MacWorld are among the customers for the testing products.
"Compatibility is just assumed. Vendors don't get any points for it," commented the testing specialist. Awareness that printers will be rated by computer magazines, and the practice of demonstrating the products at trade shows, help spur the vendors toward compatibility.
Companies also try hard to offer performance and quality, indicated Troast. Frequently, though, the measurements they use are overly objective.
"What do users really expect?" he asked. "If we're talking about a one-page document, the printing can't be fast enough. If it's a two- or three-page document, users want to see the first page right away. They're willing to wait a few moments for the rest."
For documents of five pages and up, users are more or less resigned to waiting quite a while, he added. "We've found that they usually walk away from their computers. They say to themselves, 'I hope it's done by the time I return from getting coffee,'" he commented.
According to Troast, traditional performance criteria -- measured in pages per minute (PPM) for monochrome printers and minutes per page (MPP) for color hard copy -- assess the time it takes from "pressing print" to successfully output the first page and last page.
Manufacturers also evaluate the time required to "return to application" (RTA), and in the instance of Windows applications the time it takes to close the print manager ("Print Manager close," or PMC).
Beyond these measurements, though, users are interested in regaining "unburdened" control of the application, he asserted. "RTA means I can get back to work. Regaining unburdened control means I can get back to `useful work,'" he explained.
Performance tests should also be more tightly geared to "real world" computer hardware, operating environments, and applications said Troast.
"Performance tests calculated with `bleeding edge' hardware -- 486 and faster -- don't represent the typical user," he remarked. When downloaded fonts, lines, shapes and patterns fills, or imported graphics are added to a document, any application will lose printing speed. Windows-based applications are still particularly prone to slowdowns, he said.
Manufacturers also need to make changes in how they evaluate print quality and color quality, he urged. Traditional objective measurements of print quality -- edge definition, registration accuracy, dot size and shape, and halftoning/dithering options have their place, but subjective assessments are more significant. "Somehow you have to answer the question of whether the results are pleasing to the eye," he pointed out.
Criteria for assessing color quality should be application specific, Troast recommended. "How can `good enough' color be measured?" he inquired. "For business graphics, it's simple. If I want orange, do I get orange? Or red with yellow polka dots? For graphic arts, the results need to be good enough to be used as the basis for creative decision-making."
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930624/19930624/Press contact: Martha Popoloski, BIS Strategic Research, tel 617-262-9600)
BIS Strategic Research, tel 617-262-9600)
6/24/93
Printers Should Meet Real World Needs
GENERAL
SRI Report On Security In Cybers
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- SRI International has completed a year-long study of the state of security within the public and private communications networks throughout the United States and other countries, and concludes that security-wise, cellular phones are in the worst shape.
The study determined that vulnerability to unauthorized access varies from one type of communications system to another. It said that public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) are the least vulnerable; packet data networks (PDNs) are somewhat more vulnerable than the PSTN; the Internet is relatively insecure; and the cellular phone system is the most vulnerable of all.
The study said, "The main vulnerabilities in most communications networks involve procedural, administrative, and human weaknesses, rather than purely technical vulnerabilities of network management, control systems, and hardware, and software. There are technical vulnerabilities -- poor system design and specific flaws in software -- but they are mainly exploitable because of the above problems."
The study reports that "malicious attackers on most networks and networked systems cannot be completely prevented, now or in the future," and that "there is some evidence that the newest generation of hackers may be more motivated by personal gain than the traditional ethic of sheer curiosity."
SRI offers six recommendations to tighten security with special emphasis on defenses against "social engineering" (the ability of hackers to convince employees through subterfuge to provide security data to them) and on the promotion of ethical values through training in school and throughout the workplace.
The study will continue through 1993 and offers anonymity to any hackers and other interested parties who wish to participate. While specifics of the entire study are proprietary to SRI the summary report will be provided to interested parties.
Donn Parker, SRI senior consultant, told Newsbytes, "The study shows us that there is a new breed of malicious hacker -- one who violates the hacker ethic by (doing) illegal things for financial gain rather than for the enjoyment of learning. We feel that education is an important deterrent to such criminal activities by the young and we are asking communications companies to work with us in developing an indication program for use in schools. Such a program will educate young people in the seriousness of such actions and the possible legal consequences."
(Barbara E. McMullen & John F. McMullen/Press Contact: Stuart Hauser SRI International, 415-859-5755 (voice); 415-3154 (fax); stuart_hauser@qm.sri.com (e-mail)/19930624)
art_hauser@qm.sri.com (e-mail)/19930624)
6/24/93
SRI Report On Security In Cyberspace
GENERAL
Quello Settling-In at FCC
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- James Quello has been interim head of the Federal Communications Commission for five months, and may be in for a long stint.
Quello, first appointed to the commission in 1974 by Richard Nixon, is the kind of man who can still walk through the National Association of Broadcasters' press room, carrying a copy of his next speech, without causing a stir. Anyone can approach him, and any reporter can call him. Beyond being protective of the interests of radio, the business he came up in, Quello is mainly known for being good at sniffing the political winds and moving accordingly. To some, that makes him the perfect Clinton appointee.
After some hesitation, Quello's antennae appear to have come up with a renewed emphasis on breaking the walls between telephony and cable. Before the agency's regular meeting, scheduled for today, he indicated that the problems he's found in enforcing the new cable act may prompt a move to let telephone companies into the business, creating competition that would do away with it. That means he'd support a bill by Democrat Rick Boucher of Virginia, and Ohio Republican Michael Oxley, that would let phone companies offer cable television services in their home territories, but prevent them from buying cable systems in those areas.
Quello is also anxious to move ahead on auctioning 200 megahertz of spectrum for new microwave-based cellular services, called Personal Communication Networks, or PCN. A 200 megahertz piece of spectrum sounds like a lot, but it's no more than what's held by a single FM radio station. He told a reporter recently he'd support moves to hold out some FM licenses for broadcasting data if the proposal were made.
Where Quello's antennae don't tell him to move, he doesn't move and so he's postponing a decision on whether over-the-air home shopping channels must be carried on local cable systems. Most cable systems have their own shopping channels. Most of the channels are affiliates of Home Shopping Network, and if cable nets are forced to carry them, HSN will be getting free what it used to pay for. Weighing politically on the other side is that most of the over-the-air shopping channels are minority-owned.
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Aiming to increase the number of customers a paging service can have, and the amount of information each customer can send, Motorola has announced FLEX, a paging protocol that can move data at up to 6,400 bits/second on the tiny slices of spectrum used by pagers. Products implementing FLEX could be available this year.
FLEX operates at 1,600, 3,200 and 6,400 bits per second Motorola noted, compared with the 1,200 bits/second used by current paging systems. That means it can handle over 600,000 numeric pagers per paging channel at typical US call rates. FLEX is also compatible with the majority of the paging systems worldwide, and can mix easily with existing protocols. Motorola said FLEX also provides more data integrity, meaning missed messages can be flagged if the intended recipient wanders out of range.
To help make FLEX a real standard, Motorola signed licenses with Glenayre and NEC to implement it. The deal with NEC is a cross-license of patents, allowing NEC to provide FLEX paging when it establishes its own paging service company in the US NEC also sells pagers which use the new European Standard protocol, the European Radio Messages System or ERMES system.
FLEX can handles tones, ASCII text, hexadecimal code, numbers numbers and letters or unformatted binary data streams, in any mix and unlimited lengths. Long messages are automatically segmented into packets up to 220 bytes, avoiding delays of subsequent messages.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930624/Press Contact: Dan Blanton, Motorola 407/364-2895; fax 407/364-2028)
407/364-2895; fax 407/364-2028)
6/24/93
Motorola Flex Paging Protocol
TELECOM
US West To Sell FastComm Frame R
STERLING, VIRGINIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- FastComm Communications said US West agreed to resell its frame relay network access devices.
Frame relay is a technology that allows data to move at speeds from 56,000 bits/second up to 1.544 million bits/second by placing it in "frames" which are retransmitted later in case of errors. In slower X.25 networks, by contrast, each bloc of data is checked for errors and re-transmitted if necessary before another block moves. Frame relay is considered a primary technology for linking local area networks over large distances since the routers many companies have to link LANs on a campus can also link to frame relay services.
According to Joe Noel of Dataquest, WilTel was the frame relay market leader in 1992, and WilTel has been the most aggressive provider in cooperation with regional Bell companies like US West, testing their services in conjunction with its offerings so that companies can buy local and long distance frame relay as a package.
Frame relay access devices, called FRADs by FastComm, can handle any number of data protocols, including the TCP/IP networks known as the Internet. The US West frame relay network carries a permanent virtual circuit from each FastComm FRAD to a central site, where they're combined on a so-called T-1 trunk line moving at 1.544 million bits/second. The FRADs can also be used in SNA networks linking to IBM mainframes.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930624/Press Contact: FastComm. William Flanagan, 703/318-4362)
: FastComm. William Flanagan, 703/318-4362)
6/24/93
US West To Sell FastComm Frame Relay Gear
TELECOM
Comdex - Micrografx Intros Desig
Failed Australian Company Direct
Comdex: PCI Standard Launched
Cook Pulls Out As FCC Chairman
Beijing - Gomatech To Supply ICB
Zeos 486-based Notebook Computer
Japan - DDI, Japan Telecom Grabb
IDB-Vyvx Sign Co-operation Agree
Most Telesat Mobile Creditors Ap
Kiplinger's CA Simply Money
New Mac Color, Low-End Powerbook
Rate-Group Change To Raise Toron
Egghead Establishes Unit To Serv
Predicasts Loses Its Name To Inf
Companies To Intro Microsoft At
The Enabled Computer
Correction - Stacker 3.1 Ships,
Radius Intros Mac Photoshop Acce
Michigan Company Supports Apple
US West, GTE Improving Networks
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Accelerated 486 VGA Controller F
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IBM Launches Major Collection Of
NEC Shifting Game Machine Produc
New CD-ROM Title For Kids, The L
US West To Sell FastComm Frame R
NMC Vision Upgrade Launched In A
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, JUN 24 1993 -- ITS Asia Pacific and UK-based Network Managers Ltd have announced the launch of Version 3.0 of the NMC Vision range of independent network management software throughout Asia Pacific region.
The two companies have signed a partnership agreement under which ITS one of Asia's leading systems integrators and data communications suppliers, will provide both sales and support for Network Managers network management systems.
Version 3.0 adds enhanced graphics, faster database access, and support for both Novell environments using IPX and X.25 environments to the product range. In addition to using Microsoft Windows 3.1 Sun Microsystems Sun OS and IBM RS 6000 platforms, the launch of Version 3.0 will see the addition of Sun Microsystems' Solaris platform and Microsoft NT.
The architecture and modules available are standard across the product range and provide a protocol independent system to the complex task of managing heterogeneous data networks.
"Networks are already very complex and the situation is only getting worse," said Karl Feilder, Network Manager's international sales and marketing manager and one of the co-founders of the company. "Most users now realize that network management is not an optional part of the network but rather the backbone of the network."
Network Managers began in 1987 as a subsidiary of California-based OSI technology leader Retix Inc. In 1990 it became an independent company dedicated solely to providing independent network management software.
Since then the company has signed OEM agreements with 26 leading hardware manufacturers in the data communications industry and has an installed base of almost 1,000 network management systems.
Today, the NMC Vision range manages devices from more than 55 different vendors' hardware products, using 11 different protocols and running on three different platforms, the company claims.
"We think that ITS, with regional offices throughout the region including China, is uniquely suited to providing our customers with superior service and support in the complex area of network management," said Mr Fielder.
ITS' efforts throughout the region are bolstered by its relationship with parent company SITA, which enables it to tap into the world's largest communications network. The SITA network links the computer systems of every major airline throughout the world.
"Controlling and managing networks has been one of ITS' specialties during the past 15 years," said Wayne Merrick, director of business development with ITS Asia Pacific. "We have a lot of experience in network management and have found Network Managers' NMC Vision to be superior in all respects."
(Brett Cameron/19930624/Press Contact: Wayne Merrick (ITS),Tel: +852 831 0506;HK time is GMT + 8)
el: +852 831 0506;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/24/93
NMC Vision Upgrade Launched In Asia
GENERAL
Egghead's First Software Develop
ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Software retailer Egghead Software announced this week it will introduce its first software package developed in-house later this month.
The company said the new program, Egghead Express, will be unveiled at the PC Expo trade show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City next week. The show runs June 29 through July 1. Pricing has not been announced yet.
Egghead Express, which runs under Microsoft Windows, allows users to send and manage orders, receive product information, and maintain 24-hour electronic access to Egghead Software. The company says the software will allow users to streamline ordering, selection and delivery while cutting administrative costs and increasing efficiency. It's designed for use by corporate and government customers.
Egghead President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy Turnpaugh says the company is constantly looking for ways to serve its customers better. "Egghead Express...adds significant power to our suite of services for our corporate and government customers."
Earlier this month Egghead reported earnings of $2.2 million, or $0.13 per share, for its fourth quarter. That was a drop of 47 percent from the same period one year ago, when the company reported earnings of $4.2 million, or $0.24 per share. Eghead officials attributed the poor results to price wars, restructuring charges related to the reorganization of its corporate and government sales group, and investments in new stores, systems and services to support future growth.
Egghead operates 205 retail outlets, and reported sales of $195.6 million for the most recent quarter. That was an increase over the $155 million for last year but the company had 23 fewer stores then, and the period had one less week.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Four distinguished motion picture directors, described as "digitally hip," formed an informal panel at the Digital World conference to discuss digital technology, how it is affecting filmmaking and the future of the medium.
They were Mike Backes, involved in the production of the new hit "Jurassic Park;" James Cameron director of two "Terminator" movies; John Badham director of "Short Circuit" and "Blue Thunder;" and Gale Hurd, producer of the first two "Terminator" movies.
Mike Backes started the discussion by asserting the best thing about digital technology is it forces a lot of preproduction preparation work. "You cannot have too much prep," he added noting two and a half years of prep work went into Jurassic Park. The general agreement was that the opportunity for computers to allow the directors and producers of films to lay out a three-dimensional space and walk around in it is also productive. In addition, word processing was mentioned as one of the best tools in aiding how films are written.
Cameron maintains stop-motion animation has gone the way of the slide rule, and will probably not be used widely anymore. Both producers hired Industrial Light and Magic to perform the effects in the films. Cameron said when he originally wrote "Terminator," he intended for the plot lines of both movies to be in the first film, but was unable to get the morphing technology right for the second "terminator" character and so had to shelve the idea for several years. Cameron said he first experimented with creating a photorealistic subject by computer in a feature film in the Abyss, but Terminator was a much larger risk because the entire plot line is based on being able to make the technology work. In T2, Cameron was able to go forward with the technology and create a villain around the concept of digital morphing techniques and did it in a twelve-month production cycle.
John Badham applauded the use of the technology in T2 and said "If you don't make a good, organic use of the technology then you're wasting your time. If you just try to do the technology you end up with something like TRON (where a kid gets stuck in a video game) which is not as satisfying an experience."
Gale Hurd expressed concern that the most important aspect of narrative films, story telling, could get lost in technology. She mentioned lots of people come to her and say, "I have this great concept," and that's all it is -- a concept.
On the downside, the group talked about the expense of equipment and the trouble they have getting studio executives to invest in computer technology. The other problems had to do with incompatibility between hardware platforms and between various software products. Hurd mentioned she has a program for scheduling and budgeting that will run on her IBM-compatible 386-based personal computer (PC) but will not run on her 486 based PC.
As for the future, Cameron insisted that soon he'll be able to do anything he can conceive of. Backes said the problem he thinks computers can solve is the complaint that movies are getting "smaller." "Batman has a very claustrophobic feel to it and that's because it's so expensive to build elaborate sets." Building the sets inside computers is the next step, according to Backes, who joked that "gladiator" movies might come back when that happens.
The directors agreed that every filmmaker's dream is to get rid of the actors, but they all doubt if computer technology will allow that to happen. Actors might be able to energize or drive a synthetic character using computers, such as is done now with Waldo devices that connect to the actor and imitate the movements on a animated character or mechanical device. But pulling actors out of old movies with computer animation and manipulating them via computer is something this group thinks the public will never see. Backes said, "I keep hearing Ted Turner wants to put Elvis in 'Gone With The Wind,' but it won't happen."
The biggest complaint the group had about the computer technology is the tools are not easy enough to use. While good technology and good computer code were acknowledged to be an art form, it has to be something that can be used and not an end in itself. "You don't go to an art gallery to look at paintings painted by paint brush designers," Backes stressed.
ybold Seminars, tel 310-457-8500, fax 310-457-8599)
6/24/93
Jurassic Park, T2 Directors Talk About Technology
TRENDS
Central Point Acquires Alert! An
UXBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Central Point Software has announced that two new packages, Alert! and Snooper have been added to its range of software for the Apple Computer Macintosh, following their acquisition of Maxa Corporation.
Although details of the acquisition have not been revealed, the transaction is known to be an asset acquisition, with Brent Luckman founder and CEO of Max, being appointed general manager of Central Point's Mac operations.
Jim Horsburgh, Central Point's managing director of the company's northern and international regions, said that he considers the acquisition a major one for the firm's Mac business.
"We looked hard at the right partner to help us direct even greater focus on our family of Mac utilities. The Maxa products complement our own MacTools and Safe & Sound products, and together make a winning combination," he said.
Pricing on the two packages for the European market has yet to be confirmed. Alert! is a software diagnostics application, while Snooper is a hardware diagnostic that is pitched at both novice and experienced users of the Mac.
(Steve Gold/19930625/Press & Public Contact: Central Point Software Tel: 081-848-1414)
: Central Point Software Tel: 081-848-1414)
6/25/93
Central Point Acquires Alert! And Snooper
APPLE
Multimedia PC For $999 - Beethov
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Wearnes Technology has unveiled Beethoven MPC-1, a fully configured multimedia PC with a TV screen hookup, an internal CD-ROM drive and a sound board, speakers and software, available at a price of only $999.
The new PC provides an VGA-to-NTSC converter, known as the Beethoven Home Video Option, that lets the user play a full VGA image on a standard TV screen. The converter offers S-Video and composite output, according to officials.
"The Home Video option is designed for the person who would rather fly a flight simulator through a 25- or 40-inch TV screen than (through) the 14-inch screen of a computer monitor," commented Richard Hsiao, company president.
All components in the system have been optimized to run multimedia applications as well as standard computer operations without loss of power, Hsaio said.
Other features include an internal LMSI CD-ROM drive from Philips audio passthrough, a 16-bit sound board, Labtec speakers, and a variety of bundled multimedia software.
In its initial shipment, the PC provides a 386SX 33 MHz processor 4 MB of RAM, a hard disk of up to 100 MB, two serial ports and one parallel port, a keyboard and mouse, and a 3.5-inch floppy drive.
The company expects to ship similarly equipped 486-based models in August, at pricing of $1,295 for a 486SX, 25 MHz system and $1,595 for a 486DX 40 MHz system.
The CD-ROM drive that is built into the system complies with Kodak's PhotoCD single-session standard, and is also compatible with DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and NetWare, the company stated.
The drive will play audio, data and game CDs, as well. Other capabilities include 32K cache memory, average access time of 375 milliseconds, and a sustained data transfer rate of 153.6 KB per second.
The PC's audio passthrough feature allows standard audio CDs to be played in the background while standard applications run in the foreground.
The Beethoven sound board that accompanies the product is compatible with Sound Blaster, AdLib and Thunderboard. The card provides an on-board MIDI port, plus a joy stick port with an output amplifier of four watts.
In addition, the board is optionally upgradable for digital 16-bit sound, SCSI connectivity, and MIDI, with 128 recorded samples of musical instruments.
Software bundled with the new PC includes Windows 3.1, DOS 6.0, DOS Command Line Player, Band-in-a-Box, Voyetra's MIDI Sequence Plus Junior, Wearne's Beethoven's Mixer, and Animation's MSC MusicRack along with SelectWare CD, a software demo test drive package.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930624/Press contact: Chad Hill or Len Fernandes, Hill Communications for Wearnes, tel 510-945-7910; Reader contact: Wearnes Technology, tel 408-456-8838)
earnes Technology, tel 408-456-8838)
6/24/93
Multimedia PC For $999 - Beethoven
Fundamental Flaws In ATM Securit
LONDON, ENGLAND, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Newsbytes has been tracking a civil case through the British courts for the last year and can now reveal a lot of what is going on with the case. If you ever have or ever will use a plastic card in an automated teller machine (ATM) you should read this news item, since it has far-reaching international consequences for the legal issues surrounding the usage of these cash machines.
The past few years have seen a number of customers of banks and other financial institutions in the UK report "ghost" withdrawals from their plastic card-accessible accounts, usually through an ATM. A ghost withdrawal is defined in colloquial bank parlance as a debit transaction that appears on an ATM cardholder's statement, but for which no cash was withdrawn.
Although these cases have been well publicized by the media, the financial institutions concerned have claimed -- as one -- that their machines are infallible. In many cases, accusing fingers have been pointed, and even prosecutions started, against members of the cardholder's family, work colleagues, and friends.
Several UK cardholders, fed up with bank's stonewalling approach to their problem, joined forces last year to take out collective legal action against the banks and building societies, not only to get their money back, but to compensate them for the distress caused.
In the British legal system, the cost of litigation normally far exceeds the costs involved. This is why ghost withdrawal customers have not taken legal action against the banks in the 20 years or so that ATMs have been in common usage. Last year, a barrister Alistair Kelman, applied what he terms an innovative legal procedure that gets around this problem.
Dennis Whalley, a solicitor with J Keith Park & Co, a Liverpool based solicitor, obtained legal aid for a group action initially on behalf of seven people who had disputes with their financial institutions over ghost ATM withdrawals.
This action was against several banks, including Barclays, Lloyds Midland, and the TSB, as well as the Nationwide Building Society. The Abbey National and Halifax Building Societies (which have parallels with S&L's in the US) are to be brought into the case at a later stage, Newsbytes understands, as is National Westminster and several other UK banks.
At the hearing, Dennis Whalley swore a massive 150-page affidavit setting out known instances of fraud and error, which make astonishing reading.
One woman was convicted by a court of withdrawing money without permission from her disabled father's bank account. Six months later, the bank admitted that another customer had "inadvertently" been allocated her father's account number, hence the apparent ghost withdrawal.
Another incident revolved around a customer's ghost withdrawal from an account, where the TSB suggested that the customer's 80-year-old mother may have withdrawn the amount. When the customer produced the bank's sealed "advice of PIN" envelope, they went quiet.
Another cardholder was told that three disputed withdrawals totalling UKP 150 must have been made by him. He too was able to produce a sealed PIN advice envelope from his bank.
All four banks tried to destroy the group action by requiring each claim to be heard separately. Before Judge Hicks, the judge in the High Court, Barrister Kelman defeated these applications. He also indicated that all of the plaintiffs who have suffered from ghost withdrawals will be claiming damages for the distress they suffered under UK Data Protection legislation, the claims for which could be far higher than the money withdrawn, Newsbytes understands.
A further 27 plaintiffs are to be joined to the action with a further 1,000 already on the books of the Liverpool solicitors. Newsbytes understands that the plaintiffs are considering making a promotional video to attract more people to the case.
The British banks have now issued a code of practice on plastic card use to their customers. Among other "clarifications," this limits the customer's liabilities in the event of a card or its PIN being compromised or stolen, provided the customer has not acted illegally.
Newsbytes notes that, in the British banking ombudsman's report for last year, a total of 879 ATM-related complaints were handled by the ombudsman's office. 346 of these were investigated and around 65 percent were ruled in the bank's favor.
This week saw the case come to a head, with Judge John Hicks giving the customers leave to take a combined action for UKP 20,000 against their financial institutions for losses relating to ghost withdrawals.
What's interesting about Judge Hicks' clearance is that he rejected the banks' request that each claim should be heard individually. This introduces the possibility of other cardholders joining in the action.
According to media reports on the case, a further 30 customers are likely to join the case as a result of this clearance.
In court, Judge Hicks said that there is "no reason why the present plaintiffs should not use any means properly open to them to make known the existence of this litigation and the possibility of applying to join it."
Newsbytes notes that no formal defence has yet been filed by the banks.
Barrister Kelman, meanwhile, told Newsbytes that the case has far reaching consequences for the banks, since it will eventually force the banks -- unless they admit defeat before the end of the case to admit in court that their ATM systems are fallible. To admit that this is the case could open the floodgates to all manner of allegations relating to ATM card usage.
The banks have admitted, however, that the terms and conditions relating to card usage are only applicable for use with a legitimate card and PIN.
Reports suggest that, if a PIN from a legitimate ATM card is "lifted" from one of the three tracks on an ATM card, and then re-recorded onto another ATM card, then the PIN from the first card can be used with the second card.
If true, then this would seriously undermine the banks' claims that their ATM systems are secure against fraud and ghost withdrawals.
So what does Kelman think about the ghost withdrawals case as a whole? "It's very interesting from both a legal and a technical viewpoint. There's no doubt that the banks have a lot to lose, but the case will take some time to go through the courts entirely," he told Newsbytes.
(Steve Gold/19930624)
tirely," he told Newsbytes.
(Steve Gold/19930624)
6/24/93
Fundamental Flaws In ATM Security Revealed In Court
TRENDS
Euro-Telecoms Group Accused Of V
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- The Computer and Business Equipment Manufacturers' Association (CBEMA), a US-based organization, has taken the unusual step of accusing the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) of violating European Commission (EC) anti-competition laws. The group has filed a formal complaint with the EC as a result.
The ETSI is a standards group based in Brussels that works on technical standards that are usually turned into formal EC legislation. CBEMA claims that, because its members could not agree on new licensing requirements, they faced expulsion from ETSI.
The issue at stake was the ETSI requirements that CBEMA members should allow ETSI to use their technology in future ETSI directives and standards. CBEMA claims that this is the equivalent of handing ETSI a "blank check" on its member's technologies.
"Not only will companies no longer be able to contribute to European telecommunications standards development, but their access to the European market will be jeapordized," CBEMA said in a prepared statement.
CBEMA notes that its complaint with the EC is filed under Articles 85 and 86 of the Treaty of Rome covering restrictive trade practices and abuse of a dominant market position.
So what does CBEMA want? According to the statement, it does not want its members expelled from ETSI, nor does it want its members' abilities to contribute to European standards development. ETSI has not made any formal reply to the CBEMA complaint.
(Steve Gold/19930624)
formal reply to the CBEMA complaint.
(Steve Gold/19930624)
6/24/93
Euro-Telecoms Group Accused Of Violating EC Competition Laws
IBM's Fireworks Define Multimedi
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- At the Digital World conference, Bob Carberry, president of IBM's multimedia business unit, Fireworks Partners defined the term multimedia by who uses it and how, and gave examples of the use of the technology in different situations.
Fireworks did an informal survey at the trade show COMDEX asking, "What is multimedia?" While most people didn't have an answer, one of the most telling descriptions came from a gentleman who said, "I picture a bunch of video monitors flashing, and people thinking they're learning something."
The first example was NBC desktop news, an interactive customizable news service that is expected to cost consumers $15 to $200 per month. Another example showed multimedia in an office environment, but instead of videos of office workers using multimedia, Fireworks had animated human figures that were stiff and artificial performing the actions. One viewer commented that the office workers reminded him of black actor Eddie Murphy, who does a comedy routing where he acts like a white man. The animations did get across the idea of how office workers might use multimedia and touch screen computers to send and receive video conversations, and transmit information.
Fireworks also showed how an office worker at an airport might use a hand-held cellular computer/telephone to work and make calls without video. The phone had a touch screen and a voice only cellular connection.
One of the most interesting displays was one of how airlines are now placing local area networks in planes. The networks connect liquid crystal display (LCD) screens in the back of each of as many as 270 seats, so each passenger can have access to the network. The system offers flight and plane location information, airport maps and city information, a cellular link to the ground, and games that are interactive with the other passengers. Carberry said airlines like the idea because, while fliers only pay three dollars to use the system, studies show they eat less when playing games and so will cost the airline less.
Carberry, like an earlier demonstration by Apple, also showed a virtual mall application of multimedia. But in this case the animated character is a teenager who goes to the mall with two virtual friends, who shop with him.
The digital server technology planned for Blockbuster video stores was also demonstrated. A user can view rock videos and hear music from an in-store kiosk, can order the compact disc (CD), and the CD will be produced on demand for pick up by the customer on the way out of the store. This reduces inventory and shelf space, Carberry said. A rock group called "Snow Hat" was featured in the demonstration. Snow Hat, as it turns out is a Russian rock group and Carberry said it was the only one for which Fireworks Partners could get the intellectual property rights.
The CD on demand technology came out of an agreement with Soundsational, a small company with which Fireworks formed an alliance. Carberry said he sees Fireworks' role as one of bringing alliances and adding value to the joint ventures, and not just one of a venture capital firm.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930624/Press Contact: Bob Carberry Fireworks Partners, tel 914-766-3300)
reworks Partners, tel 914-766-3300)
6/24/93
IBM's Fireworks Define Multimedia
Kaleida, 3DO, Apple Offer MM Dev
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) Developers will have no shortage of multimedia application development toolkits if the announcements made by major companies at the Digital World are any indication. Kaleida 3DO, and Apple have all announced developer kits for each one's environment.
Kaleida President and Chief Executive Officer Nat Goldhaber announced the Scriptx Developer Kit and says the company will begin accepting applications for entry into its developer program. Scriptx is described by Kaleida as a platform independent environment for multimedia that the company hopes to have released on hardware platforms by the end of 1994.
Developers can sign up for The Kaleida Developer Program at either the "Vanguard" or "Associate" level. Vanguard members receive both Alpha and Beta ScriptX Software Development Kits along with four days of training and four days of consulting at no additional charge. They will also have the opportunity to attend Kaleida's title building workshops. Associate members receive Beta ScriptX Software Developer Kits and access to training and consulting on a fee basis. Applications from interested developers are due October 1, 1993. Goldhaber also mentioned that the company is planning a referral program so those who are looking for Scriptx application developers can make contacts through Kaleida.
Apple announced the Apple Media Tool for development of an applications for the Newton personal digital assistant (PDA) without programming. The applications are developed by connecting icons that represent functions. For programmers Apple is offering the Apple Media Tool Programming Environment which offers the ability to use the object-oriented tools as well as a traditional programming language approach. Apple claims code developed in the Apple Media Tool Programming Environment is portable between Macintosh and IBM-compatible personal computers (PCs) running Microsoft Windows and offers access to toolboxes in both environments through a C language interface.
3DO Company announced the 3DO Authoring Toolkit for developing software for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer due out this fall under the Panasonic brand name. The 3DO Authoring Toolkit consists of title creation software tools including two dimensional animation and imaging, three dimensional modeling video and file translation tools, as well as Macromedia's Director, Macromodel, and Three-D. The company claims the toolkit will be important for those without programming experience as well as for the 311 licensed software companies who have committed to title development for the 3DO player.
The toolkit will be especially useful for the estimated 75,000 Macromedia Director users on the Macintosh computer platform who are already familiar with the Macromedia environment, 3DO added.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Visual Cybernetics Corporation (VCC) says it will begin shipping in July a new version of its electronic mail and messaging product.
VCC President and CEO Joseph DiMauro says eNotes version 2.0 is greatly improved over its predecessor, but still retains the intuitive ease of use and stick-on note look and feel. New features include groupware functionality, drag and drop operations, remote capabilities, folders, a spell checker, context searching, and support for MHS and DDE. Users with suitably equipped personal computers can also add sound and voice recordings to their written notes using eNote's support for multimedia, and the program also supports pen computing.
eNote uses a floating control panel and drag and drop to perform its functions. The user writes the message to an individual or group, then drags it over the icon that represents the addressees and clicks the mouse button to send the mail. At the receiving PC the message pops up on-screen over whatever application is running. eNotes can also be received and saved in folders for later retrieval.
VCC says eNotes does not require a dedicated file server, and can be installed on a network PC in just a few minutes. The built-in MHS support allows eNotes to interface with other electronic mail packages.
The company says it plans to add several new features by the end of this year, including teleconferencing with real-time voice communication, messaging to alphanumeric pagers, and support for mobile wireless data transfer. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and realtime videoconferencing products are expected to ship in early 1994.
VCC Executive Vice President Mujahid Bashir told Newsbytes eNotes is available in five, 20, 50, and 100-user packs, with pricing of $399, $999, $1999, and $3199 respectively. Bashir said the company is offering the five-user pack for $249 on an introductory basis.
CC 800-743-8645 or 212-564-7791, fax 212-564-7499)
6/24/93
Visual Cybernetics Intros eNotes 2.0 for Windows
Spinnaker's PFS:PowerAlbum Track
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- If you're tired of trying to find the graphic image you want among a tangle of eight-character DOS file names scattered among several directories, the people at Spinnaker Software think they have something you'll like.
Spinnaker's PFS:PowerAlbum is software for Microsoft Windows that is meant to keep track of graphics files. It creates an on-screen "album" of thumbnail images, organized into categories that do not have to correspond to the file formats used or the directories in which the actual files are stored. It also lets you assign keywords to your images to aid in searching.
PFS:PowerAlbum leaves the graphics files in their original directories, but creates small thumbnail representations, which users can view on-screen or print out at 48 per page with file names.
Keywords can be assigned to images and then used for searching later. Users can choose any keywords they find meaningful, said Dan Chmielewski, a spokesman for Spinnaker.
Users can select an entire directory of files to be catalogued automatically, though they must assign keywords to each file manually, Chmielewski said.
Having found an image, you can cut and paste it from PFS:PowerAlbum into another application such as a graphics or desktop publishing program, he added.
The software works with the TIF, PCX, BMP, WMF, CGM, and DRW file formats at present, Chmielewski said. More may be added in future. PFS:PowerAlbum also comes with 1,000 full-color WMF images, organized into 15 categories and with keywords assigned.
The software is available now at a list price of $59.95. Spinnaker is also offering it in a bundle with Calendar Creator Plus for Windows, Chmielewski said.
(Grant Buckler/19930624/Press Contact: Dan Chmielewski, Spinnaker Software, 617-494-1200 ext. 458)
Spinnaker Software, 617-494-1200 ext. 458)
6/24/93
Spinnaker's PFS:PowerAlbum Tracks Images
India - Westinghouse Radar For A
Comdex: Pressures In The Comdex
Another Airline Bans Consumer El
Russia: Tatar Plant Begins Assem
TI Links With Japanese Company T
Paramount/Philips Agreement To B
Japan, Taiwan, Thailand Top Soft
Digital Mobile Phones Have Serio
Wireless Call For Copy
Editorial - MCI, BT Turn World U
Intel Version Of Macintosh OS Se
Update - Taking The Heat - $40 D
Kahn Sees On-Going Battle On Cry
Review of Translate English-Span
EMA Show - Overview
Database World - Online Services
EMA Show - More On Control Data'
RAM Signs Network Deals with AT&
Australian Koala Habitat Databas
Modem Approvals Group Announced
Microsoft's Insurance Office Sof
Design And Editorial Enhancement
Paramount Buys Into Information
After Dark Announces Display Con
Microsoft Golf For Windows, Mult
Spinnaker's PFS:PowerAlbum Track
Lincoln Mint Aims Home Shopping
VTech Offers Five-Year Limited W
MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Warranties on personal computer products are getting longer. The latest development is a move by VTech Computer Systems to offer a five-year limited warranty on VTech Laser computers sold in Canada.
Although VTech computers are made in Hong Kong and sold in a number of countries, the new warranty applies only in Canada at the moment, said company spokesman David Ward.
VTech also is not guaranteeing all parts of its PCs for a full five years. The monitor, keyboard, hard drive, tape drive, and mouse remain subject only to VTech's existing two-year warranty. Some components that are supplied to VTech by other manufacturers, such as compact-disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) drives, have only one-year warranties, Ward said.
The added three years of factory service also don't apply to notebook models, the company said.
"More than ever," Ward said, "people are concerned about the longevity of their computer purchases." Responding to some other vendors' move to a three-year warranty, he said, VTech decided to go a step farther and try to boost sales in the traditionally slow summer months.
The warranty applies to all VTech Laser PCs bought in Canada after June 1 of this year, the company said.
(Grant Buckler/19930624/Press Contact: David Ward, VTech Computer Systems, 416-477-2818, fax 416-477-6787; Public Contact: VTech 800-465-2737)
x 416-477-6787; Public Contact: VTech 800-465-2737)
6/24/93
VTech Offers Five-Year Limited Warranty In Canada
First Interactive Media Festival
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- The first Interactive Media Festival, designed to find and define the best in interactive multimedia, was announced at the Digital World conference to be held a year from now in conjunction with the next Digital World conference. The Festival is being created by Cunningham Communications and Seybold Seminars with support from the American Film Institute and is being sponsored by Motorola.
A worldwide search for interactive multimedia works will begin this summer by a seventy-five person international delegation. Twenty-five works will be selected for the final judging next year and a separate nine-member jury will judge the entries. It was decided the works should be viewed in person and no categories will be used for the judging.
A gallery exhibit of the works will be open to the public May 4 through 6, 1994 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where the next Digital World conference will be held. Chris Galvin senior executive vice president and assistant chief operating officer of Motorola said, "The Interactive Media Festival will focus on what people can do with this new form of expression and the ways it will change our lives."
(Linda Rohrbough/19930624/Press Contact: Leslie Kesselring Cunningham Communications, tel 408-764-0736; Public contact: 800-573-1212)
ations, tel 408-764-0736; Public contact: 800-573-1212)
6/24/93
First Interactive Media Festival Slated For Next Year
GENERAL
Apple Distributing CD-ROM Titles
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 24 (NB) -- Apple has entered several compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) publishing deals with Sony, Kodak, Time Warner, and Interoptica. Most of the new titles are educational and to promote the distribution of CD-ROM drives on which the new titles can be played, Apple has dropped the pricing of its CD ROM drives to "its cost," according to Apple Chairman John Sculley.
Apple, in conjunction with Sony and Kodak, has announced a CD ROM title about how "Open" magazine was made and is intended as an educational title for book publishers, advertisers, and universities. The CD-ROM, titled "Open Wider," is interactive and offers the viewer sound, animation, video, and still photos.
The New York-based multimedia design company Imergy created the title and ninety-nine magazine editors, writers, designers, and photographers worked on the project for a week in New York City. Participants included staff from Time, Newsweek, National Geographic, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, Travel & Leisure all of which helped on this one-time effort. The photos for Open Wider where first stored on Kodak Photo CD, then accessed and incorporated into CD-ROM, entirely on Macintosh computers.
Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) division announced it has a publishing agreement with Canter Technology to distribute CD-ROM titles from Time Warner's Interactive Group and Interoptica. Publishing is important to PIE, company representatives said, and five new titles will be offered.
Three of the five new titles, "Peter's Alphabet Adventure," "Peter's Number Adventure," and "Peter's Magical Adventure," are educational titles developed by the French company Arborescence. The two other titles are "Wacky Jack's CD Game Show" and "Travelrama."
Apple Chairman John Sculley said Apple plans to ship over $1 million in CD-ROM drives in 1993. To get the drives out there Sculley revealed the company is selling the drives at cost.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930624/Press Contact: Tricia Chan, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
Chan, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
6/24/93
Apple Distributing CD-ROM Titles, Selling Drives At Cost
APPLE
India - Westinghouse Radar For A
Comdex: Pressures In The Comdex
Another Airline Bans Consumer El
Russia: Tatar Plant Begins Assem
TI Links With Japanese Company T
Paramount/Philips Agreement To B
Japan, Taiwan, Thailand Top Soft
Digital Mobile Phones Have Serio
Wireless Call For Copy
Editorial - MCI, BT Turn World U
Intel Version Of Macintosh OS Se
Update - Taking The Heat - $40 D
Kahn Sees On-Going Battle On Cry
Review of Translate English-Span
EMA Show - Overview
Database World - Online Services
EMA Show - More On Control Data'
RAM Signs Network Deals with AT&
Australian Koala Habitat Databas
Modem Approvals Group Announced
Microsoft's Insurance Office Sof
Design And Editorial Enhancement
Paramount Buys Into Information
After Dark Announces Display Con
Microsoft Golf For Windows, Mult
Spinnaker's PFS:PowerAlbum Track
Lincoln Mint Aims Home Shopping
Tektronix To Layoff 800
Hong Kong - Hospital Authority U
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Hong Kong's Hospital Authority is to automate patient billing at all former government hospitals by the end of September, using advanced client/server technology from Sybase. The new system will increase efficiency and cater for growth without increasing overhead.
A key segment of the Hospital Authority's Integrated Patient Administration System (IPAS), the new Patient Billing/Revenue Collection System has been implemented at eight of the 16 hospitals so far. It is the first application to fully reflect the Authority's commitment to open, distributed computing and runs on PC and Unix server networks at the hospital level, with links to an IBM mainframe at the Authority's data center.
"We are pleased with the results of our decision to move to an open integrated client/server system," said John Tse, the Hospital Authority's head of information systems. "Not only can we solve the current project (on-line patient billing) but we can now easily plan to integrate other systems into the hospitals using the existing networks, hardware, and software. The long-term benefits are enormous."
"With the blueprint in place, we are confident of the smooth completion of this project. In particular, the use of Sybase to provide prototypes to our users ensured acceptability of the final product at an early stage." said Mr Tse. "Our experience in this application of client/server technology will be very useful in guiding similar projects we have in the pipeline."
Sybase Client/Server Architecture was selected as the foundation for the Authority's client/server systems in October 1991. HCL Leung & Associates Ltd, the exclusive Sybase distributor in Hong Kong supplied the Authority with SYBASE SQL Server, a relational database management system, together with APT Workbench, a 4GL programming environment, to develop forms-based client applications.
The Authority is also using the Sybase Open Gateway to CICS to integrate its mainframe database into the client/server environment.
"Sybase has met our need to link the PCs, Unix (systems) and mainframe in a client/server model," said Mr Tse. "The Sybase products enable the application programmer to focus on logical database design and the end-user interface by making the software interface between our different DBMSs on different hardware platforms transparent."
The billing application is split between client software, comprising the user interface and display logic, and the Sybase SQL Server running transaction logic, data access and integrity control. By splitting the application in this manner the server can support a number of different client front-ends.
"This is a very good example of the flexibility of the Sybase Client/Server Architecture," said Gary Leung, managing director of HCL Leung & Associates. "As new systems are developed, the end-user interface can be selected from any number of products, without any impact on the server.
"Other applications, using a Windows front-end or tools such as Lotus will be able to connect to the database without any change to the Sybase system or extra networking. This gives great flexibility to the Hospital Authority as it continues to build an integrated hospital information system."
The Sybase Open Gateway to CICS is a key element in IPAS since it provides a means of exchanging data with the Authority's existing mainframe-based Admissions, Discharge and Transfer System.
Using the gateway, data can be transferred on-line for real-time database updates, or transferred in the current batch mode, with downloads to the hospitals every five minutes to ensure data consistency. The gateway also enables the Unix system at each hospital to request only data with local relevance, cutting down on network traffic.
(Brett Cameron/19930624/Press Contact: Laura Duggan (HCL Leung),Tel: 852-576 2878;HK time is GMT + 8)
Leung),Tel: 852-576 2878;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/25/93
Hong Kong - Hospital Authority Uses Sybase
Hongkong - GSM In Spotlight At C
WANCHAI, HONG KONG, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The GSM standard for digital cellular telephone systems will be firmly in the spotlight at this month's Mobile Comms '93 convention from 30 June to 2 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as a result of the participation of Nortel Matra Cellular.
Nortel Matra Cellular's Chief Executive Officer, Emile Gratton, is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech, "GSM, the Best Choice," in the opening session of the show. In addition, Tim Devine, the company's marketing manager, will lead a workshop entitled "Creating Value for Mobile Network Operators" on Day 2 of the three-day event.
Nortel Matra Cellular's GSM product line can be found at Northern Telecom's stand. Northern Telecom, a principal sponsor of Mobile Comms '93, will occupy one of the largest stands at the exhibition. Sharing the focus of the 60-sq-meter stand will be Northern Telecom's own Companion system, a CT2 standard wireless telephone communications system.
Nortel Matra Cellular, which is owned equally by Northern Telecom and Matra Communication, was set up in July 1992 as part of a wide-ranging strategic alliance between Northern Telecom and the French Matra Hachette Group. A major new force in mobile communications, the company offers a network infrastructure for GSM/PCN services.
Nortel Matra Cellular offers mobile switching centers mobile location registers, base station controllers, base transceiver stations and point-to-point microwave interconnect systems.
Companion is Northern Telecom's flagship product for wireless business communications, combining clear digital voice quality, industry standard CT-2 CAI (Common Air Interface) communications protocols, and the ability to make and receive calls in the field.
Hong Kong was one of the first countries in the Asia- Pacific region to adopt GSM. Now in its third year, Mobile Comms '93 is one of the largest international mobile communications shows in the Asia-Pacific region. It is being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 30 June to 2 July 1993.
(Brett Cameron/19930624/Press Contact: Ming Li, Northern Telecom, Tel: 852-585 2725;HK time is GMT + 8)
g Li, Northern Telecom, Tel: 852-585 2725;HK time is GMT + 8)
6/25/93
Hongkong - GSM In Spotlight At Coming Mobile Comms Show '93
TELECOM
Video Software Developers Kit
NORCROSS, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Interated Systems has announced a video software developer's kit (SDK) that it says provides high quality video decompression at 30 frames per second (fps) with high quality video.
The company says POEM VideoBox is ideal for network archiving multimedia publishing, training, and other video applications. The SDK provides software-only video at extremely low bandwidths and includes C object libraries for integrating video decompression into DOS applications. Some sample programs with source code and sample video footage are also included.
According to Interated Systems co-founder and CEO, Dr. Michael Barnsley, POEM VideoBox outperforms Microsoft's Video for Windows and Apple's Quicktime for Windows in frame rate, data rate, and overall video quality. "POEM VideoBox runs at 30 frames per second (similar to TV-quality), compared to less than 15 fps for Video for Windows and Quicktime, and requires roughly one half the data rate."
The company said POEM VideoBox increases screen resolution by more than 56 percent over previous versions while also increasing video quality by using Fractal Transform, a technology discovered by Dr. Barnsley in 1987.
The SDK has a suggested retail price of $1,795 and is shipping now.
The SDK supports Sound Blaster and Sound Blaster Pro sound cards, and achieves 30 fps performance by using ISA-Bus 80486/50 megahertz computers. The company says frames are dropped dynamically on slower computers to maintain sound synchronization. The software is a decompression SDK with initial compression services provided by Interated Systems. During the introductory period, PEOM VideoBox purchasers can get 30 seconds of free compression services by sending the video footage to the company on a VCR tape that comes with the kit. A companion compressor product is scheduled to ship later this summer.
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- NCR Japan has signed an agreement with five firms concerning sales of its LAN (local area network)-related products: Ricoh, Otsuka Shokai Ungermann-bass, Macnica, and Networld.
The five firms will distribute NCR Japan's latest LAN products in Japan, including NCR Japan's radiowave LANs -- NCR Wave LAN and Wave Point. These products were released in April.
Wave LAN is a network interface card, which operates via radiowaves, and Wave Point is a bridge to interconnect radiowave LANs and cable LANs.
One of its new distributors, Ricoh, is already selling NCR Japan's computers and Star LAN. Otsuka Shokai has been selling NCR Japan's computers. The other three firms are on the NCR bandwagon for the first time, but they have experience in sales of network-related products. These five firms currently sell more than 50 percent of all the LAN boards that are sold into the Japanese market, making them now a strong ally of NCR.
Radiowave LANs are gradually gaining popularity in Japan since they save office space and cost less than their wire-based counterparts. NCR Japan's radiowave LAN products are already supplied to NEC on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis. NCR Japan aims to ship 100,000 Wave LANs and 10,000 units of Wave Point within three years to get the top market share in this area.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The US style computer superstore has never made it to Australia, despite a number of false alarms. But now a major Australian discount store has decided to open two full superstores, according to a report in PC Week.
Harvey Norman Discounts has sold computers for the last couple of years, but has never allocated more than a section of the floor to these "gadgets" that are surrounded by everything from air conditioners to barbecue furniture. Now it plans to open two stores dedicated entirely to computers, with more to follow. One is in Newcastle, a city two hours north of Sydney, and the second in Auburn, a Sydney suburb.
The Newcastle store has 1300 square meters of floor space and will hold between $4 and $5 million of stock. Each store will have 12 cash registers, parking for 150 cars, demonstration rooms and will trade seven days a week.
It is believed that US distributor Merisel is working closely with Harvey Norman on the project, and will operate comprehensive software upgrade facilities in each store. Merisel Australia said it was able to provide "a lot of direction" with its experience in the US with groups such as CompUSA. "We understand about stock management and systems requirements for superstores," said marketing manager, Graeme Lynch.
Harvey Norman built its name in selling leftover and obsolete stock alongside new product, and likewise started with clone PCs but now carries brand names such as IBM. The new stores are expected to have high turnover and may carry products not available through other Australian computer outlets.
(Paul Zucker/19930625)
computer outlets.
(Paul Zucker/19930625)
6/25/93
Australia - Discounter To Open Superstores
BUSINESS
Australia - Free Netware Service
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Novell has announced a sales promotion in which new and existing Netware 4.0 customers who register their software before October 31, 1993 will receive all the enhancements to the operating system, including all updates and revisions, at no charge until April 30, 1994.
The promotion is worldwide, via more than 15,000 Novell Platinum, Gold and Authorized resellers. The updates will be distributed via CD-ROM probably quarterly. It is the low cost of mass-produced CDs that makes the offer practical, and other software and operating systems manufacturers are expected to follow suit.
CD-ROM drives are becoming more commonplace on new systems, and some manufacturers now fit them to all stand-alone systems, even distributing manuals on the disc.
Novell NetWare 4.0 is available in Australia in five to 1000 user configurations. The price for five is AUS$2370 and for 100, AUS$81,590 (AUS$3 = US$2 at present).
Novell lists the following as some of the key features of version 4.0: NetWare Directory Services which gives a single view of the network and group resources; improved security, management and auditing capabilities; faster response and greater productivity; assorted new tools.
(Paul Zucker/19930625/Contact Novell Australia on phone +61-2-413 3077 or fax +61-2-413 3116)
n phone +61-2-413 3077 or fax +61-2-413 3116)
6/25/93
Australia - Free Netware Service For A Year
Comdex - Micrografx Intros Desig
Failed Australian Company Direct
Comdex: PCI Standard Launched
Cook Pulls Out As FCC Chairman
Beijing - Gomatech To Supply ICB
Zeos 486-based Notebook Computer
Japan - DDI, Japan Telecom Grabb
IDB-Vyvx Sign Co-operation Agree
Most Telesat Mobile Creditors Ap
Kiplinger's CA Simply Money
New Mac Color, Low-End Powerbook
Rate-Group Change To Raise Toron
Egghead Establishes Unit To Serv
Predicasts Loses Its Name To Inf
Companies To Intro Microsoft At
The Enabled Computer
Correction - Stacker 3.1 Ships,
Radius Intros Mac Photoshop Acce
Michigan Company Supports Apple
US West, GTE Improving Networks
EMA Show - QuickMail To Use MHS
Accelerated 486 VGA Controller F
EC Attempts To Breathe Life Into
IBM Launches Major Collection Of
NEC Shifting Game Machine Produc
New CD-ROM Title For Kids, The L
US West To Sell FastComm Frame R
Australia - Free Netware Service
Australia - Compaq Faxback Info
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Compaq Australia has introduced a dial-up information service for its customers. Using a touchtone phone, users request information which is immediately delivered to a nominated fax machine.
While faxback services are not uncommon, there is some speculation in the Australian reseller community that Compaq's new PAQFax service may be the first step in developing a direct sales arm. First time PAQFax users are first to enter their fax and phone numbers, and an instruction page and a document list are sent to them. They can then ring back with specific requests.
At present there are documents on 11 product ranges, from the Contura to SCO Unix to the PageMarq printer range. These are then divided into technical specifications, product summaries and price lists. In addition there are lists of authorized resellers (by region) and periodical announcements.
The dial-in service is not on a toll-free line, but Compaq picks up the bill for delivering the documents. The service is available on 61-2-911 1982. And if you feel inclined to try it, list 4404 will tell you where you can buy Compaq PCs in Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Compaq has recently opened its new distribution warehouse in the Sydney suburb of Lane Cove, near the sales and support center. As in most countries Compaq is selling much more stock than it had budgeted for a couple of years ago, due mainly to a large reduction in price. The new Australian distribution center is three times as large as the old one and incorporates both manual and automatic stock picking systems.
(Paul Zucker/19930625)
cking systems.
(Paul Zucker/19930625)
6/25/93
Australia - Compaq Faxback Info Service
TELECOM
Nationwide Paging Network Gets F
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Mobile Telecommunications Technologies Corp., known as MTel, won the right to build its Nationwide Wireless Network from the Federal Communications Commission.
The decision was expected. MTel fit every definition laid down by former FCC chairman Al Sikes for winning the spectrum under the "pioneer's preference" rules. That is, the company put its own money into proving a technology which may or may not be commercially viable.
The decision gives MTel 50 kilohertz of spectrum around the 930 megahertz band, which is relatively close to MTel's existing SkyTel paging frequency at 931.9375 megahertz. But this frequency band is much wider, and while the paging network is one-way, the NWN will be two-way. Mtel will bounce messages off a network of 3,000 antennas in major cities, just as with its existing paging network, aimed at laptop computers and other mobile units, with paging technology again used to return acknowledgements of receipt. Once final licenses are granted, MTel thinks it can get service into the top 300 US markets by 1995.
To make all this happen, of course, MTel also needs devices to send and receive messages over the network, and create acknowledgements. It needs to have chip sets manufactured, and hopes many will be in the PCMCIA "PC Card" format, so they'll be light and easy to use. A pilot system, constructed in Dallas last year, used Motorola equipment.
Early on, MTel estimated the cost of building its NWN at $100 million, and $6 million of that has already come in through venture funding from investment firm Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers. More recently, the company has admitted that a total of $150 million may be needed.
MTel had filed its first petition for the NWN in November, 1991 and won its experimental license six months later. The company submitted detailed data on its technology trial a year ago, and won a tentative "pioneer's preference" a month later. Motorola joined MTel in developing equipment for the pilot system in December. After field trials at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, the demonstration system was built in Dallas during May.
In other FCC action, the agency said sports teams are not moving from broadcasting to cable as quickly as some feared, in a tentative conclusion to a study mandated by the 1992 cable act. Migration has been fastest among some baseball teams, like the New York Yankees, and among some college football conferences which have tied-up rights in regional cable nets that preclude local broadcast. Final recommendations are due in one year.
The FCC also adopted new rules under the cable act banning operators from owning both a cable system and multi-channel distribution system in the same market, to prevent monopolies and proposed that no more than 40 percent of any operator's programming be offered by companies in which it has a financial interest. Those rules become final after a comment period.
Finally, the FCC proposed only minor changes to price caps governing AT&T long distance rates, a ruling that also has to go through a comment period. AT&T's comment is that the caps are "outmoded" because competition is keeping prices low enough.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930625/Press Contact: David Allan, for MTel 212-614-5163,; FCC Press, 202-632-5050)
MTel 212-614-5163,; FCC Press, 202-632-5050)
6/25/93
Nationwide Paging Network Gets FCC Go-Ahead
TELECOM
New Names Floated For FCC Posts
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The Clinton Administration is floating two names to take the empty positions on the Federal Communications Commission.
Early in the Administration, Senate staffer Antoinette Cook was expected to win the post of chairman, but she withdrew from consideration after five months of having her name dangled in the press and undergoing criticism for a 1989 radio deal. The new name being floated is Reed Hunt, a prep school classmate of Vice President Gore and law school classmate of President Clinton who served on the President's transition team. He's seen as pro-regulation, and thus might have trouble with major industry players like AT&T, as well as Republicans generally. If nominated and he's no closer to nomination than Ms. Cook was -- he would replace interim chairman James Quello, first appointed in 1974 by President Nixon to a Democratic seat.
Like other regulatory agencies, no more than three members of the FCC can be from the President's party. Thus his second reported nominee, Regina Keeney, is a Republican. Ms. Keeney is a counsel to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the same committee served by Ms. Cook. Like Ms. Cook, she helped pass the 1992 Cable Reregulation Act, over a veto by then President Bush.
While early reaction to both nominations is positive, both will now go through the same kind of public scrutiny which eventually derailed Ms. Cook, Judge Kimba Wood and Judge Stephen Breyer none of whom was nominated after having their names floated in the press.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930625)
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930625)
6/25/93
New Names Floated For FCC Posts
International Telecom Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Better prospects for passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement are helping boost investment prospects throughout Latin America.
Stock markets throughout the region are on the rise again, led as always by telecom stocks. Argentine stocks were helped by analysts' boosting of Telecom Argentina, one of the nation's two phone companies, as earnings estimates were raised. Telefonica the second local company, also rose. Shares in Telebras, Brazil's state-owned company, also rose, as did Mexico's Telmex. Hopes are even rising in Peru and Columbia, laggards because of violent anti-government movements.
In Europe, restructuring caused new hopes. Italy's STET, like Telebras partly state-owned, rose based on hopes that tariffs will be re-worked, and the company reorganized for complete sale to the private sector. The plan is that Italy's three phone companies will be merged into one, which can then be sold off. Ericsson of Sweden is also gaining on new contracts. It opened a joint venture in China's Guangdong province to sell its AXE switches, and signed a new contract for the switches with the Hungarian Telecommunications Company, known as HTC.
In the Philippines, however, fall-out from Cable & Wireless' withdrawal from the market continues. Digitel, of which C&W owned 40 percent before it refused to help upgrade Luzon's networks until it could build an international teleport, continues to draw fire. Digitel wants President Fidel Ramos to blacklist C&W from further Philippine investments, saying its backing out of the Luzon deal violated contracts. C&W calls the charge unfounded but generally the company is doing quite well, with profits up over 40 percent based on results from its Hong Kong Telecom and Mercury units.
(Dana Blankenhorn/19930625/Press Contact: Ericsson Kathy Egan 212/685-4030)
csson Kathy Egan 212/685-4030)
6/25/93
International Telecom Update
TELECOM
AT&T Brings Up NYMEX After-Hours
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Futures' trading now goes on after 5 PM at the New York Mercantile Exchange thanks to a new system brought online by AT&T.
AT&T said its Access system mimics the "open outcry" process on the NYMEX trading floor, with workstations providing "fair play and equal access" so that simultaneously entered orders are received within milliseconds of each other, regardless of where they're entered.
The new system, which must link all major financial capitals combines a number of AT&T units. NCR workstations are used for entering the orders. AT&T Paradyne data communications gear is used to send orders and confirmations on their way. NCR servers are used for trade order entry and trade matching, and the servers being used are of the "fault tolerant" variety, with duplicates of all parts running. AT&T Accunet data service is used both for delivery of data and for security, to prevent unauthorized access to the system.
The new system will operate Monday through Thursday evenings between the close of the main trading floor at 5 PM and its reopening at 8 AM. Contracts offered electronically include crude oil, heating oil, unleaded gasoline futures and options and platinum futures. Sunday evening trading sessions start at 7 PM, and there is no trading Friday or Saturday night.
The question some analysts ask, of course, is if the electronic system mimics the floor system so well, why have a floor system? The NYMEX continues to insist it's necessary, but electronic systems like this and the Globex market are expected to continue to press on margins and traders' jobs in the future.
From: Apple Computer Inc., 20525 Mariani Ave., Cupertino CA 95014.
Price: The PowerBook 145 is listed at $1,649 with 4MB RAM and a 40MB hard drive, and $1,899 with 4MB RAM and an 80MB hard drive. However, prospective buyers should always shop around for the best deal.
PUMA Rating: 3.8 (on a scale of 1 to 4, 4 being highest)
Reviewed for Newsbytes by: Ian Stokell 06/25/93
Summary: Excellent entry-level Mac notebook computer, although the screen became a little uncomfortable to use after hours at a time.
======
REVIEW
======
Let's put the cards on the table. I used the PowerBook 145 as a main system for three months, between three and four hours a day. While it's a good notebook if your main application is a word processor, the screen gets wearing after a while, and although the trackball is the best positioned and easiest to use I've ever seen, it's still faster to use a mouse on the mousepad.
The system is powered by a 25 megahertz (MHz) Motorola 68030 microprocessor. It comes with four megabytes (MB) of RAM which is expandable to 8MB. Apart from the six built-in ports for peripherals (see below), there are also internal slots for a modem and RAM. It measures 2.25-inches by 11.25-inches by 9.3-inches and weighs 6.8 pounds.
The 4MB of RAM comes as 2MB on the logic board and 2MB on a RAM expansion card that fits into the memory card slot. The system can be expanded up to 8MB by replacing the 2MB expansion card with either a 4MB or a 6MB RAM expansion card.
Let's get one uncharacteristic problem out of the way first. I got really ticked off the first week, when for no reason, the hinged door at the back which covers the ports decided to drop open. The plastic catch that held the door in place had broken off. Ever after, I was fighting to keep the door closed when in use. In the end I had to resort to a piece of tape! Not something you expect to happen when you pay $1,500 for a computer. Having said that though, the system is well put together otherwise, and I've never had that problem with other Apple products I've reviewed.
The big attraction of the PowerBook, apart from the fact that it weighs about 200 pounds less than the original Mac Portable, is the great integrated trackball. It is well placed and easy to use under the keyboard in the front-middle of the system. There is enough space either side of the trackball to rest the hands, which makes for very comfortable typing. There are two buttons - one sitting directly above the trackball, and one about an inch below. Both respond well and quickly. The trackball measures 30 millimeters in diameter.
On the left side of the PowerBook is a cover that slides back to reveal the battery. On the right side is the floppy disk drive. At the back is a single in-socket for the power lead and a door that flips open to reveal the on-off button and a number of ports. The ports feature: an Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port for keyboard mouse, and other devices using a low-speed, synchronous serial bus; two RS-422 serial ports for LocalTalk networking, such as printers and modems; one HDI-30 SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) port for hard disks, scanners and CD-ROM drives; one sound output port for external audio amplifier; and one sound-in port.
The company's claims that the NiCad 2.5 Ah battery provides between two to three hours of usage before recharging is accurate. I found recharging was necessary closer to three hours rather than two. When power begins to run out a message appears onscreen warning the user of the situation and the screen then dims slightly.
Eventually, after using the 145 for hours at a time, I decided to attach a desktop keyboard and mouse to the unit whenever I got to a desk, and even took one with me on the road, because I found it a lot faster to cut-and-paste using that one rather than the built-in keyboard and trackball. The system's own is perfectly adequate for extensive word processing functions, such as cut-and-paste, but I just couldn't get up to the same speed. The built-in keyboard was pleasant to use though, and came with a standard Macintosh layout.
And then there's that backlit Supertwist, 640 by 400 pixel screen. I found it fine to work with for reasonably long stretches at a time for hours at a time really - when I was on the road. But when I got home I couldn't wait to fire up the old SE/30, just to give my eyes a rest! However, having said that, I didn't find it any worse to use than low-end PC-based screens I have used in the past. And at 10-inches diagonal, the screen is larger than many notebook displays, which is a considerable boost, and even larger than the all-in-one compact desktops that Apple offers.
All in all, the PowerBook 145 is a nice notebook. I wouldn't recommend it for long hours though, or as a main system. But for word processing or odd jobs on the road, it's a good way of ensuring a Mac as a traveling companion.
======
PUMA RATING
======
PERFORMANCE: 3.50. The system is the low-end of the PowerBook range, which explains the screen. I do not like it when door catches break off for no reason. Other than that, this is an excellent notebook.
USEFULNESS: 3.75. Once you've used a PowerBook, especially if you're on the road a lot, you'll wonder how you even did without it.
MANUAL: 4.0. Documentation is very good. The "Macintosh User Guide," for the PowerBook is especially helpful.
AVAILABILITY: 4.0 There are thousands of Apple dealers.
(Ian Stokell/19930622)
usands of Apple dealers.
(Ian Stokell/19930622)
6/25/93
Review of Apple Macintosh PowerBook 145, notebook
APPLE
REVIEW
IBM, Irvine Sensors Open Pilot C
ESSEX, VERMONT, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- IBM Technology Products and Irvine Sensors Corporation have begun limited manufacturing of chip cubes, which cram more circuitry into the same amount of space on a circuit board by stacking memory or logic chips.
The companies opened the Cubing Process Development Center, a pilot manufacturing line, at an IBM plant here.
The cube package is based on Irvine Sensors' chip-stacking technology. IBM and Irvine signed a deal last June to work together to commercialize the idea.
Officials at the IBM plant said they plan to deliver the first chip cubes to Irvine later this year, and engineering samples to Irvine and to IBM customers early in 1994.
IBM will also use the chip cubes itself. While he could not name specific products in which they would be used, company spokesman Jeff Couture said the cube packages would have many uses. "Anywhere that you're plugging in modules and cards, which is just about any system, cubing has an application," he said.
The agreements between IBM and Irvine Sensors say the firms will join to commercialize chip-stacking technology and to develop cube products and the manufacturing technologies required to produce them in volume. IBM will also provide components and manufacturing services to Irvine Sensors.
Last December, the companies also signed a deal giving IBM access to Irvine's Memory Short Stack technology, a variation on the cubing idea, and providing for IBM to manufacture the stacks of memory chips for Irvine.
Irvine Sensors, of Costa Mesa, California, develops high-density packages of computer electronics and infrared devices meant for military and commercial systems.
(Grant Buckler/19930625/Press Contact: John Stuart, Irvine Sensors, 714-549-8211; Les Szabo, IBM, 802-769-2483; Jeff Couture, IBM, 802-769-3687)
M, 802-769-2483; Jeff Couture, IBM, 802-769-3687)
6/25/93
IBM, Irvine Sensors Open Pilot Chip Cubing Line
Study Says Canadian Single-User
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Sales of single-user computer systems in Canada recovered in 1992 despite economic gloom and tough competition in the computer market according to a recent study by International Data Corp. (Canada).
Shipments of single-user systems grew 13.3 percent to 904,500 units, IDC said. Aggressive cost-cutting meant revenues were up only two percent.
IDC Canada defines single-user systems as those typically used by one person, taking in not only personal computers but desktop workstations such as those made by Sun Microsystems Hewlett-Packard, and Digital Equipment. It excludes game machines like those built by Nintendo, as well as board-level computers.
Revenue figures refer to vendor revenue from sales of the computers and associated operating systems, not including peripherals such as printers.
A slow economic recovery in Canada has hurt computer sales, IDC reported. However, PC price wars have boosted demand, driving up unit shipments while lower prices partly cancelled out higher unit sales, resulting in revenue growth much lower than that in unit shipments.
IDC noted a particular growth in the home and hobby segment which it defines to include PCs sold for non-business use in the home. Unit sales grew 17.7 percent to 191,500 in 1992, a much healthier performance than in 1991, when unit sales grew only 1.2 percent.
George Bulat, an IDC Canada researcher, said his company had expected continued slow growth in the home and hobby PC market. IDC said lower prices, consumer distribution channels, and the advent of multimedia are boosting this segment. However, Bulat said, its growth will level off over the next five years.
The scientific and technical market is also healthy, with unit shipments up 22.7 percent to 52,400 in 1992. The falling cost of reduced instruction set computing (RISC) workstations and improvements in PC graphics will continue to spur demand, IDC said.
Over all, IDC Canada expects a compound annual growth rate of 3.4 percent in unit shipments through 1997. Interestingly, the researchers expect revenue growth to catch up with and even surpass unit growth in a few years, as today's older, low-priced systems fade from the market. IDC is predicting 3.9-percent compound annual growth in single-user systems revenues through 1997.
(Grant Buckler/19930625/Press Contact: George Bulat, IDC Canada 416-369-0033, fax 416-369-0419)
Study Says Canadian Single-User Systems Bounce Back
TRENDS
Comdex - Pentium Performance To
Comdex: A Visit With IBM's Peter
Intel Says It Is Being Underesti
Bill and Al Go Online: Excellent
Mario's Brother, Luigi, To Visit
India - Citizen Focuses On Print
IBM, Disney Announce PS/1s For T
Video Via Cellular Phones
Epson: ActionNote To Complement,
Cable Convention Features Multim
Phoenix Acquires SRI, Its Japane
MCI Mail Announces New X.400 Con
AT&T Links With Tata In India
National Information Highway Eff
Australia - Apple Cuts Prices 20
Corel, New Media In SCSI Bundlin
Running Customer Service With Lo
McAfee Offers 24-hour Computer V
India: Raytheon Secures $85M ATC
Review of - Career Opportunities
Claris Intros Power To Go PowerB
Indian Software Package Makes It
First Interactive Media Festival
Zenith Data Intros Monitor That
Central Point Acquires Alert! An
Study Says Canadian Single-User
Companies Combine On Mobile Heal
PORTLAND, OREGON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Two West Coast companies have teamed up to bring mobile computing to the home health care market.
Mountain View, California-based Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation has joined forces with PI Systems Corporation, headquartered in Portland, Oregon in a business alliance that calls for PI Systems to sell and distribute Sun SPARCstations bundled with PI's MobileWWare client/server software. Delivery is scheduled to begin next month.
PI Systems says the teaming is an ideal approach because it allows for integration of enterprise information systems with mobile workers in the fast-growing home healthcare market. PI's MobileWare Client software, running on an electronic clipboard, will communicate with the MobileWare Server software residing on a Sun SPARCstation. MobileWare Server's translation facility and Sun's network integration tools will combine to provide a smooth flow of data to and from the organization's primary data storage system.
PI's Vice President of Marketing Kermit Yensen says networking is a critical element of patient record transfer and distribution among the many healthcare facilities. "This partnership is the first step in ensuring that a home healthcare organization can protect its information systems investment." PI Director of Strategic Planning Shyam Jha says a system that combines networking wireless and pen-based computing will give health care practitioners in the field and in the clinic access to the critical information they need.
Ken Marks, Healthcare Industry manager for SMCC says his company is in the process of broadening not only its healthcare focus, but its attention to a new class of users - the mobile clinician. "At a time when healthcare is under cost reduction pressure, PI's mobile client/server solution, MobileWare combined with Sun's network computing products, will serve to improve productivity in the home healthcare industry."
(Jim Mallory/19930625/Press contact: Sarah Rollins, PI Systems 503-293-9585)
ss contact: Sarah Rollins, PI Systems 503-293-9585)
6/25/93
Companies Combine On Mobile Healthcare Networking
GENERAL
Motorola Launches Chip Ad Campai
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Motorola Corporation is going public with its campaign to convince the personal computer industry and PC users that its microprocessors are just as good or better than those of Intel Corporation, the company that's had the major share of the market until recently.
Motorola's aggressive new ad campaign is aimed at supporting its new RISC (reduced instruction set computing)-based PowerPC microprocessors. The company is saying in the ads that PowerPC chips are faster, smaller, and use less power than Intel's recently announced Pentium chip. Motorola is also touting the price difference, saying that at $450 PowerPC will be half the price of Intel's Pentium chip, which is expected to carry a $965 price tag. Both those prices can be expected to lower as their respective makers go into volume production.
Industry analysts are now trying to figure out what the future holds for Intel Corporation. After having a dominant hold on the personal computer microprocessor market for a number of years, it was threatened by several companies and lost at least one lawsuit when it attempted to keep potential competitors down with claims of patent infringement. One analyst told the British news service Reuters yesterday, "I think all of these new RISC processors do represent a long term threat that Intel is going to have to deal with."
Traders said yesterday that the ad campaign, which is scheduled to appear in business publications and computer magazines caused nervousness about Intel because it highlighted the possibility of a battle between microprocessors. That is good news for consumers, who usually benefit in the form of lower prices as a result of such competition.
Intel stock dropped 1-1/4 to 53-3/4 yesterday. Motorola gained 1-1/8. Both vendors are expected to be displaying their wares in New York City next week when the PC Expo trade show opens Tuesday for its four-day run at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Show organizers estimate the event could draw as many as 85,000 people to view the wares of about 800 vendors.
(Jim Mallory/19930625)
vendors.
(Jim Mallory/19930625)
6/25/93
Motorola Launches Chip Ad Campaign
> J
Tektronix To Layoff 800
WILSONVILLE, OREGON, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Electronics producer Tektronix Inc says it plans to lay off about 800 employees over the next 12 -18 months in order to cut back unprofitable operations.
The company, which employs slightly less than 10,000 people said the job cuts are just part of the $150 million restructuring charge it's taking for the fourth quarter which ended May 29, 1993. Tektronix is reporting a loss of $482.1 million for the period compared to earnings of $6.2 million for the same period last year. Sales for this year's fourth quarter were reported up 14 percent at $353 million from the $311 million the company reported for the 1992 4Q. Orders were reported at $331 million, up from $295 million last year. Without the restructuring charge, Tektronix said shareholders would have earned $0.40 per share.
For the entire year, the company reported a $150 million loss, compared with earnings of $21 million, or $0.71 per share, for fiscal year 1992.
Tektronix said it has already cut about 1,500 jobs over the past 12 months and 4,200 in the last three years. It calls the latest restructuring "an acceleration" of its 1990 decision to leave unprofitable businesses, better utilize assets, and lower its cost structure. The company said the steps will help it focus resources on areas for profitable growth, such as color printing technologies for computers, digital compression of video signals, video signal networking, and video production.
"Through restructuring, we will accelerate needed changes designed to further improve the profitability and growth potential of our businesses," Chairman and CEO Jerome Meyer told reporters.
Meyer said the steps are aimed at enhancing the company's financial position and shareholder return in fiscal 1994 with the full benefit expected to be reflected in longer-term annual earnings improvement.
In July 1991 Tektronix introduced the first thermal wax color printer with a Postscript Level 2 interpreter. In December 1992 the company upgraded that line to add conventional laser paper printing capability.
The restructuring charges also include a $65 million pre-tax charge to further cut components operations by placing Tektronix' integrated and hybrid circuits operations into a wholly owned subsidiary named Tektronix Components Corporation, as well as the costs associated with selling other non-strategic businesses. The company is also seeking a strategic partner for the new unit and says it plans to place its Forest Grove printed circuit board facility in a separate operation, building that division's sales with a goal towards ultimately establishing it as an independent company.
Other charges include a $40 million pre-tax cost of consolidating excess physical assets, including land and buildings, as well as renovating some facilities. Most of the charge will cover the staff reductions at the Beaverton, Oregon plant, where 4,100 workers are employed.
The company displayed its wares earlier this week at the Color Hard Copy Conference, a two-day trade show held in Boston.
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The national controversy over violence on television continues to echo through the halls of Congress. Today, TV Guide jumped into the battle with new technology it claims can end the controversy.
At ongoing hearings, Massachusetts Representative Democrat Edward Markey has proposed requiring television manufacturers to add a new chip that would allow parents to lock out broadcast programs with a high content of violence.
Today, as part of his hearings before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which Markey chairs TV Guide On Screen President Bruce Davis demonstrated his company's namesake product, an interactive electronic programming guide.
TV Guide on Screen includes a lock system allowing parents to voluntarily self-regulate programs children watch on a show-by-show basis, without restricting access to entire channels. The lock system feature relies upon MPAA ratings; other ratings information could be added to the same field.
Addressing the hearing topic, "TV Violence: Technology and Parental Empowerment," Davis testified that technologies such as TV Guide On Screen give parents the tools they need to obtain greater control over television programming entering the home while providing them with more information about available viewing options.
Davis believes that programming rights holders and producers should be free to create and distribute programming, and that new, electronic software-based controls, such as TV Guide On Screen, can enable parents to block out violence or other objectionable programming as well as to find and select what is good among the many options available.
In his remarks, Davis said, "We agree with (the subcommittee's) conclusion that government should not be the conscience of the American people and assume the role of censor in disapproving TV content it may consider too violent, but rather that the TV audience, especially parents, should be empowered to voluntarily protect themselves through a system of self-regulation using new tools made possible by advanced software technology."
Davis also testified that control over TV program selection is a right that must remain with the consumer, but that government can play an important role in supporting private sector initiatives to provide parents with appropriate tools that help them do the job.
"We hope that Congress will give guidance to the FCC that encourages the development of new tools, such as TV Guide On Screen's software solution, that help the long-term goals of this subcommittee to meet the needs of the American people," Davis said.
Davis cautioned against incorporating hardware-based, program access control technology inside TV sets, as Markey has proposed. He testified, "Such a remedy would be unnecessarily over-broad, inflexible and expensive."
Others who testified at the "Parental Empowerment" hearing included Ted Turner, president of Turner Broadcasting (CNN) Gary Shapiro, executive vice president, Electronics Industry Association; and Joseph Jackson of Protelcon.
Three public hearings are focusing on this issue. With today's, two have taken place and only one more is scheduled.
(Wendy Woods/19930625/Press Contact: Neale-May & Partners Gary Quackenbush or Matt Kresh, 415/328-5555)
Matt Kresh, 415/328-5555)
6/25/93
TV Guide On Capitol Hill
TRENDS
US Trade Deficit Worsens
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The American Electronics Association reports that during the first quarter of this year, America's trade deficit worsened by almost $2.5 billion -- $2.5 billion more than the negative $492 million reported for the corresponding quarter of 1992.
The US/Japan electronics trade balance in the first 1993 quarter was a negative $5.8 million, or 19.0% more than the $4.9 billion reported for the first quarter of 1992.
The first-quarter-to-first-quarter comparison of US electronics trade with the European Community (EC) showed a 16.0% drop in the positive trade balance to $3.2 billion from $3.84 billion.
The combined 1993 first quarter US electronics deficit with Pacific Rim countries (other than Japan) was $3.6 billion, 9.0% less than the $3.95 billion reported for the first quarter of 1992.
"The first quarter 1993 electronics trade results demonstrate that our industry's problem of accessing Japanese technology markets is not improving," said Arnold N. Silverman, 1993 AEA chairman and chairman of ICOT Corp. and Oceania Health Care Systems Inc. "Much of the worsening of the US/world electronic trade deficit is due to the increase in the U.S./Japan deficit.
"By annualizing the first quarter US/Japan electronics trade results we can project a deficit in excess of $23 billion for all of 1993. This would be a record."
The American Electronics Association represents some 3,000 companies in technology communities throughout the country.
(Wendy Woods/19930625/Press Contact: American Electronics Association, John Hatch, 408/987-4294)
John Hatch, 408/987-4294)
6/25/93
US Trade Deficit Worsens
TRENDS
Editorial - Software Registratio
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Editorial by Paul Zucker. If you're like me, you probably don't get around to registering your software. For some it's not wanting to get on a mailing list, but for most of us it's just laziness. Software companies are wary about saying what their registration level is but it's commonly believed to be below 20 percent. And anyway why do we need to register?
By not sending in the cards we probably aren't reducing our rights, as in most countries, common law says goods must be of a saleable quality, so any major faults that show up within a reasonable time should be rectified by the distributor or manufacturer anyway. Of course, if there's a problem that's apparent when you open the package, the place you bought it from is obliged to replace it then and there. It's the problems that appear months later that require you to go back to the distributor.
But what if you don't even realize that the product has a fault (or that that annoying feature you've been complaining about is really a bug)? Wouldn't it be nice to have the company contact you and offer you a work-around, or perhaps even a new version?
I know it's a bit idealistic to expect that to happen very often but it does happen. But if they don't know who you are, don't waste too much time hanging around the mail box -- they probably won't write to you.
There are two things that are worth a lot to software companies now that direct selling is becoming such a popular way for manufacturers to get their products out the door. The first is a list of existing (happy?) users. The second is a list potential buyers of the product, such as people who already have a competitive product or suitable hardware or appropriate past buying patterns. The point, of course, is to sell more product. Direct mail companies obviously measure the success of those little packets of "special offers for YOU!" by how much they sell.
Software companies say they're being forced to sell more and more product to you directly because prices are dropping, and the profit margin they have to give dealers can often price them out of the market. Take the current price wars where the major manufacturers have a number of their leading products on special at up to 80 percent off, and more. Direct mail makes money or they wouldn't do it. It's also claimed to give better results than letting buyers go into a shop where they may get talked into something else.
And you won't be surprised to hear that YOU, as a past buyer of WobblyWord are a much more likely purchaser of WobblyDraw when the postman brings the invitation to jump on the bandwagon for just $49.95 or whatever the special price is this month.
It's because existing customers are a good target audience that software companies have learned to keep them happy. Hence the clubs and newsletters and little gifts you get when you register. In short, it's in your own interest to register your software. Direct mail never killed anyone (except the postman and a few trees) and it only takes a few seconds to scan the offers to see what you're missing out on.
And don't forget that things are constantly changing, so even if the product comes with a complete list of the extras you can utilize, such as telephone and BBS support systems, the marketplace is far from static so you might just miss out on some important news.
And one more point. When you get the super-duper offer in the mail, why not ask your friendly dealer if he can supply the product at the same price. It helps him keep the dollars coming in and it keeps your face familiar. Of course, if he can't even buy at that price, he still wants to know about the offer you got so he can give WobblyWare a piece of his mind right?
(Paul Zucker/19930625)
ece of his mind right?
(Paul Zucker/19930625)
6/25/93
Editorial - Software Registration - Why Bother?
EDITORIAL
Adobe Plans New Viewers, Multime
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Adobe is planning Power PC and Sun Solaris, HP, DEC, and SGI Unix versions of the viewing software for Acrobat, as well as a multimedia-capable second release of the entire Acrobat family of viewing and document creation products, Newsbytes has learned.
In a session at the Hard Copy Consumables Conference yesterday Gary Cosimini, manager of business developer for Adobe, noted that the Windows and Mac Adobe product suite was released about two weeks ago, and that DOS and Unix versions of the Acrobat viewers are slated to ship in the fourth quarter.
He also revealed that, in the future, the Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Exchange viewing software will become available in previously unannounced OS/2 and Power PC versions, and that Adobe will eventually add multimedia electronic mail capabilities to the Acrobat product suite.
Speaking with Newsbytes after the presentation, Cosimini said that the fourth quarter Unix release of the viewing software will be for Solaris. During 1994, Adobe will deliver versions of the viewer for HP, DEC, and SGI, and possibly for other Unix workstations as well, he added. Release dates for the Power PC and OS/2 viewers have yet to be set.
The second release of the Acrobat family will provide device independent color, along with multimedia e-mail capabilities Cosimini told Newsbytes. "But this won't come out until at least 1995," he commented.
In describing Acrobat to the audience in Boston, the business development manager explained that the family consists of two document creation products, Acrobat PDF Writer and Acrobat Distiller, in addition to the Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Exchange viewers.
Acrobat Reader lets users view, navigate and print documents formatted in PDF (Portable Document Format), the PostScript-based document language that is at the heart of Acrobat. The other viewer, Acrobat Exchange, adds the ability to delete documents import PDF files from outside applications, build hypertext links and modify documents in other ways, he said.
Acrobat Reader is being marketed to software developers for embedded use in applications, according to Cosimini. A special locked version, for publishers who wish to embed Reader in CD-ROM applications, will be released in the fourth quarter, he added.
Acrobat Exchange is being distributed to retailers and other resellers, for sale to end users at a price point of about $200 according to the Adobe executive.
Of the two document creation products, PDF Writer is a software driver that allows PostScript/PDF files to be generated directly from applications, Cosimini stated.
Acrobat Distiller, on the other hand, is aimed at applications that do not use a printer driver, creating their own EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) files instead. Most applications for DOS, Unix and mainframe computers falls into this group, he said. Distiller converts the EPS files into PDF files that can be read by the Acrobat viewing software.
"In the future, software vendors will write export filters for their products that say `save as PDF.' We're starting to see a little of that on the high end already," he remarked.
After the presentation, Cosimini told Newsbytes that, in the fourth quarter, Adobe will release a plug-in module that will provide Acrobat with full-text search capabilities based on a document retrieval engine licensed from Verity.
A second plug-in, to be shipped in the first half of 1994, will work with Acrobat to supply structured SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) capabilities that are based on technology licensed from Avalanche, he said. First announced at Seybold Boston, the Verity and Avalanche licensing deals were reported in Newsbytes on April 14.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930625/Press contact: Martha Popoloski, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
i, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
6/25/93
Adobe Plans New Viewers, Multimedia Acrobat
GENERAL
Comdex - Pentium Performance To
Comdex: A Visit With IBM's Peter
Intel Says It Is Being Underesti
Bill and Al Go Online: Excellent
Mario's Brother, Luigi, To Visit
India - Citizen Focuses On Print
IBM, Disney Announce PS/1s For T
Video Via Cellular Phones
Epson: ActionNote To Complement,
Cable Convention Features Multim
Phoenix Acquires SRI, Its Japane
MCI Mail Announces New X.400 Con
AT&T Links With Tata In India
National Information Highway Eff
Australia - Apple Cuts Prices 20
Corel, New Media In SCSI Bundlin
Running Customer Service With Lo
McAfee Offers 24-hour Computer V
India: Raytheon Secures $85M ATC
Review of - Career Opportunities
Claris Intros Power To Go PowerB
Indian Software Package Makes It
First Interactive Media Festival
Zenith Data Intros Monitor That
Central Point Acquires Alert! An
Adobe Plans New Viewers, Multime
Study Says Canadian Single-User
First Look At Scriptx -- How Goo
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Kaleida a joint venture company formed by International Business Machines (IBM) and Apple Computer, wow'd audiences at the Digital World conference by demonstrating for the first time publicly two applications created with Scriptx. Scriptx is the cross-platform, multimedia development tool on which the company has been working for a year. The product is due to be released in early 1994.
In a live demonstration, introduced by company president and chief executive officer (CEO), Nat Goldhaber, two applications using multimedia were shown to enthusiastic applause from the Digital World audience. The applications treated photographic quality images as objects with attributes that transferred from one application to the next without modification. The first application was an educational program about exploration of the underwater canyon in Monterey Bay and the other was a used car guide entitled Auto Finder.
Both applications were demonstrated live from the same files on CD-ROM disc on both a Macintosh and an IBM compatible personal (PC) running Microsoft Windows. The demonstrators moved the CD ROM disc from one machine to the other and started the application from the same files on each machine, to enthusiastic applause from the audience.
In the Monterey Bay application the user is in an underwater "Rover" exploring the canyon. While exploring, a fish comes into view and swims back and forth in front of the user. In the demonstration, a field guide book was opened and using the mouse the fish was taken from the environment and placed on a page in the book. Once the fish was on the page, the book displayed reference information about the fish including its name and descriptive information. In this case the fish was the state fish of California. The pages of the field guide could be turned to reveal other fish already collected.
From another page, another fish was taken and placed on a dissection table. A round, magnifying glass object was used to scan the fish and when moved across the body of the fish using the mouse, it revealed the skeletal structure of the animal. The magnifying glass object was changed by selecting choices printed around the outside of the "glass" to a view of the organs. Moving the magnifying glass across the fish now revealed its brain, heart and other organs. A caliper was available to measure the organs and the brain of the fish was measured in inches just by moving the appropriate part of the caliper over the brain. However, the caliper only worked on the horizontal plane, so another tool was needed to measure vertically. A tape measure tool was brought in from a floppy disk directly into the application by switching to the operating system and starting the file from the disk.
Immediately, the tape measure worked in the environment with all the other tools and it was possible to measure the width of the fish. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
The Auto Finder had sound and images and allowed the user to select attributes of the desired automobile, such as year and price range. Once the attributes were selected, actual cars meeting those attributes were displayed. Then it was possible to compare the cars visually by resale value, trunk space, and so on.
The cars in which the user was interested could be selected and the locations of the cars were shown on a map with push pins representing each car. Clicking on the push pin brought up the information about the location and the owner of the car. The tape measure was brought into the map but it didn't know how to convert the map distance to a measure that made sense so it displayed the distance in picture elements (pixels). The demonstrators changed the code describing the tape measure so the correct number of pixels equaled a mile, and the tape measure immediately measured in miles.
All of the images, including the tools, were photographic quality, smoothly displayed in high resolution without any waiting or pauses. Kaleida said Scriptx is smart enough to query the hardware and adjust the display accordingly so the application has the best look possible in various environments.
For example, the map in the Auto Finder was displayed the way it would be on a television screen and some of the detail and color was removed and the text was made larger.
Kaleida said the information in each application could be changed without changing the application itself, so it would be possible to do a magazine or other changing publication by changing the data but using the same application. In addition Scriptx offers the Consumer Operating System (C/OS) for environments, such as set-top boxes for interactive television where a computer operating system isn't already present. Plans are to make Scriptx run without modification in other operating system environments, such as OS/2 and Unix.
Applications for developers to become official Scriptx developers are being accepted by Kaleida. Goldhaber said Kaleida plans to promote its developers by offering their names as references to companies which are looking for Scriptx applications to be written. Goldhaber said Kaleida plans to make money by licensing Scriptx for inclusion in hardware by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Kaleida, Scientific Atlanta, and Motorola have already announced they will jointly develop Scriptx equipped set-top boxes for home delivery of interactive multimedia services via cable.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The Apple Computer booth was crowded at the Seybold show, but if you could fight your way through the crowd, it was possible to get in and see a demonstration of a live, working Newton personal digital assistant (PDA).
The Newton is designed to be trained to one person's handwriting and if it is used by someone else, can be set to "guest" mode. The demonstrator had the unit set to guest mode and was having some difficulty getting the unit to recognize his handwriting. But the Newton can be customized to printing or cursive handwriting and was pressure and speed sensitive as well.
The Newton displayed error messages several times and once locked up completely so it had to be turned over and the battery compartment opened so it could be reset. The handwriting recognition was also slow enough that long pauses were required between words for the Newton to recognize the handwriting.
However, the unit was smart enough to translate "lunch Bob Tuesday" to text and then place an appointment with the only Bob in the Rolodex on the calendar for next Tuesday at noon. In addition, when the demonstrator scribbled out a word or phrase the Newton offered a visual animation that made it look like the text or handwriting went up in smoke, like a magician making an object disappear. The size of the puffs of smoke displayed varied in size and location, so it wasn't the same each time. Also, a document that is deleted is wadded up and tossed in a trash can that appears on screen and that animation varies so it is not exactly the same each time either.
The Fodor's '94 Travel Manager was loaded on the Newton with just the city of Boston available. The demonstrator zoomed in on an area of the map, made an "X" and arrow pointing to the "X" and said that portion of the map or the whole map could be faxed to someone with your "X" and arrow appearing. It was important to delete markings made in various portions of the Newton, because if those markings weren't deleted, they were still there the next time you went into that application. In fact, the Newton still had several drawings that had been made even when it was turned over and reset.
It appeared at times that the demonstrator's own hand got in the way of his work with the screen of the Newton, since it was so small. But that was explained as partially because it was on a flat surface so it could be displayed to the crowd. In addition, the demonstrator said the unit can be customized for the best display at the angle at which the user likes to hold it.
The pen was light and flat instead of round. It fit in a sleeve on the side of the unit and the unit was running with power from an electrical supply instead of batteries.
The demonstrator would not allow users near the unit and it was not passed around the crowd for inspection. That was in contrast to the openness of the Palm Computing representatives who demonstrated the Casio Zoomer unit. It was shown to reporters at the end of a session on PDAs. Also, IBM demonstrators passed around their handheld device at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) when asked.
In addition, the demonstrator said not all Newtons will come with all features -- for example, not all the Newtons will have modems. But no further details were offered as to how the Newtons would be configured or what options would be available.
Five Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards for applications for the Newton have been announced. They are the Fodor's 94 Travel Manager, which offers interactive maps for directions, dining and lodging tips and prices, places to go, and things to do; the Fortune 500 Guide to American Business, with information on chief executive officers, sales, and profits of the top 500 businesses, and business forms with twelve templates ranging from personal finance to sales; Word Games, such as crossword puzzles cryptograms, and find-a-word games; and Mystery Games, with graphical rendering of the interactive crime scene with clues so you can figure out who committed the crime.
John Sculley boasted in his opening remarks at the beginning of the conference that Apple had only found one bug in the read only memory (ROM) of the Newton during testing. He maintained the unit was in the "golden master" stage, ready for production and is on-track for availability this summer.
(Linda Rohrbough/19930625/Press Contact: Tricia Chan, Apple Computer, tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
ple Computer, tel 408-974-3886, fax 408-967-5651)
6/25/93
Up Close And Personal -- A Sneak Peek At Newton
APPLE
PDA Market To Reach 3.5 Million
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The PDA market will soar from 40,000 US unit shipments in 1993 to 3.5 million by 1995, pushing greater adoption of pen computing in the process officials of BIS Strategic Decision said yesterday at the company's Hard Copy Consumables Conference in Boston.
William F. Ablondi, vice president of BIS' Personal Computing Market Advisory Service, told an audience at the conference that the new figures represent a revision of a 1991 projection by BIS which predicted faster adoption of pen computing.
Inaccurate handwriting recognition and less than completely intuitive user interfaces have slowed the growth of pen computing he said. Even if a product achieves 99% accuracy in handwriting recognition, one of every 100 characters will still be inaccurate he pointed out. Furthermore, the gestures in pen software can take time for the user to learn.
A 1993 BIS study predicts that in contrast to the 3.5 million PDAs that will be shipped in 1999, only 1.3 million pen computers will be delivered that year, according to Ablondi. Back in 1991, BIS foresaw unit shipments of 4 million pen computers by 1999.
The ensuing two years have witnessed the announcements of such PDAs as Eo, the Apple Newton, and now, Zoomer, said Jon Hulak, industry analyst in BIS' Small Business/Home Office Market Advisory Service.
Ultimately, these devices will serve as portable "dataphones" and telephones, as well as personal organizers, "dynamic paper," forms automators, and PC satellites, he added.
PDAs will redefine the desktop PC as well as pen markets, Ablondi explained. The desktop PC will come to act as a "server" for pen computers and PDAs. Meanwhile, pen computers and PDAs will behave as electronic input devices for desktop PCs -- "electronic sketchpads" in the case of the pen computers.
At the moment, PDAs are still inhibited by awkward interfaces, poor distribution, and immature software infrastructures, Ablondi acknowledged. In the future, though, the PDA market will be spurred ahead by additional PIM (personal information management) software, smaller hardware, longer battery life, increased e-mail connectivity, integrated voice, and wireless communications.
For 1995, BIS is predicting US shipments of 378,000 for pen computers and 333,000 for PDAs. By 1997, the balance is expected to shift, with 665,000 shipments of pen computers and 1.4 million of PDAs.
(Jacqueline Emigh/19930625/Press contact: Martha Popoloski, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
IS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-9500)
6/25/93
PDA Market To Reach 3.5 Million By 1999
TRENDS
Electronic Forms Growth Strong B
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- The electronic forms market will show a $2.2 billion increase over the next two years, but at individual installations, the transition from paper documents isn't coming all at once, says the head of a systems integration firm that specializes in the field.
"You rarely see a company that goes, `Okay, I guess we'll get rid of all our paper documents today,'" remarked Clinton Yourth president of Kinfonetics, speaking this week at the Hard Copy Consumables Conference in Boston.
In Kinfonetics' experience, most organizations follow a five-step phased implementation process, he explained. In the first phase the organization designs and prints forms centrally, and distributes these paper forms manually for filling out by hand.
In the second phase, the company designs electronic forms centrally and then distributes software disks containing these forms for output on to local printers. After being printed, the paper forms are again filled out by hand.
In the third stage, the central facility produces "intelligent" electronic forms, which can be modified and used without the use of programming language or complex macros. These forms are then distributed on disk to local offices, where they are filled in electronically and changed as needed.
In the fourth phase, electronic forms start to be distributed from a central database over a LAN (local area network). The fifth and final stage is marked by the attachment of the electronic documents to e-mail messages for quick and easy routing.
Also during the presentation, Yourth noted that the electronic forms and database industries are beginning to merge, as forms vendors continue to add additional RDBMS (relational database management systems) links to their software packages. Delrina, for example, recently added SQL and Informix interfaces to its forms software, he said.
Increasingly, the main factor setting electronic forms apart from database packages is the ability of the forms software to use e mail as a transport layer, he asserted. "But e-mail capabilities for databases are on the way," he pointed out.
The current growth of the forms and RDBMS markets are creating the need for "forms management" packages, which can work with products from multiple vendors, he stated. Currently, no such offering is on the market, according to Yourth. "But we're looking at developing a product like this," he disclosed.
(Jacqueline Emigh/Press contact: Martha Popoloski, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-1724)
, BIS Strategic Decisions, tel 617-982-1724)
6/25/93
Electronic Forms Growth Strong But Gradual
TRENDS
Digital World - Virtualcinema
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1993 JUN 25 (NB) -- Media Vision is moving into the software realm in addition to hardware with the announcement of its alliance with multimedia content developer Hyperbole Studios. Hyperbole will not only develop multimedia titles to be distributed by Media Vision but announced Virtualcinema, a software engine for development of interactive, three-dimensional films.
Hyperbole describes itself as focused on "the art of digital storytelling" and calls Virtualcinema the synthesis of the film and the novel. Virtualcinema combines close-ups of live actors with 360-degree perspectives of the environment and access to the internal thoughts and memories of the characters.
Greg Roach, artistic director and publisher for Hyperbole demonstrated the first unnamed title, a science-fiction movie which is slated to be available this September. Both the Macintosh and the IBM-compatible multimedia personal computer (MPC) platforms will be supported, the company said.
Roach said the title takes about 15 hours to complete and offers three layers of involvement. The first layer is like a video game with a 360-degree perspective, the second layer is one of social interaction with the characters, and the third layer is where the viewer is privy to the subconscious and emotive imagery of the thoughts and feelings of the characters.
The viewer is on a voyage of discovery about who they are in comparison to these virtual characters in the film. Roach said the title tries to mirror the way the human mind works especially through association. For example, a character says to the viewer, who is spoken to directly by the characters, "I want to talk to you," and other video images appear in windows to the side of when in the past someone important to the viewer's past said, "I want to talk to you."
Hyperbole boasts it has signed the motion picture industry's first interactive performance agreement through the Screen Actor's Guild. Hyperbole's contract with the 30 actors used in its first title has since been used by four other multimedia producers, the company said.
Media Vision's Allen Thygensen, senior director and general manager of multimedia publishing, told Newsbytes Media Vision sees a synergy between the hardware and the software and does not want to go the way of other peripheral companies. Thygensen said other peripheral companies have either died or stopped growing and Media Vision wants to continue to expand. "Content long term, is where the money is," Thygensen said. Stan Cornyn founder and president of Warner New Media (now Time Warner Interactive), and Min Yee, formerly vice president of Microsoft's multimedia division and publisher of Microsoft Press, joined Media Vision in April to head the multimedia publishing arm of the company.
The company has experienced phenomenal growth. In April, Media Vision announced revenues of $37 million, up 450 percent over its $6.6 million in revenues for the year prior.
Media Vision also announced its first graphics boards, the Pro Graphics series. The company says the new line of video graphics products is a result of its acquisition of graphics hardware company Pellucid. The first two products planned are the Pro Graphics 1024 and the Pro Graphics 1280, both of which will incorporate Media Vision's Captain Crunch video compression. Aimed at the Windows video market, the products use Media Vision's own custom-designed graphics chips, versions of which will be offered later this year to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
(Linda Rohrbough/19930625/Press Contact: Michael Terpin, The Terpin Group, tel 310-798-7875, fax 310-798-7825)
310-798-7875, fax 310-798-7825)
6/25/93
Digital World - Virtualcinema
TRENDS
0 6nN
s@s&tbw
apple
Apple To Build PCI Local Bus Macintoshes
MacTV Schedule for June
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mono Board
Australia - Apple Cuts Prices 20%
Intel Version Of Macintosh OS Seen
Review of Prince of Persia, Game For Mac
Geneva Services Unveils Mac To Mini/Mainframe Connector
Real-Time News Software For Macintosh
Michigan Company Supports Apple II Line
Radius Intros Mac Photoshop Accelerator, PrecisionColor Pro
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And New Laser Printer
Apple Network Upgrade Rebate, Internet E-mail Support
NTT Talks With Apple On Telecom Delivery
Apple New Products, Upgrades For Energy Savings
Apple Denies Sculley Is Leaving
Maxis Railroad Simulation Game Add-On
Sculley Out As CEO, How Bad Are Things At Apple?
FGS Intros Data Compression Software Bundle For Mac's
Adobe To Demo Premiere 3.0 At Digital World
New CD-ROM Title For Kids, The Last Dinosaur Egg
Mac Sales Slow In India
Apple Rumor Mill -- AT&T Merger, Layoffs Expected
Claris Intros Power To Go PowerBook Utilities
Dayna Ships SafeDeposit Backup For Mac
Seybold - Apple's 1st Demo EZ TV Interactive Interface
Seybold - Sculley's Live Demo Of Newton
Apple Distributing CD-ROM Titles, Selling Drives At Cost
Up Close And Personal -- A Sneak Peek At Newton
Review of Apple Macintosh PowerBook 145, notebook
Central Point Acquires Alert! And Snooper
Apple Gearing Publishing, Telecom For Multimedia PDA
NEC Licenses Appletalk
New Mac Color, Low-End Powerbooks & Software
Wireless RadioMail For PowerBooks; Info Service For PCs
Apple Hires Russian Company To Add Cursive To Newton
Apple Announces Lower Earns, Analysts Downgrade
business
Stac Cuts 20% Of Staff
Switzerland's Infologistik Buys Canadian Firm
India - Westinghouse Radar For Airports
Compaq Signs First Asia-Wide Systems Integrator
Sun/Fujitsu Announce MicroSPARC II Development Deal
AST To Buy Tandy's Computer Manufacturing
PCMCIA Will Drive PC Card Market To $6.6 Billion By '99
Lasermaster Enters Japanese Plain Paper Typesetter Market
Failed Australian Company Directors Sued By Receiver
Datawatch Sells Tempest Division, Turns Solely To Software
Compaq Gets 1993-94 GSA Schedule Contract
US West Renews Random Access PC Supplier Contract
Applix Establishes German Subsidiary, Third In Europe
Intel Says It Is Being Underestimated By Analysts
Russia: Tatar Plant Begins Assembling ICL Servers
Hewlett-Packard Announces New East European Strategy
Software Toolworks Posts 4Qtr Loss, FY1993 Profit
BoCoEx Index
Cabletron Expanding In Canada
Corel, New Media In SCSI Bundling Deal
Corel Setting Up International HQ In Ireland
StorageTek Sues EMC for Patent Infringement
Editorial - Good Reviews And Bad Marketing
Control Data Completes Evernet Acquisition
Motion Works Acquires Vision Software
Ungermann-Bass Scores With NY Stock Exchange
Kyocera & Cadence In Multichip Module Design Deal
Nat Semi Reports $2 Billion In Sales
Sanyo Creates Multimedia Subsidiary, Links With Thomson
India Technology Briefs
BoCoEx Index
Freebie Software Company Admits It Has A Buyer
Dell Takes New Road In Russia
Japan - ASCII Enhances Ties With Macromedia
More Furor Over Minnesota/Microsoft Buyout Claim
Microsoft Repeats Cautious Growth Outlook
Dell Shuffles Product Execs
Enterprise '93 - Bull's New Strategy For Changing Market
Dell Sees $1 Billion Revenue Growth In FY94
Spectrum HoloByte To Merge With MicroProse
Software Developer's To Buy PC Tools
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clean Slate
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unregistered Common Shares
Sculley Says He Suggested Apple/IBM Merger
Aussie Bounty Hunters Active On Piracy Snitch Line
EDS, Amdahl Launch Antares Joint Venture
Computer Network Technology To Acquire Ultra
BoCoEx Index
It's Chapter 11 For CompuAdd's Retail Division
Aldus Completes Acquisition Of After Hours Software
NEC Shifting Game Machine Production Overseas
TDK Supplying Mini-Disks To Konica
Australia - Discounter To Open Superstores
Tektronix To Layoff 800
Japan - NCR Japan Gets 5 LAN Distributors
Hitachi Maxell Links With TEAC On Optical Disks
NEC Ships 100,000 Units Of Windows 3.1
CRN Says Canadian Recession Ending
India - Citizen Focuses On Printer Production
Caere Gets India Distributor
Most Telesat Mobile Creditors Approve Plan
Intel, Microsoft Sponsor Computer Buyer Readership Study
Fujitsu & Sun To Develop Compatible Operating Systems
Dell Seeks Japanese Portables Partners
Egghead Establishes Unit To Service Small Businesses
Danish/Indian Firms In PC Venture
SuperMac Ships Color Printers, Teams With HP
Phoenix Acquires SRI, Its Japanese Distributor
Lotus To Acquire Database Software Vendor
Systemhouse Mexican Joint Venture Dissolved
Egghead Earnings Down For FY93
Scottish Software Duplication Plant Goes On-line
general
Japan - Nintendo Becomes Third Largest Business
Comdex - ATI Offers Multimedia Upgrade, PCI Graphics
SoftSearch Will Get You Less Well-Known Software
UMax Scanner With Novice Version Of Photoshop 2.5
Comdex - Manzi Announces New Notes Technology
Comdex - Mustang Intros Rip-Based Wildcat BBS
India Attracts Investment In Hardware Tech Parks
Windows World: Virtuoso 2.0 From Altsys Debuts
Canadian Piracy Battle Heats Up With Charges, Hotline
Woodside Technologies Intros Fortress Security For Unix
Real Life Model For Jurassic Park -- A Sun Workstation User
Intergraph Workstations Made In Bombay
RightBrain Software Intros ExactlyWrite
HP To Expand Net Mgt Line, Port To Sun, IBM
Sun Units Ship Enhanced SunLink, SPARCworks 2.0
iTRAN Toolkit Dev't Center Established In India
HCL HP, Wipro's Pentium-Based Systems
Framebuilder For HP/Motif
other
Newsbyte reports are copyright 1991, 1992, 1993 by Newsbytes News Network.
Republication of any portion is strictly prohibited without prior authorization.
subjects
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Apple To Build PCI Local Bus Macintoshes
MacTV Schedule for June
Radius Price Cuts Across The Mono Board
Australia - Apple Cuts Prices 20%
Intel Version Of Macintosh OS Seen
Review of Prince of Persia, Game For Mac
Geneva Services Unveils Mac To Mini/Mainframe Connector
Real-Time News Software For Macintosh
Michigan Company Supports Apple II Line
Radius Intros Mac Photoshop Accelerator, PrecisionColor Pro
Apple Price Cuts, Rebates, And New Laser Printer
Apple Network Upgrade Rebate, Internet E-mail Support
NTT Talks With Apple On Telecom Delivery
Apple New Products, Upgrades For Energy Savings
Apple Denies Sculley Is Leaving
Maxis Railroad Simulation Game Add-On
Sculley Out As CEO, How Bad Are Things At Apple?
FGS Intros Data Compression Software Bundle For Mac's
Adobe To Demo Premiere 3.0 At Digital World
New CD-ROM Title For Kids, The Last Dinosaur Egg
Mac Sales Slow In India
Apple Rumor Mill -- AT&T Merger, Layoffs Expected
Claris Intros Power To Go PowerBook Utilities
Dayna Ships SafeDeposit Backup For Mac
Seybold - Apple's 1st Demo EZ TV Interactive Interface
Seybold - Sculley's Live Demo Of Newton
Apple Distributing CD-ROM Titles, Selling Drives At Cost
Up Close And Personal -- A Sneak Peek At Newton
Review of Apple Macintosh PowerBook 145, notebook
Central Point Acquires Alert! And Snooper
Apple Gearing Publishing, Telecom For Multimedia PDA
NEC Licenses Appletalk
New Mac Color, Low-End Powerbooks & Software
Wireless RadioMail For PowerBooks; Info Service For PCs
Apple Hires Russian Company To Add Cursive To Newton
Apple Announces Lower Earns, Analysts Downgrade
e '93 - Bull's New Strategy For Changing Market
Dell Sees $1 Billion Revenue Growth In FY94
Spectrum HoloByte To Merge With MicroProse
Software Developer's To Buy PC Tools
Apple's Appeal Will Give It Clean Slate
Cray Computer To Offer 12M Unregistered Common Shares
Sculley Says He Suggested Apple/IBM Merger
Aussie Bounty Hunters Active On Piracy Snitch Line
EDS, Amdahl Launch Antares Joint Venture
Computer Network Technology To Acquire Ultra
BoCoEx Index
It's Chapter 11 For CompuAdd's Retail Division
Aldus Completes Acquisition Of After Hours Software
NEC Shifting Game Machine Production Overseas
TDK Supplying Mini-Disks To Konica
Australia - Discounter To Open Superstores
Tektronix To Layoff 800
Japan - NCR Japan Gets 5 LAN Distributors
Hitachi Maxell Links With TEAC On Optical Disks
NEC Ships 100,000 Units Of Windows 3.1
CRN Says Canadian Recession Ending
India - Citizen Focuses On Printer Production
Caere Gets India Distributor
Most Telesat Mobile Creditors Approve Plan
Intel, Microsoft Sponsor Computer Buyer Readership Study
Fujitsu & Sun To Develop Compatible Operating Systems
Dell Seeks Japanese Portables Partners
Egghead Establishes Unit To Service Small Businesses
Danish/Indian Firms In PC Venture
SuperMac Ships Color Printers, Teams With HP
Phoenix Acquires SRI, Its Japanese Distributor
Lotus To Acquire Database Software Vendor
Systemhouse Mexican Joint Venture Dissolved
Egghead Earnings Down For FY93
Scottish Software Duplication Plant Goes On-line
hould Be Always Available
C&T Intros Low-Cost Chipset For 486 Systems
Update -- Kahn Sees On-Going Battle On Cryptography
Database World - Information Builders' Tools/Gateways
HP Enhances HP OpenMail & HP X.400
Zia Intros Hard Disk Drive Development Kit
Nutrition Software For The HP95LX
Chip Reaches Out And Touches Things
Database World - Borland To Upsize, Simplify Apps
Australian Bounty Hunters Active On Snitch Line
Accelerated 486 VGA Controller For Flat Panel Displays
Review of - Hot Links, Guide To Linking Computers
Koala Habitat Database Aids Conservation
IBM, HP, Sunsoft In Object-Oriented Alliance
Pyramid's ServiceExpert Frees System Administrators
Datalink To Host Imaging Products Workshop For VARs
Mario's Brother, Luigi, To Visit Chicago
TI Links With Japanese Company To Produce 4M DRAM Chips
Beijing - Gomatech To Supply ICBC With ATM/POS System
Community Chest Benefits From SunAccount
NCR Enters UTS Mainframe Market
Cisco Launches Remote-Access Routers, Software
Microsoft Introduces Technical Information Services In HK
Color Hard Copy Conference Starts Today In Boston
India: Raytheon Secures $85M ATC Contract
Sunconnect To Develop Interconnect Technology For Netware
Digital Hong Kong Backs Open Software Standard
Translated Korean Information Available Online And By Fax
Design And Editorial Enhancements For Network World
PT Asaba Named As New Indonesian Novell Distributor
Enterprise '93: PowerOpen Association Revs Into High Gear
Canadian Product Launch Update
Australian Koala Habitat Database Aids Conservation
Virtual Reality Gets An Award In The Real World
NEC Stops Making 2.5 Hard Disks
African Computing Topic Of Coming Conference
Pioneer To Open Karaoke Rooms In US
AST Boasts of Product Quality
Microsoft Education Programs In Hongkong
Hard Copy Consumables Conference Opens Tomorrow in Boston
3Com Slashes UK Pricing by 15%
Two Computer Exhibitions Held In Tokyo
Altia Intros Prototype And Design Software
After Dark Announces Display Contest
India: Microland Restructures, Moves Into Training
Indian Software Package Makes It Easier To Achieve Quality
Zenith Data Intros Monitor That Goes To Sleep
First Interactive Media Festival Slated For Next Year
Kaleida, 3DO, Apple Offer MM Development Toolkits
Printers Should Meet Real World Needs
NMC Vision Upgrade Launched In Asia
SRI Report On Security In Cyberspace
Correction - Touchstone Software's Phone Numbers
Adobe Plans New Viewers, Multimedia Acrobat
India - Autodesk Sets Up 100 Training Centers
Companies Combine On Mobile Healthcare Networking
NEC To Produce 4Mb DRAM In China
New Games From Davidson
Virgin Record Publisher Going Into PC Sales
Sega Welcomes Former Honda Man
The Enabled Computer - Computers and Curbcuts
3DO Launch Delayed, 300+ Developers Signed Up
Roundup - Stories Carried By Other Media This Week
Tetra Announces Plans To Attack Large Systems Marketplace
Hewlett-Packard Introduces Omnipage
Dataease Brings Backs Ghosts Of The Battle Of The Atlantic
Computerland Introduces Chinese Language Computing
Tata-IBM Secures Hong Kong Bank Order In India
NCR Announces New Server Line
Twenty Indian Companies Participate In Singapore Informatics
Donnelley, Cincinnati Bell Research Electronic Yellow Pages
Australian Study Shows Telecommuters More Productive
Novell Intros NetWare Global MHS X.400 OEM Dev't Kit
Sega Versus Nintendo; The Battle Continues
Hewlett-Packard To Use NETstor's Mass-Storage Software
June 9 Named Virus Awareness Day
Canadian Product Launch Update
Chips Offer Smallest PCMCIA Form Factor, Phone Emulation
SynOptics Announces Partners, Intros SuperAgent
Xircom Brings Nomadic Computing To Asia/Pacific
UK - Visually Impaired To Get Technology Boost
UK - RISC-Based Networking Costs Slashed
Windows & OS/2 Expo Changes Name
UK - Persistence Bridges Object/Relational Technologies
Cray Intros New Fortran Programming Environment
NAUTILUS is pleased to provide the following
industry reports from the Newsbytes News Network..
Subjects are listed on the left (Apple, Business, etc.). Click a subject button to display a list of Newsbytes for that subject. Click on any item in the list to go to that story.
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