SoftArc Implements New Partnership Program for Growing Community of
Third-Party Developers

MARKHAM, Ontario, March 29, 1996-SoftArc Inc., the number four vendor of
LAN-based e-mail and groupware worldwide, has implemented a new
partnership program for its growing base of independent software vendors.

With over 4 million users at 20,000 sites worldwide, SoftArc's FirstClass
e-mail and group communication application has attracted; a great: number
of third-party developers. To encourage further development while
maintaining high quality standards for customers, SoftArc has introduced a
complete developer support and product certification process.

"SoftArc initiated this partnership program to benefit and support not only
our third-party developers, but also the sophisticated needs of the
FirstClass user," stated Steven Asbury, SoftArc president. "This program
will help channel the tremendous third-party momentum and development
activity that cames with being one of the fastest-growing e-mail and
groupware vendors in the world."

SoftArc Developer Partnership Program

Developers who enroll in the SoftArc Developer Partnership Program are
entitled to priority support from SoftArc Development; FirstClass product
software for development and testing; product evaluation opportunities
through Softarc's Quality Assurance department; and marketing support for
approved products. 

Registered development partners receive SoftArc's FirstClass Gateway
Toolkits, programming libraries for a number of platforms that allow
developers to write add-on products for FirstClass. SoftArc also publishes
FirstClass Database Toolkits that provide real-time links from FirstClass
to data stored in external sources. Client Extension Toolkits (to be
available in Q3; please refer to 2/20/96 release, "SoftArc Announces
FirstClass 3.5") will allow developers to write realtime plug-in modules
for FirstClass clients. 

Developers choosing not to enroll in the formal partnership program are
still able to obtain versions of SoftArc's development toolkits
electronically (without technical or marketing support). 

Product Certification & Cooperative Marketing Opportunities

SoftArc development partners gain access to SoftArc's quality assurance and
marketing resources by submitting finished products to SoftArc for
certification. 

A program administered by SoftArc's Quality Assurance department certifies
FirstClass add-on software as "Works With FirstClass." These products have
been tested and proven to work in conjunction with FirstClass and meet
SoftArc's strict quality, performance and documentation guidelines. 

Development partners with "Works With FirstClass" products are offered
promotional opportunities including co-exhibition at trade shows, product
information in FirstClass demonstration packages and other initiatives. 

Application to the SoftArc Development Partnership Program may be made by
contacting SoftArc Developer Relations at 905-415-7000. A one-time
application fee of $995 U.S. is charged for enrollment in the program.
Existing developers partnered with SoftArc are exempt from the application
fee. 

FirstClass is a client/server workgroup communication system that
integrates advanced e-mail with replicable discussion databases, remote
access, forms processing, enterprise database access and online
information services. The product offers a number of unique features
designed to improve information communication and management. FirstClass
offers the same ease of use, functionality and robust performance over
network or modem, and operates in Windows, Macintosh, DOS, OS/2 and
terminal emulation environments. The product is available in 12 languages
and is used by businesses, educational institutions, governments and
private individuals in 30 countries. SoftArc is supported by a worldwide
network of Certified Consultants. The Company is headquartered in Markham,
Ontario, Canada. 

SoftArc Inc
100 Allstate Parkway
Markham, Ontario
Canada L3R 6H3
905-415-7000,  fax 905-415-7151

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INDEPENDENT SOFTWARE VENDORS' FirstClass PRODUCTS
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Products below represent a sample of the dozens of add-on solutions for
SoftArc's FirstClass e-mail and group communications product. Contact the
individual vendors for more information, or SoftArc Developer Relations at
905-415-7000. 

GATEWAYS

TFS Gateway-the collective name of a series of sophisticated software
products that connect different electronic mail and groupware systems. TFS
Gateways are modular, allowing them to be adapted and configured in a
variety of ways. Modules are available for FirstClass, Lotus cc:Mail,
Lotus Notes, Microsoft Mail, WordPerfect Office and Novell GroupWise. In
addition, there are MCI, WCP and: SMTP modules to connect to public
messaging services. 

By TenFour Sweden, contact TenFour USA, Voice: 703-716-8364

ExpressNet/SMTP-a full-time Internet mail connection written specifically
for FirstClass that supports SMTP, NNTP and LISTSERV formats for Internet
messaging. The ExpressNet/SMTP Gateway supports real-time inbound and
outbound Internet e-mail for sites with direct connections to the Internet
and allows users of FirstClass to participate in UseNet conferences and
mail lists. 

By Delphic Software, Voice: 909-792-7932

HoloGate-a modular gateway connecting FirstClass to other electronic mail
systems such as the Internet, CE Software's QuickMail, Microsoft Mail for
Macintosh, and Cassaday & Greene's Snap Mail. HoloGate is licensed for an
unlimited number of users. 

By Information Access Technologies, Inc., Voice: 510-704-0160

Gateway Pro FC.cc:Mail-a gateway that integrates SoftArc's FirstClass
e-mail and group collaboration software with PC-based electronic mail
product cc:Mail from Lotus Development Corp. FC.cc:Mail gateway allows for
unlimited users on either mail system to exchange mail and attachments
between FirstClass and cc:Mail servers. 

By Softbahn Inc., Voice: 416-590-1590

Gateway Pro FC.QM-a full-featured, robust and cost-effective gateway
between FirstClass and CE Software's QuickMail servers. Gateway Pro FC.QM
can be used locally or remotely. FirstClass and QuickMail users exchange
messages and attachments using the gateway features of their respective
systems. 

By Softbahn Inc., Voice: 416-590-1590

FC.Pager Gateway-a gateway that integrates SoftArc's FirstClass e-mail and
group collaboration software with popular pager systems. The FC.Pager
Gateway will direct mail from either a Macintosh- or Windows-based
FirstClass server to the user's alphanumeric pager. 

By Softbahn Inc., Voice: 416-590-1590

fcCustodian Gateway-a gateway that allows widely dispersed company
personnel to be paged with critical portions of a FirstClass e-mail
message. FirstClass messages are displayed on an alphanumeric pager. 

By Concentrics Communications, Voice: 902-468-5397

Beehive Messaging System-a complete set of custom FirstClass forms and
gateways designed for the specific needs of prepress houses or
image-setters. When installed onto a FirstClass server, the Beehive System
offers custom forms and pre-addressed stationery to help desktop
publishers submit files by modem for output. 

By Pine Island Software, Voice: 317-570-0641

Download Gateway-a gateway that monitors and extracts form data, message
text and file attachments from messages in a given FirstClass mailbox.
Messages can be pre-addressed to the Download Gateway using the Forms
Stationery feature of FirstClass. 

ByVIZ.Soft, Voice: 510-210-0600

Upload and Download Gateway-a gateway that takes a message header text
file, message body text file, and attachments from an
administrator-defined source folder and sends them to a given destination
as a FirstClass message. Useful for creating custom receipts, delivering
customer-ordered files and creating custom offline clients. 

ByVIZ.Soft, Voice: 510-210-0600

EnLink/PTP-allows a server running FirstClass to provide File Transfer
Protocol access to all clients through a consistent, easy-to-use,
multiplatform interface. Users on both Mac and Windows platforms have the
full ability to browse the seemingly infinite number of file archives
available on the Internet. 

By Delphic Software, Voice: 909-792-7932

EnLink/Gopher-a module that allows a server running FirstClass to provide
Gopher access to all clients through a consistent, easy-to-use,
multiplatform interface. Users on both Mac and Windows platforms have the
full ability to browse the Internet medium referred to as "Gopherspace," a
worldwide collection of free information servers covering almost every
subject imaginable. 

By Delphic Software, Voice: 909-792-7932

EnNet/PageNOW! -the first pager gateway application to fully utilize
FirstClass gateway settings, providing greater control over external
gateway scheduling. A confirmation message may be returned to FirstClass
letting the user know that PageNOW! has received the page. This gateway
does not require users to learn a new system or remember pager
numbers-actual names are used to address the page, maintaining the simple
method of communication that has become the hallmark of FirstClass. 

By Delphic Software, Voice: 909-792-7932

DATABASE ACCESS

FirstConnect/DAL -a full-featured, graphical database interface that adds
powerful functionality to FirstClass. Together, FirstConnect and
FirstClass allow an unlimited number of users to manipulate databases
remotely via LAN, modem or TCP/IP. FirstConnect supports full search, add
and delete functionality. FirstConnect/DAL for Macintosh accesses all
DAL-compliant databases including: Informix, Ingres, SQL/400, P.INK,
Sybase, Butler, Netware SQL, Rdb, 

DB2-SQL/DS and Oracle.

By TGF Technologies, Voice: 802-860-5162

FirstConnect/ODBC-database access product that boasts new features such as
simple configuration and exceptional performance. FirstConnect/ODBC for
Windows NT ushers in a new generation of database access for FirstClass.
An unlimited number of text, numeric and graphic fields can be displayed.
FirstConnect also supports searching for downloadable archive files of any
type and allows users to search different database tables simultaneously.
FirstConnect and the FirstClass user interface are 100% cross-platform,
giving both Windows and Macintosh FirstClass client users access to
database connectivity. 

By TGF Technologies, Voice: 802-860-5162

FirstAccess-database access product that allows FirstClass end-users to
query FileMaker Pro, 4D Server, Butler, FoxPro, Sybase and other DAL and
SQL compliant databases. FirstAccess uses AppleScript (Apple's scripting
language) to retrieve data stored with Macintosh applications. 

By Networx, Voice: +43-1-606-9607

FirstConnect/AS-a solution for connecting smaller FileMaker Pro and 4D
Server databases to a FirstClass server. Recommended for light traffic
database use. 

By TGF Technologies, Voice: 802-860-5162

CLIENT APPLICATIONS

WelcomeMat-an application that runs on the FirstClass server. WelcomeMat
substitutes customizable color ANSI graphics for the default welcome
message sent by FirstClass to users connecting through the optional
Command Line Interface. 

By the MoneyTracker Corporation, Voice: 706-592-5299

FirstClass Retriever+-a FirstClass client for Newton PDAs that allows users
to check their mail on FirstClass servers, upload new mail composed
offline and navigate FirstClass conferences using the Newton's
select-and-tap interface. Offering an easy-to-use graphical interface,
FirstClass Retriever+ can dial a Newton modem or connect to a FirstClass
server by network, download a batch of waiting mail and/or conference
postings and transmit any new messages or replies that have been composed
offline. 

By Black Labs Inc., Voice: 303-938-8580

Drag and Drop Forms Client-an application that allows the user to drag
files over the program icon, automatically opening a message window (or a
custom form). When the user finishes filling out the forms, the
application will log in to the FirstClass server and deliver the message
and attachments to the appropriate address. The application may also be
launched by double-clicking, in which case files may be attached and
deleted using attach and delete buttons. 

By Pine Island Software, Voice: 317-570-0641

SERVICES

First!-one of several custom-tailored newsfeeds offered by Individual Inc.
for organizations needing timely, relevant pre-filtered information.
Individual scans hundreds of publications and daily news sources for
information relevant to your business. This news is then delivered as
abstracts or in its entirety by fax or e-mail. If these feeds are directed
to FirstClass conferences, users can browse this information with full
unread tracking and search capabilities. 

By Individual Inc., Voice: 617-354-2230

WavePhore Newacast-a real-time news & information service linked directly
to corporate FirstClass systems. WavePhore Newscast allows individuals to
define an interest profile using key words. Each day, hundreds of news
sources are scanned for items matching the interest profile. All relevant
items are automatically "clipped" and delivered into a FirstClass
conference. 

By WavePhore Newscast, Voice: 801-584-2869

Newsbytes News Service-an award-winning electronic computer and telecom
industry wire and digitized picture service now available in a customized
format for FirstClass. Newsbytes News Network's more than 30 daily
reports, summaries and digitized photos are available to FirstClass
systems via gateways from Newsbytes FirstClass servers in London and
Minneapolis. 

By Newsbytes News Service, Voice: 612-430-1100

HARDWARE

Digi Nu/8i-eight serial port expansion for Macintosh using the NuBus slot
and ocata breakout cable. For expanding the number of modems an individual
FirstClass server may accommodate at any given time. 

By Digi International, Voice: 716-871-6724

Digi PC/8e-eight serial port expansion for Windows using an internal card
and ocata breakout cable. For expanding the number of modems an individual
FirstClass server may accommodate at any given time. 

By Digi International, Voice: 716-871-6724

Digi PC/8em-sixteen serial port expansion for Windows using an internal
card and ocata break-out cable. The "em" family features expandable,
modular, intelligent serial communications solutions with high-speed,
accelerated performance. 

By Digi International, Voice: 716-871-6724

Hurdler HQS-four serial port expansion using the NuBus slot on a Macintosh.
The traditional Macintosh NuBus workhorse serial expansion card resold by
SoftArc. 

By Creative Solutions Inc., Voice: 410-766-4080

Smart Serial 6-an intelligent PCI multiport serial communications card
which provides six high speed serial ports for use with modems or other
serial devices. 

By Keyspan, Voice: 510-221-0131

SEQS and HUSTEX External SCSI Serial Expansion-two and four Macintosh
serial port expansion using the SCSI port on a Macintosh. Does not require
NuBus or PCI slots. Multiple units may be chained together. 

By Creative Solutions Inc., Voice: 410-766-4080

Hustler-two high-speed, accelerated serial port expansion using the NuBus
expansion slot on a Macintosh. Rated for use with high speed serial
devices (28.8 kbps modems or other units.) 

By Creative Solutions Inc., Voice: 410-766-4080

Planet ISDN Card-a communication board which provides connection to the
worldwide Integrated Services Digital Network. The Planet ISDN card is
available for the NuBus and PCI architectures for Macintosh and Power
Macintosh. 

By Synapse, Voice: 312-871-1466

NuBus NB4 -an expansion chassis that provides additional NuBus slots for
NuBus Macintoshes. Also available is the PCI-to-NuBus Bridge, which allows
PCI slots to be adapted through a bridge to accept NuBus cards. 

By Second Wave, Voice: 512-329-9283
 
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