News Archive Index
WinNews (tm) - The Monthly PC/Mac News Archive

Prepared & Distributed by:  Baker Enterprises

Assorted press releases  and news articles are available by subject heading in the topic areas shown below or use SEARCH  to find articles listed by company names.

SOFTWARE:	HARDWARE:

Business & Productivity  	PC Systems

Professional/Engineering  	Expansion Products

Personal & Educational  	Peripherals

Games & Entertainment  	Macintosh Specific

System Software & Utilities  	Miscellaneous Hardware

Macintosh Specific

Miscellaneous Software  	GENERAL INTEREST:

Books & Publications

Miscellaneous News

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PC Industry Database


About Press Releases
Full Text Press Releases...

Press Releases are distributed electronically with 100% of the entire text included as supplied by the company. Most material is available via the online news areas on America Online and Delphi within several days of receipt. News archives such as this are created at the end of every month. For additional information concerning any product or service mentioned, please contact the company directly. Check the end of the article for the company's mailing address and/or telephone numbers.

Note that additional Backgrounder reports may be available for downloading from our Information Download Libraries on America Online and Delphi.


About SEARCH Capabilities
Using SEARCH to Find Articles by Company Name...

1)	Click on the SEARCH button to see a list of companies referenced

within the various news articles included in the news archive.

2)	Select the desired company from the list, then click on the Show Topics

button (or double click on the company name) to see a list of relevant

articles for that company.

3)	Select an article of interest and click on the Goto button

(or double click on the article title) to display the article text.


About Baker Enterprises
About Baker Enterprises...

Baker Enterprises electronically distributes PC & Macintosh related news and full text press releases  via our New Product Information Service on America Online (Keyword=New Product) and Delphi (GO NEWS PRODUCTS). Monthly news archives such as this are created at the end of each month and include all news processed during the previous month. Besides this Windows-compatible format, the same information is also available in a PKZIP collection of standard ASCII text files with a simple index, but requires your own text file utilities to read. News archive files are available from a download library on AOL, Delphi, and selected Internet archive sites, or direct via mail from Baker Enterprises.

Baker Enterprises also maintains a reference database listing companies and products from throughout the PC industry. The database appears as an online searchable database via America Online in the PC Vendors Database within our New Product Information area. The same data is also distributed monthly on diskette by EMS Professional Software.

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News archives are available in either this WinNews format for Windows users, or optionally in a PKZIP collection of standard ASCII text files with a simple index that requires your own utilities to read. A one year subscription for either format, mailed on 3.5" 720K diskettes, is $60 for first class mail within the USA, $75 elsewhere via AirMail. Single copies are $5 postpaid. NJ orders include 6% sales tax. This material MAY NOT be redistributed for profit without obtaining prior written permission from Baker Enterprises. Contact us direct for more information.

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Free Distribution
FREE News Distribution...

Our services are provided at no cost to any companies or shareware authors wishing to have their press releases distributed, or their company and product information included in our database. All submissions should be mailed, faxed or Emailed directly to Baker Enterprises. Press releases are typically processed and available nationwide within one to three days of receipt!


PC Industry Reference Database
PC Industry Reference Database...

Baker Enterprises produces a PC industry reference database that includes information on thousands of companies and authors, plus brief information on their products. More than just a software locator, the database also lists hardware, peripherals, publications, accessories, supplies, shareware and more -- just about anything and everything relating to the PC industry. Company information includes mailing addresses, telephone/fax/BBS numbers, Email addresses and more. The database is available as an online searchable database in our New Product Information area on America Online. The same data is also licensed for monthly worldwide distribution on disk and CD-ROM as the PC Products Database sold by EMS Professional Software. Individual copies on diskette are $25 plus $5 shipping within the USA (contact EMS on foreign orders).

For information on ordering copies of the PC Products Database on disk and CD-ROM, or optional quarterly and monthly subscriptions, please contact:

EMS Professional Software

4505 Buckhurst Cr.	(301) 924-3594   Voice

Olney, MD 20832 USA	(301) 963-2708   Fax


Business & Productivity Software
Business & Productivity Software News:

Microsoft and SAP Forge Strategy

Microsoft Access Database Mgmt System V1.1

Microsoft Access Distribution Kit V1.1

D&B Software & Microsoft Agreement

FoxPro Migration Kit Version 2.0

Retail Solution Point-of-Sale Cash Reg. Pgm

Public Access Controls Rental Computers

Corel Adds LEAD Compression Tech to CorelDRAW

Aetna Site License for Folio VIEWS 3.0

FOLIO Electronic Publishing Defined

Corel Licenses Mastersoft Conversion Tech.

Track-It V3.04 Inventory Control/POS Package

Corel Adds Bitstream Fonts into CorelDRAW 4

1993 CorelDRAW World Design Contest Winners

Corel Releases CorelDRAW 4

MagicWin Help Desk & Asset Mgmt for Windows

Help Desk Swr Offers Windows Report Designer

Practice Advantage for Accounting Firm Mgmt

OpenHouse Real Estate Database w/ComputerEyes

PeopleSoft Strategic Alliances for HRMS Swr

PeopleSoft Client/Server Position Management

AWARE! Customer Service Program

CSCI RiskPAC Automated Risk Assesment Swr V3.0

254/255 Forms Made Easy by Sema4


Professional/Engineering Software
Professional/Engineering Software News:

SCHEMAx Windows V1.20 Schematic Capture Pckg

SCHEMA PCB*2000x Low Cost PC Board Layout Sys

MathWorks MATLAB V4.0 for Windows

Design Center V5.4 Signal Integrity Analysis

MicroSim Design Center V5.4 Released

DE/CAASE 4.0 Computerized Engineering Handbook

Pharmacy Partner Pharmacy Management System

Union Carbide Using ADev Plant Design Swr

ELCUT 2D Finite Element Analysis System

VSI Awarded Contract for MRI Operator Swr

Moldflow MF/SHRINK Plastics Shrinkage Analysis

P&ID Link to Loop Diagrams to Meet OSHA Stds

StatSci & Mihalisin Integrate Statistical Prods


Personal & Educational Software
Personal & Educational Software News:

Grocery Manager for DOS & Windows

WinFlash V2.1 Windows Flashcard Program

New Autograph Collector Kits

Friendly Foods, Eco-Cuisine/Vegetarian Cooking

Computer Darkroom II Reduces Photo Print Cost

Educ Resources Info Center Database on CDROM

Flying Fingers Typing Tutor for Windows

BABY & ComputerWorks from Software Marketing

CubiQuick Low-End Fuzzy Logic Tool


Games & Entertainment Software
Games & Entertainment Software News:

SSG Carriers at War Construction KIT

Accolade Summer Challenge

Accolade NHLPA License Clinched

Pele! Soccer for Sega Genesis & SNES

Jack Nicklaus Power Challenge Golf (Genesis)

Bubsy: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind

Speed Racer in The Challenge of Racer X

Brett Hull Hockey (computer & video games)

Mike Ditka Ultimate Football II

Sega, Time-Warner & TCI Joint Venture

Viacom Int'l Acquires ICOM Simulations

Multimedia Pool

Two New Apogee Shareware Games

Attic Signs with Sir-Tech, New Games Coming!

Realms of Arkania, Blade of Destiny

Access Software Newsletter, Spring 1993

Links Championship Courses: The BELFRY


System Software & Utilities
System Software & Utilities News:

Ipswitch Intros PIPER/IP TCP/IP Software

Microsoft Formally Launches Windows NT Platform

24 System Vendors Deliver Windows NT Platforms

Windows NT Client-Server Solutions

OLE 2.0 Applications Momentum Builds

SNA Server for Windows NT in Beta Test

Windows 3.1 Available In Other Languages

Windows for Workgroups Network Product of Year

Run Windows Apps on Other Software Platforms

Sybase & SCO Enterprise-Wide Computing

New AGE Logic Desktop X Server & Pricing

Windows Floppy-Net Synchronization/Transfer/Bkup

Metamorphosis PL/I to C Program Translator

Conversions Plus for Windows (Mac-to-PC)

Full Screen Login Utility for Novell Networks

XMSIF V1.5 Interface for MSC/Borland/Turbo C++

Cheyenne Software Shipping FAXserve V1.01

Cheyenne ARCserve 5.0 for NetWare-Windows

Cheyenne Swr & Compaq Sign OEM Agreement

Cheyenne Customer Support via CompuServe

Glyph Systems Arabic & Hebrew Windows Reseller

Examinator for Windows Certification Study

Sybase Expands APT Workbench 4GL Platform

Lahey Fortran 90 & Intel Optimizing Code Tech.

MKS RCS V6.1 for Windows Configuration Mgmt

Personal ACIS Windows 3D Applic. Dev. Toolkit

MKS Toolkit for Windows NT Beta Release in June

Kenfil Distributing MBS Tech. RileRunner Pgm

MultiExpressFax for Windows (MEWFAX)

SYBASE/Intermetrics ADA SAMeDL Precompiler

Doctor Data File V6.05 Replaces DDLabel

Artisoft LANtastic Top Peer-to-Peer Network

DiskMan for Windows V2.1 Disk Cataloger

Microsoft At Work Software Architecture

ARC Utility Now Available for UNIX

Microsoft At Work Architecture Backgrounder

Ilog Views Advanced Tool for GUI Development

LEMIS - Free UNIX V.4.2 Software on CD-ROM

Ipswitch Piper/IP for DOS & Windows TCP/IP

Foundation Mgr/Cornerstone Agent LAN Analyzers

DiskDupe Makes High-Quality Disks

Reach & CE Software Partner Netware Messaging

FontGen V.1 Font Creation Software

Drag & View v.2 Windows-based File Viewer

EMSIF V2.4 EMS Interface Turbo C/C++ & MSC

Object Productivity SmartFolders for Windows

Artisoft Certifies No*stop Network

NetSoft XCOM Windows Interface for LEGENT

ProtoView Launches ProtoGen+

ProtoView Launches WinControl Library


Macintosh Specific Software
Macintosh Specific Software News:

File Assistant Software for PowerBooks

CE Software Partners with Boston Swr Works

QuickMessenger 2.0 & QuickMailBar

QuickMail MHS for Macintosh

Iron Helix Sci-Fi Adventure for Mac CD-ROM


Miscellaneous Software
Miscellaneous Software News:

MegaDots Braille Translation Program

Wilson Database Include Newspaper Coverage

QBALL Small Arms Ballistics Software

Metrix - Metric Unit Conversion Program

Tool Finder/Plus Computerized Swr Directory

Globalink Translation System

NuIQ Software PowerBoard BBS V1.25


System Hardware
System Hardware News:

Micro Express Compact Multimedia Portable PC

HP OmniBook 300 First Superportable PC

Badget GT110 Mil Spec Rugged Handheld Computer

DisplayPac-2000 Flat Panel Computer

AST Research Acquiring Tandy PC Manufacturing

Dolch Innovations in Mobile Computing


Expansion Hardware
Expansion Hardware News:

MultiModemLT PCMCIA V.32bis Data/Fax Modem

New Quatech Communications Boards

Digital Vision Drops ComputerEyes Prices

VIGA Genlock, VGA-to-Video Overlay Card


Peripheral Hardware
Peripheral Hardware News:

Presenta 29-33 inch SVGA Monitors w/TV-Video

USR Decreases WorldPort Portable Modem Prices

Kodak XLS 8300 Digital Color Printer

NEC Introduces -- The SVGA Monitor

Rackmount MultiArray Data/Fax Comm Server

ASTVision Low-Radiation 14-17 Inch Monitors

SupraFAXModem 144LC New Lower Price

Ricoh Intelligent Fax for Microsoft at Work

Mirroring Hard Disk Controller

LabelWriter II for PCs Upgrades to 2.0

Floptical Technology Association Incorporates

SupraFAXModems - New Prices & More Software

CoStar Debuts Windows AddressWriter Swr

Xante Network Options for Accel-A-Writer 8100

RangeLAN2 Extended Range/Perf. Wireless Network


Macintosh Specific Hardware
Macintosh Specific Hardware News:

Apple Extends PowerBook Line

ComputerEyes/RT for Macintosh Update

20 Apple Products Receive Gov't Energy Star

Apple Takes Aggressive Pricing Actions in USA

Most Affordable LaserWriter Printer Intro


Miscellaneous Hardware
Miscellaneous Hardware News:

Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometer & Swr

SupraTurbo 28 Amiga 500/2000 Accelerator

DDI Relay Control Modules

US Robitics Enterprise Newtork Hub

TelevEyes/Pro Computer to TV Converter


Books & Publications
Books & Publications:

Sensible Approach to Sensational Presentations

Macmillan Books Expands Into Macintosh Market

Windows Programming with Borland C++

Hard Disk Aerobics: Shaping Up Your PC

The Hands-On Guide to Network Management

The Green PC, Making Choices That Make a Diff

Easy AutoCAD, 3rd Edition

The Children's Machine, Rethinking School...

Writing Solid Code, Microsoft Techniques

Concise Guide to MS-DOS Batch Files

The Windows for Workgroups Bible

Windows Internals by Matt Pietrek

KRON/Scholastic High Tech Reports (Videodisc)

High Performance Computing

Microsoft Word for MS-DOS Step by Step V6.0

Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS Step by Step V2.5

Moving From Cobol to C

Business Compliance With the ADA (Video)

Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier

The Peter Norton PC Programmer's Bible

DoubleSpace: An Illustrated Tutorial

Build Your Own Los-Cost PostScript Printer

Plastics Molding Flow Analysis Reference Manual

New Video Courseware for DOS 6


Miscellaneous News
Miscellaneous News:

Z-NIX Settles Lawsuit With Microsoft

Microsoft Doubles User Group Donations

SPA Files Suite Against Swr Rental Co's

Liberalizing Encryption Swr Export Controls

LUNA Imaging Digital Collections for the Arts

IBM PC President Giving PC Expo Plenary Address

SPA Settlement Against Malcolm Pirnie Inc

1100+ Leaders Attending SPA Annual Conference

UNIX & Open Systems Leaders Speak at UNIX EXPO

Windows Apps Out-Sell DOS Apps for First Time

Marketing & Advertising Services Center

NEC Tech Goes After Supply Counterfeiters

Philippe Kahn to Give PC EXPO Chicago Keynote

Bill Gates Delivers PC EXPO Keynote Address

Networks Expo Premieres in San Francisco

Tutorial Sessions Planned for NetWorld Dallas

PC EXPO NYC Opens June 29 Javits Center

Associations & User Groups Exhibit at PC EXPO

Spindler Appointed Apple CEO, Scully Chairman


Sensible Approach to Sensational Presentations
New Ventana Title --

A Sensible Approach to Sensational Presentations

Chapel Hill, NC--The days of the commercial artists' corner on slick presentation graphics are over. Ditto for the Hollywood monopoly on knockout animation. Armed with powerful microchips and digitized images, presenters now produce their own visual support materials straight from the desktop. New from Ventana Press, The Presentation Design Book, Second Edition by Margaret Y. Rabb points the way to polished computer graphics and screen shows that lend power and appeal to presentations.

Lauded in its first edition for its easy-to-follow guidelines for designing persuasive slides, overheads and handouts, The Presentation Design Book, Second Edition offers more of a good thing. New material adds a framework for using sound, video, animation and interactivity in presentations without sacrificing clarity or impact. Highlights include:

* analyzing the audience and environment to determine

  optimal presentation media.

* using color to create depth and set the tone.

* understanding the subtle effects of typeface on

  audience perceptions.

* integrating varied multimedia elements into a cohesive,

  balanced whole.

* assessing new hardware and software requirements for

  multimedia presentations.

Rabb's most popular chapter, "Design Crimes and How to Prevent Them," sports a new multimedia section.

Despite the razzle-dazzle techniques now at the designer's fingertips, Rabb never loses sight of the presenter's original goal: communication. "In certain settings, posters and flip charts remain the most effective communication devices," she counsels. The Presentation Design Book, Second Edition helps presenters keep their graphics on track in supporting, rather than overshadowing, the speaker's message.

Margaret Rabb is Director of Design Services for Southern Media & Production, Inc., a Chapel Hill, NC-based writing and design firm specializing in innovative multimedia solutions to client communication needs. She is co-author of Harvard Graphics Design Companion--DOS and Windows Editions (Ventana Press). Recognized for her achievements in design, she has earned the PICA, IABC Gold and other awards.

The Presentation Design Book: Tips, Techniques & Advice for Creating Effective, Attractive Slides, Overheads, Screen Shows, Multimedia & More, Second Edition is 320 pages, illustrated, with a 24-page color signature. Suggested list price is $24.95. ISBN 1-56604-014-0.

Ventana Press publishes books that help computer users make the most of their hardware and software. Bestselling titles include: Looking Good in Print, Looking Good With CorelDRAW!, Newsletters From the Desktop, Word for Windows Design Companion, The Mac Shareware 500 and The Windows Shareware 500. All titles are available from bookstores and through Ventana Press, PO Box 2468, Chapel Hill, NC 27515. 919-942-0220; fax: 919-942-1140.


Ipswitch Intros PIPER/IP TCP/IP Software
IPSWITCH, INC. INTRODUCES PIPER/IP, TCP/IP SOFTWARE FOR DOS AND WINDOWS THAT USES LESS THAN 1% OF CONVENTIONAL MEMORY

Piper/IP Uses Less Than 6K of Conventional Memory.

--New Product Brings Relief to Users Short on RAM--

(June 1, 1993)--Reading, MA--Ipswitch, Inc. today announced the availability of Piper/IP, the company's new TCP/IP product for DOS and Windows. Due to its unique design, Piper/IP can run in DOS protected mode, above 1 megabyte. Piper/IP uses less than 6K of lower DOS memory, leaving all of Upper Memory and over 634K of lower DOS memory for DOS, Windows and applications. No other TCP/IP product leaves users with more free memory.

--Performance--

Piper/IP's runs as fast as the PC hardware allows. Typically, on 386 PCs Piper/IP exceeds 100 K bytes per second on file transfers. At the high end, on a fast 486 PC, transferring from a fast Unix disk to a fast local disk using a high-throughput network interface card, transfer rates exceed 500 K bytes per second. And Piper/IP's limit has not been reached yet, so as more powerful processors are released, Piper/IP's transfer rate will continue to increase.

--TCP/IP Utilities--

Piper/IP comes complete with a full suite of TCP/IP utilities for file transfer, terminal emulation, mail, backup and more. All of the popular utilities are included, ranging from Telnet, TN3270 and FTP to SMTP mail and the Berkeley r-utilities.

--LAN Compatibility--

Piper/IP is compatible with all popular networks, including NetWare, VINES, LAN Manager, LAN Server and Windows for Workgroups. In addition, the Piper/IP installation program is network-aware.

It recognizes NetWare, VINES, Windows for WorkGroups, LAN Manager and LAN Server drivers and automatically configures Piper/IP to share the installed network driver and to run concurrently with the LAN.

Because the full-screen installation program can be run from a network drive, Piper/IP saves network administrators time. Not only is Piper/IP compatible with all popular LANs, but it can be installed from the network onto any LAN workstation. There is no need to wait for floppy drives to slowly transfer

Not only is the installation much faster from a network drive, but network administrators can save additional time by not repeatedly copying utilities to shared network drives. The installation program can be configured to copy just workstation-specific files.

Piper/IP supports all of the popular driver standards: ODI, NDIS, VINES and Packet Driver, giving users the freedom to choose any Ethernet, Token Ring or ARCnet network interface card.

--Third Party Application Support--

Piper/IP Supports a very wide variety of 3rd party products for Windows and DOS, including databases, X-Windows, terminal emulators and popular Internet utilities.

Piper/IP supports SQL front-ends from all of the popular distributed databases, including Oracle, Sybase and Informix. Using these SQL front-ends, Piper/IP users can off-load all of the data entry and query tasks from their database host, leaving it free to process database transactions.

Piper/IP supports popular terminal emulators from many vendors for DEC, HP, IBM, Data General Prime, Tektronix, Wyse and other terminals.

Piper/IP fully supports Winsock, the new TCP/IP binary standard for Windows applications. Piper/IP's Winsock Windows DLL supports all Winsock-compliant applications.

Piper/IP's NetBIOS lets NetBIOS applications run over TCP/IP, even across IP routers. Because of this, NetBIOS applications that used to be restricted to local LANs can communicate across larger, routed networks.

Using Piper/IP's NetBIOS, NetBIOS applications can even run over the Internet and other wide area TCP/IP networks. The remote end does not need wide area NetBIOS support.

The Ipswitch Developer's Kit lets users write custom Berkeley Sockets applications for both Piper/IP and Catipult, Ipswitch's NetWare-TCP/IP gateway. Because the Piper/IP and Catipult application interfaces are identical, an application developed for one runs without change on both products.

--TCP/IP Servers--

Piper/lP's Telnet server lets any TCP/IP host Telnet into a Piper/IP PC. Once connected, users can run programs, execute commands and look at files. Piper/lP's Telnet server is an invaluable tool for network administrators. When diagnosing users' configuration, the administrator, instead of having to walk all the way to a given PC, can Telnet into it, review the configuration files, and have access to all of the information needed to solve problems.

The Piper/IP Telnet server is also useful for individual users who can connect to their PC from home or another office to access important information.

In addition to setting up a PC as a Telnet server, users can also allow remote FTP, TFTP, RSH and REXEC access. RSH and REXEC both provide a quick, easy way to scan a directory or file without having to connect to the PC via FTP or Telnet. For example, to look at CONFIG.SYS on a Piper/IP PC from another TCP/IP host, the command is "rsh piperpc type c:config.sys".

All Piper/IP servers can run concurrently. The client application automatically invokes the proper server. When the Piper/IP servers are started from Windows, users can even continue to use their PC while TCP/IP hosts access it remotely.

Piper/IP's user authorization database (Userauth) prevents unauthorized access to the Piper/IP PC. Userauth provides encrypted password access for Telnet, FTP and other Piper/IP servers. Userauth lets users restrict other users' network access to their PC to specific programs or directories.

--NFS Client and Server--

Piper/IP's NFS client lets users mount NFS drives, edit files and run programs stored on NFS servers. With Piper/IP's NFS, users can mount NFS drives and use them in conjunction with DOS and LAN drives. Piper/IP also includes an NFS server, which lets Unix hosts access a Piper/IP's drives as NFS volumes.

--Pricing and Availability--

Piper/IP is available now direct from Ipswitch. Priced at $375 per copy, Piper/IP is also available in a S-pack for $1,195, a 10-pack for $1,995, 20-user site licenses for $150 per user, 50-user site licenses for $125 per user, and 100-user site licenses for $95 per user. Existing applications can be ported to Piper/IP with the Ipswitch Developer's Kit, which is available now for 5475.

Piper/IP is Ipswitch's third product, following Catipult, the company's NetWare to TCP/IP gateway, which was introduced in October of 1991, and Merq, an NFS client for Novell's LAN WorkPlace for OS/2, which was introduced in September of 1992.

Piper/IP runs on any personal computer with a 286, 386 or 486 processor with 1.5 MB or more memory. All Ethernet, Token Ring and ARCnet cards with an NDIS, ODI, Packet or VINES driver are supported. Piper/IP is compatible with all popular memory managers, including HIMEM.SYS, EMM386, 386MAX and QEMM.

Ipswitch, Inc. was founded in September of 1991 to develop and market software-only networking products such as the Company's flagship product, the Catipult NetWare-TCP/IP gateway which allows Novell NetWare users to easily access minicomputers, mainframes and other TCP/IP hosts. Ipswitch also sells Merq, an NFS client for Novell's LAN WorkPlace for OS/2. The Company's headquarters are located at 580 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 and they can be reached at (617) 942-0621, Fax: (617) 942-0823


Microsoft Formally Launches Windows NT Platform
Microsoft Formally Launches Windows NT Platform at Windows World

Hundreds of New Applications Demonstrate Power of Client-server Business Solutions

ATLANTA--May 24, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today formally launched the Microsoft Windows NT operating system for client-server computing at the Windows World trade show. Hundreds of software developers previewed high-end business solutions, applications and tools based on Windows NT to more than 55,000 attendees. Windows NT is the first operating system to combine high-end client-server business applications with the industry's leading personal productivity applications.

In addition to the existing base of applications for the MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems that run out of the box on Windows NT, new commercial and custom applications being shown here this week are demonstrating that Windows NT is the strategic platform on which companies can cost-effectively build, deploy and manage a new generation of applications powerful enough to run their businesses. Because Windows NT has been explicitly designed to be compatible with, and complementary to, the 1.5 million copies of Windows that ship every month, customers can introduce these solutions incrementally, without having to retrain their users.

The Windows NT operating system, the Windows NT Advanced Server and related server products together comprise the most powerful, reliable and open client-server system in the world. Complementing the existing Windows operating system version 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups products and exploiting powerful new hardware systems, Windows NT extends the Windows family of operating systems into new high-end desktop, workstation and server markets.

"Windows NT represents nothing less than a fundamental change in the way that companies can address their business computing requirements," said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, in remarks prepared for today's keynote address at Windows World. "Businesses now have a single platform on which to deploy client-server solutions and personal productivity applications. They can downsize business-critical applications, provide high-performance personal computing and integrate their existing desktop applications. They will be able to pull together corporate data from all over the company to solve business problems and meet competitive demands quickly."

Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a part of Baxter International, the world's largest healthcare supplier with worldwide sales totaling more than $8 billion, is developing an innovative Warehouse Management System built around Windows NT, Windows NT Advanced Server and Microsoft SQL Server for Windows NT. Don Schoen, manager of distribution operating systems at Baxter Healthcare Corporation, said, "We believe the system will allow us to provide improved service and enhanced flexibility to meet unique customer requirements, while lowering our operating and facility costs in an environment where healthcare costs are coming under even closer scrutiny during the push for healthcare reform."

Applications at Windows World Illustrate Range of Windows NT-based Solutions

Well in advance of the first official customer shipment, Windows NT already has an unparalleled level of application support needed to meet a broad range of customer needs.

Windows NT runs more than 5,000 existing MS-DOS- and Windows-based applications already on the market. More than 75 new 32-bit commercial application development tools are already available to software developers for building applications for Windows NT and more than 250 are expected by year's end. More than 100 32-bit applications for Windows NT are expected to be shipping within 90 days after Windows NT ships. More than 500 applications are expected to be released by year's end, and another 1,500 are under development. In addition applications are being developed by corporate users for their in-house needs. Many software products are being moved from UNIX, VMS, AS/400, IBM mainframe and other high-end systems.

Nationwide Building Society, the second largest financial institution of its kind in the United Kingdom with assets of more than $50 billion (34 billion pounds), has made an organization-wide commitment to Windows NT. "In essence, all of Nationwide's core business systems will either Run within, or interface to, Windows NT," said Dr. Paul Feldman, Nationwide's head of technology management services. "Windows NT's power enables reliable access of up-to-the minute business information by all employees, which allows Nationwide to handle more customers more efficiently and reduces costs by streamlining business processes."

Windows NT Exploits New Hardware Systems

Windows NT has been tested and certified on more hardware platforms than any other high-end operating system in the world--on more than 1,000 different Intel and RISC-based hardware platforms, including more than 20 symmetric processing machines. Windows NT supports 650 printers, 50 SCSI peripheral devices, many network adapters and most popular display adapters supporting VGA, SuperVGA and XGA video modes with resolutions up to 1280x1024 and up to 16 million colors.

Windows NT provides a PC operating system capable of running on today's Intel 386 and 486 systems and exploiting an entirely new generation of microprocessor systems, including Intel Pentium designs, RISC designs and multiprocessor designs.

"We are very encouraged by Microsoft's announcement of Windows NT," said Dr. Andrew S. Grove, president and CEO of Intel Corporation. "The combination of Windows NT and Intel's Pentium processor will accelerate the use of microprocessor-based systems as the core technology for enterprise computing."

"Silicon Graphics is pleased to work with Microsoft and several leading PC vendors to offer technology that allows the industry-leading open RISC technology--the MIPS processor family--to run Windows NT," said Edward R. McCracken, president and CEO of Silicon Graphics, Inc. "MIPS RISC processors deliver unparalleled CPU power to fuel Windows NT and leading-edge, power-hungry applications."

"Windows NT on the Alpha/AXP processor will provide tremendous power and scalability for our customers," said Robert Palmer, president and CEO, Digital Equipment Corporation. "Alpha/AXP is the world's fastest microprocessor and is the perfect match to the advanced, 32-bit, multithreaded architecture of Windows NT. Together, Windows NT and Alpha/AXP are a powerful solution for Windows-based client-server computing."

Windows NT Combines Power, Familiar Ease of Windows

By being able to run existing MS-DOS- and Windows-based applications, and to coexist with existing MS-DOS- and Windows-based machines, Windows NT allows customers to install new high-end business applications easily in their existing work environment. Windows NT delivers a powerful, reliable and open platform for client-server solutions--business applications ranging from inventory management to sales automation to financial analysis. Windows NT also has the power to serve as a business workstation to integrate these client-server applications with existing Windows-based desktop applications or as a technical workstation to run high-end engineering or scientific applications.

As a superset of Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT makes users immediately productive through the familiar Windows user interface and technology--such as object linking and embedding and dynamic data exchange--currently used by 25 million customers of Windows. Additional productivity comes through integrated networking and mail, pre-emptively scheduled multitasking and support for background communication sessions Windows NT also provides automatic installation, even on networks, with automatic migration of information from previously installed versions of Windows 3.1.

Windows NT can scale to meet a company's increasing processing needs because it has no internal system constraints on resources and provides consistent support for Intel, RISC and multiprocessor systems.

High-end business applications require a reliable operating system. Customers deploying solutions on Windows NT-based desktops will benefit from its memory protection and application isolation, which prevent any application from crashing other applications or the system itself The quick recoverability in Windows NT includes support for uninterruptible power supplies and the Windows NT file system, a transaction-based recoverable file system. Windows NT has integrated security designed to meet U.S. Government C2 requirements--to guard against inadvertent or malicious tampering with the system, applications or company data. Built-in graphical management tools allow systems managers to monitor systems and quickly respond to any problems they might encounter.

Deploying client-server solutions today requires an open system. Windows NT provides customers with the widest software choice--new 32-bit applications for Windows, 16-bit applications for MS-DOS and Windows 3.1, 16-bit OS/2 character applications and POSIX applications--and also integrates with their existing environment, including Novell NetWare, VINES, UNIX, and SNA systems.

"Windows NT represents a synthesis of the best of PC computing, minicomputer and mainframe computing, and network computing," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president of the systems division at Microsoft. "Windows NT presents a foundation on which organizations can build for many years to come, while preserving customer investments in software. It also represents an incredible technical achievement of three-and-a-half million new lines of code--a testament to the dedication and self-discipline of 300 people with diverse skills and backgrounds who have worked as a team for more than four years."

Windows NT Advanced Server

The Windows NT Advanced Server is designed to be a dedicated server in a client-server environment. With its power, scalability, enhanced fault tolerance and standards-based openness, the Windows NT Advanced Server will make an excellent applications server on Novell NetWare, Banyan VINES and Microsoft networks, providing a platform for sophisticated business solutions such as financial, accounting and vertical applications. As an application server, it provides a powerful platform for the following:

* Database servers, such as Microsoft SQL Server and ORACLE

  Server, on top of which customers can build retail, banking,

  insurance and similar business solutions

* Communications servers such as Microsoft SNA Server

* Mail servers such as Microsoft Mail

For network management, the Windows NT Advanced Server also provides customers with centralized security and Server management, along with graphical tools to manage multiple systems, and gives users a single log on for the enterprise.

A superset of the Windows NT operating system, Windows NT Advanced Server provides additional reliability by supporting advanced fault tolerance including RAID 5. It also delivers Macintosh connectivity and the Remote Access Service--providing network and client-server connections to telecommuters, traveling executives and remote system managers over phone lines, X.25 and ISDN networks.

Windows NT Momentum Includes Development of Infrastructure

"From the many tens of thousands of developer kits we have sold to the hundreds of tools and business solutions already available in some form, it is clear that Windows NT has significant market momentum," said Dwayne Walker, director of Windows NT and networking products at Microsoft. "Through initial training of more than 8,000 people on the Windows NT platform and work with our partners, we have already laid a solid foundation for Windows NT as the premier client-server platform. We will continue to work with others in the industry to help customers design, build and deploy Windows NT-based business solutions that exploit the most powerful hardware and software to meet customer needs."

Availability

Subject to final feedback from customer test sites, Microsoft is scheduled to release Windows NT within the next 60 days. Other Windows NT-based products--Windows NT Advanced Server, SQL Server for Windows NT and SNA Server for Windows NT--are scheduled to follow shortly thereafter.

Windows NT will be available from value-added resellers, systems integrators, computer manufacturers and other participants in Microsoft's Solution Providers program, as well as from normal retail software outlets. For support, customers can choose from a range of services provided by some of the industry's leading support vendors, including Digital Equipment Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, NCR Corporation and others, as well as directly from Microsoft. Support vendors will offer design, installation, development and training support for Windows NT.

Pricing

The following are suggested retail prices for the Windows NT products:

* Windows NT, $495, with a special offer of $295 for users upgrading from Windows or OS/2

* Windows NT Advanced Server, $2995, with a six-month promotional price of $1495 and an upgrade price of $595 for users of Microsoft LAN Manager for OS/2

* SQL Server for Windows NT, $995 (single user), $2995 (10 users), $7995 (64 users) or $14,995 (1,000 users), with a variety of upgrade options depending on configuration

* SNA Server for Windows NT, $1495 (20 users) or $5995 (250 users), with upgrade pricing of $595 for users of the DCA/Microsoft Communications Server for OS/2 See the pricing chart for details and system requirements.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


24 System Vendors Deliver Windows NT Platforms
Twenty-four Leading Systems Vendors to Deliver Microsoft Windows NT Platform to Customers

High-end Desktops, Workstations, Servers Planned on Intel- and RISC-based Platforms

ATLANTA--May 24, 1993--Twenty-four leading computer hardware manufacturers today announced plans to ship products based on the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. Their products offer customers an unprecedented choice of systems on which to implement business-critical, client-server solutions, including PCs, workstations, servers and large-scale business systems.

"We're pleased to work with these 24 leading computer manufacturers," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president of the systems division at Microsoft Corporation. "Not only do they offer a fantastic choice of hardware, but they also bring the best in integrated systems and services to customers of Windows NT. Corporations will be able to draw on the tremendous expertise these vendors have developed in years of providing high-end business systems."

Companies making announcements today included Acer; ALR; AST Research, Inc.; Compaq Computer Corporation; Digital Equipment Corporation; Dell Computer Corporation; DeskStation Technology; Gateway 2000; Hewlett-Packard Company; IBM Personal Computer Company; ICL Personal Systems; Intel Corporation; Intergraph Corporation; NCR; NEC Technologies; NeTpower; Olivetti; Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.; Siemens Nixdorf; Silicon Graphics/MIPS; Texas Instruments, Inc.; Unisys Corporation; Wyse Communications; and Zenith Data Systems.

These announcements mark the first time that the Microsoft Windows operating system has been available for so many types of corporate computing platforms. The systems announced today include 386, 486 and Pentium-based systems, as well as RISC-based systems that include MIPS R4000 and R4400 as well as DEC Alpha--all ranging in size from one to 32 CPUs. This scalability of Windows NT is a prime benefit for corporate computer users who seek to share information, applications and processing in client-server environments. It lets them choose their vendors and platforms, integrate new hardware with their current environments, and run thousands of MS-DOS and Windows-based productivity applications alongside their client-server software.

Benefits for Corporate Customers

Vendors of Windows NT-based systems will be able to deliver to corporate customers a variety of benefits:

* PC vendors delivering Windows NT-based systems allow their customers to integrate a powerful platform for client-server computing with existing PC systems.

* Workstation vendors of Windows NT-based systems enable their customers to run high-end technical applications side-by-side with thousands of leading Windows-based productivity applications.

* Vendors of server systems, including symmetric multiprocessing systems, allow their users to gain the most powerful system available for client-server computing, server applications and network services. This offering of scalable systems will benefit customers by providing an easy migration path to downsize from mini- and mainframe environments.

Systems vendors are adopting Windows NT to expand their reach into new environments and market segments; sell a broader range of new, integrated solutions; and better assist their customers who want to migrate to more effective, client-server computing models.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX

-----------------------------------------------------------------

     Systems Vendors Delivering Windows NT Systems

"Microsoft is bringing the industry to a key turning point in PC design with Windows NT. Through its hardware abstraction layer (HAL), Windows NT for the first time frees PC hardware from the operating system, opening a new era of hardware innovation for PC designers. Along with Acer 486- and Pentium-based systems optimized for Windows NT are newly launched AcerFormula 64-bit, MIPS-based PCs, which utilize the Windows NT HAL and build the existing PC infrastructure to deliver workstation power at PC prices. Together these Acer solutions, along with Windows NT and its advanced capabilities, provide powerful platforms from the next generation of applications--including 3-D graphics, video teleconferencing and others we haven't even imagined."

Ronald Chwang

President and COO

Acer America Corporation

"We are pleased to be one of the first systems manufacturers to distribute Microsoft Windows NT. Being a part of the early beta site team has given ALR the ability to fine tune our systems to take full advantage of the power of Microsoft's Windows NT 32-bit processing. ALR offers a full line of 486DX and Pentium processor systems 'Ready to Run' with Windows NT."

Dave Kirkey

Vice President Marketing

Advanced Logic Research, Inc.

"Microsoft is clearly a leader when it comes to envisioning future needs in the high-end desktop and server marketplace. Windows NT is the only operating system designed from its inception to support multiple processors, for example, and is an ideal match for AST's Manhattan symmetric multiprocessor. The security, scalability and flexibility features of Windows NT also make it especially suitable for desktop systems and uniprocessor servers. AST enhances Windows NT by achieving higher performance levels through an accelerated graphics subsystem on AST's Premmia PC and through the availability of AST's Premium SE Server. We expect our corporate customers to be well-satisfied with this robust operating system."

Jerry Devlin

Vice President of U.S. Sales

AST Research, Inc.

"The powerful synergy between COMPAQ products and Windows NT results in systems that will enable customers to fully exploit the power of COMPAQ PCs and servers. This is especially important for the many businesses that are shifting their computing functions from proprietary, mainframes and minicomputers to high-performance PC-based systems. Together, Compaq and Microsoft are committed to deliver reliable products that assure businesses of the viability of PCs and servers for all types of business computing needs."

Eckhard Pfeiffer

President and CEO

Compaq Computer Corporation

"The introduction of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system represents a new era in open, client-server based computing, and Digital intends to be the premier supplier of Windows NT-based solutions. Our customers have asked for a robust, secure, industry-standard Windows-based platform onto which they can downsize their mission-critical applications, and we believe that Windows NT will be their operating system platform of choice. Digital has worked closely with Microsoft and will offer Windows NT across our entire family of high performance Alpha AXP and Intel-based PCs and servers. Digital's unparalleled worldwide sales and support organization will be fully trained to support our customers as they roll out enterprise-wide solutions based on Windows NT."

Jesse Lipcon

Vice President, Windows NT Programs

Digital Equipment Corporation

"Windows NT offers our customers a powerful, scalable 32-bit operating system, that addresses both standalone computing and the development of enterprise-wide applications. We intend to offer our customers guaranteed-compatible, ready-to-run Windows NT-based systems that are appropriate for addressing these requirements. This continues our tradition of providing Dell customers with the flexibility to choose a system configuration most appropriate for meeting their individual needs."

Michael Dell

Chairman and CEO

Dell Computer Corporation

"With Microsoft's strong support of the MIPS RISC platform, users of Windows NT now have access to high-performance RISC processing power previously available only in high-end workstations. By combining MIPS RISC technology with standard PC components, DeskStation's Evolution Series RISC PCs offer the best system value for running Windows NT applications."

Don Peterson

President

DeskStation Technology, Inc.

"Gateway 2000 is proud to announce its support for Windows NT. We plan to offer high performance configurations, designed specifically to run Microsoft's new operating system. As always, our strong relationship with Microsoft allows us to bring new products to market as soon as they are introduced."

Ted Waitt

President and CEO

Gateway 2000

"We are pleased to announce our support of Windows NT on our Intel-based desktop personal computers. We see Windows NT as an exciting technology which will enable our customers to advance to higher levels of functionality and performance."

Jacques Clay

General Manager

Hewlett-Packard Vectra Desktop PC Division

"As a leading vendor of network servers, the IBM Personal Computer Company intends to fully support Microsoft Windows NT, along with other major network operating systems, on our entire family of industry-leading server products. Windows NT will be able to take advantage of the power and features of our servers to deliver key solutions for business-critical client-server computing."

David Saxby

Director of Server Systems

IBM Personal Computer Company

"Windows NT is a strategic product for ICL. In fact we've already ported our office system, TeamOffice, to Windows NT. We have become one of Europe's largest PC vendors by focusing on the corporate market, and now our customers want to move onto client-server systems. We have a huge number of PC LANs installed, and Windows NT is going to make it a whole lot easier to move these systems to client-server. That is why it has become a priority for us to make sure that our workgroup solutions, TeamOffice and TeamWare, work with Windows NT from day one. ICL's adoption of Windows NT technology has already resulted in a huge Windows NT deal with Union Bank of Finland that will include more than 600 Windows NT Advanced Servers serving more than 6,500 workstations."

Ninian Eadie

Group Executive Vice President

International Computers, Ltd

"We are very encouraged by Microsoft's announcement of Windows NT. The combination of Windows NT and Intel's Pentium processor will accelerate the use of microprocessor-based systems as the core technology for enterprise computing."

Dr. Andrew S. Grove

President and CEO

Intel Corporation

"In the past, Intergraph relied on the UNIX operating system for the features needed to support our demanding graphics applications. While UNIX is powerful, there are many different implementations. Windows NT provides equivalent technical features in a single standard implementation, with the added advantages of the popular Windows graphical user interface and compatibility with the wealth of commercial applications available. Combining these with our own applications using Windows NT capabilities such as object linking and embedding, we create a powerful technical desktop that makes technical users more productive and increases the demand for Intergraph Solutions."

Tom Steele

Executive Vice President of Software Systems

Intergraph Corporation

"The performance of Windows NT on NCR systems is a natural outgrowth of the relationship between NCR and Microsoft. As a result, we believe NCR's System 3000 family represents the best possible choice for customers selecting the Windows NT environment."

Thomas A. Mays

Senior Vice President, General Purpose Products Group

NCR

"We're truly excited to have the opportunity to work with Microsoft to jointly develop RISC-based systems dedicated to the Windows NT operating environment--systems that go above and beyond Microsoft's requirement for a high-performance multitasking, multi-threaded environment. We're proud to be involved in a technology that will open new doors for users by empowering them to take advantage of the new generation of calculation- and graphics-intensive professional applications on the desktop. Our expectation is that Windows NT will significantly impact the open systems marketplace and ultimately dictate the future of computing, and we're pleased to lend our expertise in RISC technology and high-end channel relationships to this effort."

James Berrett

Chief Operating Executive

NEC Technologies, Inc.

"NeTpower supplies high-performance, RISC-based clients and servers preconfigured exclusively with Windows NT. NeTpower provides extra value to our customers in the areas of networking, graphics and ease of use."

Bob Miller

President and CEO

NeTpower

"Olivetti considers the new Windows NT software environment as a fundamental technology for its software and is committed to supporting Windows NT on a number of Olivetti products from PCs to servers in the LSX5000 system line to RISC workstations. Windows NT is a key component of the Olivetti strategy for implementing client-server computing within the Olivetti Open Systems Architecture (OSA). At Windows World, Olivetti is showing the impressive capabilities of Windows NT on a Pentium-based multiprocessor system and demonstrating our technology capabilities. Olivetti is endorsing the Intel CISC and ALPHA AXP RISC technologies that best exploit the new Windows NT software operating system, resulting in a diversified range of platforms to meet the different requirements of users and support the next generation of advanced applications."

Mr. Lucio Pinto

Executive Vice President,

Technology Strategy and Corporate Research

Olivetti

"We believe Windows NT will quickly become a leading operating system in companies running large mission-critical applications, and we intend to capture a large share of that market. Sequent's WinServer family offers a full range of scalable, high-performance SMP application servers designed to take advantage of Windows NT's features in an enterprise-wide client-server environment."

Casey Powell

President and CEO

Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.

"Silicon Graphics is pleased to work with Microsoft and several leading PC vendors to offer technology that allows the industry-leading open RISC technology--the MIPS processor family --to run Windows NT. MIPS RISC processors deliver unparalleled CPU power to fuel Windows NT and leading-edge, power-hungry applications."

Edward R. McCracken

President and CEO

Silicon Graphics, Inc.

"TI's TravelMate notebooks have been engineered from their inception as the optimal portable platform for Microsoft Windows, and they rival the power available on a desktop. Our line of exclusively 486-based notebooks offer configurations ranging up to a DX2J50 processor capable of supporting 20MB of memory combined with 200MB hard disk in a 6.2 pound package with active color LCD display. Windows NT now running on our powerful line of notebook computers brings new meaning to the term 'portable system."'

Thomas Stringfellow

Vice President

TI Peripherals Products Group

"Windows NT is an enhancement of the Windows 3.1 operating system targeted for the high-end desktop and PC LAN server markets. With the familiar Windows interface, Windows NT can support thousands of existing Windows-based applications, while adding significant new functionality for next-generation client and LAN server solutions. Windows NT lets users take advantage of the full power of Unisys leading-edge PW2 Advantage and Advantage Plus series of personal computers, including our new Pentium processor-based systems."

Donald Coleman

Vice President, Client/Server Systems

Unisys Corporation

"WYSE is proud to be participating in the official introduction of Windows NT. As an innovator in time symmetric multiprocessing architecture, we're pleased that Windows NT will be the first operating system that can fully harness the power of multiprocessing, while still providing users access to a wide range of shrink-wrapped Windows-based applications."

Aziz Valliani

Vice President and General Manager

Wyse Technology's Systems Division


Windows NT Client-Server Solutions
Client-server Solutions for Microsoft Windows NT Shown at Windows World

Applications From Major Vendors Demonstrate Power, Reliability, Openness

ATLANTA--May 24, 1993--Microsoft Corporation and independent software vendors (ISVs) together are demonstrating tremendous application support for the Microsoft Windows NT operating system this week at Windows World. Of the more than 1,000 32-bit applications listed in the Win32 Applications Catalog from Microsoft, more than 100 are being shown by ISVs in all of the major categories essential for deploying business-critical client-server computing. These categories include enterprise business solutions, database and application servers, enterprise-wide connectivity products, system management software, development tools and technical applications.

The demonstrations are taking place in the Microsoft Partners in Innovation booth (#W8214), an area at Windows World designed to showcase client-server solutions for the Windows NT operating system. The Win32 Applications Catalog is also being distributed to attendees from this booth.

"Customers buy solutions, not operating systems, so the critical factor for the success of an operating system is the availability of applications," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president of the systems division at Microsoft. "We are thrilled with the breadth and depth of applications for Windows NT being shown in our Partners in Innovation booth. With the availability of all these products from so many leading ISVs, corporations have everything they need to build and manage robust client-server solutions on Windows NT."

Enterprise Business Solutions

Businesses are using client-server technology to bring mainframe-capacity bu applications to PC platforms. Such applications require the power and reliability of while also benefiting from its ease of use and great price performance. Vendors of enterprise solutions demonstrating versions of their applications for Windows NT at Windows World include Executive Software; Great Plains Software; Ideas; Lawson Software; Lifesoft; Platinum Software Corporation; Timeline, Inc.; VMark Software; and Wonderware.

"Our strategy with enterprise-wide business applications is identical to Microsoft's strategy for Windows NT--providing a truly open, portable and scalable solution," said Dan Metzger, vice president of marketing at Lawson Software. "What Lawson has done with business applications is what Microsoft is offering the client-server market with Windows NT: the promise of a common environment that makes support of the enterprise-wide system painless, less complicated, more efficient and better controlled."

Database and Application Servers

Database servers allow businesses to manage large databases across heterogeneous networks. When combined with the power and reliability of Windows NT, database servers allow corporations to manage business-critical applications. Windows NT provides the power and reliability required for such high-end, transaction-oriented database servers. Application and database server vendors demonstrating Windows NT-based versions of their applications at Windows World include Automated Network Technologies; Calera Recognition Systems; Cincom Systems, Inc.; Desktop Data, Inc.; Gupta Corporation; Informix Software Inc.; Ingres; Lucas Management Systems; Microsoft Corporation; Objectivity; Oracle Corporation; Poet Software Corporation; and ViewStar Corporation.

Enterprise Connectivity Products

EnterPrise Connectivity Products allow Windows NT to fit into and enhance current enterprise network. Whether being used as a high-end desktop, an application server on another network or as a corporate network, Windows NT has open, industry-standard that allow it to fit into an existing corporate enterprise. Consequently, customers can adopt Windows NT-based solutions to meet their particular needs while maintaining their existing networks. All of the key connectivity vendors are showcasing their products for Windows NT at Windows World: Attachmate Corporation; Banyan Systems, Inc.; Beame & Whiteside; DCA; Eicon Technology Corporation; Frontier Technologies Corporation; KEA Systems Ltd.; Microsoft Corporation; NetSoft; Novell, Inc.; and SunSelect, a Sun Microsystems, Inc. business.

"Support for Windows NT is part of Banyan's commitment to providing our customers with the widest possible choice of desktop environments. Acting as a VINES client, Windows NT is an advanced platform for supporting both users and client-server applications such as Microsoft SQL Server throughout the enterprise," said Jim D'Arezzo, vice president, marketing, Banyan Systems, Inc.

System Management Software

Systems management software is essential to effective enterprise computing, and Windows NT is an enabling platform. Developers are providing solid management solutions across the enterprise that take advantage of the robust platform Windows NT offers. Vendors of systems management software demonstrating versions of their applications for Windows NT at Windows World include Fourth Wave Technology; Legent Corporation; Microsoft Corporation; Saber Software Corporation; ProTools, Inc.; and Tivoli Systems.

"Windows NT is the platform many customers have been waiting for to build advanced client-server applications that span their enterprises," said Frank Moss, president of Tivoli Systems, Inc. "The cost of managing large numbers of widely distributed Windows NT systems will be one of the primary roadblocks to the rapid adoption of Windows NT in the enterprise. Tivoli's industry-endorsed software framework and management applications, along number of applications being built by our third-party partners, will give customers the complete solution they need for managing Windows NT in these environments."

Development Tools

Traditional development tools previously used by many developers that can now be used on Windows NT for business-critical applications development and for mainframe applications migration to the Windows NT-based client-server platform will be demonstrated at Windows World. Also included will be new tools that help build complete client-server solutions leveraging the Windows NT architecture. Vendors demonstrating development tools include Bachman Information Systems, Inc.; Computer Associates; Congruent Corporation; Cooperative Solutions; Digital Equipment Corporation; Intelligent Environments; Intersolv, Inc.; Kenan Technologies; Kofax Image Products; KnowledgeWare, Inc.; LBMS, Inc.; Logic Works; Neuron Data, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; Mozart Systems Corporation; PharLap Software, Inc.; Softbridge, Inc.; Texas Instruments; and WinClient Technologies.

"As we continue to expand on our market leadership in client-server application development tools, we are actively evaluating and supporting operating systems that provide our customers with highly productive development environments," said Donald P. Addington, president and chief operating officer of KnowledgeWare. "Windows NT promises to provide such an environment for our customers."

Technical Applications

Technical applications are compute-intensive applications requiring powerful hardware platforms. Many are graphically intensive engineering applications. The Windows NT operating system has all of the power and features necessary to host technical/engineering applications in a 32-bit environment plus the capability to use these along with popular desktop productivity applications. The Windows NT powerful 32-bit platform benefits technical users by offering one PC platform to run both their engineering and desktop productivity applications. The Windows NT powerful 32-bit platform benefits technical users by offering one PC platform to run both their engineering and desktop productivity applications.

Vendors of technical applications demonstrating versions of their products for Windows NT at Windows World include Adobe Systems, Inc.; AGE Logic, Inc.; Aldus Corporation; Altsys Corporation; Autodesk, Inc.; Autologic; Digital Matrix Services, Inc.; Frame Technology; Intergraph Corporation; Interleaf, Inc.; Massteck Ltd.; Mercury Interactive; Metaphor, Inc.; National Instruments Corporation; PanData; SL Corporation; and Visual Numerics, Inc. Vendors that are demonstrating their powerful 32-bit desktop products include Altamira Software Corporation; Ex Machina, Inc.; IMRS; Information Resources, Inc.; Object Productivity, Inc.; and Welcom Software Technology.

"Previously, we had to use UNIX to host our world-class technical and engineering applications," said Tom Steele, executive vice president, software systems at Intergaph.  "However, Windows NT has all of UNIX's capabilities; is easy to network, configure and use; works with thousands of existing business and personal productivity applications for the Microsoft Windows operating system; and provides a completely consistent applications programming interface to developers across Intel- and RISC-based workstations."

Hardware Support

As an advanced operating system, Windows NT requires advanced hardware support. A number of hardware vendors will demonstrate hardware peripherals, such as printers/plotters, video boards, RAID/optical storage subsystems and tape backup hardware along with RISC platforms. The participating vendors include 3COM Corporation; AST Research Inc.; Conner Software; DeskStation Technologies Inc.; DigiBoard; Digital Equipment Corporation; Hewlett-Packard Company; Lexmark; Maxtor Corporation; Media Vision; NCR Corporation; NeTPower, Inc.; Olivetti; S3 Incorporated; SONY Corporation; SuperMac Technology; Video Logic; and WYSE Technology.

"Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft have shared technology and information tc capabilities in the Windows NT environment. This cooperation has resulted in solutions that address customer needs for excellent support of HP's broad range of peripherals, in printers, plotters, scanners and optical storage systems. Integrated in Windows NT is HP software that provides bidirectional communication with HP network-connected peripherals. Users receive status messages, such as paper out, off-line, etc., to increase their productivity. In addition, network administrators have access to advanced capabilities for managing these HP products," said Bill McGlynn, marketing manager for the printing systems group at Hewlett-Packard.

Japanese Applications

The Microsoft Partners in Innovation booth will also offer demonstrations of several popular Japanese (Kanji) language versions of applications for Windows NT. These Japanese versions, which demonstrate the global reach of Windows NT, will be shown by Bitstream, Inc.; Computervision, Inc.; Eicon Technology Corporation; and NetManage.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Microsoft and SAP Forge Strategy

Joint Technological Cooperation Expanded to Marketing and Development

MUNICH, Germany--April 30, 1993--Microsoft Corporation and SAP AG, one of the world' s largest software vendors and parent company of SAP America, Inc., forged a worldwide cooperative agreement at a press conference today. The agreement expands the existing relationships based on SAP's announcement last week to port its client-server-based R/3 System of applications software to the Microsoft Windows NT (New Technology) operating system. The R/3 System has been available since July 1992 and has more than 250 customers worldwide.

The worldwide agreement elevates the joint technological cooperation to the next level, promoting further cooperation between the two companies in areas of marketing and development. With this agreement, SAP and Microsoft have laid the foundation for a far-reaching cooperation that combines the specific technological expertise and experience of both companies.

"Our interest in the Microsoft NT operating system extends beyond the Windows front-end to include the full range of our comprehensive three-level client-server architecture," said Dr. Hasso Plattner, vice chairman of the SAP AG executive board. "SAP' s client-server architecture is flexible and open, allowing us to incorporate innovative technologies into the R/3 System. We plan to synchronize our development efforts with Microsoft to maximize Microsoft's productivity tools. Together, we will provide customers with more efficient exchange of data and higher quality information management between enterprise systems and end-user tools."

"We are pleased that SAP, as one of the world's most successful suppliers of standard software, is supporting Microsoft's client-server operating system--Windows NT. We are convinced that many companies will be motivated by SAP's commitment to consider Windows NT as a viable option," said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. "With the additional platform of Windows NT for R/3 we will be able to offer our common customers more efficiency, scalability, application integration and user-friendliness."

The agreement between SAP and Microsoft includes:

* Porting of SAP's R/3 System to the Microsoft Windows NT platform and Microsoft SQL Server for Windows NT. SAP plans to port R/3's full range of integrated, enterprise-wide business applications, including financial and cost accounting; manufacturing and sales distribution; and human resource planning.

* Developing coordinated marketing activities for the R/3 System on Windows NT.

* Exchanging technology and industry expertise and experience to improve the development of system architecture and products in the client/server environment.

"SAP is a very technically sophisticated developer of integrated, enterprise-wide business applications," said Paul Maritz senior vice president of the systems division at Microsoft. "Working with SAP on an enterprise-wide computing architecture has the potential to bring to Microsoft's operating system platform what corporations of all sizes need: high performance and easily customized business solutions in a distributed computing environment.

Porting SAP's R/3 System to Microsoft Windows NT

The first R/3 products for Windows NT will be presented by SAP at the next CeBIT tradeshow in Hannover in March 1994, and released later that year. SAP's decision to port its client-server-based R/3 System to the Microsoft Windows NT operating system emphasizes SAP's commitment to open systems and their pledge to provide its customers with the flexibility and freedom to choose their hardware and operating platforms.

Embedding Microsoft Windows NT and database products into SAP's three-level client-server architecture will increase the possible applications for the R/3 System. With this option of using the R/3 System on Windows NT, SAP can target its software to companies with as few as 250 employees and 16 computer workstations. Since the majority of workstations currently running the R/3 System also run the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft applications, customers can make the best use of their investment.

Further Cooperation in Marketing

The agreement expands SAP and Microsoft's relationship to include cooperation in the areas of marketing and promotion. These marketing efforts will include joint seminars and promotional activities for all collaboration efforts. However, SAP and Microsoft will continue to offer their products independently.

Information Exchange

The cooperation with Microsoft includes the integration of Microsoft productivity tools such as Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Access database. The goal of the collaboration is to maximize the communication of the R/3 System and Microsoft's applications in an open system environment. To facilitate this, Microsoft will support SAP with technical information and knowhow during the implementation of R/3 on Windows NT.

In addition, SAP and Microsoft are planning joint development projects designed to drive the development of system architectures and products in the client-server environment. Experts from both companies will work closely to exchange knowledge and expertise in specific technological areas.

Since its foundation over 20 years ago, SAP has expanded to become the largest independent software house in Germany. The company which is based in Walldorf Inear Heidelberg), now employs a workforce of over 3,300 and has more than 28 subsidiaries worldwide. SAP America, its largest subsidiary, is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. With its standard software systems, R/2 for mainframes, R/3 for client/server platforms and SC/400 for AS/400 users, SAP serves over 26,000 customers in 35 different countries.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Microsoft Access Database Mgmt System V1.1
Microsoft Access

Relational Database Management System for Windows version 1.1

Microsoft Access now works with more data formats for greater information management

Users and corporations have large investments in existing data and, as a result, they require a powerful database that works with a variety of desktop and client-server environments. To help preserve these investments, Microsoft Access version 1.1 now allows users to operate openly against an even greater variety of data sources, making it easier for end users to access that data and for MIS and developers to control and manage the way users get at the data. Whether on a workstation, across a network or in a client-server configuration, Microsoft Access lets users share data easily, even if they are using different database products.

Microsoft Access version 1.1 offers the following:

* Direct connectivity to read and write Oracle data through

  Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)

* Direct connectivity to read and write Sybase SQL Server data

  through ODBC

* Direct connectivity to Microsoft FoxPro 2.0 and 2.5 data and

  indexes

* A new, more robust ODBC driver to Microsoft SQL Server,

  using fewer connections and operating faster than Microsoft

  Access 1.0

* Faster and more flexible fixed-width text importing, including

  support for variable lengths

* Improved support for Btrieve data--the INDEX.DDF file is no

  longer required to be able to read Btrieve .DAT files

* Easier importing of Microsoft Excel database named ranges

* A new Export option for moving data into Word for Windows

  Mail Merge format

* Various additional data access enhancements. For instance,

  users of Microsoft Access 1.1 can attach to Paradox tables

  that are currently in use and can attach to dBASE files on a CD

Additional enhancements in Microsoft Access version 1.1

* The maximum database file size has increased from 128MB to

  1 gigabyte

* Third-party add-in Wizard products are now even easier to

  install, allowing users to take advantage of the growing

  third-party tool market for better productivity

* Various other smaller enhancements at the request of customers

Upgrade information

Microsoft Access version 1.1 is scheduled to be available through resellers or direct from Microsoft in the spring of 1993. The cost of the upgrade is essentially the cost of materials-- $14.95 (suggested retail price) from resellers. (Add $5.00 freight when purchased directly from Microsoft.) Because of the importance of access to data, the Microsoft Access 1.1 license and software allows customers to copy the Microsoft Access version 1.1 upgrade onto any machine with 1.0 installed at no additional cost.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Microsoft Access Distribution Kit V1.1
Microsoft Access

Distribution Kit for Windows version 1.1

Now. you can distribute your Windows-based database applications-- royalty-free.

The Microsoft Access Distribution Kit is designed to give you the tools you need to develop and distribute applications. The kit enables you to create your own interface by removing the database container, the Microsoft splash screens and the toolbar from applications that use the run time. It also allows you to add your own touches, such as an application-specific title bar, program item icon and custom Help.

* Use the run-time version of Microsoft Access to perform all the programmatic and macro activities of the full-packaged product while retaining your control of the end-user environment (prevents users from using design modes)

* Distribute unlimited copies of your applications for Microsoft Access to others without requiring them to have a full version of Microsoft Access and without requiring you to pay run-time royalties to Microsoft

* Use the Custom Setup program to easily install your application, program group, program items and icons

* Create application-specific Help files to guide users through your applications using the Windows Help compiler

* Incorporate graphs and charts into your database applications with the Microsoft Graph run time (included)

* Reduce the amount of time it takes to build an application disk set by using the Setup Wizard

With the Microsoft Access Distribution Kit and Microsoft Access database 1.1, you can incorporate your own wizards into your applications. The Microsoft Access Distribution Kit includes The Secrets of AccessWizards, a book which reveals the essential information you need to develop, debug, test, install and use AccessWizards.

And we haven't forgotten about connectivity. The Microsoft Access Distribution Kit also allows you to take advantage of Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)--just as Microsoft Access 1.1 does. Microsoft Access 1.1 and the Microsoft Access Distribution Kit allow users to access an even greater variety of data sources, including Oracle and Sybase SQL Server, as well as Microsoft SQL Server. The Microsoft Access Distribution Kit includes the ODBC setup disk which you can distribute to your customers-- royalty-free.

Order information

The Microsoft Access Distribution Kit version 1.1 is scheduled to be available through resellers and direct from Microsoft in the spring of 1993. The suggested retail price is $495 (plus freight and applicable sales tax when ordered direct from Microsoft). Note: You must have a copy of the Microsoft Access DBMS version 1.1 to use the Microsoft Access Distribution Kit.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


OLE 2.0 Applications Momentum Builds
OLE 2.0 Applications Momentum Builds at Windows World '93

Wide Range of Applications and Tools Demonstrate Breadth of OLE 2.0 Features

ATLANTA--May 24, 1993--Twenty-five independent software vendors (ISVs) are demonstrating the Microsoft object linking and embedding (OLE 2.0) technology at Windows World this week by showing their OLE 2.0-compliant applications in the Microsoft Corporation ISV booth, (#W8214).

These demonstrations follow on the heels of the OLE 2.0 Developers' Conference, held May 3-5, where eight companies demonstrated OLE 2.0-compliant applications to more than 1,200 developers for the first time. Since the conference, more than 3,800 OLE 2.0 SDKs have been shipped to ISVs.

"The 25 companies demonstrating OLE 2.0 applications at Windows World are a good example of the richness and creativity of products that OLE 2.0 enables," said Jonathan Lazarus, vice president of systems strategy at Microsoft. "The technology is applicable across many segments of the software marketplace."

Vendors Demonstrate Applicability of OLE 2.0

Represented in Microsoft's ISV booth are development and debugging tools, database reporting programs, multimedia programs and tools, document management programs, factory automation programs, fax management software, and charting and drawing programs.

This selection of software vendors and their products illustrates the powerful capabilities that the OLE 2.0 infrastructure enables: OLE 2.0 Automation, "visual editing", Drag-and-Drop and Compound Files.

OLE 2.0 Automation allows an object to expose its commands and data in an open way, enabling cross-application programmability and common macro languages. Both Shapeware's Visio product and Mosaic Technology's CURO product expose their functionality through OLE Automation so that other applications can drive these products remotely. Products from Chrisalan Designs, Summit Software and Wilson Wonderware have been enhanced to be able to drive OLE Automation-enabled programs remotely, making them ideal front ends for custom vertical programs.

As an OLE 2.0 container, an application can contain embedded objects that can be activated within the window of the container. This feature allows for the editing of objects in a natural way for users, and is known as "visual editing." Indigo Software's ReportSmith demonstrates the ability to contain objects and edit them in place. Object applications that support "visual editing" when activated within a container include Straylight Razor and Visio.

With Drag and Drop, OLE 2.0 provides a uniform set of interfaces that allow the user to conveniently transfer information to and from a variety of applications with real-time data updates using a simple drag-and-drop mouse action. Among the vendors demonstrating support for Drag and Drop are Fourth Wave, Icons International, LABTECH, Lenel Systems and Macromedia. OLE 2.0 also provides for real-time updates of linked objects in the container while the object is being edited. CorelDRAW 4 from Corel Systems Corporation demonstrates this new feature.

OLE 2.0 introduces Compound Files, which provide sophisticated storage system interfaces for the containment of hierarchies of objects, such as those required by rich compound documents. SoftSolutions' document management application uses the Compound File feature for storing its documents as well as supporting Drag and Drop.

"Our vision is to build OLE 2.0 objects that bring functionality into the customer's existing environment," said Lee Friedman, multimedia technologies manager at the NCR Human Interface Technology Center. "We believe that OLE 2.0 objects provide the means to bring value-added hardware and software functionality to the broad user community. The OLE 2.0 technology allows us to do this while hiding the complexity so that we can provide intuitive tools that do not require extra user training. Right now, we can bring Video for Windows, AutoDesk Animation, Animation Works Interactive and images as OLE 2.0 objects into any container application such as a word processor or database so that 'real' people can use multimedia easily in the course of their work."

"We think that OLE 2.0 is one of the most important technologies to come along since the graphical user interface (GUI) and will have as much impact on the way people use computers as the switch to GUIs did," said David R. Skok, president of Watermark Software, Inc. "In Watermark's case, we're using OLE 2.0 to put paper-based information at your fingertips, replacing arcane paper and fax handling methods."

OLE 2.0 allows developers to choose those features of OLE 2.0, like Drag and Drop, "visual editing" and OLE Automation, that make the most sense for their particular application. It is backward compatible with OLE 1.0 and is designed to take optimum advantage of future versions of the Windows operating system.

OLE 2.0 is a productivity-enhancing object technology that allows users a new level of integration among applications. The highly intuitive way in which OLE allows applications to work together means that users can focus on their work instead of thinking about how to apply technology to accomplish various tasks.

"The potential of OLE 2.0 is very exciting to me," said Elizabeth Bailey, graphic and fine artist at Studio Rudi in Houston. "It will be much more convenient and will save time and frustration and alleviate stress. I am looking forward to using OLE 2.0-enabled applications in my work."

OLE 2.0 Availability

The final version of OLE 2.0 is shipping, thereby allowing developers to start creating applications using sophisticated object technology. The OLE 2.0 Software Development Kit, priced at $50, may be ordered by calling Microsoft Developer Services at (800) 227-4679. The OLE 2.0 SDK is also available by subscribing to the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN).

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Z-NIX Settles Lawsuit With Microsoft
Z-NIX Settles Software Piracy Lawsuit With Microsoft

Settlement Vindicates Microsoft Infringement Claims

REDMOND, Wash.--April 28, 1993--Microsoft Corporation announced today that a settlement agreement has been reached in its software piracy lawsuit against former Microsoft OEM licensee Z-Nix Company, Inc., President Jimmy Chen and three of its distributors. The lawsuit was originally filed by Microsoft in June 1992 against Z-Nix for copyright and trademark infringement and breach of contract. It followed a two month investigation, during which Microsoft alleged that it uncovered Z-Nix's massive illegal distribution of the Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1.

"The settlement vindicates our infringement claims, as well as our termination of Z-Nix's license agreement last year," said Jim Lowe, corporate attorney for Microsoft. "It also reflects Microsoft's consistent position that Z-Nix's antitrust counterclaims had no merit." Specific settlement terms, including any monetary component, are confidential.

Microsoft terminated Z-Nix' s license agreement last summer on the basis of evidence that hundreds of thousands of copies of Microsoft Windows software were being illegally distributed under the Z-Nix label. In an effort to avoid litigation, Microsoft attempted to conduct an audit of Z-Nix, as permitted by its license agreement. After Z-Nix refused to allow access to its records, Microsoft filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles to protect its copyrights and trademarks. Z-Nix's continuing activities after a federal judge imposed a restraining order resulted in its and Jimmy Chen's being held in contempt of court with monetary damages awarded to Microsoft.

Microsoft also concluded settlement agreements with three Z-Nix distributors, Jactech Corporation, Max Group Corporation, and PC Man, Inc., also on confidential terms. "We will continue to bring legal actions against distributors and resellers of unauthorized Microsoft software, because these vendors also incur liability under federal copyright and trademark laws," Lowe said.

Microsoft noted that it is continuing its worldwide investigation of the counterfeit Windows product in Z-Nix packaging because of the product's persistent availability. "Z-Nix lost all rights to reproduce or distribute Microsoft Windows so long ago that all Microsoft software bearing the Z-Nix name available in the marketplace today, with or without a Z-Nix mouse, should be considered counterfeit," Lowe said. Any consumers or resellers having questions or concerns about the legitimacy of Microsoft products should contact the Microsoft Piracy Hotline, (800) NOCOPYN.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


SNA Server for Windows NT in Beta Test
SNA Server for Microsoft Windows NT Enters General Beta Testing

REDMOND, Wash.--April 27, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today announced the release of its Microsoft SNA Server for Windows NT (New Technology) into general beta testing. More than 500 corporations worldwide will be participating in the beta program to help ensure that the product meets their needs on final release, scheduled shortly after the release of the Microsoft Windows NT operating system.

A previous phase-one beta, begun last October, was targeted at more than 100 independent software developers (ISVs) planning to integrate existing products or to build new value-added solutions for SNA Server for Windows NT. Many of these applications are also available from leading vendors for beta testing with SNA Server.

SNA Server gives the Windows NT Advanced Server the connectivity into the various IBM mainframe and minicomputer environments. Microsoft recognizes that in order to fully enable the popular "downsizing" direction in corporate computing with Windows NT and client-server architecture, users must be provided all the tools for immediate coexistence and eventual migration with the installed base of IBM mainframes and minicomputers.

SNA Server provides network users with flexible and complete connectivity through one or many Windows NT Advanced Servers to IBM SNA networks, connecting desktops running the Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, MS-DOS, OS/2 and Macintosh operating systems to IBM host systems such as the IBM ES/9000 mainframe and IBM AS/400 minicomputer families.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Microsoft Doubles User Group Donations
User Groups Raise $15,000 for Charity; Microsoft Doubles Donations

REDMOND, Wash.--April 27, 1993--User groups around the country raised almost $15,000 for charities at the launch of the Microsoft MS-DOS 6 operating system last month.

Microsoft Corporation will match the totals, doubling the overall contribution to nearly $30,000. The fundraising was a special part of the MS-DOS 6 launch, the theme of which was "doubling."

The following user groups participated, with their charities of choice noted:

Boston Computer Society--Boston Can; Capital PC User Group, Inc. (Washington D.C.)--American Heart Association; Chicago Computer Society--Information Technology Resource Center and CompuMentor Chicago Program; Danbury Area Computer Society (Connecticut)--Voice for Joanie; Houston Area League--Texas Medical Center BioCommunications Development Fund; North Texas PC Users' Group--Dallas Computer Literacy Program; Orange Coast IBM PC User Group and North Orange County Computer Club-- Tim Smith Scholarship Fund (Orange Coast College, Calif.); Pasadena IBM Users' Group-- Elliot Adopt A School; Philadelphia Computer Society--Drexel University; Phoenix PC Users' Group--St. Mary's Food Bank; Sacramento PC Users' Group--United Way; Pacific Northwest PC Users' Group--Seattle Children's Hospital; St. Louis Users' Group for the PC (SLUG)--St. Louis Science Center.

At the launch event in San Francisco, the Diablo Valley User Group, Golden Gate Computer Society, San Francisco PC Users Group, Silicon Valley Computer Society and Stanford Palo Alto Computer Society combined to contribute to four charities: Programmers with Disabilities, St. Anthony's Dining Room, San Francisco Bay Association and Senior Net.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Windows 3.1 Available In Other Languages
Microsoft Windows 3.1 Available in Czech, Hungarian, Polish; Cyrillic Supported

MUNICH--April 27, 1993--Microsoft Windows version 3.1, the world's most popular graphical operating system, is now fully localized for users in Hungary, Poland, and the Czech and Slovak republics. With Windows 3.1 and TrueType font technology now available in Czech, Hungarian and Polish, users can create multilingual documents using Western European, Eastern European and Cyrillic characters all in one document.

For example, a translation agency can easily create documents with Czech, French and Russian characters. In all, the Czech, Hungarian and Polish versions of Windows support more than 25 languages in Windows-based applications that support TrueType technology.

Users of Windows in Eastern Europe can expect several other localized products, such as Microsoft Works for Windows, Microsoft Word for Windows and Microsoft Excel, scheduled for release in the second and third quarters of 1993.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Windows for Workgroups Network Product of Year
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups Chosen as Networking Product of the Year

REDMOND, Wash.--April 27, 1993--The Microsoft Windows for Workgroups operating system with integrated networking version 3.1 has been selected as the Networking Product of the Year by readers of the weekly computer trade publication InfoWorld. The announcement was made yesterday in a news release issued by the InfoWorld Publishing Company and was also published in the April 26 issue of the newsweekly.

In a sampling of 100,000 InfoWorld readers, Windows for Workgroups won top honors in the networking products category. The readers polled comprise PC systems managers who have volume buying responsibility for American business, government, education and the professions.

The InfoWorld Readers' Choice Award joins the list of 13 domestic and 7 international

honors that Windows for Workgroups has won worldwide since its introduction last October.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


D&B Software & Microsoft Agreement
D&B Software and Microsoft Sign Agreement Encompassing SmartStream, Windows NT, SQL Server for Windows NT and Microsoft Access

Microsoft to Beta Test SmartStream Products

REDMOND, Wash.--April 27, 1993--Dun & Bradstreet Software and Microsoft Corporation announced today that they are expanding their relationship to deliver client-server business solutions. The two companies will work together to bring enterprise-wide SmartStream applications for the Microsoft Windows NT (New Technology) operating system and Microsoft SQL Server for Windows NT to market. In addition, Microsoft will beta test D&B Software's SmartStream products, and D&B Software will resell the Microsoft Access database management system (DBMS).

"Our relationship with D&B Software will provide customers with the enterprise-wide solutions they have been asking for," said Bill Gates, CEO and chairman of Microsoft Corporation. "The combination of D&B Software's SmartStream products with Windows NT meets users' requirements to bring together applications for transaction processing and decision support on powerful and reliable computer systems. By building Microsoft Access into its solution, D&B Software and its customers can use a ground-breaking desktop database tool to minimize development time and provide maximum flexibility to end users."

D&B Software CEO Hank Holland said, "These agreements are clear examples of the expanding business relationship we are forming with Microsoft. SmartStream, Windows NT and Microsoft Access-based products will give global companies powerful client-server solutions to enhance performance and run their businesses more competitively."

The two companies have announced an agreement under which Microsoft will provide technology and design input in order to assist D&B Software in bringing forth a full suite of SmartStream client-server applications fully exploiting Windows NT and SQL Server for Windows NT. These enterprise-wide products will include D&B Software's SmartStream Decision Support system as well as Financial Stream, HR Stream, Distribution Stream and Manufacturing Stream applications.

Microsoft has licensed an early release of the Windows NT version of D&B Software's SmartStream products and will begin beta testing for possible worldwide internal use later this

"D&B Software's SmartStream has all of the key features that Microsoft looks for in order to migrate our mission-critical business applications to a client-server architecture," said Neil Evans, CIO of Microsoft. "These features include global functionality to support doing business in more than 40 countries, scalability to support the smallest to the largest sales units and flexibility based on workflow processing with electronic mail distribution capability. I'm sure that other Fortune Global 1000 companies will find it a valuable solution as well."

D&B Software to Resell Microsoft Access

In a related action, the two companies have agreed that D&B Software will resell Microsoft Access as a query and reporting tool embedded in its SmartStream products, beginning with the upcoming releases of Decision Support 2.0 and Financial Stream. D&B Software is building upon the powerful Microsoft Access query engine, flexible Access Basic development language and the user-friendly Wizard technology to bring complex queries and reports closer to the end user. By addressing sophisticated reporting and query problems that historically required MIS involvement, D&B Software is empowering end users to satisfy even their most complex information needs without having to recreate any data.

D&B Software's Executive Vice President Mike Choukas said, "Although used primarily as a database tool, D&B Software has found Microsoft Access to be the best combination reporting and query product with customization capabilities for commercial enterprise needs. And the scalability and powerful built-in networking, security and reliability features of Windows NT make it a natural selection as a corporate-wide server operating system."

More on D&B Software and Microsoft Products

SmartStream is an open and scalable application environment that provides the platform for business process driven, integrated, on-line transaction processing and decision support applications. SmartStream offers users a single source of access to information located in a variety of corporate databases. Its distributed, flexible and customizable message-based workflow empowers users, enhances business productivity and streamlines decision support. SmartStream supports distributed transactions and information access, agent-driven process customization and electronic mail distribution capabilities.

SmartStream Decision Support products currently run under the Microsoft Windows operating system on the desktop, with the Microsoft and SYBASE SQL Server database running on Hewlett-Packard's HP-UX, Data General's DG/UX, IBM's OS/2 and Digital Equipment Corporation's VAX-based Open VMS) operating systems.

Windows NT is a powerful, reliable and open operating system platform, ready for the demands of client-server computing and the advancing power of personal computers in the 1990s and beyond. Incorporating the benefits of the family of Windows operating systems--ease of use, application integration and choice of leading applications--the Windows NT operating system platform extends these benefits in a powerful platform for client-server computing. Microsoft SQL Server is the leading relational DBMS for network-based client-server applications, with hundreds of front-end tools and applications available to help developers get new applications up and running.

Designed to empower interactive users and developers alike, Microsoft Access addresses a wide range of skill levels. Its programmability gives developers the flexibility to build sophisticated applications, while at the same time, end users can take advantage of the visual tools, interactive learning tools and Wizard task automation.

D&B Software is the largest company of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation's $533 million Software Services segment, with over 10,000 customers in more than 60 countries. The company develops, markets and supports products and services for three key technologies that have emerged as priorities for the company's customer base. These are fully distributed client-server transaction processing applications for financial, human resource, distribution and manufacturing areas; rightsizing applications, such as the company's UNIX(9, DEC VAX and PC LAN products; and IBM host-based applications for general business needs.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


FoxPro Migration Kit Version 2.0
Microsoft Announces FoxPro Migration Kit Version 2.0

New Version Supports ClipperSummer '87 and dBASE IV 2.0, Making the Move to FoxPro Easier for Even More Customers

REDMOND, Wash.--May 18, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today announced that the Microsoft FoxPro Migration Kit version 2.0 has been released to manufacturing. The kit includes software and comprehensive documentation for users of Clipper Summer '87 and dBASE IV, making the move to the Microsoft FoxPro database version 2.5 for the Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS operating systems even easier.

"Users of Clipper and dBASE can now quickly upgrade their existing applications and files to FoxPro," said Roger Heinen, senior vice president of the database and development tools division at Microsoft. "Moving to FoxPro allows users to take full advantage of Windows and make applications and queries significantly faster."

The FoxPro Migration Kit is part of Microsoft's upgrade program for users of dBASE-compatible products that began nearly three months ago. The upgrade program allows dBASE users to easily and economically move to Microsoft FoxPro version 2.5. Since announcing the upgrade program just three months ago, Microsoft has received nearly 10,000 orders for the kit, which Microsoft also permits to be duplicated and distributed at no charge. And since FoxPro 2.5 shipped in January, tens of thousands of dBASE-compatible users have already upgraded to FoxPro version 2.5.

dBASE Users Speak Out About the FoxPro Migration Kit

"We used the Migration Kit to analyze our dBASE code currently on a VMS platform," said Mark Barron, programmer analyst at Tyson Foods in Springdale, Arkansas. "After only a few minutes, the conversion software highlighted the key potential incompatibilities and suggested alternatives for easy migration. We were impressed with the speed and ease, and especially liked the ability to view potential problem areas by severity."

"The FoxPro Migration Kit makes porting screens and files from dBASE fast and simple," said Omar Rivero, programmer analyst for Siemens Industrial Automation Group. "We found the kit's documentation extensive, and the software thorough. We appreciate Microsoft providing dBASE customers this kit at no charge."

New FoxPro Migration Kit Version 2.0 Supports Clipper Summer '87 and dBASE IV 2.0

Enhancements to the Microsoft FoxPro Migration Kit version 2.0 were based on feedback from database developers and users. "dBASE IV 2.0 and Clipper developers have told us they have many applications that could be even more productive in the Windows graphical environment," said Tod Nielsen, group product manager for FoxPro at Microsoft. "Now, with the new FoxPro Migration Tools, we can help them make the switch as well."

Version 2.0 now includes utilities and documentation for finding and fixing any code incompatibilities between FoxPro and Clipper, converting .NTX indexes to FoxPro-based indexes and for creating FoxPro screens from Clipper program files. The Migration Kit officially supports Clipper Summer '87 and Summer '87 functionality in Clipper 5.x.

The FoxPro Migration Kit version 2.0 is available at no charge from Microsoft by calling (800) 882-2000, as is information about the upgrade program. In addition, this kit is available now for download in electronic form on FOXFORUM on the CompuServe Information Service.

Nationwide Seminars and Support Make the Move to FoxPro 2.5 Easier

To support dBASE-compatible users in their move to FoxPro, Microsoft began conducting a nationwide series of no-cost seminars in February. When the seminars end, more than 200 will have been conducted worldwide. Microsoft expects more than 22,000 influential dBASE and dBASE-compatible users to attend these seminars to learn how easy it is for their applications to be upgraded to FoxPro. In addition, Microsoft has an expert support team ready to help customers move to FoxPro.

More on FoxPro 2.5 for Windows and FoxPro 2.5 for MS-DOS

Microsoft FoxPro version 2.5 is a powerful, high-performance database management system for Windows and MS-DOS that extends the performance and development tool advances set by the award-winning Microsoft FoxPro version 2.0. Since its release in January 1993, FoxPro 2.5 has become the best-selling dBASE-compatible database for the professional database application developer, and the only dBASE-compatible product that takes full advantage of the Windows environment. The product is three times faster in multiuser and multitable operations than its predecessor. In addition, both FoxPro 2.5 for MS-DOS and FoxPro 2.5 for Windows received Editors' Choice honors from PC Magazine in its relational database roundup review in the May 11 issue.

The suggested retail price for FoxPro version 2.5 for MS-DOS or FoxPro version 2.5 for Windows is $495. To upgrade from Microsoft FoxPro 2.0, the price is $199. For a limited time, this upgrade will be further discounted to the retail channel and will also be available directly from Microsoft to users of competing desktop database products for only $149. This offer expires on June 30, 1993.

Microsoft FoxPro version 2.5 is part of a family of database and development tools provided by Microsoft that enables programmers to create components and solutions for solving corporate business problems. Tools in this family include the Microsoft Access database, the Microsoft Visual Basic programming system, the Microsoft Visual C++ programming system and others.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Run Windows Apps on Other Software Platforms
Microsoft to Make It Possible for Windows-based Applications to Run on Other Software Platforms

REDMOND, Wash.--May 4, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today announced that it will make it possible for applications for the Microsoft Windows operating system to run on other software platforms, including UNIX g' operating systems and the Apple Macintosh. The availability of the Windows applications programming interfaces (APIs) for other platforms will greatly simplify the work of developers who want to have applications running in multiple environments.

"Customers have asked us for a safe and easy way to run Windows-based applications on other platforms," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president, systems division at Microsoft. "The best way for us to ensure that this is done with the highest degree of compatibility and quality is for us to make licenses available for our technology to selected partners. This also provides a means for customers and developers to get the benefits of future improvements to Windows such as object linking and embedding."

"This is exactly what we have been waiting for from Microsoft," said Dave Aynardi, manager of the information systems energy systems business unit at Westinghouse Corporation. "We have an integrated engineering and business environment. Our strategic direction has been to run and support applications that run in MS-DOS, Windows and UNIX worlds. This makes that effort less complex."

Microsoft concluded its first agreement to license Windows source code and associated intellectual property--the Windows user interface, Windows APIs, and the Windows trademark and logo--to Insignia Solutions Inc. of Mountain View, Calif., a well-known vendor of cross-platform technology for UNIX systems.

In addition to Windows source code, Microsoft will also provide test suites and software tools (16- and 32-bit, as appropriate) to help verify compatibility. These test suites and tools are designed to provide assurance to the licensees and their customers that the end products are compatible with Windows and that Windows-based applications will run successfully.

New Tools Also Target Macintosh

Microsoft also said that it is developing tools to enable C and C++ developers building Windows-based applications to also target the Apple Macintosh, allowing a common base of source code between the two systems. The tools will provide developers the flexibility to also access APIs specific to System 7 in order to take advantage of unique System 7 features. The toolset will include a layer that implements Windows APIs on the System 7 operating system.

The ability of Windows-based applications to run on UNIX systems or the Macintosh means that developers can write graphical applications once and have them run on other systems without the significant development time or cost usually associated with porting that application to a different system.

Developers and Customers Support the Announcement

"Micrografx is focused on developing to the Windows API," said Lyle Griffin, vice president of development at Micrografx. "The work Microsoft is doing with Insignia will be very beneficial to software vendors and end users because it allows us to focus on one programming interface and not have to worry about supporting multiple application interfaces."

"Because we are committed to providing cross-platform compatibility and support for our applications, we see this as a positive move," said Dave Moon, senior vice president of development at WordPerfect Corporation. "This will provide us with more options for sharing user-interface code across platforms, and will help in keeping business applications consistent and compatible between Windows and UNIX."

"By making Windows software technology available, its Win32 API and Windows source code, Microsoft continues on its mission of making technology widely available that gives both developers and end users the most choices in fulfilling their open systems requirements," said Al Hankinson, senior software architect, Science Applications International Corporation, and former chief of the systems and software technology division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

"Microsoft's decision to license Windows libraries for UNIX is to be lauded," said Grover Righter, vice president, product management, SCO. "Just as important is the licensing of the Windows test suites. This is the best way to ensure maximum compatibility for Windows-based applications."

Today's announcement extends Microsoft's role in providing compatibility with Windows on other platforms. Microsoft has previously cooperated with vendors such as Insignia (SoftPC for the Macintosh and UNIX) and Locus Computing (Merge386 for UNIX). Microsoft has also licensed Windows source code to companies such as Citrix Systems, which will deliver a multiuser version of the Microsoft Windows NT operating system.

Insignia Solutions Inc. is the industry's leading provider of high-quality PC emulation solutions for UNIX-based workstations and Macintosh computers. The company develops, markets and sells products designed to run Windows and MS-DOS-based applications on IBM, SGI, NeXT and SunSPARC workstations and Macintosh computers.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Macmillan Books Expands Into Macintosh Market
Macmillan Books Come Alive At American Booksellers' Annual Meeting Launch Of New Expanded Book Series Announced

May 29, 1993 -- From business and personal finance - to mystery, travel and science - there's something for everyone in the Macmillan New Media Expanded Book library, launched today at the annual meeting of the American Booksellers' Association, in Miami Beach, Florida. The publisher's first foray into the Macintosh market, the series offers best-selling Macmillan titles on floppy disc, combining the look and features of traditional books with electronic benefits that allow the reader to interact with the printed word.

Designed to be read on the lightweight Apple PowerBook or any Macintosh computer, Expanded Books make ideal travel companions. Readers can load them onto the hard drives of their PowerBooks, giving them easy access to reading material anytime, anywhere. These portable features leave the laden-down, business traveler with one less item to carry... and an instant reprieve from whatever work they bring with them on the PowerBook.

The convenient, electronic capabilities of the Expanded Book also make reading a more proactive experience for the user. With this new technology, readers can search for key words or phrases; skip ahead to a later chapter or page, simply by clicking on the chapter in the table of contents or typing a page number; mark pages to go back to with a dog ear or paper clip; highlight, bold or underline text, or change the type size. There's even a backlit display that lets the user read without an outside light source... plus an automatic bookmark that brings the reader back to the page where they left off.

"In addition to an all-around, more enjoyable reading experience, we're offering readers the quality and diversity of content they've come to expect from Macmillan," said Frederick Bowes, m, President of Macmillan New Media. "In developing our Expanded Book series, we've drawn from well-known Macmillan imprints, such as Scribner's, Jossey-Bass and Collier Books," he continued.

The first titles in the series include the best-selling mystery by crime writer Patricia D. Comwell, Au That Remains; The Fragile Species by Lewis Thomas; Peter Block's renown management guide, The Empowered Manager, from The Jossey-Bass Management Series; Jack Sands and Peter Gammons thought-provoking book on baseball's decline, Coming Apart At The Seams; and Marilyn J. Appleberg's nationally-acclaimed travel books, I Love Boston Guide, I Love New York Guide and I Love Washington Guide.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Macmillan New Media is a division of Macmillan, Inc. The company designs and distributes a broad range of electronic and multimedia products in the medical, education, professional and consumer markets, including the award-winning Macmillan Dictionary for Children Multimedia Edition.

The Expanded Books engine was designed by The Voyager Company, Santa Monica, California.

Macmillan New Media

124 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

617-661-2955;  fax: 617-868-7738


Presenta 29-33 inch SVGA Monitors w/TV-Video
PRESENTA OFFERS LOW COST 29" and 33" SVGA MONITORS WITH TV/VIDEO INPUT OPTION.

(Irwindale, CA) Presenta Technologies Corp. announced today (May 12, 1993) that their 29" (DM-2930) and 33" (DM-3332) SVGA color presentation monitors will be bundled with the Videomate, a TV/video line-doubler. The Videomate (JV-419NT) is a signal converter which doubles the 15.75KHz scan rate of a normal NTSC (TV) signal, resulting in a 31.5KHz signal which can then be displayed on a VGA monitor. The Videomate comes with: TV tuner, remote control, audio, on screen control display; VGA and video pass-through ports; and color, volume, and picture controls. Both monitors have a maximum resolution of: 800x600 non-interlaced and 1024x768 interlaced. The DM-2930 and DM-3332 are capable of accepting horizontal scan rates of: 31.5/35.2135.5 KHz (DM-2930) and 30-36 KHz (DM-3332); and vertical scan rates of: 50 90 Hz through a standard 15 pin D-sub connector. The list prices are respectively: $2495 for the DM-2930, $3,495 for the DM-3332, and $549 for the Videomate. The bundle promotional prices which include both the monitor and the line-doubler are: $2195 for the DM-2930 bundle, and $3,195 for the DM-3332 bundle. These promotional prices are good until September 30th, 1993. Presenta Technologies can be reached at phone: (818) 960 0420 or fax: (818) 960 0430.


SSG Carriers at War Construction KIT
"CARRIERS AT WAR CONSTRUCTION KIT"

Available for IBM $60.00. Distributed by SSG.

Strategic Studies Group has announced the IBM version of Carriers at War Construction Kit. (Ownership of Carriers at War is needed to use this product.)

The Construction Kit allows the easy modification of existing Carriers at War scenarios or the complete design of an original carrier battle scenario of your own making.

The Construction Kit will include three new Carriers at War scenarios, Wake Island, Guadalcanal and Tarawa.

The Construction Kit will include improved versions of the existing Carriers at War scenarios, along with further variants for their use.

The mouse/windows interface of the Construction Kit makes it very easy to edit a scenario. Data at all levels of the game can be altered.

New ships and planes can be defined, Task Groups and Squadrons created, missions allocated, Victory conditions specified and weather systems set in motion. Users can also create their own maps, setting their scenarios anywhere in the world. Carriers at War has been highly praised for it's excellent graphics.

The Construction Kit will include a large number of ship and plane graphics. Graphics created in an external paint program can also be imported and incorporated into the game's animation system.

This Construction Kit allows unprecedented access to the artificial intelligence routines that control the computer players in Carriers at War through SSG's revolutionary WarRoom system.

For the first time users will be able to issue detailed combat plans to the computer. This built in flexibility makes it very easy to create unpredictable scenarios, which will keep human players guessing.

The Carries at War Construction Kit is a must for owners of Carriers at War. It requires 640K of RAM, a Hard Disk, EGA or VGA and a mouse. Ownership of Carriers at War is also required.

For further information contact SSG at 904-494-9373. UPC codes 5.25" IBM (9092145 001745) 3.5" IBM (092145001745)


USR Decreases WorldPort Portable Modem Prices
U.S. ROBOTICS TARGETS MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS USERS WITH WORLDPORT PORTABLE MODEM PRICE DECREASE

SKOKIE, Ill. -- May 24, 1993 -- U.S. Robotics, Inc. today announced reduced pricing on its entire line of WorldPort external portable fax and data modems, effective immediately. Prices were lowered by roughly 25 to 30 percent on high-speed products; medium-speed prices were reduced by as much as 49 percent. The new pricing puts the WorldPort modems at a lower price point than most competitive portable products; the company was able to reduce pricing because of its move to a new, cost-reduced architecture.

"This WorldPort pricing move, coupled with the introduction of a new, cost-reduced architecture, is consistent with the strategy we employed in our Courier and Sportster price reductions in November, 1992 and March, 1993, respectively," said Marshall Toplansky, U.S. Robotics vice president of marketing.

WorldPort products shipping in the third calendar quarter will be based on this new architecture, using U.S. Robotics' proprietary DSP-based technology. This price reduction continues U. S. Robotics' role as a price leader. The company reduced prices on its Sportster desktop modems by as much as 52 percent in mid-March, driving the trend toward lower-priced fax/data desktop modems designed for the home office/entry-level market.

"Portable communications have become vital to successful business operations of any size," added Toplansky. "Our WorldPort price reductions bring remote access technology within closer reach, giving traveling professionals greater access to portable fax and data communications."

U.S. Robotics has the most complete portable product line in the industry, with portable fax and data modems ranging from 2400 bps to 14,400 bps and recently-announced PCMCIA fax/data modems for PCMCIA Type 2.0 slots. WorldPort external modems provide several benefits to users: they are cost-effective, having lower prices than most PCMCIA products; they are flexible, for use on either desktop or laptop; and they include LEDs for easy troubleshooting and call status.

New WorldPort Pricing, Effective Immediately

Product Name                              New List$   Previous$

WorldPort 14,400 fax/data modem            $ 469         $ 649

WorldPort 14,400 fax/data modem

   for Apple PowerBook                       499           699

WorldPort 14,400                             439           599

WorldPort 9696 Fax/Data Modem                399           439

WorldPort 9600                               379           499

WorldPort 2496 Fax/Data Modem                199           379

WorldPort 2400 V.42bis                       179           349

WorldPort 2400                               159           229

U.S. Robotics, Inc., (NASDAQ:USRX), is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of data communications systems and products. Both corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations are based in Skokie, Illinois. U.S. Robotics owns and operates U.S. Robotics Ltd. in Slough, England, U.S. Robotics, s.a. in Lille, France and P.N.B., s.a. based in Suresnes, France. The company markets its products to business, industry, government agencies and original equipment manufacturers.

U.S. Robotics, 8100 North McCormick Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076

800-DIAL-USR;  708-982-5010


Accolade Summer Challenge
CAN YOU ENDURE THE SWEAT DRENCHING, MUSCLE WREN HEART POUNDING COMPETITION OF SUMMER CHALLENGE

Category: Sports Simulation

Price and Availability: Sega Genesis and IBM PC and compatible computers - $54.95

SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 25, 1993 - Strengthening its leadership position in the arena of sports simulations, Accolade today announced the release of Summer Challenge for the Sega Genesis. Summer Challenge is a simulation that pits the world's best athletes against each other in an international competition for the gold medal. Stamina, dedication and skill are needed to compete in eight, grueling summed sports events including the Pole Vault, High Jump, Javelin, 400 Meter Hurdles, Cycling, Kayaking, Equestrian, and Archery. Summer Challenge is now available for the Sega Genesis and for IBM PC and compatible computers, each at a suggested retail price of $54.95.

As the athlete in Summer Challenge, you enter your name into the competition and select your country of origin. You can then compete in one of two modes of play - training (practice each event) or t (compete against computer or human opponents). In the eight-event tournament mode, you c against computer athletes of three different skill levels with up to 10 players participating

To provide a true feeling of being in the heat of the competition, Summer Challenge contain digitized footage of contestants, captured from live video of actual athletes performing in those same events. "The simulation of speed and motion really makes you feel like you're in the shoes of the competitor, as you maneuver your kayak between the gates, or as you run and jump over hurdles," said Pam Levins, producer af the game.

Summer Challenge includes an Instant Replay feature to allow players to re-live the glory of their previous performance. These high caliber athletic events are complete with the pomp and circumstance of the opening and closing ceremonies. In addition, incredible attention has been paid to detail, duplicating as closely as possible the movements, tactics and strategy of the real events.

Summer Challenge is designed for Accolade by MindSpan, developers of the Sega Genesis version of Winter Challenge and the best-selling, Al Michaels Announces HardBall III for the Sega Genesis and IBM PC compatible computers.

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Sybase & SCO Enterprise-Wide Computing
SYBASE AND SCO TEAM TO LEVERAGE HIGH PERFORMANCE PCs IN ENTERPRISE-WIDE COMPUTING

Joint Strategic Relationship Offers New SYBASE System 10 Enterprise Client/Server Software Components for SCO UNIX

EMERYVILLE, CA, May 27, 1993--Sybase Inc., The Enterprise Client/Server Company, will make its recently announced SYBASE System 10 relational database products--SQL Server 10 Open Client, Open Server and Back-up Server products--available for the Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) UNIX operating system. Recognizing the key role that Intel CPU-based computers are playing in enterprise-wide computing, Sybase and SCO have entered into a joint strategic alliance to produce products for this growing market. SYBASE System 10 versions of SQL Server, Open Client, Open Server, and Back-up Server for SCO UNIX are expected to be available in Q1, 1994.

Sybase's relationship with SCO is part of Sybase's overall commitment to support 386/486 and Pentium processor-based computers in enterprise-wide computing. SCO UNIX has emerged as the leading strategic platform for Intel CPU-based UNIX, with 61% of the market, according to a 1992 International Data Corporation research study.

"As PCs become more powerful, they are playing an increasingly key role in the enterprise," said Stu Schuster, vice president of marketing at Sybase. "Because SCO UNIX is a leading packaged UNIX, based on the Intel architecture which scales up to support multi-processing computers, we think our joint offering is uniquely suited to the needs of customers implementing high performance 386/486 and Pentium processor-based computers to support enterprise-wide operations."

Scott McGregor, SCO's vice president of products said, "The combination of SCO's advanced 32-bit operating systems and these SYBASE System 10 components provides our open systems customers with a powerful new option for building client/server networks on cost efficient Intel CPU-based computers. Thanks to the close partnership between our companies, our customers can count on total compatibility between our products, optimal database performance, and solutions that combine the distributed database power of SYBASE SQL Server 10 with the reliability and flexibility of the SCO environment."

SYBASE SQL Server, Back-up Server, Open Client and Open Server

The SYBASE SQL Server 10 product, which is currently expected to begin shipping by the end of 1993, is the next generation of Sybase's flagship high performance, relational database server. The product is designed to deliver scalable, high performance on cost-effective hardware, maintaining high transaction and query throughput while supporting large numbers of users. It comes bundled with SYBASE Back-up Server software which enhances very large database support by providing high-speed back-up, loading, and recovery capabilities.

The SYBASE Open Client and Open Server interfaces are open application programming interfaces (API) that support open integration. The Open Client and Open Server products have been available since 1989 and are being optimized for higher network performance and standards transparency with release 10. The benefits to customers include simplified application development, improved portability and greater interoperability between tools, applications, networks and servers.

SCO UNIX

SCO UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2 Version 4.2 provides the foundation for SCO's family of advanced 32-bit operating systems, including the SCO Open Server Release 3.0 and SCO Open Desktop Release 3.0 product lines. Optimized to take advantage of the capabilities of 386/486 and Pentium-processor computers, SCO advanced operating systems support more than 200 Intel CPU-based computers, more than 8,000 UNIX System applications, and more than 800 standard and specialized business peripherals.

Pricing and Availability

SQL Server 10, Back-up Server, Open Client and Open Server for SCO UNIX are expected to be available through Sybase in Q1, 1994. Pricing will vary by number of users, but will range as follows: SQL Server 10 -- $3,750-$41,240; Back-up Server -- bundled with SQL Server 10 at no additional charge; Open Server -- $1,500-$16,500; and Open Client -- $470-5,160.

About SCO

The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc. (SCO) develops and markets UNIX System software solutions for 386/486 computers including SCO Open Desktop, the SCO UNIX Operating System, and the SCO MPX multiprocessor extension, plus interoperability software, development tools, and comprehensive consulting, training and support services. Founded in 1979, SCO maintains corporate business and development headquarters in Santa Cruz, CA, London, Toronto, and major regional offices in Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Mexico City, Milan, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and throughout the U.S.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and Systems Integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


SPA Files Suite Against Swr Rental Co's
SPA Open New Phase in War on Software Pirates

Files Suite Against Three New York Rental Establishments

May 28, 1993 (Washington, DC)--The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today the filing of three new copyright infringement lawsuits in federal court in New York. The defendants named in the suits are Megatronics, Global Software & Accessories, Inc., and Software Review, Inc., all of which are alleged to be engaged in the illegal rental of computer software at various locations on Long Island.

The SPA suits were brought on behalf of a group of the country's leading publishers of business software, whose products include PC Tools, ProComm, Harvard Graphics and Norton Utilities. All three suits were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and were assigned the following docket numbers: 93 CV - 2063 (Megatronics, Inc.), 93 CV - 2367 (Global Software & Accessories, Inc.), and 93 CV - 2368 (Software Review, Inc.).

The rental of computer software for commercial gain constitutes a violation of the federal copyright laws under the Computer Software Rental Amendments Act of 1990, which took effect on December 1, 1990. The plaintiffs in all three lawsuits are seeking permanent injuctive relief and money damages.

llene Rosenthal, General Counsel of the SPA, commented, "It has been illegal to rent software in this country since December of 1990. In at least two of the cases we filed, it appears that the defendants have attempted to circumvent the law by disguising the transactions in a transparent attempt to obscure their true nature. Global Software & Accessories, Inc., on the other hand, makes no attempt to disguise its illegal actions. It publishes a catalog listing hundreds of software titles 'for rent,' and sells memberships for $29.95 in a software 'rental club' that boasts 15,000 members."

Since 1988, the Software Publishers Association has initiated hundreds of lawsuits and audits on behalf of its members and obtained numerous search and seizure orders against businesses, computer dealers, bulletin board services, and educational institutions that have violated its members' copyrights. The SPA's anti-piracy hotline, 1-800-388-7478, accepts calls reporting software violations. The suits against Megatronics, Global Software and Software Review are an integral part of the Software Publishers Association's ongoing effort to combat software piracy.

The Software Publishers Association also distributes free of charge self-audit materials designed to help businesses, government entities, and educational institutions manage their internal software practices. To obtain a copy of the SPA Self-Audit Kit and SPAudit, a software inventory management program, companies should write to:

SPAudit

Software Publishers Association

1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education software markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.


New AGE Logic Desktop X Server & Pricing
AGE LOGIC ANNOUNCES NEW DESKTOP X SERVER, NEW PRICING AND NEW POSITIONING

San Diego, CA. June 7, 1993 - AGE Logic, Inc. (AGE) announced XoftWare for Windows, Desktop Edition (DT), AGE's new PC X server software for the commercial desktop. XoftWare for Windows DT adds easy-to-use X server capabilities to Microsoft Windows-based PCs at a price compatible with every commercial desktop. With XoftWare for Windows DT users can concurrently access and display Microsoft Windows and network-based Unix applications on the same PC. Pricing is $195, or $295 when optionally bundled with Novell's TCP/IP networking software. Shipments will begin in June 1993.

As part of the XoftWare for Windows DT introduction, AGE is repositioning and repricing its XoftWare/32 for Windows product. XoftWare/32 for Windows, AGE's premier 32-bit X11R5 server software, is being targeted at the power X user. Pricing is now $395, and $495 with Novell's TCP/IP bundled.

XoftWare for DOS is AGE's cost-effective solution for adding X server capabilities to DOS-based PCs. XoftWare for DOS is being repriced to $295, and $395 with Novell's TCP/IP included.

Pricing on XoftWare/32 for Windows and XoftWare for DOS have been reduced by $100. Both products are currently shipping.

"The PC X server market has divided into two major user segments, the power user and the commercial desktop user." said Craig A. Schmidt, vice president of marketing for AGE. "XoftWare/32 for Windows provides the 32-bit performance and extended features required by the power user, and XoftWare for Windows, Desktop Edition provides the ease-of-use, competitive features and price points necessary to satisfy the commercial user of X," he commented.

The XoftWare for Windows, Desktop Edition adds fully compliant X server capabilities to Microsoft Windows-based desktop PCs. Many user-oriented features are included to make X easier to use. The XoftStart feature automates host login through a convenient click & start icon system. CascadeX provides the choice of positioning windows in a Microsoft-like cascading window format or using the standard X geometry format. RAPID (Resource and Performance lnteractive Display) lets the user fine-tune X performance and resource utilization by simply sliding a graphical scale, and Automatic Font Substitution ensures that font-specific information is displayed even if the requested font is unavailable.

XoftWare for Windows DT supports all industry leading network software, including the Windows Sockets interface. In addition, XoftWare for Windows DT optionally comes bundled with Novell's TCP/IP networking software. A unique one-button install loads and configures Novell's TCP/IP and XoftWare for Windows DT in one simplified step. XoftWare for Windows DT is priced at $195, and at $295 bundled with Novell's TCP/IP.

XoftWare/32 for Windows is AGE's premier 32-bit X11R5 server software for 386, 486 and Pentium-based Microsoft Windows PCs. With XoftWare/32 for Windows users can concurrently access and display Microsoft Windows and network-based Unix applications on the same PC. XoftWare/32 for Window provides all of the features included in XoftWare for Windows DT, plus includes AGE's unique Multi-Process Start-up System (MPSS) for starting multiple host-based clients simultaneously. R5 Font Server support is provided, a PCF- and BDF-to-FON format font compiler is included, plus a wider range of local fonts come standard. XoftWare/32 for Windows is priced at $395, and $495 when bundled with Novell's TCP/IP.

XoftWare for Windows, Desktop Edition joins AGE's full family of PC-based X servers including XoftWare/32 for Windows, XoftWare for DOS and XoftWare/32 for Windows NT, AGE's newly introduced (5/10/93) NT-based X server software. All XoftWare products are offered through AGE's worldwide network of distributors and resellers. Multi-Pack pricing and site licenses are available. Custom OEM versions are also available. Interested parties should contact AGE, or their local reseller, for more information.

AGE Logic, Inc., a privately owned corporation founded in 1984, is a supplier of X Window System software that enables PCs, terminals, workstations and embedded systems to access X applications residing on a variety of host-based systems. Marketed under the XoftWare (pronounced zoft' ware) brand name, AGE offers a full family of PC packaged products for distributors/resellers, systems integrators and OEMs, as well as customized embedded X products for the world's leading terminal, computer and systems companies. AGE's family of XoftWare packaged products support industry standards including Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, DOS, and Unix. AGE has alliances with major silicon, terminal, and workstation companies to develop highly optimized, hardware-specific X servers tailored to their specifications. AGE is located in San Diego, California and can be reached at (619) 455-8600.

AGE Logic, 9985 Pacific Heights Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121

619-455-8600; fax: 619-597-6030


Grocery Manager for DOS & Windows
Announcing Grocery Manager (DOS & Windows versions)

Grocery Manager helps you do your meal planning and grocery shopping. It simplifies and speeds up the process of making a menu and shopping list. Once Grocery Manager is setup, you input how many days you would like to plan meals for, then what dishes you want to have on each day. The ingredients that each dish is made of are saved (part of the setup process), so when a meal is planned for a certain day, the ingredients for that meal will be automatically included in a shopping list that Grocery Manager generates. In addition to the ingredients needed to make the planned meals, the shopping list may include any other items that you want to purchase at the grocery store so that you have everything you need on one shopping list. The shopping list can be arranged by how you traverse the grocery store so that you go from the top of the list to the bottom as you walk through the store. Grocery Manager can also keep track of what items you already have at home so that you don't buy more than you need.

System Requirements for DOS version:

1) IBM PC or 100% Compatible Computer 2) DOS v.2.0 or higher 3) Disk space needed: 675K 4) Floppy that can accomodate the above mentioned disk space needed, or a hard drive. 5) Minimum free memory: 512K

System Requirements for Windows version:

1) Windows 3.x running Standard or Enhanced Mode

2) Disk space needed:

    Windows 3.0: 830K

      Subtract 357K if you already have VBRUN200.DLL

      Subtract  37K if you already have DDEML.DLL

    Windows 3.1: 793K

      Subtract 357K if you already have VBRUN200.DLL

3) Minimum free memory in Windows: 300K

Registration Information:

Grocery Manager is Shareware. The author, Paul Davison, is  a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals.

Registration fee is $25.00. Registering entitles you to a licensed copy of Grocery Manager, and free updates, automatically sent to you, for one year from registering.

Absolute Value Software, 4325 SW Stoddard Dr, Aloha OR 97007

CompuServe: 72327,1673

Internet:   72327.1673@COMPUSERVE.COM


WinFlash V2.1 Windows Flashcard Program
Windows Flashcard Program

2 June, 1993 -- Open Windows releases WinFlash 2.1, an educational/professional learning aid for Microsoft Windows 3.1.

Open Windows has released WinFlash 2.1, a Windows learning program that allows users to efficiently memorize factual data using the familiar Windows environment.  WinFlash is the only Windows-based program specifically designed to assist students or professionals in the task of memorizing general material.

WinFlash provides the intuitive, mouse-driven interface and flexible options that users expect from a Windows program:

* Priority list keeps track of "problem" questions

* Range option allows focus on a subset of the Question/Answer

  file

* Non-priority or out-or-range questions may be inserted at

  user-selectable frequency

* Answer may be asked first, followed by Question

  (great for foreign language drills)

* Questions may be Disabled and later Re-enabled

* Single-click reset of Priority and Disabled lists

* Extensive on-line Help documentation

WinFlash Question/Answer files can quickly be constructed with NotePad or other ASCII text editor.  The user interface is extremely easy to use, even for young children - no computer experience is necessary to run the program once the Question/Answer file has been loaded.

WinFlash is distributed as Shareware and is available now as FLASH.ZIP on CompuServe in the IBMAPPS Forum, Library 11 - Education.  A 30 day evaluation period is allowed, following which a $15.00 registration fee is required.  Open Windows is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) and adheres to their high  standards.  In addition to extensive on-line Help, support is available via CompuServe e-mail or US Mail.

Open Windows, PO Box 49746, Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9746


New Autograph Collector Kits
Louis R. Martinez is publishing three shareware packages specifically for autograph collectors. Each kit includes tips on writing to and obtaining autographs, photos, etc. from various famous celebrities, sports personality, and others; PLUS... address lists and other usefulinformation!

Rob's Pro Sport Autograph Kit V3.0

covers Pro Sport personalities and includes over 450 addresses.

Rob's Celebrity Autograph Kit V2.0

covers movie and TV personalities and includes over 350 addresses.

Rob's Music Celebrity Autograph Kit V2.0

covers music personalities and includes over 250 addresses.

Updates are planned every three months as the author is an avid autograph collector!

Louis R. Martinez

64-66 Essex St, Suite 8G

New York, NY 10002


Windows Floppy-Net Synchronization/Transfer/Bkup
Windows "Floppy-Net" Synchronization/Transfer/Backup Utility

2 June, 1993 -- Open Windows releases WinUpD8R 3.0, a major upgrade to its popular 'Floppy-Net' Transfer/Backup Manager for Microsoft Windows 3.1.

Open Windows has released WinUpD8R 3.0, a Windows utility that keeps multiple PCs 'UpD8ed' to the most current file versions using floppy disks as the transfer medium.  The term "synchronization software" is becoming the common terminology for programs performing this function.  WinUpD8R also provides triple-redundant backup for the user's data while performing its function.

WinUpD8R is the only Windows-based program specifically designed to easily maintain current data files between multiple PCs.

In his June review of WinUpD8R 2.1 in Windows Sources magazine, Barry Simon states "WinUpD8R is a wonderful example of shareware in action.  It provides a simple, inexpensive, elegant solution to a real problem: forgetting to take the most recent version of a file home or with you on the road."  WinUpD8R 3.0 adds a host of new capabilities and ease-of-use features to its already well-regarded array.

Features added to the new version include:

*  Include/Exclude files from the UpD8 process by their extension.  Very useful for only UpD8ing data files which are mixed in with executables and other file types.

* New Directory Selection Mode, Use Dir 1's Subdirectories Only, is handy for structures where the main program executables and support files are in a "top" directory, with the data directories below.  In this case you may wish to UpD8 only the subdirectories of the top directory

* New UpD8 mode, Clean Up, forces Dir 2 = Dir 1.  Without any user redirection, the operation is the equivalent of erasing Dir 2 and then copying the contents of Dir 1 into Dir 2.  This mode is very helpful in re-synchronizing your directories after periodic "cleanups", thus the exceptionally original name...

* Delete Pair function allows the file(s) currently displayed to be deleted, a convenient way to keep your directories from becoming cluttered while you're UpD8ing them

* Users can now give each Batch File a meaningful name to appear on the pick list rather than being limited to Batch1, Batch2, etc.

Further improvements in "bulletproofing":

* Program now checks for UpD8s where the "new" file is more than a factor of 10 smaller than the "old" file.  Since computer malfunctions sometimes result in a 0-byte file, this check prevents inadvertently "spreading" this misfortune to other machines and gives the user a chance to bypass the operation, even when Confirm On Each File is not checked.

* CleanUp checks for requests which will erase files on Dir2 that are not currently on Dir1 and also checks for Dir1 files that are older that files on Dir2.  In both cases the user is given the option of bypassing the operation.  WinUpD8R continues to provide the intuitive, mouse-driven interface and flexible options that users expect from a Windows program:

* Single-click UpD8 of multiple directories across multiple drives * Optional smart (.~DO for .DOC) backup file  creation

* File-by-file confirmation option * Automatic creation of directory structures on the floppy(s) to aid in initial setup

* Automatic save of last directory pair setup or batch file on exit

* Extensive on-line Help documentation

Any two arbitrary directories, a pair of directories with the path of the first disk's directory on both drives, a pair of directory TREES with the structure of the first disk's directory and its subdirectories on both drives, or a sequence of arbitrary directory path pairs specified in the WINUPD8R.INI file can be UpD8ed in a single operation.  UpD8ing of only matching files in the target directories can be selected or new files can be added either uni- or bidirectionally.  WinUpD8R does NOT require that the machines all have the same directory structures.

WinUpD8R is distributed as Shareware and is available now on CompuServe in the WINSHARE Forum, Library 2 - File Utilities as file UPD8R.ZIP.  A 30 day evaluation period is allowed, following which a $15.00 registration fee is required.  In addition to the extensive on-line Help, support is available via CompuServe e-mail or US Mail.

Open Windows, PO Box 49746, Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9746


Windows Programming with Borland C++
C Programmers Can Write Powerful Windows Applications . . . Fast

A C programmer's introduction to writing Windows applications using Borland C++

Includes a professional-quality Windows class library on disk

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--C and Windows programmers would have to spend several hundred dollars on commercial software to match the value they'll get from this $35 book/disk package. New in the Len Dorfman Practical Programming Series, Windows Programming with Borland C++ is a one-of-a-kind resource that no C programmer who wants to get in on the Windows revolution can do without.

Veteran programmer Jeff Mackay explains how to use Windows and C++ together, demonstrating techniques for exploiting object-oriented features within Windows programs using the Vista class library. In addition to providing a wealth of ready-to-use C++ code (included on disk), Mackay shows readers how

About the Author:

* Use tools to build a Vista application

* Work with window and graphical objects

* Get input with menus and accelerators

* Create dialog boxes, message boxes, and menus

* Develop child window control objects and custom dialog boxes

* Manage Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window objects

* Use Windows memory management and dynamic link libraries

* Use object linking and embedding, the clipboard, and dynamic

  data exchange

Covers Windows 3.1, Windows NT, and Win32s

Includes complete coverage of C-to-C++ conversions

A nine-year programming veteran, Jeff Mackay is a Senior Software Engineer at CASEWORKS, Inc., working on the next generation of application prototyping tools for Windows, OS/2 Presentation Manager, and OSF/Motif.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Windows Programming with Borland C++

Order No. 4340

Available: June 1993

Paper $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-4319-2

560 pp., 196 illus., 7 x 10

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128,  FAX 717-794-2103


Hard Disk Aerobics: Shaping Up Your PC
New Book Provides DOS Users with Hard Disk Fitness Tools

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--It's no Jane Fonda video, but this bestselling guide is guaranteed to whip any DOS-based hard disk into shape . . . and keep it that way. Hard Disk Aerobics: Shaping Up Your PC provides the ultimate hard disk fitness program one that will help DOS users optimize the speed, performance, and capacity of their storage media.

Updated for DOS 6, this comprehensive book/disk package includes a healthy mix of daily file management, batch file techniques, and computer security exercises designed not only to solve hard disk problems, but also to prevent them. Dan Gookin's workout shows readers how to:

* Tone their hard disk

* Beef up hard disk security

* Put their hard disk on a diet of shells and menus

* Warm up their hard disk with a rigorous calistenics program

Disk includes a free menu building program, powerful utility programs, and batch files

Icons alert readers lo features new to DOS 6, helpful tips and secrets, and warnings

About the Author:

Dan Gookin is a regular contributor to InfoWorld, PC/Computing, COMPUTE!, DOS Resource Guide, and Computer Buying World magazines. One of today's most popular computer authors, his light approach reminds everyone that computers are not to be taken too seriously. He is the author of Windcrest's Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial, 2nd Edition, Advanced Batch File Programming, 3rd Edition and Outrageous DR DOS Batch Files.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Hard Disk Aerobics: Shaping Up Your PC

Order No. 4380

Available: June 1993

Paper $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-4387-7

Hard  $39.95 ISBN 0-8306-4386-9

480 pp., 139 illus., 7 x 10

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128,  FAX 717-794-2103


The Hands-On Guide to Network Management
New Book Provides Network Managers Tools for Boosting Productivity

A network manager's survival guide, featuring a valuable toolbox power-packed with network management scripts, batch files, and menus

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Unlike other networking books, The Hands-On Guide to Network Management provides much-needed answers and support based not on how networks should be run, but on how they really are run.

Certified Netware Engineers John Mueller and Robert Williams give network managers the tools they need to apply real-world solutions to the problems they face every day, explaining how to:

* Create menu systems that reflect user needs

* Optimize DESQview, Windows, and OS/2 multitasking environments

* Choose and work with an application developer

* Create a problem report system

* Back up the file server and important workstations

* Create and implement a network security plan

* Assign and monitor user/administrator responsibilities

* Develop a WAN plan

Covers NetWare, LANtastic, TOPS, and many other networks

About the Authors:

John Mueller is a Certified Netware Engineer (CNE) and a technical editor for Data Based Advisor magazine. Robert Williams is a Certified Netware Instructor.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

The Hands-On Guide to Network Management

Order No. 4418

Available: June 1993

Paper $26.95 ISBN 0-8306-4440-7

Hard  $39.95 ISBN 0-8306-4439-3

368 pp., 135 illus., 7 x 10

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128,  FAX 717-794-2103


The Green PC, Making Choices That Make a Diff
Computing without polluting

the topic of new book by popular Compute! magazine columnist

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Sitting in front of a computer screen all day, it's easy to feel separated from nature. But what millions of computer users don't know is that the work they do and the hardware they buy may be contributing to air and water pollution, global warming, the destruction of the ozone layer, and the solid waste crisis.

For instance, 1) the world's 115 million PC users produce millions of tons of waste paper every year, most of it contaminated by petroleum-based printer ink; 2) seemingly harmless computers generate a variety of workplace pollutants, including potentially dangerous electromagnetic waves; and 3) computer manufacturers create thousands of tons of highly toxic waste each year, making surrounding communities some of the most polluted on earth. So what can computer users do to lessen the impact of computing on our fragile planet?

The Green PC: Making Choices that Make a Difference, a new book from Windcrest/McGraw-Hill, takes a candid, no-holds-barred look at how computing affects our environment and what computer users can do to reverse the growing problem of computer-generated pollution. This book is full of creative, ecologically sound ideas, including many from readers of STEVEN ANZOVIN'S popular Compute! column, "Pathways."

ANZOVIN passes on more than 100 practical tips for consumers and businesses who want to help reduce the environmental costs of computing. Here are just a few of the things PC users can do to get in on the act of green computing:

* Support "green" computer manufacturers

* Reduce computer-generated pollutants

* Squeeze more from existing hardware

* Recycle PC hardware and supplies

* Use software that conserves time and resources

* Create a virtually paperless office

* Reduce power consumption

* Save energy by telecommuting

ANZOVIN also tells readers how to tap into online sources of environmental information and how to use their PCs as tools of environmental advocacy.

The first book to focus exclusively on computers and the environment, this affordable paperback will be a welcome resource for everyone who wants to compute in an ecologically responsible way.

The Green PC is printed on 75% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

The Green PC: Making Choices that Make a Difference

Order No. 4336 * APRIL 1993 * Paper $9.95 (FPT) ISBN 0-83064311-7

192 pp., 5 x 8

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128,  FAX 717-794-2103


Easy AutoCAD, 3rd Edition
New Guide Demystifies AutoCAD for Beginners

Everything engineers, architects, designers, and drafters need to know to master AutoCAD

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--There is no other more comprehensive, user-friendly guide to this popular design software than Easy AutoCAD, 3rd Edition. Emphasizing the importance of a "total-project" design approach, author John Hood demystifies every aspect of AutoCAD, from basic drawing to three-dimensional modeling and AutoLISP programming. Now revised to cover the new features of Release 12, this valuable handbook describes how to master all of AutoCAD's powerful features:

* Relocating entities

* Dimensioning

* Object snaps

* Layering

* Configuring and plotting

* Isometric drawing

* Blocks

* Attributes

* Multiscale drawings

* Three-dimensional drawings

* Multiview drawings

* Solid 3-D modeling

* AutoLISP basics

* AutoCAD's Slide Show

Covers Release 12's new pulldown menus and dialog boxes, paper space and model space features, and design linking capabilities

About the Author:

Well-known throughout North America for his AutoCAD seminars, John Hood is chairman of technology at Cambrian College in Canada.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Easy AutoCAD, 3rd Edition

Order No. 4401

Available: May 1993

Paper $24.95 ISBN 0-8306-4419-9

Hard  $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-4418-0

485 pp., 159 illus., 7 x 10

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128,  FAX 717-794-2103


Kodak XLS 8300 Digital Color Printer
KODAK'S NEW DIGITAL PRINTER PROVIDES XL QUALITY AT LOWER COST

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 7--A new digital color printer joins the Kodak XL printer family making high quality color output an affordable desktop option. The Kodak XLS 8300 digital color printer offers high quality raster prints at a mid-range price.

"We have seen the digital explosion expand the need for quality digital output at all levels of quality," says Jim Patton, general manager and vice president, Professional Imaging, U.S. and Canada Region. "This printer offers many features similar to those of the XL 7700 and XLT 7720 printers. It's an excellent value at its price point."

Patton said that the raster file printer delivers outstanding, photo-like print and transparency results in just over three minutes. The output quality approaches that from the industry benchmark Kodak XL printers at half their cost.

The new Rochester-made unit provides image sizes up to 8.5 x 10 inches. Prints on the new XLS Ektatherm 100 paper are extremely durable, won't scratch, smudge or fade. They also resist curling and have the look and feel of photographic prints. The cost per print is about $2.50.

Input sources include digital cameras, scanners, image files from Photo CD discs, and computer-generated files. The printer comes with export modules for Adobe Photoshop on Macintosh computers and Aldus PhotoStyler on PC-Microsoft Windows computers. According to Patton, Kodak plans to develop third party relationships for other software drivers much as Kodak has with the more than 100 software solutions for the XL 7700 and XLT 7720 printers.

"The XLS 8300 printer is designed as an affordable output companion for users of digital image files. We see broad applications in photojournalism, law enforcement, medical imaging, advertising, industrial design, remote sensing and exploration for the new printer.

Imaging service bureaus will be able to offer competitively priced output from customer files. System integrators and VARS will find that the XLS 8300 is an attractively priced output option to provide as part of a total imaging system," Patton concluded.

The list price for the Kodak XLS 8300 digital color printer is $10,995. It will be available in July through professional imaging electronics products resellers who stock Kodak products.

Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650

-----------------------------------------------------------------

NEW KODAK XLS 8300 DIGITAL COLOR PRINTER

FACTS AT A GLANCE

The Kodak XLS 8300 digital color printer is a new raster file model that creates photo-like color prints and transparencies in minutes. Image sources include Kodak DCS professional digital cameras, Kodak RFS film scanners, image files from Photo CD discs or other computer image files. The affordable new printer uses Kodak's advanced thermal dye transfer technology.

* Printing Process: Kodak proprietary thermal dye sublimation

  with 24-bit color output producing prints and transparencies

  with more than 16.7 million colors and 256 levels of gray

* Applications: Hardcopy output from digital cameras, film

  scanners and Photo CD files; output for photographic retouching

  and restoration, composite proofing. industrial design,

  computer modeling, textile pattern proofing. Typical uses

  would be in medical imaging and microscopy, real estate

  marketing, remote sensing & exploration, advertising,

  photojournalism, law enforcement, and imaging service bureaus.

* Processor: 40 MHz SPARC-RISC

* Media: Kodak XLS Ektatherm 100 paper or transparency

* Media Donor: Kodak Ektatherm XLS 100-C color thermal ribbon

  (3 CMY)

* Output Options: Reflection prints or transparencies

* Print Size: 8.5 x 11 in. to 9.5 x 12 in. in five size steps

* Maximum Image Size: 8 x 8.9 in. to 8.5 x 10 in. in five

  size steps

* Transparency Size: 8.5 x 11 in. to 8.5 x 12 in. in four

  size steps

* Print Resolution: 300 ppi (pixels per inch)

* Print Speed: 3.5 minutes per page (typical) for an

  6.5 x 10 in. image

* Memory 16 MB

* Input Tray Capacity. 100 sheets

* Computer Interface: SCSI (sub-mini 50-pin)

* Printer Drivers Supplied: Export Modules for Aldus PhotoStyler

  software and Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Adobe Photoshop software

  and Apple Macintosh computers

* System Requirements: IBM PC or compatible with 386 SX-20 or

  greater processor; 5 MB of RAM or greater; MS-DOS 3.1 or higher

  operating system and Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher. Or,

  Macintosh II computer or greater with 4 MB of RAM or greater;

  System 6.0. 8 or higher

* Dimensions: The unit is 16.75 in. wide by 21 in. deep by 12 in.

  high. It weighs 56 lbs. (68 lbs. packaged).

* Availability: July 1993

* Cost: $10,995

* Country of Origin: Manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company in

  Rochester, N.Y.


Metamorphosis PL/I to C Program Translator
PROGRAM LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR

Chapel Hill, NC... J. H. Shannon Associates, Inc. announces delivery of a revised and enhanced program language translator to convert PL/I (Subset G) programs to C. The resulting C programs may be ported to, and reused, on any computer facilitating C language programming; a substantial boost to software productivity and progress in the current trend to downsizing!

The PL/I (Subset G) to C translator is a member of a growing family of products in the METAMORPHOSIS series of program language translators. As prepackaged configurations of the generic translator METAMORPHOSIS, translators ASSEMBLY to C, FORTRAN IV to C, PL/I(Subset G) to C and CMS-2M to Ada are available for immediate delivery.

All METAMORPHOSIS series translators execute on the IBM PC, PC/XT, PC/AT, PC/386, PC/486 and compatibles with 416K RAM, monochrome monitor, two 360K bytes 5.25" DSDD floppy drives (or fixed Winchester disk) and optional printer under MS/PC DOS. Generic METAMORPHOSIS and the PL/I (Subset G) to C configuration package sell for $387. and $87. respectively.

J.H. Shannon Associates, PO Box 597, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

919-929-6863


Conversions Plus for Windows (Mac-to-PC)
DataViz Announces Conversions Plus for Windows

Conversions Plus is the complete file conversion solution for Windows users

Trumbull, CT (June 2, 1993) - DataViz, experts in the field of PC-Macintosh file conversion, announced today a new file transfer and translation utility for the PC user. Conversions Plus provides, in one package, all the tools needed to effortlessly exchange documents between popular Macintosh and PC applications, while retaining document formatting. It allows users to translate files on their PC desktop and is the only product of its kind to include a fully integrated Macintosh disk mounting utility. This utility allows users to move files to and from a Macintosh disk that is inserted in a PC disk drive.

Conversions Plus works on any IBM or IBM compatible computer. It includes both a Macintosh disk mounting utility plus a full translator library. The Macintosh disk mounting utility gives users the ability to move files to and from any high density Macintosh disk inserted in their PC disk drive, while the translators provide flawless file conversions. The extensive translator library contains over 350 translation combinations that include translators for the most popular word processing applications as well as support for selected graphics programs. Conversions Plus provides both bi-directional translations between a Macintosh and a PC as well as file translations between PC applications.

Like the DataViz MacLinkPlus products, which are designed primarily for Macintosh users, Conversions Plus provides the highest quality translators. The converted documents retain original formatting, such as headers, footers, paragraph attributes and embedded graphics (where applicable). The easy to use interface includes an Automatic File Recognition feature which takes the burden of file translation completely off the user.

"We are very excited to be able to uniquely fill this need for Windows users, by removing the data incompatibility obstacles that surface in mixed machine environments" said Dick Fontana, President of DataViz. "Our focus at DataViz has always been in providing quality solutions to users in mixed machine environments. Conversions Plus continues in this DataViz tradition, by providing a complete solution that includes both file translation and file transfer (via its Mac mounting capabilities) to the PC market."

DataViz will be demonstrating Conversions Plus at PC Expo, Merisel booth #4170.

DataViz is a Connecticut corporation, specializing in the development of databridge software. DataViz is located at 55 Corporate Drive, Trumbull, Connecticut 06611. For further information call (203) 268-0030 or 800-733-0030.


Liberalizing Encryption Swr Export Controls
SPA Renews Call for Liberalizing Export Controls on Encryption Software

Offers New Evidence of Foreign Encryption Products

June 3, 1993 (Washington DC) -- At a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hearing today on national cryptographic policies, the Software Publishers Association (SPA) explained how continued "munitions" export controls of mass market software with encryption capabilities were seriously harming the American software industry and renewed its call for significant export liberalization of mass market software using DES or other encryption algorithms such as RC2/RC4 at comparable strengths. SPA also warned that the Administration's recent announcement of its "Clipper Chip" initiative did not address the software industry's concerns and should not be an excuse to delay export liberalization.

The SPA announced the preliminary results of its recent research which reveal a robust and rapidly expanding foreign market in encryption programs and products. "Unilateral US export controls do not make any sense given the widespread legal availability of foreign encryption programs," testified Llene Rosenthal, SPA's General Counsel. "Foreign companies will buy foreign encryption products if they cannot buy from American companies and in turn become ex-US customers. As a result, the US Government will only succeed in crippling an American industry's exporting ability."

The SPA research team preliminarily concluded that:

* The US no longer dominates the encryption field. In fact, the SPA has identified to date more foreign than domestic encryption programs and products (143 versus 133).

* There clearly are many foreign options for strong encryption, contrary to assertions by the US government. SPA has preliminarily identified to date 80 foreign software, hardware, and combination hardware/software products for text, data, and file encryption from companies in 13 foreign countries. Forty-eight (48) of these employ DES, which is nearly impossible tc) export from the US in other than very rare circumstances. Sixty-three (63) additional foreign encryption programs and products have been identified (including those from an additional five countries) but have yet to be investigated. However, SPA believes many of these also will be found to employ DES or other comparable strength encryption algorithms.

* Fifteen (15) foreign mass market encryption software programs and kits are available that employ the DES algorithm. These are published by companies in Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, and Australia. These software programs are installed by the user inserting a diskette; the kits enable encryption capabilities to be easily programmed into a variety of applications.

* Foreign companies increasingly recognize and are responding to the need to provide software only encryption solutions. Although the foreign encryption market is still heavily weighted towards encryption hardware and hardware/software combinations, the market trend is going to software.

The SPA noted that in addition to these commercially available programs and products, any analysis of the availability of foreign encryption alternatives must consider programs available on the Internet, which is the largest global network connecting millions of users throughout the world.

* DES is widely available on the Internet, including implementations that can be simply down-loaded and used.

* A recently popularized encryption program entitled Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) also is widely available throughout the world. PGP implements the International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), which provides protection comparable to DES. The program is intended for electronic mail, but also is ideal for encrypting files. It is available for free, may be used legally throughout Europe, whether in a business or at home, comes with easy-to-read instructions, is trivial to install, and simple to use.

"Some government officials routinely assert that even if the Government prohibits America's software publishers from offering encryption features demanded by their customers abroad, we should not be concerned because there are no foreign programs and products available," said Ken Wasch, SPA's Executive Director. "Our research shows that such an assertion is erroneous. In fact, there are a very large number of such programs and products available on the market today. The result is lost sales for American business without any improvement in national security."

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its more than 1000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

Software publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


FULL SCREEN LOGIN UTILITY FOR NOVELL NETWORKS

All users hooked to a Novell network have at least one thing in common: they must login to gain access to applications & data. This program enhances the way you login to a server by providing a full-screen Novell style menu. It does extensive checking of accounting and security exceptions before actually logging in. Users are informed when exceptions occur.

Installing FSLOGIN on a server is a breeze. Existing procedures like system and user login scripts do not have to be modified. Because of the way FSLOGIN snaps into existing procedures, the supervisor has this product installed in 10 minutes.

Users have the benefit of less typing to do, a better presentation of possible accounting, security and other network errors that can occur, thereby reducing the number of calls to your helpdesk.

FSLOGIN is an Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) approved product. Distribution for the United States is done through the Compuserve forums Novell Users (GO NOVUSER), Public Brand Software (GO ZNT:PBS) and IBM Communications (GO IBMCOMM).

For more information contact

Confirm, The Netherlands:

Telephone  : 31-8360-24988

Telefax    : 31-8360-41580

Compuserve : 76260,2363


XMSIF V1.5 Interface for MSC/Borland/Turbo C++
XMSIF  1.5      XMS interface for Borland/Turbo C++ & MSC

(05/16/93)   XMSIF provides a high-level interface to XMS control functions for common operations such as allocating and freeing XMS extended memory blocks (EMBs) and upper memory blocks (UMBs), and copying data to and from EMBs. A raw interface to the driver has been included to allow more convenient access to driver functions not otherwise supported. This release replaces XMSIF 1.42.

XMSIF expressly supports the Microsoft eXtended Memory Specification (XMS) versions 2.0 and 3.0. Versions below 2.0 are not supported. Versions above 3.0 are supported as 3.0.

XMSIF supports tiny, small, medium, compact, large, and huge memory models. The small model library supports both tiny and small models, so no library is provided specifically for tiny model.

XMSIF supports any version of Turbo C, Turbo C++, or Borland C++, in both C and C++ modes, Microsoft C 6.00/A and Microsoft C/C++ 7.0. XMSIF has been tested with Borland C++ 2.0, Turbo C 2.0, Microsoft C 6.00A, and Microsoft C/C++ 7.0, in all of the supported memory models. XMSIF should work with earlier versions of Microsoft C and any other MS-DOS C compiler that 1) uses compatible parameter passing and return methods and 2) can use standard-format libraries.

Free for private use; you must register only if you wish to distribute programs using XMSIF.

                             WHAT'S NEW IN

                               XMSIF 1.5:

        + Added XMMrealloc().

        + Updated to include XMS version 3.0 functionality: added

          XMMraw3() to directly access new functions.

   --James W. Birdsall

How to contact the author:

   INTERNET:

   (the following are alternate addresses for the same place):

      support@picarefy.com

      picarefy!support@amc.com

      picarefy!support@netcom.com

      amc-gw!picarefy!support@coco.ms.washington.edu

      uunet!uw-coco!amc-gw!picarefy!support

   COMPUSERVE:

      71261,1731

   GENIE:

      J.BIRDSALL2

   US MAIL:

      James W. Birdsall

      11112 NE 124 LN #D204

      Kirkland, WA 98034


The Children's Machine, Rethinking School...
RENOWNED COMPUTER INNOVATOR TELLS HOW TO SAVE THE COMPUTER REVOLUTION AND TRANSFORM OUR SCHOOLS

What ever happened to the computer revolution? The revolution in learning that was foreseen when computer usage became widespread has so far failed to transpire. While other areas of human endeavor--medicine, telecommunications, entertainment--have taken advantage of dramatic technological advances in recent years, and in many ways even spurred those advances, education has not. MIT Professor Seymour Papert asks why schools have failed to take advantage of the computer's capacity to engage children in a new kind of active learning, and tells how to bring about such a change now.

In THE CHILDREN'S MACHINE: Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer (BasicBooks; June 16, 1993), Seymour Papert, the inventor of the LOGO computer language, asks us to reconsider the nature of education. The problem with education today, maintains Papert, is that the child is treated as a "consumer" of knowledge instead of a "creator," and teachers "tend to view the child as an empty vessel into which they hope to pour all the information the child may one day need." As an educator, Papert has sought to understand the difference between how children learn in school, and how they learn on their own, and to find a way to tap into a child's natural enthusiasm for learning.

One extracurricular pursuit that has captured the attention of children to a degree that has mystified adults, and more often than not alarmed their parents, are video games. But Papert urges us to take a new view of Nintendo and other video games, and see them as an educational aid, rather than as a distraction: "Any adult who thinks one of these games is easy need only sit down and try to master one. Most are hard, with complex information--as well as technique--to be mastered." According to Papert, such games empower children by allowing them to test out ideas within prefixed rules and structures in a way that few toys can. Moreover, video games offer children an "entryway" into the world of computers.

Although there are now some three million computers in schools, educators still haven't figured out how to use them. Too often, computers are treated as just one more subject for children to learn or be tested on, and many educators have never seen or imagined any alternative use for them. In THE CHILDREN'S MACHINE, Papert argues that "computers" should not become a subject like math or history, but should be integrated into all areas of the classroom. Computers can make the greatest difference in a child's education when they are used as a tool to teach children about numbers and letters; and, most important, to teach them how to think. By engaging children in activities that challenge them to work through problems, computers can teach children how to learn. In this way, children acquire knowledge in much the same manner that an infant learns about his or her world--through exploration.

Today, Papert points out, "the most important skill determining a person' s life pattern has already become the ability to learn new skills...to deal with the unexpected. This will be increasingly true in the future: the competitive ability is the ability to learn." In a work that is rich with anecdotes and stories of learning and discovery, and of children with different strengths collaborating with one another, Seymour Papert provides a "how-to" lesson for parents and educators who seek to provide children with a richer, more stimulating learning experience than is common today. THE CHILDREN'S MACHINE offers a blueprint for a better way of learning for our children. If our hospitals, movies, and automobiles have all benefitted from technological progress, surely our children deserve the same.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE CHILDREN'S MACHINE:

"In this imaginative, even playful work, enriched with examples from the classroom and from personal experience, Papert argues that literacy is not identical with "letteracy"-- that reading may not be the "principal access route to education for students." -- Publishers Weekly

"The genially unorthodox author of Mindstorms (1983) again makes a stimulating case for computers as a primary route to knowledge, revising and expanding earlier observations in view of disappointing school policies of the past dozen years....Even those who resist Papert's belief that the foundation of modern schooling is faulty will agree with his central theme that the ability to learn new skills is the most critical skill of all--and that computers have a unique, accelerating role to play in developing that ability." -- Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Seymour Papert, inventor of the Logo computer language for children, is a mathematician and an influential figure in the fields of artificial intelligence and educational computing. He worked for several years with Jean Piaget at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. In the early 1960's, Papert joined MIT, where he cofounded the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory with Marvin Minsky, with whom he coauthored the book Perceptrons. In 1988, he was named Lego Professor of Learning Research.

In 1990, Seymour Papert received a $3 million research grant from Nintendo to study the relationship between play and learning in children. Papert is the recipient of numerous other awards and grants, including the Marconi International Fellowship Award in 1981 and the Louis Robinson Award in 1991.

Papert is also the author of Mindstorms: Children, Computers and Powerful Ideas (Basic Books, 1980; Second Edition, 1983), and frequently publishes articles about learning, thinking, mathematics and science education, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

THE CHILDREN'S MACHINE:

Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer

by Seymour Papert

Publication Date: June 16, 1993

ISBN: 0-465-01830-0

Price: $22.50, cloth

BasicBooks, 10 East 53rd St, New York, NY 10022-5299

212-207-7057;  fax: 212-207-7203


Cheyenne Software Shipping FAXserve V1.01
CHEYENNE SOFTWARE SHIPPING FAXSERVE VERSION 1.01

International Support for FAX Services Now Available

ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK, April 12, 1993 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today that it has begun shipping FAXserve version 1.01 which includes expanded board support. This version of FAXserve, the first file server-based, automated approach to network facsimile services, now includes support for the Intel SatisFAXtion 400i and the Comwave Microfax boards. The Comwave Microfax board is certified in countries all over the world.

Cheyenne also announced that FAXserve now includes the ability for the text contained on the fax cover sheet to be in a variety of different languages. This added ability provides customers with the option of using French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Portuguese, or entering their own language.

In making the announcement, Alan Kaufman, Vice President of Sales for Cheyenne, stated, "The addition of support for the Comwave Microfax board as well as FAXserve's multi-language cover sheet support are critical for our international customers to benefit from FAXserve's high-performance facsimile management services. Our goal is to enable all Cheyenne customers, including those with international affiliates, to standardize on a single LAN Fax product."

Cheyenne Software, Inc., founded in 1983, is a leading developer of automated software solutions for NetWare, UNIX and DOS. Cheyenne currently markets an array of security, backup and management products, including Monitrix, FAXserve, InocuLAN, and the ARCserve family of software. The company's products are sold on a worldwide basis through strategic partnerships and an extensive distribution network.

Cheyenne Software, 3 Expressway Plaza, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

516-484-5110;  fax: 516-484-3446


Cheyenne ARCserve 5.0 for NetWare-Windows
CHEYENNE ANNOUNCES ARCSERVE 5.0 FOR NETWARE-WINDOWS EDITION

Cheyenne's Next Generation Enterprise-Wide Storage Management Backup and Restore Product

ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK, April 27, 1993 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today ARCserve 5.0 for NetWare-Windows Edition, the next generation of the industry's leading client/server backup and recovery software suitable for single-server or large multi-server Novell NetWare enterprises.

Enhancements to ARCserve 5.0, such as the "point and click" Windows-interface, based on the source and destination paradigm, and the improved Quick Start, a one step backup command, will further strengthen its leadership position as a high-performance, yet simple to use data management solution.

In making the announcement, Jim McNiel, Vice President of Business Development for Cheyenne stated, "ARCserve 5.0 meets the needs of the largest local area network (LAN) through centralized management of distributed backup operations. For example, one file server loaded with three high-performance tape drives can back up 50 gigabytes of distributed LAN data in a twelve hour period. Twenty of these machines could back up an entire terabyte overnight, while managed from one central location."

Local area networks are now storing hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of gigabytes of critical corporate information. Protecting this information through consistent backup operations to tape, has become increasingly more difficult as a result of the performance limitations of hardware currently available to the LAN user. Responding to this growing concern, Cheyenne's ARCserve 5.0 provides users with the highest performance level of data management and protection services available today.

To achieve this level of sophistication, the following features have been incorporated into ARCserve 5.0:

* Parallel Streaming - This high performance function allows ARCserve to perform concurrent operations on up to seven tape devices on a single SCSI adapter. Multiple backup and restore jobs can be scheduled to process simultaneously, thereby dramatically expanding the throughput of the system and allowing users to backup and restore greater amounts of data in less time.

* Tape Cascading - Augmenting ARCserve's existing automation capabilities is Tape Cascading, which allows ARCserve 5.0 to continue a backup operation on successive tape drives when the existing tape reaches capacity, eliminating the need for extensive tape handling.

* Stacker and Changer Support - ARCserve's optional changer and stacker modules, coupled with a supported autochanger device, provides fully automated, high capacity data storage management, further automating tape management.

Cheyenne has minimized the complexities typically associated with a backup and recovery operation by introducing a new Windows-interface in ARCserve 5.0.

" Next Generation" Graphical User Interface (GUI) - A fundamental "point and click" paradigm, coupled with an enterprise view, which greatly simplifies the task of performing a backup and recovery operation.

ARCserve 5.0 is the first data management solution capable of backup and restoration of all major operating systems available in the PC marketplace.

Heterogeneous Environment Support - ARCserve provides data management and protection to all clients and servers on the Novell network. In addition to ARCserve's inherent support for DOS, Windows, and OS/2 clients, optional Agents for Macintosh and UNIX clients are available.

On-Line Database Backup - The Database option (DBagent) further enhances ARCserve's capabilities, providing backup for on-line mission-critical databases on the network.

Cheyenne has also implemented a Product Line Integration strategy which combines key network services including data management, virus protection, and communications.

ARCserve, InocuLAN and FAXserve - Cheyenne has developed links between its products to provide network users access to key services, as well as improved functionality. For example, ARCserve 5.0 can use InocuLAN, Cheyenne's enterprise-wide anti-virus software solution, to perform a virus scan prior to backing up data. The integration of ARCserve 5.0 and InocuLAN 2.0 NLMs ensures that the current backup is virus-free. ARCserve 5.0 also links with Cheyenne's automated server-based facsimile solution, FAXserve. The combined utilization of these products provides users with the ability to send vital reports generated by ARCserve, via FAXserve, remotely to a destination of their choice.

"Network storage management products have become a valuable addition to enter operating systems such as NetWare 4.0," stated Mr. McNiel. He also noted, "Cheyenne products assure that mission critical data is backed up securely and efficiently, as well as daily management of departmental and corporate work groups and enterprise-wide heterogeneous networks."

Among the other features available in ARCserve 5.0 are:

Tape Rotation Management - ARCserve's Auto Pilot Tape Rotation Strategy utilizes the "Grandfather, Father, Son" discipline traditionally used in large MIS environments.

File Tracking System - A Btrieve indexed record manager has been implemented in ARCserve 5.0 to enhance the File Tracking Systems (FTS) and Auto Pilot.

Storage Management Services (SMS) - As a Novell Co-developer, Cheyenne supports the SMS specification in ARCserve 5.0. ARCserve users are assured migration to new versions of NetWare with SMS.

ARCserve 5.0 supports most of the industry standard tape devices, including optical, 4mm DAT, 8mm, QIC, stackers and autoloaders. All devices certified for ARCserve 4.0 are compatible with ARCserve 5.0.

ARCserve 5.0 will be available in stratified versions based on 5, 20/25, 50 and 250 NetWare user levels at U.S. retail prices of $395, $1,395, $1,695 and $2,395 respectively. Five hundred and 1000 NetWare user levels will also be available.

Current ARCserve 4.0 customers can upgrade to ARCserve 5.0 at no cost if ARCserve was purchased between March 15 and June 30, 1993. Upgrades will be available to customers having purchased ARCserve 4.0 prior to March 15, 1993 for as little at $95, depending upon their NetWare user level. ARCserve 5.0 is scheduled to begin shipping in June 1993. For information on upgrading to ARCserve 5.0 contact 800-370-8991 (U.S. and Canada) or 716-871-6778.

Cheyenne Software, Inc., founded in 1983, is a leading developer of automated software solutions for NetWare, UNIX and DOS. Cheyenne currently markets an array of security, backup and management products, including Monitrix, FAXserve, InocuLAN, and the ARCserver family of software. The company's products are sold on a worldwide basis through strategic partnerships and an extensive distribution network.

Cheyenne Software, 3 Expressway Plaza, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

516-484-5110;  fax: 516-484-3446


Cheyenne Swr & Compaq Sign OEM Agreement
CHEYENNE SOFTWARE AND COMPAQ SIGN OEM AGREEMENT

Cheyenne's ARCserve Available as Backup Software for Compaq's NetWare Customers

ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK, June 1, 1993 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) and Compaq Computer Corporation, a pioneer in the network server marketplace, announced today that they have signed an OEM agreement under which Compaq will offer Cheyenne's ARCserve, the industry's leading enterprise-wide data management solution for Novell networks, to its broad customer base. ARCserve 4.0 from Compaq has been optimized for use with Compaq's full family of SYSTEMPRO/XL servers.

The OEM agreement solidifies the relationship between Cheyenne and Compaq, which began when the two companies created a Technical Support Alliance (TSA). The Cheyenne/Compaq alliance was formed to share responsibility for resolving all ARCserve-related issues experienced by COMPAQ users. Customers were assured assistance from either company whether their questions were related to hardware or software.

ARCserve 4.0 from Compaq will be available on a worldwide basis by the end of May. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Cheyenne Software, 3 Expressway Plaza, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

516-484-5110;  fax: 516-484-3446


Cheyenne Customer Support via CompuServe
CHEYENNE SOFTWARE OFFERS SUPPORT TO CUSTOMERS VIA COMPUSERVE FORUM

ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK, May 6, 1993 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today it has arranged to provide its end-users and prospective customers with the most current information available concerning Cheyenne Software and its products via the CompuServe Information Services. CompuServe Information Services provides the highest level of electronic support to over 350 industry leading companies via the CompuServe PC Vendor Forum. This Forum enables vendors to share their knowledge and expertise with over 1 million online members.

The PC Vendor "G" Forum will provide current Cheyenne subscribers with access to valuable information, 24 hours a day, concerning recent patches, files, and maintenance releases issued by its technical support group, as well as the latest virus signatures and cures for InocuLAN, Cheyenne's server-based anti-virus software product. Cheyenne will also make available through CompuServe technical tips, new product announcements, enhancements to current products and up-to-date certified device lists.

Cheyenne customers not currently members of CompuServe are encouraged to contact CompuServe at 800524-3388, and ask for representative 194 to receive information and a Free Introductory Membership.

Established in 1979, CompuServe Information Service provides it worldwide membership of more than 1.2 million with 1,700 databases and services to meet both business and personal interests. CompuServe can be accessed by any modem-equipped personal computer utilizing the CompuServe Information Manager graphical interface or any general communications software.

Cheyenne Software, Inc., founded in 1983, is a leading developer of automated software solutions for NetWare, UNIX and DOS. Cheyenne currently markets an array of security, backup and management products, including Monitrix, FAXserve, InocuLAN, and the ARCserve family of software. The company's products are sold on a worldwide basis through strategic partnerships and an extensive distribution network.

Cheyenne Software, 3 Expressway Plaza, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

516-484-5110;  fax: 516-484-3446


Friendly Foods, Eco-Cuisine/Vegetarian Cooking
BYTE INTO FRIENDLY FOODS

St. Augustine, FL --June 1, 1993--One of the leading voices of vegetarian cooking and Eco-Cuisine has now entered the computer age. Lifestyle Software Group has just released the PC version of Friendly Foods by Brother Ron Pickarski, O.F.M. This electronic version includes over 200 recipes, along with Brother Ron's philosophy and techniques for vegetarian cooking into the next century.

What separates Friendly Foods from other cooking software programs are the innovative vegetarian dishes inside. As Brother Ron says, "I don't just try to make these dishes taste as good as traditional foods; I make them taste better." Brother Ron's philosophy about the preparation of meals without meat or dairy products offers a whole new world of food. Simultaneously, Friendly Foods teaches you ways to be better to your world, your wallet, your schedule and yourself.

Brother Ron Pickarski is a Franciscan friar who considers himself a "food missionary", helping others to maintain a more balanced lifestyle through food. Brother Ron is the first professional vegetarian chef to be certified executive chef by the American Culinary Federation. Along with many other accomplishments, Brother Ron is a four-time Culinary Olympics medal winner.

Friendly Foods, available in both multimedia Windows and DOS versions, is completely compatible with LSG's Micro Kitchen Companion meal planning and nutrition system. All of the recipes, tips, shortcuts and fascinating food history are easily accessed with the PC using Micro Kitchen Light, a simple to use abridged version of LSG's popular Micro Kitchen Companion. Micro Kitchen Light's attractive pulldown menus allow the user to locate the right recipe in seconds. Each edition has an exclusive TimeSaver Recipe Selector to effectively plan time in the kitchen. An instant time analysis can be computed for each recipe and meal plan. Automatic resizing of each recipe's ingredients for up to 999 servings is also easily accomplished.

The multimedia Windows versions include on-screen color photographs to illustrate creative presentation and preparation ideas. As well, a talking lexicon helps with pronunciation of foreign cooking terms.

LSG is a publisher and developer of home leisure computing products. Friendly Foods and Micro Kitchen Companion are available nationwide from software and other retail outlets.

Lifestyle Software Group, 63 Orange St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

904-825-0220


Computer Darkroom II Reduces Photo Print Cost
COMPUTER DARKROOM II WILL REDUCE THE COST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING FOREVER

COMPUTER DARKROOM II was developed to help reduce the cost of photographic printing. This is accomplished by the elimination of additional test prints. Once the first test print is complete, parameters are entered. Any future changes in magnification, f-stop, paper type, contrast grade or filters, exposure factor, or color correcting filters and COMPUTER DARKROOM II will calculate the new exposure time to obtain the same print.

Includes modules for black and white negatives, color negatives, and color slides. A large database of black and white printing papers is included and can be added to or edited. It also creates a database of prints and their parameters for future reference or modification. It provides for a hardcopy of photographic printing parameters for each print. Screen blanking is also included for darkroom use.

A very valuable darkroom tool for professionals and amateurs. Will pay for itself many times over.

COMPUTER DARKROOM II has been evaluated and approved by the Association of Shareware Professionals.

System Requirements: IBM-PC or compatible, 512K of memory, hard-drive, DOS 3.3 or higher.

Cost: 5.25 inch 360K or 3.5 inch 1.4M diskettes      $45.00

Shipping and handling U.S.A.                         $ 5.00

Shipping and handling Canada                         $ 5.00

Shipping and handling other                          $10.00

ALTERNATE PRODUCTIVITY PRODUCTS

1414 Moorgate Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922

615/694-0415


Glyph Systems Arabic & Hebrew Windows Reseller
Microsoft Chooses Glyph Systems As Sole Authorized Reseller of Arabic and Hebrew Windows in U.S.

June 2, 1993 - ANDOVER, MA - Glyph Systems, of Andover, Massachusetts, was selected by Microsoft Corporation as the sole authorized reseller and support provider for Microsoft Hebrew and Arabic language products in the U.S., including bilingual versions of Microsoft's Windows 3.1 graphical user interface. According to Bryan Nelson, Microsoft's Director of International Operations, "People in the past have gotten foreign support from the Middle East and from Israel. We are real pleased to be working with Glyph in that providing support in the US has been a problem, but through Glyph we now have found an effective way to provide a high level of customer satisfaction. This is our way of addressing our customer satisfaction needs to make sure people in the U.S. do have a vehicle for receiving high quality local support. " Glyph announced that both the Hebrew and Arabic versions of Windows 3.1, developed by Microsoft, are now shipping.

The bilingual versions of Window 3 .1 are fully compatible with most standard Windows applications and they include TrueType scalable fonts in Hebrew and Arabic, respectively. Each of the new Windows packages has an enhanced version of Windows Write and Windows Paintbrush, giving users immediate access to true bilingual word processing and illustration programs. Both products provide right-to-left character entry and word wrap, so any Windows application designed to access these bilingual features has the ability to enter text correctly in either language. Arabic and Hebrew Windows are not copy protected and add no new hardware requirements above those established by the standard Windows 3.1 program.

Harry Ruda, Executive Vice President of Glyph, predicted that, "the availability of system level right-to-left support and scalable Arabic and Hebrew fonts in Windows, will simplify the creation of new and more sophisticated Arabic and Hebrew language applications and encourage software developers to enter these international market segments. Microsoft already took the lead in this effort by releasing Hebrew and Arabic versions of its popular Excel 4.0 spreadsheet, which work in conjunction with the corresponding versions of Windows 3. 1. Bilingual versions of other popular Microsoft Windows applications are expected to be released later this year."

Additional Microsoft products distributed by Glyph include the Hebrew and Arabic versions of Microsoft Works 2.0 for DOS, the Arabic MS-DOS 5.0 operating system, Arabic and Hebrew versions of Excel 4.0 for Windows, and Software Development Kit (SDK) Supplements for each of the bilingual Windows. Glyph is marketing the products directly to end users, as well as distributing them through selected dealers serving the Arabic and Hebrew computing markets in the U.S.

Customer and technical support are provided by Glyph, directly to owners of the Microsoft products in the U.S.

Mr. Ruda noted that Microsoft selected Glyph as its sole authorized reseller of Arabic and Hebrew products specifically because of Glyph's technical expertise in foreign language fonts. Glyph supplied the Arabic TrueType fonts used in Arabic Windows 3.1 and provided development services for some Hebrew TrueType fonts. Glyph is selling Arabic Windows 3.1 to end users for $149. The list price for Hebrew Windows 3.1 is $179 and an upgrade for current owners of Windows 3 .1 is available for $99. The list price for Hebrew and Arabic Microsoft Excel 4.0 is $495, with an Arabic upgrade available for $149. The price of the Windows Software Development Kit Supplement is $139 for both Hebrew and Arabic versions. Arabic DOS 5.0 has a list price of $149.

To obtain information or purchase Microsoft Hebrew and Arabic products, contact Glyph Systems at (508) 470-1317. Glyph is also exhibiting the products at PC Expo in New York, June 29 - July 1, booth number 238.

Glyph Systems Ltd, PO Box 134, Andover, MA 01810

508-470-1317;  fax: 508-474-8087


Writing Solid Code, Microsoft Techniques
Writing Solid Code

Microsoft's Techniques for Developing Bug-Free Programs

If the developers give responsibility for finding bugs to the testers, the users of the product will find 40 percent of the bugs. -- From the Foreword by David M. Moore -- Director of Development, Microsoft Corporation

In WRITING SOLID CODE from Microsoft Press, author Steve Maguire shows programmers how to take back the responsibility for writing bug-free source code. Maguire doesn't expect programmers to write flawless code every time they sit in front of the keyboard. But he does believe that programmers who follow the guidelines in WRITING SOLID CODE can make progress toward keeping bugs out of the master sources before their code goes to Testing.

As a top Microsoft developer and source code troubleshooter for Microsoft, Maguire knows what he is talking about. He has seen firsthand that with the growing complexity of software and the associated climb in bug rates programmers must produce bug-free code much earlier in the development cycle if products are to ship on time--or at all. He is convinced that the key to writing bug-free code is to become more aware of how bugs come about.

The guidelines in WRITING SOLID CODE are the result of programmers regularly asking themselves

* How could I have automatically detected this bug?

* How could I have prevented this bug?

Maguire focuses on little-known, hard-won techniques for writing code, techniques that don't turn up in textbooks or in programming courses. And he draws candidly on his experiences at Microsoft for cases in point--both good and bad. The result is practical, lively instruction in how to achieve "a nearly shippable product every day."

Entertaining, anecdotal chapters describe

* Increasing the number of bugs that can be detected

  automatically

* Using debugging assertion statements and debug-only backup

  algorithms

* Using subsystem integrity checks

* Stepping through code with an appropriate focus

* Writing easily validated functions that minimize the amount

  of error handling code that must be written

* Exchanging risky practices for comparably efficient but safer

  alternatives

* Avoiding the seemingly innocuous, most treacherous coding

  practices

* Developing the essential attitudes and habits

Each chapter contains points for quick review and exercises that push the programmer beyond the chapter. Appendixes contain checklists for a variety of coding situations, a useful linked list version of memory logging routines discussed in the book, and full answers to the questions posed at the ends of the chapters. An annotated table of contents and a comprehensive index help readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book.

Steve Maguire has been programming professionally for 17 years. He worked on Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh and led the development of Microsoft's Intel processor-hosted MC680x0 cross-development system for the Macintosh. He was the driving force behind Microsoft's switch to a cross-platform shared code strategy in its applications development and is perhaps best known in the company for his efforts to increase the utility and quality of shared code libraries. WRITING SOLID CODE is the first of several books he is writing to give programmers practical guidelines for developing professional, high-quality software.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality computer books about programming and Microsoft development tools. More than 10 million users at all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books to make developing, learning, and using software easier. Titles ranging from streamlined tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references and advanced development books for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at l-800-MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Writing Solid Code

By Steve Maguire

288 pages, $24.95

ISBN: 1-55615-551-4

Pub. Date: May 31, 1993

Microsoft Press, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080


Concise Guide to MS-DOS Batch Files

Bestselling Guide to Creating and Using Timesaving Batch Files Now Covers MS-DOS Through Version 6

A handy new guide from Microsoft Press takes the mystery out of the batch file language and shows MS-DOS version 6 users how to make batch files more interactive.

The CONCISE GUIDE TO MS-DOS BATCH FILES by Kris Jamsa shows readers how to create, save, and run batch files. Batch files save time, reduce keystrokes and errors, simplify the execution of difficult commands, and can be used again and again. No additional software is needed and no programming experience is necessary. This book and a computer running the MS-DOS operating system is all that's needed.

Readers already familiar with batch files will want to turn to this convenient guide to help them enhance their batch files with more advanced commands as well as those commands introduced by MS-DOS 6. They'll learn how to:

* Use the new CHOICE command to make batch files interactive

* Create icons that will run batch files from within the

  Microsoft Windows operating system

* Use ANSI.SYS to make screen displays more colorful

* Use the DEBUG command to create simple programs that enhance

  batchfile capabilities

In addition, CONCISE GUIDE TO MS-DOS BATCH FILES shows readers how to create macro definitions using the DOSKEY command. For users of MS-DOS 5 (or later), an understanding of the DOSKEY command will make them immediately more productive. An annotated table of contents and a comprehensive index help readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book.

Kris Jamsa is the author of more than 40 computer books covering a wide range of topics. His other titles from Microsoft Press include Concise Guide to Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Concise Guide to Windows for Workgroups.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality computer books about Microsoft products. More than 10 million users at all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books to make learning and using software easier. Titles ranging from streamlined tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800 MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Concise Guide to MS-DOS Batch Files

by Kris Jamsa

224 pages, $12.95

ISBN: 1-55615-549-2

Pub. Date: June 8, 1993

Microsoft Press, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080


Retail Solution Point-of-Sale Cash Reg. Pgm
A Point-of-Sales, Retail Inventory, Accounts Receivable & Customer Tracking Program for $50.

For IBM or compatible computer systems

The Retail Solution is a complete cash register program combining Point-of Sales, Inventory, Accounts Receivable & Customer Tracking into one easy-to-use F options like network support and multiple sites, The Retail Solution will meet your needs now and into the future.

With its user-friendly design, on-screen help and fast, easy-to-use inventory retrieval (By: item number, description, key words or bar code), even a first-time computer user will be ringing Up sales in no time. The Retail Solution can also assist your sales people with layaways, bad check tracking, automatic or optional add-on sales and add-on sale recommendations.

Additional features: Automatic register readings, graphs of employee sales, viewing of customer traffic patterns in your store, support of deferred invoice charges, four-level pricing with optional sale prices, tracking of purchases made by each customer (item, quantity, price, date, serial number & warranty), easy-to-read reports, support of optional cash drawers, scanners, receipt and invoice printers and much more. All options are tightly controlled by employee access rights and menu level security.

System Requirements: IBM PC, XT, AT, PC/2 or compatible computer With a minimum Of 640K RAM, DOS 3.11 and 20MB hard disk. To view the 3D pie chart, you must have a CGA, EGA, VGA or greater monitor.

A registered copy of The Retail Solution, including a 60 page manual and 90 days phone support, is available for $50 single user or $100 network version. To request a "try before you buy" copy, send $5 for S&H to Northwest Network Solutions, 18529 SE Yamhill Circle, Portland OR 97233.


Examinator for Windows Certification Study
Examinator Helps You Secure Your Windows Certification

Now it's easier to become a Microsoft Certified Professional. Transcender Corp. has released Examinator, an interactive Windows training program that helps you study for and pass Microsoft's Windows certification examinations.

Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) is an excellent way to enhance your career. Adding the "MCP" credential and logo to your resume or business card will signify that the world's largest software company recognizes your computer expertise. And Examinator can help you gain the critical hardware and software skills you'll need to pass the certification exams.

Examinator lets you take four complete simulated exams. The program analyzes your responses and explains the reasoning behind each answer. The detailed scoring reports point out the areas that you should emphasize in your studies. In addition to the exams, the package includes instructions for becoming certified, study outlines, and a complete guide to preparing for the examinations.

Examinator runs under Microsoft Windows 3.1 and may be ordered for $89 plus $4 shipping and handling from Transcender Corp, 242 Louise Ave, Nashville, TN 37203-1812, (615) 327-1858; fax: (615) 320-6594


NEC Introduces -- The SVGA Monitor
NEC INTRODUCES THE SVGA MONITOR

...14 inch low cost Super VGA color monitor...

Wood Dale, Ill., June 7, 199 -- NEC Technologies, Inc., today introduces the NEC SVGA color monitor as its low-cost solution to Super VGA color computing. With the addition of the SVGA monitor, NEC expands its monitor offerings to include the low-cost, 14-inch, entry-level monitor market.

NEC hopes to capitalize on the high-volume 14-inch monitor market and continue the success it enjoyed with the MultiSync 2A--the SVGA's predecessor. According to various Silicon Valley market research companies, worldwide shipments of 14-inch monitors will be more than 16 million units in 1993 and even higher in 1994.

NEC's SVGA monitor's low estimated selling price of $415 and capability of displaying high resolutions (1024 x 768 at 60 Hz) make the monitor ideal for entry-level business applications, corporate network installations, home office and first time purchasers.

"Our SVGA monitor effectively addresses users who are looking for a low-cost color monitor for their desktop computer," said Jim Schwabe, vice president of NEC's Graphics Marketing Group. "NEC is adapting its strategy to include a broader range of markets and encourage SVGA buyers to eventually upgrade to one of its Premier MultiSync FG and FGe monitors."

"NEC now offers a display solution for entry level, mainstream, professional and presentation markets with its SVGA monitor, MultiSync FGe monitors, MultiSync FG monitors and MultiSync PG projection systems and large-screen data monitor, respectively," he said.

The VESA-compliant SVGA monitor features non-interlaced resolutions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768 to allow for user flexibility. The SVGA monitor is ergonomically designed with a modern cabinet, a removeable tilt swivel base, small foot print and easy-to-use, up-front controls. The SGVA also has NEC's Reduced Magnetic Field Technology for low ELF/VLF emissions.

Offering mainstream flexibility, the SVGA monitor is compatible with VGA, Super VGA and XGA resolutions. The monitor has horizontal frequencies of 31.5, 35.2, 35.5, 37.9 and 48 KHz, a vertical refresh of 50 to 90 Hz, and a video bandwidth of 65 MHz.

The SVGA is currently available through NEC's nationwide distribution of authorized resellers and has a one-year limited warranty. For additional information via fax call NEC FastFacts at 1-800-366-0476 and request document #143101.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning MultiSync monitors, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate, Image, Express and Ready systems products, and MultiSpin CD-ROM hardware, ProSpeed laptop computers and UltraLite notebook computers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719-2298

508-264-8000


Sybase Expands APT Workbench 4GL Platform
SYBASE EXPANDS PLATFORM SUPPORT FOR APT WORKBENCH 4GL DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

Application Development and Deployment Support for Unix, VMS and DOS Environments

EMERYVILLE, CA, June 2, 1993 -- Sybase, Inc., a leading vendor of client/server based software products and services, today announced the availability of the SYBASE APT Workbench product on three new platforms: Sun Sparc Solaris 2.1, DEC AXP Open VMS, and MS DOS. Additionally, APT Workbench now provides graphical conversion capabilities for deploying applications in Motif environments. The SYBASE APT Workbench product is a 4GL development environment used to prototype, build and maintain on-line client/server business applications for deployment to either character or graphical user interface environments.

"Customers are extremely pleased with our expanded platform support and GUI for the APT award-winning development environment. The fact that an APT application is 100% portable from UNIX and VMS to DOS means that software engineers don't have to spend their time porting," said Stewart Schuster, vice president of Sybase marketing. "In addition, we gave our UNIX customers a time saving solution to transform existing terminal or workstation applications to graphical applications that support the Motif GUI standard."

Optimized for SYBASE SQL Server, the APT Workbench product provides developers with a powerful 4GL to generate applications and build forms. A customer's installed base of PCs can now run industrial strength development applications -- continuing to provide good price/performance solutions for financial and accounting applications, MRPII packages, order entry, transaction processing, and data entry requirements. With this additional PC support, customers benefit from an even broader choice of client solutions for the enterprise client/server network.

The SYBASE APT Workbench Product

The SYBASE APT Workbench product was designed to support on-line applications in client/server environments. The APT Workbench recently won the Digital News & Review target award for best 4GL. The SYBASE APT Workbench product includes a set of tools for designing, prototyping, building and maintaining forms-based, on-line applications. The APT Workbench development environment consists of a visual forms editor, an application generator, a full-featured 4GL and 3GL language support. A runtime environment, APT-Execute, is also available. For Motif environments, a Motif deployment toolkit is used to translate and customize APT applications for the graphical Motif environment. For PCs, in addition to APT Workbench and APT-Execute, the APT 32-bit Deployment Toolkit for MS DOS is available.

Full 32-Bit Support for PC Platforms

The SYBASE APT Workbench product is one of the first PC development tools to deliver 32-bit client/server applications. The robust development environment of the SYBASE APT Workbench allows users to develop and deploy larger mission-critical applications on PC platforms with the performance and reliability they have come to expect with UNIX or VMS platforms. "Our customers have applications with hundreds to thousands of screens. Only a 32-bit environment," added Schuster, "will support this magnitude of client/server applications."

Increasingly, PCs play a critical role in enterprise-wide, client/server networks. Because the SYBASE APT Workbench for PCs is 100% compatible with applications running on UNIX or VMS, they can preserve their investments and leveraging the power of PCs in the network.

New Workstation Support

The SYBASE APT Workbench now supports two of the newest, most advanced workstation platforms: Sun Sparc Solaris 2.1 and DEC AXP Open VMS. In addition, the SYBASE APT Workbench product supports: Sun SPARC SunOS, IBM RS/6000, DEC VAX VMS, HP 9000/700 & 800, NCR 3000, DEC RISC Ultrix and HP 9000/300. The SYBASE APT Workbench product fully supports UNIX and VMS environments, and provides portability of applications across heterogeneous hardware platforms.

Motif support

With the enhancement of the SYBASE APT Workbench product to include Motif support, developers can now deploy character-based applications in a standard graphical environment. The APT for Motif product translates and executes the application using native Motif widgets.

Sybase customers benefit from a migration strategy that allows them to develop applications once -- and then deploy the application across the system using an automatic GUI conversion process. Developers now have a quick and accurate way to increase their own productivity, as well as providing data-rich a with enhanced ease-of-use for the end-user, using a graphical presentation of key information.

Pricing/Availability

The SYBASE APT Workbench product is currently shipping on all new platforms announced above. The SYBASE APT Workbench product for Motif runs on the Sun 4, IBM RS/6000, HP 9000/800, and HP 9000/700 platforms. Pricing for the APT Workbench product ranges from $595.00 to $98,970.00 depending on CPU size and number of users. Runtime pricing is also available.

SYBASE Client/Server Tools

Sybase provides client/server-based application development tools for character, graphical and multi-media clients. Sybase's array of tools include: APT Workbench, Data Workbench, SQR Workbench, Deft, and GainMomentum.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and systems integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


Micro Express Compact Multimedia Portable PC
MICRO EXPRESS INTRODUCES COMPACT MULTIMEDIA PORTABLE PC

Santa Ana, CA..Micro Express introduces a true multimedia portable PC, called the Regal/Multimedia Portable PC, in a compact "lunchbox-style" case. The display is a 10-inch color VGA active-matrix TFT LCD type, with CCFT backlighting and a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. This PC is based on the i486DX 33-MHz cpu and features 4-MB of RAM, 256K of RAM cache, a 200-MB IDE fast hard disk drive, a 3-1/2" high-density floppy disk drive, a Creative Labs Soundblaster Pro card, two external powered stereo speakers, a CD-ROM drive, a microphone, a mouse, DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1. This entire package is offered at a reasonable $4999.

The video driver can simultaneously drive both the LCD display and an external SVGA CRT with resolutions of up to 1024 x 768 pixels. The fully-featured AMI BIOS has password protection and selectable shadowing of both the system and video BIOS and the motherboard can accept up to 32-MB of RAM. A CMOS clock-calendar is included as are built-in diagnostics. Standard ports are one parallel and two serial. In addition, there is a port for the external CRT monitor.

Expansion can be accommodated in the case with three available expansion slots...two 16-bit and one 8-bit. The detachable keyboard has 102 keys, including 12 function keys. There are separate cursor-control and numeric keys. The case measures 16''[W] x 9"[H] x 8"[D], and the system weighs about 20 pounds.

A switchable 180-W power supply is included, as is a durable carrying bag (no extra charge). The antiglare screen has an automatic screen pop-up and tilt mechanism for easy radiation-free viewing.

The Finest Available Customer Support

A full 2-year warranty is included on parts and labor for this PC, with shipping for the first 4 months paid both ways by Micro Express, as well as a 30-day moneyback guarantee. Optional on-site service, through GE, is also available. If a board fails, Micro Express offers 24-hour express board replacement service. As with all other Micro Express computers, this machine is burned in for 72 hours before shipping to eliminate early failures. In addition, a toll-free number is provided for free unlimited technical support. Technical support is available 24-hours per day and 7-days per week as part of the exclusive Micro Express "Always" customer support program. When technical documents are required, Micro Express offers Automated FAX-back Service. Using this service, documents can be requested through voice-mail and will be FAXed directly to the customer without human intervention.

The Regal/Multimedia Portable PC is available now, direct from Micro Express.

Micro Express is an award-winning manufacturer of notebook, laptop, portable and desktop microcomputers that are fully IBM compatible. Micro Express offers extremely high quality and a wide range of additional features at a very competitive price. Micro Express personal computers are regularly rated at the top of comparative reviews in computer trade magazines, having won such honors as PC Magazine Editors' Choice, PC World Best Buy, Computer Buyer's Guide Best Buy, BYTE Magazine One-To-Watch, PC Week Analyst's Choice and many others. The company also offers a selection of high-performance add-in peripheral boards and monitors.

For further sales information, contact Micro Express at 1801 Carnegie Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. Phone: (714) 852-1400 or (800) 989-9900.


The Windows for Workgroups Bible
GET CONNECTED WITH THE REAL-WORLD GUIDE To WINDOWS CONNECTIVITY

May 27, 1993 -- Reading, MA -- Windows for Workgroups is certain to become the predominant software in the peer-to-peer network operating system market. The Windows For Workgroups Bible, recently published by Addison-Wesley is the one book that all Windows for Workgroups users and network administrators need to get started and effectively use Microsoft's new local-area networking software.

Authors Stan Miastkowski and Anne Fischer Lent take a problem-solving approach to working in this new environment where the users administer the network. They offer practical advice for new and experienced users about networking concepts and connectivity, installing the program, and running the network. The authors also include detailed information on how to connect Windows for Workgroups to existing client-server networks, such as NetWare, LAN Manager, and Windows NT.

The Windows For Workgroups Bible isn't just an expanded manual. Chock full of practical, real-world examples and hints, the book answers the whys and hows of Windows for Workgroups. Hot tips are liberally sprinkled throughout the book and formatted for easy reader access. A full set of appendices includes an extensive resource guide, a reference to advanced Windows for Workgroups features, and a glossary.

Stan Miastkowski is a Director of Peterborough Technology Group, a consulting firm specializing in PC connectivity and communications. He is a contributing editor to Windows User, DOS Resource Guide, and PCTV, and a consulting editor for BYTE.

Anne Fischer Lent is Director of Fischer Lent Communications, a firm specializing in writing and editing for and about the computer and biotech industries. She is a consulting editor to BYTE and a frequent contributor to Windows User and Corporate Computing.

Addison-Wesley is a worldwide publishing company based in Reading, Massachusetts, and is a recognized leader in the fields of computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics.

The Windows For Workgroups Bible has a suggested retail price of $26.95, is 410 pages long, paperback, and is available wherever computer books are sold.

Addison Wesley Publishing Company, 1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA 01867

(617) 944-3700


Lahey Fortran 90 & Intel Optimizing Code Tech.
Lahey Fortran 90 to Use Intel Optimizing Code Generation Technology

Fortran to be Optimized for Intel486 and Pentium Processors

Incline Village, Nevada, June 4, 1993-Lahey Computer Systems is pleased to announce an agreement to use Intel's optimizing code generation technology in their Fortran 90 language system.

By using Intel's code generation technology, this 32-bit Fortran will take full advantage of the Intel486 and Pentium processor architectures. The combination of Lahey's compiler front-end technology and Intel's highly optimizing code generation technology will establish the Lahey Fortran 90 as the preeminent Fortran language system for the PC platform.

President of Lahey

"We are excited about combining our Fortran 90 front end compiler technology with Intel's optimizing code generation technology," said Tom Lahey, President/CEO of Lahey Computer Systems. "Using Intel's technology will bring our product to market earlier and give Lahey a competitive advantage in execution speed. Fortran users can be assured our Fortran 90 will be a compiler-based language system and not a product that resorts to translation. We plan to continue incorporating Intel's compiler technology as our language systems support future generations of their microprocessors."

Lahey/Intel Technology Relationship

"Intel has developed optimizing code generation technology to facilitate the availability of compilers that produce optimized code for the Intel486 and Pentium processors," said Riaz Haq, Marketing Manager at Intel's Architecture and Software Technology Group. "We are pleased that Lahey will be using the Intel code generation technology to bring an optimizing Fortran 90 compiler product to the market for Intel-based platforms."

Optimizations for Intel486 and Pentium Processors

Lahey Fortran 90 will not only let programmers use all the new features available in the Fortran 90 Standard, but the highly optimizing Intel code generation will put Lahey Fortran 90 at the forefront of compiler performance. The Intel technology implements both classical and advanced optimization techniques. Although targeted for peak performance on the Intel486 and Pentium processors, Lahey Fortran can also be used on 386-based systems. The optimizing code generation technology fully exploits the performance potential of architectural attributes such as complex addressing modes. By selecting the optimum addressing modes, the compiler saves valuable cycles that would be wasted by compilers that do not emphasize X86 family instruction selection. The result of these architecture-specific optimizations is superior application performance on the Intel486 and Pentium processors. "We expect to have the fastest execution speed of any Fortran compiler running on the Intel486 or Pentium processors," said Bruce Bush, Chief Technical Officer at Lahey Computer Systems.

Fortran 90 Replaces 77

Scientists, engineers, and professional programmers will be able to downsize their existing 77 programs with Lahey Fortran 90 because it is a superset of Fortran 77. Combined with the performance of the 3 86, 486, and recently released Intel Pentium processors, Lahey Fortran 90 will make it highly cost-effective for companies to move their Fortran applications from mainframe and mini-computers to personal computers. Using Lahey Fortran 90 will also make writing new code easier because of the availability of new language features. In optimizing older programs or developing new applications, Lahey Fortran 90 users will find their source code to be more portable, smaller, and faster than corresponding Fortran 77 code. Some of the key features of the Fortran 90 Standard:

* Arrays - powerful and more efficient ways of handling arrays

* Structures - combine intrinsic and user-defined types

* Modules - using this new program unit, package code and data

  in reusable units

* Pointers - create data structures such as trees and linked

  lists

* ALLOCATE - size your program based on user resources.

* Modem Control Constructs - CASE, DO / END DO, DO WHILE, CYCLE,

  EXIT

* Kind - select data type based on required precision without

  knowing precision of processor

With the new features found in the Fortran 90 Standard, highly optimized Intel code generation, and Lahey's reputation for industry-leading compilers, Lahey expects Fortran programmers to begin replacing their Fortran 77 language systems as soon as Lahey Fortran 90 becomes available.

Corporate Profile Founded in 1967, Lahey Computer Systems specializes in the design and production of Fortran language systems and development tools for scientists, engineers, and professional programmers. Their award-winning PC Fortran language systems, Lahey Personal Fortran, F77L, and F77L-EM/32 are used worldwide.

Lahey Computer Systems

PO Box 6091

865 Tahoe Blvd

Incline Village, NV 89450

702-831-2500;  fax: 702-831-8123


MKS RCS V6.1 for Windows Configuration Mgmt
MKS RCS 6.1 for Windows

May 13, 1993 (Waterloo, ON) - Mortice Kern Systems today  announced the new version of its configuration management  software, MKS RCS 6.1, which now supports Microsoft Windows  3.1. The user has the option of using the Windows graphical user  interface or the traditional command line interface. MKS RCS  offers enhanced security and flexibility for distributed project  development environments, including an encryption facility, an  intuitive menu interface, a search path for RCS files, support for  both binary and text files, and seamless interoperability across  open platforms.

MKS RCS also includes unlimited branching, merging, comparing  of files, report generating, symbolic names, compression of log  files, network support, and locking - everything the user needs  in a project control system. Compatibility with UNIX means a  reduction in maintenance costs for multi-platform developers.

MKS RCS also features MKS Make, an automatic configuration  builder which minimizes file maintenance by allowing users to  create a recipe for large or small software projects - such as  software rebuilding, installation, configuration, and documenta- tion. With one command and a user-defined dependency list,  MKS Make will perform precise, repeatable updates when neces- sary. Due to its compiler independence, MKS Make can be used  with the most popular compilers available for PCs.

Pricing and Availability

MKS RCS 6.1 for Windows will be shipping in September, 1993.  It will be available for a suggested retail price of $349 and as an  upgrade from any previous version for $99.

Mortice Kern Systems Inc.

35 King St. North

Waterloo, Ontario

Canada, N2J 2W9

(519) 884-2251, 1-800-265-2797, fax (519) 884-8861


Personal ACIS Windows 3D Applic. Dev. Toolkit
The World's First Interactive 3D Application Builder for the Windows and Windows NT Environment

Spatial Technology Inc. releases Personal ACIS, a toolkit for 3D application development. Personal ACIS enables developers to interactively build 3D applications in the Microsoft Windows and Windows NT environments and is based on ACIS - the world's most widely licensed geometric modeler.

WHAT IS ACIS?   ACIS is a C++ class library that precisely defines 3D shapes (wireframe, surface and solids) and supports mulitmedia, photo realistic visualization, parametric shape design, and high precision application requirements.

ACIS is an industry standard 32-bit geometric modeler that has become the most widely licensed geometric modeler on the market today.  A sample of these licensees include; Autodesk, Aries, Applicon, Bentley Systems, Boeing, CADAM, Ford, HP, DEC, IBM, Mercedes, and Sharp.

WHAT IS PERSONAL ACIS? Personal ACIS is the World's first interactive 3D application builder crafted specifically for Microsoft Windows and Windows NT. Personal ACIS can be used by anyone to create powerful, interactive, 3D applications FAST - with a precision never before available outside of the UNIX development community!

PERSONAL ACIS -   Includes three subsystems; Geometry creation, Graphics interaction/manipulation, and Visualization in addition to the full ACIS Geometric Modeler.

-   Provides access via SCHEME, a fully programmable, interpretive, LISP derivative language with solid modeling extensions.

-   Is implemented as a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) with Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE), and Metafile support.

-   Provides direct support for Visual Basic, Visual C++, and other Graphical User Interface (GUI) builders to allow developers to rapidly create 3D applications for Windows.

-   Includes sample Visual Basic user interfaces to help get developers started.

The ACIS advantage is the power, precision, and non - proprietary nature of the ACIS Geometric Modeler coupled with the ease of use and speed of developing applications under Windows and Windows NT.  Personal ACIS opens doors to developers who need to transition into the world of 3D design and 3D graphics.

Never before has technology of this magnitude been available in the Windows marketplace at any price.  Personal ACIS is now available for just $495.00.  Contact SPATIAL TECHNOLOGY before June 30th to order your copy of Personal ACIS or request more information

CALL (303) 939-0944     FAX - (303) 939-0946

Internet address = (microinfo@spatial.com).


MKS Toolkit for Windows NT Beta Release in June
MKS Toolkit for NT Beta Release Set to Ship in June

May 18, 1993 (Waterloo, ON) - MKS today announced the  beta release of MKS Toolkit for Windows NT. MKS Toolkit  delivers powerful development utilities for DOS, OS/2, and  now Windows NT, including tools for command editing and  history, file processing and comparison, and text  manipulation and sorting. The Windows NT beta release of  MKS Toolkit includes the MKS Vi full-screen editor and  MKS Make software construction tools.

Like all MKS products, MKS Toolkit for Windows NT is  derived from the same open systems POSIX-compliant  technology as OpenVMS, CTOS, and MPE/iX and it is also  compatible with UNIX to the fullest extent allowed by the  Windows NT operating system.

Multitasking True multitasking is provided from the shell. The user can  run jobs in the background with `&', and list and kill the jobs  using the kill, ps, and jobs commands, just as one would do  using UNIX. This release of MKS Toolkit will also have true  multitasking pipelines, available on the Windows NT oper- ating system.

Windows Vi The new Windows Vi in this version of MKS Toolkit will be  menu-driven and have the ability to resize windows like  other Windows applications. Dialog boxes are provided to  open files, set Vi options, and record macros. Functions of  the command mode dialog box include command history,  which enables the user to recall and reissue commands.  For those users who prefer to use the keyboard, Windows  Vi is still fully keystroke compatible.

MKS Make MKS Make, included in MKS Toolkit, minimizes file mainte- nance by allowing users to create a recipe for large or small  software projects - such as software rebuilding, installa- tion, configuration, and documentation. With one com- mand, make, and a user-defined dependency list, MKS  Make will perform precise, repeatable updates when neces- sary. UNIX compatibility means a reduction in maintenance  costs for multi-platform developers. Due to its compiler  independence, MKS Make can be used with the most popu- lar compilers available for PCs.

Pricing and Availability The beta release of Toolkit 4.2 will start shipping in June,  1993, at a special introductory price of $99. Customers who  purchase the beta version will be offered a $99 upgrade  path to the general release version of MKS Toolkit after the  Windows NT operating system is shipping.

Mortice Kern Systems Inc.

35 King St. North

Waterloo, Ontario

Canada, N2J 2W9

(519) 884-2251, 1-800-265-2797, fax (519) 884-8861


HP OmniBook 300 First Superportable PC
HP AND MICROSOFT INTRODUCE FIRST SUPERPORTABLE PC

HP OmniBook 300 Sets New Standard in Computing Convenience; First Mobile PC With ROM-based Windows Applications and Built-in Mouse

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 7, 1993 - Hewlett-Packard Company and Microsoft Corporation today introduced the HP OmniBook 300 "superportable" personal computer (PC), which is the smallest and lightest PC on the market to feature a full-size keyboard and full VGA screen.

The superportable - called this because it gives users full-size-PC convenience anytime, anywhere with no boot-up and no set-up - is a product of an alliance between HP and Microsoft.

Measuring a slim 11.1 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches, and weighing only 2.9 pounds, the 386-based superportable fits easily into a briefcase and can be carried comfortably. k has an enhanced reflective display, PCMCIA hard-disk drive or flash-disk-based mass storage that can run on four AA batteries.

The HP OmniBook 300's unique hassle-free computing features include the following:

* "instant-on" applications - the industry's first hot-key access to a suite of Microsoft Windows applications, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. It contains hot-key access to HP's suite of built-in applications for convenient time management, including Phone 800k, Appointment Book and Financial Calculator.

* pointing device - a revolutionary, built-in pop-up mouse provides performance that matches that of any desktop mouse. k offers superior built-in convenience while eliminating the need to learn an alternative pointing method.

* long battery life - superior power-management design allows extended use of the OmniBook's rechargeable batteries. Typical continuous use is up to nine hours in systems using flash disks and up to five hours in systems with hard disks.

"The HP OmniBook 300 superportable is the product of our vision of a new age: that of pervasive computing," said Lewis E. Platt, president and chief executive officer of HP. "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 companies to design a mobile system specifically designed for convenience of use while on-the-go."

"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," said Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft Corp. "What's more, the OmniBook is the first machine with ROM-based versions of Microsoft Excel and Word, the most popular applications for Windows. HP's OmniBook 300 is truly a 'Windows' machine.

Information Anywhere, Anytime Built in

The HP OmniBook 300 incorporates the Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system, the preferred Windows applications and HP's persona information management (PIM) tools for the creation and communication of information on the go.

For the HP OmniBook 300, Microsoft created the first read-only memory (ROM) versions of any major Windows applications. Because the software operates in ROM, the HP OmniBook 300 features instant-on and one-touch task switching. There are no boot delays or prolonged application switching.

"Our research indicated mobile PC users wanted the ability to access and create information easily, without compromises in application performance and mobility," said Prank Cloutier, general manager of HP's Corvallis (Ore.) Division. "By incorporating Microsoft's application suite in the HP OmniBook 300, we give them all the leading desktop PC business tools word processor, spreadsheet and communications in a compact machine optimized for instant application access."

The leading applications provide powerful tools for business people increasing their productivity. Microsoft Excel makes spreadsheet tasks easier by providing customers with a wealth of features ranging from basic functions, such as drag and drop, autoformat and autofill, to high-end analytical capabilities, including scenario manager, cross tabs and workbooks.

Complementing the HP OmniBook 300's full-size keyboard, Microsoft Word makes everyday word-processing tasks easier and offers customers a full set of features, including a customizable tool bar, drag-and-drop, print-merge helper and envelope generator.

HP OmniBook 300 users can replace their bulky, paper organizers with the HP Appointment Book, Phone Book and Financial Calculator included in its ROM. These are the same organizing tools built into the HP 100LX palmtop PC.

Intuitive Pointing Device

To provide maximum usability in the Windows environment, HP developed a revolutionary pointing device - the pop-up mouse. It provides superior performance over other portable pointing devices on the market. The pop-up mouse was tested against a wide range of available pointing devices, and users were able to do mouse-related tasks faster and more accurately with the pop-up mouse. Because the mouse is built in, it is already for use and can be used anywhere, even when no surface is available.

The advantage to the pop-up mouse design is that it works just as the user would expect. Extensive research by HP human-factors engineers found alternative pointing devices, such as track balls, required people to relearn new skills - often with significant learning curves. The pop-up mouse functions as any common desktop mouse does and does not require that the user learn any new skills.

Storage and Battery Life

The HP OmniBook 300 is available with two storage options, a 40-MB PCMCIA 2.0, type III hard disk or a 10-MB flash disk located on a PCMCIA 2.0, type II card. Both storage options take advantage of the system's built-in DoubleSpace compression program to provide twice the storage capacity 80MB and 20MB respectively.

Storage can be upgraded easily through the system's three available PCMCIA 2.0 slots. The system software is located on a ROM card in an additional PCMCIA slot, allowing for easy future upgrades of the system and application software in ROM.

Extensive Communications

The extensive communications capabilities of the HP OmniBook 30 include Traveling Software's new LapLink Remote Access PC linking so for easy file exchange, archiving and installing additional applications. Through the linking software, the HP OmniBook 300 can connect to a desktop, network, or portable computer so that the computer's and OmniBook's disk and printer resources are seamlessly linked. The HP OmniBook 300 is the first PC to use Traveling Software's new Remote Software.

The HP OmniBook 300 supports communications through a user-installable 2400-baud data, 9600-baud send/receive fax modem. This optional fax/modem includes Microsoft Mail Remote version 3.2 to access e-mail systems, WinFax LITE to send or receive faxes and DynaComm for terminal emulation.

Microsoft Mail Remote is the industry's first remote e-mail client that takes full advantage of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It provides added features such as a view headers option, the ability to read and create messages off line and automatic dial-ups that can be scheduled for the times when phone rates are cheapest or when users are other vise occupied. In the United States, the Remote Client offers connectivity to AT&T EasyLink services, the largest public e-mail carrier in the world, which provides Microsoft Mail users out-of-the-box connectivity to millions of public e-mail, fax and telex users.

WinFax LITE is used to send or receive faxes directly from Microsoft Windows. Users can send single or multiple faxes immediately or schedule them for later transmission. They can customize fax headers, view faxes four different zoom levels and manage more than 1,000 names and phone numbers with its built in phone book.

DynaComm communications software offers a phone dialer, connection cost tracking and logins for major e-mail services in addition to 14 terminal-emulation and nine text and binary file-transfer protocols.

U.S. Availability

The HP OmniBook 300 is available now through HP's worldwide network of authorized resellers.

Product Support

U.S. OmniBook 300 customers get unlimited free support with a toll call through HP's new comprehensive support program. U.S. OmniBook 300 customers call just one phone number to receive hardware and software assistance. There also is an automated 800 number that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with fax-back capability for application notes and most commonly asked questions. For hardware repair, HP offers overnight product exchange through its Express Exchange Program.

Product                                    U.S. Prices

HP OmniBook 300 with 40MB hard disk          $ 1,950

HP OmniBook 300 with 10MB flash disk           2,375

Fax/Modem Communications Pack                    379

2MB RAM expansion                                179

AC/DC adapter                                     99

Rechargeable battery pack                         99

5MB flash card(1)                                499

10MB flash card(1)                               879

HP OmniBook PIM Software to Desktop PCs           79

(1)built-in compression doubles each flash card's capacity.

The HP OmniBook 300 joins HP's family of personal information appliances that are setting the standard for easy-to-use mobile devices. Th devices feature one-touch access to leading applications and extensive communications capabilities to allow for the creation, manipulation, access and communication of information anywhere, anytime.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Hewlett-Packard Company is an international manufacturer of measurement and computation products and systems recognized for excellence in quality and support. The company's products and services are used in industry, business, engineering, science, medicine and education in approximately 110 countries. HP has 93,800 employees and had revenue of $16.4 billion in its 1992 fiscal year.

Sales information may be obtained by calling: 1-800-443-1254 (U.S. only)


Public Access Controls Rental Computers
CONTROL THE USE OF YOUR PUBLIC RENTAL COMPUTERS

If you run a business enterprise where you rent computer time to the general public for such tasks as word processing or desktop publishing then you have only been getting partial benefit from your investment in equipment. PUBLIC ACCESS is an MS-DOS based control program that allows Public Libraries, Copy/Fax/Mail businesses, community and business computer resources centers or any similar enterprise to offer to their patrons and customers a host of new options.

* PUBLIC ACCESS launches (runs) and controls the use of any stand-alone, text or graphics application or communications MS-DOS compatible program. Charge rates can be adjusted to the individual program or online service by the minute, long distance minute, page, session and/or overall event.

* PUBLIC ACCESS allows the business to configure their systems for CASH and/or CREDIT CARD payments. * Credit Card options involves the business qualifying for a merchant account with a participating processing bank and all individual credit card transactions are preauthorized prior to use.

* Businesses can offer their customers and patrons controlled access to the world of online data communications via modem and the regular phone lines. PUBLIC ACCESS comes preconfigured with hundreds of popular online data service phone numbers and automatic logon procedures. Commercial Scripts include dial-in access to, such popular systems as. Internet, CompuServe (text), Dialog, BRS, EasyNet, BIX, GEnie, Dow Jones News Retrieval, Lexis/Nexis, NewsNet, and many others.

* Much as is the case with people who don't own a phone, placing their calls with a pay phone, an individual does not have to own their own computer, modem, and software. In time, they just go down to their local PUBLIC ACCESS business and use the computer down there.

* PUBLIC ACCESS is a feature rich control front end. Some of the many popular features are:

- Automatic logon DEMO password script for PRODIGY,

- The capability to access cooperating online commercial data

  services, on a one time only, casual basis, without

  subscribing,

- A keyword/phrase search for special online services,

- Automated logon scripting to 12 steps,

- Special system security,

- Attractive, attention getting, persistent logo screen,

- Logical, prompted, no-training necessary, customer usage

  screens,

- User installed software (applications and communications)

  option,

- Usage history reporting,

- Customer receipts,

- Mouse aware,

- And much more.

PUBLIC ACCESS System requirements: MS-DOS 3.30 or better, 80286 Computer or better, Any Monitor, a good modem with PROCOMM PLUS V.201, from Datastorm Technologies Inc.

IN/QUEST, LLC

3140-K, S. Peoria St, Aurora, #200, CO 80014-3155

303-671-0800;  fax: 303-671-0559;  AOL Email: Inquest


Rackmount MultiArray Data/Fax Comm Server
Multi-Tech Announces Rack MultiArray Systems for LAN Computing and Communication Services

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--May 24, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces the rackmount MultiArray Data/Fax Communications Server. A MultiArray system can provide Local Area Network (LAN) users with an integrated solution for various network communications functions, such as data communications with modems or multiplexers, fax communications, gateway operation, and other network server functions. The rack-mount MultiArray cabinet, which includes a 20-slot chassis, a 300-watt power supply, cooling fans, slide rails, and one floppy drive (for loading software) is priced at $1695 (U. S.). MultiArray systems will be available for shipment in the third quarter of 1993.

"When you need compute power for LAN applications, the convenience and flexibility of the MultiArray are two very good reasons to consider Multi-Tech," states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems Inc. " The MultiArray is flexibility because its chassis has 20 slots, divided into eight segments, which can be configured with any combination of our 386SX and 486SX compatible Single Board Computers (SBCs). Properly equipped MultiArrays can operate on a LAN as data/fax communications servers, host processors for remote-control, dial-in operations, or IBM 3270/5250 gateways. The design of the system is convenient because the MultiArray can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet, taking up only seven vertical inches."

The MultiArray is designed specifically for applications that require multiple processors in a single cabinet. Its chassis features an eight-segment backplane using ISA-bus architecture. segments have two slots to accommodate an SBC and NIC each. The eighth is a six-slot segment to accommodate a communications processor (e.g., an SBC), a NIC, and up to four Intelligent Serial Interface (ISI) multiport serial cards. The six-slot segment was designed to serve as a data/fax communications server, but could be configured as a gateway to IBM's 3270 or 5250 environments by adding the appropriate hardware from Multi-Tech Systems.

Multi-Tech Systems, which reported sales of $81 million for 1992, was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for the global market of networking product users. The Minnesota-based company is well-known for its MultiModem line of dial-up communications products. Multi-Tech's family of products include a complete line of data/fax modems, MultiMux statistical multiplexers, DSUs, 3270/3780/5250 emulation systems, X.25 PADS/Switches, UNIX serial interfaces, communications software, LAN/VVAN connectivity products, and most recently, the MultiModemPCS, a voice/data/fax personal communications system. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's reps, systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


MultiModemLT PCMCIA V.32bis Data/Fax Modem
Multi-Tech Announces V.32bis Data/V.17 Fax PCMCIA Modem

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--May 24, 1993--Mulff-Tech Systems, Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today a PCMCIA-compatible "credit-card sized" data/fax modem that incorporates V.32 bis/V.42bis (57.6K bps) data and V.17 (14.4K bps) fax modem technologies. The new MultiModemLT (Model MT1432LT) is designed for standard Type II PCMCIA expansion slots. The new modem comes bundled with MultiExpress data communications and MultiExpressFax software. The MT1432LT will ship in June of this year and will cost $599 (U.S.).

According to Multi-Tech President Raghu Sharma, "The emergence of a realistic standard for expansion slots in PCs will bring significant advantages to the user. The PCMCIA standard finally lets a user install any add-on capability as easily as plugging in an external device. This will result in an ever-growing family of expansion devices for manufacturers to produce and more productivity for the user. And, since in today's working environment you depend on a portable or laptop computer to extend your productivity while away from the office, it's a very good step for the industry."

With the MT1432LT's CCITT's V.42 error correction and V.42bis data compression, data communication speeds can approach 57.6K bps (depending on file content and the receiving modem's capability), and the data sent will be 100% error free. V.42 error correction incorporates both MNP Classes 3 & 4 and LAP-M. Data compression can be V.42bis for "4-to-1" throughput improvement, or the popular MNP Class 5 for "2-to-1" throughput. The MT1432LT recognizes the "AT" commands for data communications, so it will operate with most data communications software. For UNIX users, the MultiModemLT includes Adaptive Protocol Enhancing to augment "g" protocol batch file transfers in the UUCP environment. This feature "spoofs" the "g" protocol into transmitting data at its maximum speed by locally acknowledging each data block released. And, with its Remote Configuration feature, you can receive tech support assistance wherever you go. The MultiModemLT is equipped with a "flash PROM" so that you can upgrade it by calling Multi-Tech's BBS and downloading new firmware when performance enhancing features become available.

The MultiModemLT recognizes the de facto standard Class 2 commands used by high performance fax software. With the proper software, you can send and receive text, images, or graphics to and from any similarly equipped computer or fax machine in the world.

Multi-Tech Systems, which reported sales of $81 million for 1992, was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for the global market of networking product users. The Minnesota-based company is well-known for its MultiModem line of dial-up communications products. Multi-Tech's family of products include a complete line of data/fax modems, MultiMux statistical multiplexers, DSUs, 3270/3780/5250 emulation systems, X.25 PADS/Switches, UNIX serial interfaces, communications software, LAN/VVAN connectivity products, and most recently, the MultiModemPCS, a voice/data/fax personal communications system. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's reps, systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Kenfil Distributing MBS Tech. RileRunner Pgm
McMurray, PA, May 28, 1993..MBS Technologies, Inc., publisher of the award-winning FileRunner program, has just signed Kenfil Distribution to its domestic distribution team.

Irwin Bransky, president of Kenfil Distribution, states, "We at Kenfil believe that FileRunner for both DOS and Mac operating systems will be a great addition to our stock of utility software programs. FileRunner is a superior file transfer and synchronization program with a unique set of features designed to fill the needs of the person who works on multiple computers at varied locations."

Resellers, VARs, corporate buyers, businesses, government and educational users are invited to call Kenfil Distribution at 818/785-1181, FAX: 818/780-5472 or write to them at 16745 Saticoy St.; Van Nuys, CA 91406 in order to get information about FileRunner or to place orders.

"Kenfil Distribution is the market leader in business, productivity, communications and utility software distribution," states Bernee D. L. Strom, president of MBS Technologies, Inc. "We are very proud to have the largest software-only distributor in America handling FileRunner. Kenfil joins our other American distributors such as Merisel, Software Resource Inc. and Daisycom. "

The FileRunner programs, Mac and DOS versions, are the flagship products of MBS Technologies, Inc. The company, founded by Bernee D. L. Strom and Martin M. Batt in 1991, publishes computer software that improves the productivity of users in today's multicomputer environment.

For sales information contact: MBS Technologies, Inc.; 4017 Washington Rd. #4000; McMurray, PA 15317; Phone 800/860-8700 or 412/941-9076; FAX: 412/941-7076.


Accolade NHLPA License Clinched
Accolade Clinches License with NHLPA

Brett Hull Hockey to be as Real as it Gets

CHICAGO, Illinois--June 3, 1993--Accolade, a leading publisher of sports today announced, here at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, that it has reached a multi-year licensing agreement with the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) to feature the names, likenesses and stistics of real players from the Major League Hockey Association in Accolade's fall release of Brett Hull Hockey. Brett Hull Hockey, featuring the real players from the NHLPA, is scheduled to release in October for the Super Nintendo Entertainment and the Sega Genesis and during the second quarter of 1994 for PC compatible computers.

Brett Hull Hockey represents the company's first ice hockey simulation in one of the fastest growing spectator and recreational sports in the country. Based on input from, and featuring the digitized skating of Brett Hull himself, the game will include a "behind the player" perspective, full instant replay, and the ability to turn on and off penalties, and select and change line settings. The NHLPA license will provide hockey fans the opportunity of facing off with Brett Hull as well as all their other favorite Major League players.

Brett Hull Hockey will also feature complete play-by-play commentary by Emmy award-winning sportscaster, Al Michaels. He garnered his first "Sportscaster of the Year" award in 1980, the same year he made his memorable calling of the U.S.A. hockey team's dramatically successful quest for the gold medal in the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. He went on to cover hockey during the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo and during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. He is also one of the sports announcers for this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.

"With input from Brett Hull, commentary from Al Michaels and now, the authenticity of the NHLPA, Brett Hull Hockey is as real as it gets," said Charlotte Taylor Skeel, Director of Licensing.

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Pele! Soccer for Sega Genesis & SNES
PELE!

FULL-FORCE ACTION FROM THE "SUPERSTAR" OF SOCCER

Category: Sports Simulation

Price and Availability: Sega Genesis - $64.95, November,

                        Super Nintendo - $64.95, December

CHICAGO, Illinois-June 3, 1993--Undeniably the most famous soccer player in the world, Pele is bringing his soccer skills and expertise to the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo this fall. Together with Accolade, Pele has helped co-design PELE!, a revolutionary new sports simulation that will appeal to soccer enthusiasts soccer enthusiasts of all levels.

Vividly detailed graphics add excitement and realism as digitized players kick, dive, and slide across the field. Lead a team of eleven players through over 30 games of league play to become the champions, and play against Pele and the 1962 Brazilian World Cup team. Each of the 40 European and Latin American clubs (all modeled after Division 1 soccer clubs) comes with a rating (offense, defense and speed) which will set the performance of each player on the team.

"I helped design the game, so you know it's realistic," said Pele. "I'm even available throughout the game as a "coach". We use the attributes and characteristics of real players, and feature games played in various kinds of weather. You can even play as me in a special skills contest. The game's just the way I like it - physical, exciting, and powerful.

"Everything about the game offers true-to-life soccer, from the crowd singing European football "fight" songs, to a tilted 35 degree perspective of the playing field that allows real TV-style coverage," said producer Robert Daly. "You can even relive your exciting plays with an instant replay feature. PELE! will set the standard for soccer games, not only in North America, but in Europe and Latin America as well."

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Jack Nicklaus Power Challenge Golf (Genesis)
JACK NICKLAUS' POWER CHALLENGE GOLF

GOLF JUST ISN'T FOR ADULTS ANYMORE!

IT'S COMING SOON FOR THE SEGA GENESIS

Category: Golf Simulation

Price and Availability: Sega Genesis - $59.95, June, 1993

CHICAGO, Illinois-JUNE 3,1993 -- Visitors to the Summer Consumer Electronics Show here in Chicago are invited to Accolade's booth, #7131, to tee off with Jack Nicklaus' Power Challenge Golf, the company's first golf simulation for the Sega Genesis. The newest member to the most successful line of golf simulations on the market, Jack Nicklaus' Power Challenge Golf is developed in association with Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Productions. It features two Nicklaus designed courses and fully-digitized golfers, including Jack Nicklaus himself. Jack Nicklaus' Power Challenge Golf is scheduled to release- later this month at a suggested retail price of $59.95.

The gameplay more than lives up to the Nicklaus standard of highest quality. Players can challenge two of Jack's finest course designs -- water intensive English Turn Golf Club (New Orleans), home of the USF&G Classic, and rugged Sherwood Country Club (Thousand Oaks, CA), site of the annual Greg Norman Shark Shootout. The game features the widest variety of golf shots, Accolade's acclaimed and easiest-to-use "Power Bar" interface, as well as complete statistics for individual players which are updated after every round. Players can select from a variety of options including the ability to play alone or against 3 other human or computer controlled opponents; compete in stroke, skins or tournament play; or practice on the driving range and the putting green.

The program also features a Tournament mode with an option to play against the computer, or up to a maximum of three other human players. Players can also customize computer players so they play just like the real pros on the tour. Using the helpful onscreen tape measure feature, players can read the exact distance between their ball and any other object or location on the hole. Players will find this especially useful when deciding which club to use, based on the distance they need to smack the ball.

The game contains music and a wide variety of digitized sound effects, including the natural sound of the ball splashing in to the water, or sailing onto the green. With the crowd cheering them on throughout the game, players will feel like they have an audience witnessing their every shot. Further, the game adjusts ball trajectories to account for club selection and loft, as well as for terrain contours. More realistic ball landings, rolls and bounces, along with fast, easy gameplay give players the most complete video game golf experience available.

"My sons and I have enjoyed the competition of playing all of the Accolade computer golf products," said Jack Nicklaus. "I'm looking forward to playing this new video game against my sons. It has been designed to be easy and incredibly fun to play ... exactly what golf should be."

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Bubsy: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind
ACCOLADE CREATES A NEW "CAT" EGORY OF VIDEO GAME WITH BUBSY IN: CLAWS ENCOUNTERS OF THE FURRED KIND

Category: Interactive cartoon

Price and Availability: Sega Genesis - $59.95, July,

                        Super Nintendo - $69.95, Now

CHICAGO, Illinois-June 3, 1993--Accolade today announced the upcoming release of its new interactive cartoon video game, Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind for the Sega Genesis system. Currently available for the-Super NES, and heralded by industry sources as one of 1993's best video games, Claws Encounters of the Purred Kind debuts for the Sega Genesis in July.

The world's supply of yarnballs is seriously threatened, and it's up to Bubsy to put a stop to the yarnball plundering. Bubsy is a bobcat with a mission. Earth has been invaded by the Woolies, inhabitants of the planet Rayon, whose civilization is powered by high fiber plasma engines which utilize yarnball superclusters at their core. This of course, requires a lot of yarnballs, and so the Twin Queens of Rayon, Poly and Ester, have sent their Yarn Plated Saucers of Silk to a planet abundant in yarn - Earth. Little do they know they have to contend with the world's greatest yarn hoarder himself, Bubsy.

Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind takes platform video games to a new level. It is a monstrous 16-meg interactive challenge. Bubsy has a flamboyant personality. Watch his reaction as he enters and exits the wild waterslides. Everyone knows how much cats hate water, and Bubsy is no exception, giving new meaning to the expressions "Ah-ooga!" and "Fluff Dry!" You'll see nothing but a blur of fur when Bubsy meets up with a wayward Woolie or other foe and engages in an ail claws bared catfight. Bubsy displays over 40 different animated actions. In addition to his large repertoire of expressions and mannerisms, he'll also tell you what's on his mind. This makes Bubsy one of the first animated video game characters to actually speak!

According to John Skeel, the game's producer, "Bubsy is one cool cat. He's a state-of-the-art feline who's got a digitized voice, American style cartoon animation, great detailed art, realistic sound effects and his own original movie-style musical score. Bubsy will keep you challenged for hours -- there's more than one way to skin this cat." Skeel adds, "Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind is one of the first interactive cartoons created here in the U.S. We've made this a deep game. In uncompressed form, the data is many times larger than the cartridge itself. There are plenty of hidden levels and secret rooms to explore as Bubsy flips, soars and even floats on his quest to save his precious yarnballs."

Just like a classic cartoon, you'll become involved in a story full of obstacles to overcome, pratfalls to laugh at and foes to fight. Wind your way through the different paths of the five worlds, each containing three chapters, plus a ten screen by ten screen final boss chapter. Each of the sixteen chapters is very large, some covering an incredible distance of 30 screens long by 10 screens high. Only you will be able to help Bubsy avoid falling rocks, eggs, rolling manhole covers, cheesewheels, projectile gumballs and the many other dangers and challenges that wait for him in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind.

Displaying his characteristic charm and wit, Bubsy commented, "Well of course Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind is a great game. I wouldn't settle for anything less than the best for my first starring role in a video game. This is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with Accolade. Of course it doesn't hurt that my contract grants me a bowl full of sardine heads in my dressing room, a fulltime bodyguard, and a summer home in Catcun."

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Speed Racer in The Challenge of Racer X
GO SPEED RACER GO!

CLASSIC CARTOON SPEEDS ITS WAY TO PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Category: Arcade/Racing

Price and Availability:

   IBM PC and compatible computers - $59.95, September

   Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo - First Quarter 1994

CHICAGO, Illinois-June 3, 1993--Speed Racer, one of the most successful cartoons ever shown on American television, is making its way to the computer entertainment industry. Accolade, a leading publisher of computer and video game systems, is marking the debut of Speed Racer in "The Challenge of Racer X TM" for IBM PC and compatible computers here at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show. The product is scheduled to release in September for IBM PC and compatible computers and in the first quarter of 1994 for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. Accolade welcomes visitors to their booth, #7131, for a demonstration of Speed Racer in "The Challenge of Racer X" and to enjoy the nostalgia of the familiar "Go Speed Racer Go" theme song.

True to the cartoon characters' personalities, players can assume the role of the courageous teenage driver Speed Racer, racing the amazing Mach 5, or choose to race as the mysterious Racer X and drive the Formula Race Car "The Shooting Star." Ironically, Racer X is Speed's greatest competitor and secret protector, and in reality is actually Rex Racer, Speed's older brother who now works undercover as a top secret Interpol agent. To win the race, players must match their skills and wits against many notorious villains including Captain Terror, Snake Oiler, and the Gang of Assassins. Players will test their driving skills on six race courses including Danger Pass, the Snake Track, and the Valley of Destruction, each based on a different Speed Racer cartoon episode.

Speed Racer's amazing Mach 5 is a supercharged stealth-mobile with more personality and gadgets than any other car on the racing circuit. With a push of the button, players can activate the "autojacks" to jump short distances at high speeds, "belt tires" which are especially useful on oil slicks or slippery terrain at high speeds, and "buzz saws" which prove the Mach 5 is a cut above the rest for mowing down opponents and slashing through obstacles.

Speed Racer in "The Challenge of Racer X" will incorporate the personalities of the major characters from the cartoon series including Speed Racer, his spunky girlfriend Trixie; his little brother, Spridle; Speed's father and designer of the amazing Mach 5, Pops Racer; and the mysterious Racer X. During each race, players will see the animated faces and hear the digitized voices of the Speed Racer characters as they cheer you on, comment on your progress, or alert you of danger.

Speed Racer is a cartoon character that became an instant hit when it first appeared on American television in 1967. Accolade has an exclusive, worldwide long-term licensing agreement with Speed Racer Enterprises to develop and publish computer and video games based on the Classic Speed Racer animated series as well as on the New Adventures of Speed Racer animated series. The classic "Speed Racer" series is now airing on MTV, and "The New Adventures of Speed Racer," is slated to air in syndication this fall.

"Over 40 million fans grew up watching Speed Racer, and with the program airing in syndication, we are very excited to introduce it to a brand new audience," said James Rocknowski, Vice President of Licensing for Speed Racer Enterprises. "It naturally lends itself to the computer and video game arena and I'm pleased Accolade will be bringing it to market so that Speed Racer fans everywhere can experience the thrill of racing Speed Racer's incredible Mach 5."

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Brett Hull Hockey (computer & video games)
SHOOTIN' AND SMILIN' ICE HOCKEY PERSONALITY BRETT HULL SET TO STAR IN ACCOLADE'S NEW COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES

Category: Sports Simulation

Price and Availability:

   Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo (16 mega-bits) -

        $69.95, September

   IBM PC and compatible computers - Second Quarter 1994

CHICAGO, Illinois-June 3, 1993--Accolade, a leading publisher of sports simulations for computer and video game systems, today introduced Brett Hull Hockey for the Super Nintendo. Brett Hull Hockey represents the company's first ice hockey simulation in one of the fastest growing spectator and recreational sports in the country. The product is scheduled to release in September for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo video game systems at a suggested retail price of $69.95. A version for IBM PC and compatible computers is scheduled to release during the second quarter of 1994.

Brett Hull Hockey brings Brett's tough, high-scoring style of playing hockey together with his philosophy about the game which is, "it has to be fun or it's not worth playing." Several modes of play are offered including exhibition game, 11 game short season, 42 game half season and an 84 game full season that no other computer or video game provides. It also includes the playoffs and a partial All Star skills competition.

To create a realistic hockey environment, Radical Entertainment, the designers of Brett Hull Hockey and die-hard fans of the sport, videotaped skaters, including Brett Hull himself, playing hockey and digitized them for the product. Based on input from Brett Hull himself, the game includes a "behind the player" perspective, full instant replay, the ability to turn on and off penalties, authentic organ music and sound effects such as the noise of the skates carving the ice, the ability to select and change line settings, a fighting sequence for players ranked as aggressive, and the ability to allocate playing attributes to teams.

"I'm very excited to be personally involved with this new and exciting hockey game," commented Brett Hull. "I'm impressed that Accolade was able to incorporate some of my ideas into the game, and that it's important to them that I'm involved."

To take full advantage of the capabilities of the Super Nintendo, Brett Hull Hockey will make use of Mode 7 which offers scaling and rotation abilities. The Sega Genesis version will include a save game battery backup and the Super Nintendo version will include a password feature.

Brett Hull Hockey will also feature complete play-by-play commentary by Emmy award-winning sportscaster, Al Michaels. He garnered his first "Sportscaster of the Year" award in 1980, the same year he made his memorable calling of the U.S.A. hockey team's dramatically successful quest for the gold medal in the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. He went on to cover hockey during the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo and during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

Brett Hull, right winger for the St. Louis Blues, is one of the NHL's greatest goal scorers in NHL history, and is one of the most marketable stars since Wayne Gretzky. He is the son of the legendary Hall-of-Famer, Bobby Hull, whose reign in the 60's and 70's earned him the reputation as one of the best all-around hockey players in history. A super star on his own, Brett Hull was named the NHL's Most Valuable Player in 1990-91 for achieving 86 goals in 78 games and was twice voted the NHL's Most Popular All-Star Player in fan balloting. Brett Hull joined the ranks of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux when he became a member of the NHL's "50/49 Club" for scoring 50 goals in 49 games. He is also a member of the NHL's "80 Goal Club" joining other hockey greats, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Mike Ditka Ultimate Football II
DITKA REINS SUPREME IN SEQUEL TO BEST-SELLING "ULTIMATE FOOTBALL" SIMULATION

EXPERIENCE WHAT AGGRESSIVE FOOTBALL CAN REALLY BE

Category: Football Simulation

Price and Availability: IBM PC and compatible computers -

                        Fourth Quarter 1993

CHICAGO, Illinois-June 3, 1993--Accolade, a leading publisher of sports simulations, today announced plans to release Mike Ditka Ultimate Football II for IBM PC and compatible computers. This high impact and graphically intensive football game will build on the features that made the 1991 release of Mike Ditka Ultimate Football a huge success. The company today also announced plans to release a new football game for the Sega Genesis. This yet unnamed product, will be a tough-action football game combining both simulation and arcade sensationalism. Both products will feature extra-large digitized/rotoscoped animated player graphics displayed in a perspective view. They are both scheduled to release during the fourth quarter of this year.

Mike Ditka Ultimate Football II will feature 256 color Super VGA graphics (640 x 400 or 320 x 200). The 3D polygon stadium, scaling player graphics and aggressive style football, including realistic tackle animations, are Just a few of the new features of this product. Many of the popular features from the first Ditka game will be incorporated including, changeable camera angles, team construction, play editor, and the ability to import and export teams from all 28 NFL cities. Players can compete in an exhibition game, or form their own league and play a complete season with the ultimate goal of reaching the prized championship playoffs.

Mike Ditka Ultimate Football II will also include a Logo Editor enabling computer coaches to change the name, number and vital characteristics of each player, as well as instantly set the colors for the home and visiting uniforms of each team. For computer coaches whose forte is play design, Mike Ditka Ultimate Football II will offer an extensive Playbook and Play Designer Editor in which players can unleash their imagination and create unlimited offensive and defensive plays to fit their personal game plan. A variety of pre-designed plays will also be included in the product.

ABC "Monday Night Football" and Emmy award-winning sportscaster Al Michaels, will call the play-by-play commentary. Michaels' recognizable voice can also be heard in Accolade's popular HardBall III and soon in Brett Hull Hockey.

"Accolade has managed to capture, in my opinion, what makes the game of football so popular," said Hall-of-Fame tight-end "Iron" Mike Ditka. "In terms of realism, physical action and unadulterated fun, this really is "ultimate" football."

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Windows Internals by Matt Pietrek
FIND OUT HOW WINDOWS REALLY WORKS WITH THE LATEST BOOK IN THE ANDREW SCHULMAN PROGRAMMING SERIES

June 4, 1993 -- Reading, Massachussetts--Most Windows programming books treat Windows like a "black box"-your program makes calls to the Windows API and somewhere the request is processed, but this is not so in Windows Internals, a new book recently published by Addison-Wesley. Author Matt Pietrek demystifies the "black box" phenomenon by providing the first complete look at the inner workings of the Windows operating system .

Pietrek, a co-author of the best-selling Undocumented Windows, arms programmers with the essential background information necessary to write effective Windows software. He uses the time-honored technique of reverse-engineering to give a rare inside look under the hood of Windows.

Windows Internals supplies detailed psuedocode for many of the key functions that make up the Windows API. Pietrek covers such important topics as memory management, dynamic linking, the Windows-DOS interface, and the messaging system. By approaching Windows from the core out, Pietrek provides a behind-the-scenes look at why and how Windows works as it does, not just how to use it. This authoritative examination of the Windows operating system is essential reading for all windows programmers.

Matt Pietrek is an engineer at Nu-Mega Technologies Incorporated, developer of BOUNDS-CHECKER and Soft-ICE/W.

Addison-Wesley is a worldwide publishing company based in Reading, Massachusetts, and is a recognized leader in the fields of computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics.

Windows Internals has a suggested retail price of $29.95, is 525 pages long, paperback, and is available wherever computer books are sold.

Addison-Wesley Publishing Company

1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA 01867

617-944-3700


SCHEMAx Windows V1.20 Schematic Capture Pckg
SCHEMAx Windows Release 1.2

Version 1.20 of SCHEMAx, Omation's schematic capture package for Microsoft Windows, has just been released. The new version is available in either 16 or 32 bit configurations for Windows or Windows NT. There is no cost differential based upon the configuration chosen.

A new, optional module imports the schematic netlists of most major vendors and reconstructs the schematic in SCHEMAx. Upon import, SCHEMAx searches libraries for parts specified in the netlist and places them on the drawing sheet. The designer is then given the opportunity to rearrange parts if desired. Unknown parts may be drawn, created by modifying an existing SCHEMA part or substituted. After setting parts, SCHEMAx engages an autorouter to create wires between pins or labels as designated in the netlist.

New features added to the base program include library print and plot routines which allow the user to create listings or catalogs of library parts, support for Tru-type fonts, ASCII drawing file output, and more efficient resource utilization.

SCHEMAx is available from Omation Incorporated, 801 Presidential Drive, Richardson, TX 75081, (800) 553-9119. SCHEMAx is priced at $595 and offers competitive upgrade for $345 through August 30. The optional Netlist Import/Routing module is available for $149.


SCHEMA PCB*2000x Low Cost PC Board Layout Sys
SCHEMA PCB*2000x - Low Cost PC board layout system

Designers requiring board layout resolutions of under 1 mil, T routing, and intelligent copper pour now have a low cost software option. PCB*2000x, a limited version of SCHEMA PCB*2000 is now available for under $5,000. This new package includes the features of the larger package including 1 micron resolution, 1/10 degree parts spin, libraries with over 5,000 parts, T routing, copper pour, parts autoplacement, CAM outputs and the Superrouter autorouting system. The only significant differences between 2000x and PCB*2000 are the price differential and the restriction of 2000x to 6,250 nets.

PCB*2000x is available for either DOS or Windows. Optional modules include the Powerrouter interactive autorouting system and a DXF input/output module. PCB*2000 and 2000x provide forward and back annotation of ECOs with both Schema schematic capture and SCHEMAx schematic capture for Windows.

PCB*2000x is priced at $4,995 and is available now from Omation Incorporated, 801 Presidential Drive, Richardson, TX 75081(800) 553-9119


MultiExpressFax for Windows (MEWFAX)
Multi-Tech Announces Stand-Alone and Networked Fax Software for the Windows Environment

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--May 24, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today the release of its fax communications for Windows. MultiExpressFax for Windows (MEWFAX) is for use with an external or internal MultiTech data/fax modem. It will operate with individual or shared modems connected to any Interrupt 6B or 14 Asynchronous Communications Server (ACS). MEWFAX is available for immediate shipment at a retail price of $99.00 (U. S.).

According to Multi-Tech Systems president Raghu Sharma, "Since adding fax capabilities into our modem line, we've experienced a corresponding increase in fax software interest. The development of MultiExpressFax for Windows software for both stand-alone and networked environments is our response to that interest. When operating on a Novell LAN, MultiExpressFax for Windows is an excellent companion product for our MultiExpressFax Server. With this combination of products, LAN users may send faxes directly from their LAN PCs, use a modem on the ACS, or let MultiExpress Fax Server handle the task automatically."

The MEWFAX software installs easily under Microsoft Windows 3.1. MEWFAX features include the ability to send faxes (with or without a cover sheet), receive, review, and log individual and group faxes with all of the simplicity and convenience of a graphical user interface. Users can also schedule fax transmissions for times when the phone rates are lower. MEWFAX lets users create "Phone Books" of related individuals and groups which can be organized according to each user's preference. With the "Forward" feature, one or more faxes can be automatically forwarded to one or more recipients.

From the Fax Menu, users can elect to Send or Receive faxes, or Configure MEWFAX parameters. With the "drag/drop" icon, one can send a fax directly from the File Manager. After composing or selecting from one of several page files, the user can preview the fax prior to transmission. Scheduled fax transmissions can be cancelled, or rescheduled automatically when a busy signal or transmission error is detected. In Receive fax mode, a full report of current fax send and receive activities is available. Sent faxes are logged for later viewing, and a note can be added to the fax for future reference. Printing a received fax is as easy as specifying parameters (either customized or default) and selecting page orientation and paper size. The Phone Book lets a user scroll through a complete listing of all MEWFAX Phone Books, Groups of individuals, or individual fax recipients. There is even a feature that allows the user to import new Phone Book members from other programs which store data in ASCII file format. "Viewer" displays pending or received faxes, which can be enlarged, reduced, flipped (upside-down), reversed (black-to-white and back), or printed (either a single page or the entire fax).

Multi-Tech Systems, which reported sales of $81 million for 1992, was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for the global market of networking product users. The Minnesota-based company is well-known for its MultiModem line of dial-up communications products. Multi-Tech's family of products include a complete line of data/fax modems, MultiMux statistical multiplexers, DSUs, 3270/3780/5250 emulation systems, X.25 PADS/Switches, UNIX serial interfaces, communications software, LAN/VVAN connectivity products, and most recently, the MultiModemPCS, a voice/data/fax personal communications system. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's reps, systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Badget GT110 Mil Spec Rugged Handheld Computer
GROUP TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCES FIRST TRUE MIL SPEC RUGGED HANDHELD COMPUTER UNDER $2000

New DOS compatible Badger Line Of Outdoor Computers Designed for Broad Applications in Commercial Markets

Tampa, FL -- June 14, 1993 -- Group Technologies Corp. is introducing the Badger GT-110, the first handheld computer under $2000 to meet military specification standards for ruggedness. The compact Badger is designed for mobile data collection, distribution, processing and communications.

The highly-reliable, DOS-compatible GT-l 10 is the first in a line of Badger handheld and laptop computers priced at substantially less than comparable ruggedized units currently marketed to the military or industrial market. The lightweight unit has the functionality of a full-sized PC, featuring task and memory expandability to suit the widest range of applications. The Badger GT-110 will be marketed through value-added resellers specializing in outdoor applications, who will customize Badger with software designed for particular applications.

The Badger GT-l 10 marks Group Technologies' entry into the broad-based PC market, part of its strategy of diversifying its defense technology into commercial products. The Badger product family is designed to meet the needs of a broad group of potential outdoor PC users, providing ruggedness, low cost, compact size and light weight.

Target markets include agriculture and forestry; chemical, petroleum, gas and mining; defense; industrial and manufacturing; law enforcement; marine; surveying and construction; transportation and shipping; utility companies; and wholesale/retail distribution.

"The outdoors is an explosive new market, ready for the right rugged computer," said Carl McCormick, president and chief executive officer of Group Technologies. "Just like its namesake, our Badger computer is one tough, outdoor computer that will perform anywhere, under any conditions," said McCormick.

FEATURES

The handheld (6.3-inch by 4.4-inch by 2.0-inch) lightweight (28 oz. with battery) Badger GT-110 provides near real-time access to data in any environment, including those Previously considered too severe for mobile computers. This new outdoor computing product category includes any outdoor applications. The unit meets Mil-Spec standards for resistance to extreme temperatures, rain, humidity, fungus, salt fog, blowing sand, chemicals, vibration, shock, explosive atmospheres and electromagnetic fields.

The Badger GT-110 is DOS-compatible, with technology features including a ROM version of DR DOS 5.0 running on a 7MHz 8680 Chips and Technology CPU, a 10-line by 26-character supertwist LCD display, RS-232 input/output interface capability and 48-key alphanumeric keypad. The removable keypad can also be customized for user-designed application functions.

Memory includes one megabyte (MB) of PSRAM and 512 kilobytes (KB) of EPROM, along with flexible memory programming and protection against data loss in low power situations. Additional read/write memory storage is available using optional PCMCIA memory cards in storage increments from 64KB up to 8MB.

The Badger GT-110 offers a wide range of user software storage options including database storage, application program storage and set-up file storage. Customer application software can be developed using any DOS-compatible microcomputer and downloaded directly into the Badger GT-110. Data files may be exchanged between I/O compatible devices, which allows users to extend PC applications into a rugged field environment.

For greater versatility, unit power is provided by either standard 9 volt alkaline or lithium battery, three 2/3A lithium batteries and/or an optional rechargeable NICAD battery pack.

The Badger GT-110's ruggedness and high reliability are due to Group Technologies' extensive use of advanced surface mount technology in the manufacturing process and hermetic packaging developed for harsh military conditions.

The suggested retail price of the Badger GT-110 is $1995.00, with volume pricing available.

Formed in 1989, Group Technologies Corp. is a $175 million supplier of communications and computing equipment founded 28 years ago as Honeywell's Defense Communications and Production Division. The company employs 850 persons at its 308,000 square-foot building in Tampa, Florida. Its Denver-based Metrum Inc. subsidiary provides instrumentation tape storage, and digital imaging products. Metrum employs 300 people at its 100,000 square-foot facility in Denver, Colorado.

Group Technologies Corp

10901 Malcolm McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

813-972-6542


ASTVision Low-Radiation 14-17 Inch Monitors
AST RESEARCH UNVEILS NEW ASTVISION LOW-RADIATION MONITORS IN 17-, 15- AND 14-INCH FORMATS

IRVINE, Calif., May 11, 1993 -- Personal computer users who operate with graphic-intensive Windows-based applications now have additional choices of high-quality displays -- in sizes up to 17 inches -- with ASTVision, a new line of low-radiation, multi-sync color monitors introduced today by AST Research Inc.

Available in 17-, 15- and 14-inch formats, ASTVision monitors are now shipping worldwide to AST's computer resellers.

In addition to crisp graphic displays and a sleek, ergonomic design, ASTVision monitors offer larger displays and greater functionality over previous models. Their multisynchronous operation deliver enhanced flexibility in graphics resolutions and refresh rates, in addition to user-controlled definition of the horizontal and vertical image size and positioning.

"ASTVision offers superb graphics performance and versatility at attractive price points," said Dan Sheppard, director, Bravo and Portable Systems Group. "With increasing numbers of users regularly toggling between multiple open Windows applications, we expect our 17- and 15-inch models will be an extremely attractive tool to clearly display graphics, text-based files and documents in full-size formats. The larger monitors provide a noticeable difference, especially when working over extended periods of time."

ASTVision features include .28mm dot pitch for up to 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution, and push-button, digital controls for horizontal and vertical size and positioning. Users can choose from up to 10 pre-set or eight custom modes that instantly change display configurations for flexibility when operating in Windows-based environments. The cases are also manufactured using bromide-free plastics for greater recyclability.

ASTVision is available worldwide from all AST Authorized Reseller locations. Suggested retail prices are $495 for the 14-inch Model 4L, $595 for the 15-inch Model 5L and $995 for the 17-inch Model 7L.

Corporate Background

Ranked number 367 on the Fortune 500 list of America' s largest industrial companies, AST Research Inc. is a prominent market share holder in desktop, file server and notebook computers. Revenues for calendar year 1992 totaled more than $1.1 billion.

AST's product lines include the PowerExec, PenExec, Bravo, Advantage!, Premmia, Premium SE and Manhattan SMP which allow users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 35 international subsidiaries and sales offices.

The company reported record sales of $370.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 1993, ended April 3, 1993, representing a 70 percent increase in unit shipments over the comparable year quarter. Fiscal year 1992 revenues were $944.1 million, compared to sales of 5688.5 million for fiscal year 1991. AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355


KRON/Scholastic High Tech Reports (Videodisc)
KRON Video Enterprises and Scholastic Launch Videodisc Series That Brings Cutting-Edge Technology Into The Classroom

High Tech Reports, with reporter Richard Hart, Introduces Students to the Latest Breakthroughs in Science and Technology

NEW YORK, NY, May 7, 1993 - Today's children, as young adults, will be running vast computer networks, holding meetings in cyberspace and creating environmentally sound lifestyles with sophisticated technology. Yet these same children today work in classrooms without the awareness of current technology developments. KRON Video Enterprises and Scholastic Inc. announced today the shipping of a line of products that promises to fill this vacuum. The two companies have joined forces and created an interactive videodisc series of High Tech Reports for schools.

The High Tech Reports series, hosted by Emmy-award winning producer, writer, and reporter Richard Hart, consists of a three-volume videodisc library, each of which contains 30 fast-paced two-minute stories. Each story outlines an emerging technology or research development in exciting, enlightening detail. Hart demystifies high-tech subjects with engaging demonstrations, including a weightless flight in an experimental aircraft and a morning walk through a miniature home-made video game. Exploring topics ranging from cholesterol-free milk to a car that runs on sunshine to virtual reality, Hart's talent for simplifying the complex brings science to life for young people.

"I'm thrilled about the opportunity to distribute the High Tech Reports series to schools," says Hart. "It's a chance for me to show kids that it's cool to be a scientist. It's an opportunity to hook them early with the hottest, latest stuff."

Scholastic, one of the nation's largest publishers and distributors of children's books and educational materials, is distributing the High Tech Reports series to the education market. All reports are directly related to traditional science curricula in astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics and communications, enabling teachers to easily incorporate the series into basic science lessons. Designed for grades 4 through 12, the series organizes today's most inspiring science applications into three different volumes.

* Volume 1: Technology and the Natural World, includes segments on biotechnology, health, food, the environment and the disabled.

* Volume 2: Technology and the Information Age, covers computers, video, audio, robots and the latest developments in technology for the household.

* Volume 3: Technology and the Physical World, contains information on energy, aerospace, transportation, materials and the military.

Each volume includes a 12" videodisc and bar-coded Teaching Guide, which specifies links to the science curriculum, provides technical background information, furnishes complete transcripts and vocabulary definitions, and suggests questions for discussion.

High Tech Reports requires a videodisc player (Pioneer 2000, 2200, 2400, 4200, 4400, 6000A, 6010A, or 8000; or Sony 1100,1200,1450,1500, or 1550); color video monitor (composite type), and bar code reader or remote control. The net to educators price is $195.00 for a single volume; $495.00 for the complete three-volume series.

KRON Video Enterprises is an operating unit of KRON-TV, the NBC affiliate in San Francisco, owned by Chronicle Broadcasting in San Francisco. KRON Video Enterprises was created in 1991 to develop projects that utilize the company's resources and experiences.

Scholastic Inc. is one of the nation's leading publishers and distributors of children's books, classroom and professional magazines, and other educational materials, with products used in nearly nine out of ten American classrooms. The company also publishes educational software and produces family-oriented video and television programming. Scholastic operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Scholastic Inc, 730 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

212-505-3410


MegaDots Braille Translation Program
RAISED DOT COMPUTING SHIPS REVOLUTIONARY BRAILLE TRANSLATOR SYSTEM

MADISON WI., June 1, 1993 -- Raised Dot Computing, a leading vendor of braille translation software, is shipping MegaDots, a revolutionary braille translation program for the PC.

Braille uses a complex system of abbreviations (called contractions) to shorten the length of a document. The rules for the use of these contractions are based more on pronunciation and usage than on spelling. MegaDots knows these rules and can make very high quality braille with minimal effort. Braille output from a computer requires a braille printing peripheral device.

Previous braille production methods (manual and computer assisted) required a high degree of background knowledge about braille. With the advent of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) legislation, it is essential to make braille and braille production more accessible to all those who want to produce braille.

MegaDots uses a style-based word processor for formatting. Since the styles contain inkprint and braille formatting information, the act of formatting for inkprint is the same as formatting for braille. MegaDots recognizes and imports from over 90 different file formats with a "smart importer", which guesses the paragraph styles.

As a demonstration project, MegaDots was used to translate the text of War and Peace (over 3 million keystrokes) into accurate braille in 80 seconds with a 33 Mhz 486 computer.

MegaDots is loaded with advanced features such as automatic table formatting. MegaDots offers an easy-to-use user interface for both blind and sighted.

MegaDots costs $500. Competitive upgrades from other braille translation products (Hot Dots, BEX, and Duxbury) are available--contact Raised Dot Computing for details. A demonstration disk is available at no charge. Product literature about MegaDots is available at no charge in print, audio, and braille.

Raised Dot Computing also sells products that allow blind persons to use computers effectively. Raised Dot sells the Flipper screen access program, the ASAP screen access program, the DoubleTalk speech synthesizer, the Audapter speech synthesizer, and computer-driven braille embossers. Raised Dot Computing is located at 408 South Baldwin Street, Madison, WI; 53703; Phone: (800) 347-9594, technical support: (608) 257-8833; fax: (608) 241-2498.


SYBASE/Intermetrics ADA SAMeDL Precompiler
SYBASE AND INTERMETRICS TEAM UP TO DEVELOP FIRST COMMERCIAL ADA LANGUAGE SAMeDL PRECOMPILER

SYBASE SAMeDL precompiler will be the first commercially available product based on the SAMeDL specification

EMERYVILLE, CA, June 8, 1993 -- Sybase, Inc., a leading vendor of client/server-based products and services, today announced an agreement with Intermetrics, Inc., a leading developer of Ada language technology. Under the agreement, the companies will work together to co-develop the first commercially available precompiler that implements SAMeDL (SQL Ada Module Description Language), a high level language that is emerging as the government standard for Ada/SQL binding.

Sybase and Intermetrics are developing the SYBASE SAMeDL precompiler, which is optimized to work with the SYBASE SQL Server relational database management system (RDBMS). The SYBASE SAMeDL precompiler product will provide a flexible and powerful way to interface Ada and SQL Server applications, while promoting database independence and application portability.

The Ada language has long been a standard within the federal market for building mission-critical applications, and has been more recently mandated for all Department of Defense applications development. Ada has been adopted in some commercial applications as well.

SAMeDL is the first Ada/SQL binding method to exploit the software engineering principals of Ada. The Software Engineering Institute developed the language specification, with government funding, after recognizing that existing Ada/SQL binding methods, like Embedded SQL, are not well suited for use with the Ada language. SAMeDL has been available as a specification, and has been implemented as a component of custom development projects by developers such as Intermetrics.

Intermetrics' director of business development, Bill Zimmerman, commented, "For the past four years Intermetrics has worked very closely with the Software Engineering Institute to develop the SAMeDL language and toolset. Capitalizing on this and our extensive Ada, database and compiler building experience, we are able to evolve the SAMeDL technology into an efficient and high performance product. With the SYBASE SAMeDL precompiler, customers building Ada applications will be able to take advantage of the Ada language and underlying database technology."

Ben Martindale, director of Federal marketing at Sybase, added, "Sybase is proud to be the first relational database vendor to respond to the growing demand among customers for a standards-based approach to Ada/SQL bindings. We're pleased to be working with Intermetrics, a recognized expert in Ada tools and technology. By combining Sybase's expertise in SQL databases and Intermetrics' expertise in Ada processors, we will provide customers with the best product of its kind to allow for integration of Ada and the SYBASE SQL Server product in an open systems environment."

SAMeDL

SAMeDL supports a standard modular interface. It allows for isolation of DBMS differences and tighter integration with Ada applications by promoting facilities for the use of strong and abstract typing, record oriented interfaces, and exception handling. The features of the SAMeDL provide enhanced application portability, high potential for interface component re-use, standard support for Ada's strong typing characteristics and lowered maintenance costs for the development of large Ada database applications.

Although SAMeDL has not yet been officially adopted as a standard, it has begun to appear as a required binding method in many procurement requests and requirements documents, and is currently an International Standards Organization (ISO) draft international standard.

SYBASE SAMeDL Precompiler

The SYBASE SAMeDL implementation will consist of an easy to use compiler and a library management facility called the Module Manager. The user will describe the interface in SAMeDL and will then invoke the compiler to generate all of the necessary Ada code and interfacing software. Describing the interface in SAMeDL provides a natural, independent means of communicating with SYBASE SQL Server. The Ada specifications that are generated provide a portable means of connecting an Ada program to the DBMS.

The SYBASE SAMeDL precompiler will be optimized to take advantage of special SYBASE features, such as stored procedures and triggers, that support high performance computing and multi-threaded client connections to the SYBASE product line. It will work with the SYBASE SQL Server, the SYBASE Secure SQL Server and the SYBASE Open Server products.

The SYBASE SAMeDL precompiler will be co-developed by Sybase and Intermetrics. Sybase will retain exclusive rights to sell and market both products. Pricing and availability will be announced later in 1993.

SYBASE Ada Products

Sybase develops and markets the SYBASE System, which consists of products in three categories: servers, connectivity, and tools.

In addition to the SYBASE SAMeDL precompiler product, Sybase offers the following Ada products: the SYBASE Open Client/Ada product, which is the basic call-level interface to the SYBASE SQL Server; and the SYBASE Ada Workbench product, a 4GL environment for rapid development of full-scale Ada applications.

Sybase is the only company that provides database support that complements Ada's multi-tasking capabilities. With SYBASE System 10, the company offers a client interface that allows for full exploitation of multi-tasking Ada applications that work with SQL Server's multi-threading database capabilities.

Intermetrics Software

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Intermetrics is one of the leaders in designing and building computer language systems. The Department of Defense has chosen Intermetrics as the Mapping/Revision contractor for Ada 9X, the Ada programming language to meet the requirements of the 1990s. Intermetrics offers complete Ada environment integration services by combining proprietary technology with that of other vendors to fulfill each client's application development needs. Intermetrics has led the way in the design of innovative development environments over the past 24 years. It has created such environments not only for Ada, but for HAL/S, VHSL, SPL/l, Jovial, C, and Modula as well.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and systems integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


Miniature Fiber Optic Spectrometer & Swr
Turn your Macintosh or IBM compatible computer into a powerful spectrometer

SPECTRAsoft system includes new LabVIEW-based virtual instrument software and WPI's S1000 miniature fiber optic spectrometer.

June 7, 1993 -- Easy-to-use SPECTRAsoft software displays real-time spectra in oscilloscope mode; acquires, displays and saves reference, dark, and sample data; calculates, displays and saves absorbence, transmittance and kinetic measurements. Signal averaging may be applied as data is acquired and plotted. Multiple spectra may be plotted to the same window, with automatic scaling as data is acquired; vertical and horizontal expansion (zoom); spectra (and parameters) may be simultaneously plotted on the screen and saved to data files. SPECTRAsoft also provides an array of mathematical functions and scale conversions.

System configuration: WPI's S1000 miniature fiber optic spectrometer; data acquisition board for Macintosh or PC; connecting cable; and SPECTRAsoft software.

Expected availability: September 1993

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Single and dual beam miniature fiber optic spectrometers

Designed for use with inexpensive single strand optical fibers, the S1000 (single beam) and SD1000 (dual beam) spectrometers are high-performance, low-cost miniature instruments with excellent spectral resolution, high light throughput, and low levels of stray light. Both models are contained in small, rugged cases which hold grating, mirrors, and detector (the S1000 is only 1.5"x5"x5.25", and the SD1000 is 2.75"x6"x6.5"). The detector is an extremely sensitive 1024-element, blue-enhanced CCD array. Coupled with an auto-ranging software/hardware interface, the system is capable of high precision measurements over more than six orders of magnitude of light power. The fiber optic design permits easy configuration of the system to measure absorbance, reflectance, radiance, fluorescence and other optical properties.

Both spectrometer models interface with a personal computer through a PC plug-in data acquisition board (not included). Each unit comes with a cable interface and software which controls the spectrometer, displays the spectra on a computer terminal, and saves ASCII data files on the PC hard drive.

The S1000 and SD1000 spectrometers come with user-specified holographic gratings of 600, 1200, 2400, or 3600 lines/mm. Since the spectrometer uses flexible, single strand optical fibers instead of an entrance slit, virtually all of its first order spectral irradiance is available to the linear array, resulting in an extremely efficient optical system. Peak sensitivity of the diode array is at 550 nm, and it is responsive to light from 200 micron.

Required for operation: IBM PC or compatible (286 or high acquisition board; input fiber; illumination source.

Included with the spectrometer is a 25-pin connector and cable for computer interface, 9-pin connector for external devices, and a BNC connector for analog output. Control software lets the user set integration period, sampling frequency, and signal averaging; display intensity, percent transmission, and absorbance data; control external devices such as lamps and strobes; and write ASCII data files to the computer's hard drive. NOTE: S1000 is also sold as a bundled system with WPI's SPECTRAsoft software.

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For more information, or to order, contact World Precision Instruments, 175 Sarasota Center Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34240-9258. Tel.: 813-371-1003


Apple Extends PowerBook Line
Apple Extends PowerBook Line with New Color and Entry-level Models

CUPERTINO, California--June 7, 1993--Two new models, announced today, further expand Apple Computer, Inc.'s popular PowerBook series. The PowerBook 180c brings active matrix color to the top of the line while the PowerBook 145B lowers the entry-level price by 25 per cent. Both computers feature Apple's award-winning all-in-one design including an integrated track-ball and comfortable palm-rests.

"Since the introduction of the first PowerBook notebooks in October 1991, Apple has been relentless in extending the range of customer options," said Randy Battat, vice president of Portable Computing, "we've brought customers better performance, better screen technology, color and more aggressive pricing. With the PowerBook Duo line we've brought a new concept to market--combining the mobility of a notebook with the expansion capabilities of a desktop docking station.

Added Battat, "With more than $1 billion of sales some might expect us to take a breather. But customers continue to expect more from their notebook computers--they want to be able to buy the PowerBook that corresponds to their work needs and suits their budget. By constantly refining our line we aim to provide just that. Today we've hit both those targets by adding color at the top of the line and bringing the entry-level price down significantly."

PowerBook 180c--Leading-edge color

With its 256-color active matrix display the PowerBook 180c offers the highest quality color technology on the notebook market today. Images are sharply defined and colors are amazingly bright. Saturated colors stand out strongly. The 180c display also brings the advantage of a viewing angle that is noticeably wider than that offered by earlier-generation screens. Viewers close to the screen but not having a direct line of vision can read text and appreciate graphics. This will also be a distinct advantage for customers who wish to give presentations and share information in small groups.

Another feature particularly appealing to the presenter is the extended screen resolution. The new 640 x 480 format adds an extra 80 lines of resolution. And PowerBook users connecting their machines to large monitors now have the advantage of video-mirroring (having the same content displayed simultaneously on both screens) with assurance of complete parity between the content displayed on the monitor and the notebook. In addition dual display mode gives users the option of displaying one set of data/images on the PowerBook and a different set on the external display simultaneously. For example users copying information from one application to another can view both applications at the same time. With the color handling ability of the PowerBook 180c, based on built-in QuickDraw software, customers can feel confident that colors and images will stay consistent between applications.

Powered by a Motorola 68030 processor running at 33MHz, performance from the PowerBook 180c is on a par with the PowerBook 180. The system ships with all the features standard at the top of the line-- 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. And the PowerBook 180c is the only active matrix color notebook on the market 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. With average usage customers can expect 1-2 hours of battery life and can extend this with Apple's EverWatch battery saver technology.

The PowerBook 180c will be offered in three configurations 4/80, 4/160 and 4/160 with a built-in PowerBook Express Modem. The new 4/160 configuration offers more hard disk space a plus for users taking advantage of the powerful display to work with graphics. The 180c measures 9.3D x 11.25W x 2.34H and weighs 7.1 Lbs.

PowerBook 145B--Aggressive entry-level pricing

At $1649 SRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), the PowerBook 145B hits the market at a very aggressive price yet retains all the attributes that give PowerBooks their uniqueness. Performance remains as sharp as on the PowerBook 145 thanks to the same Motorola 68030 processor working at 25MHz.

"Customers who buy an entry-level machine certainly want value but are reluctant to make a lot of trade-offs," says Dave Rothschild, product line manager for Apple's Portable Computing division. "With the 145B Apple engineers created an entry-level model for the award-winning all-in-one line at a very attractive price yet customers are not losing any of the performance or features they valued in the 145. We see this as a great purchase for college students or some of Apple's current customers planning on buying a second Macintosh."

In fact, buying a PowerBook 145B today means that the customer purchases the speed and responsiveness offered by the PowerBook 170 for less than half its price on introduction at the top of the PowerBook line in October 1991. All of the features users now consider standard for PowerBooks are included--full-size keyboard, integrated trackball, adjustable leg rests and the highly-acclaimed palm rests. Weight and dimensions remain the same as on the PowerBook 145 and all models are equipped with a backlit Supertwist liquid crystal monochrome display and with Apple SuperDrive floppy drive that accommodates MS/DOS and OS/2 formats as well as Macintosh. Sound-in and sound-out ports are also standard and built-in ports allow users attach peripherals such as printers, CD-ROM drives and scanners. Users can expect 2-3 hours of battery life which can be extended using Apple's battery saver technology.

Three key refinements to the current 145 model enabled the portable computing group bring a more affordable model to market. One change is the RAM configuration--the 145B now comes standard with 4MB on the daughterboard. This allows for easier expansion--up to 8MB. System software (system 7.1) is now shipped pre-loaded on the hard disk and each system comes equipped with back-up and restore programs that allow the user to back up either the entire hard disk or simply the system files. Sound in and out remain standard, but the microphone is now optional.

With today's announcement Apple continues to ensure award-winning PowerBook computers will suit a range of customer needs and budgets. The all-in-one line now provides a choice of five models--145B, 160, 165c, 180 and 180c. Offering the best of both worlds are the two models in PowerBook Duo line-- 210 and 230--coupled with either a DuoDock or a MiniDock, they bring their users the mobility of notebook computing with the advantages of a desktop base.

Both new models include a rechargeable nickel-cadium battery, AC adapter, System 7.1 software, training software and complete learning and reference documentation. A one-year limited warranty is included in the price.

Pricing and Distribution

Both models will be available immediately through authorized Apple resellers. Pricing and availability may vary worldwide.

PowerBook Configurations                        U.S. SRP

PowerBook 145B 4MB Hard Disk 40                   $1649

PowerBook 145B 4MB Hard Disk 80                    1899

PowerBook 180c 4MB Hard Disk 80                   $4159

PowerBook 180c 4MB Hard Disk 160                   4519

PowerBook 180c 4MB Hard Disk 160 w/Express Modem   4769

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


SupraTurbo 28 Amiga 500/2000 Accelerator
SupraTurbo 28 Increases Speed, Not Cost, of Amiga Computers

ALBANY, OR, MAY 1993--The new SupraTurbo 28 accelerates Amiga 500 and Amiga 2000 computers from 7MHz to 28MHz, installs easily with no need to replace the existing processor, and maintains Supra's reputation for price/performance leadership with its suggested price of $199.95

"SupraTurbo 28 is not only faster than an un-accelerated Amiga 500 or 2000, but as the following chart shows, it actually meets or beats the speed of some 68030 accelerators that cost almost twice as much," said John Wiley, president of Supra.

Enhance without Concern

Beta test sites report that the SupraTurbo 28 significantly enhances disk-intensive processes. The Workbench environment is more responsive, animation can be run at faster speeds, and decompression of files becomes a snap. Additionally the SupraTurbo 28 speeds processes such as compiling programs and displaying graphics.

"Another big plus for A500 and A2000 users is that the SupraTurbo 28 lets them gain the full benefit of high speed modems like the SupraFAXModem V.32bis" Wiley said. "Without the accelerator, attempts to communicate at speeds higher than 9600 often result in data transmission errors."

The SupraTurbo 28 is fully compatible with the 68000 processor--this enables it to run with most software written for the 68000 processor. However, there may still be cases where the user wants or needs to slow the computer back to 7MHz for certain applications. To meet these needs, the SupraTurbo 28 has both an external on/off switch as well as a software-driven speed control.

Expand without Compromise

"The SupraTurbo 28 grew out of customer demand," Wiley said. "We have been selling peripheral products to Amiga customers for years, and recently they've been telling us they want their existing computers to run faster, without compromising either their already installed peripherals or their pocketbooks."

The unique design of the SupraTurbo 28 ensures this level of flexibility for both A500 and A2000 users. The model designed for the A500 plugs onto the external expansion bus. A unique bus pass-through slot allows user to add additional expansion units such as hard drives and RAM. The A2000 model of the SupraTurbo 28 plugs effortlessly into the 86-pin CPU expansion slot. It's slim design enhances possibilities for additional internal peripheral products. The easy installation procedures for both models can be performed without removing the existing processor and without risking possible invalidation of warranty.

About Supra Corporation

Supra Corporation has been providing personal computer users with high-quality, low-cost peripherals since 1985. Supra's products consistently win accolades such as a 1992 Amazing Amiga Reader's Choice award for Best Hard Drive Manufacturer.

Supra Corp, 7101 Supra Dr SW, Albany, OR 97321

503-967-2400;  fax: 503-967-2401


SupraFAXModem 144LC New Lower Price
SupraFAXModem 144LC: High Speed Data Transmission at a New Lower Price

ALBANY, OR, MAY 1993--The new SupraFAXModem 144LC with an estimated selling price of $229 for the PC package and $269 for the Macintosh package, establishes an incredible new price point for faxmodems. Plus the 144LC maintains the distinctive design, solid performance, and dedicated service that have earned Supra Corporation a reputation for superior quality and value.

With 14,400 bps fax and data speed, the SupraFAXModem 144LC packs the power of desktop communications into an exceptionally light-weight and compact metal case that is ideal for business travel and over-crowded desks. And because it is an external modem, set-up is quick and easy.

Broad Range of Features/Capabilities

The new low price point will encourage a whole new group of consumers to invest in faxmodem technology. Like the many users who are already benefiting from SupraFAXModems, they will find that sending and receiving faxes by modem saves time and money while ensuring privacy and security. Consumers are also sure to appreciate the convenience of storing received faxes electronically, so they can print hard copies on an as-needed basis.

With data speeds of 14,400 bps, the 144LC also excels at sending and receiving e-mail and permits rapid access to office computers. And with 4:1 V.42bis data compression maximum throughput rises to 57,600 bps. The 144LC also enables users to take advantage of a wide range of special interest bulletin boards and online services such as CompuServe and Prodigy for data searches, up-to-the-minute information, online shopping, and more.

Top Quality Software

All SupraFAXModem 144LC products come bundled with top-quality fax and data software, cables, and easy-to-read manuals--everything the user needs to get started. Packages are available for both the Macintosh and the PC.

The PC bundle contains fax and data software for both DOS and Windows. Fax software includes the award-winning WinFax Lite for Windows-based faxing, an DOS-based FaxTalk with high-performance features such as 2-D compression for faster throughput. On the data side, Supra includes both the DOS and Windows versions of COMit, a sophisticated data communications package designed specifically for highspeed communications.

The Mac bundle includes FAXstf, the most popular software for faxing from a Macintosh, and MicroPhone LT a powerful data communications package. They also include CompuServe Information Manager as well as CCL scripts for AppleTalk Remote Access.

Technical Details

The sleek exterior of the 144LC includes two phone jacks, 13 status lights, and an accessible power switch. The following specifications detail the power inside this new modem.

Fax Specifications:

* Speeds: 14,400/12,000/9600/7200/4800/2400 bps

* Protocols: CITT V1.7, V.21 Channel 2, V2.7 ter, V.29

* Compatible with Class 1 fax software

* Works with Group 3 fax machines

Data Specifications:

* Speeds: 14,400/12,000/9600/7200/4800/2400/1200/300 bps

* Protocols: Bell 103/212A and

             CCITT V2.1/V.22/V.22bis/V.32/V.32bis

* Error Correction and Data Compression: CCITT V.42bis & MNP 2-5

Supra Corporation

SupraFAXModem 144LC follows Supra's tradition of producing high-quality, American-made products. And, to prove its dedication to customer satisfaction, Supra offers a generous five-year warranty and free customer service.

Based in Albany, Oregon, Supra Corporation has been producing high-quality, low-cost peripherals for personal computer users since 1985. As with all of the SupraFAXModem family, the 144LC offers consumers an excellent combination of state-of-the-art features and affordable pricing.

Supra Corp, 7101 Supra Dr SW, Albany, OR 97321

503-967-2400;  fax: 503-967-2401


File Assistant Software for PowerBooks
Apple Rolls Out File Assistant Software for PowerBooks

CUPERTINO, California--June 7, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced the PowerBook File Assistant, software created specifically to help people using both a desktop and a notebook computer keep information on both computers synchronized. In addition, the software package also includes an attractive array of tools designed to address issues specific to mobile computing including battery-life management, deferred printing and automatic server remounting.

With the PowerBook File Assistant, Apple's portable computing group is fulfilling its aim of bringing notebook users an array of complementary products that answer needs specific to portable computing. This 'Assistant' line started with the introduction in November 1992 of PowerBook-DOS Companion, a $219 package that includes, in one box, the tools to exchange information created in popular software packages, between PowerBooks and computers running DOS; to print to many DOS/Windows printers; and to attach PowerBooks to a variety of VGA and SVGA displays. As it recognizes further opportunities to support PowerBook customers with the 'Assistant' line the group plans to bring new packages to market.

"Making it easy has always been a hallmark of Apple products," said Randy Battat, Apple's vice president of Portable Computing. "PowerBook File Assistant draws on Apple's strength in software and in integration. Apple is unique in its ability to respond to the needs of portable computer users as a whole--not having to split the hardware experience from the software necessary to enhance usage. Being able to address issues such as battery management, automatic server remounting, exploiting the value of built-in networking; this all underscores the importance of an integrated hardware and software solution in mobile computing. It's an important plus we can offer PowerBook customers."

The PowerBook File Assistant software is a synchronization application that will automatically ensure files on both a customer's PowerBook and desktop Macintosh computer are updated when the user connects the machines. This means they can be confident that they are always looking at the most current version of their work.

"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 Battat. "This application reflects the principle of our 'Assistant' line - using common sense, working the way you do but unobtrusively."

Art Serafine, a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick, explained "Because we're not deskbound, our people are always looking for ways to keep mobile computing users' files in sync with office server files and personal files people keep on their desktop machines. At least 70 percent of our Macintosh users are out of the office extensively. A product that assists in having up-to-date information would not only reduce the chance of error, but it would make us even more productive."

For example: when a user works on a document on their PowerBook and later connects the PowerBook to their desktop computer (or vice versa) the PowerBook File Assistant looks for the same file on the desktop and updates it to include the changes the user made since last working on the desktop version.

The application can be set to make updates manually or keep prior versions of documents, depending on customer preferences. With its unique database design it also avoids common synchronization problems, such as making extra copies of documents already updated, whose name has been changed or which have been thrown away intentionally. The PowerBook File Assistant can be used with all of Apple's notebook line - from the original PowerBook 100 right up to today's new, top-of-the-line PowerBook 180c.

But the PowerBook File Assistant offers more than file synchronization--there are four other features that tackle problems specific to mobile computing.

* Deferred Printing. A PowerBook user on the road has just completed follow-up letters to clients and needs a reminder to print and mail those letters immediately on return to the office. The user sends those letters to the printer as if connected, only here the software sensing no available printer, will hold the files until the user reconnects and then prints automatically. Deferred Printing even suggests a change in printer name if it doesn't find the chosen printer on the network.

* Mouse tracker. This feature enhances visibility of the cursor as it moves across the screen.

* Server Mounting. Already offered on the PowerBook Duo, this feature will appeal to notebook users who connect to a network frequently. On reconnecting all the servers to which they had access when last on the network will be automatically remounted.

* Latest in EverWatch battery management technology. These additions to Apple's EverWatch technology brings a new range of features to notebook users:

- A handy key combination lets users send their PowerBook into sleep mode at any time;

- Permanent RAM disk ensures the contents of the RAM disk are automatically saved throughout shut-downs and restarts. Users can dedicate a portion of the PowerBook memory as RAM disk and optimize battery life by working with a copy of an application or a file in the RAM disk (which has its own icon on the screen). Using this copy ensures significantly reduced demands on the hard disk thereby maximizing battery life.

- Automatic backlight dimming, which is now offered across the current product range, ensures the screen lighting is turned down when the trackball or keyboard has not been used for some time. Having this module included ensures owners of earlier models can now add the latest software features to their PowerBook when they purchase the package.

Pricing and Availability

File Assistant will be available later this summer in the United States through software resellers and Apple authorized resellers. The suggested retail price is U.S. $79. Pricing and availability may vary worldwide.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Wilson Database Include Newspaper Coverage
Several Wilson Databases Now Include Newspaper Coverage

In order to meet the growing research needs of libraries and their users, the H. W. Wilson Company now provides high-quality indexing and abstracting of The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal in select Wilson databases. There is no increase in subscription rates or online charges for the expanded databases.

Business Periodicals Index and Wilson Business Abstracts now include indexing and abstracting of articles from the Wall Street Journal (*** Eastern Edition) as well as the Business Section of The New York Times (Late New York Edition). BPI contains indexing; WBA contains indexing and brief abstracts for every citation.

Effective June 1993, the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature and Readers' Guide Abstracts will provide complete coverage of The New York Times, except the Metropolitan section. The Readers' Guide will provide indexing; RGA will include both indexing and abstracting. Readers' Guide Abstracts Select Edition will provide limited indexing with abstracts for The New York Times. The Science Section of The New York Times will be indexed in General Science Index as well.

A subscription to the expanded databases on WILSONDISC CD-ROM will include at least one year of newspaper coverage. The databases are also available online and on magnetic tape. The corresponding print versions of the databases will not include newspaper coverage. Call toll-free for more details.

The H.W. Wilson Company, 950 University Ave, Bronx, NY 10452

800-367-6770


Doctor Data File V6.05 Replaces DDLabel
Doctor Data Software has released shareware version 6.05 of DOCTOR DATA File (DDFile). This is a replacement for DOCTOR DATA Label (DDLabel). We changed the name to DDFile because it can now be used as an all-purpose flat-file database manager as well as a mailing list manager.

DDFile contains many features specifically for mailing list management however is equally useful for other file management needs. DDFile database files are dBASE III compatible and are fully customizable. Easily edit, add, delete and locate records. Use the included sample database or custom design one using up to 1024 fields and placing them anywhere on the screen. Up to 1 billion records per file. Use any printer. Imports and exports ASCII and dBASE III. Easily Sort on up to 5 fields at a time. Fully customizable printing on any labels (up to 9 across), letterheads (mail merge), forms, Rolodex cards or anything else that your printer will accept. Print both 9 and 11 digit POSTNET barcodes, BULK /Carrier Route Labels/Reports. Duplicate checker. Easily Filter a sub-set of your records.

DOCTOR DATA SOFTWARE P.O. Box 1136B Phoenix, AZ 85061-1368

(602) 246 8907


New Quatech Communications Boards
MPA-102

RS-232 Multi-Protocol Two Channel Adapter for the ISA Bus

FEATURES: provides asynchronous, MONOSYNC, BISYNC, HDLC, and SDLC operations; SYNCDRIVE software included; jumper configurable as DTE or DCE; 11 jumper selectable AT interrupts; 3 jumper selectable DMA channels; programmable baud rate generator; RS-232 interface through two shielded DB25 connectors

DESCRIPTION: The MPA-102 is a two channel, multi-protocol communications adapter for IBM compatible personal computer systems using the ISA expansion bus. The board uses an AMD85C30-10 Serial Communications Controller (SCC) as standard. Options are available for Zilog 85230-10, or -16 SCC. Each channel can support asynchronous, bit, and byte oriented protocols and is equipped with a programmable baud rate generator. Each channel of the MPA-102 meets the RS-232-D communication standard through a shielded DB-25 connector, and can be jumper configured as DTE or DCE (the second channel utilizes an additional ORB). The board provides standard baud rates of 600,1200, 2400, 4.8K, 9.6K, 19.2K and 38.4K. Other features of the MPA-102 include eleven jumper selectable interrupts (IRQ2-IRQ7, IRQ10-IRQ12, IRQ14-IRQ15). The MPA-102 also provides for three jumper selectable DMA channels (CH1-CH3) from two DMA sources. The MPA-102 may be placed in a continuous 16 byte block anywhere within the available I/O address space of the system.

TV-200/TV-300

RS-422/RS-485 Asynchronous Serial Adapter

FEATURES: two independent interfaces; AT bus (16 bit) compatible; RTS-CTS control lines available; balanced RS-422 or RS-485 differential driver and receivers; DTE/DCE jumper selectable; optional terminating resistors; optional 16550s available; ANSUSMPTE output

DESCRIPTION: The TV-200 is a two port asynchronous serial RS-422 (TV-300 for RS-485) communication adapter with versatile interrupt selection for the IBM AT. These adapters conform to the American National Standard for television, digital control interfaces, electrical and mechanical characteristics. The TV-200/TV-300 features the extended 1 6-bit AT bus, which provides access to the computer's additional interrupts, and has a versatile interrupt feature which allows the user to select the desired interrupt, or to share an interrupt with another device. Users may select from interrupts IRQ2-7, 10-12 or 14-15. The extended base address capability of the TV-200/TV-300 supports any COM port. The TV-200/TV-300 comes standard with two independent 16450 UARTs which allow the user to communicate to two separate devices. The 16450 supports baud rates to 56K, higher baud rates and FIFOs are available with optional 16550s. The TV-200/TV-300 adapters provide optional line terminating resistors on the receive circuits.

Quatech, 662 Wolf Ledges Parkway, Akron, OH 44311

216-434-3154;  fax: 216-434-1409


DisplayPac-2000 Flat Panel Computer
New Flat Panel Computer Offers Low Cost, Low Power and Guaranteed Delivery

Greer, SC . . . Computer Dynamics announces the introduction of the DisplayPac-2000, the most affordable flat panel computer on the market today, and the latest in its line of rugged single board PC + flat panel display + touchscreen packages. The DisplayPac-2000 integrates in a 12.5" x 8.5" x 2.75" open-frame metal enclosure an 80286-based single board PC, a 640x480 VGA monochrome LCD, and an optional analog resistive touchscreen. Priced as low as $995 without touch, and $1332 with touch (1 00-pc. quantity), the DisplayPac-2000 is an affordable, very low-power alternative to standard PCs and CRTs in machine control applications, data acquisition terminals, and other OEM operator interface environments.

The DisplayPac-2000's single board PC features a 12 MHz 80286 CMOS CPU, up to 4M DRAM, a mathco socket, up to 512k semiconductor disk (ROM disk, SRAM disk, or flash disk), a watch-dog timer, keyboard and speaker interfaces, two C a parallel printer port (may be used a parallel l/O), hard and floppy disk i a PC bus interface for expansion. The TSTN transmissive LCD is CCF offers VGA resolution and a 10" diagonal viewing area. The bright displays text and graphics. The unit's optional analog glass resistive touchscreen offers 256x256 resolution and a MTBF of two million touches per spot. It is especially suited to harsh environments, with an optional NEMA 4 or NEMA 12 version

The DisplayPac-2000 consumes less than 15 watts total, and is rated for 0-40 degrees C operation. In addition to its favorable pricing, Computer Dynamics offers a delivery guarantee with the DisplayPac-2000. The standard unit will ship within three days ARO (subject to credit approval), or the customer deducts $100 from the selling price.

Software development is a simple process with the DisplayPac-2000, as it supports all standard DOS software development tools and graphical user interfaces (GUIs). In addition, Computer Dynamics offers its proprietary "ROM Tools" for putting application code into semiconductor disk, and advanced touch software tools for easy touchscreen implementation .

For information on the DisplayPac-2000 or any of its other DisplayPac products, contact the Sales Department, Computer Dynamics, 107 S. Main Street, Greer, SC 29650. Phone: (803) 877-8700, FAX: (803) 879-2030.


DDI Relay Control Modules
New Switching Options for PC/104 Modules Add Flexibility

June 11, 1993 -- BEVERLY, Massachusetts --- Form-C or Single pole double throw (SPDT) switching capabilities are now available for a series of PC/104 compatible modules available from DDI, Inc. Two Form-C models have been added to the Series 5600 Relay Output Control modules, which provide low-cost switching solutions for a variety of embedded PC/104 computer applications.

"The Form-C models are a customer-driven addition to our product line, which will further broaden our range of switching solutions," says Erik Valeur, president of DDI, Inc. DDI, Inc. is a member of the PC/104 consortium. PC/104 products support the MiniModule architecture for embedded PC-compatible computers.

The DDI model 5656 is a Form-C, reed-contact module fitted with eight reed relays. The model 5666 is a Form-C, hard output module with eight electromechanical relays. Both are ideal for automating testing of many devices, particularly when used with DDI Series 5700 input modules.

The DDI Series 5600 consists of fifteen 3.6 x 3.8 x 0.6 inch, PC/104-compliant cards. The DDI cards are also compatible with Ampro Computers PC/104-compatible minimodule and CoreModule, as well as other vendor's PC/104 cards. The Relay Output modules can be fitted with reed, mercury, solid state or electro-mechanical relays. Offering control flexibility, models can control signals or loads from micro Volts at micro Amps up to 5 Amps at 250 Volts.

Each board individually controls up to eight l/O channels.

DDI Form-C Series 5600, Relay Output Control modules are currently available for shipping. Prices range from $225 for a single piece to below $80 in quantities of 1000 or more.

Providing simple, low-cost detection and response solutions that switch internal loads directly from embedded or stand-alone PC or STD bus systems is the goal of five year old DDI, Inc. Today, plug-in board-level products from DDI are used in process control, telecom, alarms and security monitoring, communications, component testing, laboratory switching, and many other applications.

For more information contact DDI, Inc., 5 Dodge Street, Suite 310, Beverly, MA 01915; telephone (508) 927-7976; FAX (508) 921-6388.


QBALL Small Arms Ballistics Software
June 10, 1993 -- An enhanced and updated version of QBALL, a menu-driven application for the rapid computation of ballistics data for small arms, was released on June 1, 1993.

QBALL produces tables showing remaining bullet velocity and energy, projectile height above or below the line of sight, wind deflections for "standard" or user-defined crosswinds, and times of flight. Tables may be displayed, saved to disk, and printed out as hardcopy. Other routines allow calculation of ballistic coefficients, point-blank range, corrections for slant (up or downhill) fire, sectional density, and gun free recoil.

A new, 502-entry bullet lookup facility allows entry of the appropriate manufacturer, bullet weight, and ballistic coefficient for use in ballistics computations. Bullet Lookup is available only on graphics-equipped (CGA/EGA/VGA) computers.

Up to 16 sets of trajectory data may be graphically displayed on a CGA or EGA (recommended) monitor. Graphics trajectory data may be saved to disk, and recalled for later use at any time.

Two new utilities translate QBALL'S graphics from EGA to CGA, or CGA to EGA standard, as applicable, and read range tables which have been saved to disk. Both utilities may be accessed from within QBALL, or used as stand-alone executables.

QBALL automatically determines whether a graphics card/monitor is installed. QBALL will compute, display, save, and print purely tabular data in the absense of graphics equipment.

QBALL's display, and several of its functions may be changed using the built-in configuration routines. Screen colors may be set as desired by the user. The user may fine-tune QBALL to use data specific to a particular weapon/cartridge, e.g., its name, and the height of the weapon's sights above the bore. QBALL is also able to calculate and display data wing metric values for range. Meteorological (weather) conditions may be specified to allow for variations from standard. Printer prompts may be suppressed, should no printer be present; "alert" beeps, chirps, and squeals may be toggled on or off. QBALL's starting values may be modified and saved for later use.

Limited on-line, context-sensitive help is available on graphics equipped computers. Error trapping prevents data input which is outside QBALL's ability to use effectively. Upon incorrect/out-of-range data entry, an appropriate error message is displayed, which in itself constitutes additional on-line (and context-sensitive) help.

The revised on-disk user's manual includes a "tutorial," several schematic illustrations of screen displays, many examples, a glossary, a bibliography, sections on data comparison and analysis, and an index. As distributed, the manual is set up to print all the odd-numbered pages on one side of a "deck" of fanfold paper; the even-numbered pages are printed on the reverse side. (This feature saves paper: there are 76 pages in the manual, requiring but 38 sheets for their printing.) An included utility, ONEDOC.COM, combines the two user's manual files for those preferring a consolidated document file.

QBALL was written with the "least common denominator" in mind. It is fully functional on 8088 or similarly equipped computers, and does not require a hard disk to run, although a hard disk is recommended. QBALL has been tested and found to function on several different machines, including an EGA-equipped AT clone running MS-DOS 4.01, 5, and 6, and an LCD/CGA-equipped laptop with a V20 CPU, running MS-DOS 3.3. QBALL will also run in the Windows 3.X "DOS box," but will not function in OS/2 protected mode.

QBALL is distributed as shareware, or try-before-you-buy software. An evaluation copy, which includes a sixty-day limited use license, may be obtained from the author, Benjamin W. Hartley, Forest Park Estates #103, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA, for a postage and handling fee of $7.50. The registered edition, including and unlimited use license, a printed manual, entitlement to one free major upgrade, direct-from-the-author support, and a Bullet Lookup Maintenance utility may be obtained for $25.00. An information brochure is available upon request; send a long stamped envelope to the author. Inquiries may be e-mailed to the author at CompuServe 70033,2612.


LUNA Imaging Digital Collections for the Arts
NEW COMPANY TO DEVELOP DIGITAL COLLECTIONS FOR THE ARTS

ROCHESTER, NY, June 7--The J. Paul Getty Trust and Eastman Kodak Company today announced a new imaging venture. LUNA Imaging Inc. will offer digital imaging services and electronic publications to the academic community worldwide.

The Getty Trust and Kodak cited the growing importance of imaging technology for scholars, researchers, and institutions in the visual arts. Michael Ester, director of the Getty Art History Information Program, will move from his position to become president of LUNA Imaging on September 1, 1993.

Concentrating on practical imaging solutions, LUNA will provide services for the visual collections of museums and archives; technology to preserve, manage, and access digital images; and new forms of electronic publications to make such resources available for scholarship and education.

The collaboration to establish LUNA leverages Kodak's expertise in photography and digital image technology with the Getty's experience in making arts and humanities scholarship more accessible throughout the world.

"The Art History Information Program has become a respected leader in arts-related scholarship and technology, but it cannot meet all the visual needs of the academic community," explained Getty Trust President Harold M. Williams. "This joint venture makes possible the creation of a range of digital imaging services that neither organization could develop independently, and will make those services available to institutions and scholars," he continued.

"It's a good fit," said David Biehn, Kodak vice president and general manager, Professional Imaging. "LUNA focuses our expertise all through the imaging chain -- in film capture, scanning, processing, and both electronic and print output. Its involvement in working with high-quality source material provides an on-going challenge as we continue to develop our capabilities."

As its first project, LUNA will produce a digital archive of several thousand drawings from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation collection at Taliesin West that will be available for use and research at the Foundation in the coming year. Images derived from the digital archive -- comparable to high-quality print reproductions -- and accompanied by text will be released as an electronic publication.

"Our goal is to ensure that the visual record of our historical and artistic heritage will have lasting value in electronic form," said Ester. "The archival images and systems we develop will meet the demands of high-quality reproduction and support the way professionals use visual materials in their work. The Frank Lloyd Wright Archives is a collection of extraordinary beauty and importance that has had only limited publication to date. The quality of the photographic and text documentation of the Archives make it an ideal place for LUNA to begin production. We look forward to projects with other institutions as well."

At the same time, the Getty Art History Information Program is establishing an information and standards organization for digital imaging in the visual arts as a separate, parallel effort. As interest in and enthusiasm for electronic imaging expands and many different projects develop, this organization will serve as an international forum for scholarly and technical groups to explore key issues, establish standards, and use publications and training to reach a wider audience.

Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650


Sega, Time-Warner & TCI Joint Venture
New York -- Sega of America, Inc., Time-Warner Entertainment Company, L.P., and Telecommunications Inc. have announced plans to form a joint venture to develop and market "The Sega Channel", offering Sega Genesis owners access to a large library of video games via cable television.

The Sega Channel, to be priced in the range of most pay-cable subscription services, will be launched in test markets this fall, and could be available to all U.S. cable system operators by early 1994.

Sega Channel subscribers will be able to choose from a wide selection of popular games, previews and soon-to-be-released titles, gameplay tips, news, contests and promotions. The programming will be updated monthly to keep it exciting and new for avid gamers.


Viacom Int'l Acquires ICOM Simulations
Viacom International Inc. has agreed to acquire leading software development company ICOM Simulations, Inc., located in Chicago. ICOM, which is privately owned, develops and publishes software for a variety of platforms, including CD-ROM and cartidge-based video games.


High Performance Computing
NEW O'REILLY RELEASE MAXIMIZES RISC PERFORMANCE

If you work with computers, you own it to yourself to understand the new directions that workstations architecture has taken in the last half decade.

SEBASTOPOL, CA -- O'Reilly & Associates announces the release of the first book for application programmers and purchasing managers facing the confusing array of RISC-based workstation architecture, such as the DEC Alpha/AXP, the IBM RS/6000, Sun's SuperSPARC, and the HP 9000/700 series. HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING, by Kevin Dowd, a principal with the Atlantic Computing Technology Corporation of Wethersfield, Conn., not only helps make sense of the newest generation of workstations, it tells how to maximize their performance.

HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING covers everything from the basics of modern workstation architecture, to structuring benchmarks, to squeezing more performance out of critical applications. It also explains how optimizing compilers work: it discusses what a good compiler can do and, more important, what a good compiler can't do -- and what programmers have to do themselves. The book closes with a look at the high-performance future: parallel computers, including exotic distributed memory multiprocessors, and the more "garden-variety" shared memory processors that are already appearing on desktops.

Tricks are revealed that have been used in supercomputer labs for years, such as loop unrolling, loop interchange, and other methods that improve memory access patterns and take advantage of parallelism latent in code. HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING pays special attention to memory issues, including perhaps the most important story in high performance computing (and not likely to be told by vendors), the increasing disparity between CPU speeds and memory speeds.

Another valuable section of the book discusses the benchmarking process: how to evaluate a computer's performance. Kevin Dowd discusses several of the "standard" industry benchmarks, explaining what they measure and what they don't, so that readers won't be overcome by a fog of statistics when the next salesperson walks in the door. He also shows how to set up a benchmark: how to strucutre the code, how to measure the results, and how to interpret them.

HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING is must reading for anyone who needs to worry about computer performance, either as a software developer or as a buyer. But it also provides valuable insights for those who do relatively little programming and run mostly third-party application software. Even if they never touch a line of code, the book gives them a feel for what "makes things tick": it provides valuable insights into how the most recent generation of computer hardware works.

O'Reilly & Associates is recognized worldwide for its definitive books on UNIX, The X Window System and the Internet. Working closely with developers of new technologies, O'Reilly's editors are "computer people" who use the software and systems they write about. The company's planning and review cycles link together authors, computer vendors, and technical experts throughout the industry in a creative collaboration that mirrors the strengths of the "open systems" philosophy itself.

HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING

by Kevin Dowd

350 pages (estimate)

ISBN 1-56592-032-5

Price: $25.95

Publication Date: June 14, 1993

O'Reilly & Associates Inc

103 Morris St, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472

707-829-0515;   800-998-9938;  fax: 707-829-0104


MathWorks MATLAB V4.0 for Windows
THE MATHWORKS SHIPS MATLAB VERSION 4.0 FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS

NATICK, Mass., June 7, 1993 - The MathWorks, Inc., developers of MATLAB, today announced shipment of MATLAB Version 4.0 for Microsoft Windows version 3.1. A powerful technical computing environment which has defined the industry standard for high performance computation, MATLAB 4.0 has extensive new functionality, including 256-color 3D object-oriented visualization capabilities, sparse matrix support, sound output and customizable user interface controls.

"We are excited to be able to offer the power of MATLAB 4.0 on a PC platform," said John Little, The MathWorks' president and chief executive officer. "MATLAB 4.0 for Windows features a 32-bit implementation that allows users to take advantage of the Windows environment -- without giving up the high performance they've come to expect from MATLAB on other platforms."

The product also supports any Windows 3.1 sound device, allowing sampled sounds to be manipulated and played directly from MATLAB. In addition, users can paste MATLAB graphics into any other Windows application, either as static bit-mapped images or editable Windows metafiles.

"These Windows-specific enhancements, together with the other features of Version 4.0 -- a new external interface library, an improved facility for working with external C and Fortran routines, flexible file input/output capabilities, and enhanced debugging and programmable user interface controls -- make MATLAB the most powerful technical computing environment available," said Little.

MATLAB's numeric computation capabilities, 4GL programming language, graphics, and application-specific toolboxes allow users to analyze and visualize data, optimize engineering systems designs and algorithms, and create mathematical models.

MATLAB toolboxes extend the product by adding specialized functions for particular applications. These include neural networks, signal processing, control system design and analysis, system identification and optimization. The toolboxes are created by world class experts in their respective fields and represent theory and algorithms at the cutting edge of scientific and engineering research.

MATLAB 4.0 for Windows is available directly from the company, priced at $1,695 for a single-user license. MATLAB 4.0 has been shipping since September of 1992 on major workstation platforms, including Sun SPARCstation, DEC RISC, HP9000 Series 300/400/700 systems, IBM RS/6000 and Silicon Graphics IRIS 4D workstations.

The MathWorks, Inc., based in Natick, Mass., develops, markets and supports high-performance software for interactive numeric computation, visualization and dynamic system simulation. Its family of products includes MATLAB Version 4.0; SIMULINK, for dynamic system modeling & simulation; the recently announced SIMULINK C Code Generator; and the comprehensive family of MATLAB Application Toolboxes.

The MathWorks' products are used worldwide by more than 140,000 users at commercial and government research laboratories and organizations, as well as by more than 600 leading educational institutions. Customers include Boeing, General Motors, Eastman Kodak, General Electric, E.I. du Pont, and Motorola, M.I.T., and Stanford University. Quantity and educational discounts are available.

The Math Works Inc, 24 Prime Park Way, Natick, MA 01760

508-653-1415;  fax: 508-653-2997


Corel Adds LEAD Compression Tech to CorelDRAW
Corel Builds LEAD's Compression Technologies Into CorelDRAW 4

OTTAWA, Canada - May 20, 1993 -- LEAD Technologies, Inc (Charlotte, NC) and Corel Corporation (Ottawa, ONT) are adding new image file capabilities to CorelDRAW 4.0. The package will be able to use both broadly accepted JPEG image file compression standards and a proprietary LEAD compression technology that provides greater levels of compression with much less image loss. LEAD is providing both compression technologies.

"We chose LEAD's compression technology over other available solutions for its image quality, ease of integration and speed performance," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, President and CEO of Corel Corporation. "During the course of development, LEAD and Corel established a solid technical working relationship".

"We see Corel's decision as an exciting endorsement of our compression technology," says LEAD President & CEO Rich Little. "LEAD's compression technology is a natural compliment to Corel's award winning graphics program".

Image compression technologies benefit graphic users because it allows better use of disk storage space, and reduces network loading and data communication transfer time and costs. JPEG compression and its Interchange File Format enables widespread imaging industry compliance for CorelDRAW 4. LEAD's proprietary CMP alternative creates smaller compressed image files with better image quality. CorelDRAW 4 will be able to import images from CMP and a variety of JPEG formats, and save them as JPEG, JTIF, or CMP compliant compressed formats.

Incorporated in 1985, Corel Corporation is known internationally throughout the high technology industry as a fast-paced computer software innovator. CorelDRAW, Corel's industry leading graphics software is available in 14 languages and has to date won over 90 international awards from major trade publications. Corel has a network of more than 100 distributors in 40 countries worldwide, and is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:COS) and NASDAQ National Market System (symbol: COSFF).

LEAD Technologies provides end-user and developer software for image applications. Among applications served by LEADVIEW and LEADTOOLS include: image databases, multimedia, desktop publishing, graphics design, graphics arts, military, photographic, micrographic, medical, surveillance, quality control, real estate and more.

LEAD Technologies Inc, 8701 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262

704-549-5532;  fax: 704-548-8161


Aetna Site License for Folio VIEWS 3.0
Aetna Purchases World-wide Site License For Folio VIEWS 3.0 Electronic Publishing Software

Folio VIEWS Currently Saving Aetna $6 Million Annually

June 14, 1993, Provo, Utah--The Aetna Life & Casualty Company of Hartford, Connecticut, has purchased a world-wide site license to Folio VIEWS 3.0 for Windows, the new PC-based electronic publishing software from Folio Corporation. The agreement affords Aetna the opportunity to provide the new software to its employees world-wide. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Folio VIEWS has already revolutionized the way we provide information to our internal clients," said Bob Shannon, vice president of Aetna Information Technology, (AIT). "VIEWS is our single approach to getting rid of paper manuals. We have eliminated virtually hundreds of manuals, used by over 10,000 of our employees, with Folio VIEWS."

"Folio VIEWS is one of those rare products that provides a fast return on investment, and is received well by internal customers and developers alike. Our initial investment in Folio VIEWS paid for itself in less than 12 months and we expect an even faster return with Folio VIEWS 3.0."

This agreement is the latest activity in a long relationship between Folio and Aetna. Through previous agreements, Aetna has purchased more than 10,000 copies of Folio VIEWS 2.1. In 1992 the two companies worked together to off-load more than 100 gigabytes of commercial insurance records from a mainframe computer to CD ROM. The information now resides on a set of approximately 40 CDs, accompanied by Folio software.

Folio VIEWS 3.0 will be used in a variety of publishing applications throughout the company ranging from on-line policy and procedures manuals, to archiving commercial insurance records.

Doria Johnson, director, Electronic Publishing, who manages electronic publishing for Aetna including the conversion of paper manuals to Folio VIEWS format, says her group has created more than 140 infobases to date. These infobases, she says, have saved the company more than $6,000,000 annually in paper, printing and postage costs.

As a long-time proponent of Folio VIEWS at Aetna, Johnson says "Folio has been diligent in soliciting feedback from us and has consistently delivered products to meet our requirements."

The Aetna Advanced Technology Services Group, managed by Diane Toscano, determined that Folio VIEWS was ideally suited for replacing paper manuals. "We feel Folio VIEWS 3.0 is a key tool for eliminating the corporate bottleneck of accessing information that is stored on paper."

With regard to the agreement, Folio President Brad Pelo said, "Aetna is a recognized technology leader with tremendous vision. We salute them for their commitment to customer satisfaction, both internally and externally, and are pleased that they have chosen Folio

VIEWS as a way to significantly decrease costs and further empower their employees to find and use information to make better informed decisions."

About Folio VIEWS 3.0

Folio VIEWS 3.0 is the third major release of Folio software and is acknowledged as the company's most significant product to date. Folio VIEWS 3.0 provides several unprecedented features that make it possible for all users to publish (gather, update, and share) information electronically.

Unique VIEWS features include real-time indexing of new information, and multiuser editing and annotation for up to 125 simultaneous users in the same infobase file (electronic book). The product also offers "shadow files'' that overlay the master infobase and allow users to make changes without altering the original document. Shadow files can be shared in a workgroup or distributed to update pre-published infobases. Other significant features of Folio VIEWS 3.0 include:

* Instant retrieval of any word or phrase

  (every word is searchable)

* User-definable hypertext and hypermedia links

* User-definable Toolbelt

* WYSIWYG display and printing

* Robust text editing (including formatting, styles, fonts,

  speller, thesaurus, etc.)

* Cross-platform compatibility (DOS, Windows, and Macintosh)

* In-line multimedia objects (graphics, animation, video, audio)

* Point-and-click import/export filters for popular word

  processing formats

* Hierarchical levels for generating dynamic tables of contents

* Flexible, searchable fields

  (dynamic, user-definable in real time)

* Searchable "highlighter" pens

* Bookmarks

* Searchable pop-up notes

* Navigation (backtrack, show trail, next hit, previous hit,

  list of bookmarks, etc.)

Folio VIEWS 3.0 for Windows is available now for US$495.00

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the world's leading providers of insurance and financial services. Aetna's business lines include health care services, life insurance, commercial and personal property/casualty coverages, and asset management.

About Folio Corporation

Folio Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mead Data Central, Inc., is the leading developer of electronic publishing software for personal computers. Folio VIEWS is used by thousands of major corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and by more than 100 commercial publishers, to create and distribute electronic publications (infobases).

Electronic publishing with Folio VIEWS significantly reduces the need for paper, printing, and mailing, and thereby reduces the associated costs and inefficiencies of paper publishing. By publishing electronically, many large Folio VIEWS customers save more than one million dollars annually while also delivering more timely and usable information to employees and customers.

In addition to traditional corporate and commercial publishing applications, Folio VIEWS is commonly used for litigation support and other legal applications; customer support/help desks; and for archiving electronic mail, newswire feeds, and on-line database downloads. Folio VIEWS is available for DOS and Microsoft Windows, and soon will be available for Macintosh.

Folio Corp, 2155 North Freedom Blvd, Ste 150, Provo, UT 84604

801-375-3700


FOLIO Electronic Publishing Defined

Electronic publishing is a rapidly growing area of the PC software industry. Major industry players who are traditionally strong in other software categories have recently begun to articulate their strategies for providing their own electronic publishing solutions.

Terms such as document viewer, electronic paper, and document exchange format have become commonplace in the vocabulary of the industry. But do these terms represent electronic publishing? Not quite.

As the industry leader in PC-based electronic publishing, Folio Corporation believes these phrases, and the solutions they describe, represent the "horseless carriage" of electronic publishing. They are the old paradigm of paper being carried forward to the new electronic medium. This tendency to want to carry the comfortable old model forward is common, but incremental steps like this only take users part way to the solution they need.

To take full advantage of the electronic medium for publishing and allow users to enjoy all of its benefits, the architecture of the publishing solution itself must offer:

1) the ability to find the right information in the right context

2) the ability to revise the information to suit a particular

   need, and

3) the ability to share and collaborate on information

   simultaneously in a workgroup

In short, electronic publishing solutions must offer users access, personalization, and collaboration.

Access, Personalization and Collaboration

Access means using the electronic medium to find the right information much faster and much more accurately than can be done with paper.

Access is not just viewing information. Viewing can be done on paper -- usually more effectively than with computers. It is important to represent the elements of the printed page that make sense, but providing the accurate look and feel of the paper document should be secondary to helping people find what they need, when they need it. This requires powerful searching and navigation tools.

Access is not just searching information, although full-text searching is a critical element of electronic publishing. More accurately, access means being able to search information both by its structure (fields and tables of contents) and its contents (words and phrases). True electronic publishing solutions offer both of these capabilities.

Personalization means gathering information from a variety of sources; adding personal insights such as footnotes, cross references, marginal annotations, highlights, and edits; adding graphical elements when needed; and organizing information into a format that is more useful to specific individuals and workgroups.

Personalization takes place on paper, but through a cumbersome, linear, process. The electronic medium offers much more flexibility, but only if the electronic publishing solution provides a revisable document format.

A static, computerized "picture" of a page or document is even less flexible, in many respects, than paper. It may be able to be viewed by many people at once, but it doesn't help those people extract and use the information that is pertinent to them.

Information is dynamic -- it changes, it gets pulled apart and put back together for a myriad of different needs. That's why it makes no sense to carry over the static nature of paper into the electronic medium. A true electronic publishing solution doesn't mimic the static nature of paper -- it removes that artificial limitation and lets people do what they need to do with it because it is dynamic like the information it bears.

Collaboration means sharing information in a group for the purpose of working together. Collaboration helps all individuals in a group work from a common set of information to make the effort more unified.

Paper can be shared, but only in a linear fashion (i.e. passed along from person to person, or copied and then distributed.) Computer networks make it possible to overcome this limitation by making information simultaneously available to many individuals.

An electronic publishing solution needs to take advantage of this capability by allowing users to not only access information simultaneously, but also to personalize it simultaneously as well. Electronic publishing solutions must be multi-user capable -- supporting multi-user access and editing with full record-locking, otherwise they offer little advantage over paper.

Infobases

To provide access, personalization, and collaboration takes database-like capabilities. But a database, by definition, imposes structures and limitations that are unnatural to the fluid nature of most information. A different type of database, called an infobase. provides each of the above capabilities and is required in an electronic publishing solution.

In 1988, Mitch Kapor, founder of Lotus Development Corporation, gave the following definition of an infobase.

"Our ideas about what a document is are still closely tied to the paper-based origins of documents. Paper, as an information-bearing medium, is both linear and rigid. Paper documents have a necessary order (a page at a time from front to back) and are bounded in space. Each item of information on a paper document is located in exactly one place. These limitations have been unconsciously and unnecessarily carried over into computer-based document processing systems. Movies were originally conceived of as filmed records of stage plays, but later developed their own unique vocabulary (the jump cut, the dissolve), each term of which embodies a unique style and meaning. So too can we free ourselves of the limitations of paper-based documents by inventing the appropriate representations and interactions.

"Documents will become 'soft' and 'virtual, ' made up of many little pieces, each with its own separate identity. The document you see on the screen will really be a kind of view into a large new-wave database of text, graphics and other data types like audio and video. This database (perhaps we will call it an infobase) will not necessarily be completely local. It may be distributed over a LAN or even updated periodically (and transparently) and automatically over a wide-area network. Just as information may 'arrive' from many different places, it may also put in multiple appearances in a variety of contexts defined by and in accordance with the user's wishes. Making a change to the item in any of its guises will automatically cause it to change everywhere else."

(Quoted by industry analyst Esther Dyson in her Release 1.0 newsletter)

Folio Electronic Publishing Solutions

Folio Corporation has been providing electronic publishing solutions based on infobases for more than four years. Folio VIEWS 3.0, released in May, 1993, is the most complete electronic publishing solution available and was designed specifically to match the specified electronic publishing needs of corporate, commercial publishing, government, and educational organizations.

For more information on electronic publishing or Folio VIEWS 3.0, call (801) 344-3671.

Folio Corp, 2155 North Freedom Blvd, Ste 150, Provo, UT 84604

801-375-3700


Ricoh Intelligent Fax for Microsoft at Work
RICOH INTELLIGENT FACSIMILE SYSTEM PROVIDES FULL COMPATIBILITY WITH MICROSOFT AT WORK ARCHITECTURE

Compact multi-functional device combines fax and data communications, laser printing and scanning

NEW YORK (June 9, 1993) -- Ricoh Corporation previewed today an intelligent fax machine supporting the Microsoft At Work architecture that will offer communications integration between office automation devices and PCs. Ricoh's first IFS (Intelligent Facsimile System) will incorporate walk-up fax and PC fax functionality, laser printing and scanning in a single desktop unit. The RICOH IFS is expected to be available in the first quarter of 1994. Its price has not yet been announced.

"Ricoh has historically held a strong commitment to office integration," said Eric L. Steenburgh, president and COO, Ricoh Corporation. "A working relationship with Microsoft gave us the opportunity to-contribute our expertise in equipment design and telecommunications to the advancement of a new solution for integrated office systems."

The RICOH IFS is being developed in cooperation with Microsoft to ensure full compatibility with the Microsoft At Work architecture and the Microsoft Windows operating system. It will increase office productivity through improved communications while reducing both equipment and space requirements. The RICOH IFS will offer a broad array of features that are accessible through the terminal's user-friendly LCD touch screen display or from any connected PC. A graphical user interface contributes to the product's ease of use.

The multi-functional RICOH IFS will support both walk-up plain paper fax and PC fax capabilities. It can be directly connected to a local area network or PC via a serial/parallel interface. Text and graphics files can be exchanged between PCs through the RICOH IFS over local area networks and remotely connected wide area networks. The RICOH IFS will also provide 10 page-per-minute (ppm) laser printing at 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) resolution. Superior print quality can be achieved through the new Microsoft At Work Rendering Printing technology implemented in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft At Work products.

"The RICOH IFS is being developed to support Microsoft At Work architecture," said Jim Ivy, executive vice president, National Marketing Group, Ricoh Corporation. "We believe this innovation will provide office machine dealers with a new means of integrating with PCs in the workplace, reinforcing Ricoh's current efforts in this direction. The product will also offer new business opportunities for independent software vendors and system integrators."

Hiqh-Speed Fax

The RICOH IFS will function as a fully G3 compatible walk-up fax machine as well as a PC fax server. Its high-speed modem will offer 14.4 kbps transmission speed to other high-speed G3 fax equipment. Security features will enable users to encrypt documents, authenticate recipient and sender before a message is delivered and enclose a digital signature for document verification.

The RICOH IFS will accept documents up to 11.7" wide, scan 10.1" wide images at 4.5 seconds-per-page and transmit at six seconds per page. Transmission quality is enhanced with CCITT Group 3 ECM (error correction mode). Ricoh's proprietary 64-level Selectone process distinguishes between text and images when scanning documents, applying halftone processing to images only to improve total image quality.

The RICOH IFS will also supply a gateway for transmitting documents from connected PCs to any remote G3 fax terminal over telephone lines. PC files can be selectively sent as either image data or renderable data, determined automatically by the originating RICOH IFS based on the capabilities of the receiving equipment.

Incoming faxes can be printed at the terminal or stored in a mailbox or routed to any connected PC. User destinations can be designated by the fax sender or programmed at the receiving RICOH IFS terminal.

The fax printer will be built around Ricoh's compact engine with its short, reliable paper path, 6 seconds-per-page print speed (10 ppm) and virtually jam-free operation. A single-consumable design, featuring an all-purpose toner cartridge and a long-life seamless OPC belt is standard with the machine. Ricoh's Super Smoothing HQ process gives the appearance of fax transmissions sent at twice the resolution.

Laser Printer

The RICOH IFS will also function as a 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) 10 ppm on-line laser printer.

Users working with Windows can specify the IFS device as their current printer, which is interfaced via a serial or parallel port or LAN connection. Print jobs will be transmitted to the RICOH IFS resident printer queue. For Windows users, the new Rendering Printing technology is supported for superior print quality.

For users of the MS-DOS operating system, optional HP LaserJet III (PCL-5) emulation will also be available in the future.

Scanner

A Windows-based application will allow documents to be scanned into any connected PC via the RICOH IFS. The scanner function is capable of 64-level halftone processing. Bit-mapped scanned images can be downloaded to Windows or MS-DOS applications and saved in TIFF, PCX or DCX file formats.

LAN/WAN Networking

The RICOH IFS can be added to existing local area networks and wide area networks. It can also be used as a communication server that serves several PCs for fax transmissions, e-mail and PC file transfer. Documents and files can be exchanged via users' "In" and "Out" mailbox locations.

The Microsoft At Work protocol implemented in the RICOH IFS will also support the ability to automatically route messages to the recipient's mailbox or PC. The Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) will also be used for routing of standard Group 3 messages.

Multiple RICOH IFS terminals installed at different remote locations also can be linked via enhanced G3 communications protocols to-establish a wide area network supporting fax transmission, e-mail and file transfers.

RICOH IFS memory will be provided by an 80MB hard disk as standard equipment. The hard disk can be used for a mailbox and a programmable memory for application software.

PC connectivity will be supplied by two RS232C serial ports and a Centronics parallel port, as well as an optional LAN interface.

Ricoh Corporation, a U.S. company headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a diversified office equipment and electronics firm with sales of nearly Sl billion annually. Ricoh is a leading supplier of copiers, facsimiles and multi-functional document systems that are sold both directly and through dealers. The company also markets scanners, printers and optical and magnetic storage devices, as well as photographic equipment.

Ricoh Corp, 5 Dedrick Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006

201-882-2000;  fax: 201-882-2506


Multimedia Pool
St.Augustine, FL--June 10, 1993--Sharpen your skills and improve your game with Multimedia Pool, Lifestyle Software Group's latest release for Windows. Challenging and fun, Multimedia Pool provides different games in situations impossible to enjoy in real life for just $39.95.

Get started playing Eight Ball, Nine Ball, Straight Pool or even Bumper Pool. Each game can be played in slow, normal or fast motion, at various levels of skill. Eight Ball and Straight Pool allow you to choose your own rules such as calling shots and returning scratched shots. Online help provides you with game rules, strategies, the history of pool and even suggestions on handling an actual pool stick.

Transport yourself throughout the solar system with Multimedia Pool. Test your abilities by playing on Jupiter, the Moon, or Planet X. Great graphics allow you to imagine playing on the Moon; stimulating sounds such as heralding trumpets will delight everyone. Different theories of physics and other helpful hints will improve your understanding of the game and enhance your precision.

Challenge a friend or play against the PC. Save your most impressive trick shots or an entire game. Even experts are challenged by Multimedia Pool because the excitement never ends; slant the pool table, magnetize the balls and adjust gravity to keep any game interesting.

LSG is a leading publisher and developer of home leisure computing products. Multimedia Pool is available nationwide from software and other retail outlets.

Lifestyle Software Corp, 63 Orange St, Saint Augustine, FL 32084

904-825-0220


Mirroring Hard Disk Controller
NEW MIRRORING HARD DISK CONTROLLER PROVIDES TOTAL DATA SECURITY

San Francisco, CA, 6/14/93.  The Sphere Group today announced the availability of the new SVC Mirror Board, mirroring IDE hard disk controller for PC/AT-compatible systems.  The new controller provides absolute program and data security for data-critical operations such as PC-based file servers, software developers, databases,

financial data, or any situation in which total, moment-to-moment data integrity is a critical consideration.

Interfacing two pairs of 2 IDE hard drives in mirrored drive pairs through the ISA 16-bit bus, the SVC Mirror Board controller provides instant, automatic backup to primary drives.  All program and data files on the logged drive are duplicated on the mirrored drive.  If the primary drive fails, the user is automatically shifted to the second drive in the pair. Primary drives function with normal speed and compatibility while the secondary drives automatically duplicate the primary drive to provide total data integrity at all times.

The SVC Mirror Board's on-board BIOS allows it to function transparently to hardware and applications software on the system.  The Mirror Board is also transparent to all PC/AT-compatible operating systems, i.e., MS-DOS, OS/2 2.0, UNIX, Windows NT, Windows for Workgroups and  Novell.  The on-board BIOS utomatically installs the proper head and cylinder configurations to the system. After setup, disk mirroring is automatic and requires no operator interaction.  Setup is as simple as formatting the mirroring drive and transferring programs and data from the primary to the secondary drive.

The Mirror Board comes equipped with an 8K x 8 SRAM cache.  Optionally, the Mirror Board may be equipped with 16K or 32K x 8 SRAM cache and a floppy disk control for up to 4 floppy drives in mix-and-match 5.25" and 3.5" configurations.  With the floppy controller, the Mirror Board supports 2.88Mb, 1.44Mb and 720K 3.5" drives, and 1.2Mb, 720K, 360K, 5.25" drives.  Prices of the SVC Mirror Board IDE mirroring hard disk controllers begin at $195.  Sampling and OEM quantities are available through

     Schuller & Associates

     1103 Dolores St., Suite 1

     San Francisco, CA 94110

     415-282-7832   Fax: 415-282-9548

The need for an inexpensive, automatic solution to total data integrity on data-critical PCs and IBM-compatible PC/AT file servers led us to design and manufacture the SVC Mirror Board.  Regularly scheduled backup is not a total answer.  Continuous, uninterrupted backup is.  With Mirror Board and a mirroring drive installed, integrity of current data is maintained even under total failure of the primary drive.  Even when drives are backed up daily, backup means taking file servers and  the network down, additional non-productive time, after hours time or work stoppages. Even daily backups do not protect current data. For anyone who has had a hard disk malfunction during data-critical operation, the advantage of "mirroring" is obvious.

At Silicon Valley Computer, we think the SVC Mirror Board will provide a needed and affordable solution to data integrity to a wide variety of users:

* Database managers

* Programmers

* Financial institutions

* Designers/Graphic artists

* Mailing houses

* Direct marketers

* Statisticians

* Law firms

* Accountants

...anyone to whom complete, continuous data integrity is a critical consideration

About Silicon Valley Computer Corp.

Formed in 1982,  Silicon Valley Computer has delivered nearly 800,000 PC-compatible systems and subsystems to the worldwide PC marketplace.  SVC designs, assembles and tests it's own systems utilizing only the highest quality components.  SVC also writes its own BIOSs, microcode and firmware in order to maintain absolute IBM PC/AT-compatibility across its product lines.  Presently, SVC is a supplier of PC/AT-compatible ISA computer systems, IDE hard disk interfaces, and hard drive kits for the international PC marketplace.  All systems are, designed, built, burned-in and tested in Mountainview, California, USA.

Silicon Valley Computer is represented domestically and internationally by Schuller & Associates.


LABELWRITER II FOR PCS UPGRADES TO 2.0

PREMIERES WINDOWS VERSION, TOO!

GREENWICH, CT--When the LabelWriter ll was introduced a year ago, PC users cheered to find they could quickly dash off professional-looking labels by the ones or by the hundreds. Now CoStar Corporation announces its first major software upgrade, Version 2.0, PLUS the first Windows edition!

"Making labels in small quantities is a problem for every computer user," says Debra Wong, director of marketing. "Depending upon the type of printer you are using, productivity time is lost to changing paper trays, re-aligning sheet-fed labels and running tests. You can also waste an entire sheet just to do one or two labels."

The LabelWriter ll is a hardware/software combo that plugs into the serial port. As a background program, it stands ready to immediately produce labels in any quantity. Not only does the LabelWriter ll automate a once-tedious chore, but it can also print POSTNET postal bar codes to speed mail and save postage costs on bulk mailings.

The LabelWriter ll PC for DOS allows you to print without quitting the main program. The latest version is a compilation of the most requested features and enhancements from our users," says Wong. The new LabelWriter ll DOS 2.0 software features include:

* WYSIWYG display allows users to preview the label before it

  prints.

* Scalable fonts for added flexibility for designing labels.

* Mix test fonts, styles and sizes on a line-by-line basis for

  jazzier labels

* Create and save label templates for each labeling job.

* Saves time having to reformat labels for different uses.

* Enhanced bar code support for inventory bar coding.

* International character set support for expanded use across

  the world.

* Post Office Delivery Point Barcode support. The new 11-digit

  bar code will be a March, 1993 requirement to qualify for

  postage discounts.

The new LabelWriter II Windows software encompasses three components. A full-featured Application appears as a Tool Bar to design label templates. manage mailing lists, print address labels from a single document or mail merge file without any additional keystrokes, print inventory bar code labels and more. A Windows Print Driver is included for quick and easy label printing directly from any Windows program, including databases, word processors, graphic programs and bar code programs. And the software also includes macros that appear as icons for easy access within the Tool Bars for three popular word processing programs--WordPerfect for Windows, Word for Windows and Ami Pro.

Some important features of the Windows software include:

* WYSIWGYG display allows users to preview the label before

  it prints.

* AutoPrint feature allows users to print labels and documents

  simultaneously--no additional keystrokes required.

* Create and save templates that mix fonts, styles, sizes and

  graphics.

* Works with any Windows system font. ATM and TrueType

  compatible.

* Import, store and print mailing lists easily using the

  AddressBook feature.

* Accepts DBF files or create lists within AddressBook.

* Import, store and print numerical lists for use with inventory

  bar code labels, etc.

* Four inventory bar code fonts included: UPC, Interleaved

  2 of 5, Code 39 and EAN 8 and 13 POSTNET postal bar code

  incorporating Delivery Point Barcode, the new 11-digit postal

  requirement (effective March, 1993) for postage discounts.

"Many office workers and home business users are self-contained productivity centers today," says Wong. "They don't have secretaries and assistants to handle administrative tasks anymore. The LabelWriter ll responds to this trend by automating yet another desktop function."

The LabelWriter II uses a one-inch print head and retails for $249.95. It handles standard address size labels (1-1/8" x 3-1/2") available in three colors: white, clear, and yellow. The LabelWriter II also handles videocassette spine labels. The LabelWriter II Plus uses a 2-1/4" print head and retails for $299.95. In addition to standard address and video spine labels, the LabelWriter II Plus can print on shipping, diskette, two-up address, and videocassette top labels.

The upgrade cost for the DOS version is $19.95 to users who purchased their LabelWriter before June 1, 1992. Users who purchased their LabelWriter after June 1, 1992, may receive the upgrade FREE. (Dated proof-of-purchase required.)

The upgrade cost for the Windows version is $39.95 to users who purchased their LabelWriter before June 1, 1992. Users who purchased the LabelWriter after June 1, 1992 may receive the upgrade FREE. (Dated proof-of-purchase required.)

CoStar Corporation was founded in 1989 and manufactures a complete line of specialty printers and accessories for the PC and Macintosh, including the Address Express and AddressWriter envelope printers and the LabelWriter ll label printers. Company headquarters are in Greenwich, Connecticut.

LabelWriter II is available from computer distributors and resellers nationwide or direct from the company as 1-800/4-COSTAR.

CoStar Corp, 100 Field Point Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830-6406

203-661-9700;   Fax: 203-661-1540


Floptical Technology Association Incorporates
FLOPTICAL TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES INCORPORATION

"Your Next Floppy Will be a 21 MByte Floptical Disk Driven;

FTA Membership Now Tops Two Dozen Companies;

Cupertino, CA -- June 14, 1993 -- The Floptical Technology Association (FTA) today announced its incorporation under the laws of the state of California as a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. Founded two years ago to promote 21-megabyte (MB) Floptical technology as the de facto industry standard for very high-capacity floppy disk drives, the association now includes over two dozen vendors, manufacturing partners and licensees of Floptical technology. They are the leading companies in the floppy disk drive and media market segment, providing drives, media, host adapters, subsystems and associated products. The technology has been acclaimed by industry forces (see p. 2), many of whom see it as, "Your next floppy."

The FTA sponsors a variety of activities and promotions, including trade show attendance at PC Expo and Comdex/Fall, regular information dissemination via news releases and a bimonthly newsletter, plus articles for the trade and business press. User-oriented information available includes a member/product directory, a "Where to Buy Floptical Products" directory, plus technology and applications white papers.

"FTA incorporation benefits end users, distributors and current members," says FTA chairman James D. Milligan of 3M. "The FTA makes it easier for users to choose from a wider array of compatible Floptical products; distributors benefit from increased product awareness and demand, and members can showcase and demonstrate their integrated products at major industry trade shows, as well as gain press exposure."

Incorporation also provides for membership growth, the opportunity to positively affect market acceptance of this new industry standard, creating the potential for integration of member products, and capitalizing on business opportunities in this fast-growing market.

The FTA organization is based on an Industry Development Committee (TDC), chaired by James D. Milligan of 3M. Subcommittees include Membership, chaired by Steven Wise, Iomega Corp., and Operating Systems, co-chaired by Marlene Guerrero of Adaptec, and Norm Hayes of Insite Peripherals.

"The 21 MB Floptical disk drive will be your next floppy," says Milligan, "because it's the first and only very high capacity 3.5-inch flexible drive able to read and write the over seven billion standard lower capacity 720KB and 1.44MB 3.5-inch diskettes in use today and also satisfy the needs of powerful systems users for I/O, backup, software distribution and near-line storage." Industry researchers augment Milligan's predictions. Disk/Trend, Inc., Mt. View, CA, forecasts vigorous growth worldwide for Floptical products to an estimated $208 million by 1994. In the last two years the FTA has achieved volume drive and media production, as well as technical supriority, product availability, cost-effectiveness, major OEM agreements, and most of all, satisfying end-user demand. Future goals include recruiting major OEMs, software houses and host adapter companies as members, and providing more operating system support.

Major milestones toward Floptical technology industry standardization include:

* Insite Peripherals, Inc., San Jose, and Iomega, Roy, Utah, now produce Floptical drives in volume for both the OEM and retail markets, through their manufacturing partners MKE (Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd.) and Chinon Industries, two of the largest disk drive suppliers in the world.

* Three manufacturers currently produce and ship quantities of 21MB Floptical diskettes: Hitachi-Maxell, Iomega and 3M, the world's largest maker of flexible media.

* Two major computer manufacturers, Silicon Graphics and Hewlett-Packard, have both standardized on Floptical technology for their next generation workstations.

* More than two dozen subsystem manufacturers have announced Floptical products -- triple the number in 1991. These include Iomega, ValueStore, PLI, Conner Peripherals (Maynard), Rancho Technology, MASS Microsystems and GrassRoots.

* Virtually every interface supplier in the market -- Adaptec, Rancho Technology, Future Domain, Corel, Data Technology and others -- has introduced Floptical technology products.

* Microsoft Corp.'s release of Windows NT includes driver support for Floptical diskette technology.

* Leading computer product distributors JACO, Ingram Merisel, and Arrow Electronics distribute and support Floptical diskette technology. In addition, Insite has announced a worldwide distribution network for Floptical disk drives.

* The Micro Standards Committee of the Microcomputer Manager's Association (MMA), nominated 21MB Floptical technology as the industry standard for floppy disk drives.

* As far back as early 1992, industry watcher Dataquest predicted "the emergence of the Floptical design as the defacto standard in (very high-density floppy disk drives)."

* Market researcher MMIS (Magnetic Media Information Services), a Honolulu-based research firm, predicts that 21MB Floptical technology "has a good chance of becoming the defacto standard for above 2.88MB diskette drives and media."

* Affordability: Floptical technology prices place it within reach of the average PC user. Drives are available under $300, less than one-third the price per megabyte of standard floppy drives. With street prices of less than $1/MB, or under $20 per diskette, Floptical media is a bargain.

* Applications: Floppy drives and media have always been the most flexible of system peripherals, which explains its long-term viability and necessity to systems. Floptical technology has expanded floppy usage beyond traditional I/O to near-line secondary storage and lower-capacity backup. With the advent of more memory-intensive software applications, such as multimedia, the demand for higher-capacity flexible disk storage has risen dramatically.

FTA members include drive manufacturers Insite Peripherals and Iomega Corp.; media manufacturers 3M, Maxell and Iomega; Insite's drive manufacturing partner Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd. (MKE) and Iomega's drive manufacturing partner, Chinon; subsystem manufacturer O.R. Computer System PTE. Ltd.; host adapter companies Adaptec and Rancho Technology; and over a dozen other members providing a range of supporting Floptical products.

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-446-0407;  fax: 408-446-0450


Microsoft Word for MS-DOS Step by Step V6.0
Microsoft Word for MS-DOS

Step by Step

Version 6.0

Self-Paced Training Courseware from Microsoft Press

272 Pages, one 3.5 inch disk, $29.95

ISBN: 1-55615-520-4

Pub. Date: June 9, 1993

Training yourself, your company, or your customers just got easier with MICROSOFT WORD FOR MS-DOS STEP BY STEP--the new book-and-disk self-paced training courseware from Microsoft Press.

This timesaving, cost-effective package is the ideal learning tool. Newcomers to Microsoft Word and word processing will be amazed at how fast they'll learn to produce professional-quality documents. There's less downtime and lost productivity because users can learn right at their own desks. It's the perfect solution for today's on-the-go business people.

Each of the 14 lessons is generously illustrated with real-world examples and fully integrated with the practice files on disk. Readers can compare their results and track their progress for each lesson. And because the lessons are modular, beginners can complete the entire course from beginning to end, whereas intermediate users can pick up at any point to learn specific skills. Readers will learn to use Microsoft Word version 6 for MS-DOS to:

* Perform common tasks with drop-down menus, ribbon commands,

  and dialog boxes

* Copy or move text with the new "drag and drop" feature

* Fine-tune documents with the spelling checker, thesaurus,

  and formatting commands

* Set up Word to print form letters

* Create tables complete with borders and shading

* Add graphics to dress up a Word document

MICROSOFT WORD FOR MS-DOS STEP BY STEP is also easily adapted for use in an instructor-led classroom setting. Lessons can be easily customized to fit the needs of a special software training curriculum in a small-business or corporate training facility. Appendixes cover installing Word, converting documents to or from other formats, and other advanced time-saving features. A glossary makes looking up terms easy, and the comprehensive index helps students and instructors quickly find information on any topic in the book.

Microsoft Word version 6.0 for MS-DOS is required. The book includes one 720-KB 3.5-inch disk that contains practice files and ordering information for a 1.2-MB 5.25-inch disk. An instructor's guide is also available.

MICROSOFT WORD FOR MS-DOS STEP BY STEP joins the growing family of self-paced training products available from Microsoft Press. Microsoft Excel Step by Step--the first official Microsoft courseware product from Microsoft Press won the 1991 "Best Introductory How-To Book" award from the prestigious Computer Press Association. Other book-and-software packages in the Step by Step series include Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh Step by Step, Microsoft Word for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft Project for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft Access for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft MS-DOS 6 Step by Step, Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft Windows 3.1 Step by Step, Microsoft Excel Macros Step by Step, and the forthcoming Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS Step by Step, and Microsoft Mail for Windows Step by Step.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality computer books about Microsoft products. More than 10 million users at all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books to make learning and using software easier. Titles ranging from self-paced tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Press, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080


Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS Step by Step V2.5
Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS

Step by Step

Version 2.5

Self-Paced Training Courseware from Microsoft Press

336 pages, one 3.5-inch disk, $29.95

ISBN: 1-55615-541-7

Pub. Date: June 25, 1993

Training yourself, your company, or your customers just got easier with MICROSOFT FOXPRO FOR MS-DOS STEP BY STEP--the new book-and-disk self-paced training courseware from Microsoft Press.

This timesaving, cost-effective package is the ideal learning tool. Newcomers to Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS and database management will be amazed at how quickly they'll learn to create and use a custom database. There's less downtime and lost productivity because users can learn right at their own desks. It's the perfect solution for today's on-the-go business people.

Each of the 12 lessons is generously illustrated with real-world examples and fully integrated with the practice files on disk. Readers can compare their results and track their progress for each lesson. Each progressive lesson builds on concepts presented in previous lessons. Readers will learn to use Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS version 2.5 to:

* Create new databases for effective information management

* Organize information by indexing and sorting databases

* Work with several databases at once to display and report

  related information in other files

* Create applications with the Application Generator, and manage

  an application's development with the Project Manager

* Enhance custom applications by designing and building screens

  and menus with the Screen Builder and the Menu Builder

MICROSOFT FOXPRO FOR MS-DOS STEP BY STEP is also easily adapted for use in an instructor-led classroom setting. Lessons can be easily customized to fit the needs of a special software training curriculum in a small-business or corporate training facility. An appendix clarifies how the snippets of code used in this book work so users can put them to use in their own applications. A glossary makes looking up terms easy, and the comprehensive index helps students and instructors quickly find information on any topic in the book.

Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS 2.5 is required. The book includes one 720-KB 3.5-inch disk that contains practice files and ordering information for a 1.2-MB 5.25-inch disk. An instructor's guide is also available.

MICROSOFT FOXPRO FOR MS-DOS STEP BY STEP joins the growing family of self-paced training products available from Microsoft Press. Microsoft Excel Step by Step--the first official Microsoft courseware product from Microsoft Press won the 1991 "Best Introductory How-To Book" award from the prestigious Computer Press Association. Other book-and-software packages in the Step by Step series include Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh Step by Step, Microsoft FoxPro for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft Word for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft Project for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft Access for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft MS-DOS 6 Step by Step, Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows Step by Step, Microsoft Windows 3.1 Step by Step, Microsoft Word for MS-DOS Step by Step, Microsoft Excel Macros Step by Step, and the forthcoming Microsoft Windows NT Step by Step, and Microsoft Mail for Windows Step by Step.

Based in Bellevue, Washington, Catapult, Inc. is a national software training company dedicated to providing the highest quality application software training. Catapult's contribution to the Step by Step series is based on their proprietary Performance-Based Training Program for adult learning.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality computer books about Microsoft products. More than 10 million users at all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books to make learning and using software easier. Titles ranging from self-paced tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Press, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080


IBM PC President Giving PC Expo Plenary Address
IBM PC COMPANY PRESIDENT TO DELIVER PC EXPO PLENARY

Robert Corrigan to Address IBM PC Company Revitalization and Significance for PC EXPO Attendees in Address on June 30

Fort Lee, NJ, June 7 -- Robert J. Corrigan, president of the IBM PC Company, will deliver the plenary address at the upcoming PC EXPO in New York on Wednesday, June 30. Mr. Corrigan will discuss his company's revitalization and future directions in "The IBM PC Company: On the Comeback Trail."

The Eleventh Annual PC EXPO in New York show and conference will take place June 29 - July 1, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The PC EXPO Plenary Address will be held on Wednesday, at 11:15 a.m., in the Special Events Hall of the Javits Center.

Mr. Corrigan will chart the evolution of the IBM PC Company -- a separate operating unit of the IBM Corporation Personal Systems line of business -- into a highly focused company developing, manufacturing and marketing PCs worldwide. The PC Company is gaining market share, responding to customer needs and delivering competitive technology, according to Mr. Corrigan. He will also outline the company's turnaround strategy, and plans for the future.

Since joining IBM Corporation in 1962 as an engineer in East Fishkill, NY, Mr. Corrigan held various managerial positions with IBM at locations in New York and Paris, France. Mr. Corrigan was named president of the Systems Technology Division in February 1988. He was elected an IBM vice president in 1989, and was named president of the Entry Systems Division in November 1990. Mr. Corrigan assumed his current position in September 1992.

Portable technology will be displayed throughout the PC EXPO show floor, which spans three levels of the Javits Center. Many PC EXPO exhibitors are PCMCIA members, including: Advanced Micro Devices, Dell, Epson America, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Logitech, Lotus, Megahertz, NCR, Panasonic, Texas Instruments and Zenith Data Systems, to name a few.

The pavilion will be just one showcase at PC EXPO in New York, which will feature more than 800 exhibitors at this year's show. There will also be Multimedia and Windows/OS/2 Pavilions. The exhibits portion of the show will be complemented by the PC EXPO Seminar Series, featuring 80 seminars, including mobile computing topics.

PC EXPO in New York is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI), based in Fort Lee, NJ, the leading tradeshow management firm for computer technology and other business sectors. BBI also produces PC EXPO in Chicago, UNIX EXPO and Networks Expo in Boston. BBI will also produce NetWorld 93 Dallas, Oct. 5-7, 1993. In 1994, the show will return to Dallas under its new name, Networks Expo. BBI is part of Blenheim Group PLC, the leading producer of shows and conferences worldwide, including 32 information technology events.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


Corel Licenses Mastersoft Conversion Tech.
Corel Licenses Mastersoft Conversion Technology For CorelDRAW 4

Ottawa, Ontario - May 20, 1993. Corel Corporation announced today the licensing and integration of Word For Word document conversion technology from Mastersoft, Inc. into CorelDRAW 4.

"The Mastersoft converters allow end users to import their text files into CorelDRAW in their preferred text formats, transparently and with formatting intact," said Lise Lambert, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Mastersoft. "Text can be imported in a variety of word processing and spreadsheet formats, including Microsoft Word, WordPerfect (DOS and Windows), Ami Professional, MacWrite II, Microsoft Word for Windows, Microsoft Word Mac, Lotus 1-2-3 and Excel."

Mastersoft, Inc., a privately-held company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, was founded in 1986 to develop conversion technology for MS/PC-DOS, Macintosh, Windows, OS/2, Xenix, UNIX, CTOS and IBM Mainframe environments. To date, Mastersoft has over 350,000 users of the conversion technology, in addition to a large customer base using the technology through OEM relationships.

Corel Corporation is a leading developer of graphics and SCSI software products. Corel's premier illustration package, CorelDRAW has won over 90 international awards, and has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide.

Mastersoft Inc

6991 E. Camelback Rd, Suite A-320

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

602-277-0900;  fax: 602-970-0706


Track-It V3.04 Inventory Control/POS Package
Millennium Software has released Track-It 3.04, an easy to use inventory control/point of sale package intended for the business that desires complete control over sales and inventory. Track-It operates on most all DOS based systems, and is compatible with Microsoft Windows. Here are just some of its features.

* Provides serialized and non-serialized stock tracking

* Point of sale invoicing (sales and returns)

* Purchase Orders

* Order entry

* Systemized processing of customer orders

* Automatic stock adjustments

* Detailed and summary sales reports

* Reorder and overstock reports

* Partial searches for stock codes, customers, ...

* Supports Canadian and Zip+4 zip codes

* Full mouse support

* Network and multi-user compatible

* B-Tree style indexing for fast data retrieval

* Context sensitive, cross referenced, on-line help

Even though Track-It is distributed as a shareware package, it provides all the features that you would expect from a retail point of sale program, plus a large number of inventory functions, and a multitude of reports, and an easy to use interface.

Fully functional evaluation copies are available upon request at no charge.

Cost:      $149.00 registered. Site licenses and quantity

           discounts are available.

Orders:    By US Mail or call (510) 828-5892.

           Visa & Mastercard welcomed.

Support:   Minimum of one year of unlimited voice/bulletin board

           support.

Millennium Software is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals.

Millennium Software, PO Box 2209, Dublin, CA 94568

510-828-5892


Digital Vision Drops ComputerEyes Prices
DIGITAL VISION DROPS PRICES ON COMPUTEREYES LINE

June 10, 1993 -- (DEDHAM, MA) -- DIGITAL VISION, Inc., manufacturer of the ComputerEyes/RT video frame grabber and the ComputerEyes/Pro video digitizer, has just announced significant price reductions on the entire IBM PC ComputerEyes line.

Effective immediately, Digital Vision's top of the line frame grabber, ComputerEyes/RT, drops in price by 33% from $599.95 to $399.95. Both ComputerEyes/Pro, the still-video digitizer and ComputerEyes/RT Monochrome, the black-and-white version of ComputerEyes/RT, drop 25% from $399.95 to $299.95.

"Our philosophy has always been that of providing the best product at the best possible price", said Digital Vision President, David Pratt. "These new prices simply make ComputerEyes an incredible value. They bring the price of our high quality capture cards in line with, or lower than, many of the popular but lesser quality capture cards on the market today."

ComputerEyes/RT grabs full-screen, 640 x 480, 16.7 million color images in 1/30th of a second from any source with NTSC composite video or S-video output. The result is near-photographic quality images in black-and-white, color, or gray-scale. The user can then save the images in Targa, TIFF, PCX, GIF, JPEG, and other file formats and use them in desktop publishing, graphic arts, image databasing, presentations, or a variety of other applications. ComputerEyes/RT also grabs movies and stores them to Autodesk Animator or Microsoft Video for Windows compatible files. ComputerEyes/RT is available in a full 24-bit color version, or an economical black-and-white version.

Although ComputerEyes/RT is now priced lower than the competition, it is a superior frame grabber in many ways. ComputerEyes/RT is one of the only frame grabber cards that truly captures full video frames and true RGB data; other popular TV-in-a-window cards capture single video fields, only about half the resolution and half the number of colors, making for inferior quality captures. And since ComputerEyes/RT does not attach to the VGA feature connector, it is compatible with virtually every VGA display adapter. ComputerEyes/RT does not impose the memory restrictions that other frame grabbers do; you can have 8, 16, 32 or more megabytes of RAM with no compatibility problems. Finally, unlike other frame grabbers, ComputerEyes/RT comes with both DOS and Windows software. A developers kit and developers support is available should there be need to incorporate capture routines within your own software.

"Other frame grabbers use chip sets that limit the resolution and limit the number of colors you can capture. Since ComputerEyes/RT uses its own method of image capture, we do not face the same limitations", said Mr. Pratt. "As such, the ComputerEyes/RT design is one that can remain viable for years to come through software enhancements and updates."

ComputerEyes/RT is widely distributed thru Ingram Micro, Merisel, and many popular channels.

Digital Vision, 270 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026

617-329-5400;  fax: 617-329-6286


Metrix - Metric Unit Conversion Program
FSA responds to Federal Metric conversion mandate

In response to the recent executive order requiring Federal agencies to switch to Metric units of measure, Financial Systems Associates has released Metrix, a conversion program for IBM PC and compatible computers. Metrix offers quick access to the most common Metric to U.S. and U.S. to Metric conversions in addition to the ability to search a user modifiable reference table which, as shipped, contains more than 1200 conversion reference items. On-line help and a popup calculator which accepts input from conversion screen results or manual entry are also included. Metrix is available in both DOS and Windows versions, and the DOS version runs either standalone or as a TSR (terminate and stay resident) program. DOS 3.1 and higher or Windows 3.0. and higher are required. For orders and information call (614) 363-2289 or write FSA at 148 N. Washington Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015. Metrix for DOS or Windows retails for $39.95.


SPA Settlement Against Malcolm Pirnie Inc
Settlement Announced In Corporate Copyright Infringement Suit Against Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.

June 14, 1993 (Washington, DC) -- The Software Publishers Association (SPA) and Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. (Pirnie), a national environmental engineering firm, jointly announced today that a settlement has been reached in a software copyright infringement suit filed against Pirnie by six computer software publishers in the United States District Court in White Plains, New York.

In announcing the settlement, Ilene Rosenthal, the SPA's General Counsel, said, "Managers have a responsibility to monitor very carefully the way software is used in the corporate environment. The action against Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. is yet another step in our continuing campaign against unauthorized corporate copying."

"Malcolm Pirnie has always had a policy against using unauthorized computer software," said Paul L. Busch, President and CEO of Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. "We have spent millions of dollars for commercial software and have always strived to meet licensing requirements.

Unfortunately, well-intentioned individuals, in the name of expedience, installed programs without verifying that the corresponding licenses were in place. We have agreed to monitor more actively the software programs installed on our more than 800 computers."

The lawsuit was filed on February 5, 1992. Pirnie cooperated fully with the plaintiffs in providing an inventory of commercial software that had been installed on all of its personal computers. Pirnie agreed to settle the plaintiff's copyright claims against it on terms that include a payment of $150,000 to the SPA. The company also agreed to the entry of a permanent injunction prohibiting the unauthorized copying of software in the future.

Since 1988, the Software Publishers Association has initiated hundreds of lawsuits and audits on behalf of its members and obtained numerous search and seizure orders against businesses, computer dealers, bulletin board services, and educational institutions that have violated its members' copyrights. The SPA's anti-piracy hotline, 1-800-388-7478, accepts calls reporting software violations.

The Software Publishers Association also distributes free of charge self-audit materials designed to help businesses, government entities, and educational institutions manage their internal software practices. To obtain a copy of the SPA Self-Audit Kit and SPAudit, a software inventory management program, companies should write to:

SPAudit

Software Publishers Association

1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700

Washington, D.C. 20036

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education software markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France


SupraFAXModems - New Prices & More Software
SupraFAXModems: Incredible New Prices and More Powerful Software Offerings

ALBANY, OR, MAY, 1993--Supra has substantially cut the prices of its entire line of modem products, including the best-selling SupraFAXModem V.32bis. The SupraFAXModem V.32bis internal has now dropped below the $200 price point and the estimated selling price for external SupraFAXModem is from $269 (for the PC Package) to $299 (for the Macintosh package.)

Expanded Software Offerings As if it weren't enough to substantially reduce product prices--Supra is offering another incentive to invest in SupraFAXModems--enhanced software bundling.

Now, SupraFAXModem PC packages contain both DOS and Windows software. Fax software includes the award-winning WinFax Lite for Windows-based faxing, and the DOS-based FaxTalk with high-performance features such as 2-D compression for faster throughput. On the data side, Supra includes both the DOS and Windows versions of COMit, a sophisticated data communications package designed specifically for high speed communications. Some of the PC packages also include CompuServe Information Manager for Windows which provides a graphical interface to CompuServe's online information service.

The Mac bundle includes FAXstr, the most popular software for faxing from a Macintosh, and MicroPhone LT a powerful data communications package. They also include CompuServe Information Manager as well as CCL scripts for AppleTalk Remote Access.

For dealers this added value means easier sales. It also means one less SKU to keep in stock. For consumers, more software choices means greater flexibility and value -- they can chose the fax or data software application that best suits their needs.

Supra Corporation

With headquarters in Albany, Oregon, Supra Corporation has produced high-quality, low-cost peripherals for personal computers since 1985. All products are produced using the finest quality American-made components and are subjected to rigorous testing. This combination of quality production standards and careful testing is what enables Supra Corporation to offer a five-year warranty on all its products.

Supra Corp, 7101 Supra Dr SW, Albany, OR 97321

503-967-2400;  fax: 503-967-2401


US Robitics Enterprise Newtork Hub
U.S. ROBOTICS ANNOUNCES THE ENTERPRISE NETWORK HUB AND TRANSACTION PROCESSING HUB

Products Integrate Networking into One Centrally Managed Chassis; Transaction Processing Reduced by 32 Percent

SKOKIE, Ill., -- June 7, 1993 -- U.S. Robotics, Inc., today announced two new internetworking products that solve the problems of network integration by combining X.25 PADs, modems, terminal servers, CSU/DSUs, and network interfaces into one centrally managed chassis, and reducing transaction verification times. The products, the Enterprise Network Hub and the Transaction Processing Hub, use a common architecture and are the first products in an evolutionary product line targeted to specific vertical markets. Both products will ship in June, 1993.

A complete, one-vendor solution, the Enterprise Network Hub enables organizations with remote locations to aggregate their dial traffic onto Tl lines and route it through a packetswitched network to their host computer at a central site.

The Transaction Processing Hub interfaces with the local exchange carriers' services, including Feature Group B, D and 800 lines, routing traffic via T1 trunks to LAN interfaces for transaction processing applications, such as credit card, point-of-sale, and inquiry/response.

A Logical Extension of the Company's Total Control Product Line These two new products represent U.S. Robotics most recent offerings in the internetworking market and are a logical extension of the company's Total Control product line. U.S. Robotics' Total Control line of intelligent management systems, introduced in 1990, was the company's first entry into this market. Total Control is used by leading corporations such as DuPont, Maxus Energy Corp., and Best Western International for remote dial-up access to host-based applications. Additionally, U.S. Robotics has exhibited its strengths in the remote LAN access market with its Shared Access line; products include the Communication Server 386, LAN modem and the Modem Sharing Kits.

"With analog lines still dominating the communications network and demand for digital lines exploding, the need for a product that integrates and manages both communication modes became obvious," said Casey Cowell, U.S. Robotics chairman, CEO and president. "Additionally, networks have become increasingly difficult to support and control because of the many devices needed to keep them working with the current technologies. With the two new products, we have reduced the number of devices, centralized management, and decreased transaction verification times."

Enterprise Network Hub

The Enterprise Network Hub preserves an organization's investment by allowing both current analog and future digital services such as Switched 56, ISDN, and SMDS to be integrated and managed in the same chassis.

"Given the quality required from our customers for high speed, error-free data transmission, products like the Enterprise Network Hub that provide a migration path from the asynchronous world to the synchronous world have an excellent opportunity to meet today's exploding market demands," said Edsel Garciamendez Budar, director of network planning for BT North America, Inc.

Transaction Processing Hub

In tests conducted by a leading transaction processing company, the Transaction Processing Hub reduced transaction verification times by 32 percent to 7.5 seconds from 11 seconds. Local exchange carriers and transaction services companies complete an average of 1 million transactions a day, with peak times reaching up to 2 million. By decreasing transaction times, the capacity of the network is increased, and more transactions can be completed.

The Transaction Processing Hub also meets the needs of the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) who agreed last year to provide uniform transaction processing capabilities under a banner called Transaction Switching and Transport Services (TSTS).

Bill Fitzpatrick, product development manager for Ameritech's TSTS services said, "This type of equipment will support our customers by reducing their costs, improving customer service, and giving their users a competitive edge. With more and more people using credit and debit cards, in this fast-paced world, delays in waiting for authorizations are not tolerable."

Future Phases Include X.25, Frame Relay

Future phases of the Enterprise Network Hub and the Transaction Processing Hub will incorporate packet-switched network interfaces such as X.25 and Frame Relay, Token Ring and Ethernet LAN interfaces, high-speed ISDN and the ITU-TS (formerly CCITT) V.fast modem protocol, all managed by a common SNMP network management system.

Product Architecture Based on USR Migration

Both the Enterprise Network Hub and the Transaction Processing Hub arise from a natural evolution of U.S. Robotics' proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology pioneered in U.S. Robotics' Courier modem. The new hub products' architecture consists of a 1 Gbps backplane, and circuit and packet-switched buses to minimize processing time. Through downloadable software-defined technology, U. S. Robotics can easily modify and enhance its products to take advantage of new and emerging technologies. The ability to connect a variety of local area protocols and remote users to public network services can be defined by both software control and additions of network interface cards.

Pricing will depend on the configuration and number of interfaces and ports. The Enterprise Network Hub and Transaction Processing Hub will range in price from $25,000 to $60,000 per chassis.

Based on research from Insight Research Corp., the internetworking market will grow to $2 billion in 1996, from $800 million today.

U.S. Robotics, Inc., (NASDAQ:USRX), is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of data communications systems and products. Both corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations are based in Skokie, Illinois. U.S. Robotics owns and operates U.S. Robotics Ltd. in Slough, England, U.S. Robotics, s.a. in Lille, France and P.N.B., s.a. based in Suresnes, France. The company markets its products to business, industry, government agencies and original equipment manufacturers.

U.S. Robotics, 8100 North McCormick Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076

800-DIAL-USR;  708-982-5010


Corel Adds Bitstream Fonts into CorelDRAW 4
COREL Builds Bitstream Fonts Into CorelDRAW 4

Cambridge, Mass. (May 20, 1993)--Bitstream Inc. announced today that COREL Corporation will include 650 Bitstream fonts into the new release of its CorelDRAW graphics program.

Under the licensing agreement concluded by COREL and Bitstream, the new version of CorelDRAW will come with 650 Bitstream fonts in both the PostScript Type 1 and TrueType formats.

"We are delighted that COREL Corporation has chosen Bitstream fonts for inclusion in this latest release of CorelDRAW," said Ray Boelig, vice president, Sales and Marketing, at Bitstream. "We believe CorelDRAW users will find our high-quality fonts are a perfect complement to the sophisticated and powerful graphics functions of CorelDRAW 4. Moreover, they can expand this built-in font collection with their choice of typefaces from the balance of more than 500 additional fonts in Bitstream's typeface library.

"Our cooperation with COREL reflects our goal of providing fonts and font processing technologies across different computing platforms and applications so that end users can draw on more tools to help them become more productive," Boelig said.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Bitstream Inc. is an industry leader in typographic quality and innovative printing technology. Bitstream licenses type and related software to more than 500 OEMs worldwide. The company's line of end user products for the Macintosh and PC platforms is distributed in the United States and in 18 nations around the world. Bitstream is also committed to providing powerful and comprehensive solutions to managing critical network printing functions.

Bitstream, 215 First St, Cambridge, MA 02142-1270

617-497-6222;  fax: 617-868-4732


1993 CorelDRAW World Design Contest Winners
Corel Announces 1993 CorelDRAW World Design Contest Winners

International Panel of Judges Honor Eight Computer Artists from North and South America and Southeast Asia

OTTAWA, Ontario -- June 2, 1993 -- Eight international artists have been awarded top honors in the Fourth Annual CorelDRAW World Design Contest. Held at the National Gallery in Ottawa, Canada on May 20th, 1993, the Design Contest featured over 3300 designs from over 40 countries worldwide. The CorelDRAW World Design Contest is the largest event of its kind in the software industry.

"I'm speechless," said Phoenix resident and Best of Show winner, Georgina Curry, as she accepted her crystal award and two kilogram gold bar in front of more than 1,000 international guests.

Asked how she'll invest her grand prize, Curry responded, "I'll use the gold to purchase advanced computer equipment for my business and to attend professional graphics seminars throughout the country."

Curry's design, "Clara Bow" earned her the "Best of Show" award as well as first place in the category of Environmental Illustrations. Curry's prize package is valued at over $50,000. Corel will feature Curry in an international print advertising campaign. Of the 56 finalists, first place winners were selected in seven categories:

Environmental Illustrations -- Georgina Curry, (Phoenix, USA)

Product Illustrations       -- Jose Simancas,

                               (Barquisemento, VENEZUELA)

Technical                   -- Steve Bain, (Vancouver, CANADA)

Charts & Graphs             -- Joe Donnelly (Ottawa, CANADA)

Page Layout & Design        -- Stephen Arscott (Mississauga, CDN)

Corporate ID                -- Gary Priester & Mary Carter,

                               (San Francisco, USA)

Specialty                   -- Ceri Lines, (Hsinchu, TAIWAN)

First place category winners received a $15,000 personal computing package which included a Canon color printer/scanner/copier.

Most of the 56 finalists attended the National Gallery to accept their awards, as their prize package included a round-trip airline ticket and accommodation. Finalists also received prizes contributed by Panasonic, Adaptec, Tektronix, Microsoft and Corel.

This year's contest also featured a new Student's category open to youth 18 years and under. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, and currently a Victoria, British Columbia resident, Alan Chiu took top honors in the Student category. Chiu's landscape design, Ta Hu Lake, earned the 17 year-old a $3,000 scholarship.

"The World Design contest has become a tradition among Corel and CorelDRAW users around the world," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and CEO of Corel Corporation. "On the same day that we gather each year to launch a new and more powerful version of CorelDRAW, we also gather to celebrate new levels of international artistic achievement."

"These artists have chosen computers as their vehicle for communication, and CorelDRAW as their media for artistic expression," said Aili Kurtis, creative director for Corel Corporation. "They are explorers who, sensing no limits to creative possibilities, expand the ways humanity can express itself."

Similar to previous years, Corel will publish the designs from the 1993 Design Contest in ArtShow 4, a full-color coffee-table book and companion multimedia CD-ROM. Set to launch in fall 1993, this year's ArtShow will feature more than 3300 designs from over 40 countries. ArtShow has become a valuable reference for users as it allows them to view and learn techniques used by CorelDRAW experts around the world. To date, ArtShow '91 and '92 have sold over 50,000 copies.

Appropriately held in the Grand Hall, at the National Art Gallery of Canada, the Awards Night Gala capped-off a day of events that also marked the launch of CorelDRAW 4 -- the most recent release of Corel's award-winning Windows graphics software. Other events held the same day include product training seminars and panel discussions geared toward Corel's international distributors.

Incorporated in 1985, Corel Corporation is recognized internationally as an award-winning developer and marketer of PC graphics and SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) software. CorelDRAW, Corel's industry-leading graphics software is available in 14 languages and has to date won over 100 international awards from major trade publications. Corel ships its products through a network of more than 100 distributors in 60 countries worldwide. Corel is traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: COS) and the NASDAQ - National Market System (symbol: COSFF).

The winning designs are posted on CompuServe, accessed by dialing "GO COREL".

Corel Corp, The Corel Building,

1600 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Z 8R7

613-728-8200;  fax: 613-728-9790


Corel Releases CorelDRAW 4
Corel Corporation Releases CorelDRAW 4

New Windows Graphics Program Advances All-In-One Graphics Theme and Provides Users With Increased Capabilities for All Graphics Applications

OTTAWA, Canada -- May 20, 1993 -- Corel Corporation today announced CorelDRAW 4, the most recent release of the company's internationally-acclaimed Windows graphics software package. In addition to hundreds of enhancements to CorelDRAW, CorelPHOTO-PAINT, CorelCHART and CorelSHOW, CorelDRAW 4 includes a new object-oriented animation program, CorelMOVE. With all its modules, CorelDRAW 4 continues to provide users with the easiest to use, yet most comprehensive and advanced package for all their graphics applications.

"With new multi-page capability and powerful layout features, CorelDRAW 4 is now ideal for desktop publishing as well as graphics applications," said Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and CEO of Corel Corporation. "The addition of advanced spreadsheet and animation features make CorelDRAW 4 even more suitable for everyday business requirements."

In line with Corel's strategy to market CorelDRAW 3 and CorelDRAW 4 simultaneously, CorelDRAW 4 will be positioned as the choice for users who require graphics features beyond those provided with CorelDRAW 3. CorelDRAW 4 is ideal for desktop professionals, technical illustrators, architects, prepress service bureaus, and corporate users for illustrations, charting and multimedia presentations.

Pricing and Availability

Now shipping, CorelDRAW 4 carries a suggested list price of $595 US and $695 CDN. Registered users of any version of CorelDRAW can purchase the CorelDRAW 4 upgrade for $249 US and $269 CDN.

Available until June 25th, Corel is offering an Early-Bird promotion which allows CorelDRAW users to purchase the CorelDRAW 4 upgrade for $199 US and $219 CDN directly from Corel.

With the release of CorelDRAW 4, Corel has implemented an innovative registration program whereby the company will donate one dollar to one of four charities listed on the registration card. With each order of Corel ArtShow, another option on the registration card, the company will donate an additional five dollars to the same charity.

CorelDRAW 4 Contents

Now featuring a uniform interface and tighter integration between the modules, CorelDRAW 4 is network-ready and includes the following modules:

CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW, the vector-based drawing module includes the following new features:

New desktop publishing enhancements:

* Support for multi-page documents. New professionally-designed

  templates provide a framework for newsletters, flyers, memos

  and other documents.

* Advanced text controls allow text to flow from frame to frame.

  Enveloping features allow text to wrap around or inside a

  graphic element. New filters import text from popular word

  processors and automatically generate new frames and pages

  as required.

* Advanced controls over tabs, bullets and indenting.

New artistic features:

* PowerLines. Innovative and patent-pending lines allow users

  to draw with a variety of shapes, including teardrops, wedges

  and other customizable shapes.

* Support for pressure-sensitive tablets.

* Over 30,000 variations of more than 40 fractal textures imitate

  natural phenomena such as water and marble.

* New fills combine multiple colors in linear, radial and

  conical fills. Styles for complex drawings and documents.

* Styles can be applied to graphic objects, paragraph and

  artistic text and saved as templates for future documents.

Enhanced technical illustration and precision tools include:

* Improved and elastic node editing for greater line editing

  control.

* Data attachment to objects allows more convenient tracking

  of object-related information.

* Other technical enhancements include dimensioning for easy

  measurement, cloning for reproductions, and welding to join

  object outlines.

Additional enhancements to CorelDRAW include:

* 99 levels of undo.

* Over 5,000 "Drag-and-Drop" symbols.

* Expanded roll-up windows.

* Importing and exporting filters for Micrografx DRW, JPEG and

  over 20 word processing import filters.

* Enhanced printing and prepress controls.

CorelMOVE

CorelMOVE, the most recent module to join the CorelDRAW suite, lets users combine sound and graphics to produce multimedia animations. Key features of this path-based animation module includes:

* Extensive libraries of professionally-designed actors and

  props.

* Allows convenience and flexibility of working with vector

  illustrations produced in CorelDRAW, or props and single-cel

  actors made in CorelPHOTO-PAINT.

* Cues and simple scripting capabilities to create interactive

  animations.

CorelPHOTO-PAINT

Features new to CorelPHOTO-PAINT, the paint and image-editing module of CorelDRAW 4, include the following:

* A simplified interface that includes roll-up windows.

* Masking improvements.

* Seven new image correction filters and 10 new artistic filters,

  including impressionism and pointillism.

* New canvas layer to create realistic-textured backgrounds.

* Monitor color calibration for more accurate color matching.

* Ability to view CMYK color plates on screen.

CorelCHART

CorelCHART, the data-driven charting module of CorelDRAW 4 includes key improvements in data management and improved fills and printing:

* Over 80 mathematical and financial functions.

* Shares CorelDRAW printing and color separation engine.

* Takes full advantage of CorelDRAW's fills, including patterns,

  fountain fills and textures.

* Ability to format and print directly from the data manager.

CorelSHOW

CorelSHOW is the multimedia presentations module of CorelDRAW 4. New features include:

* Ability to play animations in a frame.

* Ability to add transition effects to single objects to fade

  text and graphics in and out of the same frame.

* New cues allow the user to branch to different parts of the

  presentation.

* Simulate unique "question and answer" multimedia presentations.

* Timeline window allows users to see an entire presentation at a

  glance.

CorelTRACE

Upgraded to a full-featured module, CorelTRACE now includes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software. OCR allows users to scan editable text and lines as well as trace forms in a single step. Other enhancements include:

* Improved batch tracing.

* New woodcut and silhouette tracing algorithms.

* Ability to trace selected areas.

CorelMOSAIC

CorelMOSAIC is a bonus utility that allows users to visually organize and manage their files. The new release includes an expanded list of supported file types and new "Drag and Drop" file management.

Bonus CD-ROMs

CorelDRAW also includes two CD-ROMs with the following value-added features:

* Over 750 TrueType and Type 1 fonts, including 650 Bitstream

  and ITC fonts.

* More than 18,000 clipart images and animation plus sound

  libraries.

* Quick Tour CD-ROM tutorial.

To encourage CorelDRAW users to register their software, Corel has initiated a program with the following international charitable organizations:

* Amnesty International

* Friends of the Earth International

* International Red Cross

* UNICEF

"On behalf of CorelDRAW users, we are pleased to contribute to these important charities which have been selected to be ones of universal appeal," said Dr. Cowpland.

Each box of CorelDRAW will include a registration card with a list of four charitable organizations. CorelDRAW users will use the registration card to select an organization to which Corel will donate one dollar upon receipt of the completed card.

The registration card provides CorelDRAW users the opportunity to donate an additional five dollars to the same charity by purchasing a Corel ArtShow 3 CD-ROM and coffee table book.

OLE 2.0 Support

CorelDRAW 4 will include basic support for OLE 2.0. Support for in situ (in place) editing will be announced in the future.

Multiplatform Strategy

CorelDRAW is available for Windows, OS/2, CTOS, and Unix environments. Corel has also announced plans for a Macintosh version of CorelDRAW for later this year.

Corel Corporation

Incorporated in 1985, Corel Corporation is recognized internationally as an award-winning developer and marketer of PC graphics and SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) software. CorelDRAW, Corel's industry-leading graphics software is available in 14 languages and has to date won over 90 international awards from major trade publications. Corel ships its products through a network of more than 100 distributors in 60 countries worldwide. Corel is traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: COS) and the NASDAQ - National Market System (symbol: COSFF).

Corel Corp, The Corel Building,

1600 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Z 8R7

613-728-8200;  fax: 613-728-9790


CoStar Debuts Windows AddressWriter Swr
COSTAR DEBUTS WINDOWS VERSION OF SOFTWARE FOR ADDRESSWRITER AT PC EXPO

GREENWICH, CT--AddressWriter, CoStar Corporation's mid-range addressing system premiering at PC Expo.

The new Windows software includes a full-featured Application, Print Driver and Macros for the three most popular word processing programs. The AddressWriter was introduced to eliminate the hassle and problems associated with printing envelopes. It is designed specifically to print envelopes. Once the printer and its software are installed, it only takes seconds to produce envelopes. In addition, by automatically printing the postal bar codes on envelopes, the AddressWriter speeds mail delivery and lets companies qualify for postage discounts under the new postal guidelines.

The AddressWriter is a small, impact dot-matrix printer that has been specifically designed to print envelopes. In its standard configuration, the AddressWriter holds up to 100 envelopes (up to 4.33" tall) thereby accommodating the most popular envelope sizes in the U.S. and Europe.

With a separate label feeding module (SRP $75.00), the AddressWriter prints on standard one-up pin feel labels up to a maximum pin-to-pin width of 5.25". The AddressWriter doesn't take up much desk space. It measures 8.7" x 8.5" (HWD) and weighs just nine pounds (110 volt and 120 volt models are both available).

The new AddressWriter Windows software encompasses three components. A full-featured Application appears as a Tool Bar to design envelope templates, manage mailing lists, print envelopes from a single document or mail merge file without any additional keystrokes and more. A Windows Print Driver is included for quick and easy envelope printing directly from any Windows program, including databases, word processors and graphic programs. And the software also includes macros that appear as icons for easy access within the Tool Bars of three popular word processing programs--WordPerfect for Windows, Word for Windows and Ami Pro.

Some important features of the AddressWriter software include:

* WYSIWYG display allows users to preview the label before

  it prints.

* AutoPrint feature allows users to print labels and documents

  simultaneously--no additional keystrokes required.

* Create and save templates that mix fonts, styles, sizes and

  graphics.

* Works with any Windows system font. ATM and TrueType

  compatible.

* Import, store and print mailing lists easily using the

  AddressBook feature.

* Accepts DBF files or creates lists within AddressBook.

* Network support for windows compatible networks including

  Novell and Lantastic.

* Includes POSTNET postal barcode incorporating Delivery Point

  Barcode, the new 11-digit postal requirement for postage

  discounts.

The upgrade costs for the Windows version is $39.95 to users who purchased their unit before June l, 1992. Users who purchased the unit after June 1 may receive the upgrade FREE (date proof of purchase required).

AddressWriter is available from computer resellers nationwide or direct from CoStar at 1 -800-4-COSTAR.

CoStar Corporation was founded in 1989 and manufactures a complete line of specialty printers and accessories for the PC and Macintosh, including the AddressExpress and AddressWriter envelope printers, the LabelWriter ll label printers, the Stingray Trackball for the Macintosh and the Organizer mobile storage cart. Company headquarters are in Greenwich, Connecticut.

CoStar Corp, 100 Field Point Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830-6406

203-661-9700;   Fax: 203-661-1540


Two New Apogee Shareware Games
TWO NEW APOGEE SHAREWARE GAMES !

* Monster Bash!--The story of Johnny Dash's harrowing adventure into the evil Underworld of Count Chuck. Tex, Johnny's loyal dalmatian, as well as hundreds of other pet dogs and cats, have been kidnapped to the shadowy depths to be turned into Count Chuck's mindless monsters. Only Johnny's love for Tex and his trusty slingshot can save humanity. This game features incredible EGA/VGA graphics, with Ad Lib music and digitized Sound Blaster effects and voices.

* Major Stryker--The hero of World War III, Major Harrison Stryker retired to the easy life. Then the Kretons attacked! A monstrous alien race, the Kretons plan to use earthlings as a food source. Earth's only chance is Major Stryker, who enters a wormhole that transports him to the Kreton's homeworld planets. Let's see if the Kreton empire can take the heat of the Major's flaming phasers! This is a fast-paced spaceship shooter like none other ever seen on the PC, featuring triple-parallax scrolling providing a 3-D effect. Supports Ad Lib and Sound Blaster digitized effects.

Apogee, PO Box 476389, Garland, TX 75047

Direct Line (214) 271-2137

To call our BBS, use one of the following numbers: * (508) 365-2359--2400 baud only, * (508) 368-7036--9600 and 14,400 baud, * (508) 368-4137--14,400 and 16,800 baud.


MagicWin Help Desk & Asset Mgmt for Windows
Magic Solutions to introduce new version of MagicWin - Help Desk & Asset Management for Windows

June 1, 1993 -- MAHWAH, NJ -- Magic Solutions, Inc. will introduce the new version 1.71 of MagicWin, its Windows version of SupportMagic - Help Desk and Asset Management Software, at PC EXPO - NY, June 29, 30 & July 1. Magic Solutions, a pioneer in help desk software with the release of SupportMagic in 1989, has released MagicWin as the first true MDI Windows applications for help desk and asset management. Highlights of what help desk staff can accomplish using MagicWin include:

* Select multiple help desk calls and see them all on the screen at the same time. Cascade or tile groups of open and/or closed calls. Select a call or alternate between calls with a click of the mouse.

* Access client data, client configuration information, problem subjects, and support details while help desk calls are on the screen.

* Click on an icon to perform repetitive tasks like opening, closing, and forwarding calls.

* Forward calls to DOS SupportMagic users or Windows users from within MagicWin. Work in Windows and DOS at the same time.

* Receive notifications from the Help Desk when working in other Windows applications.

* Access other applications while providing support

* Get your staff up and running quickly - the common interface with other Windows applications means reduced training time

The new version of MagicWin is visually pleasing, convenient and easy to use, and takes advantage of the wealth of time-saving features offered by Windows. Best of all, Windows' multi-tasking capabilities allows users to access other applications while working in MagicWin.

Magic Solutions will demonstrate the new version in Booth # 4546 at PC EXPO - NY. MagicWin is sold as an optional module for SupportMagic, at $995 for a single user or $1495 for the LAN version. A fully-functional evaluation copy is available.

Magic Solutions Inc

180 Franklin Turnpike, 2nd Floor, Mahwah, NJ 07430

(201) 529-5533;   FAX (201) 529-2955


Help Desk Swr Offers Windows Report Designer
HELP DESK software now offers Windows-based Report Designer

June 1, 1993 -- Crystal Reports, the powerful and easy to use Windows-based Report Designer by Crystal Services, is now available to users of Magic Solutions' help desk & asset management software. Magic Solutions is now distributing Crystal Reports as an option for its MagicWin for Windows and SupportMagic for DOS.

Several things about Crystal Reports make it an outstanding package for creating custom reports:

* Crystal Reports intuitive interface lets you use drag and drop and other visual tools to quickly query the database or create reports. Simply select the database, then point, click, and place fields, formulas or text. Highlight fields and use the right mouse button options to insert a subtotal or limit the data selection. Insert graphic images, draw boxes around key facts, and voila, an impressive report is born!

* Crystal Reports is a true MDI Windows application (like MagicWin), so you can open multiple windows at the same time. This means you can open a window to create a report and a separate window to run it ON THE SAME SCREEN. This lets you see how the report will look as you are creating it.

* Crystal Reports not only makes it easy to create reports, it makes it easy to produce them. Save regularly used reports as "report icons" and printing is as simple as clicking on an icon from your Windows desktop. There's no need to open the Report Designer! When printing from a report icon you can modify the data selection and set print options. You can actually schedule the date and time when you want to run the report. This is a lifesaver for people wanting to print reports after hours, when network traffic is lower.

Crystal Reports is FREE to companies who have purchased Magic Solutions' DOS-based report writer (ReportMagic) and are covered under a support & update contract. These customers will automatically receive Crystal Reports with the next update of SupportMagic/MagicWin (Version 1.71 due out in late May). New customers and existing customers who do not have ReportMagic can purchase Crystal Reports from Magic Solutions for $995 or $1495 (depending if they have a single user or LAN version of MagicWin/SupportMagic).

Magic Solutions Inc

180 Franklin Turnpike, 2nd Floor, Mahwah, NJ 07430

(201) 529-5533;   FAX (201) 529-2955


Practice Advantage for Accounting Firm Mgmt
PRENTICE HALL ANNOUNCES PRACTICE ADVANTAGE SOFTWARE FOR MANAGEMENT OF ACCOUNTING FIRMS

ATLANTA, June 14 -- Prentice Hall Professional Software today announced the release of version 2.01 of its comprehensive new time and billing system, Practice Advantage. The product features a state-of-the-art interface with the "look and feel" of today's newest business software packages. This design, including consistent commands and screen layouts, pull-down menus, lookup lists, and field-by-field help, makes Practice Advantage easy to learn and use.

"Practice Advantage is designed to save time and money and maximize profitability by adapting itself to the way the firm is designed, not the other way around," said Paul Worden, Marketing Product Manager for Practice Advantage. "Practice Advantage also has features and flexibility that will enable it to adapt to changing requirements in the future." The fully networkable system, which can also be used on a single PC, offers easy transaction entry, flexible billing and accounts receivable (AR), concise reports, and simple master file setup.

Transaction Entry

Practice Advantage supports on-line or batch mode transaction entry. On-line entry immediately updates the work-in-progress (WIP), which is then available without delay for billing and reports. Batch entry permits the grouping of transactions for review before updating WIP. On-line verification, duplication of data entry fields, service multipliers, and time-saving error correction methods keep keystrokes to a minimum.

Billing and Accounts Receivable

Practice Advantage offers both on-screen and hard copy billing worksheets for one or a group of clients. The accountant chooses to bill all or selected WIP by client, staff, or service and determines the possible automatic billing of fixed fees, sales tax, and finance charges. Practice Advantage offers the accountant customization of invoice text using up to 999 user-defined descriptions as well as modification of invoice text prior to the updating of AR files. AR accepts open-item or balance-forward presentations for statements. The accountant personally controls receipt application through the selection of the oldest invoice, a specific invoice, or multiple invoices. Practice Advantage generates reports by locations, principal, client, in-charge biller, manager, supervisor, or staff.

Concise Reports

Some of the financial and management reports produced by Practice Advantage include:

* Revenue/profitability reports for staff and clients.

* Productivity reports for staff time, staff changeability

  analysis, production analysis, staff rate realization, hours

  by day and month, and non-billable analysis.

* Billing worksheets, invoice amount by service code, billings

  to principal client, and net write-up and write-down reports.

* WIP reports, including a journal of WIP transactions, WIP

  adjustments, and aged WIP transactions.

* AR ledger with and without aging, AR Aging, and client

  investment limit reports.

* Multiple year production/billing trend reports.

Master File Setup

Basic Practice Advantage implementation requires only four master files, with 10 additional files available for more detailed implementation. The software identifies clients as "active" "inactive," or "prospect" and provides 10 custom client data fields for maximum versatility. Practice Advantage stores up to 10 assigned billing rates for each firm employee, with the option to include 10 more future billing rates. Practice Advantage also enables the accountant to define up to six aging periods of equal or different lengths, specified by number of days, calendar months, or firm accounting periods for both AR and WIP.

System Requirements

First deliveries of Practice Advantage are scheduled for June. Systems are priced from $595, with network upgrades beginning at $295 to accommodate more simultaneous users on a local area network. Practice Advantage requires 525K of free RAM, DOS 3.1 or later, and an 80286 based PC. The program runs on IBM and 100% compatible computers. A color monitor, DOS 5.0, and an 80386 or 80486 based PC are recommended.

Prentice Hall Professional Software is the leading supplier of tax, accounting, audit, and real estate management software. It is a unit of Simon & Schuster's Business, Technical, and Professional Group. Simon & Schuster is a Paramount Communications company engaged in professional, consumer, and educational publishing worldwide. Prentice Hall Professional Software can be contacted at P.O. Box 723597, Atlanta, GA 31139, or by telephone at (800) 241-3306, or (404) 432-1996 in Atlanta.


1100+ Leaders Attending SPA Annual Conference
Over 1100 Industry Leaders to Attend SPA 1993 Annual Conference

June 15, 1993 (Washington, DC) -- The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today its plans for the 1993 Annual Conference to be held October 10-13, 1993, at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Hotel in Chicago. Over 1100 industry leaders are expected to attend.

More than 60 sessions of interest to developers and publishers of consumer education, and business software will be conducted, covering issues in the areas of software development, production, marketing and PR, distribution, service and support, and the international market.

In addition to regular sessions, the conference will feature specially focused bootcamps, including: advanced distribution; international; marketing; and public relations. Two SPA Clinics will cover software production services and direct mail. New interactive seminars are also planned, for those attendees interested in more specialized topics.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its more than 1000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education markets around the world. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

Software publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


Design Center V5.4 Signal Integrity Analysis
MicroSim Corporation Announces Its New Signal Integrity Analysis Program For The Design Center Version 5.4

June 1, 1993 -- (Irvine, CA) As part of version 5.4 of the Design Center with schematic capture, MicroSim Corporation introduces its Signal Integrity program, Polaris. Polaris is an analysis tool for extracting transmission line, parasitic capacitance, and coupling values from printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. Extracted values are then applied to circuit simulations in PSpice, providing for analysis of crosstalk, reflection, and delay effects in the circuit design.

Until recently, most digital designers could ignore transmission line effects in their designs because gate delays and noise margins of the most commonly used devices were large enough to withstand signal degradation due to transmission line effects. As gate delays and noise margins for components decrease, designs become more susceptible to transmission line effects in the layout. Transmission line effects in high-speed designs can render a design inoperable. The Design Center with Polaris gives the designer the ability to verify that the circuit will perform to specification after the layout is created and before boards are manufactured, thus reducing the overall cost of the design.

The Design Center with Polaris offers a significant advance in state-of-the-art signal integrity analysis, calculating not only the electrical effect of a board layout in isolation, but also accounting for these effects in the context of a full circuit simulation with PSpice. There are no missing pieces or compromises to accuracy. Features include automatic extraction from layout, a more efficient field solving algorithm than traditional finite element analysis, efficient and accurate simulation of board parasitic data, ideal and real waveforms, realistic drive models, full circuit behavior, and more!

Signal Integrity Analysis is available for the Design Center with schematic capture at an introductory price of $4,875.00 ($6,337.50 for international sales) through August 31, 1993 (available July, 1993). Beginning September 1, 1993, the price will be $7,500 ($9,750 for international sales). For more information about MicroSim Corporation's Signal Integrity program, please call us at (714) 770-3022, or toll free at (800) 245-3022.

MicroSim Corp, 20 Fairbanks, Irvine, CA 92718

714-770-3022;  800-245-3022;  fax: 714-455-0554


MicroSim Design Center V5.4 Released
New with Version 5.4 of MicroSim Corporation's Design Center

Signal Integrity Analysis, Marching Waveforms, Networked PC Support, Integration into Mentor Graphics' Falcon Framework, and More!!!

June 1, 1993 -- (Irvine, CA) MicroSim Corporation has further enhanced the Design Center for design and verification of board layouts by introducing Signal Integrity Analysis, as well as interfaces to the P-CAD, Tango, and CADStar board layout packages (adding to the existing PADS and Protel interfaces). The Signal Integrity program, Polaris, is an analysis tool for extracting transmission line, parasitic capacitance, and coupling values from printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. Extracted values are then applied to circuit simulations in PSpice, providing for analysis of crosstalk, reflection, and delay effects in the circuit design. Thus, the Design Center offers a streamlined and cost-effective approach to the circuit design process, providing the functions necessary to verify that the circuit will perform to specification after the layout is created and before boards are manufactured.

The Design Center with schematic capture now provides the Marching Waveform feature allowing for concurrent viewing of simulation results in Probe while the PSpice simulation proceeds. Thus, simulation progress can be actively monitored, allowing for early detection of anomalous behavior in the circuit. If necessary, the simulation can be aborted, corrections made to the design, and a new simulation started without delay.

Network licensing is now available for the Design Center under either Microsoft Windows or DOS/16M operating environments. Thus, one or more copies of the Design Center can be run on any node in the network without being locked to a specific node.

PSpice and Probe are now available as integrated members of Mentor Graphics' Falcon Framework on the Sun and HP9000/700. Analog, digital, and mixed analog/digital circuits captured using Mentor Graphics' Design Architect schematic editor, can be simulated using PSpice with results graphically analyzed using Probe, all from within the Design Architect environment. Since PSpice and Probe are encapsulated under Mentor Graphics' Design Manager, they can also be invoked directly. Using this method, PSpice can be run with either schematic or circuit file input. Either way, Falcon Framework users now have access to all of the PSpice and Probe features which include Monte Carlo analysis with histogram display of results, Analog Behavioral Modeling, lossy transmission lines, event-driven digital simulation including worst-case timing, and analog and digital model libraries with over 7,000 devices.

The Design Center continues to be unique in the EDA industry for its "native" support of both analog and digital circuits at all levels of the design process, including simulation with PSpice. The analog and digital algorithms are tightly coupled within the same program. Hence, only one circuit need be defined, only one simulation need be run, and only one graphical interface is needed to analyze the results of a mixed analog and digital circuit.

There are three Design Center configurations from which to choose. Our full-featured configuration with schematic capture is available under Microsoft Windows and Sun OpenWindows ranging from $8,200 to $15,900 ($10,700 to $20,700 for international sales) depending upon platform and network configuration. Two reduced configurations are available without schematic capture. Under DOS/16M, the Design Center is available with a shell manager that coordinates circuit file editing, PSpice simulations, graphical waveform analysis, and stimulus generation. Prices range from $1,495 to $5,450 ($1,950 to $7,100 for international sales) depending upon network configuration. Our final configuration allows for direct management of the Design Center programs on the Macintosh, HP9000/700, or Sun/OpenWindows, with prices ranging from $1,495 to $11,900 ($1,950 to $15,500 for international sales) depending upon platform.

Signal Integrity Analysis is sold as an addition to the Design Center with schematic capture under Microsoft Windows. It can be purchased at our introductory Price of $4,875.00 ($6,337.50 for international sales) through August 31, 1993. Beginning September 1, 1993, the price will be $7,500 ($9,750 for international sales).

Any Design Center configuration can be purchased with these additional Programs:

* Device Equations, which supplies partial source code that can be modified to tailor a device's behavior to your application. Prices range from $350 to $2,600 ($450 to $3,400 for international sales) depending upon platform.

* Filter Synthesis, for realizing active and passive filters supporting RC active, switched-capacitor, and LC ladder architectures. The price is $900 ($1,200 for international sales) on the IBM-PC or Macintosh.

PSpice and Probe integrated into Mentor Graphics' Falcon Framework for the Sun and HP9000/700 is sold separately at $4,950 ($6,450 for international sales).

For more information about MicroSim Corporation's Design Center, please call us at (714) 770-3022, or toll free at (800) 245-3022.

MicroSim Corp, 20 Fairbanks, Irvine, CA 92718

714-770-3022;  800-245-3022;  fax: 714-455-0554


Artisoft LANtastic Top Peer-to-Peer Network
ARTISOFT'S LANTASTIC NETWORK NAMED TOP PEER-TO-PEER PRODUCT IN WORDPERFECT MAGAZINE POLL

Readers Choice Award Announced At COMDEX

(TUCSON, AZ - June 7, 1993) - Artisoft, Inc. announced today that its LANtastic Local Area Network has been voted the top peer-to-peer networking product for 1992 by readers of WordPerfect Magazine. In this second annual Readers Choice survey, readers were polled on their favorite WordPerfect-compatible products in 40 different categories. Artisoft was presented with this honor at an awards banquet during the COMDEX/Spring and WINDOWS WORLD trade show, May 24-27.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions including the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows environments, the LANtastic network also offers multiplatform connectivity solutions for NetWare, TCP/IP and Macintosh systems. It allows up to 500 users on one network to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs. Artisoft maintains nine international offices and distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 2202 N. Forbes Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745. Sales 800/233-5564, ext. 611. Corporate 602/670-7000. Fax 602/670-7101


MOVING FROM COBOL TO C

June 1993 -- With a growing number of information departments demanding a skills in C, COBOL programmers are finding a lack of knowledge of the language a serious drawback in their careers. COBOL programmers are faced not only with the curve normally associated with learning a new language, but also with the gaps and chasms that many C texts and courses leave when they assume the programmer already knows the very things he is trying to learn.

A new release from the SAMS division of Prentice Hall comes to the rescue. Written by Mo Budlong, "Moving from COBOL to C", is designed to overcome the problems experienced by programmers attempting to make the leap to C, by taking familiar concepts and explaining the differences and similarities in C.

The book includes a cross-command reference that lists COBOL's commands and the algorithms for C equivalents, a standard C library, glossary of terms and practical tips to help make the transition easy.

"Moving from COBOL to C" costs $25.00 + $5.00 shipping. A diskette of the code included in the book is available for an additional $12.00, exclusively through King Computer Services, Inc. PO Box 728, Tujunga, CA 91043-0728. (818) 951-5240.


DiskMan for Windows V2.1 Disk Cataloger
New Release!

Version 2.1 DiskMan for Windows by DiskMaster Software

8506 Timber Hill Court, Ellicott City, MD 21043

CIS 73507,3505

DiskMan for Windows (use with Windows 3.0 or later), is a popular disk cataloger that creates labels for floppy disks, Bernoullis, etc. Also enables user to produce reports in one of several formats, and search for a specific file by name or file comment.

With a single keystroke, enter disk into storage data base(exportable to ASCII file) create reports by name, extension size or date. Also prints graphics to the label.

Some popular features of the latest version are:

* Reads Archived files - DiskMan will now read the files and file comments within archived files. The archived files that DiskMan supports are: zip, arc, pac, and lzh. In addition, it will read gif file resolutions and number of colors and add it to the file comments.

* Auto Increment - An auto increment which will number your disks for you. For example, if the last title you gave to a disk was Disk 1 of 2, then DiskMan will number the next disk 2 of 2.

* Write Title to Disk - DiskMan will write the first 11 letters of your disk title to the disk volume label. This will be useful with the next improvement...

* Auto Update - now reads the volume label of a disk entered into the default drive and attempts to match it with a disk in one of your open storage boxes. It will ask if it finds the right one, and then perform an update.

* DiskCat compatibility - DiskMan can now open DiskCat catalog files and convert them to DiskMan storage boxes.

Cost: $35.00 -- Free updates mailed for one year. Three months technical support. Free sample labels. Lifetime registration

(DiskMan was downloaded from America Online 2500 times since January, 1992, and voted Top Pick on several BBS's)


Business Compliance With the ADA (Video)
DISABILITIES ACT VIDEO COULD AVOID LAWSUITS

Minneapolis, Mn. -- A video cassette, which could prevent costly lawsuits from the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), has been released here by a major publisher of business materials.

'Business Compliance With the ADA' is a 60-minute video designed to help business comply with the strict guidelines of the ADA and could save thousands of dollars from a costly lawsuit" according to Max Fallek, President of the American Institute of Small Business (AISB). "The ADA will be as important in the next few years for setting standards in the work environment of the 90's as sexual harassment and age discrimination issues were for the 80's" Fallek said.

"Business needs to know what and what not to ask in job interviews and on their employment applications, what facilities and work conditions are required," he said. "Our video explains interview/placement skills, employment conditions and required facilities - things like construction of ramps, entrances and exits, work area lighting, special equipment, signage, break area access and rest room hardware."

"Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission expects a 20% caseload increase in the next few years from non-compliance lawsuits totaling millions of dollars. Cost of the video is $69.95, which is less than the cost of one hour of legal fees defending a lawsuit," Fallek said.

AISB is a publisher of books, manuals, computer software and videos for businesses, high schools, colleges and libraries as well as management materials for business.

For more information write: American Institute of Small Business, Dept. ADA, 7515 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, Mn. 55426 or call toll free 1-800-328-2906.


DE/CAASE 4.0 Computerized Engineering Handbook
VERSION 4.0 OF DE/CAASE COMPUTERIZED ENGINEERING HANDBOOK OFFERS WIDE RANGE OF ADDITIONAL CAPABILITIES.

(Mahwah, New Jersey -- June 7, 1993) Desktop Engineering today announced that version 4.0 of their DE/CAASE computerized engineering handbook has been released. DE/CAASE greatly reduces the time required to solve structural/mechanical engineering problems by helping the user select the proper equation, prompting for required inputs, automatically solving the equation and providing graphical illustrations. Version 4.0 includes three entirely new programs as well as enhancements to 10 existing modules. The MS-DOS release of Version 4.0 provides a completely new graphics user interface that operates in a Windows-like environment. Version 4.0 also operates on a Unix Platform in the X Window environment using the Motif Window Manager and currently supports Intergraph, Sun Sparcstation and IBM RS/6000 workstations.

The three new modules are Rotating Disks, Critical Speed of Rotating Shafts, and Helical Springs. The Rotating Disks module analyzes four types of rotating disks and provides output consisting of inertial radial and tangential stress plots. The Critical Speed of Rotating Shafts module determines the critical speed of multispan, stepped, rotating shafts subjected to distributed or discrete masses. The shaft's critical speeds and mode shapes are calculated and displayed. The Helical Spring module analyzes cylindrical and conical springs with rectangular and circular cross sections. Solutions are provided for shear stress, corrected shear stress, rate of deflection, deflection and resistance under tensile or compressive load. The main enhancement to existing modules include the graphical display of all stress recovery results and analysis of annular circular plates, nonsymmetric loading and boundary conditions for rectangular plates, stress concentration factors for U-notch, V-notch, and radial holes in circular shafts, and combinations of frame and truss members.

DE/CAASE (Desktop Engineering/Computer Aided Analytical Solutions for Engineers), incorporates solutions to over 5000 structural/mechanical engineering applications found in over 100 reference books. It includes 41 modules grouped into the following categories: Geometric and material properties; Beams and columns; Rings, arches and frames; Plates, shells and pressure vessels; Natural frequencies and dynamics, stresses, cables and springs; and utilities. Modules are self-prompting to help the user find items like material properties and calculate section properties like area, moment of inertia, etc. In addition, several utility modules are included to assist the designer with complex problems. A superposition module allows the designer to look at the effects of several concurrent loads on the same structure. Another utility module allows the user to calculate stresses in addition to forces and displacements calculated by the other modules.

Once the problem is defined, the program will perform the calculations and provide graphical and digitized output. In most cases, the program will do the equation substitutions, integration, and boundary condition analysis in exactly the way an engineer would solve the problem by hand. The program also has a convenient material property database and several modules that look at complex geometries and dynamic conditions. In some of the more complicated analyses, the computerized handbook uses finite elements to obtain a solution; however, the input and output format remains similar to the other modules and the user is not required to know finite element techniques. Although the program is self-explanatory, a comprehensive user manual is provided along with an extensive theoretical section which contains the equations and references for the entire system.

Desktop Engineering is a software developer and distributor specializing in engineering applications based in Mahwah, New Jersey. The company's other products include DE/Mec which allows complex mechanisms to be designed with virtually zero learning time for anyone used to laying out mechanisms on a traditional drawing board and DE/Cartes software which provides a revolutionary method of organizing and retrieving all types of data. The company has Desktop Engineering Technical Centers in the United States, England and Canada and representatives throughout Eastern Asia and Europe. All Desktop Engineering products are available from authorized dealers located throughout the world. For more information, contact Desktop Engineering at 201-818-9700.

Desktop Engineering International Inc

1200 MacArthur Blvd, Mahwah, NJ 07430

201-818-9700;  fax: 201-818-9707


UNIX & Open Systems Leaders Speak at UNIX EXPO
TWO UNIX AND OPEN SYSTEMS LEADERS TO SPEAK AT UNIX EXPO

Roel Pieper of UNIX System Labs and Charles Wang of Computer Associates to Give Keynote Speeches at Industry Trade Show

(Fort Lee, NJ, June 1) -- Two prominent industry leaders in the UNIX and Open Systems sector of the computer industry, Roel Pieper of UNIX Systems Laboratories and Charles B. Wang of Computer Associates International, will be keynote speakers at this year's UNIX EXPO. The Tenth Annual UNIX EXPO show and conference will take place Sept. 21-23, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Mr. Pieper is the president and chief executive officer of UNIX Systems Laboratories (USL). He will discuss USL's merger with Novell, and its significance for UNIX EXPO's audience of corporate buyers and major resellers of UNIX and Open Systems in his speech, "Novell + USL = UNIX for the Corporate User." Mr. Pieper will deliver his speech on Tues., Sept. 21, at 1 p.m.

"Software in a Distributed Computing Environment" is the subject of the second-day keynote by Charles Wang, chairman and CEO of Computer Associates (CA). Mr. Wang will discuss the role of UNIX software in the business computing environment, in his address on Wed., Sept. 22, at 11 a.m.

Show hours for UNIX EXPO will be Tuesday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday -10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

USL, currently a subsidiary of AT&T, develops, markets, supports and licenses the UNIX System V operating system and related Open Systems software products to the computer industry worldwide.

Mr. Pieper joined USL as executive v.p., sales and marketing, in 1990, and was named President and CEO in November 1991. Mr. Pieper received his Doctoral degree in computer science and mathematics from Delft University in the Netherlands.

Since founding CA in 1976, Mr. Wang developed the company into the worldwide leader in multi-platform business software with revenues exceeding $1.8 billion. Mr. Wang immigrated to the U.S. from Shanghai, China, in 1952, and earned his Bachelors degree from Queens College in 1967.

UNIX EXPO will feature the latest computing products and services for UNIX and Open Systems from more than 360 exhibitors, including Computer Associates and USL. Other exhibitors will include: Apple, Data General, Digital Equipment Corp., Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Ingres, Lotus, Motorola, Network Computing Devices, NCR, OSF, Pencom, Samsung, SCO, SunSoft, Tandem, UNIX International, Univel (div. of Novell), Unisys and WordPerfect.

UNIX EXPO is produced by Blenheim of Fort Lee, NJ, the country's leading trade show management firm for computer technology events. In addition to UNIX EXPO, Blenheim also produces PC EXPO in New York and PC EXPO in Chicago. Blenheim will also produce NetWorld 93 Dallas, Oct. 5-7, 1993 at the Dallas Convention Center. In 1994, the NetWorld shows will return to Boston and Dallas under their new name, Networks Expo. A new Networks Expo event will be introduced April 19-21, in San Francisco, CA. Blenheim in the U.S. is a part of Blenheim Group PLC, a worldwide organizer of conferences and exhibitions with more than 250 events, including 33 information technology events.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


Attic Signs with Sir-Tech, New Games Coming!
ATTIC SIGNS WITH SIR-TECH

Las Vegas, Nevada -- January 7, 1993 -- A new fantasy role-playing series will soon be released by Sir-tech, a company known for leading edge computer simulations. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Norman Sirotek, President of Sir-tech, and Guido Henkel, Managing Director of Attic Entertainment Software, announced Sir-tech is to exclusively translate, market, and distribute several different software products throughout a number of countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and other Pacific-rim countries.

The first title, "Blade of Destiny", is based on Germany's most successful role-playing series called "Das Schwarze Auge", to be known as "Realms of Arkania" in English speaking countries. Developed for the computer by Attic in close cooperation with the original authors of the popular pencil and paper edition, Fantasy Productions, "Blade of Destiny" will be the first in the "Realms of Arkania" adventure series.

"Blade of Destiny" shall be available to consumers in March 1993 for MS-DOS and Amiga computers featuring stunning 256 color VGA graphics for DOS machines, and, for both systems, point & click interface. Realms of Arkania also features an impressive soundtrack which does a great job creating atmosphere.

Norman Sirotek said "'Realms of Arkania' is a perfect complement to Sir-tech's famous Wizardry line. While Wizardry provides computer entertainment designed with sophisticated plots and puzzles, 'Realms of Arkania' has a less intensive playing feel to it. This will undoubtedly embrace players looking for a more casual entertainment experience".

Das Schwarze Auge - Background

"Das Schwarze Auge" is the most successful paper and pencil publication of its kind on the German speaking market. "Das Schwarze Auge" outsells "Dungeons and Dragons" and "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons" games by a factor of 4 to 1 in Germany.

Fantasy Productions created "Das Schwarze Auge" and licensed the large German based company Schmidt Spiele to sell the game in Germany.

Since "Das Schwarze Auge" was first released in 1984, more than a dozen board games have been published, thus continually enlarging and detailing the game rules and background world of "Realms of Arkania". Some 70 adventures and gaming aids were released in this time span and the game now boasts a loyal following of over 2 million fans.

Earlier this year, agreements with US based Mattel, and UK based Waddingtons will bring the board game to English speaking countries under the name "Dark World".

The enormously successful paper and pencil "Das Schwarze Auge" has spawned into a faithfully adapted computer series. Developed and sold in Germany by Attic, it is now Germany's #1 computer role-playing simulation. US Gold will soon market and distribute to other parts of Europe, with Sir-tech handling North America and other countries aforementioned in this release.

Attic's Guido Henkel commented, "Sir-tech has enormous experience with 'Realms of Arkania' types of simulations. With over 4 million units of the 'Wizandry' computer simulation in worldwide circulation, we know Sir-tech has the ability and market know-how to represent and service 'Realms of Arkania' in North America".

Norman Sirotek added, "The success of the 'Das Schwarze Auge' series is impressive by anyones standards. To be selected to represent Attic with such distinguished products under their belt is an honor. We are proud to be associated with all of the fine companies connected with 'Realms of Arkania' and to be able to bring to our customers an exceptional entertainment value."

Sir-Tech Software Inc

PO Box 245, Ogdensburg Business Center, Suite 2E

Ogdensburg, NY 13669


Realms of Arkania, Blade of Destiny
Realms of Arkania -- Blade of Destiny

A New Role Playing System Released

Ogdensburg, New York -- June 14, 1993 - Sir-tech Software, Inc. announced today the release of Realms of Arkania -- Blade of Destiny, the first episode in a new series of fantasy role playing games for IBM platforms. An Amiga version is planned for release later this year.

"As publishers of the eleven year old Wizardry series, we are in a unique position and certainly have the experience to market a sophisticated, new series from the ground up," said Robert Sirotek, vice president of Sir

Realms of Arkania -- Blade of Destiny is based on Germany's top-selling paper and pencil role playing series, Das Schwarze Auge. Das Schwarze Auge, a detailed and rich role playing system, has captivated German gamers, sold over 2 million copies and won numerous awards since its release in 1984.

Blade of Destiny was developed by Attic Entertainment for the computer in close cooperation with the game's original authors, Fantasy Productions in Germany. Since its release in Germany in June 1992, Blade of Destiny has been featured on the Top 10 PC Chart and named "Best Role Playing Game of 1992" by Amiga Joker Magazine of Germany.

So The Story Goes

The proud warriors of Arkania's Northern Reaches face a dismal future. Hordes of marauding Orcs are assaulting homesteads, plundering settlements and devastating fields. Rumors abound of a waiting army of Orcs, standing ready to lay waste the towns and villages of the Humans. Can the bloodthirsty Orcs be stopped in time? The Thorwalians are becoming desperate. They have no hope of levying an army of their own, and their leader sets all his hope on a longlost artifact and a party of intrepid adventurers.

Characters With Character

The character generation has been developed with a great deal of thought and attention so the player can create characters in the lavish style they deserve. Players can choose from a variety of Archetypes: Warrior, Rogue, Jester, Thonvalian, Hunter, Dwarf, Magician, Witch, Druid, Green Elf, Silvan Elf and Ice Elf. The Advanced and Novice Mode options allow the player to choose to customize their characters in automatic or comprehensive modes.

Character attributes are wide in variety including courage, wisdom, intuition, charisma, dexterity, agility, strength, as well as negative attributes which include greed, superstition, fears and phobias. The "dark" sides to the player's characters will often affect their success or performance in a number of situations.

A Fighting Chance

Combat is displayed in fully animated, isometric 3D using a grid-type environment. Encounters invite the player to strategically consider their options as each character offers their own strengths in combat. Landmarks and terrain features are displayed true to the character's location so players must take into account obstacles when moving characters. Players may also choose "computer fight" to allow the computer to "select" the character's actions. Combat is implemented using rounds, otherwise known as phased time. The strategic nature of the combat routines make the player's thinking approach the critical factor, not the speed of selection.

Skill System

Realms of Arkania -- Blade of Destiny uses a detailed skill system to determine a character's success in a variety of fields. Skill classes, like combat, nature, intuition, craftsmanship, lore, body and social, each with their own specific skills offer a thorough picture of a character's profile and personality. Players need not keep track of these varied skills, since Blade of Destiny offers a Novice mode where the computer manages the individual skills or, Advanced mode whereby the player has full access to the character information.

Magic System

Over 80 different spells, rituals and prayers are offered to magic users and priests. A character is not confined to a special spellbook but may learn a variety of spells which makes specialization imperative.

Blade of Destiny brings together the best of all worlds with stunning VGA 256-color graphics, 2 levels of difficulty, 12 different Archetypes, over 50 towns and villages and an impressive atmospheric soundtrack.

Realms of Arkania -- Blade of Destiny is available for MS-DOS and 100% compatible computers and carries a suggested retail price of $59.95 (US).

Realms of Arkania -- Blade of Destiny will be available through Egghead, Electronics Boutique, Babbage's. CompUSA, Waldensoftware, Software City, Software Etc. and other independent stores in North America.

Sir-Tech Software Inc

PO Box 245, Ogdensburg Business Center, Suite 2E

Ogdensburg, NY 13669


TelevEyes/Pro Computer to TV Converter
Digital Vision Announces TelevEyes/Pro Computer to TV Converter

Record your computer displays to your VCR, add titles to your home movies, or simply use your television as a monitor. The new TelevEyes/Pro gives you the highest quality video and the best features at an affordable price.

Digital Vision is now offering a two tier approach to converting computer video into NTSC video. Many of you are now familiar with the lower tier, TelevEyes, our low-cost computer to TV converter that uses a combination of software and hardware to convert the video. TelevEyes is a great value since it produces a good quality video signal for the very low price of $299.95. There are certain trade-offs in compatibility with TelevEyes, however. Until now, there was no way to get NTSC video from all brands of Macintosh and VGA display cards.

TelevEyes/Pro is Digital Vision's $799.95 upper tier approach to video conversion. TelevEyes/Pro, Digital Vision's new computer to TV video scan converter, converts virtually any computer analog video to clean, stable, flicker-free composite or S-video. There is no software involved in using TelevEyes/Pro. TelevEyes/Pro will work on virtually ANY VGA or Macintosh display, for example. In fact, the same module works with both the IBM PC and Macintosh to give you high-quality flicker-free output to video tape, large screen TV monitors, or video projectors.

Like TelevEyes, TelevEyes/Pro is a great teaching tool. Since it's perfect for notebook computers (either Macintosh PowerBooks or PC compatibles) you can use it to make sales presentations from your laptop to a large screen. Use TelevEyes/Pro for training or classroom situations, where computer output needs to be shown on a large screen. Cable TV stations can use it for a low-cost, computerized video bulletin board.

Best of all, TelevEyes/Pro includes a genlock feature that allows the mixing of computer output and composite video. Use this feature for titling your home videos like a professional. Combined with a computer animation, you can create a "Roger Rabbit" effect by mixing animations and real, live video.

Features of TelevEyes/Pro include:

* Your choice of four flicker filter Options for better

  video quality

* Genlock/Overlay for incorporating computer graphics into

  your movies

* The same module works on both the Macintosh and the IBM PC,

  sensing video with resolution up to 800 by 600 pixels

* On-screen programming (like a VCR) allows you to easily change

  flicker filters, overscan/underscan, centering, and much more.

Digital Vision, 270 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026

800-346-0090;  617-329-5400


OpenHouse Real Estate Database w/ComputerEyes
New Real Estate Database Uses ComputerEyes

AeroData Corporation in Ann Arbor Michigan,  has just announced a new image database for realtors that incorporates IBM PC ComputerEyes/RT capture routines within the application.

The new software package, called OpenHouse, allows Realtors to capture and save-images of homes and store them in a database. Then the Realtor can take clients on computerized tours of a variety of properties, all within the comfort of the realty office. The program allows Realtors to best match potential buyers with the types of house that they are most interested in, helping you determine exactly which properties are worthy of an in-person visit.

OpenHouse can also print special "sell sheets" with a view of the house plus pertinent facts about it, providing clients with a professional looking portfolio of properties they can study sl and compare at their leisure.

OpenHouse sells for $299.95 without a ComputerEyes/RT or $799.95 with Computer-Eyes/ RT. For more information about OpenHouse, contact AeroData Corporation, 2024 Maple Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. (313) 944-1500.


ComputerEyes/RT for Macintosh Update

With springtime, grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and birds are singing. Like nature, Digital Vision has just hatched a new version of Macintosh ComputerEyes/RT software that has made our customers sing words of praise. Best of all, the software upgrade is free to our BBS members and registered ComputerEyes/RT users.

First, we've included a QuickTime driver, called a VDIG, that allows you to capture images within Adobe Premier, Movie Recorder, or any other QuickTime compatible application. Simply install the VDIG in the Extensions folder of the System Folder and reboot. The movie capture capabilities of any QuickTime compatible application will awaken, allowing you to grab QuickTime sequences.

We also included an Adobe Photoshop Plug-in. When placed in the same folder as your Adobe Photoshop Preferences file, this software will bring to life capture capabilities within Photoshop. It's a one-step solution replacing the process of capturing within ComputerEyes software, saving the image, and then loading it into Photoshop.

A new version of the ComputerEyes/RT application completes the update package. The new version of software now has a motion filtor for catching stills from faster moving video. Plus, we've added a field grab option, giving you the ability to grab an image in 1/60th of a second instead of l/30th. The faster grab also helps improve images from fast moving movies.

Digital Vision, 270 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026

800-346-0090;  617-329-5400


Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier
FOR BUILDERS ON THE ELECTRONIC SUPERHIGHWAY:

FIRST TECHNICAL MAGAZINE FOR MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPERS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT DIGITAL WORLD '93

SAN FRANCISCO-- Watch out world, here comes Morph! Surfing his computer chip out of a cyberspace black hole, he blasts onto the Electronic Superhighway ... ready to change the world.

On the digital frontier, there's a special place where interactive multimedia pioneers stop off for supplies before moving on to blaze new trails and begin the serious work of building the Electronic Superhighway. That's where they meet Morph--shapeshifter, technical outfitter, tour guide, and proprietor of the establishment known far and wide as Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier.

As the first virtual life form, Morph represents the spirit of a new professional society. He personifies the rapid changes of our Digital Age. Morph also represents the multiple talents required to develop interactive multimedia titles and applications.

Multimedia developers worldwide now have a hero who publishes a new monthly trade magazine from a little wooden shack located where the Electronic Superhighway runs smack into the jungle.

"Multimedia developers are special people, and they need a special magazine," said publisher Craig LaGrow. "As unconventional artists and technologists on the edge of a new and exciting technology, they need information that is technically interesting and practically useful. No fluff for these guys."

LaGrow successfully co-founded Computer Language magazine, Al Expert magazine, and the Software Development Conference in past years. In his most recent position as Editor-in-Chief of Multimedia World magazine, LaGrow repositioned the publication from its original format as MPC World.

As a full-color, tabloid newspaper folded into the size of a regular magazine, Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier will be unveiled at this year's Digital World '93 show in Beverly Hills on June 23-25. The first issue will be mailed to subscribers in July, and the magazine will be distributed at this year's SIGGRAPH convention in Anaheim during the first week of August.

"Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier is anything but ordinary," said Editor-in-Chief, Doug Millison. "... but neither are the new media artists and technologists who are creating the multimedia revolution and pushing forward on the digital frontier."

Its unique look-and-feel is designed to win the hearts and minds of business, education, and entertainment title developers, and will attract large numbers of developers who are coming into the field as conventional software programmers begin using high-level authoring systems to handle multimedia data types, and as creative professionals in mass communications, entertainment, and advertising adopt interactive multimedia production technologies.

With its slogan "written by developers, for developers," Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier provides in-depth coverage of interactive multimedia tools and technologies, the theory behind their design, and step-by-step advice on how to create applications and titles for delivery on CDROM, kiosks, computer networks, interactive cable television, telephone ISDN, and direct satellite broadcast systems.

Mailed to 25,000 multimedia developers worldwide each month, this new magazine will be distributed at all the important multimedia industry trade shows free of charge. The one-year subscription price is $39.95, and the single issue copy price is $3.95. The one-time, black-and-white advertising page charge is $2,500, and the deadline for advertising space reservations for the premier issue is July 12,1993.

For subscription information, call or write to: Circulation Department, Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier, P. O. Box 578, Orinda, CA 94563, (510) 254-3145. For advertising information, contact Craig LaGrow at (510) 254-3145. For editorial information, contact Doug Millison at (510) 254-3145


Microsoft At Work Software Architecture
Microsoft Unveils Software Architecture for the Workplace

Software for More Than Just PCs to Make It Easy to Use Phones, Faxes, Copiers, Printers, PCs

NEW YORK--June 9, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today unveiled a new software architecture to make a wide range of office tasks easier to perform and more cost-effective to accomplish. Called the Microsoft At Work architecture, Microsoft's new initiative is supported by more than 60 companies representing the office automation, communications and computer industries.

Products based on the Microsoft At Work architecture will be developed and marketed by providers of fax machines, copiers, printers, handheld devices, telephone systems, network services, semiconductor chipsets, PC peripherals (such as fax and fax/modem PC add-in cards) and third-party software. Partners include Compaq Computer Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Murata/Muratec, NEC Corporation, Northern Telecom, Ricoh Corporation, Xerox Corporation and 53 other companies. The goals are 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.

The Microsoft At Work architecture is designed to make individual products easier and simpler to use by themselves; for example, telephones will have easy-to-follow graphical point-and-touch screens to replace complex button-and-code combinations needed today for common tasks, such as transferring calls or checking for voicemail messages. New machines will also be able to work better in combination and to interoperate with Windows-based personal computers, printers and other peripherals.

Such capabilities will give users a way to distribute documents in a single step. Today they must perform separate, redundant functions such as printing, copying and faxing, or rekeying existing documents because of a lack of interoperability. In the future, a user will be able to compose a document electronically on a PC and send it by electronic mail to a fax machine. The fax machine can be easily managed to transmit the fax during times of the day that take advantage of favorable long-distance rates, thus reducing phone bills. Assuming the document is confidential, the fax machine will transmit it securely to a customer's or client's fax machine. At the receiving end, the client can then print the document with original print quality. Users will save time and effort in carrying out everyday tasks, reducing labor costs and improving the quality of the results, while businesses will be able to operate more cost-effectively.

"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," said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. "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."

The new software architecture is compatible with existing office devices. "Microsoft At Work is a very practical, pragmatic and evolutionary approach," Gates said. "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."

The Microsoft At Work Architecture

More and more information today is being created and stored digitally on computers. As the cost of microprocessor technology continues to fall, more and more office machines are becoming digitally based, incorporating inexpensive but powerful microprocessors and significant amounts of memory. But the benefits to the end user have been relatively slow to come. Not only are these devices still difficult for the average person to use in terms of accessing all features, but information on computers and other machines is also not being transferred or communicated digitally.

Building on the existing business and technical infrastructure, the Microsoft At Work architecture focuses on making the full functionality of digital devices easier to use and on creating digital connections between all machines to allow information to flow freely among all device types throughout the workplace. The Microsoft At Work software architecture consists of several technology components that serve as building blocks to enable these connections. These software components will be incorporated into office devices, making these products easier to use, compatible with one another and compatible with PCs running the Microsoft Windows operating system. The components include the following:

** Microsoft At Work operating system. A real-time, pre-emptive, multitasking operating system that is designed to specifically address the requirements of the office automation and communication industries. The new operating system supports Windows-compatible application programming interfaces (APIs) where appropriate for the device.

** Microsoft At Work communications. Will provide the connectivity between Microsoft At Work-based devices and PCs. It will support the secure transmission of original digital documents, and it 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, consequently, cost-effective; will ensure that a document sent to any of these devices will produce high-quality output, referred to as "What You Print Is What You Fax Is What You Copy Is What You See."

** Microsoft At Work graphical user interface. Will make all devices very easy to use and will make sophisticated features accessible; will provide useful feedback to users. Leveraging Microsoft' s experience in developing the Windows user interface, Microsoft At Work-based products will use very simple graphical user interfaces designed for people who are not computer users.

** Microsoft At Work desktop software for Windows-based PCs. Will provide Windows-based PC applications the ability to control, access and exchange information with any product based on Microsoft At Work. Desktop software is the one piece of the Microsoft At Work architecture that will reside on PCs.

Microsoft At Work Architecture Benefits

"The big benefits for customers are ease of use, improved efficiency and reduced costs," said Karen Hargrove, general manager of the digital office systems group at Microsoft. According to Hargrove, most people in organizations do not use many of the powerful features in modern office products, such as voice mail, because they are too difficult to learn and remember. Office product features today require people to remember too many codes and buttons.

"By putting software into these office products, we can make technology adapt to people's needs instead of the other way around," Hargrove said. "We can make it easy for people to find and use product features and help companies recapture both time and money in the process."

In all product scenarios involving Microsoft At Work, every feature related to an action appears on the screen only when appropriate. 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 disconnected, those features will disappear.

Another significant feature of products based on Microsoft At Work will be the ability to use the existing telephone network to share information between workplaces, making "anywhere-to-anywhere" messaging possible for the first time. It will no longer be necessary for people to be on the same computer network to securely share formatted, rich documents. Creating and distributing documents from a copier, for example, will be as simple as touching the appropriate names in an electronic address book and tapping "send." All recipients will receive digital copies of the formatted document, with the option to "see" the document either on paper or in electronic form.

Microsoft believes its new architecture will also facilitate product development in new areas, with new types of devices. Handheld products are a good example. Microsoft At Work software will allow these devices to establish themselves as extensions of the office computer, providing desktop information access and remote communications as well as integration with other Microsoft At Work-based products.

All Microsoft At Work-based systems are completely open to software developers and hardware systems manufacturers. Third-party developers will create applications and services for both PCs and Microsoft At Work-based devices using the same standard Windows-based development platform and tools they use today to develop PC applications. The Windows-compatible APIs in devices based on Microsoft At Work allow developers to write and test new applications and services on PCs and then download them to new devices.

Availability

Microsoft plans to have applications and system software development kits available for telephony, fax and handheld devices before the end of this year. Software developers will use the kits to deliver applications that take advantage of Microsoft At Work capabilities, while system partners will use the kits to create new hardware products. Future releases of the Windows operating system will contain the communication software so PC fax-board and software products can talk to machines based on Microsoft At Work. The first product using Microsoft At Work technology, the Windows Printing System, is currently shipping. The next products, fax machines, are expected to be available at the end of this year, with many more products and services following in 1994.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX


Pharmacy Partner Pharmacy Management System
Pharmacy Partner is a pharmacy management system designed for the retail or nursing home pharmacy. It automates the most time-consuming dispensary functions, such as:

* Prescription processing;

* Label and receipt printing;

* Maintaining patient profiles;

* Third party billing and reporting; and

* Drug inventory control.

Pharmacy Partner was designed by a pharmacist to be easy to use and easy to learn. In fact, even pharmacists who are unfamiliar with computers can be trained to use the system in half a day or less. Some of the features that make it easy to use are:

* Pharmacy Partner is menu driven--all of the functions available

  are displayed on the screen, so there are no commands to learn

  or type.

* All prescription information is displayed on one screen--other

  systems require you to switch between several screens to see

  all the information.

* With one key stroke you can view any patient profile while you

  are in the middle of entering a prescription, and with one more

  key stroke you can return to where you left off, making it easy

  to quickly answer telephone inquiries.

* Prescription refills are quick and easy--in fact, they can be

  done in as few as four steps.

* Receipts can be reprinted to replace those lost by the patient.

* Directions can be printed in bold on the label, helping elderly

  or visually impaired patients to read them more easily.

* A number of prescriptions can be filled for the same patient at

  one time by simply entering the drug information for each one,

  eliminating the need to re-enter patient and doctor

  information.

* An unlimited number of user-defined direction codes can be

  maintained on the system. These codes make typing directions

  fast and error-free, since a single code can represent up to

  three lines of directions.

* Electronic claims submission eliminates time-consuming and

  error-prone manual claim preparation.

Pharmacy Partner was also designed so that pharmacists can customize the system themselves by simply filling in some options on the screen. They save time and money by not having to wait or pay for programming changes.

Pharmacy Partner provides a large selection of management-oriented reports including:

* Transaction reports sorted by Prescription, Plan, Doctor, Drug,

  or Claim Number;

* Drug sales, reorder, and slow moving inventory reports;

* Special reports for deferred, unpaid and underpaid

  prescriptions;

* Reportable and non-reportable narcotic reports;

* Statistical reports;

* Patient listings; and

* Plan, Doctor, or Direction Code reports.

Pharmacy Partner has been used by pharmacies in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba since 1986. It runs on IBM compatible computer systems with 640 KB of memory and a minimum of 32 MB of hard disk space.

Stonefield Systems Group Inc

#200 - 1911E Truesdale Dr, Regina, SK CANADA S4V 2N1

306-586-3341;  800-563-1119;  fax: 306-586-5080


ARC Utility Now Available for UNIX
ARC NOW AVAILABLE FOR UNIX

From one platform to another... It's all the same! Full Compatibility on All Platforms

June 2, 1993 -- Germantown, MD - Data Bank Associates, Inc. (DBA) announced that it has now released for distribution and sale the ARC program for the 88K, HP, and Coherent UNIX systems. ARC is a software product that creates a library of compressed files. Files or programs may be added, moved, deleted, updated, printed, or executed from the library. The ARC libraries are compatible on UNIX, Data General AOS/VS, DOS, or OS/2 based operating systems. Thus a file may be compressed or decompressed on any of these platforms and used, as is, on any other platform. It is this interchangability of the ARC libraries that provides some of its greatest value in the world of mixed systems.

The 88K systems include Motorola's own line of UNIX computers as well as Data General's AViiON and many other hardware vendors. The ARC program was developed by DBA under a license from System Enhancement Associates of Wayne, New Jersey, the original developers of the ARC program for DOS based PCs. ARC/UX is fully compatible with level 6 of ARC on all platforms and is capable of using the system specific information from DBA's implementations under other operating systems. As a result, the 32 character filenames under AOS/VS are retained and used under the UNIX operating systems.

ARC/UX retains the functionality of the DOS and AOS/VS versions while demonstrating efficient operation in a multiuser environment. ARC/UX runs at more than 20 times the speed of the AOS/VS version. While ARC/UX uses the UNIX filenames, it automatically generates an "aka" (also known as) name for the PC when the file name does not conform to PC naming standards. Unlimited number of users can simultaneously extract or run programs from a common ARC library.

An ARC/UX license can be purchased either as a single user version or for unlimited mode of operation. Initial licenses include 1 year of software subscription and hot line support. DBA is offering significant introductory discounts as well as different price schedules for 386/486/586 type platforms like Coherent and SCO UNIX. DBA anticipates releasing ARC/UX for the IBM, SUN SCO, NCR, and AT&T UNIX systems by July 1, 1993.

Data Bank Associates Inc

20010 Century Blvd, Suite 104

Germantown, MD 20874-1118

301-540-5562;  fax: 301-540-8105


Union Carbide Using ADev Plant Design Swr
Union Carbide Standardizes on ADev's Intergraph MicroStation-Based Plant Design Software

After an intensive review of plant design software solutions, Union Carbide has chosen ADev's Intergraph MicroStation-Based OMNI-SERIES as their standard for P&ID and piping design. The study began over a year ago when the Union Carbide Corporate Engineering Council directed the Plant Engineering Managers (COPE) to select a standard CAD solution. The CAD team, headed by John Pranks, W.J. Simmons and EM. Bartung, Jr., was given the task of implementing Intergraph's MicroStation as the new CAD standard. Sub teams headed by David Ferrino and Darrell Pauley were then established to select third party applications for their specific P&ID and piping design functions.

After detailed demonstrations and various meetings with ADev major account representatives and regional dealers including CAD Assistance in New Orleans, Louisiana and CADSYS in Houston, Texas, the decision was made to standardize on the OMNI-SERIES. The reasons for their choice were clear. ADev and the OMNI-SERIES provided: 1.) an extensive line of MicroStation-based plant design software including applications for 2D/3D piping, isometric piping, process & flow diagrams, and equipment modeling; 2.) a link to a commercial database; 3.) the ability to work in either 2D or true 3D; 4.) direct US. support by ADev personnel complimented by extensive support by outstanding local dealers.

Company Background

Founded in 1986, ADev is the only developer of plant design solutions for both MicroStation and AutoCAD. Applications are available for 2D and 3D piping, isometric piping, process and flow diagrams, structural steel plant and equipment arrangements, and electrical diagrams, plans and details. For further information, contact ADev at (504) 835-1627; 3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 900; Metaine, LA 70002-7251


Access Software Newsletter, Spring 1993
Editorial: A Finger on the Pulse

Why do you suppose we publish this newsletter?

After all, most software publishers--many of them considerably larger than ACCESS--seem to be doing quite nicely without them. We at ACCESS are in the entertainment software business, after all, not newsletter publishing. Why bother?

The answer is simple: enlightened self-interest. We believe that maintaining close contact with the people who have purchased our product(s) in the past will better enable us to produce entertainments which will please them in the future. Moreover, we learn from you. An incredibly high percentage of the changes integrated into LINKS 386 Pro came from our loyal LINKS user base. The hours you all spent playing the game resulted in unique insights which, in many cases, became a clearcut consensus.

In return for your help, we at ACCESS have a commitment to produce the best possible new products while continuing to support existing software. We are now, in fact, in the process of converting over to Kodak's Photo CD system in order to generate any photographs which appear on our software packages.

The beauty of this newsletter is the beauty of computer gaming: both are interactive. This newsletter provides you with the latest information on the ACCESS product line and you, in return, provide us with your invaluable insights. So don't be shy; write to us. Tell us what you think about our LINKS line or our Interactive Cinema software. -- We're counting on it.

LINKS Three-Peats SPA Award!

In early March, LINKS 386 Pro was awarded the prestigious SPA Excellence in Software Best Sports Program award. The LINKS family has now carried the category for three straight years. The original LINKS copped the Software Publishers of America's sports game prize two years ago and the LINKS Championship Courses took last year's top honors.

This year, with LINKS 386 Pro going gold, ACCESS Software has completed one of the greatest coups in software publishing history! (A SPA award in the software industry is equal to an Academy award in the film industry. It doesn't get any higher!)

Meanwhile, as reported elsewhere in this issue of our re-christened newsletter, there's lots of other exciting news here at Access: LINKS is about to enter the multi-media universe; we're starting a Hole-in-One Club for our readers; there are several exciting new LINKS Championship Course Disks moving down the pipeline; and both 386 Pro and Microsoft Golf look like they're going to be very successful products. We're excited about the coming year, and we have several major surprises coming in the area of Course Disks that we hope to be able to spring on you by next Christmas.

Ahh! Canada!

In March the first Canadian course was introduced into the LINKS library: Banff Springs of Alberta, Canada, a spectacular course in the middle of the Canadian Rockies.

A new, Super-VGA version of our Pinehurst Resort & Country Club Course game is now available to LINKers. This version offers the greatest improvement for owners of LINKS 386 Pro, with only slight benefits for owners of the original LINKS or Microsoft Golf.

Early June is the intended release period for The Belfry of Warwickshire, England, site of the 1993 Ryder Cup. Innisbrook of Tarpon Springs, FL is slated for release later this summer.

MultiMedia Clubhouse

LINKS Coming to VIS CD System

LINKS makes its multimedia debut with a new version designed for play on Tandy's CD-ROM based VIS player. The VIS is one of several "black box" systems which have either already been released or are due to appear within the next few months.

Unlike computers, black box systems don't have a keyboard. Instead, there is a single input device--a mouse, control pad or joystick of some type--which allows the user to interact with on-screen menus. These CD-driven systems include Philip's CD-I, Commodore's CDTV and the forthcoming 3DO technology.

The VIS, of course, has the benefit of Radio Shack's marketing muscle behind it, which could give it a major edge in the black box sweepstakes.

The idea behind black box systems is that they are aimed at the mass market, at consumers who are intimidated by the complexity of computers but who nonetheless wish to benefit from it. The black box transforms computer technology into an appliance which can be used with the simplicity of a record player or audio cassette tape recorder; the user inserts the CD into the player and the system does the rest. There are no special commands to memorize, no sound boards to install--in short, none of the things which have, so far, stood between computers and the vast majority of potential consumers.

The VIS, and the other black box systems, may well represent the next stage in the development of electronic entertainment and information in the home. One thing is certain: owners of VIS players will now be able to shoot a great game of simulated golf, courtesy of LINKS.

LINKS Book Now Available

Compute Books has published Pro Links: The Official Guide to Links and Microsoft Golf by Peter Scisco. The book includes in-depth strategies and professional advice players need to cut strokes from their scores. It can be ordered directly from Compute Books c/o CCC, 2500 McClellan Ave., Pennsauken, NJ 08109 for $16.95 plus shipping and handling ($2 per book, U.S.; $4 per book Canadian; and $6 per book outside North America) and sales tax (NY, NJ and NC add appropriate sales tax; Canadian orders add 7% GST). All payments must be made in U.S. funds.

Interactive Cinema

AMAZON: Behind the Scenes

When ACCESS dubbed its line of non-sports software "Interactive Cinema," we weren't kidding. In the course of producing AMAZON, Guardians of Eden, for example, such cinematic techniques as miniature model-making, set design, casting and cinematography were all extensively employed.

As with a movie, the creative process began with a script. Unlike a film, however, the script was actually based on a game design with plenty of non-linear branching sequences. Unlike a film, which has a fixed beginning, middle and end, a game requires that numerous versions of each scene must be shot, depending upon how the player handles each decision point. That's what makes this form of the cinema interactive; it's like being in a movie that has any number of variable paths and plot resolutions.

Auditions were held and the final cast was comprised almost exclusively of professional and semi-professional actors, with a few ACCESS ringers cast in cameo roles.

All the action was shot on videotape, which was then taken to our state-of-the-art, in-house digitizing facility and to a top notch recording studio for audio digitization. Additional footage was also shot which will be seen exclusively on the CD-ROM version of AMAZON, which should be available soon.

A year in the making, AMAZON sets new standards for realistic, movie-like adventure games.

Pass the Popcorn:

The Appeal of Interactive Cinema

We're a culture that has grown up with movies. The way we dress, talk and behave in general is a process which has been shaped by the films we watch. What, then, could be more appealing than the prospect of actually starring in a simulated, interactive movie?

That's what ACCESS' Interactive Cinema software is all about: placing the user in a typical movie setting, complete with a sound track, special effects and other characters with which to share the simulated danger and excitement. How often have you sat in a movie theater and mentally scolded the hero for taking a direction that seems utterly foolish? In the Interactive Cinema, that can't happen, since the user makes those choices for the hero.

ACCESS was involved in Interactive Cinema even before LINKS became the dominant computer golf simulation. We spent more than six man years developing the first Tex Murphy adventure, Mean Streets, a sci-fi detective story set in the San Francisco of 2033. In this initial entry, Tex interacted with almost 30 different characters, some of whom actually spoke, courtesy of our RealSound technology. The player, meanwhile, as Tex, explored major cities along the west coast in his faithful Lotus speeder, a land-and-air vehicle as hot as any contemporary flight simulator.

LINKS fans who haven't yet checked out the Interactive Cinema series have a delightful surprise awaiting them, since these games are designed to appeal to the same demographic group that adores our various golfing products. Besides, who wouldn't want to be the star of an action-packed movie thriller?

So pass the popcorn, and leap into the screen--considering all the time we spend watching movies, isn't it about time we played one?

ACCESS to Our Readers

I purchased [the original] LINKS in the summer of 1991 and bought all the Championship Courses because LINKS is the best game I have ever seen.

Last week I saw LINKS 386 Pro and I knew: that's the one I have to own. Now I do nothing but play LINKS 386 Pro! I converted my old Championship Courses and they are better than before, but I am very interested in updates and upgrades, because there is a difference between the converted Championship Courses and the new one, Harbour Town. -- Tobias Grevenbroich; Dusseldorf, Germany

As mentioned on page one, Tobias, there are several upgraded LINKS Champion-ship Courses on the way. Stay tuned for the latest information on these improved courses. -Ed

I have been an avid golfer for over 30 years. At present, I have an 8 handicap and, odd as it may seem, that is about the result I get on [Microsoft Golf] with a few exceptions. I am still striving for that par-busting score of 68-69. I have played many different computer and video golf games, but there is no comparison to the LINKS games. This is the closest thing to real golf I have seen. -- Walter H. Hopwood Baltimore, MD

Blessings on the programmer who made it simple for this 286 user to load the new Mauna Kea course. This is the simplest of all the [courses] I have bought from you. Maybe one day I will be able to move up to a 386 or 486, but meanwhile thank you sincerely for keeping another addition alive for my "old" computer. -- Roger N. Burgess Bay Village, OH

And thank you for writing, Roger! By the way, LlNKers, those of you who have "access" to GEnie, the on-line computer service, will want to check out the Sports Roundtable area. The first National LINKS Tournament has already been played and action seems to be heating up. And speaking of tournament play, we'll catch up with users looking for local opponents next issue. -Ed.

In this day and age when computer games deal mostly with dungeons and dragons (which I don't mind playing), and contain lots of magic, spellcasting, witchcraft, demonology, etc. (this I take a strong exception to), your games come as a refreshing breeze. The plots are different and the stories are very entertaining.

I'm getting tired of playing with magic; I want to play something different, which is why I continue to purchase your games. The only sad part is that you seem to be releasing only about one game a year. For a hard core gamer like myself, this is a long time. Any good news about this? How about a game that deals with knights, paladins and monsters, but leaves out the witchcraft and demonology (in VGA, using your digitized technology, this could be breathtaking)?

Keep up the excellent work! I believe there is a clamor out there that cries: "WE WANT MORE ACCESS !" I am one of this crowd. -- Larry Urban; Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela

We'd love to turn out more games, Larry, but unfortunately it takes about a year of development to produce all the components necessary to fashion one of our Interactive Cinema titles. Now that CD-ROM has entered the picture, we have to shoot even more footage on each game!--Ed.

[AMAZON was] very well done. At times, I felt I was part of the game, I felt the danger. More games like this are needed! I would like to know when the CD version will arrive. -- Frank George; Colony, TX

As you'll read elsewhere in this issue, Frank, the MPC version should be available in the near future.--Ed.

AMAZON is the most incredible game I've ever played. You guys did an excellent job on it. The animated sequences were superb. Keep up the good work. By the way, when is AMAZON 2 coming? -- Curt Hackler; Coffeyville, KS

AMAZON 2!? No word on that yet, but stay tuned to this newsletter and you'll be among the first to know about it, if and when.--Ed.

Technical Tips

** Access now has available the VESA drivers for Compaq computers, especially for the Q-Vision video card and the Prolinea series.

** When the TellMe file is printed in LINKS 386 Pro, the end of the statement refers to RUN386.Exe and lists an error message. Don't be alarmed; there's nothing wrong with your disk, the DOS Extender inserts it automatically. Don't worry; be happy.

** When setting a VESA program to install the driver, the text may make reference to a picture from AMAZON. Instead, however, you will get a blue, Super-VGA test screen. Again, don't worry, your program is fine.

** If, during the installation of either LINKS 386 Pro or AMAZON, you get a Checksum error at the end of the fourth disk, before calling the ACCESS Technical Support Line, try the alternate manual installation method described on page eight of the LINKS manual and page nine of the AMAZON instructions.

The Hole-In-One Club

Ever shoot a hole-in-one on a LINKS course, then suffer frustration because there was no way to really crow about your feat?

Well, fellow duffers, your time of sadness has come to an end with the announcement of the LINKS Hole-In-One Club ! The next time you make the ultimate golf shot, drop us a line containing the following information:

* The version of LINKS being used (LINKS, LINKS 386 Pro, or Microsoft Golf)

* The course you were playing

* The hole you hit it on,

* The club you used.

* and your picture would be nice, too. Your accomplishment will

  then be duly noted in the next issue of this newsletter and you

  will be entered in the prestigious Hole-in-One Club.

Direct all entries to: The Hole-in-One Club TotalACCESS Newsletter c/o ACCESS Software 4910 W Amelia Earhart Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Newsnotes on the Interactive Cinema Series

The release of the MPC (CD-ROM) version of AMAZON, Guardians of Eden has sparked consider able excitement here at ACCESS. While the original, floppy disk version of the game held an impressive eight megabytes of data, the CD-ROM conversion boasts an incredible 125 to 150 megabytes! The MPC version also features larger animations and, of course, much more speech.

Speaking of CD-ROM, a VIS-compatible version of AMAZON is slated for release in February. See the feature on VIS technology for more information.

** Our Interactive Cinema division was proud of being named a finalist for the SPA Awards Interactive Cinema Game of the Year award for AMAZON Martian Memorandum picked up a prize at last year's ceremonies and we had high hopes for this year's nominee.

** Later this year, adventure game fans can look forward to the third game featuring the adventures of electronic action superstar Tex Murphy--

Under a Killing Moon.

Scheduled for a fourth quarter release, Under a Killing Moon will reverse the standard process and appear initially in MPC (CD-ROM) format, with a floppy disk version to follow soon thereafter.

At Last!

The first affordable home or office golf simulator system which allows you to realistically play a full 18 holes of golf indoors using a modified version of LINKS-The Challenge of Golf and LINKS Championship Courses on your own PC! LINKS Fans Rejoice! The TruGolf software (a specially modified version of LINKS) is designed to receive its game play data from our swing analyzer mat connected to your IBM-PC or compatible computer. Each swing is computer analyzed for speed, club face angle, club path, and impact position. TruGolf uses this information to create an accurate flight of the ball on your computer screen so you can see where it lands on the LINKS course.

Easy to Use TruGolf sets up in just minutes, works with all your favorite LINKS Championship Courses and brings the enjoyment of outdoor golf indoors for fun, practice and teaching day or night!

Here's what you get:

* TruGolf Swing Analyzer Mat

* TruGolf Software designed for use with our swing analyzer mat.

* 2 FREE LINKS Championship Courses (over a $50 value!)

* FREE QuikNet for a limited time-a $79.95 value.

* Unlimited Technical Support

* 30-day Money Back Guarantee!

Computer and Setup Requirements: IBM PC or compatible 286CPU or better (with 640K RAM), hard drive (minimum 2MB free), VGA 256 color graphics, and an available serial port. TruGolf Sport System requires adequate room indoors to swing a golf club (minimum 9 foot ceiling clearance recommended).

TruGolf, A Division of ACCESS Software, Inc.

4910 West Amelia Earhart Dr, SLC, UT 84116

(801)359-2900;   Orders 1-800-4880


Microsoft At Work Architecture Backgrounder
Microsoft At Work Architecture ----- Backgrounder ----- June 1993

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A Week in the Life

"Just look at these expense figures, " groaned Jim. "Fax costs up more than 40 percent from last year. There goes the headcount for Marty's new associate. " As the person in charge of technology services, Jim knows his legal firm could cut costs significantly by using even a few of the features on existing fax equipment or telephones. "But teaching people to use them is probably futile. I'd be happy if everyone could just figure out how to send faxes with client codes attached to the numbers. " As the image of the agonizing ritual of scrutinizing the phone bill to find calls that should have been billed to clients runs through his mind, Jim wonders if there isn't an easier way.

"Would the partners be willing to learn how to use cost-saving features they've already paid for if they knew that 30 percent of the firm's fax costs could be saved if they faxed things during cheaper rate hours? That's enough savings to hire that new associate!"

The phone on Jim's desk rings--on to other issues. "Oh, you need to speak to Beverley. She's working on that part of the project, " said Jim. "I know she 's in her office. Let me try to transfer you. This should work, but if I lose you ... "

Introduction

No doubt you can picture yourself in a similar situation. Yet wasn't there once a vision of modern business life that was very different? The "paperless office,'' the "office of the future," the "global village"? These phrases were coined to describe the concept of a tightly integrated work environment incorporating the latest in sophisticated office equipment, but like most business people, you probably continue to look at the overflowing pile of paper on your desk, the reminder notes stuck to your PC screen and the message light flashing on your telephone. Somewhere in all that data is valuable information: faxes showing the latest sales figures, messages from important customers and copies of new product plans.

Throughout the last decade, everyday office work has been irrevocably altered by the personal computer. Typewriters and dedicated word-processing systems are now oddities in many offices. High-quality laser printers are commonplace. Access to electronic mail systems has changed communication between millions of people. The intense pace of modern electronic product development and competition has spurred advances in every office device. Sophisticated fax machines are available for a few hundred dollars. Your telephone probably has more special-function buttons than you know what to do with. You wonder whether you could make effective use of one of those pocket-sized organizers.

Every device on your desk gives you the ability to accept and generate more data. Yet synthesizing this data into timely, valuable information and communicating it to people who can act on it, remains difficult. To edit a fax usually requires retyping into a computer, despite the fact it was probably created on a computer. You can't review your voice mail and electronic mail messages at the same time, nor sift through voice mail messages randomly to select the most important ones first. Documents are distributed in different ways depending on whether speed, quality or editability is most important. "Phone tag" and now "voice-mail tag" are daily events.

The individual devices in the modern office just don't work together very well. And as newer devices of higher speed and greater capacity appear for still lower prices, the dual problems of data overload and incompatibility only get worse. That's why Microsoft Corporation, supported by key representatives from the office automation, telecommunications and computer industries, is leading a multicompany initiative to build office machines and computer products that offer the following:

** Ease of use, allowing users to access all product features and to tailor the devices to their own preferences and the way they work.

** A high level of integration, allowing all devices in the workplace to communicate seamlessly with one another, in any combination (phone, fax, copier, PC, handheld, etc.).

** An enabling platform, allowing system developers to create a broad family of products that third parties can employ to develop a wealth of value-added software to solve real-world problems for users.

The Microsoft At Work architecture will be a set of software building blocks that reside in both office machines and PC products, including the following:

* Desktop and network-connected printers.

* Digital monochrome and color copiers.

* Telephones and voice messaging systems.

* Fax machines and PC fax products.

* Handheld systems.

* Hybrid combinations of the above.

In addition to the shared objectives of creating a well-integrated office, the products mentioned above will also share the following Microsoft At Work architectural components. More and more information today is being created and stored digitally on computers. Building on the existing business and technical infrastructure, the Microsoft At Work architecture focuses on creating digital connections between machines to allow information to flow freely throughout the workplace. The Microsoft At Work software architecture consists of several technology components that serve as building blocks to enable these connections. Only one of the components, desktop software, will reside on PCs. The rest will be incorporated into other types of office devices, making these products easier to use, compatible with one another and compatible with Microsoft Windows-based PCs.

** Microsoft At Work operating system. A real-time, pre-emptive, multitasking operating system that is designed to specifically address the requirements of the office automation and communication industries. The new operating system supports Windows-compatible application programming interfaces (APIs) where appropriate for the device.

** Microsoft At Work communications. Will provide the connectivity between Microsoft At Workbased devices and PCs. It will support the secure transmission of original digital documents, and it 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, consequently, cost-effective; will ensure that a document sent to any of these devices will produce high-quality output, referred to as "What You Print Is What You Fax Is What You Copy Is What You See."

** Microsoft At Work graphical user interface. Will make all devices very easy to use and will make sophisticated features accessible; will provide useful feedback to users. Leveraging Microsoft's experience in the Windows user interface, Microsoft At Work-based products will use very simple graphical user interfaces designed for people who are not computer users.

** Microsoft At Work desktop software for Windows-based PCs. Will provide Windows-based PC applications the ability to control, access and exchange information with any product based on Microsoft At Work. Desktop software is the one piece of the Microsoft At Work architecture that will reside on PCs.

Microsoft believes the Microsoft At Work architecture will succeed in the market for the following reasons:

1. It focuses on real user needs. Information is the lifeblood of the organization, yet the principal tools people use every day to create, manipulate, analyze, exchange, present and communicate information are not connected. There is a tremendous need to move information both down the hall and across the globe. Making office equipment efficient and easy to use will permit people to get work done more quickly and cost-effectively.

2. It is a pragmatic solution. The world is not going to change overnight. Organizations will not discard existing, functioning equipment--much less rip out an entire installed base of systems--to get the incremental benefits of a new generation of office equipment. The Microsoft At Work architecture is a very practical, evolutionary approach. It defines a logical path to a more functional and well-integrated workplace. Microsoft At Work-based devices and products will be able to be deployed alongside of, and be compatible with, existing office products (for example, Microsoft At Work-based fax machines will communicate with existing fax machines and telephone networks). Microsoft At Work-based devices and products will build on the existing infrastructure. Of course, the architecture and devices will integrate well with the Microsoft Windows operating system, the widely used desktop operating environment. There are also compelling ease-of-use benefits to using a single Microsoft At Work-based device that is not integrated with PCs or other Microsoft At Work-based office machines.

3. It relies upon relationships with others. These relationships are with the leading companies in the office equipment, communications and computer industries. Thus, no single company faces the enormous challenge of producing the best product in every category to deliver on this vision; at the same time, a single, broad, and open platform will be established upon which many companies can build profitable businesses. By incorporating Microsoft At Work software, vendors can devote their resources to excellence in their own markets, and to producing high-quality, compatible products. Of course, the end result will be a wide variety of compatible products and services from which customers can pick and choose.

What Are the Common Architectural Benefits?

The Microsoft At Work architecture will make it easier for people to use office equipment in the workplace. In addition, it will let information to flow freely within an organization's information infrastructure--no matter how large or small the organization.

Ease of Use

Incorporating graphical user interfaces into common office devices will effectively increase their usability. Whether on the device itself or on a connected PC, the graphical user interface will make powerful features both accessible and useful. It will replace the cumbersome button-and-code combination on many devices today. For example, context-sensitive icons will allow far richer information to be displayed and will be shown only when appropriate to the tasks being performed. Devices will lead users step-by-step through complex operations. Users will be able to better exploit existing features as well as the additional capabilities of this new generation of office equipment. Consequently, complex machine functions, rarely exploited today, will become routine.

Simple, clean graphical user interfaces will free users so that they will not need to refer to printed operating instructions to accomplish tasks. For example, a phone could lead a caller through the process of setting up a conference call or forwarding voice mail. The current status of a print or copier job could be conveyed instantly through a visual display. Sending a fax to multiple people would be as simple as selecting their names from an on-screen list.

Once the capabilities of devices can be truly exploited, users will gain greater control over their communications, which they are too often controlled by. Many of us are enslaved by seemingly permanently illuminated voice mail lights. We spend our days walking between the printer, the copier or fax machine, and our desks--or sprinting to make overnight-mail pickup deadlines. The Microsoft At Work architecture promises to enable people to manage their communications more effectively and efficiently by prioritizing communication tasks, expediting urgent contacts or personalizing communication tasks for their own needs.

Integration

The communications capabilities of the Microsoft At Work architecture mean that all the devices in the workplace will readily and efficiently exchange digital information.

One key to achieving this cooperation between the different devices will be the storage and transmission of information in a standard digital format that each Microsoft At Work-based product will understand. What is initially sent to one office device will be able to be retransmitted to another without deterioration of information that does occur today when a document is faxed or copied repeatedly. With this format, a user will be able to send the final version of a document prepared on a PC directly to the copier and avoid any loss in reproduction quality. When viewed, these digital documents will always be of the highest possible quality permitted by the device, whether on-screen or on the printed page. In addition to the benefits of a common way to exchange documents, this digital format has other advantages as well. Documents will be able to be sent in editable form, ending the need to retype faxes, while other documents such as invoices may be sent as inalterable "published" documents. Confidential documents will be able to be sent in a secure format that only the intended recipient can read.

Devices will also cooperate to complete tasks so that users can combine the capabilities of different devices or effectively share devices. For example, a PC will be able to provide the phone number for a telephone to dial. When jammed, a printer will be able to notify a user waiting for a print job. A copier low on toner will be able to send a message to an administrator. A fax machine connected to a PC will be able to scan images into the PC without sending a fax. With network administration services and communication between devices, network administrators will be able to oversee the operation of all devices connected to the network. For example, instead of having to manually update the phone directories in every fax machine, administrators might download them electronically.

Users will also benefit from a single integrated "inbox." They will be able to access and manage all messages-- e-mail, voice mail, pager messages or fax--from a common interface, whether on a PC or other devices.

An Enabling Platform

The Microsoft At Work architecture introduces a new concept for office equipment: These devices will become an open platform upon which to build a broad range of customer solutions. This notion means devices are configurable, upgradable, scalable, extensible and programmable. A platform with these attributes will allow corporate developers, manufacturers, independent hardware and software developers and anyone else to contribute, configure, modify and add value to the core products. A broader base of vendors building solutions on a common platform ensures more innovation and more customer needs will be fulfilled. Consumers will not be dependent on a single vendor to conceive of, much less deliver, every possible enhancement.

Office equipment would be a more cost-effective investment if it were upgradable or scalable. The ability to upgrade products solves two problems. First, when users outgrow a machine's capacity, they won't have to buy a new one. Second, organizations purchase a variety of product brands or models to address different usage patterns within an organization, and organizations frequently end up with devices that work differently. Machines have different user interfaces, feature sets and set-up procedures.

The Microsoft At Work architecture will allow manufacturers of office equipment to offer a full family of devices that can be upgraded and changed as users' needs change. For example, a user could buy a standalone fax machine and later decide to add a LAN connection module. He or she could buy additional memory or even a hard disk. When traffic increases, a second line could be added. This all adds up to a much more economic investment for the consumer.

In addition to being upgradable and compatible across a family of products, devices need to be extensible over time. The Microsoft At Work architecture is forward-thinking and by virtue of a modular design can accommodate the addition of new capabilities over time. As fax standards extend to cover the transmission of color documents, for example, the Microsoft At Work architecture would maintain compatibility with existing devices while incorporating new capabilities through upgrades.

Microsoft At Work-based devices, such as PCs, would include a microprocessor and would therefore be ''programmable.'' Applications could be constructed that exploit the capabilities of the device to solve specific problems. This capability will provide a level of flexibility not found in today's office equipment, which cannot perform tasks beyond the basic set of functionality packaged into the device. For example, a law firm might add an application to its telephones that tracks calls by client and automatically forwards that information to the billing system, eliminating the need for the manual logging of calls. A retail outlet might put its inventory system on a handheld device so that employees could easily access the system while checking actual stock on the shelves. Or an organization might make commonly requested information, such as product price lists, available via fax to anyone who calls.

Applications such as these allow ordinary office equipment to be tailored to individual requirements and integrated into business systems. But to see the benefits of applications, they must be easy to develop. Fortunately, all systems based on Microsoft At Work are completely open to software developers and hardware systems manufacturers. Microsoft At Work-based devices will follow the same programming model of Microsoft Windows, a widely used applications development environment. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of programmers, already familiar with Windows, already know how to develop applications for devices based on Microsoft At Work. Third-party developers will create applications and services for both PCs and Microsoft At Work-based devices using the same standard Windows-based development platform and tools they use today to develop PC applications. The Windows-compatible APIs in devices based on Microsoft at Work allow developers to write and test new applications and services on PCs and then download them to new devices.

           The Microsoft At Work-based Products

The Microsoft At Work-based Telephone System

The telephone is the most pervasive communications tool. In the United States alone, the volume of calls runs in the hundreds of billions each year. Despite its integral and ubiquitous role in the daily business routine, there have been few changes in how the telephone is used. It remains isolated from computers and other information devices, despite the fact it manages related information. New time-saving network features are available, but few people exploit them because they are so difficult to use. Innovations such as voice mail have become indispensable, but at the same time they have introduced their own set of frustrations.

The Microsoft At Work architecture offers a range of capabilities to enhance and integrate telephone systems. An array of products will give users greater access to the capabilities of different telephone networks, more flexible control over their communications and the ability to tailor phone systems to particular requirements. Future Microsoft At Work-based phone products include the following:

** Microsoft At Work-based telephones. The latest evolution of the telephone. Users will be able to truly exploit rich networks to communicate more effectively and efficiently. These devices will include desktop, public and portable phones, and will be able to be integrated with PCs.

** Microsoft At Work-based PC phones. Users of Windows-based PCs will also be able to tap rich communications when their PCs are connected to telephone networks. Microsoft At Work desktop software will be a standard component of the Windows operating system and will allow users to tap telephone networks connected via an add-in board, locally connected telephone or a LAN.

** Microsoft At Work-based visual voice messaging servers. LAN-connected voice messaging solutions will allow access to voice messages via a visual interface on both Windows-based PCs and Microsoft At Work-based telephones. Users will be able to bypass time-consuming and confusing audio menus and access their voice messages with the push of a button. Messages will be able to be retrieved in any order and even delivered to a single mailbox along with other messages such as e-mail and faxes. These servers can provide applications beyond basic voice messaging, such as supporting voice annotation of PC documents or reading electronic mail over the phone to a traveler.

Key Benefits

The key benefits of the different varieties of Microsoft At Work-based telephone systems include the following:

Far Greater Ease of Use

Making a telephone call today is as simple as dialing the number. But for operations beyond dialing a call, telephone features are difficult to access. Today's telephone networks offer a rich variety of valuable features, but research consistently shows most go unused because the features are so hard to access. Some require users to remember complex activation codes. Others require immense dexterity, and errors result in losing the call. Even the most basic operations like conference calling or transferring a call are often preceded by the instructions, "If I lose you ... ," which illustrates how uncomfortable people are with using these features.

Phone systems using the Microsoft At Work architecture will allow users to control their phones from a graphical display, either on the phone itself or on a neighboring Windows-based PC. The graphical user interface will be able to make every feature easier to use and will present features in context and guide users through each step to accomplish a task. For example, the phone will let users easily specify urgent calls to take and forward all others to a receptionist.

Flexible Communications Management

The telephone does nothing today to help users manage their communications--they have little say in who they talk to or when they talk. There is almost no flexibility to handle callers in different ways.

Phone systems based on the Microsoft At Work architecture will help people to prioritize and expedite communication tasks, saving both time and money. Not all calls are equally valuable at any given moment. The need to prioritize communication is evident in the use of answering machines and receptionists--people even pretend to be their own receptionists to screen calls. The Microsoft At Work architecture will provide phone systems that let users decide which calls to take and will even handle specific calls automatically. A Microsoft At Work-based phone system will help complete connections between people so that they can conduct their desired communication. The goal is to win at "phone tag" and reduce the length and number of callback cycles.

The Microsoft At Work software will empower users to configure their phones to work the way they work, saving time and effort. If users choose to, they will be able to easily define and organize their communication capabilities based on personal preferences. For example, they would be able to record and save multiple outgoing messages for repeated use ("I'm out today but checking messages ... ," "I'm out today and will NOT be checking messages ... ," "I' m in today and will return your message as quickly as possible ... ").

Visual Voice Messaging

Voice-mail and answering machines are becoming ubiquitous for an obvious reason: A successful telephone call requires both parties to be available at the same time, which happens in only a minority of calls, hence the need for messaging. Despite their popularity, today's messaging systems are very inflexible. Messages are only accessed in sequence; there is no way to first check for messages from a boss or co-worker on an urgent project. It is also difficult and time-consuming to navigate through menus of features. In addition, voice messages are difficult to save and retrieve at a later date. All callers are handled in the same way. One of the results of these inconveniences is "voice-mail tag."

The solution is visual voice messaging, which will provide graphical management of voice messages. Messages will be able to be displayed in a list, much like electronic mail, including the caller's name or number, the time he or she called and the length of the call. This information would let the user browse all messages and select the order for listening to the messages. Administrative options, such as creating a new greeting, will be accessed with a single button. Operations that are difficult today, such as forwarding a voice message to multiple people, will be dramatically simplified. One will simply select the recipients from the phone book and broadcast the message.

Visual voice messaging will be delivered on telephones incorporating the Microsoft At Work architecture or on Windows-based PCs. Moreover, the Microsoft At Work architecture allows voice messages to be integrated with electronic mail, fax or other message types so that users will be able to access and manage all their different message systems from the same place in the same way.

Telephone Communications United With Information Systems

Telephone calls are transitory events. There is no record of what occurs in a phone call except what the people on each end record manually. Yet telephone calls rarely exist in a vacuum. More than 60 percent of all calls occur during business hours, and are usually part of a broader business process, such as a transaction, consultation or teleconference, where important information is at each end of the call. Integration of telephone communications with information systems will both record and provide important contextual information.

For example, a phone or neighboring PC could automatically "pop" information related to the caller, such as reminders of things to discuss. Providers of professional services, such as lawyers, could automatically track their calls by client for billing purposes. Customer service representatives could use related information to offer faster and better service. Other applications might do banking and other financial transactions, access white or yellow pages or anything else done over the phone today.

The Microsoft At Work architecture will transform the telephone from a closed, proprietary device into a platform that a wide range of people can build applications for and integrate with other parts of the information infrastructure.

The Microsoft At Work-based Fax

According to a recent Gallup poll, fax traffic grew 43 percent last year. According to network traffic studies, faxes currently account for 10 percent of all network traffic and nearly 50 percent of traffic between the United States and the Far East. Yet, despite this dramatic growth in usage, the fax is still a fairly primitive communications tool. Difficulty using machine features, low-quality printing, lack of integration with the work environment and lack of security are all commonly identified problems.

Microsoft At Work-based fax capabilities will address these deficiencies with a broad spectrum of fax solutions that will transform the fax from an independent tool to a powerful, integrated part of the modern communications process. Microsoft At Work-based fax products include the following:

** Microsoft At Work-based departmental fax machines. A standalone multifunctional machine (fax, print, scan, copy) will be able to be used by a single person or an entire department of people. In addition to being great standalone devices, they will be able to be integrated completely with PCs. They will also be sharable via direct network connection or via direct PC connection.

** Microsoft At Work-based fax servers. High-volume, LAN-connected fax solutions will offer the ideal platform for automating wide-area communication tasks, such as forms automation, billing and invoicing with suppliers, distribution of information to a field organization, etc. A host of new applications will be possible when users and developers can count on a widely deployed, secure, anywhere-to-anywhere messaging platform that will be provided by Microsoft At Work-based systems that are also integrated with Windows-based PCs.

** Microsoft At Work-based PC faxes. Any user of Windows with an industry-standard fax board will benefit from rich document transmission through Microsoft At Work desktop software that will become a standard part of the Windows operating system and other Microsoft At Work-based products and services.

** Microsoft At Work-based fax-enabled network. Public networks will be adding support for Microsoft At Work communications, allowing users to benefit from their high-volume broadcasting capabilities and the ability to access integrated, public mailboxes from any location.

Key Benefits

Key benefits of Microsoft At Work-based faxes (as implemented in any of the above products or services) will include the following:

Far Greater Ease of Use

While today's fax machines have dozens of advanced features, few are ever used. In fact, many users do not even know these features exist. The problem is that the small, cryptic display on today's fax machines makes these features inaccessible to users. To compound the problem, owners' manuals are rarely available when a problem occurs.

Microsoft At Work-based fax machines will use a graphical, touch-sensitive display to make every feature simple to use. Context-sensitive features will help guide users through tasks. For example, if a jam occurs, a picture showing users how to clear it will be displayed.

Ability to Send Original-quality "Published" and Editable Documents

Today's fax machines send fuzzy pages that are often difficult to read. As a result, people either don't use a fax when the document has to look professional, or they send another "good copy" via courier. Today's machines also don't allow users to send editable documents, which would enable wide-area joint authoring and the automation of many communication tasks.

Using Microsoft At Work rendering technology, a fax machine will become a remote publishing tool, allowing users to distribute final, laser-quality versions of documents directly from PC applications. Users will also be able to send editable versions of documents to reviewers and co-authors so that changes can be made directly without re-keying information, and then be returned to the author.

Full Document Security

The most frequently faxed documents include contracts, internal correspondence and purchase orders. Despite the sensitive nature of these documents, anyone can walk by and read or pick up received faxes, and there's no guarantee that the document will even get to the proper recipient. Some fax machines advertise security features, but these machines are not really secure. Passwords are included in the message, but the encryption method is easy to break. Moreover, all of these methods require both sending and receiving machines to be from the same manufacturer, a rare occurrence in today's market.

Microsoft At Work-based faxes will have strong built-in security that will allow users to encrypt messages so that documents aren't read by others. It will also be able to ensure that documents are delivered to intended recipients and verify document contents as authentic. By implementing Microsoft At Work security in both Windows-based applications and in devices from a broad base of manufacturers, secure messaging could become as commonplace in toe future as regular fax transmissions are today.

Strong PC Connectivity

While the vast majority of all documents today are created on PCs, most users still print documents and manually feed them into fax machines. Users who choose to investigate PC fax alternatives find them unreliable and not well-integrated into their PC environment.

The Microsoft At Work-based fax is designed to fully integrate faxes with the rest of a PC's messaging environment by integrating this functionality into the operating system. Users will be able to send fax messages in the same way they send other messages, simply by selecting "Send" from their mail package or their favorite application. Received faxes will be automatically delivered into the user's mailbox--the same mailbox where e-mail and voice-mail messages are received. They will be able to forward and reply to the message with a single button click.

MIS Support

Today's fax machines are a nightmare for MIS professionals. They can't be centrally managed, so someone has to walk around to every machine to update fax numbers, change settings, collect activity reports and fix problems. Most machines don't support "default settings," so they can't set up machines to do things such as automatically send faxes when telephone rates are lowest. Users frequently can't enter accounting codes to track costs, and even when they can, the resulting reports can only be printed out, so the data must be manually entered into the accounting system. Finally, fax machines represent a network entirely distinct from the advanced data networks that they pay every month to maintain. MIS professionals should rightly wonder why they can't send all that "charged-per-minute" fax traffic over the data lines for which they pay a fixed monthly fee.

Microsoft At Work-based fax machines are designed to let MIS manage fax services in the same way as other corporate communication resources. They will be centrally administrable so that any settings can be changed directly, and common resources such as address books will be able to be maintained and downloaded automatically. They are programmable so that faxes queued up after 4 p.m., for example, will be able to automatically be sent at discount rates, saving between 25 percent and 40 percent on toll charges. Activity reports will be able to automatically be sent in binary format to accounting, where they could be entered into accounting systems directly. They will automatically send trouble reports when problems occur. They will easily route traffic over existing corporate data networks, saving 95 percent of the transmission costs.

Features to Reduce Fax Costs

Long-distance charges and the employee time required to send and receive faxes account for more than three-fourths of total fax costs, while the cost of the fax machine accounts for only 15 percent. Yet today's fax machines do little to address these costs. Moreover, the few features that manufacturers have added are virtually unused because they are so difficult to access. For example, while most mid- to higher-end machines offer the ability to delay fax transmissions until rates decrease, few people know how to use this feature today.

Microsoft At Work-based fax machines will have features to dramatically reduce fax costs. In addition to making cost-saving features easy to find and use, Microsoft At Work rendering will reduce file sizes and, as a result, transmission times. Digital cover sheets can decrease the cost of a typical four-page fax by up to 25 percent. As noted above, simple access to discount transmissions can reduce toll charges by 25 percent to 40 percent and integration with corporate networks would reduce toll charges by as much as 95 percent.

Microsoft At Work-based Handhelds

The promise of a new generation of small, powerful computing devices that will help you do everything you want, anywhere you want, is an alluring vision that has received a great deal of attention over the past year. Microsoft and others wishing to build products based on Microsoft At Work agree that there is incredible potential for such systems--but only if they are fully integrated with the rest of the existing information infrastructure. As with all Microsoft At Work-based systems, the handheld will provide a pragmatic solution. We have concentrated on the following:

** Focusing on connecting users to their desktop work environment, where the vast majority of useful business information resides.

** Providing an open, well-defined and accessible development environment that draws on the wealth of software talent embodied by more than 300,000 programmers for the Windows operating system.

** Leveraging existing infrastructure such as the current phone system, while providing a well-architected system that can integrate new capabilities as they come online.

** Providing centralized, comprehensive communications management for fax, e-mail, pager and other mobile information sources.

** Offering a highly customizable platform for quick, simple vertical and personal software solutions.

Key Benefits

Key benefits and attributes of the Microsoft At Work-based handhelds include the following:

Strong Personal Information Management

The modern office is evolving rapidly, giving people access to a wealth of information. Yet this information is largely unavailable when it is probably needed the most--when the worker is away from the office. A Microsoft At Work-based handheld is designed to fulfill the needs of a variety of mobile workers. The target system will be extremely small, encouraging the user to carry it always. Intrinsic software will allow complete management of personal information by providing address book, calendar, to-do list, note taker, clock and calculator applications. Communications will be supported by built-in mail connectivity as well as special features for sharing information with desktop computers efficiently and accurately. Additional applications will be added easily through the Microsoft At Work open architecture and development tools--by OEMs for market segmentation purposes and corporate developers who want to create custom solutions.

Desktop Connectivity

While creating a device that will provide rich information to the mobile user is valuable in its own right, some of that value is lost if the device does not cooperate with the other tools of the modern office. The most important of these is the desktop PC, which holds the majority of information and around which work centers in most offices. For instance, if meetings are added to the schedule on a handheld, they should be reflected on the desktop seamlessly. If notes are made about tasks that need to be completed, they should be reflected in the priorities list on the PC. Microsoft At Work-based handhelds will reflect these kinds of messages by providing transfer and synchronization software for both the handheld and the PC. In addition, users will need the ability to access spreadsheets, word processing and other files created on the PC or stored on the network from the handheld.

Microsoft At Work-based handhelds will enable users to access any desktop file, allowing spreadsheets and word-processing files to be downloaded, viewed, annotated or even sent via fax or public e-mail.

Integrated, Modular Communications

When working away from the desktop, communication is clearly the key. Microsoft At Work-based handhelds will provide for communications through a number of mechanisms. The built-in e-mail client and underlying modular connectivity layers will allow for simple, centralized management of e-mail, fax, pager and informational messages from a variety of sources. A fax from a supplier, e-mail from a co-worker and a page from the boss will all appear on a single screen from which the user can reply appropriately, with automatic support for the varied transmission methods. The Microsoft At Work-based handheld will include connectivity to a variety of popular networks. The modular nature and open architecture of this system will allow for simple development and integration of drivers to support additional services or new technologies.

Pragmatic Solutions for Today and Tomorrow

Microsoft is building handheld solutions that will make the best use of existing technology to provide real solutions for users. Microsoft has designed these systems to evolve with technology so that they remain the optimal solution. Two examples are in communications and user interface.

Today's data communications are predominantly over wireline networks, providing low-cost transmissions at a respectable speed. Wireless communications hold great promise, but are currently costly, and standards are still being set. The modular communications architecture in Microsoft At Work-based handhelds will make efficient use of both wireline and existing wireless networks immediately, while being flexible enough to accommodate new approaches as they develop.

The Microsoft At Work-based handheld user interface will also develop with technology. By making use of many metaphors familiar to the Windows-based user, this pen-centric system is being custom-crafted to provide intuitive, reliable usage of highly portable devices. A fundamental problem with pen-based computing continues to be the low acceptability of handwriting recognition. While handwriting recognition is expected to improve in time, the Microsoft At Work-based handheld device will be highly usable before such improvements occur. Design goals include a simple navigation and selection system, which will allow most operations to be complete with the touch of a pen. The system will be trainable by the user, and background learning and explicit training sections can be made available. All of these factors make the handwriting recognition in the Microsoft At Work-based handheld a functional, reliable system today.

Extensive Third-party Support

Microsoft realizes the success of a computing system is dependent on its ability to provide solutions to a wide range of customers, and that encouraging third-party software and hardware support is the most effective way to do this. Microsoft will encourage such development through several channels. First, applications will be able to be built using the Microsoft At Work-based handheld software development kit (SDK) on any desktop PC. Second, the Microsoft At Work-based handheld SDK will support desktop development of mobile applications under all the most popular languages, including C, C++ and Assembler. Finally, the familiarity of Windows constructs will allow companies to port existing software to Microsoft At Work-based handhelds with a minimal amount of redesign or reeducation.

The Microsoft At Work-based Printer

With more than 25 million new PC printers introduced into the workplace in 1992 alone and an avalanche of more than 90 billion original paper documents created annually, it's DO surprise that the advent of the "paperless office" has been yet again delayed. Undoubtedly, occasions will always exist when there is no substitute for having information literally at your fingertips in the form of a paper document.

While the volume of paper we produce continues to Grow year by year, the complexity of those documents has also increased dramatically. The widespread acceptance of the Windows operating system and its graphically oriented applications has made it easier than ever for users to enrich the design and appearance of their documents by integrating scalable type, graphics and photographic images. But the process of printing these high-quality documents has not kept pace with rapidly escalating user expectations. At Microsoft, more than 25 percent of all calls received by the product support organization involve printing problems of one type or another--difficulty installing printers and their associated software, inability to access sophisticated printer features, lengthy delays in printing documents and mismatches between what appears on the PC display and what the printer actually produces on paper. Once again, the Microsoft At Work architecture offers solutions, effectively streamlining communication between the PC and the printer; Greatly simplifying users' control and access of printer features; and enabling faster, higher-quality and less costly printing products.

Key Benefits

Fast, Bidirectional Communications

Unlike many of today's copiers and fax machines, printers are already connected to PCs. The vast majority of these printers and PCs communicate over Centronics or parallel ports. Unfortunately, given the increased sophistication and complexity of many office documents and the increased performance capability of laser printer engines, transferring data over the parallel port has become a key performance bottleneck, severely limiting the speed and robustness with which the PC and printer can exchange information. Even more limiting is the fact that the parallel port has historically been a one-way communication path, meaning that the PC could transfer information to the printer, but the printer could never supply information about its status or operation back to the PC to inform users. The Microsoft At Work architecture for printers will resolve both of these problems, dramatically improving the speed at which data can be transferred over the parallel port and using new software components in both the PC and printer to enable full bidirectional communication, regardless of whether a printer is connected over the serial port, the parallel port or over a network.

Sound and Visual Feedback

Using bidirectional communication, the Microsoft At Work architecture will allow information to flow from the printer back to the PC, enabling users to monitor such things as the time required to finish the current print job, precise error conditions, and paper and supplies status on the PC screen. Exploiting the sound and Graphic capabilities of Windows, Microsoft At Work-based printers provide users with rich audio and visual feedback directly from the printer, forever eliminating the guesswork typically associated with printer operation. Users of Microsoft At Work-based printers will get instant, visual notification of vital printer information, such as low toner, no paper or jammed paper, as well as information about what to do about the problem in order to continue printing.

Simple Installation

By exploiting bidirectional communication capabilities, Microsoft At Work-based printers will deliver benefits to their owners even before the first page is printed. Once connected to a Windows operating system, the printer will be able to automatically instruct the host system to load the required printer driver and choose the optimum communication protocol. Thus, users will be liberated from having to choose from a myriad of installation options, and true plug-and-play functionality will be assured.

An Intuitive Graphical User Interface

Microsoft At Work-based printers will be tightly integrated with their Windows PC-based counterparts, using the PC's high-resolution graphics display to provide an interactive graphical user interface. Access and control of all printer features will be as easy as pointing and clicking a mouse, representing a dramatic improvement over the traditional printer control panel with its single-line liquid crystal display and confusing online and nested Menu buttons. Directly from the PC screen, users will be able to easily select and verify the printer's active paper source from simple dialog boxes; manage formatting options, such as print resolution, collating, informative header or trailer pages, and long- or short-edge binding; choose two-sided printing; and enhance images with multiple halftone settings, each with brightness and contrast options.

Faster Performance

By fully integrating the printing subsystem with the PC operating system, the communications channel and the Windows imaging model, Microsoft At Work-based printers will exploit Microsoft At Work rendering to enable PCs and printers to share work and information several times faster on the average than traditional page-description languages can do.

True What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG)

To guarantee true WYSIWYG, where the type, graphics, and colors that appear on the screen are the same as those printed on the page, Microsoft At Work-based printers will use the same font and imaging technology that Windows itself uses. This guarantees the highest level of fidelity between display and printed output, avoiding the inconsistent appearance and slow performance that some printers generate when forced to translate from the Windows imaging model to their own proprietary imaging language before printing requested documents.

Lower Cost

Microsoft At Work-based printers will do more than improve performance, simplify operation and expose new functions to their owners. They will also exploit tight integration with PCs to yield substantial cost savings to both users and manufacturers. The efficiency of the overall architecture will allow printers to be designed with less processing power, less memory, fewer buttons and controls and generally less expense--all while providing printer manufacturers with an enabling platform for new features and models.

Compatibility

The benefits of the Microsoft At Work architecture for printers are not just limited to future printer designs. As with other Microsoft At Work-based devices, Microsoft and others are already hard at work extending the benefits of this new technology to the large installed base of existing printers. In fact, the first implementation of a Microsoft At Work-based printer is already shipping: the Microsoft Windows Printing System cartridge is specifically targeted to extend the benefits of Microsoft At Work-based printing to the more than 7 million HP D laser printers that customers already own.

The Microsoft At Work-based Copier

The copier is a ubiquitous device in the office. The majority of documents that reach someone's hands in final form have gone through a copier to get there. Yet little attention has been paid to how the copier is used or how it could be better used in the modern office. Part of the reason for this is the analog nature of today's copiers. Copiers today literally take a photograph of a document and reproduce it over and over again. While efficient, this process has a number of shortcomings:

** Since the print engine in the copier doesn't take digital input, users must print documents before copying. This is a time-consuming process, especially if the printer is occupied.

** There is no way to integrate communications into today's copiers so that they function as document distribution tools, because they cannot receive, print, store or send image data in the same way a fax machine does today. As a result, the typical mail room has a copier and a fax machine standing side by side, when one device could easily play both roles.

** Little special processing can be done on the documents beyond simple reduction and enlargement. For example, users today who want to create numbered copies must do so by hand, stamping each page of each copy, when overlaying this information on each copy of a digital document could be a simple task.

This process will change in the future. Digital technology is finding its way into the world of copiers, and with it comes a wealth of new functionality. Microsoft At Work-based digital copiers will be a family of monochrome and color copiers that will enhance the copier's existing role as a focal point for document distribution in the modern office. Key features include the following:

Key Benefits

Ease of Use

As with other Microsoft At Work-based devices, copiers will use a touch-sensitive graphical user interface to give users access to advanced document imaging and output management functions. Online, context-sensitive help will eliminate annoyingly common experiences, such as putting letterhead paper stock in upside down and backward. Users will be able to preview document appearance on the screen before printing, avoiding errors such selecting the wrong output paper size.

Desktop Connectivity

From their favorite word processor, users will be able to print 10 copies, double-sided, stapled and sorted. All imaging and output handling options will be directly and easily accessible. Users will also be able to save a copy of the document on a copier's mass storage so that others can walk up and make a quick reprint from the digital original whenever they need to.

Document Distribution

Users will be able to publish documents to all recipients directly from a PC application. For example, users will be able to create a cc: list in their word-processing document. When users select "publish," the job will be sent to the copier. Copies for local recipients will be printed on the copier with a header that identifies the recipient. Copies for people in offsite locations will use the messaging functionality shared with Microsoft At Work-based faxes to transmit the document to fax machines or other remote copiers for final printing and distribution.

True WYSIWYG Color and Monochrome Reproduction

Today's printing devices often produce output that looks significantly different from what one sees on a computer screen. This is caused by at least one of two potential problems. First, output may be transformed into a page-description language, and sometimes information gets lost in the process. Second, there may be no calibration between the different output devices. This second problem is particularly prevalent in color devices, where the capabilities of different input and output devices vary greatly. Microsoft At Work rendering solves these problems. First, it will use an imaging model that is compatible with the Windows imaging model. Second, it will use a color model that is compatible with the color model being added to Windows. By implementing imaging and color models that are compatible with Windows, the Microsoft At Work-based copier will be able to guarantee that colors you see on your screen or in the original document will be exactly matched on the printed page.

Image Editing

Digital imaging, coupled with a well-structured software environment, will greatly increase the types of special document-processing features that are possible on Microsoft At Work-based devices. For example:

** Image filters will eliminate stray marks on documents.

** It will be possible to insert overlays to automatically number copies, stamp documents as confidential or add company logos.

** Color accenting or other techniques will be available to emphasize a selected portion of the document.

** Edge-detection algorithms will be available to blow up a portion of a document. For instance, users will be able to select an article in the newspaper by circling it. The copier would identify the area to be enlarged and would reprint the circled area as a full-page image.

** Optical character recognition filters (typically from third parties) will convert analog text information into digital information.

** It will be possible to cut and paste areas from one document into another. Other areas can be deleted.

** It will be possible to merge two documents into one at high speed; for instance, in a mail merge, addresses will be placed at the appropriate point in form letters.

On-demand Reproduction

Users will be able to store copies of documents in the copier's mass storage media or on other LAN-connected servers. When a quick copy is needed, users will be able to walk up, access the document and print the number of copies required. This capability will be used by companies to maintain frequently used documents, such as expense forms, time sheets, product catalogs and employee procedures, for easy access and storage. With PC file systems and file formats on all copiers, walk-up users also will be able to insert a floppy disk into the copier to get copies.

Remote Administration and Diagnostics

As with other Microsoft At Work-based office machines, copiers will be managed remotely using simple PC administration tools. Administrators will be alerted whenever a problem such as a paper jam or paper outage occurs. The copier also will have a built-in diagnostic engine that uses a powerful inference model to determine the most likely cause of trouble and shows users how to resolve the problem. Technicians also will be able to access the copier and run diagnostics remotely.

What is the Microsoft At Work Architecture?

The Microsoft At Work architecture is the foundation for a new line of intelligent office machines comprising many hardware configurations and many product feature packages. Product lines based on this architecture will grow and change over time, so the architecture must accommodate both the creation of products in the near term that will excite buyers and accommodate future products.

The Microsoft At Work architecture is a layered, modular software architecture: Each major software element has a well-defined applications programming interface (API) and communication paths between elements are minimized where possible. A small software layer of abstraction has been built between the hardware and the great majority of the software elements, permitting hardware changes to be made invisibly to the software above the abstraction layer. The operating system provides real-time services, such as pre-emption, and its interfaces are compatible with those of the Microsoft Windows operating system. So the applications that provide Microsoft At Work architecture-based machines with new features will be created just like PC applications: quickly, easily and cost-effectively. The combination of modularity, speed and Windows-based compatibility make the Microsoft At Work architecture an excellent platform for office machines today and in the future.

The architecture components consist of an operating system, communications, rendering, graphical user interface and desktop software.

Microsoft At Work Operating System

The Microsoft At Work operating system is a modern operating system that will support the real-time communications needs of office automation and telephony systems. It has the following key features:

** Pre-emptive, real-time support. Communication devices such as fax machines and phones are distinct from personal computers in that they have critical real-time needs. Consequently, the software in these devices must attend to communication hardware such as modems very frequently, so that pieces of the communication are not lost. To support this need, the operating system was designed to be able to put other processes "on hold" temporarily in order to service the communication hardware before continuing other functions.

** Small footprint. The operating system has been designed to be very small so that the memory requirements of these devices are kept as small as economically possible.

** Compartmentalized. Like the Windows operating system, the Microsoft At Work operating system is designed so that interfaces to hardware, such as printers, scanners and touch screens, are well-defined and so that software unique to the particular hardware is collected together in special "device driver" software routines, providing two benefits to developers and to end users. First, it provides a simple way to deliver a very broad array of products to the marketplace. For example, it makes it easy to create a Microsoft At Work-based telephone product line with a low-end model that makes use of a small, monochrome display and a more full-featured model that might make use of a larger display or even a color display. The second advantage is that the operating system allows developers to very quickly introduce new models when new hardware becomes available, because they need to modify only a single piece of software. These two benefits translate into broader product lines and more cost-effective solutions for end users.

** Extensible. The software is designed to allow both manufacturers and customers to add new features. For example, local area network connectivity will be able to be added easily by installing an optional LAN hardware module and a software driver. Additional memory will be able to be added to the system, and the system will automatically make use of this memory. New image-processing software and communications protocols will be able to be added on the premises, and it will even be able to be done over the phone line, allowing manufacturers to create basic models that can be enhanced in many different ways to fit the needs of different user groups.

** Windows-based, PC-compatible development environment. The operating system presents APIs that are compatible with those found in the Windows operating system. Consequently, the more than 300,000 software developers that know how to develop software for Windows will know how to develop software for Microsoft At Work-based devices. In addition, the broad array of tools available to develop software for Windows can be used to develop software for these devices. In fact, software can even be developed on the PC and then downloaded to Microsoft At Work-based devices for testing.

Having a Windows-compatible programming environment also means that the Microsoft At Work operating system can leverage software from the Windows environment. For example, Microsoft At Work-based handheld systems will include the run-time library of the Microsoft Visual Basic programming system, which allows software developers to create software applications simply. Additionally, software from the Windows operating system can be integrated into the Microsoft At Work operating system. For example, the Open Database Connectivity interface can be added to give these devices rich database connectivity.

Microsoft At Work Communications

Microsoft At Work communications will provide two important capabilities:

** Rich, secure transmission of digital documents (messaging) between any two Microsoft At Work based devices, whether office machines or PCs.

** Strong control and feedback capabilities between Microsoft At Work-based devices and PCs.

The actual communication methods used to carry out these functions can be divided into two categories: message-based communication (used to store and forward messages between devices) and interactive communications (used to communicate back and forth in real time). Both of these methods are discussed below. The elegance of the Microsoft At Work communication services is that either method will be able to be employed on any communication media that is available, including serial ports, parallel ports, fax modems, data modems, LAN connections, etc.

Message-based Communication

The Microsoft At Work message protocol will provide for the exchange of messages and documents from anywhere to anywhere over any communication media, including the public-switched telephone network. It will allow any two users with a PC fax board, fax server or fax machine to exchange either editable or high-quality "published" documents with the following key features:

** Digital document transmission. The message protocol will allow users to exchange digital documents that do not degrade over time. These documents will be in one of two forms: either high-quality "published" form using the Microsoft At Work rendering technology (described below), or as an editable document. The ability to send any editable, binary file to other Windows-based users over simple phone lines is a powerful enabler of wide-area workgroup computing. For example, corporations could send invoices and billing information in editable form to their suppliers, which would enable those suppliers to automatically download that information into their accounting systems. Companies could also send automatic updates to online product catalogs for their sales forces.

** Security. The Microsoft At Work message protocol employs a powerful form of security called public key/private key encryption, which will allow users to encrypt documents before transmission, so that only the intended recipient can read the document when received. It also will allow users to request that the recipient be "authenticated" before the message is delivered to ensure that the document is delivered only to the intended recipient. Finally, users will be able to include a "digital signature," which can be used to verify that the document sent is authentic.

** Capabilities exchange. When a Microsoft At Work-based device connects to another Microsoft At Work-based device, the capabilities of those devices, the capabilities of the communication hardware, support for color or not, etc., will be exchanged so that the sender can create the best possible document format for the recipient. These capabilities will be stored by the sender so that they can use them in future transmissions. We've also defined the capabilities exchanged in an extensible fashion so that as printing devices, scanners, personal computer and communication hardware capabilities expand, so will the capabilities of the message protocol.

** Compatibility with standard fax machines. Any solution that ignores the 20+ million fax machines worldwide will be much less useful. That's why the message protocol is designed to be backward-compatible with existing fax machines. If a message is sent to such a machine, the document will be converted into a form understood by those machines. Of course, some capabilities, such as high-resolution rendering and security, are lost in communications with these machines.

** Integration with Windows messaging. The Microsoft At Work message protocol interfaces with the Windows Messaging API (MAPI). Consequently, users will be able to send and receive messages to and from Microsoft At Work-based devices through any MAPI-enabled e-mail software. Microsoft At Work-based message recipients are just a different recipient type whose address happens to be name plus phone number. Another important benefit of this integration is that users will be able to send messages to e-mail and Microsoft At Work-based recipients seamlessly. Finally, integration with MAPI means that all mail-enabled applications will be able to automatically make use of the Microsoft At Work message protocol with no modifications.

The same MAPI technology is implemented on Microsoft At Work-based devices as well, so we will be able to leverage advances in messaging that are added to MAPI on the desktop (e.g., the ability to have multiple communication "transports," or communications methods, operable at the same time) on Microsoft At Work-based devices. In addition, software developers will be able to leverage their understanding of MAPI on the desktop to develop applications for Microsoft At Work-based devices.

** Device control and feedback. The Microsoft At Work message protocol will also be able to be used to control any functions of the Microsoft At Work-based devices over LAN connections, serial connections and even phone lines, allowing users to download new address books, change options and settings, and even load new software remotely. The protocol also supports the return of device status to the user. For example, a Microsoft At Work-based device can inform a user that it is experiencing difficulties such as paper jams or persistent communication problems.

Bidirectional, Interactive Communication

Interactive communication will provide real-time device control and diagnostics. It will allow users and software to control all functions of the Microsoft At Work-based system remotely and provide feedback on system status. For example:

** A Microsoft At Work-based fax machine will also be able to operate as a desktop scanner. A scanning application operating on a user's PC would instruct the device to scan the paper and return the scanned image to the application over a serial, parallel, enhanced parallel (i.e., Enhanced Call Processing), or even a LAN connection.

** The Microsoft Windows Printing System uses interactive communication to determine printer capabilities, to tell users the current status of print jobs, and to inform users of current printing problems.

** Microsoft At Work-based fax machines and copiers will use interactive communication to perform remote diagnostics so that repair specialists and even users can determine the source of system problems.

Microsoft At Work Rendering

The dream of the "paperless office" will probably remain just a dream. Even in the most highly integrated modern office, documents will continue to play a key role. Therefore, printing is critical to the efficiency of the entire office. The most important requirement is the ability for any office device (fax, copier or PC) to efficiently and cost-effectively produce high-quality printed output. Regardless of the actual output device, the best printing technology is of vital importance.

After carefully examining developers' and end users' needs, Microsoft decided to approach the challenge from an overall system perspective, looking at how PCs and printing devices can cooperate to produce better results. The solution is Microsoft At Work rendering, which is at the core of both the Microsoft Windows Printing System and the Microsoft At Work architecture. Essentially, rendering extends the definition of "the system" to encompass the Windows operating system, the Windows imaging model, the CPU/memory on the PC, the CPU/memory on the printing device and the communication channel. Microsoft At Work rendering has been optimized for the capabilities and limitations of all of these elements. Key attributes include the following:

** Harnesses the CPU and memory on the host. Rendering improves performance and reduces printer costs by harnessing the CPU and memory resources on both host and printer. By optimally dividing the print job between host and printing device, performance will be maximized, and any printer will be able to print any page, no matter how complex.

** Creates a more efficient document printing and transmission format. Rendering describes pages in terms of "resource primitives," which will closely mirror the internal graphics routines, referred to as "GDI," used by the Windows operating system. This will have three key benefits to the user:

1. Eliminates the majority of the processing required to translate from GDI to PostScript, PCL, bitmap or other page representations, decreasing processing time on the PC.

2. Because the "resources" are readily executable on the printing device, rendering will eliminate the inefficiencies of parsing and interpreting a more complex printing language on the printing device, which will increase printing sped and reliability.

3. Because rendering takes full advantage of the redundancy found in most documents (for example, the letter "e" is found over and over again in a document), it will create fax messages that are much smaller than those generated by traditional fax machines (sometimes by a factor of ten), drastically reducing transmission time and line charges.

**  What You Print Is What You Fax Is What You Copy Is What You See. Since Microsoft At Work rendering is so much more efficient than other page representations, there will be no need to sacrifice drawing in order to improve performance. In addition, rendering leverages the font technology that Windows has built in. The result is true WYSIWYG--always.

Microsoft At Work Graphical User Interface

Microsoft At Work-based devices will use a common graphical user interface so that they are easier to use and so that all device features are accessible. The guiding principles in the design of these user interfaces include the following:

** Use graphics to provide more information to the user. A picture replaces a thousand words. Through the use of graphics, Microsoft At Work-based systems will be able to rapidly show the user exactly what is happening. For example, the Windows Printing System can already provide rich information about the effect of different printing options by showing that effect on a sample document. A Microsoft At Work-based phone will provide a view into users' voice mail boxes, showing them how many messages have been received, who each message is from and any special handling instructions that were requested.

** Use graphics to provide context and feedback. Microsoft At Work user interfaces will change based on the tasks that users are performing. Only options that are appropriate to a particular activity will be presented. Visual feedback will tell users what is happening and will prompt them for more information where appropriate.

** Provide a consistent look and feel across devices. Using a common set of controls and graphical metaphors across all devices will mean users who are familiar with one device will be familiar with them all, saving training and task execution time.

** Use graphics in a way that is appropriate for the application. Some applications will reside on the device, some on the PC and some on both. The key is to use the interface in the most appropriate, cost-effective manner to help users.

Microsoft At Work Desktop Software

All Microsoft At Work-based products will include desktop software that fully integrates these devices into users' desktop computing environments. For example:

** Remote administration applications will let users change system options and download new software and other system resources remotely.

** Windows Messaging API and Windows Telephony API-compatible drivers and transports will integrate devices' rich communication functions into the desktop.

** Printer drivers will give users access to all printing options available on the devices.

** Handheld software will synchronize the information on handhelds with the information on PCs.

What Is Microsoft's Role?

In November 1990, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates described the company's vision for the future of Microsoft and its corporate mission. Entitled Information At Your Fingertips, this statement of direction embodies the vision of the personal computer as an indispensable information appliance. However, Information At Your Fingertips involves far more than personal computers. Its far-reaching goals imply change and innovation in all aspects of technology. Above all, Information At Your Fingertips speaks to the integration of many diverse information sources into an accessible and easy-to-use communications infrastructure. Stated simply, it is the ability to get the information we need quickly and easily, when and how we need it, from wherever it resides.

The Microsoft At Work architecture is the next logical step in Microsoft's effort to deliver on the Information At Your Fingertips vision. Microsoft At Work-based devices will concentrate on the enhancement and integration of familiar office products into an underlying information framework.

Microsoft will contribute its software expertise and its understanding of the form and importance of industry standards to the Microsoft At Work architecture effort. Clearly, Microsoft alone cannot bring about the necessary level of product innovation and development to make the Microsoft At Work architecture successful. Those building Microsoft At Work-based products are an equally important element in the overall success of the effort.

Microsoft's expertise to this end is in software technology and usability. Microsoft is in a unique position to help tie all the diverse elements of the Microsoft At Work architecture together. The company's broad view of industry requirements will be invaluable in making the Microsoft At Work architecture practical.

Microsoft fully expects the depth and strength of product innovation based on the Microsoft At Work architecture to result in the development of a wide variety of high-quality products. Many existing companies will be successful in this market. Many new companies with products that we cannot yet envision will also make a significant market impact.

Microsoft believes the workplace of the future will be a more efficient, cost-effective and functional place--one in which the talent and creativity of individuals will be truly enhanced by the immense technological capabilities that the Microsoft At Work architecture can deliver.

Several Years From Now

" Jim, I faxed you the purchase order this afternoon. Sign it and fax it back, so we can get going. Talk to you soon. " Jim turns to his PC and checks his message box. Sure enough, there's the fax. He double-clicks on the document and reads through it. At the end of the document, Jim embeds a copy of his digital signature in the designated space. A couple of more clicks and the document is queued for transmission back to the vendor tonight. He checks his watch. It is already 7 p.m. on the East Coast. They won 't see it until tomorrow. He clicks on the Use Cheap Rates option and sends the document. It used to be a lot harder than this...

Jim stands at a pay phone in the airport, handheld system open and ready. He taps his way through the dialog boxes on the screen and waits for the connection to his office computer. Because it is almost time to board his flight, he sets the filter to look for specific messages to reduce transmission time and costs. Any other messages can be dealt with first thing in the morning when he is back in the office. The list of messages pops up on the screen. Bob says Carol needs a quick call this afternoon. Jim smiles. He used to have to shuffle through pockets, travel documents and briefcase looking for slips of paper with people's phone numbers. He touches the Phone Book button on his handheld and holds his thumb on the scroll bar. N ... P ... R ... Ra ... Re ... Robinson. There it is: 212.555.5555. Second message. The partners need a copy of the Memphis proposal routed to everyone tonight, in order to get it read and approved by the end of the week. Jim sends a copy of the document from his handheld to the office copier, addressed to each team member. Time to get on the plane. Jim taps the Hang Up button and slips the handheld into his pocket. It used to be a lot harder than this ...

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of computing every day.

----------------------------------------------------------------- The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.

This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT.


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410/243-0797,   Fax: 410/243-0982


Tool Finder/Plus Computerized Swr Directory
TOOL FINDER/PLUS (tm) is a computerized directory of the latest commercially available software development tools from vendors around the world. For a limited time, a fully-functional trial copy listing over 1100 tools can be obtained for $10.

TOOL FINDER/PLUS covers all types of software (commercial, technical, real-time, client-server, etc.), all development tasks (analysis, design, programming, testing, estimation, metrics, CM, project management, GUI building, etc.), all methods and notations (structured, object-oriented, information engineering, real-time, etc.) and all platforms (UNIX, PC, midrange, mainframe). The database contains detailed descriptions of product capabilities and useful vendor background and contact information.

All tools are cross-referenced by 14 different categories of attributes, or facets, which together have over 700 different selector values. The categories include application domain, development task, method or notation, and supported hardware, operating systems, databases, TP monitors, network protocols, languages, user interfaces, application communication standards, computer architecture standards, tool interoperability standards and compatibility with other specific products.

Built-in search capabilities help you find the tools you need based on any logical combination of the selectors which you can pick from choice lists (no typing required). You can also do product or vendor name searches, and arbitrary keyword searches. Lists of selected tools can be printed, and detailed tool and vendor descriptions can be printed or exported as ASCII files.

TOOL FINDER/PLUS also contains references to comprehensive product evaluations and cross-comparisons. TOOL FINDER/PLUS is continuously updated, and new editions are published in January and July of each year.

TOOL FINDER/PLUS runs on any IBM PC or compatible with 640K memory and 6 MB of available disk storage (although a 386 or better and 4Mb memory is recommended for performance). It runs standalone under MS-DOS 3.0 or higher (or OS/2 in DOS mode), and has its own windowing system with point-and-click mouse support. The product is distributed on 5-1/2 inch IBM high-density (1.2MB) format diskettes and comes with a user's guide. There is also an on-line help and tutorial system. (Sorry, not yet available on UNIX or Macintosh).

Normally, TOOL FINDER/PLUS sells for $195. During this trial period, we are offering the January, 1993 edition of TOOL FINDER/PLUS to USENET subscribers for only $10, which covers the cost of manufacturing, handling and postage. For persons living outside North America, there is an additional $10 shipping charge. This is a one-time offer and limited to one copy per person. Future updates may be purchased for $195, single user. Site licenses are also available.

TOOL FINDER/PLUS is produced by CASE Consulting Group, publishers of the CASE OUTLOOK (R) international journal on Computer-Aided Systems Engineering since 1987.

TO ORDER, send check or money order for $10 ($20 outside North America) with your NAME AND POSTAL MAILING ADDRESS to:

CASE Consulting Group

11830 Kerr Parkway, Suite 315

Lake Oswego Oregon 97035 U.S.A.

VISA, MasterCard and American Express credit card orders are also accepted. Mail or FAX credit card orders must include the cardholder's name, valid CC number, expiration date AND POSTAL MAILING ADDRESS.

Tel:     1-800-775-6880 in the U.S.A.

        +1-503-245-6880 outside U.S.A.

Fax:    +1-503-245-6935

Email:  g.forte@compmail.com

   or   gforte@well.sf.ca.us

Sorry, we cannot accept purchase orders, wire transfers, or checks drawn on foreign banks for this special offer. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery (3 weeks overseas).


ELCUT 2D Finite Element Analysis System
TOR announces ELCUT 3.0A -- a 2D Finite Element Analysis System for PC.

ELCUT is a simulation package, which solves plane and axisymmetric problems of electrostatics, nonlinear DC magnetics, current flow, nonlinear heat transfer and stress analysis. ELCUT is able to solve problems of up to 100,000 degrees of freedom on almost any IBM compatable personal computer.

ELCUT was developed to make field calculations maximum fast, easy and intuitive clear. After 3 hours playing with ELCUT, you can solve quite complicated problem in 15 minutes.

ELCUT prices vary from $950. to $3950. dependently on simulation packages included. All packages are $5950. The cost of university site license is $500. per year.

The educational version of ELCUT (500 degrees of freedom) is available as a shareware for educational use and evaluation from the SIMTEL20 archive and its mirrors. At WSMR-SIMTEL20.Army.Mil and OAK.Oakland.Edu: pd1:<msdos.plot>ELCT30A[1-4].ZIP.

ELCUT COMPONENTS

With the model editor, you can define a finite element model quickly, easily, and completely in the ELCUT preprocessing phase. You also can import model fragments from AutoCAD or other CAD system. You can easily control the mesh density at several significant points. The smooth mesh in the whole region is produced automatically and very quickly.

The interactive postprocessor will help you to analyze the results with various forms of presentation: field lines, color maps, X-Y plots, etc., calculate different surface and volume integral quantities in the contours of arbitrary shape. It also can produce the tabulated output to a file for subsequent use in your own program.

The solvers based on an innovative Domain Decomposition method are 10 to 50 times faster than any analogous program for PC. Optimum domain decomposition is produced automatically at the preprocessing stage.

Specific time expences for solving linear magnetic problem of 50,000 nodes on different PC platforms are as follows:

     PC/AT-286/287 (16MHz, 2Mb RAM):     45 Min.

     PC/AT-386/387 (25MHz, 8Mb RAM):      8 Min.

     PC/AT-486     (33MHz, 8Mb RAM):    3.5 Min.

HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

Computer:    A 286, 386 or 486 based IBM PC/AT compatible.

Coprocessor: Intel 80287 or 80387 math coprocessor.

Memory:      640K minimum, 2MB recommended (1MB extended),

             4-8MB recommended for huge problems.

Display:     EGA, VGA color or LCD monochrome.

Mouse:       Microsoft mouse or 100% compatible.

System:      PC-DOS or MS-DOS (Rev. 3.3 or above).

TOR Cooperative Enterprise produces CAE/FEA software for PC, which incorporates Russian programming quality with achievements of Russian school of linear algebra.

     TOR Co-op.

     6 Uglovoj per.,

     St.Petersburg, 198052 Russia

     +7-812-292 1965

     +7-812-110 1334 fax

     Internet Email: mazin@tor.spb.su


Globalink Translation System
The Globalink Translation System produces a rough translation to and from English and either German, French, or Spanish.  A Russian to English version is also available.  With functions similar to mainframe systems, this machine translation system:

- runs on PC's, Apple Macs, and SunOS 4.1.x,

- analyzes complete sentences (syntax),

- processes phrases and idioms (semantic units),

The system design is based on R&D that was originally done in the 1950's to produce a rough translation from Russian into English.  Globalink has transferred this design to microcomputers.  This system is not only an electronic dictionary, but also parses sentences by parts of speech, transfers the sentence structure to the target language, and then generates the sentence in the target language.  The parsing and generation algorithms are proprietary.  These algorithms have access to dictionaries of both single words and semantic units.  There is much research in this field today, but this design has been proven over the years on mainframe systems.  Thousands of these packages have been sold and are in use.

Intended for processing volumes of technical text (at least 100-200 pages per year), this system is useful to international organizations and firms trying to:

- reduce time to market,

- reduce costs,

- improve service, and

- improve quality of communications.

Particularly for software and communications companies, this system is  useful for producing rough translations of documentation, tutorials, brochures, release notes, and support notes.  Depending on your CPU, you can process up to 20,000 words per hour.  Note that you still need skilled translators to post-edit your text before publication, for  example to resolve double-meanings of words.

Most of all, the quality of the rough translation depends on the quality of the source text and on how well you tune the dictionaries with your own terminology.  For optimum international readability, brief, simple sentences with the active voice are recommended.  This writing style  improves the readability of text written in almost any European language. A possible companion product, Grammatik from Reference Software, is also recommended for measuring the average number of words per sentence and the percentage of sentences written with the active voice.  Some international firms, such as Xerox, have even defined a "controlled language" for technical writing in English, to improve readability and translatability of technical texts.  Purveyors of similar machine translation systems have done research and concluded that when skilled and trained translators use a machine translation system, they can at least double their output, for example from 8-10 pages per day to 16-20 pages per day, depending on the specific text and their training. With markets and organizations becoming ever more international, a machine translation system can be useful to you in reducing your time to market, reducing your costs, and improving your service and communications.

Founded in 1987, Globalink, Inc. is focussed on machine translation with the objective of offering high-quality translation software for microcomputers.  The company also offers translation services.  For more information about Globalink and Globalink software, contact:

Globalink, Inc. 9302 Lee Highway, 12th Floor Fairfax, VA  22031 USA

(703) 273-5600 x106 - voice;    (703) 273-3866 - fax

In continental Europe, Software and Services International offers  services for Globalink software customers, including evaluation assistance, installation, on-site training, technical support, and integration consulting (OCR's and publishing systems).  We also offer contract technical documentation services.  For more information about these services and Globalink software in continental Europe, contact:

Software and Services International

Kurfuerstenanlage 61

D-69115  Heidelberg Federal Republic of Germany

+49 (6221) 16 43 68 - voice

+49 (6227) 34 17 18 - fax


Ilog Views Advanced Tool for GUI Development
Ilog Views works with Standard GUI Builders to make Complex Graphics Possible

ILOG VIEWS is an an advanced tool for building interactive, graphic-intensive applications.  It is a development tool that augments traditional GUI builders with a library of reusable and extensible graphical objects that enable the display and manipulation of complex data.  It is written in C++ and provides the on-screen display of 10,000s of graphic objects per second -- with very low memory requirements -- on standard PCs and workstations.

ILOG VIEWS enables graphics-intensive applications such as air traffic control, simulation in C3I, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), network monitoring, trading-floor automation, and CASE editors.

ILOG VIEWS will debut at ObjectWorld, Booth #431, June 15 - 17, 1993, at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center. ILOG will also hold a product briefing on Tuesday, June 15 at 1:15 p.m. in Theater #2 at the Convention Center.

Object Oriented, Layered Architecture

ILOG VIEWS is based on a true object-oriented architecture, which separates visual aspects from objects' behavior to provide users with class reusability and programming flexibility.  ILOG VIEWS offers a layered architecture, including:

% Drawing primitives, such as basic shapes, resource management,

  event handling, and PostScript support

% Graphic objects, such as predefined classes of 2-D

  graphical objects and icons, efficient duplication of nested

  objects, and composing of complex objects into new classes

% View managers for creating multiple layered views, with

  flexible object behaviors, including rotation and zoom effects

% Advanced modules of predefined objects, such as charts, gauges,

  spreadsheets, drawing and graphs editors, and standard dialogs.

Integrates with Standard Windowing Environments

ILOG VIEWS is provided as a C++ library in which classes are feature rich, efficient, and extensible, allowing for the rapid development of complex applications.  ILOG VIEWS offers a single API across windowing environments; the drawing primitives are independent of the platforms and graphics standards, which allows for immediate application portability across industry-standard windowing environments and hardware platforms.  The product complements Motif, Open Look, and Windows 3.0 widget sets and GUI builders.  C or C++ third-party widget libraries are easily integrated with ILOG VIEWS.  ILOG VIEWS is designed to integrate seamlessly with any existing or future applications running under X or Windows.

Pricing and Availability

ILOG VIEWS is currently available on Sun, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, DEC, and SGI workstations and is priced at $5,000 per development license. The PC version will be available in third quarter '93.  Ilog Views is sold through a direct sales force as well as through the Qualix Group, a leading Unix software distributor.

Qualix Group, 1900 S. Norfolk St. Suite 224, San Mateo, CA 94403

(415) 572-0200(v),  (800) 245-UNIX(v),  (415) 572-1300(fax)

info@qualix.com (email)


LEMIS - Free UNIX V.4.2 Software on CD-ROM
LEMIS -- Free Software CD-ROM for UNIX (R) System V.4.2

LEMIS announces the availability of a software CD-ROM for Intel-based implementations of UNIX System V.4.2. This CD-ROM contains over 600 MB of free software in source and binary form.

All text in the CD-ROM is in English. It is available from LEMIS at a price of DM 100, approximately $60.

Support -- That's right, you get support for this CD-ROM! Included in the price of the CD-ROM is the equivalent of DM 100 (approximately $60) worth of free phone, mail or fax support. See the documentation on the CD-ROM for more details.

Contents -- All products include relevant documentation. In addition, the jargon file, the text of `Zen and the art of the Internet' and some further documentation are included.

Ported software -- This software is supplied in directly installable pkgadd format. In addition, the complete source tree (including objects and correct Makefiles) is included. The installation of all ported software includes the applicable man pages. Ported packages are:

ImageMagick, SeeTeX, TeX, acm, agrep, astrolog, aXe, bash, bison, chess, chessbord, cperf, diff, ecc, elib, elm, emacs, expect, ezMenu, f2c, faces, fgrep, fileutils, find, flex, fontutils, gawk, gcc, gdb, gdbm, ghostscript, gnugo, grep, gsfonts, gzip, hpcdtoppm, indent, ispell, jewel, kaleidos, kit, less, m4, make, malloc, maze, mspawn, mtools, mush, oleo, oneko, para, patch, pax, pbmplus, perl, rolodex, screen, seyon, shellutils, spider, sxpm, tar, tcl, texi2roff, texfonts, texinfo, textutils, tk, transfig, trn, vgaset, wdiff, xalarm, xanim, xbomb, xbrowser, xcalendar, xdiary, xditview, xfig, xfishtank, xfm, xgas, xgrabsc, xinfo, xkal, xlander, xlife, xlimage, xlock, xman, xmandel, xmines, xmris, xpaint, xpeg, xphoon, xpilot, xpipeman, xpool, xroach, xswarm, xv, xviewgl, xwave, xworm

The following packages are supplied on the CD-ROM in source form only:

9660_u, GNU, ae, autoconf, bc, benchmarks, binutils, bnews, cnews, cpio, crashme, csh, cvs, DejaGnu, dld, elvis, finger, fortune, gas, ghostview, glibc, gmp, gnats, gnuplot, gptx, graphics, groff, gspreview, hearts, hello, ingres, libg++, mm, nethack, postgres, psutils, rcs, recode, regex, sed, shar, smalltalk, superopt, termcap, tile-forth, tin, tput, uucp, xdtree, xfractint, xmail, xpic, xvier, Xw

Supplier:

        LEMIS

        Lehey Microcomputer Systems

        Schellnhausen 2

        36325 Feldatal

        Germany

        Phone: +49-6637-1488

        Fax: +49-6637-1489

        Mail: lemis@lemis.de


Ipswitch Piper/IP for DOS & Windows TCP/IP
Ipswitch, Inc. is pleased to announce Piper/IP, a TCP/IP product for DOS and Windows that uses less than 1% of base memory.  The Piper/IP kernel runs in protected mode, above 1 MB.

Piper/IP Highlights

# Uses less than 1% of base memory (less than 6K)

# Transfers at up to 500 K bytes per second

# Complete set of TCP/IP utilities, plus NFS, NetBIOS, SNMP Agent

# Windows front end

# Broad 3rd party support, including:

     * SQL databases

     * Terminal emulators

     * X-Windows

     * Internet utilities

# Winsock interface

# Compatible with NetWare, VINES, LAN Manager, LAN Server

  and Windows for Workgroups

# Compatible with HIMEM.SYS, EMM386, 386MAX and QEMM

# Network-aware full-screen installation with on-line help

# Network-installable

Piper/IP's installation program is network-aware.  It recognizes NetWare, VINES, LAN Manager, LAN Server, Windows for Workgroups and Packet drivers and automatically configures Piper/IP to share the installed network driver and to run concurrently with the LAN. Piper/IP can also be installed from a file server, reducing installation time to five minutes per workstation.

Piper/IP's Telnet server lets users Telnet into a PC from any TCP/IP host.  When diagnosing users' configuration programs, administrators can, instead of having to walk to a given PC, just Telnet into it and have access to all of the configuration information needed to solve problems.  The Piper/IP Telnet server is also useful for individual users, who can connect to their PC from home or another office. Piper/IP also includes FTP, TFTP, RSH and REXEC servers.

Piper/IP's user authorization database helps prevent unauthorized access to the Piper/IP PC by encrypting passwords for Telnet, FTP and other Piper/IP servers.  With the Piper/IP PC physically stored in a secure location, access can be restricted to specific programs or directories for each user.  With Piper/IP's user authorization, a PC can be set up as an anonymous FTP server.

Piper/IP supports a wide variety of 3rd party products for Windows and DOS, including databases, X-Windows, terminal emulators and popular Internet utilities.

Piper/IP includes both an NFS client, with record and file locking, and an NFS server.

Piper/IP's NetBIOS lets NetBIOS applications run over TCP/IP, even across IP routers.  Because of this, NetBIOS applications can communicate across large, routed networks, including the Internet. The remote end does not need wide area NetBIOS support.

The Ipswitch Developer's Kit supports Microsoft and Borland C for developing Berkeley Sockets applications to run over both Piper/IP and Catipult, Ipswitch's NetWare to TCP/IP gateway.  Piper/IP and Catipult applications are binary-compatible.

System requirements:

   # A personal computer with an 80286, 80386 or 80486 processor.

   # 1.5 MB of memory

   # DOS 3.1 or greater.

   # An Ethernet, Token Ring or ARCnet network interface card with

     an NDIS, ODI, Packet or VINES driver.

Piper/IP is priced at $375 per PC.  A 5-pack sells for $1,195 and a 10-pack for $1,995.  Site license pricing for 20 or more users is available.

Ipswitch, Inc., 580 Main St., Reading, MA 01867

(617) 942-0621, Fax: (617) 942-0823


Foundation Mgr/Cornerstone Agent LAN Analyzers
ProTools Inc., announces the availability of Foundation Manager(tm) and Cornerstone Agent (tm) LAN analyzers. Part of the Network Control Series (NCS) line, the products implement IETF RMON MIB capabilities in a user-friendly, GUI/Window environment. ProTools products conform to all major Internet standards for network management - including MIB, MIBII and RMON.

ProTools received accolades in several reviews of LAN tools. DATA COMMUNICATIONS rated ProTools "excellent" under all catagories in the "Best Boxes" evaluation (January 21, 1993).

LANTimes rated ProTools "best all-around networking product" in a review of standalone network analyzers (January 20, 1992).

ProTools ships RMON-compliant products - first to do so, and first to ship Token Ring extensions to the RMON MIB. ProTools continues its firm commitment to standards-based network management solutions.

GUI

NCS offers a friendly Graphical User Interface in a multithreaded/multitasking environment. The Foundation Manager and CornerStone agent are designed to work alongside applications, such as spreadsheets and word-processors offering dual-use for x86 platforms.

Protocol Analysis/Decodes

NCS provides 7-layer protocol decodes including: TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Xerox XNS, Banyan Vines, SNA, ISO/OSI, DECnet & LAT, NetWare (NCP) (any custom protocol using VRL )

Network Consultant / HyperHelp

NCS provides a complete on-line consulting system to speed the isolation and remedy of network troubles and to assist first time users to become experts.

Expert help is offered for each protocol decode, and for many symptoms seen on networks. The help system includes an extensive glossary for over 400 networking terms.

The Network Consultant walks the user through network problem solving then *tunes* NCS Foundation Manager / CA behavior through this interaction, automating the Network problem solving effort. This 'user-guided' approach to network analysis is very effective.

Views

NCS provides comprehensive 'views' of the network. These include protocol decodes, bar charts, strip charts, dynamic mapping, host tables (including errors by host), and traffic matrices. Additionally, NCS products can exchange data dynamically with other applications for further analysis.

Alarms

NCS provides an 'auto-baselining' feature that measures nominal performance values entire LAN, as well as individual workstations. Alarms can be logged when associated thresholds are exceeded.

Alarms can be forwarded to IBM NetView, as well as SNMP-based network management platforms, beepers, or to user defined programs.

Programmable / VRL Development Environment

NCS contains an integrated development environment for creating user defined protocol decodes, analysis routines, and report generation. This object-oriented C-like language can call routines created by the user in virtually any other programming language. ProTools also offers custom development of protocol decodes.

ProTools Inc., Beaverton, OR. is a software development company specializing in LAN Network Analysis and Management systems.

ProTools, Inc., 14976 NW Greenbrier Parkway, Beaverton, OR 97006

(503) 645-5400;   (503) 645-3677 (fax)


Windows Apps Out-Sell DOS Apps for First Time
Windows Applications Out-Sell DOS Applications for First Time in North America

June 21, 1993 (Washington, DC) - The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today that sales of personal computer application software in the US and Canada reached $1.46 billion in the first quarter of 1993, an increase of 20% from the first quarter 1992. Unit sales grew by 26% in the same period.

"In this quarter, for the first time in the North American market, sales of Windows-based applications surpassed sales of DOS-based applications," said Ken Wasch, SPA's Executive Director. "In all four of the largest business-oriented application categories (word processors, spreadsheets, databases and presentation graphics), Windows applications out-sold DOS applications." For the quarter, Windows application sales were $669 million, up 114% from the prior period. DOS application sales fell 20% to $502 million.

The sales growth was fueled by the 112% increase in-the sales of databases, to a total of $164 million. "The sales jump in the database category can be attributed to the shipment of two major new relational database products," commented David Tremblay, SPA's Research Director. "In this quarter, there were the initial shipment of a major new Windows relational database application, and continued sales of another major new Windows database. Both products were offered with aggressive 'introductory' pricing. While press reports said these offers spurred sales in the quarter, it remains to be seen whether these sales levels can be sustained beyond the introductory period."

Word processors and spreadsheets remained the largest application categories, with sales of $203 million and $179 million, respectively. In the first quarter, the growth of these categories was limited, with word processors growing at 18% and spreadsheets at 7% over the prior year quarter. In both categories, strength in Windows products was offset by sales declines of DOS and Macintosh products.

Sales of consumer software continued the trend observed in 1992 - several consumer-oriented categories reported strong growth in the quarter. Sales of home education products were up by 86% from the first quarter, 1992, while sales of finance packages were up by 30%.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

Software publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


PeopleSoft Strategic Alliances for HRMS Swr
PeopleSoft Announces Four Strategic Alliances

Teams Up with New Partners to Expand Client/Server HRMS Offering

WASHINGTON, DC, June 14, 1993--PeopleSoft, Inc. (NASDAQ:PSFT) today unveiled four strategic partnerships that expand the functionality and capabilities of the client/server PeopleSoft Human Resource Management System (HRMS).

Specifically, PeopleSoft announced four products that are being integrated with PeopleSoft's client/server business software through joint marketing and development agreements with:

* Federal Liaison Services, Dallas, TX for payroll tax filing;

* MicroTrac Systems, Inc., Dedham, MA for resume scanning;

* TALX Corp., St. Louis, MO for voice response; and,

* Wyatt Software, Lake Oswego, OR for pension administration.

Paul Salsgiver, vice president of partnership programs, at PeopleSoft, Inc., commented, "Based on our commitment to providing the industry's best products and service, PeopleSoft is always listening to customers and looking for powerful new solutions that address their needs. Today's announcements are significant in that they enable PeopleSoft customers to integrate advanced product functionality in several important areas such as voice response, resume scanning, tax processing and pension administration."

Payroll Tax System -- Federal Liaison Services (FLS)

FLS provides an in-house software solution to customers for automated payroll tax processing, cash management, forecasting, internal controls, and tax compliance. PeopleSoft is developing an interface from its PS/Payroll product to the FLS Payroll Tax System to automate the data input process to FLS. In addition, FLS is providing an interface from its payroll tax product to the PeopleSoft Accounts Payable system, a component of PeopleSoft Financials, for automated tax payment processing.

Together PeopleSoft and FLS provide a solution which calculates the payroll tax payment due dates, provides management reports, and gives the user the ability to print all Federal and State withholding and unemployment returns. Customers are scheduled to be able to use FLS with PeopleSoft Payroll on Windows 3.1 PC clients by the end of 1993.

Resume Scanning -- MicroTrac Systems Inc

PeopleSoft will add state-of-the-art resume scanning capabilities to the PeopleSoft HRMS through an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with MicroTrac Systems, Inc. Under the terms of this agreement, PeopleSoft will resell MicroTrac's RESTRAC Resume Reader as a component of the PeopleSoft HRMS.

RESTRAC is a high-performance front-end system that enables corporate employment departments to scan, store and retrieve resumes up to ten times faster, and at a fraction of the cost, of manual or partially automated systems. It combines high volume scanning, imaging, optical character recognition and concept-based, full-text retrieval technology in one system.

By integrating Resume Reader with PeopleSoft's application tracking subsystem, users can quickly locate qualified applicants and fill open jobs. For example, a typical search of a pool of 10,000 scanned resumes can be conducted in under ten seconds, with applicant matches ranked in the most qualified order. Resumes can then be forwarded instantly to any office in a user's global human resources system via fax or electronic mail.

Scheduled for general availability from PeopleSoft by the end of 1993, MicroTrac has developed the interface for Resume Reader to the PeopleSoft HRMS for use on Microsoft Window 3.1 PC clients.

Voice Response--TALX Corporation

TALX ant PeopleSoft are jointly developing an interface from the TALX TeleFlex flexible benefits enrollment solution to PeopleSoft Benefits for flexible open enrollments. This interface will deliver voice response capabilities to PeopleSoft HRMS users. Available for enrollments this Fall, the TALX/PeopleSoft interface enables users to automatically enroll in a benefits program through voice response technology. The interface will support PeopleSoft Benefits on all supported database server platforms, and Microsoft Windows 3.1 PC clients. TALX and PeopleSoft plan to add interfaces for PS/HR, PS/Payroll and other PeopleSoft HRMS components.

TALX has been providing voice response systems for over ten years and is a leader in providing voice response solutions for human resources, payroll and time reporting, and health care. Popular applications include: flexible benefits enrollment, payroll reporting and inquiry, comprehensive employee benefits communications, and health care eligibility and coverage. pension Administration--Wyatt Software

Wyatt Software is a subsidiary of The Wyatt Company, an international human resources consulting firm. PeopleSoft and Wyatt are working jointly to link Wyatt's client/server WyPan Pension Administration System to PeopleSoft Human Resources (PS/HR), a component of the PeopleSoft HRMS. This interface will offer customers the first integrated approach to pension plan and human resource administration. Customers will have the option of running both applications on a common relational database or can maintain separate databases with an interface between them.

WyPen and PeopleSoft HRMS are both based on a true client/server architecture and were developed with modern application development tools and the Microsoft Windows client platform. WyPen is currently available for PS/HR on the Oracle and DB2 relational database server platforms.

About PeopleSoft, Inc.

Founded in 1987, PeopleSoft is a leader in the market for client/server business software. PeopleSoft develops and markets PeopleSoft Financials and PeopleSoft HRMS, integrated families of client/server business software, as well as PeopleTools, a family of client/server application development tools. The company differentiates itself on the basis of superior product functionality, technological innovation, and outstanding customer service. PeopleSoft has more than 200 world class customers in the manufacturing, transportation, technology, financial services, pharmaceutical, utility, transportation, education, and government sectors.

Products are sold through direct sales offices across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. PeopleSoft has marketing and development alliances with major hardware and software vendors including Digital Equipment, Groupe-Bull, Gupta, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, NCR, Oracle, Sequent, Sun, and Sybase. The company also has partnerships with major system integrators and consulting firms.

PeopleSoft, 1331 North California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

510-946-9460;  fax: 510-946-9461


AST Research Acquiring Tandy PC Manufacturing
AST RESEARCH INC. SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO ACQUIRE TANDY CORP.'S PERSONAL COMPUTER MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

IRVINE, Calif., May 26, 1993 -- AST Research Inc. (NASDAQ/NMS: ASTA) today announced that it has executed a letter of intent with Tandy Corporation concerning AST's purchase of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities relating to Tandy's personal computer manufacturing operations. The assets to be purchased will include GRiD, TandyGRiD Europe and computer manufacturing plants in Texas and Scotland. The specific assets to be purchased (which will exclude accounts receivable) and liabilities to be assumed will be detailed in a definitive purchase agreement to be entered into by the parties. The purchase price is estimated not to exceed $175 million. The consideration will be paid in the form of either cash and three-year promissory notes, or all cash, at the election of AST. It is currently anticipated that, after review of the assets to be purchased and liabilities to be assumed, a significant portion of the purchase price will be paid in the form of three-year promissory notes.

"We are pleased to announce the proposed acquisition of Tandy's personal computer operations," said Safi Qureshey, AST president and chief executive officer. "Tandy's strength in multimedia and pen-based technology strongly complements AST's existing product line-up. Also, the additional manufacturing capacity and purchasing leverage this transaction brings is important as AST continues to execute its market share capture strategy. "

According to the IDC, for calendar 1992 Tandy/GRiD Systems ranked seventh in U.S. personal computer vendors market share with 3.4% while AST ranked eighth with a U.S. market share of 2.8% .

Consummation of the transaction would be subject to, among other conditions, the entering into and approval by each company's Board of Directors of a definitive purchase agreement, and regulatory approvals. Subject to the above, the transaction is expected to close in July.

Company Background

Ranked number 367 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies, AST Research Inc. is a prominent market share holder in desktop, file server and notebook computers. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 35 international subsidiaries and sales offices. AST's corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355


PeopleSoft Client/Server Position Management
PeopleSoft Introduces Client/Server Position Management

Expands PeopleSoft HRMS Offering with New Functionality

WALNUT CREEK, CA, June 14, 1993--PeopleSoft, Inc. (NASDAQ:PSFT) today announced the addition of Position Management functionality to the PeopleSoft Human Resource Management System, PeopleSoft HRMS.

Available immediately for all supported platforms, Position Management enables customers to organize their human resource system by position instead of by employee. By focusing on the position itself, users can track information related to the position, such as a specific phone number or mail stop, whether or not an employee holds the position. PeopleSoft is the only HRMS vendor offering integrated Position Management functionality for true client/server, distributed processing environments.

Position Management is ideal for those large companies, including utilities and healthcare organizations, in which jobs and job descriptions change infrequently. Users always have access to position information because the system tracks data by position, not by the employees who fill those positions. Users can also access data specific to selected positions as the basis for organizational planning, recruitment, career planning and budgeting.

David Duffield, president, and chief executive officer of PeopleSoft, commented, "PeopleSoft continues to raise the bar with the best, new functionality for the HR industry. Position Management offers our customers a practical and flexible alternative to traditional human resource management systems organized by employee."

About Position Management

Position Management is a new component of the PeopleSoft Human Resource (PS/HR) product within the PeopleSoft HRMS family. Users can implement PS/HR using Position Management for the entire company or can choose partial Position Management for select departments or managerial levels.

Position Management tracks positions based on characteristics associated with the work to be performed, such as a location, department, responsibility and work schedule. Through these characteristics, PS/HR allows users to track data at a greater level of detail than by using job codes. Position Management uses an integrated, table-driven design to help-organizations keep an effective-dated history of all positions in the company, whether or not they are filled. Position Management enables users to perform the following six major functions:

* Create and Track Position Data--Companies can track and maintain historical and current information related to a position, whether or not an employee is in that position.

* Process Employee Appointments by Position--Assigning new employees to a position is a simple matter of linking a position number to an employee.

* Maintain Incumbent Data--Position Management automatically updates overlapping position information that appears in an incumbent's employee records when changes are made to position data.

* Maintain Organizational Structures--Establishing hierarchical information for an organization is easy--users can show reporting relationships by linking positions with the Reports to Position field.

* Budget for Positions by Department - Users can create departmental budgets at multiple levels, depending on the level of detail they want to see. Budgets can be set for a department as a whole, by job code, or by each position in a department.

* View Incumbent, Position, and Budget Histories--This gives users a quick way to get information on past and present incumbents, position, and budget data.

About PeopleSoft, Inc.

Founded in 1987, PeopleSoft is a leader in the market for client/server business software. PeopleSoft develops and markets PeopleSoft Financials and PeopleSoft HRMS, integrated families of client/server business software, as well as PeopleTools, a family of client/server application development tools. The company differentiates itself on the basis of superior product functionality, technological innovation, and outstanding customer service. PeopleSoft has more than 200 world class customers in the manufacturing, transportation, technology, financial services, pharmaceutical, utility, transportation, education, and government sectors.

Products are sold through direct sales offices across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. PeopleSoft has marketing and development alliances with major hardware and software vendors including Digital Equipment, Groupe-Bull, Gupta, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, NCR, Oracle, Sequent, Sun, and Sybase. The company also has partnerships with major system integrators and consulting firms.

PeopleSoft, 1331 North California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

510-946-9460;  fax: 510-946-9461


The Peter Norton PC Programmer's Bible

The Ultimate Reference to the IBM PC and Compatible Hardware and Systems Software

by Peter Norton, Peter Aitken, and Richard Wilton

632 pages, $29.95

ISBN: 1-55615-555-7

Pub. Date: June 1, 1993

A Peter Norton book without his picture on the cover! At first glance that's what THE PETER NORTON PC PROGRAMMER'S BIBLE from Microsoft Press seems to be missing. However a closer examination of the revised bestselling computer book classic does indeed reveal a likeness of the software industry legend without shirt-sleeves rolled up and arms folded!

Peter Norton's trademark pose was first seen on THE PETER NORTON PROGRAMMER'S GUIDE TO THE IBM PC in 1984. It quickly became the symbol for a youthful industry. Computers were about to change the world, and THE NORTON GUIDE became the primary reference for thousands of pioneering enthusiasts, students, and programmers. It was the first readable introduction to the technical underpinnings of the PC and was hailed as a valuable reference for anyone curious about how the PC works. More than a half million copies were sold through the first two editions.

Today the completely updated edition of this landmark book is back, better than ever. It provides fresh information for a whole new generation of computer enthusiasts eager to master the concepts of PC programming. And as was true of previous editions, it's not only for programmers. Anyone who is involved in or needs to understand the inner workings of the Intel microprocessor-based family of microcomputers will be able to use this book as a handy guide. Readers get detailed reference information as well as an overview of the philosophies, ideas, and techniques behind developing modern, high-performance PC software. One look inside explains why many of today's most prominent computer industry figures credit this book for sparking their interest in the computer age. Complete coverage includes:

Hardware -- Readers get a detailed description of the anatomy and function of each hardware component as well as information on the architecture, design philosophy, and interoperability of microprocessors and bus technologies, including the Intel Pentium' microprocessor and ISA, EISA, and Micro Channel bus technology.

Operating Systems -- The authors take the readers from the fundamentals to the important details about the latest and most widely used operating systems, including information on BIOS and MS-DOS services, user interfaces, message-driven architecture, and more. MS-DOS 6, Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows NT and OS/2 operating systems are covered.

Program Development -- Proven programming methods and techniques from seasoned experts are combined with an overview of four major programming languages and other powerful programming tools.

Reference -- Includes a BIOS function summary, an MS-DOS function summary, and information on hexadecimal arithmetic and ASCII characters. An annotated table of contents and a comprehensive index help readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book.

Peter Norton started his computer software career with an "undelete" program that would recover computer files that had been inadvertently erased. That became the core for the Norton Utilities the flagship product of Peter Norton Computing, now a part of Symantec Corporation. His books have been read by millions of computer users and programmers.

Co-author Peter Aitken has written extensively about computer hardware and software, with more than 60 articles and 14 books to his credit, including The Essential Guide to MS-DOS 5 Programming and the Microsoft Guide to Visual Basic for MS-DOS, from Microsoft Press, and the bestseller Teach Yourself C in 21 Days.

Co-author Richard Wilton has written about IBM PC and PS/2 programming for several different magazines and is the author of Programmer's Guide to PC and PS/2 Video Systems and Microsoft Windows 3 Developer's Workshop, from Microsoft Press.

THE PETER NORTON PC PROGRAMMER'S BIBLE is the first book in the Microsoft Press Programming Classics series. Programming Classics are thoroughly updated editions of milestone books that have had a significant impact on the art and science of software development. Each book in this series continues to be as relevant today as the day it was first published. Look for the Programming Classic emblem.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality computer books about Microsoft products. More than 10 million users at all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books to make learning and using software easier. Titles ranging from streamlined tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Press, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080


DiskDupe Makes High-Quality Disks

Cupertino, CA - June 1993 - Defective disks have long frustrated users who spend countless hours reconstructing the data that disappears when they fail. Now Micro System Designs' DiskDupe software can help PC users format and copy disks with the assurance that each disk is perfect.

The first step is deciding which diskettes to use. Name-brand diskettes come at a premium and can often be reserved for particularly sensitive data and essential backups. Bulk and generic-label diskettes vary in quality from one vendor to the next and are more likely to include disks with fringe defects - disks that top-of-the-line manufacturers discard. Sample several suppliers' products to find the highest quality disk in the desired price range; DiskDupe's thorough error-checking mechanism will efficiently separate the good disks from the bad.

As it copies, DiskDupe uses a test called a Verify to defend against bad disks. Verify's first line of defense is a CRC (Cyclical Redundancy Check) that detects 99.97% of all disk flaws, says Max Dunn, President of Micro System Designs. To achieve 100% accuracy it then compares the copied data with the original byte-by-byte, which detects hardware problems and the few flaws that a CRC could overlook.

Preformatted disks can speed up duplication dramatically, but should be used with caution. Some of the preformatted disks sold by vendors are in fact defective disks formatted with special drives that alter the disks' formatting in order to bypass the flaws. Though such a disk may function normally, it will almost certainly fail if it is formatted again in a regular drive. Use DiskDupe's Verify to detect these defects before entrusting the disk with data.

Carefully choosing a disk vendor and using Verify to screen out bad disks are only part of the process, ensuring proper operation of the hardware used to make the disks is just as important. The following tips are essential to making high-quality disks consistently:

* Do not use 5.25" 1.2Mb drives to copy 360k disks, if at all possible. Since a 1.2Mb drive writes a narrower data track than a 360k drive (more simply, they format differently), some 360k drives will not able to read these disks. This is less of a problem than in the past, since most computers have 1.2Mb drives that can read the 360k disks without difficulty, but to be on the safe side, copy (or at least format) 360k disks in a 360k drive.

* Clean disk drives frequently - every 500 disks or at least once a month. A disk's magnetic coating and the dust particles on it can accumulate on the drive head, preventing it from making good contact with the disk. A dirty drive head can produce disks that work erratically or cannot be read by other computers. Cleaning kits are inexpensive and include cleaning fluid and a cleaning disk. Regular use with DiskDupe's special cleaning cycle ensures good quality disks and prevents the dirt's abrasive action from wearing out the drive.

* Check the drive alignment - every 10,000 disks or at least once a year. If the read/write head is out of alignment, other computers might not be able to read disks written in that drive. Diagnostic kits can measure the alignment directly, but a good test is to copy a few disks in one drive and compare them to the original disk in other drives..

Since a machine is only as good as the person using it, DiskDupe strives to avoid human error by providing easy to-use pull-down menus, automatic disk and drive sensing, error messages in plain English, and command-line switches that can be used to write batch files to automate even complex duplicating tasks.

Yet even if every possible precaution is taken, disks, confronted with heat, magnetic fields, and accidental touches by the human hand, have been known to "mysteriously" go bad. But DiskDupe, available direct from Micro System Designs for $79, provides peace of mind that the disk is as perfect as can be when it goes out the door.

Micro System Designs, Inc

10062 Miller Ave, Suite 104, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-446-2066;  fax: 408-446-2095


Flying Fingers Typing Tutor for Windows
SAY GOODBYE TO TWO-FINGERED TYPING....

Watch your typing fly through the window with Flying Fingers, a unique Windows-based keyboard tutor for the PC, specially designed for those who want to speed up their wordprocessing. It's the ideal tool for today's office worker, the 'returner' or for anyone who wants to brush up on their keyboard skills.

Flying Fingers is available in English, French, Spanish and German; simply click on the flag relating to the language you prefer.

Flying Fingers will prompt and encourage even the most keyboard-phobic to practice and improve their key skills. Its lighthearted and fun approach takes the drudgery out of learning to type and acquiring the skills needed by today's professional. From simple typing to the layout of a memo Flying Fingers will fly you through every stage.

Europress Software have drawn on their ten years experience of producing educational software to produce this unique accelerated learning package for the PC. The result is a program which will teach, encourage and help even the most frustrated keyboard user to achieve the results they want, with little effort.

What has Flying Fingers got to offer?

* Available in four languages, English, French, Spanish and German, all in the same package.

* It's a Windows program which works in the background oin the PC - the user sets up the time they wish to use it and Flying Fingers will remind them when they should be practicing.

* Flying Fingers teaches basic typing and wordprocessing skills including correct document layouts.

* Flying Fingers will help set up targets to attain and offers rewards with games and fun animation sequences.

* Sampled sound effects, spot animation and funky music combine to create a lighthearted and fun atmosphere conducive to fast learning. These can be turned on or off according to the user's preferences.

* Artificial intelligence is used to determine the next lesson - no more learning by rote.

Flying Fingers is available for Windows 3.1 and above, cost is 34.99 British Pounds with an expected release date of September 3, 1993.

Europress Software

Europa House, Adlington Park

Macclesfield SK10 4NP UNITED KINGDOM

0625-859333;  fax: 0625-879962


MARKETING & ADVERTISING SERVICES CENTER

Gathering and distributing information to increase sales and/or brand recognition is often hampered by reduced or overloaded staffs and deadlines. The results are usually disasterous for growth even with the best marketing plan. The solution? Another "player".  The Marketing and Advertising Services Center (MASC) offers over 40 years of combined service in the marketing support arena. Our experienced, professional team is eager to help your business prosper utilizing the following tools:

* Inbound and outbound telemarketing (800 number) services.

  (Credit card veritication and authorization)

* Maintain computerized mail lists; insert materials for mailing

  and deliver mail to the post office.

* Order entry and fulfillment for a variety of literature, sales

  promotion materials, small products and premiums.

* Fulfill consumer rebate programs.

* Design, typeset, print and bind single or multicolor sales

  literature, brochures, folders, and price lists.

* Collate sales promotion kits; special mailings and binders.

At MASC one thing makes us unique - we welcome challenge. We encourage pro-active thinking, creativity and innovation. For example, the following are types of additional services we are planning to offer:

* User friendly PC based lead tracking and reporting

* Audiotex and Videotex (passive and interactive)

* AS/400 & PC programming

* Data file transfers

* Automated voice processing

* Interactive "real-time" data conferencing

* Electronic mail

* Remote online data reporting

* Fax on demand, fax publishing

We constantly strive to be an extension of your promotion department - without the hassles, time constraints and costs involved in the management of an in-house marketing group. We look forward to growing with your winning team and its changing needs.

Marketing & Advertising Services Center Corp

10 Center Rd, Suite 5, West Seneca, NY 14224

716-825-1300;  fax: 716-825-2718


NuIQ Software PowerBoard BBS V1.25
NUIQ SOFTWARE INC INTRODUCES POWERBOARD BULLETIN BOARD SOFTWARE

May 22, 1993 ... NuIQ Software, Inc., a New York based firm specalizing in DOS communications software breaks new ground with the introduction of Powerboard BBS version 1.25.

The Powerboard BBS package comes complete with Upload Virus Scanner, Archive viewer, Powermail QWK mail door, ANSI/ASCII screen drawing program, Newsletter creator, File and Message area maintainance utilities, Network mail tossers, and much more.

The BBS package also has a powerful Scripting Language which allows the building of Questionnaires, Online games, specialized functions, and even re-designing the entire user interface. The language is designed for computer users and programmers.  Common commands are ASK to get input or SAY to display output.

In addition, the Powerboard BBS package supports DESQview, CD-ROMs and CD-ROM changers and Local Area Networks.  Multilevel configuration consists of over 275 display screens, mouse driven configuration, dynamic menu editor, display string editor and more.

The Powerboard BBS software package lists for $99 for a Single node. Multinode versions which include multinode chat, internodal interaction and remote node control start at $175 for 3-node and $350 for 9-node.  Higher node versions are also available.  A test-drive version is available on our product support BBS.

NuIQ Software, 415-A Richbell Road, Larchmont, NY 10538

(914) 833-3479;   Fax: (914) 833-3623;   BBS: (914) 833-1479


CE Software Partners with Boston Swr Works
CE Software Partners with The Boston Software Works

West Des Moines, IA, June 15,1993 - CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC. (NASDAQ/NMS Symbol:CESH) today announced a strategic product development and marketing relationship with The Boston Software Works to provide key directory access and synchronization.

InterOFFICE Message Exchange transparently connects many popular office automation and electronic mail systems. CE's acquisition of licensing rights and funding of BSW's InterOFFICE access modules for QuickMail, QuickMail MHS and Novell's Global MHS will link CE customers to such diverse messaging systems as Banyan Vines Intelligent Messaging and StreetTalk, MCI Mail, UNIX mail, HP OpenMail, DEC ALL-IN-1, IBM OfficeVision/400, Wang OFFICE, HP DeskManager, and OfficeVision/VM (and PROFS), Microsoft Mail and Lotus cc:Mail.

"CE extends our commitment to open, 'environmental' systems through our relationship with Boston Software Works," said Ford Goodman, president of CE Software, Inc. "BSW has proven to be an outstanding provider of superior connectivity and directory solutions. QuickMail customers, both those using our own transport and those using our new, cross-platform QuickMail MHS, will gain access to and directory synchronization with the world at large. Our commitment to BSW and to our customers supports both our own transport mechanism and our belief in Novell's Message Handling Service (MHS)."

With InterOFFICE Message Exchange, users of one mail system can send most office or mail system objects, including text memo, revisable word processing documents, meeting invitations, or binary attachments like spreadsheets, to users of remote foreign, and incompatible mail systems, without learning any new commands or addressing formats. InterOFFICE Message Exchange automates directory synchronization, auto-registration of sender addresses, conversion of revisable documents, conversion of meeting invitations and other structured messages and translation of multinational character sets.

CE Software is the world's largest Macintosh E-mail provider. With an installed base of almost one million QuickMail users, CE is a rapidly expanding developer of system-enhancing software and network productivity tools for the Macintosh and Windows/DOS markets. CE is leveraging leadership positions to develop next generation messaging and personal agent software.

CE Software Inc

1801 Industrial Circle, PO Box 65580, West Des Moines, IA 50265

515-221-1801;  fax: 515-221-1806;  CIS: 76136,2137

AOL/AppleLink/MCI-Mail: CESOFTWARE


DoubleSpace: An Illustrated Tutorial
The Best Kept Secret of DOS 6!

The only guide to DOS 6's data compression utility.

A must for any DOS 6 user.

PC Magazine recently described DoubleSpace as "the most powerful utility included with DOS 6." Here, Dan Gookin, one of today's hottest computer book authors, gives DOS 6 users the knowledge and tools they need to dramatically increase their hard disk storage capacity with this data compression utility.

DoubleSpace: An Illustrated Tutorial is filled with helpful troubleshooting tips and important information not found in the user's manual, including:

* Details on how disk storage and data compression work

* Using DoubleSpace with compressed drives

* Working with compressed drives

* Gookin's uncryptic answers to the top questions posed to

  Microsoft's tech support staff

Configure -tweat- optimize DoubleSpace!

(Gookin shows you how)

DoubleSpace: An Illustrated Tutorial

by Dan Gookin

Paper $15.95 ISBN 0-8306-4629-9

Order No. 4543

September * Windcrest * Utilities

166 pp., 50 illus., 7 x 10

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128,  FAX 717-794-2103


BABY & ComputerWorks from Software Marketing
The first release of 1993 from Software Marketing Corp. is B.A.B.Y. - Birth and Baby Years - a unique software package that allows you to enter all facts and figures such as birth statistics and emergency information. From a chart to track the mother's weight to a list of names for boys and girls, B.A.B.Y. teaches you all you need to know about pregnancy and birth.

Another exciting new program that gives you an in-depth history of the computer technology developments with special related topics from artificial intelligence to virtual reality is CompuerWorks - Your High Tech Tour Guide. You can explore colorful animated graphics including the inner workings of monitors, hard disk drives, printers, CD-ROMs, mice and other peripherals. This program is also available in a CD-ROM version.

Software Marketing Corp. currently manufacturers several top ten best sellers:

BodyWorks - An Adventure in Anatomy

Orbits - Voyage Through the Solor Systems

Chemistry Works - The Computerized Periodic Table

ZodiacSigns - The Personal Astrology Planner

In addition to B.A.B.Y. and ComputerWorks, Software Marketing Corp. is preparing the launch of two new products within the next several weeks: AutoWorks - Key to the Mechanical Mystery, and PharmAssist - The Family Guide to Medicine and Drugs for Windows.

Software Marketing Corp

9830 South 51st St, Building A-131, Phoenix, AZ 85044

602-893-3377;  fax: 602-893-2042


QuickMessenger 2.0 & QuickMailBar
CE Software to Ship QuickMessenger 2.0 and QuickMailBar

CE Announces Support for CMC API

West Des Moines, IA, June 15, 1993 - CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC. (NASDAQ/NMS Symbol:CESH) today announced QuickMessenger 2.0, to ship in July, 1993. QuickMessenger 2.0 is a send-and-receive version of the client-level API CE Software released last year. A beta version of the product was seeded to developers last week. CE also showed a developer version of QuickMailBar, a new API to ship later this year. In a related announcement, CE pledged support for XAPIA's Common Messaging Call API (CMC).

With an installed base of almost one million users, QuickMail is the leading Macintosh E-mail application. QuickMessenger 2.0 provides developers the ability to write specialized message-handling programs that leverage the QuickMail messaging transport. Developers may program from C, C++, Pascal or assembler or with XCMDs for HyperCard and 4th Dimension.

QuickMessenger programmers have full access to the data resources of QuickMail. Lists of zones, MailCenters and NameServers help in addressing users who are spread over different segments of a large network. The application can also get addressees from MailCenters and NameServers as well as from the user's personal address books and groups. Access to the NameServer for addresses verification or to find recipients is also available from the application.

"QuickMessenger 2.0 completes the process of opening up the QuickMail system," said Ned Horvath, director of CE Software's messaging team. "For years, we've been very successful at encouraging the industry to extend QuickMail's connectivity through our gateway API. In March, when we shipped QuickMail 2.6, we opened up our Directory Services interfaces. Now, with QuickMessenger, third parties can provide new user interfaces, or write intelligent agents to create and handle messages."

CE also demonstrated QuickMailBar, a more specialized interface designed to easily message-enable mainstream applications like word processors or spreadsheets. Application developers can use QuickMailBar to add the familiar QuickMail addressing and action buttons to any document. The result is the end user can send and receive mail without ever leaving the application. QuickMailBar ship dates will be announced later.

The Common Messaging Call API (CMC) is a new, industry-standard messaging API introduced by XAPIA at the Electronic Messaging Association meeting at Atlanta today. CMC is intended to normalize transport-specific messaging APIs like CE's QuickMessenger. "CE will be able to rapidly implement CMC compliance using QuickMessenger 2.0," said Horvath at the XAPIA rollout in Atlanta. "As an application developer and long-time supporter of open standards, we are very excited by the flexibility and simplicity CMC represents for customers and application developers."

CE Software is the world's largest Macintosh E-mail provider. With almost one million QuickMail users worldwide, CE is a rapidly expanding developer of system-enhancing software and network productivity tools for the Macintosh and Windows/DOS markets. CE is leveraging leadership positions to develop next generation messaging and personal agent software.

CE Software Inc

1801 Industrial Circle, PO Box 65580, West Des Moines, IA 50265

515-221-1801;  fax: 515-221-1806;  CIS: 76136,2137

AOL/AppleLink/MCI-Mail: CESOFTWARE


Reach & CE Software Partner Netware Messaging
Reach and CE Software Partner to Provide Netware Messaging Solutions

QuickMail MHS Becomes the First Product Offering from Partnership

EMA, ATLANTA, GA, June 16, 1993--CE SOFTWARE, INC. (NASDAQ/NMS Symbol: CESH) and Reach Software Corp. today announced at the Electronic Messaging Association (EMA) conference a technology licensing and marketing partnership focused in three areas:

1) CE will ship a cross-platform version of QuickMail for Novell's Message Handling Services (MHS) by complimenting their new Macintosh MHS client with Reach's MAILMAN for MHS, a Windows-based open e-mail client. The resulting product will be called QuickMail MHS.

2) CE and Reach will jointly develop and integrate additional enhancements to QuickMail MHS, including electronic-forms, rules-based routing and imaging capabilities.

3) Reach and CE will cooperate on the development of cross-platform solutions in both workflow and "time-centric" computing applications.

According to spokespersons for both companies, Reach will continue to focus on its WORKMAN mail-enabled workflow platform for enterprises solutions. CE intends to expand its calendaring and personal information applications expertise, delivering an open architecture approach complementary to WORKMAN for time-centric computing. Together, the companies offer a complete and integrated workgroup computing solution across the popular Novell NetWare environment.

"Both CE and Reach are leaders in their markets with unique, aggressive approaches for their customers' current and future needs: CE in cross-platform e-mail, Reach as a workflow platform provider," said Kanwal Rehki, Executive Vice President of Novell's Interoperability Systems Group. "This alliance demonstrates the customer needs for both a truly open messaging platform, as well as integrated application solutions, can be addressed without compromise by Novell's MHS."

CE Software President and CEO, Ford Goodman, said, "Both firms gain tremendously from this alliance. QuickMail for NetWare MHS becomes the most viable cross platform solution for email today. Our intent is to join with Reach to develop mail rules and other key enhancements to ensure an open, intelligent groupware architecture for workflow, calendaring, scheduling, and more. We will leverage our strengths by enhancing QuickMail, promoting WORKMAN as our workflow solution and concentrating on 'time-centric' groupware."

"Reach is extremely pleased to be allied with CE Software, as their future plans in messaging are complementary to ours," stated Kim Peyser, COO of Reach Software. "We are bringing our flagship MAILMAN for NetWare MHS product to the Partnership with CE--and backing it up with development resources and advanced workflow technology. CE's expertise and presence in the Apple Macintosh market is a new and strategic market opportunity for Reach."

CE Software

CE Software is the world's largest Macintosh e-mail provider. CE Software now extends QuickMail's cross platform compatibility to Novell NetWare MHS users. With almost one million QuickMail users, CE Software is a rapidly expanding developer of systems enhancing and network productivity tools for the Macintosh and Windows/DOS markets. CE is leveraging leadership positions to develop next generation messaging and personal agent software.

Reach Software

Reach Software's mission is to be the leading developer of workflow management platforms that unify people and process information within an organization. Founded in 1990, Reach is a privately held Company, with investment participation from Novell, Inc. and venture funding from Bay Partners, Cupertino, CA; InterWest Partners, Menlo Park, CA; and J.F. Shea and Company, Walnut, CA. The Company has 50 employees at its Sunnyvale, CA, headquarters.

CE Software Inc

1801 Industrial Circle, PO Box 65580, West Des Moines, IA 50265

515-221-1801;  fax: 515-221-1806;  CIS: 76136,2137

AOL/AppleLink/MCI-Mail: CESOFTWARE


NEC Tech Goes After Supply Counterfeiters
NEC TECHNOLOGIES GOES AFTER COUNTERFEITERS

Consumers are warned to purchase printer supplies carefully

(Boxorough, Mass., June 22, 1993)--Battling an industry-wide problem of counterfeit computer supplies, NEC Technologies, Inc. (NECT) announced today that it will bring the full weight of the law down upon parties caught counterfeiting and/or knowingly selling counterfeited NEC equipment or supplies. NEC also released guidelines for customers to follow in order to minimize the chance of purchasing these illegal and inferior products.

Tipped off by quality problems, NEC Technologies discovered that its printer ribbons were being counterfeited and illegally sold around the world. The inferior ribbons were causing problems ranging from poor print quality to printer failure. NECT then began working with the U.S. Customs Bureau on the case, resulting in several seizures of counterfeit supplies.

Counterfeit trafficking is a federal felony offense which is punishable by substantial fines and imprisonment. Counterfeit trafficking also violates federal and state statutes on trademark, copyright and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

"We take this very seriously, as NEC is known for its quality and these inferior products detract from that reputation and customer relationships, as well as from our revenues," said Jim Berrett, chief operating executive of NEC Technologies, Inc. "We estimate that we have lost millions of dollars in revenue."

NEC's Director of Printer Supplies Marketing and Sales, Joseph Tamker, urges NECT customers to examine the packaging of all printer supplies they purchase. If there is any change, no matter how minor, customers should call 800-388-8888 to determine if the ribbon was manufactured by NECT or by a counterfeiter. For a reliable source of supply, customers should make sure that they are purchasing printer supplies only from authorized NEC sources. And, Tamker explains, stay away from deals that are too good to be true-- they probably are.

In addition to customers with questions about their NEC printer ribbons, NECT also urges those with leads about counterfeiting activities to call 800-388-8888. NEC is also implementing new security features in its supplies to reduce the risk to customers.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and presentation products for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning Silentwriter, Pinwriter and Colormate printers, MultiSync monitors, ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, PowerMate, Image, Express and Ready systems products, MultiSpin CD-ROM hardware and now MultiSync projection systems. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.


Dolch Innovations in Mobile Computing
Power Portable Innovations

Introducing Portable Multimedia Solutions and New Direct Sales Channel

Milpitas, CA, June 18, 1993--Dolch is featuring a host of innovations in the mobile computing world. Touch sensitivity and creative integration of the new MEDIAMACH family takes Dolch deeper into the realm of mobile multimedia applications. New packaging techniques enhance industrial ruggedness, and new direct selling strategies make Dolch power portables more competitive than ever.

TOUCH & SHOW

High resolution touch sensitivity is truly the next step in the evolution of mobile computing. In multimedia applications, interactive touch means the presenter faces the audience and navigates with a simple pointing of a finger. In industrial mobile applications, TOUCH & SHOW provides mouse emulation when there is no convenient place for a mouse pad.

Dazzling Overhead Projection

Dolch's new 16 million color PRISM overhead projection panels bring a vibrance and beauty to multimedia presentations that can only described as enchanting. TOUCH & SHOW is available as an option on the PRISM panels.

Integrating Multimedia Solutions

Dolch debuts the MEDIAMACH series of integrated presentation computers. Each model in the family is a complete creation and presentation system that includes multimedia authoring software, sound and video capability and an upscale multispin, multisession CD-ROM drive. And, Dolch supports the industry's broadest array of video compression technologies--DVI, AVI, JPEG and MPEG.

Scalability

Unique scalability via one and two-inch add-on modules allows a MEDIAMACH to be built in two discrete modules --the PLAYERSLICE and the CAPTURESLICE. The CAPTURESLICE. containing the CD-ROM and the video hardware can be unplugged and left behind while the PLAYERSLICE goes out on the road making presentations.

Ruggedized Industrial Portables

In its new S-PAC series, Dolch has achieved a new level of shock tolerance in a massively expandable, industrial power portable.

Dolch Direct

In line with major industry trends, Dolch has recently established a direct corporate distribution operation. The company now offers 11 models of color power portables under $7,000, with one STN model under $5,000. Integrated MEDIAMACH power presentation systems begin at under $10,000.

PC EXPO -- Jacob K. Javits Convention Center -- Booth 4316

DOLCH COMPUTER SYSTEMS, 372 TURQUOISE ST, MILPITAS, CA 95035

406-957-6575;    Fax: 406-263-6305


FontGen V.1 Font Creation Software
FontGen version V.1 Released

VS Software (Little Rock, AR - June 1, 1993) has released FontGen V.1, the latest version of its laser printer font creation software. FG V.1 adds 600 dpi bitmap font editing and full PCL5 header control and font compression for the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet IV. The program comes with a free 600 dpi FontPak including Souvenir, Park Avenue, and BHS (similar to Bauhaus). An upgraded version of the VS Laser Word Processor Tool Kit is included.

Initially released in 1984, FontGen was the first commercial laser printer font editor for the PC. Now in its fifth generation, FG V.1 retains the nine font windows, full-font editing, and intelligent scaling of its predecessors. The DOS program includes a full C-et of graphic design and editing tools and utilities to download the fonts and interface with most popular word processors. FG V.1 requires 512k and retails for $295 . Upgrades are available to FG V.0 users for $75 plus shipping.

VS Software, founded in 1983, is an ITC type foundry and produces a Signature-Logo Editor (SLEd) and the VS Library of Laser Fonts, as well as providing custom signatures, logos, fonts, and font cartridges.

Contact VS Software, P.O. Box 165920, Little Rock, AR 72216-5920, call (501) 3762083, or FAX (501) 372-7075.


AWARE! Customer Service Program
Integritech Software Announces AWARE! Customer Service Program

Easily tracks customer service problems Available in both single and network versions

(June 22, 1993) -- AWARE!, a problem management application that gives customer service and support users a platform for recording and tracking customer problems, will begin shipping August 1, 1993 from Integritech Software.

"AWARE! allows service professionals to track customer service progression from the initial problem-call assignment through the various representatives and departments until completion," says Integritech's President, Jeff Rodgers. "This will allow managers to ensure that their company's most important sales tool, outstanding service to the current client base, is maintained equally as well as their sales lead platforms."

Integritech's AWARE! has the unique ability to import data from a plethora of business software including contact managers and accounting programs such as: ACT!, 1st ACT, Telemagic, DacEasy, Pacciolli 2000.

AWARE! provides user definable pick-lists for commonly used data entry fields? reducing keyboard time to a minimum. Default pick-list categories include the Customer's I.D. number, industry, and title, as well as commonly used service fields such as category, department, representative, priority, and RMA number assigned to the customer.

AWARE! also includes an expert help system based upon a user-defined search pattern. Users can easily search for quick solutions to common customer problems and experienced service personnel can input solutions to new problems for future reference.

Other Major Features of AWARE! include:

* 100% compatibility with current NetWare, Lantastic,

  Banyan Vines, and 3Com Network software

* Context sensitive help screens

* Encrypted password protection

* Shells to contact managers

* Automatic phone dialer

AWARE! is available directly from Intregritech Software and priced at $99.00 for the single user version, and $399.00 for the network version (unlimited users).

Integritech Software

3332 Harwood Rd, Suite 173, Bedford, TX 76021

(800) 942-6499 or (817) 267-3163;   Fax: (817) 354-6202.


Drag & View v.2 Windows-based File Viewer
CANYON SOFTWARE RELEASES NEW VERSIONS OF DRAG AND VIEW

Graphics support, greater speed for Windows-based file viewer

San Rafael, CA,--June 18, 1993--Canyon Software, the San Rafael, California developer of innovative Windows-based utilities, today announced the release of Drag And View v.2, and a new product, Drag And View Plus, the newest versions of its popular file manager add-on that displays files in their native formats.

Drag And View 2 and Drag And View Plus focus on greater speed and flexibility for viewing files, searching for text and launching programs. New features include "quick button" bars for regularly used operations, and a font choice dialog for customizing file views. Canyon Software has also expanded the list of programs supported by these products to include Quattro Pro for Windows, Paradox v.4, Paradox for Windows, Microsoft Works--both DOS and Windows-based versions, Q&A Write (both DOS and Windows versions) and Windows Metafiles.

A new innovation added to this version is playing "WAV" files (Windows sound files). If you try to view a "WAV" file and you have a sound driver installed in Windows, both versions of Drag And View will play it. There is even a "Play" button to repeat playing the "WAV" file.

Drag And View Plus is an enhanced version of Drag And View that provides full viewing of vector graphic formats. "Most users today have both text and graphic files, whether from a word processing program, desktop publishing or design and drafting," said Dan Baumbach, CEO of Canyon Software. "We're giving people the flexibility to view all of their files-- databases to drawings--as they appear, without having to load the applications that created them."

Drag And View Plus is the company's first foray into non-shareware, having licensed the Halcyon Vector Filter Library for viewing vector graphics. Supported graphics programs include AutoCad (DXF), Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM), WordPerfect Graphic (WPG), Micrografix Designer (DRW), Hewlett-Packard Graphic Language (HPGL) and all PIC files.

A new version of Canyon Software's Fileman Launcher is included with both packages. Fileman Launcher installs as a File Manager extension. Fileman Launcher will run Drag And View each time File Manager is run. All of Drag And View's features can be accessed through Fileman Launcher's menu in File Manager. Users can add up to nine additional programs to Fileman Launcher and run them with File Manager.

Drag And View 2 is a shareware product priced at $20. Drag And View Plus is for license only, and is priced at $25. A shipping and handling charge of $5 is added to each order. Both are available direct from Canyon Software.

Canyon Software, 1537 Fourth St, Suite 131, San Rafael, CA 94901

415-382-7999;  fax: 415-382-7998


VSI Awarded Contract for MRI Operator Swr
MID-FIELD NICHE MRI OPERATOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPED BY VSI

June 10, 1993 -- VERTICAL SOLUTIONS, INC. (VSI) announced today that it was awarded a major contract to develop software that manages the administration and operational user interface functions of images produced from a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) product.

The operator user interface is a Windows based medical console that minimizes manual intervention by the MRI operator and administers automated activities.

Mr. Arie Seidler, Co-Chair and CEO of VSI also announced that VSI future development plans are to supplement the user MRI interface with complementary system networking applications such as scheduling, billing and accounting systems suited for medical centers.

The prototype of this product is in the process of completion. A company spokesperson stated: "VSI brings a professional expertise that will make this MRI equipment singular in this industry as a state of the art medical device that stands out with its ergonomic operational features."

Vertical Solutions Inc

One Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 2C08, Melville, NY 11747-4416

516-777-3702;  fax: 516-777-3703


QuickMail MHS for Macintosh
CE Software to Ship QuickMail MHS

The First Full Featured Macintosh Mail Application Native to MHS

West Des Moines, IA, June 15, 1993 - CE SOFTWARE HOLDINGS, INC. (NASDAQ/NMS Symbol:CESH) today announced the upcoming release of QuickMail MHS for Macintosh. The company announced that the product will ship by mid July 1993. QuickMail MHS delivers the leading Macintosh mail application to the native Novell Message Handling Service (MHS) transport. Today's release results from CE's commitment to provide NetWaer-native messaging solutions through Novell's NetWare Global MHS.

"QuickMail MHS for Macintosh and NetWare Global MHS provide users tight NetWare integration without compromising the quality of e-mail applications or the desktop platforms supported," said Rick Bohdanowicz, director of marketing for Novell's Messaging Products Division. "Administrators receive the time-saving benefits of the tight NetWare integration in Global MHS while users receive the benefits of the market leading Macintosh mail application."

"Our NetWare users have been requesting a more integrated implementation of mail with NetWare MHS. QuickMail MHS expands the impact of our cross-platform interface standard by natively supporting NetWare MHS," said Ford Goodman, president, CE Software, Inc. "This is consistent with our commitment to meet existing customer needs through continued support and enhancement of the QuickMail transport while adding functionality and openness to our mail and messaging clients on all commercially viable, open mail transports. We are the only company with a proprietary mail transport that actively supports transports from network operating system companies, and we are committed to supporting Novell's messaging vision."

QuickMail MHS users will benefit from the familiar QuickMail interface allowing them to create custom address books, send mail to groups of users and file mail on their local hard drive or network server. Users can synchronize their address books, (stored locally or on a server) with the MHS directory simply by using the Verify Address command. QuickMail MHS users will also benefit from increased capabilities, such as attaching up to 62 files to a single memo and sorting Mailbox messages by priority, subject, sender, date sent and whether the messages are read or unread. Users can also publicize messages by sending them to "public"--a bulletin board-type folder.

The QuickMail MHS Account Manager allows the administrator to set and modify directory privileges and monitor mail usage. QuickMail MHS, which supports Novell's Standard Messaging Format (SMF), can also leverage Global MHS multi-protocol messaging services for SMTP, SNADS, and x.400, as well as a wide variety of third-party MHS gateways running on NetWare.

In a related announcement this week, CE acquired a license to offer Reach Software's Windows MHS mail client (MailMan 2.0) as QuickMail MHS for Windows. The company has stated it will market cross-platform QuickMail MHS by mid July.

QuickMail MHS (cross-platform) will be available through Novell Authorized Resellers and through CE's domestic and international distribution channels. QuickMail MHS will be in multi-user packages. The U.S. suggested retail prices are $99 for 1 user, $599 for 10 users, $1,399 for 25 users and $4,499 for 100 users.

For additional press information, please contact Sue Nail at (515) 221-1801. International users should call their local distributors for pricing and availability.

CE Software is the world's largest Macintosh E-mail provider. With almost one million QuickMail users world-wide, CE is a rapidly expanding developer of system-enhancing software and network productivity tools for the Macintosh and Windows/DOS markets. CE is leveraging leadership positions to develop next generation messaging and personal agent software.

CE Software Inc

1801 Industrial Circle, PO Box 65580, West Des Moines, IA 50265

515-221-1801;  fax: 515-221-1806;  CIS: 76136,2137

AOL/AppleLink/MCI-Mail: CESOFTWARE


Build Your Own Los-Cost PostScript Printer
Get PostScript Power Without Paying the PostScript Price

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Build Your Own Low-Cost PostScript Printer and Save a Bundle, 2nd Edition provides the hands-on guidance needed to assemble a laser printer from scratch, or convert a used Canon laser engine to full PostScript capabilities for as little as half the cost of a commercially sold model.

Author Horace LaBadie tells where to find components at the best possible prices and includes complete information on all laser printer aspects:

* Engines - Canon CX, SX, and LX

* Controllers--Apple LaserWriters, QMS PS-Jet+ and PS-Jet+M

* Interfaces--serial, AppleTalk, and dual

* Power supplies--integral or user-added

* Computer cabling--serial and AppleTalk

* PostScript cartridges and software emulators

* Status indicator lights

* ROM upgrades

LaBadie's straightforward instructions and helpful photographs lead readers through each step, warning of possible pitfalls and giving troubleshooting advice.

Covers the Personal LaserWriter and LaserWriter IINTX Includes revised parts Lists, suppliers, and prices

Windcrest-McGraw-Hill

Build Your Own Low-Cost PostScript Printer and Save a Bundle,

2nd Edition

Order No. 4329

Available: June 1993

Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-8306-4306-0

232 pp., 130 illus., 7 x 10

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128,  FAX 717-794-2103


Philippe Kahn to Give PC EXPO Chicago Keynote
PHILIPPE KAHN OF BORLAND INTERNATIONAL TO DELIVER PC EXPO IN CHICAGO KEYNOTE

Borland Chairman to Open Eighth Annual PC EXPO in Chicago, October 19-21, Industry's Premier Midwest Computer Show

(Fort Lee, NJ, June 18) -- Philippe Kahn, chairman and founder of Borland International, Inc., will deliver the keynote address which opens the Midwest's premier computer trade show and conference, the Eighth Annual PC EXPO in Chicago, October 19-21, at McCormick Place East in Chicago, IL. Mr. Kahn will present his outlook of "Client/Server Computing -- A Desktop Perspective," in his speech.

Mr. Kahn will discuss why desktop developers and object-oriented technology are the keys to taking client/server computing to the next level. Mr. Kahn will challenge developers to use powerful desktop tools based on an object component architecture to create a new generation of applications that extend the benefits of client/server computing to the masses.

The keynote will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19, in McCormick Place East. The exhibit hours are: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.

"The 1990s will show a trend toward more client/server computing, and PC EXPO in Chicago is the ideal forum in which to discuss this emerging computer application. Through the keynote and seminars, attendees can learn more about products and services surfacing in the future," said Mr. Kahn.

Peter Brunold, show manager for PC EXPO in Chicago, added, "The keynote speech by Borland's chairman emphasizes the theme of the show -- corporate computing solutions."

More than 250 exhibitors are expected at PC EXPO in Chicago. Exhibitors will include: Adobe Systems, Borland, Cabletron, Computer Associates, Dell, Digital Equipment, IBM, Lotus, Microsoft, NEC Technologies, Novell, Sharp, Toshiba, WordPerfect and Zenith Data Systems.

Added features of the show include special pavilions showcasing networking products, Windows applications, and emerging technologies such as imaging, multimedia, and portable technologies.

In addition to the keynote address, a comprehensive Seminar Series will be presented. More than 40 conference sessions will address topics such as OS/2, Windows, Client/Server Architectures, and many other subjects. Eleven of the 42 seminars, including "E.T. Phone Home: Accessing the LAN While You Are Away," will deal solely with computer networking topics. For the first time, a seminar track that covers relevant management topics will be offered to attendees. The conference program also includes full-day Tutorials on Monday, October 18.

PC EXPO in Chicago is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI), based in Fort Lee, NJ, the country's largest producer of computer trade shows. BBI is part of Blenheim Group PLC, the world's leading producer of trade shows and conferences, including more than 40 information technology events.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


Iron Helix Sci-Fi Adventure for Mac CD-ROM
IRON HELIX DELIVERS FAST-PACED ACTION AND CHALLENGE

SCI-FI ADVENTURE NOW AVAILABLE FOR MACINTOSH CD-ROM

Category: Sci-Fi Adventure

Format: Macintosh CD-ROM

Suggested Retail Price: $99.95

Minimum Requirements: Macintosh Color Classic or higher, 4MB RAM, standard CD-ROM drive, system 6.0.7 (with 32-bit QuickDraw) or system 7, 256-color (8-bit) capability, color monitor.

ALAMEDA, Calif., June 22, 1993--Spectrum HoloByte is pleased to announce the release of the first Macintosh CD-ROM title in its growing line of cutting-edge interactive entertainment products. Iron Helix, designed exclusively for CD-ROM, is a science fiction action adventure which delivers state-of-the-art access speed. Published and distributed by Spectrum HoloByte, Iron Helix was created by development house Drew Pictures Inc., a San Francisco-based interactive company.

Action and Gameplay

Rendered entirely in full-color photorealistic 3-D animation, Iron Helix is an action adventure set in a cold-war future where a terrible biological weapon threatens to touch off a galactic holocaust. Players must stop the weapon from reaching its target by piloting a small robotic probe within an enormous maze-like starship, all the while evading the ship's deadly security robot. By speeding through corridors, shafts and chambers in this six-level dreadnought, players must guide the probe to locate the clues that will stop the defender robot and destroy the monstrous ship. But there's a catch: the players' probe was developed for biological research and thus carries no weapons, making Iron Helix a race of wits and time.

The DNA Challenge

The ship's security system presents an unusual twist in the quest to save the universe. Classified areas of the ship housing vital clues needed to destroy the ship are protected by a security system coded by the DNA of deceased officers. With the deadly robot on their back, players must search for DNA samples to unlock passages to classified areas.

Developers

Iron Helix was created by Drew Pictures Inc. of San Francisco, a software-development studio specializing in CD-ROM entertainment. Drew Huffman is the game's main designer with art direction by Rich Cohen, formerly an artist at Industrial Light & Magic where he worked on such films as "Terminator 2" and "Total Recall. " Lead programmer J.A. Nelson managed the interactive programming and design of the game.

Spectrum HoloByte, 2490 Manner Square Loop, Alameda, CA 94501

(510) 522-3584;   Fax (510) 522-3587


Moldflow MF/SHRINK Plastics Shrinkage Analysis
MOLDFLOW ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF PLASTICS SHRINKAGE ANALYSIS

(Shelton, Connecticut -- June 21, 1993) Moldflow Pty., the world's leader in CAE technology for the plastic injection molding industry, is now delivering MF/SHRINK plastics shrinkage analysis for the injection molding industry. MF/SHRINK, one of a family of Moldflow products targeted at specific industry needs, is a finite element analysis tool that meets mold designer needs by predicting an optimum shrinkage value to meet critical molding dimensions.

Mold designers and mold makers need to dimension molds that compensate for thermoplastic shrinkage to ensure that the molded product matches specified part dimensions. Traditionally, cavities have been sized from a single shrinkage value chosen from a generic material shrinkage range. The inaccuracies of these predictions often require final cavity sizes to be determined through prototyping or final machining of cavities after preliminary molding trials. Both methods can add months to production start times. MF/SHRINK uses grade specific material shrinkage data to determine shrinkage variations so that mold dimensioning can compensate for these variations. MF/SHRINK allows the mold designer to control molding conditions, gate locations and material selection to achieve desired molding dimensions before mold building begins.

Using MF/SHRINK, critical design tolerances are met more easily giving improved component fits and better part performance. Prototyping and tool reworks are kept to a minimum and products get to market quicker. The package uses a standard Moldflow 3D surface model of the molded component, which can also be imported from a CAD system. Further, MF/SHRINK requires few specialist skills. All commands are selected by keyboard mouse from computer screen menus and results are graphically displayed for easy interpretation and shared decision making. MF/SHRINK is available on a wide range of computer systems and is integrated with a number of other Moldflow products. MF/SHRINK analyzes the effects of the molding process on polymer shrinkage, therefore requires MF/FLOW plastics flow analysis results. Coupled MF/FLOW and MF/COOL mold cooling analysis results give a dynamic simulation of the complete injection molding cycle, and can also be analyzed by MF/SHRINK.

Moldflow has pioneered computerized analysis of plastic injection molding, which improves product performance, reduces scrap, shortens design leadtimes and lowers design and manufacturing costs. Products include: MF/FLOW -- which predicts flow patterns and characteristics within the mold; MF/COOL --- which analyzes the vital role of heat exchange and temperature control in the mold; and MF/WARP software which analyzes the net distortion of the actual molded part and helps determine its mechanical properties.

Moldflow Inc, 2 Corporate Dr, Suite 232, Shelton, CT 06484

203-925-0552;  fax: 203-925-1175


VIGA Genlock, VGA-to-Video Overlay Card
VISIONETICS INTRODUCES VIGA GENLOCK, VGA-TO-VIDEO OVERLAY CARD WITH BUILT-IN VGA CAPABILITIES FOR THE PC

June 1993 -- Visionetics International Corporation (Visionetics) introduces VIGA Genlock, VGA-to-Video overlay board with built-in Super VGA capabilities for the IBM PC/AT, 386 and 486 systems. This videographics board allows users to display graphics up to 1024x768 resolution in interlaced and non-interlaced modes.

VIGA Genlock is a single-slot, single-board unit designed with a VGA card and VGA-to-Video overlay card combined into one. With built-in genlock, the board accepts and outputs signals from VCRs and other video devices. It is a one board solution to users who wish to create VGA graphics, run animation, mix both together and record the production to video.

VIGA Genlock is 100% BIOS and register compatible in all standard VGA modes. It provides Super VGA graphics resolutions up to 1024x768 by 256 colors or 640x480 by 32,768 colors. There is no distortion to the VGA output signal when the board is connected to a video output source. In addition, the circuit is designed to support overscan and underscan, therefore, users can output full 80 column text to NTSC. There are drivers for popular software such as Microsoft Windows, GEM, Ventura, AutoCAD, Lotus and WordPerfect. It also has a driver for the VESA standard.

VIGA Genlock uses Tseng Lab's ET4000AX chip set, and has 1 MByte DRAM on board memory. It is immediately available from Visionetics. VIGA Genlock is listed at $495.00 and comes with a full one year warranty.

Visionetics International Corporation was formed in 1983 and is the first manufacturer of microcomputer-based imaging products based in a high-tech oriented Hsinchu Science Park in Taiwan. It sets out to design products that serve as a link between the video world and the digital computer world.

For additional information, contact Visionetics at 21311 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 300, Torrance, CA 90503. Telephone: (310) 316-740 or facsimile: (310) 316-7457.


EMSIF V2.4 EMS Interface Turbo C/C++ & MSC
EMSIF  2.4      EMS interface for Borland/Turbo C[++] & MSC

EMSIF provides a high-level interface to LIM EMS control functions for common operations such as allocating, mapping, and freeing EMS, and copying data to and from EMS. The interface has been made independent of the EMS version implemented by the driver as far as possible, so that parameters and returned data are always in the same format, but the EMS call most appropriate to the EMS version implemented by the driver is used. This release replaces EMSIF 2.31.

EMSIF expressly supports the Lotus-Intel-Microsoft (LIM) Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) versions 3.0, 3.2, and 4.0. Versions above 4.0 are supported as 4.0. Versions below 3.0 are not supported.

EMSIF supports tiny, small, medium, compact, large, and huge memory models. The small model library supports both tiny and small models, so no library is provided specifically for tiny model.

EMSIF supports any version of Turbo C, Turbo C++, or Borland C++, in both C and C++ modes, and Microsoft C 6.00 and above. EMSIF has been tested with Borland C++ 2.0, Turbo C 2.0, Microsoft C 7.0 and 8.0 (in Visual C++ 1.0) in all of the supported memory models. EMSIF should work with earlier versions of Microsoft C and any other MS-DOS C compiler that 1) uses compatible parameter passing and return methods and 2) can use standard-format libraries.

Free for private use; you must register only if you wish to distribute programs using EMSIF.

WHAT'S NEW IN EMSIF 2.4:

    + Added EMMrealloc() and EMMreallocpages().

    + Added EMMunmapframe().

    + Fixed bug which caused errors when running on an EMS

      implementation which does not support aliasing properly

      (such as the MS-Windows 3.1 DOS box). The fix involved

      unmapping any pages mapped by the library functions (such

      as the copy functions) during internal operations. Note

      that the fix only works for versions 4.0 and up, since that

      was when unmapping support was introduced.

    + Due to the previous fix and other problems encountered,

      defaulted frame caching to off. See the documentation for

      more details.

    + Merged the C++ and C header files. Both C and C++ now use

      the same EMSIF.H file.

    + Support for Microsoft C 8.0 (in Microsoft Visual C++ 1.0)

      tested and confirmed; modified header file to compensate

      for minor weirdness in huge model.

   --James W. Birdsall

How to contact the author:

   INTERNET:

      (the following are alternate addresses for the same place):

         support@picarefy.com

         picarefy!support@amc.com

         picarefy!support@netcom.com

         uunet!netcom!picarefy!support

   COMPUSERVE:

      71261,1731

   GENIE:

      J.BIRDSALL2

   US MAIL:

   (until 7/10/93)

      James W. Birdsall

      11112 NE 124 LN #D204

      Kirkland, WA 98034

   (after 7/10/93)

      11106 NE 125 LN #J203

      Kirkland, WA 98034


Object Productivity SmartFolders for Windows
OBJECT PRODUCTIVITY SHOWCASES SMARTFOLDER TECHNOLOGY IN MICROSOFT'S "PARTNERS IN  INNOVATION" BOOTH AT WINDOWS WORLD '93

ATLANTA, GA, May 24, 1993 -- Software Developer Object Productivity, Inc. unveiled it's object-oriented information management technology, called SmartFolders, today in front of a large gathering of the press in Microsoft's "Partners In Innovation" booth at Windows World '93 in  the Georgia World Congress Center as part of Spring COMDEX.

"SmartFolder Technology is our attempt to resolve the information overload issue and make Bill Gates' Information At Your Fingertips vision a reality", says Robert Thompson, CEO of Object Productivity. Thompson goes on to say, "SmartFolders are intelligent containers of data-objects that not only hold information but know when and what to do with them based on specific events.  They can do everything from categorizing information into logical groupings that are easy  to find, to classifying information templates for re-use, to automating the flow of information throughout a workgroup for an entire process or task.  It's a whole new way of looking at and  working with information."

SmartFolder Technology revolves around the three fundamental concepts of Folders, Objects, and Events.  SmartFolders are containers for data (objects) and behavior on that data (events).  For example, a folder called "Weekly Sales Memo" could contain data-objects such as a  sales-chart, a voice-annotation, and a paragraph of text.  Also included in the folder could be a behavior-event that distributes the folder to the Sales-Group via e-mail every Friday at 3:30pm.   Using these three concepts, a user can do everything from organizing clip-art images into topical groups to creating project folders that route themselves to the appropriate individuals at just the right time.

Currently, Object Productivity implements SmartFolder Technology in two of its products.  The first product, Object Organizer, focuses on the average end-user who wants to easily categorize and outline all their information including Clip-Art, Sound Files, Program Icons,  Document Packages, Video-Clips or any of the hundreds of other OLE-objects available for Windows.  The second product, Object Desktop* focuses on corporate workgroups with additional features to automate and schedule the flow of information between users. Both products offer a unique and innovative user interface with support for Microsoft's Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) and Messaging Applications Interface (MAPI) extensions for Windows. Support for Common Mail Calls (CMC), which support all major mail sub-systems including Lotus cc:Mail, Notes, and others, will be announced at the Electronic Mail Show to be held in a few weeks. Microsoft has chosen SmartFolder technology to be among 4 apps to be shown in their booth at EMA.

Release 1.0 of Object Organizer will begin shipping June 15.  Object Organizer has a retail price of $79.  Object Desktop will be shipping later this summer and has a retail price of  $249.  Selected Object Organizer users will be beta-testing Object Desktop within the next few weeks.  Both products run on Microsoft's Windows 3.1, WindowsFor Workgroups, and Windows- NT using Microsoft's 32-bit Win32s Windows subsystem.  Working Models of both products are available in the WINSHARE forum on CompuServe, Internet archive site "Cica", or directly from Object Productivity at 1-800-446-2532 (Fax 1-313-656-8960).

OBJECT PRODUCTIVITY INC, PO BOX 081118, ROCHESTER, MI 48308-1118

PHONE:  313-656-3829;    FAX: 313-656-8960

INTERNET: 76114.1615@COMPUSERVE.COM


Bill Gates Delivers PC EXPO Keynote Address
BILL GATES TO DELIVER PC EXPO KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Will Announce New Technology in Speech Opening Premier Computer Trade Show

(New York, NY, June 29) -- Microsoft chairman and CEO will provide his vision of new information technology on the horizon for business computing, when he delivers the keynote address today at the Eleventh Annual PC EXPO in New York. Mr. Gates is expected to announce new products in his speech, "New Technology for the Information Age."

The keynote will take at 9 a.m., in the Special Events Hall of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Following the speech, Mr. Gates will answer questions from the media at 10:00 a.m., in Room 1D05-06 of the Javits Center, near the keynote location.

This is the second time that Mr. Gates has delivered the PC EXPO keynote address. Microsoft will also be exhibiting at the show, along with 800 other exhibitors of computer hardware, software and services. PC EXPO show hours will be: Tuesday and Wednesday -- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday -- 10 a.m. to p.m.

Dan Ness, Senior Industry Analyst at Computer Intelligence (CI), and a member of the PC EXPO Advisory Board, said Mr. Gates' speech will be relevant to the PC EXPO attendee whether they are buying, selling or using the latest technologies. CI is a computer industry market research firm in LaJolla, CA.

"With every new technology, there seems to be more questions than answers," said Mr. Ness. "I expect Mr. Gates, in his usual style, to cut through the fog and give us some answers. It will be a must-see presentation."

Mr. Ness will moderate two sessions, "The Great Operating Systems Debate," and "What's Hot and What's Not," as part of the largest PC EXPO Seminar Series ever, with 77 conference sessions running during the show.

Will South, another PC EXPO moderator, noted Microsoft has been successful in desktop computing, and that he hopes Mr. Gates will discuss his company's plans for enterprise-level computing. Mr. South is Manager of Catalog Research and System Development at Automotive Controls Corp., a division of Echlin Inc., in Branford, CT.

"With the introduction of new products, Microsoft wants to capture the market share of enterprise and client/server computing," said Mr. South. "Mr. Gates will have to prove Microsoft's new products have the power, dependability and the ability to co-exist with installed operating systems." Mr. South will moderate the "Coexistence of Windows and Other Environments" session at PC EXPO in New York.

In addition to Microsoft, PC EXPO exhibitors include: Adobe, Aldus, Apple Computer, AST Research, Borland, Claris, Compaq, Computer Associates, Corel, Dell, Digital Equipment Corp., Epson America, GRiD Systems, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lexmark, Lotus, NEC, Panasonic, Sharp, Sony, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, WordPerfect, Xerox and Zenith Data Systems.

PC EXPO is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI), of Fort Lee, NJ, the country's largest producer of computer trade shows. BBI is part of the Blenheim Group PLC, a worldwide organizer of exhibitions and conferences with more than 250 events, including 40 information technology events.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


Networks Expo Premieres in San Francisco
NETWORKS EXPO TO PREMIERE IN SAN FRANCISCO

Networking Trade Show to Fill Void Created by Interop's Departure

(Fort Lee, NJ, June 1993) -- Networks Expo will make its West Coast premiere in San Francisco's Moscone Center, April 19-21, 1994, announced Ralph Ianuzzi Jr., president of Bruno Blenheim, Inc. (BBI). Blenheim's Networks Expo Shows are the world's leading expositions and conferences devoted solely to network computing.

The new event joins Networks Expo Boston and Networks Expo Dallas in 1994, when Bruno Blenheim's networking shows, formerly called NetWorld, will be presented annually under their new name. The 1994 dates for Networks Expo in Boston are February 15-17, and September 20-22, in Dallas.

"Our West Coast show will fill a major market void created by the hasty move of Interop to tertiary cities next year," said Mr. Ianuzzi. "After many years of investing huge amounts of time and money to develop and serve this extremely viable region, it is inconceivable to us that exhibitors would abandon San Francisco. In addition, independent research proves that a vast majority of loyal attendees prefer to go to the same venue year after year. The same rules of patronage will apply to Networks Expo in Moscone Center."

The decision to create a West Coast Networks Expo was made following discussions with exhibitors who expressed a keen desire to maintain their customer relationships on the West Coast. "By producing Networks Expo in Moscone Center, Bruno Blenheim will offer the industry three major networking events in the Boston, Dallas and San Francisco business markets," said Mr. Ianuzzi.

Networks Expo in San Francisco will be a replica of the shows in Boston and Dallas complete with the ShowNet system, and a full conference program on networking business solutions. interoperabilily, LANs and enterprise networking.

With the addition of the San Francisco networking event, Blenheim solidifies its trade show reach to encompass the most populated and lucrative markets in the U.S. "Exhibitors have a virtual one-stop shopping opportunity to reach corporate volume buyers of IT business solutions at all of our shows," added Mr. Ianuzzi.

The three American networking exhibitions are part of Blenheim's worldwide group of shows appearing under the Networks brand name and include the largest computer networking events in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark.

Blenheim Group is the world's largest producer of computer related trade shows with more than 32 international information technology events in its portfolio. Its worldwide computer events annually attract more than 600,000 volume buyers and resellers. In addition to the Networks Expo (formerly NetWorld) events, Blenheim in the U.S. also produces the PC EXPO shows and UNIX EXPO.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


P&ID Link to Loop Diagrams to Meet OSHA Stds
New P&ID Link to Loop Diagrams Helps Users Meet OSHA Standards

ADev is pleased to announce a new link between its popular AutoCAD-based software package for process flow diagrams and ELECDES for instrumentation loop diagrams and electrical schematics.

PRO-FLOW Overview

PRO-FLOW is intelligent design software that works inside AutoCAD for creating process and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's) and process flow diagrams (PFD's). It includes more than 330 process and instrumentation symbols for easy placement. All material attribute information associated with the symbols can be exported to a database for easy reporting capabilities.

ELECDES Overview

ELECDES is AutoCAD-based concurrent electrical engineering software for creating instrumentation loop diagrams and electrical schematics. Drafters save valuable time because ELECDES will automatically generate Bills of Material (BOM's) and provide coil, contact and subcomponent cross referencing.

Benefits to the Link

A recent link between these two popular programs reduces drafting time because the user can now automatically generate loop drawings from ADev's PRO-FLOW P&ID drawings. In additional the information flow from the P&ID's is now managed helping the user to meet and exceed OSHA 1910 standards for plant documentation.

Availability and Pricing

The PRO-FLOW/ELECDES Link is currently available through ADev and its dealers. Introductory pricing is $2,995.00. For more details or the name of a dealer in your area, please call an ADev Product Consultant at (504) 835-1627.

Company Background

Founded in 1986, ADev is the only developer of plant design software solutions for both MicroStation and AutoCAD. Applications are available for 2D/3D piping, isometric piping, process and flow diagrams, structural steel plant and equipment arrangements, and electrical diagrams, plans and details. For further information contact ADev at (504) 835-1627; 3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 900; Metairie, LA 70002-7251.


CubiQuick Low-End Fuzzy Logic Tool
HYPERLOGIC RELEASES LOW-END FUZZY LOGIC TOOL TARGETED FOR EDUCATIONAL USES

Escondido, California -- June 29, 1993 -- HyperLogic Corporation today announced the availability of a Windows-based educational tool for fuzzy logic experiments. The new product, called CubiQuick, provides many of the features of HyperLogic's popular CubiCalc fuzzy logic shell at a lower price, with further discounts available for academic use.

"Fuzzy logic is useful because it makes a lot of sense," remarked Fred Watkins, President of HyperLogic Corporation. "But without a way to try it, people think it's for rocket scientists. CubiQuick gives them an inexpensive way to set up and run small projects to see what it's all about. You can solve real problems with CubiQuick, just not very big ones."

CubiQuick is priced at $179.00, with an academic price of $125.00 for individual instructors and students in the United States and Canada. Additional discounts are available for classroom use. "A lot of CubiCalc users are university professors who want something more affordable for their students," said Watkins. "But," he continued, "we also expect to see corporate users who just want to find out what fuzzy logic can do for them. Books and articles can only go so far. "

CubiQuick lets users define fuzzy rules, then apply them to their own data or simulation. The rules can have up to three input variables and a single output variable, with up to five fuzzy sets, or adjectives, used to describe each variable. The tool has a built-in computation language for preprocessing data taken from external files or simulating external responses to fuzzy control actions. Results from the rules and user-defined non-fuzzy computations can be plotted or displayed numerically. ASCII input and output files provide links with other programs.

Fuzzy logic is a technique for doing mathematical computations using English-like statements of the desired results instead of formulas. The term "fuzzy" refers to the terms used in the rules, such as "large" or "fast. " The technique has been used in many commercial products in Japan and is becoming more popular in the United States. Users of HyperLogic's CubiCalc product line apply fuzzy logic to problems in process control, robotics, medicine, finance, and consumer product development.

Based in Escondido, California, HyperLogic Corporation is a leading supplier of fuzzy logic tools. Its CubiCalc software, introduced in 1990, was the first fuzzy logic shell for non-programmers available in the U. S. Known for its ease-of-use and smooth integration of fuzzy and non-fuzzy processing, CubiCalc has the largest installed base for fuzzy logic software tools in the U. S. * Other products in the line include CubiCalc RTC, a version for programmers, and CubiCard, a combination of hardware and software for control applications.

HyperLogic Corp

1855 East Valley Parkway, Suite 210, Escondido, CA 92027

619-746-2765;  fax: 619-746-4089


Artisoft Certifies No*stop Network
ARTISOFT CERTIFIES NONSTOP NETWORKS' SERVER MIRRORING SOFTWARE TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH LANTASTIC LOCAL AREA NETWORK

No*Stop Network Version P3.0 Provides Level-Three Fault Tolerance, Real-Time Backup

(TUCSON, AZ - June 15, 1993) - Artisoft, Inc. announced today that it has certified Nonstop Networks Limited's No*Stop Network version P3.0 fault-tolerant software under the Artisoft Compatibility Certification Program. Using this software, server mirroring, the process of duplicating all writes to a secondary server, can be achieved on a LANtastic Local Area Network v5.0 running MS-DOS 3.3 or higher.

"We are glad to have compatible software products like No*Stop Network software because they help our customers to build their LANtastic networks with greater flexibility and support," commented Dave Hallmen, Artisoft's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "No*Stop Network software is a valuable addition to a LANtastic network because it provides level-three fault tolerance that gives users real-time, immediate access to information on the network in case of a problem with a server."

No*Stop Network software is a DOS utility that runs on every workstation and protects against possible server failures, disk medium failures and workstation-to-file-server connection failures by mirroring file accesses on a primary server to a backup server or multiple servers. This level-three fault tolerance ensures that all network data is backed up instantaneously, and in the event of a server failure, allows continuous processing on the backup server without data loss.

The Artisoft Compatibility Certification Program establishes formal standards to ensure third-party software and hardware product compatibility with the LANtastic network. Those manufacturers who join the program stand to reap such important benefits as increased sales exposure and market penetration, front-line technical support and added promotional support and materials. Products from software and hardware manufacturers such as Borland, Microsoft, Intel, Computer Associates, AMD, and Lotus have had their products certified under this program.

Nonstop Networks Limited develops and markets software products which provide continuous backup, server mirroring and level-three fault tolerance for the PC-based Local Area Network marketplace. The company is privately owned and is headquartered in New York City, with a research and technical facility in Utica, New York. For more information about Nonstop Networks or its product line, contact Nonstop Networks Limited, 20 Waterside, New York, NY 10010. Corporate 212/481-8488. Fax 212/779-2956.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions including the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows environments, the LANtastic network also offers multiplatform connectivity solutions for NetWare, TCP/IP and Macintosh systems. It allows up to 500 users on one network to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs. Artisoft maintains nine international offices and distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 2202 N. Forbes Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85745. Sales 800/233-5564, ext. 611. Corporate 602/293-4000. Fax 602/293-8065.


NetSoft XCOM Windows Interface for LEGENT
NetSoft Selected by LEGENT for New XCOM Windows Interface.

LAGUNA HILLS, CA, June 23, 1993 -- NetSoft (formerly Network Software Associates) announced today that the company's DynaComm/Elite PC-to-mainframe connectivity software for Windows has been selected by LEGENT Corporation to provide a communications interface for LEGENT's industry-standard XCOM file transfer product. This continues the previously established strategic development and marketing alliance between NetSoft and LEGENT.

DynaComm/Elite provides XCOM users running Windows with concurrent LU2 (3270) and LU6.2 Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APPC) over a wide range of connections, including Coax/DFT, SDLC, Async, X.25, NetBIOS, NetWare IPX/SPX, TCP/IP and 802.2 links. This allows users to take advantage of XCOM for Windows by using existing network links.

DynaComm/Elite is the first LU6.2/APPC implementation designed as a true Windows application. It provides efficient, easy-to-use features for peer-to-peer connectivity.

"XCOM has proven itself as a powerful and successful cooperative processing solution," said Raymond Chan, NetSoft's vice president of business development. "The first phase of NetSoft's strategic involvement with the XCOM product line was in 1988 when we began supplying AdaptSNA APPC, our DOS-based APPC software, for the PC side of XCOM. We are now very excited to announce the second phase of our relationship, which will provide XCOM functionality for Windows users."

"NetSoft and LEGENT are long-standing business partners in providing state-of-the-art APPC enablement tools," said Craig Stull, vice president, product marketing, LEGENT Corporation. "Our support of DynaComm/Elite offers XCOM users even greater flexibility in connectivity options for the Windows platform."

The XCOM family covers more than 25 separate environments. It allows users to use one product for moving files, reports and jobs between all nodes on their networks. XCOM provides a full set of value-added file transfer functions over both TCP/IP and SNA networks.

LEGENT Corporation, headquartered in Vienna, VA, is a leading international supplier of software and services for the management and operation of corporate enterprises. LEGENT's products and services are designed to help customers maximize the full potential of information technology in their businesses.

NetSoft is an industry pioneer in APPC cooperative processing technology. In 1986, the company was the first to ship an APPC software package specifically for PCs. Today, NetSoft has grown to become a leading supplier of cooperative processing solutions and tools for multiple PC platforms. Besides APPC software, NetSoft markets a wide range of multiprotocol PC connectivity products for IBM and heterogeneous networking environments.

NetSoft, 39 Argonaut, Laguna Hills, CA 92656

(714) 768-4013 or (800) 352-3270.


Xante Network Options for Accel-A-Writer 8100
XANTE EXPANDS NETWORK OPTIONS WITH ETHERTALK CAPABILITIES FOR THE ACCEL-A-WRITER 8100

JUNE 22, 1993, MOBILE, AL -- XANTE Corporation announces the expansion of its networking capabilities with the introduction of an EtherTalk adapter for the Accel-a-writer 8100 high resolution laser printer. XANTE's EtherTalk adapter will be powered by a Motorola 68000 processor and will have a 512 KB RAM input buffer. Providing a separate CPU for the adapter allows the printer's processor (AMD 29000 RISC) to be dedicated to interpreting and printing PostScript files, not managing network traffic coming into the printer.

The benefits of direct EtherTalk connectivity are twofold. First, it will allow access for larger numbers of users to XANTE's large format, high resolution Accel-a-Writer 8100. Second, where XANTE's products are most often found, the desktop publishing environment, print jobs tend to be a complex mixture of text and graphics. The speed of EtherTalk will reduce the bottlenecks incurred when printing these complicated, large files.

"Due to the speed and flexibility of Ethernet, many of our customers are migrating from the standard AppleTalk network to EtherTalk," said Martin Kennedy, XANTE's Vice President of Marketing. "The Accel-a-Writer 8100 now allows Macintosh users the choice to connect to AppleTalk or EtherTalk for their laser printing. We have also provided a cost effective upgrade path for our current customers by offering this technology as an upgrade option to their current system."

First introduced in September, 1992, the Accel-a-Writer 8100 is based on Canon's 8 page per minute LBP-BX print engine. This printer will support true 600 x 600 dpi as well as upgrades to 800 x 800, 960 x 960 and now 1200 x 1200 dpi. It provides Advanced Gray Scale Technology for a 40% increase in gray scale resolutions and a high performance controller architecture which includes an AMD 29000 RISC processor, Advanced Memory Management, Dual Page Processing and 12 MB RAM, upgradable to 64 MB.

Xante's EtherTalk network option will begin shipping in July for $495. Xante products are available direct from Xante or from re-sellers worldwide.

XANTE Corporation develops and markets high performance products that enhance the resolution and speed of laser printing. XANTE Accel-a-Writer 8100, Accel-a-Writer 8000, Accel-a-Writer 4000, and Accel-a-Writer controllers are available direct or from re-sellers in the U.S. and around the world.

XANTE Corp

2559 Emogene St, Mobile, AL 36606

PO. Box 16526 Mobile, AL 36616-0526

Tel: 205/476-8189;    Fax: 205/476-9421


Links Championship Courses: The BELFRY
Links CHAMPIONSHIP COURSES Just CONTINUE to EXPAND!

The Belfry, one of Europe's finest, joins the Links lineup to become the Fourth Super VGA course!

Naturally, every Championship Course is compatible with all versions of LINKS: Links, Links 386 Pro, and Microsoft Golf

Jolly good golf!

Access Software Inc. is excited to announce the release of their first European course, the extraordinary BELFRY. The Belfry can trace its origins to a potato farm, and was transformed into a first class course by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas. The Belfry is perhaps best known for its continued use as the Ryder Cup course. The Ryder Cup is a semi-annual event that will next be held in September of 1993. Instead of just watching the exciting dual between the best European and American Golfers, LINKS owners can now play The Belfry at their leisure! The course begins shipping June, 1993, with a suggested retail price of $29.95.

LINKS, LINKS 386 Pro, and Microsoft Golf were all designed to easily incorporate these add-on Championship Courses. Once the course is installed, the LINKS player needs only to select the desired course by clicking on the mouse button. New courses are in development and will be released about every EIGHT weeks throughout 1993. Access Software received the prestigious Software Publishers Association (SPA) Excellence in Software Award for three consecutive years in the sports category for various LINKS products!!

Access Software

4910 W. Amelia Earhart Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

801-359-2900;  fax: 801-359-2968


Plastics Molding Flow Analysis Reference Manual
MOLDFLOW ANNOUNCES NEW FLOW ANALYSIS REFERENCE MANUAL.

(Shelton, Connecticut -- June 24, 1993) Moldflow Pty., the world's leader in CAE technology for the plastic injection molding industry, announces the release of the "Flow Analysis Reference Manual", a 237 page hard-bound book which describes the theoretical background of computer simulation of the injection molding process for thermoplastics. The manual is designed to give engineers an understanding of the scientific principles on which flow analysis software is based. The major areas covered in the manual include: materials properties for flow analysis, governing equations of fluid flow, mathematical models for injection molding, finite element formulation and numerical solution of these mathematical models. Requisite background material to support the development of the main ideas is included making the manual a self-contained introduction to this technology.

The Flow Analysis Reference Manual was written by Peter Kennedy, Product Manager for Moldflow, in response to many of the company's customers who have asked for a detailed description of the scientific principles upon which Moldflow flow analysis is based. The manual was written to make these scientific principles accessible to any interested engineer, and is available from your local Moldflow office and distributor.

Moldflow has pioneered computerized analysis of plastic injection molding, which improves product performance, reduces scrap, shortens design leadtimes and lowers design and manufacturing costs. Products include: MOLDFLOW/FLOW -- plastics flow analysis to optimize cavity layout, polymer selection and processing conditions; MOLDFLOW/COOL --- mold cooling analysis to optimize cooling line geometry and processing conditions; MOLDFLOW/WARP -- molding shrinkage, warpage and stress analysis to minimize product distortion; MOLDFLOW/SHRINK -- plastics shrinkage analysis to predict optimum shrinkage values to meet critical dimensions; and MOLDFLOW/GAS -- designed to simulate and analyze the emerging technology of Gas Injection Molding (GIM).

Moldflow Inc, 2 Corporate Dr, Suite 232, Shelton, CT 06484

203-925-0552;  fax: 203-925-1175


RangeLAN2 Extended Range/Perf. Wireless Network
Proxim Announces Next Generation Family of Long Range, High Performance Wireless LAN Products

New RangeLAN2 Family Features Extended Range, 1.6 Mbps Raw Data Rate, Transparent EthernetAccess, And Built-In Roaming Capability For Seamless Wireless LAN Connectivity

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif, June 28, 1993 -- Proxim, Inc., the world's leading supplier of spread spectrum wireless networking technology, today announced a new family of long range, high speed wireless local area networking (LAN) products. The new RangeLAN2 family will be exhibited at Proxim's PC EXPO booth, June 29 - July 1, in New York City.

RangeLAN2's raw uncompressed data rate of 1.6 Mbits/second exceeds the data rate requirements of most standard PC applications, making it an ideal wireless platform for high-speed LAN environments. RangeLAN2 also delivers the longest range of any wireless LAN product in its class -- operating at a distance of up to 300 - 500 feet in normal office locations and up to 800 -1000 feet in open space environments. In addition, the RangeLAN2 family provides transparent access to standard wired LAN environments.

Proxim's existing RangeLAN product family will continue to be marketed for lower speed LAN applications such as E-mail, printer sharing, and terminal emulation, as well as for mobile computing solutions in vertical markets like health care, manufacturing, distribution and retailing.

Today's announcement consists of three separate products:

* RangeLAN2/PCMCIA, a high-performance, low-power wireless network adapter for any mobile PC equipped with a Type II Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card slot;

* RangeLAN2/ISA a wireless LAN adapter card for desktop PCs and servers;

* RangeLAN2/Bridge, a wireless local bridge that provides transparent access to wired LANs.

The RangeLAN2 family will ship with drivers that support most standard LAN operating systems, including NetWare, NetWare Lite, LAN Manager and Windows for Workgroups. All RangeLAN2 systems will also come bundled with Proxim's unique RangeLAN2/Roaming software, a breakthrough capability initially developed for Proxim's original RangeLAN family of adapters. RangeLAN2/Roaming allows mobile computer users to move seamlessly from one access point to another without losing connection to the LAN, enabling organizations to create "microcellular" in-building wireless networks.

"With RangeLAN2, Proxim has raised the price/performance bar in wireless data communications. We're now offering significant enhancements in functionality plus dramatically increased performance to meet the needs of computer users with higher data rate requirements," said Rick Heller, president and CEO of Proxim. "Our existing RangeLAN product family, operating at 242 Kbits/second, continues to deliver unprecedented wireless networking value for mobile computer users in numerous vertical markets, and for horizontal users with lower-speed LAN applications such as E-mail, printer sharing and file transfer."

RangeLAN2 Products

RangeLAN2/PCMCIA enables portable computer users to access existing wired client/server networks or to communicate on a peer-to-peer basis with other RangeLAN2 desktop and portable systems. Proxim was the first to market with, and is still the only company shipping, a spread spectrum PCMCIA wireless LAN adapter. Like Proxim's original PCMCIA adapter, RangeLAN2/PCMCIA will support PCMCIA version 2.0 software which includes Card and Socket Services for "hot insertion" capability. RangeLAN2/PCMCIA will operate at an average power output of 100 milliwatts, the same power output as the original RangeLAN/PCMCIA, and the lowest power consumption of any wireless LAN product on the market.

RangeLAN2/ISA is a wireless LAN adapter that fits into the expansion slot of most desktop PCs and servers. RangeLAN2/ISA provides an easy-to-install, wireless extension to existing wired client/server LANs for desktop locations that are difficult or expensive to wire. It can also be used as a stand-alone peer-to-peer networking solution in smaller companies or departments. With Proxim's unique spread spectrum architecture, any RangeLAN2/ISA that is connected to a wired LAN can function as the base station or access point for other RangeLAN2 systems not physically wired to the network.

RangeLAN2/Bridge is a wireless local bridge that enables transparent access to standard wired LAN environments. Operating at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer of the ISO network model, RangeLAN2/Bridge enables RangeLAN2-equipped portable and desktop computer users to achieve operating system and protocol independent wireless access to the wired LAN. RangeLAN2/Bridge will support Ethernet LANs at first customer shipment, with Token Ring LAN support planned for future availability.

RangeLAN2 Spread Spectrum Architecture

Unlike Proxim's original RangeLAN adapter family, which utilizes direct sequence spread spectrum technology in the 902 - 928 MHz frequency band, RangeLAN2 is based on frequency hopping spread spectrum technology in the 2.4 - 2.483 GHz band. RangeLAN2 delivers a raw uncompressed data rate of 1.6 Mbps per channel with 10 independent channels available. This multi-channel approach enables 10 independent wireless LANs to operate within the same physical space, effectively increasing the aggregate capacity of RangeLAN2 networks by tenfold. Depending on traffic and utilization patterns, network managers can add users and subnets in a scalable fashion and load balance across networks.

"While the original RangeLAN adapter family remains exceptionally well-suited for lower-speed LAN applications and industry-specific wireless networking solutions, RangeLAN2 represents a breakthrough in spread spectrum technology," said David King, Proxim's Vice President of Marketing. "With a 2.4 GHz frequency hopping radio and 1.6 Mbps of raw data rate per channel across 10 channels, the RangeLAN2 architecture will keep Proxim at the forefront of wireless networking technology for years to come."

Pricing & Availability

RangeLAN2/ISA will be available Q3 1993 and will be list priced at $595. RangeLAN2/PCMCIA, list priced at $695, will be available Q4 1993. RangeLAN2/Bridge for Ethernet networks will be available Q1 1994 and will be list priced between $1500 and $2500, depending on configuration.

Proxim plans to offer a RangeLAN2 trade-up program for any existing RangeLAN user seeking additional wireless LAN performance or functionality. All registered RangeLAN users can receive a credit against future RangeLAN2 purchases with a trade-in of any current RangeLAN product. More details on the trade-in program will be announced shortly before general availability of RangeLAN2 systems.

Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif, Proxim was founded in 1984 to develop and market wireless networking solutions. To date, Proxim has shipped over 50,000 spread spectrum radio products.

Proxim, Inc. 295 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA 94043 (415) 960-1630 Fax: [415) 964-5181


StatSci & Mihalisin Integrate Statistical Prods
StatSci and Mihalisin Associates Agree to Integrate Products;

New Range of MultiVariate Data Analysis Techniques to be Offered

Seattle, Washington- June 15, 1993 - Statistical Sciences (StatSci) announced today that Mihalisin Associates of Ambler Pennsylvania has joined StatSci's Value Added Reseller Program. TempleMVV, Mihalisin Associates' multivariate data visualization product will integrate S-PLUS StatSci's popular statistical and graphical data analysis application, and be resold through Mihalisin Associates.

TempleMVV (MVV stands for MultiVariate Visualization), allows users to graph multivariate data in a variety of unique hierarchical representations, each suited to a particular data analysis task. Developed originally at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, TempleMVV is particularly valuable when there is a need to analyze very large datasets. TempleMVV's interactive visual data analysis routines perform independently of the number of records, hence a low-end workstation can analyze data involving millions of records in real-time.

"TempleMVV's patent pending method of visualizing large multivariate datasets fits nicely with S-PLUS's methodology. S-PLUS's rich set of analytic functions provide quantitative analysis capabilities that compliment Temple MVV's visual analysis approach. " Dr. Ted Mihalisin, CEO Mihalisin Associates

"The StatSci and Mihalisin Associates relationship offers data analysts tools with a depth not provided anywhere else. S-PLUS and TempleMVV are enabling technologies that will be required to discover important information hidden in large sets of data. " -- Matthew J. Schiltz, President, Statistical Sciences Inc

According to Dr. Mihalisin, "The technology incorporated in TempleMVV will have a major impact on several important software applications besides statistical analysis." In particular Dr. Mihalisin stated that linking TempleMVV and S-PLUS will impact multi-dimensional spreadsheets, DBMS, GIS, scientific/business visualization and decision support systems. He also noted that the technology should be of particular interest to insurance, banking, telecommunications, electric utilities, financial services, and market research organizations.

TempleMVV is currently available on SUN SPARCStations and Silicon Graphics Workstations. Microsoft Windows and Macintosh versions are scheduled for later release in 1993. Ports to other UNIX platforms and supercomputing machines are planned in 1994.

Mihalisin Associates was founded in 1987 to market, support and enhance a variety of software packages originally developed at Temple University. It's TempleGraph line of software is in use at hundred of organizations in 21 countries. TempleMVV, which is based on Temple University's patent pending technology was released in November 1992.

StatSci was founded in 1987 to market, support and enhance S-PLUS, a revolutionary data analysis tool that combines more than 1,200 statistical, mathematical and graphical functions with an object-oriented programming language and is currently the choice of data analysts worldwide. S-PLUS is used at thousands of organizations including AT&T, Boeing, HewlettPackard, Ford, General Motors and Kodak.

Statistical Sciences, Inc.

1700 Westlake Ave. N, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109

206-283-8802;   Fax: 206-283-8691

Internet Email: mktg@statsci.com


NEW VIDEO COURSEWARE FOR DOS 6

LOS GATOS, Calif. -- (June 25, 1993) -- Anderson Soft-Teach announces it will ship a complete video training course for DOS 6. Shipments of the training package will begin July 30, 1993.

The new DOS 6 training courseware includes three volumes covering the essentials of DOS. Topics covered in Volume 1 include: creating and removing directories, working with floppy diskettes, and managing files and directories on your hard disk. Volume 2 provides instruction on working in DOS Shell, understanding the PATH and CHKDSK commands, and creating and running batch files. Finally, in Volume 3, the student will learn how to backup and restore files, recover deleted files, and protect against computer viruses. Detailed course outlines can be obtained directly from Anderson Soft-Teach.

Each training volume includes a videotape for instruction, a step-by-step workbook and practice disk for hands-on practice (disk duplication license also included), and a self-test to measure learning retention. Anderson Soft-Teach will send a certificate of completion to each student who successfully completes the self-test. Each volume also includes a classroom guide for easy implementation of the courseware into a classroom setting.

The workbooks include additional exercises at the end of each lesson to reinforce skill development. Anderson Soft-Teach's unique "In-Practice" and "Extra for Experts" segments help users apply the training to real business situations.

"With today's smaller PC training budgets, corporations are looking for ways to leverage their resources and "make do" with the resources at hand. By using technology-delivered instruction such as video in the classroom, trainers can offer more PC classes while maintaining a high-quality PC training program," says Dave Ferguson, Vice President, Anderson Soft-Teach.

The complete three-volume course will be sold for $995. Anderson Soft-Teach offers a "version insurance" program of 50% off the new training courseware for users who purchased our DOS 3.3 courseware within the last six months. The videotapes are closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

The DOS 6 course also includes the new Classroom Guide. This guide is now a part of most Anderson Soft-Teach courses. The guide outlines for the classroom instructor exactly how to incorporate Anderson Soft-Teach courseware into their classroom training programs. Step-by-step instructions provide for a smooth and effective class.

The SmartClassroom approach, created by Anderson Soft-Teach, is helping many training professionals successfully meet their training demand while facing shrinking resources, frequent software version changes, and multiple software platforms. In a SmartClassroom, Anderson SoftTeach videotapes can be used as the lecture portion of the class. An instructor monitors the class, starting and stopping the videotapes to introduce topics, facilitate discussion, and answer questions. The instructor then initiates hands-on exercises, which are provided. At the end of the course, the instructor administers the self-test. There are tremendous savings in course development and delivery time for the corporate trainer.

"We like the pace of the SmartClassroom instructor," says Linda Johnson, Support Specialist for Boyle Engineering, "and we like the fact that the exams are already written -- we're not professional teachers, and it's convenient to have the materials already prepared."

Trainers who are already using the SmartClassroom approach report that they are putting many more students through their PC training programs by using Anderson Soft-Teach videotapes and workbooks as the core of their classes. According to Joyce Boeringer, Systems Analyst for McDonnell Douglas, "Using the Anderson Soft-Teach courses in the classroom has allowed us to train about 120 students per week. It seems we're always trying to do more with less, and using Anderson Soft-Teach in the class is one of the ways we've found to do it."

Anderson Soft-Teach is currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary as the producer of the largest library of video courseware in the industry for personal computer software. Its products are sold both domestically and internationally. Anderson Soft-Teach's current line of courseware topics includes: Windows, Word for Windows, Excel for Windows, PowerPoint, WordPerfect for Windows, MS-DOS, Lotus l-2-3, WordPerfect, dBASE IV, Introduction to PCs, Introduction to LANs and others. Anderson Soft-Teach is a privately owned company located in Los Gatos, California, and can be reached at (800) 338-4336 or (408) 399-0100.


ProtoView Launches ProtoGen+

New Integrated Visual Development System Speeds Development of C/C++ and Pascal applications for Windows

New York, New York - June 29,1993

ProtoView Development Corporation today launched a new Visual Development System for Windows applications, a fully integrated visual development workbench that streamlines the development of C/C++ and Pascal applications for Windows. Scheduled for shipment on July 15, ProtoGen+ can be used for both C/C++ and Pascal applications. ProtoGen+ replaces the ProtoGen Application Generator and the ProtoView Screen Manager, Menu Designer, Library and Dialog Editor.

As an early pioneer in the field of visual programming for Windows, ProtoView Development has consistently remained at the forefront of visual development technology. The goal of the ProtoView product line is to make the productivity gains of interpreted languages and 4-GLs available in the standard programming languages of C, C++ and Pascal. ProtoGen+ is a highly integrated tool set that is completely optimized to boost programmer productivity throughout the entire development cycle. ProtoGen+ is designed to make the process of learning and developing Windows applications much easier for programmers, while providing all the resources, power and functionality required by the most advanced C/C++ and Pascal developers.

"ProtoGen+ is not only the easiest visual development tool to learn, but also the fastest path to developing professional C/C++ and Pascal applications," said Dean Guida, president of ProtoView Development. "With the release of ProtoGen+, developing Windows applications is now more accessible to more programmers than ever before --- and demonstrates ProtoView's commitment to providing developers with next-generation Windows based productivity tools for leading edge GUI applications."

Fast Executables

ProtoGen+ features the latest in advanced object-oriented programming, allowing the user to simply view and select, point-and-click, or drag-and-drop to see menus, screens and dialogs come to life. ProtoGen+ creates full-fledged, professional applications and provides abundant functionality without reducing speed or increasing the size overhead of the final C/C++ or Pascal code. ProtoGen+ acts like a programmer's assistant by giving developers a jump start in creating Windows-based applications and automating application development.

Live Test Mode

Another key feature first introduced by ProtoGen+ is a live, interactive test mode. The user simply starts with a standard menu, tool bar and status line. Fill out the menu with bitmaps, separators and cascaded items. Add in status line messages for menu items, assorted child windows and popup windows, plus common dialogs for file open, file save, help, color selection and printer setup. Next mix in dialogs and data entry screens, complete with data validation, picture masking, three dimensional effects, colors and fonts. Connect everything together using menus that float over the objects you point at, and test drive the application using a realistic, live simulation. "Developers can test their application before generating code or compiling the application --- no more creating the application, adjusting, generating, compiling, debugging and re-adjusting before the user can try out the application. " said Guida. "What's more, generated code can be changed and enhanced by clicking on a control, a message, a window or a dialog, placing the user in the appropriate code location --- within their chosen editor."

Several other key features introduced by ProtoGen+ include range validation, choice checking, DDE link field editing, complete MDI support, tool bar support, dynamic status line functions, and a variety of custom colors, fonts and three dimensional effects.

ProtoGen+ is the first to offer full MDI support

The highly integrated tool set provided by ProtoGen+ includes complete support for the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) specification not only for code generation, but also in test mode. "Users can now develop leading edge applications with full MDI functionality without writing a line of code," said Guida.

ProtoGen+ provides an Open Environment

"In addition to great programming tools, we're committed to providing an open architecture that may be expanded and changed as the development environment evolves," said Guida. "This includes outstanding supporting products like SQLView which will be used for visual back-end database access and application specific Visual Coders."

SQLView

As the development environment expands ProtoGen+ developers will need visual back-end database access. SQLView will provide visual access to over thirty different database products including Excel, DB2, dBASE compatibles, Oracle, Paradox, Btrieve, SQL Server, Netware SQL and many more. "Now developers can use ProtoGen+ to develop the application front-end and SQLView to access the application back-end --- all done without writing a line of code," said Guida.

Visual Coders

As an open development environment ProtoGen+ is fully compatible with several optional snap-in Visual Coders which extend the UI data collection and code generation capability. New coders will include Multimedia, MAPI, a Report Writer and OLE 2.0.

The Visual Development Workbench

ProtoGen+ provides a completely new set of visual tools for developing superior Windows applications. The tight integration of this tool set lets developers navigate quickly through the entire development cycle as well as perform tasks such as creating dialogs, developing menus, linking functionality, testing the application and generating and compiling the code.

The ProtoGen+ Workbench includes the following components:

* Dialog Editor

* Menu Designer

* ProtoGen+ Library

* Code Generators

* WinControl

Library ViewPaint Dialog Editor

The WYSIWYG screen painter and dialog editor is a completely visual approach used for developing application windows, data entry forms and dialog boxes. The user can:

* Use the Data Validation feature to verify user defined ranges,

  choice lists, mandatory fields or table look-ups

* Include custom controls, colors, fonts, and a variety of three

  dimensional effects.

* Establish Dynamic Data Exchange links between fields in a

  dialog and other applications

* Set Help Messages for each control in a dialog to be displayed

  automatically when the user presses the F1 key

* Create user defined Error Messages that can be entered and

  displayed

* Design and select tool bars that will automatically be loaded

  and displayed on the top, bottom, or either side of a dialog

  box.

* Edit and test your application Live

WYSIWYG Menu Designer

The WYSIWYG Menu designer automates the first steps in application development and lets users quickly design and link menu resources and save them to a single or multiple menu template files. Users may also:

* Cut, copy and paste menu items to customize menu design

* Place bitmaps as menu items

* Design pop-up menus, checked and grayed menu items, and

  include menu breaks and separators

Code Generator

The ProtoGen+ Live Test Mode is the first tool of its kind which can be used to verify the application flow interactively before code generation. The code generator builds on, and is completely compatible with:

* ANSI C for Borland, Microsoft, Watcom and Zortech.

* C++ for Borland's OWL

* C++ for Microsoft's MFC

* Pascal for Borland's Pascal with Objects

ProtoGen+ Library

The ProtoGen+ Library is a completely new Dynamic Link Library of over 175 screen management functions that control the appearance and behavior of application screens. The ProtoGen+ Library:

* Supports C++ class libraries from Borland and Microsoft

* Provides advanced color and font support

* Builds applications with printing capability

* Displays data entry dialogs as MDI windows

* Browses files and reports

* Creates DDE objects

* Animates objects on the screen

* Edits files from Windows programs

WinControl Library

The WinControl Library is a completely versatile and expandable dynamic link library of fourteen custom controls that adds to the six standard Windows controls. Many of the controls include methods that provide services to controls, including text drawing, field editing, mouse processing, data validation, context-sensitive help, and DDE message handling. The WinControl Library includes controls for buttons, numerics, dates, colors, currencies, real numbers, strings, three dimensional effects, tables, bitmaps, icons, tickers and more.

Price and Availability

ProtoGen+ is listed at $ 395.00 with an Introductory Price of only $199.00. Product upgrades are available for current ProtoGen customers for only $ 99.95. The product upgrade for customers who currently have ProtoView and ProtoGen is only $ 79.95. ProtoGen+ can be ordered now at (800) 231-8588.

Prices listed are U.S. retail prices. International and reseller prices may vary.

Protoview Development Corp, 353 Georges Rd, Dayton, NJ 08810

(908) 329-8588


ProtoView Launches WinControl Library
ProtoView launches the WinControl Library

New, integrated Custom Control set enhances development of C/C++ and Pascal applications for Windows

New York, New York - June 29,1993

ProtoView Development Corporation today announced the release of the WinControl Library, an easy to use, versatile package of fourteen custom controls that simplify the process of developing applications for Windows in C/C++ or Pascal. These controls not only make it easy to use point-and-click tools to create eye catching three-dimensional applications, they also allow developers to quickly add functionality such as context sensitive help, DDE links, data validation, user defined error messages, custom colors and custom fonts. By providing developers with powerful, ready built controls, the WinControl Library allows developers to concentrate their efforts on developing the core functionality of their applications.

ProtoView's WinControl Library is a robust, expandable Dynamic Link Library of custom Windows controls that can be added to the development environment and used with any standard dialog editor. The WinControl field objects obtain, format and edit the data entered by users, allowing you to quickly create highly functional, customized dialog boxes and data entry forms.

"WinControl is the perfect add-on for any C/C++ or Pascal compiler," said Dean Guida, president of ProtoView Development. "With the WinControl Library the benefits of Visual Basic controls are extended to developers of C/C++ and Pascal, increasing their productivity and reducing the time to market for their applications."

WinControl Provides "smart" Controls

The WinControl Library also makes it easier to move and convert data between the screen and application variables by providing "smart" controls with the knowledge of the various data types like date, time, currency and text that they are interfaced with. "Each control works with its own special type of data, and knows how to convert data to and from the screen so users don't have to," said Guida.

Get the best of both Visual Basic and C/C++

The innovative architecture of the WinControl Library combines the power and usability of Visual Basic controls with the speed, flexibility and diversity of C and C++ development. Now you can specify a wide range of properties and methods for controls without the overhead of an interpreted environment.

Standard WinControl Features

Each of the library's unique controls perform special services and functions for application programs and dialog boxes. These controls allow flexible data entry field formatting and easy character by character editing capability. The Controls in the WinControl Library can:

* Fill list boxes with directory listings

* Launch programs from buttons, bitmaps and icons

* Allow the user to select from four different types of

  three-dimensional effects

* Display today's date in a control

* Provide DDE message handling

* Display tables in list and combo boxes

* Place bitmaps and icons on push buttons

* Set custom colors and fonts

* Offer clipboard and mouse support

* Provide a user defined error messages capability

* Allow the user to create context-sensitive help

* Set data validation for range checking, choice checking,

  table look-up and mandatory fields

* Set protected fields

* Automatically format entered data for numeric, real, currency

  and date controls

* Provide picture masked input formatting

Fourteen Custom Controls enhance Development

The custom controls provided in the WinControl Library include many of the top-selling categories of controls: user interface, tables and data validation. The following fourteen controls are provided in the WinControl Library:

* pvBitmap Displays bitmap images along with text and can invert

  itself to provide visual feedback.

* pvButton Provides a toggle button in three different sizes that

  can appear either depressed or not depressed, on or off.

* pvCBTable Automatically loads a user defined ASCII file into

  a combo box control.

* pvColor Performs color selection by allowing the user to define

  a color using the Red, Green and Blue scroll bars to create

  solid and dithered colors.

* pvCurrency Used for input of currency values, including U. S.

  monetary and 26 other international formats. Automatically

  formats for decimal point, commas, currency symbols and

  negative signs.

* pvDate Used for the input of automatically formatted date

  values plus system data display in one of six user defined

  formats.

* pvFrame3D Displays text in a frame that groups other controls

  together.

* pvIcon Displays icon graphic images with text, which can be

  inverted for visual feedback.

* pvNumeric Used to input numeric values which interface with

  three types of application variables.

* pvReal Used for input of floating point numbers which interface

  with four types of application variables.

* pvString Provides character or picture masking, with many user

  defined string sequences available.

* pvTable Automatically reads, formats and loads an ASCII file

  from disk into the appropriate list box configuration.

* pvText3D Displays text with three-dimensional effects.

* pvTicker Scrolls information from right to left using a timer

  sequence to move the text string in real time, simulating

  a live ticker-tape.

Price and Availability

WinControl is listed at $ 249.00 with an Introductory Price of only $149.00. WinControl with Source Code may be purchased for only $ 349.00. WinControl can be ordered now at (800) 231-8588.

Prices listed are U.S. retail prices. International and reseller prices may vary.

Protoview Development Corp, 353 Georges Rd, Dayton, NJ 08810

(908) 329-8588


CSCI RiskPAC Automated Risk Assesment Swr V3.0
CSCI Releases Version 3.0 of RiskPAC Automated Risk Assessment Software

June 23, 1993 -- Ridgefield, CT -- Computer Security Consultants, Inc. (CSCI) announces the release of RiskPAC Version 3.0, an automated risk assessment software product that runs on IBM PC-compatible microcomputers. RiskPAC is used by many government and business organizations to automate and standardize risk assessment or audits that must be performed on a regular basis. RiskPAC performs qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, is easy to use, and includes award-winning documentation and context sensitive, hypertext on-line help. RiskPAC performs a risk assessment by presenting a questionnaire to the user. The user answers the questionnaire, and in the process creates a survey file. RiskPAC analyzes the survey file and produces reports that indicate the user's risk profile and provide recommendations about reducing risk exposure.

RiskPAC Version 3.0 is a completely new version of the product. It includes a new user interface, featuring drop-down menus, windows, and customizable screen colors and backgrounds. RiskPAC now includes 17 questionnaires that can analyze risk in a variety of industries (e.g., Federal or state governments, insurance, banking, telecommunications) and for a variety of purposes (e.g., business impact analysis for disaster recovery). RiskPAC also now includes a System Manager module that allows the user to modify any aspect of a questionnaire (including the expert system rules that govern survey scoring) or create new questionnaires. RiskPAC Version 3.0 now allows up to 2997 questions in a questionnaire, providing a detailed analysis of the subject.

Computer Security Consultants Inc

590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT

203-431-8720;  800-925-2724


Tutorial Sessions Planned for NetWorld Dallas
NETWARE USERS INTERNATIONAL, LAN TIMES AND BRUNO BLENHEIM PLAN TUTORIAL SESSIONS FOR NETWORLD DALLAS SHOW

Three Forces in the Computer Networking Industry Plan Cooperative Conferences for NetWare Users

(Fort Lee, NJ, June 29)--Three important forces in the computer networking industry--NetWare Users International (NUI), LAN Times, and Bruno Blenheim Inc., the leading producer of computer trade shows in the U.S. -- will sponsor a special track of Tutorials at NetWorld 93 Dallas, on Monday, Oct. 4, 1993. The show - the premier forum for real world business solutions using networked computing -- will run Oct. 5-7, at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX.

The agreement includes NUI and LAN Times sponsorship of four of the eighteen NetWorld Tutorials, and cooperative promotion of the Tutorials and the show. The agreement also extends to Blenheim's Networks Expo Boston formerly NetWorld - Feb. 15-17,1994, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA. The agreement was signed by Mark Brooks, president of NUI, North American Region; Michaela O'Connor Abrams, publisher of LAN Times; and Ralph J. Ianuzzi, Sr., chairman and CEO of Bruno Blenheim Inc.

Mark Brooks of NUI described the Tutorials as an excellent opportunity to provide a high quality of information to NUI members as well as to all attendees at Blenheim's computer networking events.

"The NetWorld Tutorials are an expansion of our mission to educate LAN users about NetWare and other network technologies," said Mr. Brooks. "With the backing of NUI, Bruno Blenheim and LAN Times, these sessions will present an unmatched level of management and technical expertise that will provide network managers with comprehensive information to enhance a return on their computer networking investment."

One Tutorial presents real world case studies and strategic MBA-level business management ideas, including the use of option pricing methods from finance, to networking. Dr. Robert J. Kauffman, Assoc. Professor of Information Systems at the Stern School of Business at New York University, will moderate this Tutorial -- #T17, "Justifying Investment in Network Technologies: The New MBA Toolkit."

NetWare Users International (NUI) is an international network of more than 250 NetWare user groups that promotes the exchange of information among more than 100,000 users of NetWare and related products worldwide. Mr. Brooks is a senior LAN specialist at TIAA-CREF in New York City.

LAN Times is an internationally circulated magazine, published twice a month by McGraw-Hill, Inc., in San Mateo, CA. The magazine's editorial focus is on PC-based networking, including network design, installation, configuration, applications and management, covering LANs as well as WANs.

Mr. Ianuzzi said the agreement will provide business users of network technology with the latest NetWare and networking information.

"All three participants in the agreement share a common goal of serving the industry by providing objective, user-driven information and insights," said Mr. Ianuzzi. "Because our show attendees read LAN Times, and include thousands of NUI members, we can pool our collective resources to the benefit of network users everywhere."

More than 495 exhibitors are expected at the Dallas show, including: 3Com Corp., American Power Conversion, Artisoft, AT&T, Banyan, Brightwork Development, Cabletron, Chipcom, Compaq, Digital Equipment Corp., Folio, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, IBM, Lotus, Madge Networks, Microsoft, Novell, Proteon, Quarterdeck, SMC, SynOptics, Thomas-Conrad, Xircom and WordPerfect.

In addition to the Tutorials, the Blenheim show will also feature the most comprehensive seminar program ever, with nine seminar tracks featuring 85 planned sessions covering topics such as interoperability, applications, network management and enterprise-wide networking.

In 1994, the show will return to its traditional venue in Dallas under its new name, Networks Expo, on Sept. 20-22 at the Dallas Convention Center. Its sister show, already renamed Networks Expo, will return to the John B. Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Feb. 15-17. Both shows are produced, owned and managed by Bruno Blenheim Inc., since 1987. A new Networks Expo show will premiere April 19-21, 1994, in San Francisco, CA.

Bruno Blenheim Inc., the leading producer of computer trade shows in the U.S., is part of Blenheim Group PLC, a worldwide producer of conferences and exhibitions with more than 250 events, including 40 information technology (I.T.) events. Blenheim also produces PC EXPO in New York, PC EXPO in Chicago, and UNIX EXPO, along with European Networks shows in France, Germany, England and Sweden.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


PC EXPO NYC Opens June 29 Javits Center
PC EXPO IN NEW YORK OPENS TODAY AT JAVITS CENTER

Over 800 Exhibitors Showcase New Technology at Premier Computer Show for Corporate Buyers; Bill Gates Keynotes

(New York, NY, June 29) -- The premier computer industry event for corporate buyers and trade resellers, PC EXPO in New York, opens today and runs through Thursday, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Hundreds of new product announcements from more than 800 exhibitors of computer hardware, software and services, today's keynote from Bill Gates, and heavy advance show registration, affirm the importance of the show.

Some of the companies making major announcements at PC EXPO include: AST Research, Borland, Egghead Software, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Lotus, Microsoft, NEC, Quarterdeck, Toshiba and WordPerfect.

Overflow crowds are expected to hear Microsoft chairman and CEO Bill Gates open PC EXPO, when he delivers the keynote address today, at 9 a.m., in the Special Events Hall on Level I of the Javits Center. Mr. Gates is expected to preview new products in his speech, "New Technology for the Information Age."

PC EXPO will feature a plenary address, "The IBM Company: On The Comeback Trail," on Wednesday, delivered by the company's president, Robert Corrigan; the plenary will start at 11:15 a.m., in the Special Events Hall.

The ShowNet system, available to attendees at PC EXPO, is a real world demonstration of computer networking power. Designed by Lante Corp., the state-of-the-art show network offers complete PC EXPO information on exhibitors and seminars, plus NYC restaurant and entertainment listings. Users of the ShowNet system can also send messages to other PC EXPO attendees, and to the outside world.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ConEdison are sponsoring a program to reduce the energy consumption of PCs by up to 50 percent. Energy-efficient personal computer technology, displaying The Energy Star Program seal, are being exhibited on Level 1 of the show floor.

The PC EXPO show will also feature several pavilions and showcases focusing on the most dynamic areas of the computer industry, including Windows, Multimedia, Mobile Computing, and Windows NT. More than 40 industry associations and user groups are also exhibiting in pavilions, - on Level 1 and the Galleria.

The PC EXPO show hours are: today and Wednesday --10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PC EXPO has been selected again by the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Foreign Buyer Program (FBP) event. The show is promoted by U.S. embassies, worldwide, supporting delegations of foreign buyers. For the first time, PC EXPO is welcoming an official Russian delegation from Moscow. There are also delegations coming from Costa Rica, Columbia, Dominican Republic and Brazil.

New technology on the show floor is complemented by the presentation of comprehensive information during the PC EXPO Seminar Series. The program this year is the largest ever, with seven conference tracks featuring 77 sessions, including a new Multimedia track. The other tracks include: Management, Software, Hardware, Windows, Connectivity and Fundamentals. The PC EXPO Tutorials -- intensive, all-day seminars -- were held Monday.

PC EXPO is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI), the country's leading trade show management firm of information technology (I.T.) events. BBI is part of Blenheim Group PLC, the leading producer of exhibitions and conferences, with more than 250 events, including 40 I.T. events.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


Associations & User Groups Exhibit at PC EXPO
ASSOCIATIONS, USER GROUPS EXHIBIT SERVICES AT PC EXPO

More than 40 User Organizations Showcase Programs and Activities for Computer Professlonals on Show Floor

(New York, NY, June 29) -- Providing important computer industry educational programs and services for both users and vendors is the mission of the industry's hundreds of associations and user groups. More than 40 of these organizations are exhibiting at PC EXPO in New York, which opens today.

Two organizations are holding meetings during the show. Sun Users Group held a meeting at the show on Monday evening. On Thursday, the Northeast Technical Association (NTA) will sponsor a meeting at 10:30 a.m., in Room 1E17 of the Javits Center. The meeting will feature representatives of the organizations exhibiting at PC EXPO discussing a proposed associationsponsored job referral service for the region as well as other shared concems.

Computer industry organizations receive complimentary exhibit space at the show, according to Mark Dineen, show manager for PC EXPO.

"Providing computer professionals with previews of new technology, and the latest educational intormation are common goals of both PC EXPO and these organizations," said Mr. Dineen.

PC EXPO in New York is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI), the country's largest producer of computer trade shows. ISBI is part of the Blenheim Group PLC, a worldwide organizer of exhibitions and conferences with more than 250 events, including 40 information technology events.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


254/255 Forms Made Easy by Sema4
254/255 Forms Made Easy!

Semaphore Inc., the makres of the #1 ranked Sema4 Financial Management System has announced the first-ever fully integrated 254/255 forms module. The 254/255 module enables uers to take advantage of information already entered and tracked in Sema4 to generate the government contract forms. Gone are the days of manually inputting 18 pages of information. Sema4's new 254/255 modules help you to save time since the information can be downloaded from Sema4 according to what you need. Now, not only can you now freely design invoices as you wish, create project management reports as you need them, and fully run cash and accrual accounting, you can also have the added capability to generate forms 254/255 straight from Sema4.

Semaphore Inc

3 East 28th St, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016

800-545-7484


Spindler Appointed Apple CEO, Scully Chairman
Spindler Appointed Apple CEO; Sculley Remains Chairman

CUPERTINO, California -- June 18, 1993 -- John Sculley, chairman of Apple Computer, Inc., today announced that the board of directors, on his recommendation, has appointed Michael Spindler to the position of president and chief executive officer. Sculley, who had previously held the chief executive officer position, will remain as the company's chairman, focusing on emerging new business opportunities for Apple.

"My personal interests have long been in defining the opportunities and technologies for Apple in the convergence of computing, communications and content," Sculley said. "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."

"For the past two years I have discussed with Apple's board my belief that Michael Spindler, Apple's president, was the obvious candidate to succeed me as CEO. I am tremendously proud of Michael's talents and accomplishments and can't think of a better person to lead Apple into the future."

Commenting on Sculley's new role, Michael Spindler said, "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 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."

A.C. "Mike" Markkula, Jr., Apple co-founder and vice chairman of the board commented that, "John Sculley is an extraordinary leader with outstanding vision and we are all fortunate to have had him as CEO for ten years. While there is never a perfect time to make a change, we respect John's wishes and are very fortunate that he has agreed to continue as chairman and close advisor to Spindler."

Michael Spindler joined Apple in 1980 as marketing manager for European operations. Since then, he has served as general manager, European sales and marketing; vice president, international sales and marketing; president, Apple Europe; and most recently president, chief operating officer and a member of Apple's board of directors.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


20 Apple Products Receive Gov't Energy Star
20 Apple Products Receive Government's New "Energy Star" for Power Efficiency

CUPERTINO, California--June 17, 1993 -- Apple Computer, Inc. announced it is offering a broad range of products that comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new Energy Star criteria for low-power consumption. For many current Macintosh owners, the company is also providing upgrades that make their Apple products use less electricity. At a White House press conference today the EPA will officially release the Energy Star emblem for display with energy-efficient computers and peripherals.

The Energy Star program, a cooperative effort between government and industry, is expected to save consumers electricity costs and reduce air pollution caused by energy production. According to the EPA, reducing the energy consumed by computers in the U.S. 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. The Agency estimates that users of Energy Star computers will save $2 billion annually.

"Apple is committed to producing products in a manner that conserves the environment. Energy efficiency is a step further toward managing the environmental impacts of computers-from their design to eventual disposal," said Fred Forsyth, senior vice president and general manager, Macintosh Systems Division. "We plan to provide energy-saving features across current and future product lines, and whenever possible to offer upgrades to our installed base," he added.

Apple was an early participant in the Energy Star program, working with a few other manufacturers to help the EPA develop its technical criteria. The program was announced one year ago, allowing industry time to develop engineering designs and marketing plans. 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.

The Apple Personal LaserWriter 300, introduced this week, is one of the first printers designed with an energy conservation mode. It is always "asleep" unless it is actually printing. While in sleep mode, the Personal LaserWriter 300 uses less than 5 watts of power, or the equivalent of a television set that is turned off. While printing, it uses 120 watts, less than one-half the power of most laser printers.

The Apple Macintosh Color Classic, introduced February 1993, was the industry's first desktop computer system that automatically reduces power consumption to less than 25 watts when it is idle. Through the Macintosh screen control panel, users simply define the period of time that the computer can be inactive before the sleep mode starts. A recent Apple survey of Color Classic users indicated that over 80 percent were consistently using the sleep mode feature and valued the energy savings capability.

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.

The following Apple products comply with Energy Star requirements. The new energy savings features have not increased unit prices of these Apple products.

Currently shipping

------------------

Macintosh Classic II

Macintosh Color Classic

Macintosh LC III

Macintosh Performa 200

Macintosh Performa 400

Macintosh Performa 405

Macintosh Performa 430

Macintosh Performa 450

PowerBook 145 and 145b

PowerBook 165c

PowerBook 170

PowerBook 180 and 180c

Macintosh 12" Monochrome Display

Macintosh 14" Color Display (M1198LL/B)*

ImageWriter II

StyleWriter II

Apple Color Printer

Personal LaserWriter 300

      * = Limited availability until Fall 1993

Installed base

--------------

Macintosh SE and SE/30

Macintosh Classic

Macintosh LC

Macintosh LCII

Macintosh IIsi

PowerBook 100

PowerBook 140

PowerBook 160

StyleWriter

Apple IIGS

Apple IIe

Apple IIc Plus

In addition to the above products, Apple is providing energy savings capability to the installed base of LaserWriter Pro 600 and 630 printers by offering special software upgrades through the Apple Assistance Center.

The Smartbar line of products from Sequence Electronics, offers a range of options for bringing Energy Star capability to the Macintosh Centris 610 and 650, the Macintosh Quadra 800 and 950 and the Macintosh IIvx as well as most Macintosh computers and monitors introduced since 1986. These products allow most Macintosh computers or displays to automatically power-down after a period of inactivity without loss of data. A touch of the keyboard or mouse energizes the system. Apple plans to make the Smartbar products available through the Apple retail catalog beginning today for special 30-day promotional prices that range from $59 to $129.

Customers who want more information on Apple products that meet the Energy Star requirements for low power consumption or who want the LaserWriter Pro software upgrade should call the Apple Assistance Center at 800-776-2333. For more information about Smartbar, contact Sequence Electronics at 800-663-1833. For more information on Energy Star programs, contact Brian Johnson in EPA Global Change Division at 202-233-9114.

Apple believes that a comprehensive environmental program is an essential component of doing business. Current corporate programs include battery and toner cartridge recycling programs for customers, environmentally sensitive packaging, energy-efficient products, a worldwide chlorofluorocarbon elimination policy, product grants to environmental groups, internal recycling, and environmental volunteer and education programs for employees.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Apple Takes Aggressive Pricing Actions in USA
APPLE TAKES AGGRESSIVE PRICING ACTIONS IN U.S.

CAMPBELL, California -- June 14,1993 -- As part of its ongoing commitment to gain marketshare for the Macintosh brand of personal computers, the Apple USA division of Apple Computer, Inc. today announced two aggressive pricing programs that will provide customers in the United States with immediate savings on selected Apple computers and peripherals.

First, the "On-the-spot rebates. On-target solutions." promotion offers rebates ranging from $50 to $350 on the purchase of a selection of popular Macintosh portable and desktop computers and Apple scanners and printers. Effective immediately, the promotion will run through September 30,1993 and will be administered by participating Apple authorized resellers.

Second, in conjunction with this announcement, Apple has also lowered suggested retail prices (SRP) on selected Apple computers and peripherals effective today. Reductions on Macintosh computers range from 6.8% to 12.6%, and as much as 26% on peripherals.

"Momentum for Macintosh products remains strong - unit shipments increased 35 percent in the first half of our fiscal year," said Bob Puette, president of Apple USA. "And, we're committed to accelerating that momentum. With this rebate, customers can choose the computing solution components that best fit their needs from a range of Apple's mainstream business products. Best of all, they receive their rebate on-the-spot."

The rebate promotion and new SRPs include the following Apple products:

                                 Old SRP     New SRP    Rebate

Macintosh Classic II              $1,079                $ 50

Macintosh Color Classic            1,389                  50

Macintosh Centris 610 4/80

(no Ethernet)                      1,859     $1,659      150

Macintosh Centris 610 4/80         1,969      1,769      150

Macintosh Centris 610 8/230        2,519      2,319      150

Macintosh Centris 610 8/230 w/CD   2,899      2,699      300

Macintosh IIvx 4/80                1,899      1,659      150

Macintosh IIvx 4/230               2,269      2,029      150

Macintosh IIvx 8/230               2,459      2,219      150

Macintosh IIvx 5/80 w/CD           2,339      2,099      300

PowerBook Duo 210                  1,839                 100

PowerBook 165c 4/80                3,399                  50

PowerBook 165c 4/120               3,759                  50

PowerBook 180 4/80                 4,109      3,699      100

PowerBook 180 4/120                4,469      4,059      100

Macintosh Duo Dock                 1,079                 150

Macintosh Duo Dock

   w/230MB Hard Drive              1,975                 350

Apple Macintosh Portrait Display     889                  75

Apple Basic Color Monitor            329                  25

LaserWriter IIg                    2,309                 200

LaserWriter Pro 600                2,099                 100

Personal LaserWriter NTR           1,179                 200

Apple Color Printer                1,659                  50

Apple Color OneScanner

   w/accessory kit                 1,349      1,199      100

Apple OneScanner

   w/accessory kit                   949        869       50

AppleCD 150                          499        369

AppleCD 300                          599        429

The rebates on CD-ROM offerings reflect Apple's intent to build the largest and most active base of CD-ROM users in the industry by offering state-of-the-art CD-ROM-based products at compelling prices. Most of Apple's Macintosh desktop computers now offer optional built-in CD-ROMs, and over 45% of customers worldwide are choosing this option.

The promotion will be nationally supported through a radio advertising campaign.

See participating authorized Apple resellers for complete terms and conditions. Customers interested in the promotion should contact a participating authorized Apple reseller. To locate a local dealer call (800) 538 %96.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Most Affordable LaserWriter Printer Intro
Apple Introduces Its Most Affordable LaserWriter Printer With New Energy Efficient Mode

CUPERTINO, California -- June 14, 1993 -- Apple Computer Inc., today introduced the most affordable, compact and energy efficient laser printer in its growing line of printer products. With a suggested retail price of $689, the Apple Personal LaserWriter 300 offers high quality, low cost printing and printer sharing capabilities in a compact design weighing less than 15 pounds.

The Personal LaserWriter 300 is uniquely designed for users who need a printer for a home office, small business, or educational purposes at a price that doesn't break their budget. With the Personal LaserWriter 300, Apple is lowering the price for entry level LaserWriter printers to new levels.

"Our education and home customers have diverse needs," said Fred Forsyth, senior vice president and general manager of the Macintosh Systems Division. "They want affordability without sacrificing quality. Many have space constraints and need a compact printer that fits on a desktop. Home offices often need to share the printer with other Macintosh computers. The Personal LaserWriter 300 meets all these requirements and comes complete with a variety of features for customers to print a wide range of documents. The customer only has to plug it in and get down to business."

Full Function LaserWriter Printing

The Personal LaserWriter 300 prints up to four pages per minute and offers 300x300 dots per inch resolution with grayscale printing that produces a wide range of gray shades for sharper and more detailed images.

The Personal LaserWriter 300 uses Apple's GrayShare printer software for Apple QuickDraw-based personal printers. GrayShare improves ease of use, print speed and functionality in areas such as image scaling, grayscale printing and printer sharing so that people can print documents with the high quality text and images they get at the office.

With Apple's GrayShare Technology, the Personal LaserWriter 300 can be used as a personal printer or it can be shared with other Macintosh computers connected to an LocalTalk or EtherTalk network.

The printer also incorporates Apple's TrueType font technology for viewing and printing sharp characters in a variety of sizes and styles. It ships with 39 of the most popular LaserWriter TrueType fonts and is compatible with Type 1 fonts when used with Adobe's Type Manager.

The Personal LaserWriter 300 comes complete with everything necessary to print the diverse range of documents generated in a family--correspondence, school reports, invoices, business graphics and other images. No additional interface cards, memory, printer drivers, fonts or interface cables are necessary.

Easy to Use

To simplify printing, the printer comes standard with a 100-sheet universal cassette for printing on a variety of paper sizes up to legal size. The customer can also use the standard manual feed tray for printing on envelopes, labels or heavy paper stock. No additional cassettes are required.

The Personal LaserWriter 300 is a compact printer that weighs less than 15 pounds, making it light enough to be moved easily and small enough to fit on a desktop or into other small spaces. Its easy to replace, one piece toner cartridge guarantees clean and hassle-free maintenance.

"Last year, Apple's LaserWriter printers won the JD Power Award for Customer Satisfaction and ease of use was a major factor," said Forsyth. "Apple has always regarded ease of use as one of the most important elements of a design. The Personal LaserWriter 300 continues this tradition."

New Energy Efficiency

The Personal LaserWriter 300 is one of the first printers designed with an energy conservation mode for saving energy and uses 50 percent less power than many other laser printers on the market. It meets the requirements of Energy Star, the Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines for energy conversation, and is part of Apple's commitment to design and manufacture products that are environmentally sound.

The energy conservation mode automatically conserves energy by shutting off most of the printer's functions when they are not in use. Because there is no on/off switch, the Personal LaserWriter 300 is always "asleep" until it detects something to be printed. It automatically goes back to "sleep" when printing is finished. 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. When printing, it uses 120 watts, less than one-half the power of most laser printers.

System Requirements, Price and Availability

The Personal LaserWriter works with any Macintosh or Macintosh Performa with a least one megabyte of RAM, a hard disk drive and system software version 6.07 or later. With System 7 or a later version, Apple recommends using at least four megabytes of RAM and a hard disk drive.

The Personal LaserWriter 300 is available today wherever Macintosh Performas are sold. It's scheduled to be introduced in the education and consumer channels worldwide in late July. A suggested retail price of $689 makes the Personal LaserWriter 300 Apple's most affordable LaserWriter printer.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010