IBM Solution Developer Support SSSS DDDD PPPP N N EEEEE W W SSSS S D D P P NN N E W W S SSS D D PPPP N N N EEEE W W W SSS S D D P N NN E W W W S SSSS DDDD P N N EEEEE WW WW SSSS ========================================================================== 1996 Issue 5 30 April 1996 ========================================================================== This Newsletter is a compilation of information from the IBM Support for Solution Developers World Wide Web Home Page and covers general news and events reported since Issue 4 of the SDPnews, March 31, 1996. Also included are selections from the Developer News area available only to members of the IBM Solution Developer Program. For more information about the Solution Developer Program, along with the latest news from our members and IBM, please visit our World Wide Web site at: http://www.developer.ibm.com/ There is something for everyone on our Home Page, and some things will soon be accessible by registered Solution Developer Program members only. Take advantage of this Program by registering on-line or contact the IBM Solution Developer Program Hotline via: Internet: ibmsdp@vnet.ibm.com Fax: 1-770-835-9444 Phone (US and Canada): 1-800-627-8363 Phone (Worldwide): 1-770-835-9902 Previous issues of this newsletter can also be found at: http://www.developer.ibm.com/sdp/library/sdpnews/ A full index of IBM Announcement Letters and Press Releases can be found on our IBMLink WWW Server at http://www.ibmlink.ibm.com. ========================================================================== Contents The Table of Contents contains search codes for going directly to items that interest you. Search Codes ------ Member News 0496_01 ----------- General News 0496_02 ------------ April 30, 1996 0496_03 Next Version of IBM's OS/2 Warp to Integrate Java Technology April 27, 1996 0496_04 IBM Technical Interchange '96 April 23, 1996 0496_05 IBM AIX Version 4.2 Enhanced with New Entry Client Package, Expanded Function, Services, and Bonus Pack April 23, 1996 0496_06 IBM Internet POWERsolutions for AIX -- Ready-to-Run Internet Solutions for the RISC System/6000 April 23, 1996 0496_07 IBM CICS Clients Version 2.0 April 16, 1996 0496_08 IBM Begins Countdown to Cryptolope Containers: Software Technology Protects Content and Provides Payment Mechanism for Owners on the Internet April 11, 1996 0496_09 IBM's OS/2 Warp Server Comes Out On Top In File and Print Performance April 8, 1996 0496_10 IBM Brings Its Own Stars to Nashville April 3, 1996 0496_11 IBM's MQSeries Software Wins Industry Award April 2, 1996 0496_12 Next Version of OS/2 Warp Will Connect You ... to the Internet, the Office and the Home Solution Developer Program News 0496_13 ------------------------------- April 30, 1996 0496_14 IBM Thinkpad 820 Promotion for Solution Developers April 30, 1996 0496_15 Lotus Enhances Program For Business Partners Providing Messaging, Internet and Groupware Solutions April 24, 1996 0496_16 First Major Vendor to Offer Component Software for Lotus Business Partners and End Users April 23, 1996 0496_17 OpenGL and GL 3.2 for AIX, Version 4.2 April 23, 1996 0496_18 PEX and PHIGS for AIX, Version 4.2 April 23, 1996 0496_19 IBM Ultimedia Services for AIX, Version 2.1.4 Enhances Video and Audio Capabilities April 23, 1996 0496_20 IBM Communications System for Windows NT Adds New Platform to Distributed Application Environment April 23, 1996 0496_21 New IBM Data Collection Software Products for OS/2 and Windows NT Provide Advanced Function April 23, 1996 0496_22 SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for AIX offers Increased Performance and Cost-Efficiency April 23, 1996 0496_23 SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for OS/2 offers Increased Performance and Cost-efficiency April 23, 1996 0496_24 SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for Windows NT April 16, 1996 0496_25 IBM VisualAge Requirements Tool for OS/2 Version 1.0 -- A Powerful, Easy-to-Use Requirements Tool for Business Professionals April 16, 1996 0496_26 IBM's Data Mining Gold Rush is on at DB/EXPO in San Francisco April 8, 1996 0496_27 IBM and Solution Developers Deliver Applications for Small Business Owners April 3, 1996 0496_28 Notes Release 4.1 Launched with Support for Nine New Clients, Five New Servers, Including Digital AlphaServer Systems April 3, 1996 0496_29 Lotus Notes MTAs Enter Widespread Field Test April 1, 1996 0496_30 IBM AntiVirus Software Now Available to VARs and Resellers 1996 Calendar of Events 0496_31 ----------------------- ========================================================================== 1996 Issue 4 SDPnews 30 April 1996 ========================================================================== Member News 0496_01 ----------- Below is a list of new announcements from members of the IBM Solution Developer Program. Visit our Member Product Announcements page at http://www.developer.ibm.com/products/v_press/ to see the full text. April 29, 1996 Back Again/2 Professional for OS/2 gains network centric, ease of use features April 19, 1996 SofTouch announces Gamma Tech Internet Relay Chat for OS/2 April 11, 1996 Solution Providers announce support for IBM Software Servers April 9, 1996 Diversified Data Resources Inc. enhances ACE Sybase MPP available for IBM RS/6000 SP Sundial Systems to publish Clearlook Word Processor Cirrus Technology, Inc. announces UniteScan TM ========================================================================== General News 0496_02 ------------ April 30, 1996 0496_03 Next Version of IBM's OS/2 Warp to Integrate Java Technology As First Intel-based Operating System to Include Java, Merlin Will Offer Cutting Edge Internet and Network Functionality AUSTIN, Texas, April 29, 1996...IBM today announced that the next version of OS/2* Warp, code-named Merlin, will integrate Sun Microsystem's Java** programming language when Merlin ships in the second half of this year. In addition to incorporating a Java-enabled Web browser into Merlin, IBM will integrate Java into the operating system, allowing it to natively run Java applications and Internet applets independent of a Web browser. "Java levels the playing field between operating systems," said Wally Casey, vice president of client product management in IBM's Software Group. "Because a Java application will run on all operating systems without modification, developers no longer will have to write to a proprietary API set and customers will be able to make buying decisions based on which operating system best runs their applications. This development also broadens the base of applications that OS/2 will natively support." Java Benefits Developers and End Users Alike Java integration in OS/2 Warp will benefit both software application developers and end users. Merlin will come with a built-in Java Developers Kit, as well as the run-time code necessary for a Java application to run. Developers will not have to ship their own run-time with each application and end users will not have to make room for multiple run-times on their computers. Java integration into OS/2 means that Java applications will run with the integrity, reliability and security of the operating system. Java integration also means that customers will be able to download Java applets, like stock tickers, from the Internet and place them onto their computer desktops or embed them into a program, such as a spreadsheet or word processor. Furthermore, with Merlin's new Internet-aware user interface and built-in speech recognition, users will be able to drag Java applets from a Web page onto the desktop and then launch them with a double click on the mouse or voice command. OS/2 is the only operating system that makes working with Java applets this easy. Speech recognition will be available in the following languages: U.S. and U.K. English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. OS/2 Warp...The Operating System for the Networked World Full, integrated Java capability is further proof that OS/2 Warp will be the best operating system for today's networked world. Java enhancements, combined with Merlin's Internet-aware user interface and its ability to connect to any server anywhere as a universal client operating system, establish OS/2 Warp as the operating system that will connect users from wherever they are to whatever information they need. * OS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation. ** Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other product and service names may be trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners. For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to find any information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. ========================================================================== April 27, 1996 0496_04 IBM Technical Interchange '96 3,000 developers gather in Nashville for software technology conference IBM Technical Interchange '96: Steppin' Out in Music City USA Three thousand software developers from around the world converged on the home of country music for the IBM Technical Interchange '96 , April 23-26, an annual conference for exploring the latest in software technology and discuss the best way to apply that technology to match the requirements of today's business environment. "Technical Interchange is a gathering of the best and the brightest software developers from around the world," said Gian Carlo Bisone, general manager of software marketing, Software Group, IBM. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- See what some of the "best and brightest" said about Technical Interchange '96 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Technical Interchange is a major forum for new product announcements showcasing application development and systems management as well as speech recognition and Internet access and support. IBM made headlines with a range of new products and programs, all designed to make computing in a networked world easier for developers, users and information technology managers. News from Nashville Here are the announcements made at the IBM Technical Interchange: * IBM and Development Partners Unveil New Software Technology in Music City, USA * IBM Solution Developer Program Streamlines Developer Support * The next OS/2 Warp client is made easy with speech recognition, user-interface improvements and better Internet integration * IBM offers SOMobjects free on the Web * Lotus Announces Word Pro 96 Edition for OS/2 Warp ----------------------------------------------------------------------- For all the latest news about IBM software, visit the IBM Software Home Page. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_05 Announcement Number: 296-124 IBM AIX Version 4.2 Enhanced with New Entry Client Package, Expanded Function, Services, and Bonus Pack Abstract IBM AIX Version 4.2: * Provides the new Entry Client package * Provides support for: * Data files greater than 2GB * Program executables greater than 256MB * Merge of the LVM and CLVM function * Graphical Workspace Manager * Dynamic loading APIs * AIX Version 4.2 year 2000 enabled * Designed to conform to XOpen's UNIX(1) 95 Specification (also known as Spec 1170) * Provides a no-charge Bonus Pack that contains: * Ultimedia(R) Services for AIX, Version 2.1.4 * Netscape Navigator, Version 2.01 * IBM's implementation for AIX of Sun's Java(2) programming environment, Version 1.0 * Adobe Acrobat Reader, Version 2.1 * Netscape FastTrack Server * Netscape Commerce Server, Version 1.1 (substituted for the Netscape FastTrack Server until availability of Netscape FastTrack Server) * IBM Internet Connection Secure Server for AIX * Provides for preinstall of RS/6000(TM) Welcome Center * Enhances * Hardware support * Async and Networking * National Languages * X Window System XTEST Extension AIX(R) Version 4.2 represents a significant enhancement of capabilities to the AIX Version 4 operating system. While delivering many new features in a system designed for usability and growth, AIX Version 4.2 maintains a high degree of commitment to binary compatibility with AIX Version 4.1. AIX Version 4.2 continues to help support your investments in previous IBM systems using the AIX operating system, while providing the following new features: * Large File Support -- Now provides applications developed on Version 4.2, the ability to create and use data files of sizes larger than 2GB. * Dynamic Loading -- Offers an API for dynamic loading of program objects. * Large Executables -- Provides new support for executables with initialized data of sizes larger than 256MB. * Device support -- Provides up to 1 terabyte. * New Entry Client Package -- Provides a reduced-function client package at a lower price. * Bonus Pack for AIX Version 4.2 -- Adds new and popular software to the AIX packages, making AIX Version 4.2 a rich, robust network computing environment. * Graphical Workspace Manager -- Enhances Common Desktop Environment (CDE) usability and management. * Networking Support -- Adds support for Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Authentication support for Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). AIX Version 4.2 has many additional performance enhancements in I/O, streams, networking, and C language run-time, and adds support for the RISC System/6000(R) 7024 E30 Server, additional I/O devices, and other hardware extensions. Planned Availability Date: May 17, 1996 For Netscape FastTrack Server: September 27, 1996 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. * One-Time Charge (1) Registered trademark in the United States and other countries licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Limited. (2) Trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_06 Announcement Number: 696-012 IBM Internet POWERsolutions for AIX -- Ready-to-Run Internet Solutions for the RISC System/6000 Abstract The Internet POWERsolutions for AIX offer: * Easier ordering of an integrated Internet server system for the RISC System/6000 machine with appropriate prerequisites * A range of preconfigured hardware to match your capacity needs * Reduced power-on to home page time * Installation, configuration, and initial usage instruction in the Get Connected Guide * Sample Web pages AIX(R) has the right connections when it comes to the Internet. Now you can order a preinstalled hardware and software combination that is ready to put you on the Internet's World Wide Web (WWW). You can spend your time focusing on your information content, not the work of installing an Internet server. Internet POWERsolutions for AIX are compatible packages of the hardware, software, and services you need to get up and running on the Web. These packages are preloaded, preinstalled, tested, and ready to be connected by the customer to an Internet service provider. There are also sample Web pages so you don't have to start from scratch. The Internet POWERsolutions for AIX consist of the following items: * A RISC System/6000(R) machine with AIX Version 4.1.4 or 4.2 * A choice of server software from IBM or Netscape * IBM Internet Connection Secure Server Version 4.0.2 for AIX * Netscape Commerce Server Version 1.1 * Netscape Navigator browser (included with each Netscape server) * Sample Web pages You can select the RISC System/6000 hardware features and any AIX feature numbers or licensed program products (LPPs) to be preloaded on your Internet POWERsolutions Server. IBM now intends to offer additional Internet POWERsolutions for AIX with Netscape's Version 2.0 server products when Netscape completes its AIX versions. IBM intends to make Netscape FastTrack Server 2.0, Netscape Enterprise Server 2.0, and Netscape Proxy Server 2.0 available as Internet POWERsolutions for AIX in the second half of 1996. These statements represent IBM's current intent and are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. For more information on the Netscape products, refer to Software Announcement 296-126, dated April 23, 1996 (Netscape Software for AIX). Price: Charges are based on hardware, software, and services. Planned Availability Date: May 3, 1996 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_07 Announcement Number: 296-139 IBM CICS Clients Version 2.0 Abstract The CICS Clients Version 2.0 provide: * New clients for Windows 95 and Windows NT * Support for Object Oriented programming * Gateway functions for CICS access to Lotus Notes and the Internet * Major enhancements to national language support * New packaging on CD-ROM with all clients in one package The IBM CICS(TM) Clients Version 2.0 provide new packaging, support for two important new platforms, and major new functions. The principal enhancements are: * Support for the Windows+ 95 and Windows NT platforms in addition to OS/2(R), DOS, Windows and Macintosh platforms previously supported. * Object-Oriented (OO) Foundation Class Libraries in the CICS Clients for OS/2, Windows, Windows 95 and Windows NT. These C++ classes collectively provide the functionality of the External Call Interface (ECI) and External Presentation Interface (EPI) functions, but with improved usability. * The CICS gateway for Lotus Notes, in the CICS Clients for OS/2 and Windows NT. * The CICS Internet gateway, in the CICS Client for OS/2. * REXX Access to CICS, in the CICS Client for OS/2. * National Language support for over twenty languages. * Packaging on CD-ROM in a single physical deliverable covering all supported platforms. Planned Availability Date: May 31, 1996 (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. + Registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. ========================================================================== April 16, 1996 0496_08 IBM Begins Countdown to Cryptolope Containers: Software Technology Protects Content and Provides Payment Mechanism for Owners on the Internet New York, April 15, 1996 ... IBM today begins a 14-day countdown to the introduction of Cryptolope* containers on the Internet as part of the IBM infoMarket service. A Cryptolope is a secure cryptographic envelope which provides copyright protection of all kinds of content distributed on the Internet including text, sound, video and graphic images. This new software technology will fundamentally improve the quality of the content available on the Internet and the way it is distributed. During the countdown, IBM's Cryptolope containers will provide users with a variety of timely content at no cost, such as digitized images, sound clips, software, and early releases of information. The Cryptolope countdown can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.infomkt.ibm.com from April 15th through April 28th, after which Cryptolope containers will become generally available through the IBM infoMarket service. This service is a key implementation of IBM's networked computing strategy. "With the security offered by IBM infoMarket's Cryptolope containers, more publishers will see the Internet as a profitable marketplace, and the quality of information available on the Internet will improve significantly," said Jeff Crigler, vice president and managing director, IBM infoMarket. IBM developed Cryptolope technology to address the problem of protecting intellectual property from piracy on the Internet and to provide content owners with a mechanism for them to be paid for the use of their work. An abstract, which accompanies the Cryptolope, describes the information contained therein, and its terms of sale. Once the terms are agreed to by the customer, a transparent electronic key is downloaded and used to open and purchase the item. During the 14-day countdown, all users of the Internet will be able to participate and download the information for free. To participate, users will need access to the Internet, such as that provided by the IBM Global Network, a Netscape 1.2 or higher browser and Windows 3.1, or Windows 3.1.1, and will also need to download - once - a helper application from the infoMarket site. IBM infoMarket: Secure Content Distribution IBM infoMarket serves as a clearinghouse for its commercial content and technology providers, managing access and payment processing directly on behalf of the providers. The providers themselves will have the ability to determine the editing, conditions of use, and pricing of their content, giving them greater control over distribution and profitability. Cryptolope containers will allow content providers to take advantage of "superdistribution," a new business model that enables customers to redistribute a publisher's content to other users and charge them for the subsequent use of their work. Publishers can now take advantage of the Internet as a valuable business medium by which to disseminate their information, with the assurance that infoMarket will bill everyone who makes use of their works. A major component of infoMarket is its powerful search capability which allows users to simultaneously search the broad scope of the Internet as well as private commercial content with a single query. It then returns the results to the user in a single, relevance-ranked list. The IBM infoMarket Service is spearheading the movement to enable publishers to take advantage of the Internet as a powerful network-based marketplace and to reach a worldwide audience of millions. This new service will provide digital publishers with the incentive to create and distribute their content electronically, with the knowledge that they can receive appropriate compensation from infoMarket customers. Additionally, IBM infoMarket will supply the tools to provide these content owners with control over how their information is presented to their customers. * Trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. For further information, visit the IBM home page located at http://www.ibm.com on the World Wide Web. Additional information relating to IBM Internet products and services is located: http://www.ibm.com/Internet/. IBM infoMarket Service is located at http://www.infomkt.ibm.com on the World Wide Web. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. ========================================================================== April 11, 1996 0496_09 IBM's OS/2 Warp Server Comes Out On Top In File and Print Performance PC Week Labs Tests Performance of Leading PC Server Operating Systems AUSTIN, Texas, April 10, 1996 . . . Results of an independent test conducted by PC Week Labs show that OS/2* Warp Server running on a single processor outperforms both Microsoft Windows** NT Server and Novell Netware*** 4.1 running on four-way SMP- (symmetric- multiprocessing) equipped servers. "We are very pleased with the results of this test, especially considering the fact that Windows NT was running on a server with four 133MHz Pentium processors and Warp Server was running on a uniprocessor machine," said Art Olbert, director of product plan management, IBM Personal Software Products. "Our own tests have shown a 14 percent improvement in file and print performance in OS/2 Warp Server Version 4 over LAN Server* 4.0. That means we have improved performance for our current customers and we have also beaten the competition." According to the tests, OS/2 Warp Server had a peak performance of 56M bps (mega-bits per second), outperforming Windows NT Server by up to 26 percent in file and print services. Windows NT Server performed at a maximum of 44 M bps, while Netware 4.1 placed last. The testing was conducted with Ziff-Davis Benchmark Operation's newly released NetBench 4.01, with file and print services running on a 100M bps Fast Ethernet network. "The results of this test are very impressive, but then again, I've always been impressed with the performance of IBM's LAN Server," said John Robinson, systems manager, South Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation. "And as we roll out the new OS/2 Warp Server, I've seen a significant improvement in file and print services." The OS/2 Warp Server SMP Feature Currently in alpha testing, the OS/2 Warp Server SMP feature was demonstrated at the launch event of OS/2 Warp Server in February. An open beta program is planned to begin in the second quarter of 1996, with general availability expected in the third quarter of the year. OS/2 Warp Server Version 4: The Complete Business Solution OS/2 Warp Server is IBM's business server solution for customers ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. It provides a foundation for application serving and file and print sharing, plus a wealth of integrated features including system management, backup and recovery, remote access, enhanced TCP/IP support, advanced print function and LAN Internet access. * OS/2 is a registered trademarks of IBM Corp. ** Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. *** Netware is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to find any information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. ========================================================================== April 8, 1996 0496_10 IBM Brings Its Own Stars to Nashville Developers Conference Showcases Latest Information Technology AUSTIN, Texas, April 8, 1996...IBM today announced that its premier developer conference, the Technical Interchange, will be held in Nashville, April 22-26. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about IBM's application development technologies as well the company's object, Internet, groupware and integrated solutions software. The conference will feature over 550 technical sessions covering AIX*, OS/400*, OS/2* and OS/390*, intensive five-hour tutorials, an exhibit hall with over 200 exhibits, computer labs for test-driving IBM's and Lotus' latest software products and professional certification testing. In addition, major software announcements that pertain to the development community will be made at the conference. Conference speakers are scheduled to be Gian Carlo Bisone, general manager of software marketing, Software Group; Howie Hunger, director, Solution Developer Programs; John Landry, strategic technology consultant, IBM/Lotus; Steven Mills, general manager, Software Solutions; John Whiteside, general manager, IBM Global Network and Irving Wladawsky-Berger, general manager, Internet. "The Technical Interchange promises to be a 'must attend' event for both commercial and corporate developers who design, develop, integrate or support solutions for IBM's major software platforms," said Bisone. "This year's event will showcase the extensive offerings available to IBM solution developers and will provide a forum for interacting with fellow developers." Technical Interchange '96 will draw a world-wide attendance, and is the one opportunity to see the best that IBM has to offer solution developers. To register, call 800/872-7109 or 617/893-2056. Press may register by calling 800/354-0978 or 512/838-4571. Further information is available on the Technical Interchange home page at http://www.developer.ibm.com/events/ti_96/. For some companies, Nashville is a concept. For IBM it's where the hottest software comes alive in April. * Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. ========================================================================== April 3, 1996 0496_11 IBM's MQSeries Software Wins Industry Award Networld + Interop, LAS VEGAS, April 3,1996 -- At a gala event held in the Las Vegas Hilton late last night, IBM's MQSeries software won a leading industry award for Best Middleware. "The Well-Connected Awards are Network Computing's most coveted editors' choice awards," explained Patricia Schnaidt, editor-in-chief of Network Computing. "Once a year our editors reflect upon all the product review work they've done and come up with their 'dream team' of computer products. These include software products that they would design into a network or recommend to a close friend." "We are delighted that MQSeries has won this prestigious award," said John M. Thompson, Senior Vice President and Group Executive, IBM Software Group. "IBM is committed to innovative, open software that connects customers to the networked world. This award is true recognition of IBM's ability to develop outstanding software and quickly bring it to market. With the help of our business partners, MQSeries is rapidly becoming an open, industry standard for application interoperability." IBM's market-leading MQSeries middleware provides a robust communications layer that makes it simple for applications to interoperate across a network. Available on 20 computer platforms, MQSeries helps customers move into the network-centric world by hiding the complexity of underlying networks. MQSeries is already being used to link Lotus Notes to transaction-based systems, and is also planned to help extend the reach of SAP R/3 client/server environments. It is currently being used by businesses as diverse as entertainment parks and major stock exchanges to deliver on a range of interoperability opportunities. All award winners are highlighted in the April 1 issue of Network Computing and on Network Computing Online at http//techweb.cmp.com/nwc. This announcement adds to the list of IBM software products which have earned awards during the year, including OS/2 Warp and Lotus Notes. For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products and services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is at www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM Software is to go to the IBM Software home page at www.software.ibm.com. IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. ** All other trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners ========================================================================== April 2, 1996 0496_12 Next Version of OS/2 Warp Will Connect You ... to the Internet, the Office and the Home With IBM's Merlin There Will Be No Barriers to Connecting to Anywhere at Any Time LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 2, 1996 . . . At Networld+Interop today, IBM took the wraps off the next version of OS/2* Warp, code-named Merlin, demonstrating its capabilities as a premier network client for a broad customer set. Merlin will provide Internet, office and remote connectivity solutions, establishing itself as an ideal operating system choice for everyone from the connected consumer to the large enterprise customer. "With today's tough business conditions, easy-to-use and industrial strength connectivity is what organizations of all sizes must have in order to excel, or even compete," said Shaku Atre, president of Atre Group, a research and consulting company based in Port Chester, New York. "Merlin promises to set a new standard for desktop productivity and performance with its multitude of powerful, pre-integrated connectivity features." Connect to the Internet... Merlin will take advantage of a built-in Web browser and object-oriented technology to make getting onto the Internet easier than before. Users will be able to conveniently place icons representing their most frequently visited World Wide Web sites onto the computer desktop and then click on them to instantly launch an Internet home page. The URLs (Universal Resource Locators) represented by the icons can be loaded onto and off of diskettes and grouped into folders. This will give business users easy, fast access to information on the Web and home users hassle-free 'Net surfing. Merlin also will allow simple and seamless interaction with a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server through a new FTP folder that resides on the computer desktop. All users have to do to access an FTP server on the Internet is open the folder. They can then drag and drop files from their desktop to the server, and vice-versa. This eliminates the need to work from a command line or Web browser to connect to files on an FTP location. "We clearly recognize the continued importance of network access for a broad set of customers, and we want to establish Merlin as the premier desktop offering in an increasingly connected world," said Wally Casey, vice president of client product management for IBM Personal Software Products. "In addition to sharing information over local and wide area networks, more and more workers are going to the Internet to help them get the job done, and we want information retrieval to be smooth and painless." Merlin users also should have access to a lot of applications once they are on the Internet. Under Merlin it will be easy for developers to port Windows Internet programs to the OS/2 platform. This is because the Winsock APIs used to build those applications will be supported under the IBM Developer API Extensions built into Merlin. The Developer API Extensions are a subset of more than 700 APIs and 300 messages that are consistent with the most common Win32 APIs and messages. Connect in the Office... With Merlin, IBM also will continue its commitment to provide open, multi-platform business solutions by establishing OS/2 Warp as a universal client that will connect to any server operating system in the same way that OS/2 Warp Server is a universal server that will connect to any client operating system. From PC server operating systems to mainframes, Merlin will be the connecting solution. In addition, Merlin will provide desktop access to all of the world's most popular PC server platforms, including OS/2 Warp Server, LAN Server, Microsoft Windows NT, Banyan Vines and Novell NetWare. Not only will Merlin connect to NetWare servers, it also supports Novell's NetWare Directory Services (NDS) environment. This feature further establishes Merlin as an open solution, as it will allow Merlin users to globally and easily access all the resources found across an organization without having to know exactly which NetWare server contains the information. Merlin also will integrate IBM Personal Communications/ 3270 over TCP/IP, allowing communication between desktop users and mainframes. This emulation capability increases productivity for the user by allowing access to information stored on a host computer. "The connectivity features in OS/2 Warp Connect make it easier to communicate seamlessly across multiple hardware and software platforms," said Ray Pratts, senior technical analyst at Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company. "Every operating system should come network-ready out of the box, and I'm glad to see IBM setting that standard with Merlin." Merlin users will be able to quickly view and access all network resources available to them in a network window, where the resources will be represented by icons. This function makes accessing and sharing as simple as drag-and-drop. For instance, a user could drag a Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet from a NetWare server and drop it onto a Warp Server machine. In addition to being the universal network client, Merlin also can act as a peer server with built-in peer capability that gives home users, departmental workgroups and small businesses an inexpensive, easy way to share resources like files, printers and modems. Merlin will interoperate in a peer network with OS/2 LAN Server version 3.0 or higher, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft LAN Manager 2.x, PC LAN Program 1.3 and Artisoft LANtastic 6.0. Merlin will come with a single requester to OS/2 Warp Server and other compatible networks, combining the previously separate LAN Requester and Peer Requester. With one requester, a user will be able to share peer resources and administer the server. Connect from the Home... With Merlin, workers won't need to stay at the office in order to stay in touch with it. Merlin's built-in remote access capabilities and Mobile File Synchronization will allow users to take their work on the road or to their homes without skipping a beat. These features are important for the travelling executive, parent, or anyone else who has to be away from the office, yet on the LAN, in order to get his or her work done. The remote access capabilities allow Merlin users to have real-time access to network resources over a telephone line from home, a hotel room or a car as though they were still sitting in the office. In addition, with Mobile File Synch, they can disconnect from the network and know that their shared files will be updated when they log back on. Mobile File Synch will detect any conflict between the client and server files and automatically duplicate to the server any tasks performed at the client and vice versa, if the user so chooses. This ensures that users will be working with the most current version of their data. More about Merlin... Merlin, the code-name for the next version of OS/2 Warp, is currently under development and expected to be generally available in the second half of 1996. In addition to its unmatched connectivity features, Merlin will provide customers with a broad range of enhancements, like an improved user interface, new ease-of-use features, built-in OpenDoc support and a new BonusPak of applications. * OS/2 is a trademark of IBM Corporation. All other product and service names may be trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners. For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to find any information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu. ========================================================================== Solution Developer Program News 0496_13 ------------------------------- April 30, 1996 0496_14 IBM Thinkpad 820 Promotion for Solution Developers ----------------------------------------------------------------------- For immediate release ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SDO is conducting a special close-out promotion on the THINKPAD POWER SERIES 820 to qualified solution developers. There are limited quantities of these systems, and the offer is valid only while supplies last. Orders will begin being accepted 4/17/96. To qualify for the pricing referenced below, solution developers must be members of our POWER TEAM, and be registered to participate in the Developer Discount program. To place orders, call 1-800-426-2255 ext. 21587 and reference RS/6000 Special Promotion for THINKPAD POWER SERIES 820. Please communicate this special opportunity to any solution developers who may wish to take advantage of it. This is a US offering only. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The following systems will be discounted at 55% off list price Memory Base Max. Graphics Model Processor Bus Mem. Mem. HDD Display Adapter ----- ----------- ------ ---- ---- ----- ------- ----------- 821 603e 100MHz 32-bit 32MB 48MB 810MB 800x600 G10 822 603e 100MHz 32-bit 32MB 48MB 810MB 640x480 G10 w/Motio 823 603e 100MHz 32-bit 32MB 48MB 810MB 640x480 G10 MODEL ABSTRACT 7247-821 LIST PRICE - 8,299 The IBM 7247 Model 821 has a PowerPC 603e 100MHz microprocessor, 32MB base memory, 810MB hard drive, double-speed CD-ROM drive, G10 graphics adapter and a 800x600 display. MODEL ABSTRACT 7247-822 LIST PRICE - 7,899 The IBM 7247 Model 822 has a PowerPC 603e 100MHz microprocessor, 32MB base memory, 810MB hard drive, double-speed CD-ROM drive, G10 graphics adapter with motion, and a 640x480 display. MODEL ABSTRACT 7247-823 LIST PRICE - 7,699 The IBM 7247 Model 823 has a PowerPC 603e 100MHz microprocessor, 32MB base memory, 810MB hard drive, double-speed CD-ROM drive, G10 graphics adapter, and a 640x480 display. Highlights * PowerPC 603e 100MHz microprocessor * Mobile memory up to 48MB for 820 * Supports AIX Version 4.1.4, Windows NT 3.51 (PowerPC Edition) or Solaris Desktop 2.5.1 (PowerPC Edition) * Includes CD-ROM, stereo speakers and microphone ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Feature 2011 will be discounted at 75% off list price. LIST PRICE 2011 810 MB HARD DISK DRIVE 1,884 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The following features will be discounted at 55% off list price. per system order LIST PRICE 2020 1.2GB HDD SEL UP FR 2010 652 2021 1.2 GB HARD D DR 2,536 4011 16 MB DIMM MEM 1,588 6041 BL3 BUTTON MOU 95 6308 PER MIC 71 7020 NIMH BAT 216 7040 TRA QUICK CGR 289 7080 AC ADPTR 144 8020 10 B2 ETH PMCIA 348 8030 10 B ETH PMCIA 276 8040 TOK R PCMCIA 537 8060 14.4/14.4 DATA FAX MOD 174 8210 PS/2 MIN MOUSE 95 8212 KBD/MOU CONN 58 8220 EXT SCSI HDD 1.0G 442 8221 EXT SCSI 2 HDD 2.0G 1,753 8222 EXT SCSI STO ENC 295 8223 AD T OPT CBL 285 8224 SCSI-2 CBL OPT (LONG) 80 8225 SCSI-2 CABL OPT SHORT 65 8226 TER CBL 65 Note: No more than 2 of any single PCMCIA feature may be ordered ========================================================================== April 30, 1996 0496_15 Lotus Enhances Program For Business Partners Providing Messaging, Internet and Groupware Solutions New Worldwide Program Helps Customers Find the Right Business Partner for their Needs, Offers Partners More Opportunities to Leverage Lotus Technology CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 29, 1996 -- Lotus Development Corp. today announced that it is enhancing its industry-leading worldwide Business Partners Program with options tailored to the variety of business models within the Lotus Partner community. More than 12,000 Lotus Business Partners are now able to differentiate their skills through three levels of participation and seven tracks geared to their core competencies, making it easier for customers to identify the Business Partners needed for their specific requirements. The new program includes specific technical and marketing initiatives around key technology areas including Lotus cc:Mail and Lotus Notes messaging, Internet, Lotus Notes Release 4 and Lotus Components. Lotus Business Partners have led the industry in delivering Internet-integrated workgroup and messaging solutions. This next-generation program enables Lotus Partners to better leverage their unique in-market experience in harnessing technologies for real world business applications. Customers will benefit from the new program because it offers consistent worldwide criteria for Partner measurement and recognition, which makes it easier for them to select Partners in a certain market area or with a certain expertise. Partners are able to get information and services geared to their specific core competencies through the Professional Developer, Consultant, Integrator, Reseller, Education Provider, Support Provider and Network Provider tracks. "The explosive growth of messaging, groupware and the Internet has put our Partners in an enviable position," said Don Bulens, vice president of Lotus' Worldwide Business Partners Program. "There's no substitute for their in-market experience and entrepreneurial zeal, coupled with the best technologies in the market." "There is limitless opportunity in client/server applications, messaging and the Internet," said Mark Dalen, president of Enterprise ArchiTechs, a Lotus Business Partner. "Lotus Notes and related technologies are at the intersection of these three hot areas, and Lotus' Business Partners Program is helping us seize this opportunity." Seven Different Business Models The new program offers seven different tracks designed to meet Business Partners' specific needs: Professional Developers -- Create shrink-wrapped or licensed software products including utilities and tools, applications built with Lotus products, and products integrated with Lotus technologies. Consultants -- Provide business process or technology consulting, as well as custom application development. Integrators -- Deliver the networking, messaging and platform infrastructure, as well as software integration, to companies who embrace Lotus technologies. Resellers -- Market and sell Lotus products, adding value in the areas of pricing, availability and fulfillment. Resellers often provide pre-sales support and services to their customers as well. Education Providers -- Lotus Desktop Training Centers (LDTC's) and Lotus Authorized Education Centers (LAEC's) who provide training on Lotus technologies. LDTC's train users of Lotus applications. LAEC's provide technical and certification-based training to computer professionals who create, install, and support Lotus solutions. Support Providers -- Support the growing number of companies using Lotus technologies by delivering a wide range of technical support and services. Network Providers -- Offer a commercial public network infrastructure and services using Lotus technologies, including, for example, Internet Service Providers. Levels of Participation Partners will be able to participate in the worldwide Program on three distinct levels -- Member, Qualified and Premium. The levels differentiate Partners by their degree of experience: Members -- Lotus offers Partners who are interested in building their skills in Lotus products and technologies an opportunity to participate in the program at the Member level. Members receive copies of Lotus software via CD and the Internet, applications to help run their businesses, the opportunity to be connected electronically to Lotus and the opportunity to participate in workshops and satellite broadcasts that focus on time-sensitive technical issues related to developing and integrating solutions with Notes, Notes Mail, cc:Mail, SmartSuite and Lotus Components. Qualified Partners -- The Qualified Partner level is geared to Partners who have demonstrated knowledge and commitment to Lotus technology. Qualified Partners are required to use Lotus products internally, and have technically trained personnel such as Certified Lotus Professionals (CLP) on staff, or certified commercial products that have met Lotus standards. Qualified Business Partners are among the first to receive pre-release software, have the right to use the Lotus Business Partner logo, have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of marketing programs, and receive sales leads from Lotus. Premium Partners -- The Premium Partner is reserved for Partners who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to Lotus and Lotus technologies. Once a Business Partner achieves Premium status, the Lotus relationship grows closer by involving the Partner in a wider array of sales, marketing and technical support benefits, and in some instances, an account executive to manage the relationship. As a Premium Partner, there are options to participate in cooperative marketing programs. Commitment to Partner Community Through Unique Program Offerings Lotus is reinforcing its commitment to the Partner community through marketing and enablement initiatives that are unique to Lotus' Business Partners Program. These include: NotesStore -- A unique type of channel helping hundreds of Lotus Business Partners reach a worldwide market for their Notes-based products. A joint venture of Lotus and Stream International, NotesStore is an electronic marketplace from which customers can directly purchase Partner products. NotesStore offers Partners a full range of services including: media duplication, documentation, packaging and assembly of Notes applications, distribution and fulfillment of applications to end-users, application testing and certification and outsourced telephone support. Lotus Notes Migration and Coexistence Centers -- Briefing centers in Dallas, Texas and Boeblingen, Germany will be providing Business Partners with information to assist in developing services for customers migrating to or coexisting with Notes R4 from a wide range of platforms and products. Technology-Focused Enablement Campaigns -- Programs focused on the areas of messaging, the Internet, Lotus Components and Notes Release 4, enabling Partners to utilize Lotus technology in its business solutions. The campaigns are geared towards helping a Lotus Business Partner maximize their expertise in each of the three most exciting market opportunities: client/server business applications, client/server messaging solutions and Internet/Intranet solutions. They will constitute a phased approach to delivery of training, support, pre-release and beta software, sales tips and techniques, on-going technical forums and marketing programs. Internet-Focused Programs -- Customization of services with elements to provide Partners with opportunities to leverage Notes and Lotus Internet technologies to create Internet and Web-based solutions. These include Internet developers conferences, branding programs that promote Internet solutions created with Notes, and promotion of Partner products and services via the Lotus Web site. Since Lotus' merger with IBM, Lotus Business Partners have benefited through the increased access to IBM marketing, sales and technical programs. The leads generated from IBM's major marketing campaigns in 1996 will be directed at the industry of Lotus Business Partners that support Notes, cc:Mail and SmartSuite. Given IBM's new channel-centric mandate, IBM is focused on helping to drive demand for Lotus' Business Partners. "With a clear focus and innovative programs, Lotus has built a formidable industry around Notes," said Matt Cain, vice president of workgroup computing strategies at META Group. "The combination of IBM's resources and Lotus' well-developed program allows Lotus to capitalize effectively on the vibrant market for client/server and Web applications." Availability and Pricing As of May 6, 1996, the new Business Partners Program will be launched in North America. For the rest of the world, the program will be phased in starting in June in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and in the second half of the year in the remaining parts of Asia Pacific and Japan. The base membership fee is $1195 (U.S.) or a local currency equivalent. After the first year, the annual renewal fee is $895 (U.S.) per year. There are additional fees associated with the Education Provider, Support Provider and Network Provider tracks. For additional information about the worldwide Lotus Business Partners Program, please call Lotus at 1-800-START-SMart (1-800-782-7876) or 617-693-3773 in North America, contact your local Lotus office or view Lotus' home page at http://www.lotus.com/home/partners.htm. The Lotus Business Partners Program supports the worldwide industry of more than 12,000 independent companies that develop and market Lotus-based products and services. The mission of the Business Partners Program is to advance the industry around Lotus products by attracting, empowering, leveraging and differentiating Business Partners to yield the highest return for Lotus' customers, Partners and the company itself. The tremendous interest in messaging, the Internet/Intranets and client/server applications from customers throughout the world has created a large opportunity for Partners who can help apply these technologies towards organizational effectiveness. Through the Business Partners Program, Lotus provides software, information, tools, support and marketing programs to enable dedicated, highly motivated Partners to swiftly engage and succeed in bringing differentiated products and services to market. Lotus gives its Partners unprecedented access to program resources and the community of other Lotus Business Partners and customers through a Notes-based worldwide electronic network which leverages both Internet and X.25 connections. Lotus offers high quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications which allow users to access and communicate information in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. Lotus now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Services Group. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com. The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its Business Partners' products and services. A copy of this release and other company information is also available via fax by dialing 1-800-57-LOTUS within the U.S. and Canada or 201-946-2336 outside the U.S. and Canada. Questions concerning the service should be directed to Lotus' corporate communications department at 617-693-5625. Lotus, Lotus Notes, Notes Mail, SmartSuite, and Lotus Components are registered trademarks and Notes is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. cc:Mail is a trademark of cc:Mail, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lotus Development Corp. NotesStore is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation used under license by Stream International Inc. All other product or service names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners. ========================================================================== April 24, 1996 0496_16 First Major Vendor to Offer Component Software for Lotus Business Partners and End Users Lotus Components Enter Beta Testing CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 24, 1996 - Lotus Development Corp. today announced that Lotus Components have entered beta testing, with product shipment scheduled for this summer. Previewed at Lotusphere in January, Lotus Components are a new line of small, task-focused software modules, based on ActiveX (formerly OCX) technology, that are enhanced for Lotus Notes. Lotus will be the first major vendor to deliver components-based business productivity software for end users and application developers. Lotus Components allow Notes Release 4 end users to select and use task-specific applications within their familiar Notes environment, eliminating the need to launch separate applications. Notes application developers can embed Lotus Components into their applications, allowing them to develop and customize Notes applications more quickly. "Lotus Components afford my business a tremendous development opportunity. We are excited to be beta testing this product and are pleased with what we've seen," said Lotus Business Partner John Stack, director of technical development, InfoImage. "The beta is very stable and it's been easy to get up-to-speed on the technology. We've already used Lotus Components for business critical tasks and have begun development of several customized Component solutions for our product line." "There's been a great deal of talk in the market recently about component technologies. We're excited to be the first major vendor to actually deliver component products with significant value to both end users and application developers," said Michele Hagan, marketing director for Lotus Components. "Since January, we've been showing Lotus Components to a variety of audiences around the world and the response has been outstanding. People quickly grasp the value that Lotus Components bring to Notes." Lotus Components Based on ActiveX Technology and Enhanced for Notes Lotus Components are based on ActiveX (formerly OCX) technology and enhanced for the Lotus Notes Release 4 environment. Lotus Components share the Lotus Notes user interface, including context-sensitive menus, SmartIcons, InfoBox and the live status bar. Lotus Components can be integrated into Notes applications using Notes/FX, LotusScript and Visual Basic. Lotus Components will work with any Windows 95 or Windows NT Notes client (Notes Mail, Notes Desktop or Notes). The Lotus Components product line is comprised of the Lotus Components Starter Pack, the Lotus Components Software Developer Toolkit and the Lotus Components Product Warehouse. The Lotus Components Starter Pack, now in beta, includes six components: Chart, Draw/Diagram, File Viewer, Comment, Project and Spreadsheet. The Starter Pack will also include the Lotus Components Template Builder, which allows users and developers to easily customize and distribute Lotus Components for their specific business needs. Lotus Components Provide Value for Notes End Users, Application Developers and Component Developers For Notes end users, Lotus Components enable them to complete their everyday business tasks without leaving Notes, easily embedding the Lotus Components they need directly into their Notes documents. Lotus Components eliminate the need for users to constantly launch and work in separate desktop applications. The small footprint of Lotus Components also reduces end users' memory and hard-disk storage requirements. For Notes application developers and Lotus Business Partners, Lotus Components provide a set of reusable, customizable and programmable software modules, allowing them to create and deliver Notes application solutions more quickly. Lotus Components offer Notes developers a wide range of pre-defined properties and methods to control the way a Lotus Component looks and responds within a Notes application. The Lotus Components Product Warehouse will be provided to manage the distribution and licensing of Lotus Components throughout organizations. For ActiveX developers, the Lotus Components Software Developer Toolkit can be used to enhance a standard ActiveX control to become a Lotus Component, integrated with Lotus Notes. This extends a significant market opportunity to ActiveX developers, providing them access to the fast-growing Notes installed base. Lotus Components Web Site To Provide Product Information, On-Line Support and User Forum The Lotus Components web site (http://components.lotus.com) provides the latest product information including frequently asked questions, white papers and other marketing literature. Upon shipment of the product, the web site will also offer free trial software, on-line support, demonstrations and sample applications, as well as a forum for users to offer feedback on the product. At a later date, users will also be able to purchase Lotus Components via the web site. Special Introductory Pricing for Notes Volume Purchasers For 1996, the Lotus Components Starter Pack will be available at an introductory estimated retail price (ERP) of $19 per seat for volume customers who purchase Notes through the Lotus Passport Program. The single user license ERP is $49 per seat. For Lotus Passport Maintenance customers owning both SmartSuite and Notes, the Lotus Components Starter Pack will be available at no charge in 1996. The Lotus Components Software Developer Toolkit and the Lotus Components Product Warehouse are expected to be available later in 1996 at no charge. French, Japanese, German, Italian and Spanish language versions of Lotus Components are expected to be available later in 1996. Information on additional international language versions will be available later in the year. For the latest information on the Lotus Component product line, please refer to the Lotus Web site (http://components.lotus.com). Customers can also call 1-800-555-5921 in the U.S., or in Canada at 1-800-GO-LOTUS. Lotus Notes is the leading client-server platform for developing and deploying strategic groupware applications that help organizations communicate, collaborate and coordinate strategic business processes within and beyond their organizational boundaries to achieve improved business results. More than 8,000 companies and 4.5 million people use Notes to improve key business processes such as customer service, sales and account management, and product development. Lotus Notes supports all major operating systems including IBM OS/2 Warp, Apple Mac OS, UNIX platforms including IBM AIX, Sun Solaris, HP-UX, and SCO OpenServer, and Microsoft Windows and Windows NT. Notes is also available as a NetWare loadable module for the Novell environment. Lotus Development Corp., a subsidiary of IBM Corp., offers high quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allows information to be accessed and communicated in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. The company also provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center. All prices and terms are for the USA only. Lotus, Lotus Notes, SmartIcons and SmartSuite are registered trademarks, and Notes, Notes Mail, Notes/FX, LotusScript, NotesSuite and Lotus Passport are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corp. Other brands and products are the property of their respective owners. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases and other collateral are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com. The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_17 Announcement Number: 296-128 OpenGL and GL 3.2 for AIX, Version 4.2 Abstract OpenGL and GL 3.2 for AIX, Version 4.2 provides the following enhancements: * IBM POWER GXT250P and POWER GXT255P support for RISC System/6000 43P (Models 100, 120, and 132) * OpenGL 1.0 extensions * OpenInventor, an OpenGL toolkit product, on a "Try and Buy" basis This release of OpenGL and GL 3.2 for AIX(R), Version 4.2 introduces support for the new 2D high-performance graphics adapters, the IBM POWER GXT250P and POWER GXT255P, for attachment to the RISC System/6000(R) 43P (Models 100, 120, and 132). This release also offers new OpenGL extensions to the existing OpenGL application programming interface (API) library. OpenInventor, an OpenGL toolkit from Portable Graphics, Inc., will also be included on the OpenGL and GL 3.2 distribution medium as a "Try and Buy" product offer. OpenGL and GL 3.2 for AIX, Version 4.2 provides users with a conformant implementation of the OpenGL application programming interface. It also provides IBM's implementation of the GL 3.2 API. These APIs provide users with a variety of advanced graphics functions that can be used for developing complex 3D graphics applications. IBM's implementation of OpenGL is supported on most IBM graphics adapters, either through software or through hardware acceleration. This allows users to develop 3D applications on entry-level 2D graphics adapters and then move them to hardware-accelerated 3D graphics adapters as their performance requirements increase. IBM GL 3.2 is supported on IBM's family of 3D graphics adapters. The development environment for OpenGL and GL 3.2 for AIX, Version 4.2 includes debuggers for both GL 3.2 and OpenGL. Planned Availability Date: May 17, 1996 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_18 Announcement Number: 296-129 PEX and PHIGS for AIX, Version 4.2 Abstract PEX and PHIGS for AIX, Version 4.2 provides the following enhancements: * IBM POWER GXT250P and POWER GXT255P support for RISC System/6000 43P (Models 100, 120, and 132) * Support for AIX Version 4.2 Version 4.2 of the PEX and PHIGS for AIX(R) licensed program introduces support for the new high-performance 2D graphics adapters, the IBM GXT250P and GXT255P, for attachment to the RISC System/6000(R) 43P (Models 100, 120, and 132). This release also offers support for AIX Version 4.2. PEX and PHIGS for AIX, Version 4.2 provides users with IBM's implementation of the PEX and the ISO/ANSI PHIGS (Programmers Hierarchical Interactive Graphics Systems) application programming interfaces. These APIs provide users with a variety of advanced graphics functions that can be used for developing complex 3D graphics applications. IBM's implementation of the PEX and PHIGS APIs is supported on many current graphics accelerators through either software or hardware. This allows users to develop their 3D applications on entry-level 2D graphics adapters and then move them to hardware-accelerated 3D graphics adapters as their performance requirements increase. Planned Availability Date: May 17, 1996 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_19 Announcement Number: 296-130 IBM Ultimedia Services for AIX, Version 2.1.4 Enhances Video and Audio Capabilities Abstract New features in this release include: * MPEG-1 creation and editing tools * MPEG-1 player object for use in applications * Support for more avi formats * Wavetable MIDI * GIF image format * Web browser multimedia players * Audio and video conferencing components including soft codes for M.261 video and G.711 audio and RTP sender and receiver objects * Ultimedia Services Radio for AIX, UMSRadio applet * Ultimedia Services TV for AIX, UMSTV applet Ultimedia(R) Services (UMS) for AIX(R) Version 2.1.4 is now provided with AIX Version 4.2 at no additional charge. Refer to Software Announcement 296-124, dated April 23, 1996, for details. New features provided in UMS for AIX Version 2.1.4 include: Video Improvements * For the first time with this release of Ultimedia Services (UMS), MPEG-1 movies can be created and edited using the UMS SoftMPEG encoder, without the need for special compression hardware. Using any of the video capture products supported by UMS, movies can be created and edited in a native format such as MJPEG, and batch converted to an MPEG-1 data stream (both audio and video) for publishing or network distribution. * The UMS SoftMPEG Player has been enhanced as well, and now supports chapter selection within VideoCD. A player object is also now callable from the UMS library for use within applications. * The past limitation of 1:1 interleave for AVI files has been removed, providing support for a much greater number of movie files from various sources such as the Internet. Audio Improvements * A conversion utility has been provided to compress any of the audio formats supported by UMS into MPEG audio. Playable by the UMS MPEG player or media player, MPEG compression retains the high fidelity of the source material yet conserves disk space and network bandwidth. * The UMS SoftMIDI player has been enhanced and now supports wave table synthesis for more accurate reproduction of instruments and a more realistic musical rendition. Image Formats Additions * The UMS media-player can now be used to work with PhotoCD, TIFF, GIF, and JPEG image formats. Network-Centric Multimedia * UMS players are provided to support a number of mime types for use with your favorite Web browser, including JPEG, TIFF, GIF, AU, SND, WAV, AVI, MPEG, MIDI, PCD, and TTS (text to speech). * To enhance the integration of UMS with the various internet browsers available for AIX, a set of invisible players has been provided that can unobtrusively launch a movie or sound clip from the internet or intranet with the click of the mouse. * UMS embraces many of the emerging international standards for LAN based conferencing. Planned Availability Date: May 3, 1996 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_20 Announcement Number: 296-140 IBM Communications System for Windows NT Adds New Platform to Distributed Application Environment Abstract Communications System for Windows NT includes the following services: * Base Kernel messaging -- full cross platform support with TCP/IP * Base logging for user and system errors * Data supply for file transfers * Tables and queues data management * System trace for transaction tracing * Resource management and control * Device data management support * TxE * Time synchronization * Exception condition processing * Coordinated distributed startup and shutdown IBM Communications System for Windows+ NT, along with other members of the Distributed Application Environment(TM) (DAE) family of products, enables the implementation of enterprise-wide, integrated client/server applications in a distributed environment. Communications System for Windows NT, a new addition to the DAE family, provides a subset of DAE services and functions to facilitate the addition of Windows NT workstations to the DAE network. Other DAE services can be accessed and performed remotely by Communications System for Windows NT on a node that has Communications System/2, AIX(R) Communications System/6000, Communications System for OS/400(R), Communications System for SUN, or Communications System/VM installed. Communications System for Windows NT: * Supports user productivity through consistent APIs and system services * Reduces time to develop and maintain distributed client/server applications * Supports growth through portability of application programs in heterogeneous environments * Lets you integrate resources and data building enterprise-wide business solutions * Protects your investment through portability and key architectures The DAE product family is built on standards defined by Open Blueprint(TM). Planned Availability Date: May 31, 1996 + Registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_21 Announcement Number: 296-143 New IBM Data Collection Software Products for OS/2 and Windows NT Provide Advanced Function (Corrected on April 26, 1996) In the Charges section, the 5639-A06 Tier 3 Upgrade charge is corrected to $1,000. Abstract The IBM Data Collection Connection Development Toolkit and Data Collection Connection Server for OS/2 and Windows NT feature: * Quick implementation * Modular packaging * GUI for easy learning and use * Object-oriented software * Tiered pricing structure for server system * National Language Support (NLS) and double-byte character set (DBCS) enabled Terminal Services * Development system for DOS and Windows devices * Customer-defined terminal interface HostConnect for MAPICS * Turnkey solution for MAPICS/XA PM&C * Real-time update of MAPICS/XA database The Data Collection Connection (DCConnect) Development Toolkit and Server products for OS/2(R) and for Windows+ NT are IBM's next generation of data collection enablers. They provide an improved user interface, additional function, and a pricing structure that accommodates smaller businesses and installations. The Data Collection Connection Development Toolkit is an object-oriented development tool for creating transaction programs for IBM data collection terminals. It features an object-oriented drag-and-drop GUI enabling ease-of-use, supports IBM's 7525, 7526, 7527, and 7524 data collection terminals. The Development Toolkit also includes server support for one terminal. The Data Collection Connection Server provides a graphical facility for defining a data collection terminal network and utilities for managing and monitoring those terminals. The network is depicted on the PC as a series of interconnected icons making configuration and monitoring more user-friendly. This product can be purchased in any of three tiers depending on the number of terminals required for a particular installation. Terminal Services for DOS and Windows lets a PC running DOS or Windows interact with the DCConnect server as a data collection device. It provides a set of APIs that can be invoked from a Visual Basic or C language program to interact with the DCConnect network. HostConnect for MAPICS(R) provides a turnkey solution for MAPICS/XA customers with Plant Monitoring and Control (PM&C) installed. HostConnect for MAPICS is a set of DCConnect transaction programs and Advanced Host Interactive Screen Support (AHISS) scripts that collect PM&C transactions and forwards them to the MAPICS system running on an AS/400(R) via the OS/2 Communications Manager 5250 emulator. HostConnect for MAPICS provides function similar to the MAPICS interface portion of Data Collection Control/2 (DCC/2) and the 5250 and MAPICS Data Services for DOS product. Planned Availability Dates: DCConnect Toolkit for OS/2 August 30, 1996 DCConnect Server for OS/2 August 30, 1996 Terminal Services for DOS and Windows August 30, 1996 HostConnect for MAPICS August 30, 1996 DCConnect Toolkit for Windows NT Fourth quarter 1996 DCConnect Server for Windows NT Fourth quarter 1996 Ordering information for DCConnect Toolkit for Windows NT (5639-A07) and DCConnect Server for Windows NT (5639-A05) will be provided in a subsequent availability letter. (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. + Registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation Other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_22 Announcement Number: 296-132 SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for AIX offers Increased Performance and Cost-Efficiency Abstract SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for AIX provides: * Sort, copy, and merge capabilities * The capability to select records, sum field totals, and reformat records * Very high performance * Support for the different collating sequences required by national languages other than English, making programs for worldwide distribution easier to create * An accelerator for loading DB2 for AIX databases SMARTsort is a high-performance sort product that can improve the execution performance of application programs. SMARTsort for AIX(R) can sort data up to 20 times faster than the AIX 4.1 sort command. It also can be invoked by a command by AIX users to easily sort files. It replaces the standard sort capability provided in the AIX product, and it offers dramatically improved performance. SMARTsort has the capability to sort, copy, and merge files, and has additional functions which make it easy to manipulate data, filter and restructure data, create sum totals of fields, and support user-written exits. SMARTsort can check to determine if input files are already sorted to prevent unnecessary processing. SMARTsort can now work in conjunction with DB2(R) for AIX Version 2.1.1 to speed up DB2 LOAD with Index Create function. The DB2-SMARTsort Accelerator can improve the performance of the sorting portion by up to 70% and the overall load with Create Index function by up to 39%. (Note: More information regarding performance can be found in the Performance Considerations section.) All programs that invoke a sort process, and users who need to sort files on command, can benefit by using SMARTsort. Planned Availability Dates: SMARTsort for Workstations 1.2 for AIX: April 26, 1996 SMARTsort for Workstations 1.2 for AIX System Program Order: May 3, 1996 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_23 Announcement Number: 296-141 SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for OS/2 offers Increased Performance and Cost-efficiency Abstract SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for OS/2 provides: * Sort, copy, and merge capabilities * The capability to select records, sum field totals, and reformat records * Very high performance * Support for the different collating sequences required by national languages other than English, making programs for worldwide distribution easier to create SMARTsort is a high-performance sort product that can improve the execution performance of application programs. SMARTsort for OS/2(R) can sort data up to 2.8 times faster than the OS/2 3.0 Sort command. SMARTsort can also be invoked by a command by OS/2 users to easily sort files. It replaces the standard sort capability provided in the OS/2 product, and offers dramatically improved performance. Directly on your workstation, SMARTsort has the capability to sort, copy, and merge files, and has additional functions which make it easy to manipulate data, filter and restructure data, create sum totals of fields, and support user-written exits. SMARTsort can check to determine if input files are already sorted to prevent unnecessary processing. Note: More information regarding performance can be found in the Performance Considerations section. SMARTsort Release 2 supports programs written in C, C++, COBOL, FORTRAN and PL/I languages. SMARTsort Release 2 extends your workstation capability and increases productivity. All programs which invoke a sort process, and users who need to sort files on command, can benefit by using SMARTsort. Planned Availability Date: April 26, 1996 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. ========================================================================== April 23, 1996 0496_24 Announcement Number: 296-142 SMARTsort for Workstations Version 1.2 for Windows NT Abstract SMARTsort Version 1.2 for Windows NT provides: * Sort, copy, and merge capabilities * The capability to select records, sum field totals, and reformat records * Very high performance * Support for the different collating sequences required by national languages other than English, making programs for worldwide distribution easier to create SMARTsort is a high-performance sort product that can improve the execution performance of application programs. SMARTsort can sort data up to 3.4 times faster than the Windows+ NT 3.51 sort command. SMARTsort can be invoked by a command by NT users to easily sort files. It is an alternative to the standard sort capability provided in the NT product, and offers dramatically improved performance. SMARTsort has the capability to sort, copy, and merge files, and has additional functions which make it easy to manipulate data, filter and restructure data, create sum totals of fields, and support user-written exits. SMARTsort can check to determine if input files are already sorted to prevent unnecessary processing. Note: For more information on performance, see the Performance Considerations section. SMARTsort Release 2 supports programs written in C, C++, COBOL, and FORTRAN languages. SMARTsort Release 2 extends your workstation capability and increases productivity. All programs which invoke a sort process, and users who need to sort files on command, can benefit by using SMARTsort. Planned Availability Date: April 26, 1996 + Trademark of Microsoft Corporation ========================================================================== April 16, 1996 0496_25 Announcement Number: 296-116 IBM VisualAge Requirements Tool for OS/2 Version 1.0 -- A Powerful, Easy-to-Use Requirements Tool for Business Professionals Abstract VisualAge Requirements Tool for OS/2 helps: The Executive * Make timely and informed decisions about needed operational changes based on transactions, rules, and information * Clearly state and communicate changes in business procedures by presenting the changes graphically and in meaningful business terms * Make confident decisions about implementing changes in the business organization The Business Analyst * Clearly communicate business operational information with management and staff * Approve plans for system changes based on clearly defined user requirements The Information Technology Analyst * Use information documented in the VisualAge Requirements Tool to size new application development * Understand and communicate user requirements for new application work The Application Developer * Prepare meaningful application development plans with clearly understood user-requirements statements * Base test case plans on a clear understanding of user requirements and expected behavior VisualAge(TM) Requirements Tool for OS/2(R) is a powerful, easy-to-use requirements tool that helps business analysts specify business-user requirements in terms business users can understand. Using graphical, state-of-the-art technology, the VisualAge Requirements Tool helps analysts quickly and easily depict, evaluate, and communicate the requirements of business operations so executives can exercise enterprise-level control over their companies. Using the VisualAge Requirements Tool to describe business operations, analysts can: * Easily and graphically depict the critical operations that make up their companies * Quickly understand and rapidly evaluate the behavior of each operation to evaluate its effectiveness * Effectively present and communicate new and changing requirements for any operation in terms that the business user and the systems analyst can understand The VisualAge Requirements Tool replaces the tedious pen-and-paper technique for creating user-requirements and operational analysis documents with clear, unequivocal graphics that are easy to construct, modify, and view. The VisualAge Requirements Tool lets the analysts work interactively, in real time, to rapidly model current business operations, propose changes, and stay abreast of changes in the business. The VisualAge Requirements Tool is complementary in function to the IBM Business Process Modeler (ProModeler). ProModeler allows its users to specify business processes, which are interconnected business functions executed by application programs or by people. The VisualAge Requirements Tool allows users to specify the internal behavior of business functions, which in turn participate in business processes. These views are complementary and necessary to achieve a full understanding of the operative aspects of a business. VisualAge Requirements Tool for OS/2 is available in two editions in a single package -- Professional and Standard. The Professional edition uses IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 to store its data, provide links to VisualGen(TM) 4GL client/server application development tool, and hold data that is valuable to TeamConnection DataAtlas as a starting point to conceptual data modeling. The Standard edition runs in a disconnected environment, such as on the road with your laptop. Upon your return, you can export your data to your Professional edition. Planned Availability Date: May 15, 1996 (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. ========================================================================== April 16, 1996 0496_26 IBM's Data Mining Gold Rush is on at DB/EXPO in San Francisco 11 ISVs and Business Partners Are The First To Stake Their Claims SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 16, 1996 . . . Realizing the business opportunities offered by the power of data mining technology, eleven independent software vendors and business partners have already committed to IBM's new decision support offerings, announced just two weeks ago. These new alliance members will provide customers with the desktop decision and data re-engineering tools, solution extensions, applications and services needed to help access previously undetected business intelligence, including trends and behavior patterns, and gain a competitive advantage in today's business world. The companies announcing support include: Andyne Computing Limited Arbor Software Inc. Brio Technology Inc. Business Objects Inc. Cognos Inc. Equifax Inc. Intrepid Systems Inc. Pilot Software Inc. Planning Sciences Inc. Vality Technology Inc. WCSS Inc. This announcement reinforces IBM's commitment to the data management reseller channel by supporting strategic alliances with leading data warehousing vendors announced in October 1995 and February 1996. "IBM sees data mining as a largely untapped market with a wealth of business opportunities for third-party decision support developers and integrators," said Tim Negris, vice president, Sales and Marketing, IBM Software Solutions Division. "The potential for providing consulting, systems integration and application development services in knowledge discovery and validation is setting a new maxim for the '90s and beyond -- 'It's how fast you uncover what you don't know and how well you can use it' that determines success -- and that goes for both end users and the channel." "Most businesses use current decision support tools to explore their data from a fairly conventional perspective, but if the enterprise shifts its gaze, even slightly, it may discover pivotal data points for turning the business in more profitable directions," said Robert Moran, director of Decision Support Research, Aberdeen Group, Inc. "The self-leveraging class of data mining tools will help enterprises discover these perspective-shifting data points, and help users of decision support tools drill in novel and more rewarding directions." Data Mining Opportunities for ISVs and Business Partners The data mining offerings build on IBM's strength in relational databases and related tools, allowing resellers to generate value from business data assets. Within the data mining family, ISVs and business partner alliance and development opportunities will focus on two products: the Intelligent Decision Server and the Intelligent Miner. Intelligent Decision Server Integration IBM is working with four of the leading client/server decision support vendors to enable desktop tools to access IBM's Intelligent Decision Server (IDS) in a heterogeneous, distributed data environment. The products include Andyne Computing's PaBLO/GQL, Brio Technology's BrioQuery Enterprise, Business Objects' 4.0 Mercury and Cognos' Impromptu. Integrating these popular products with IDS, a LAN-based information analysis server for deploying applications throughout an enterprise, enables customers to access, analyze and present data in a manner that meets business needs. Support for these integrations is planned for the fourth quarter of 1996. Intelligent Miner Integration Nine companies will utilize the IBM Intelligent Miner, a knowledge discovery toolkit for analyzing, extracting and visualizing data traditionally held in large databases, to bring data mining capabilities to their customers. Industry-leading decision support vendors, such as Andyne Computing, Arbor Software, Business Objects, Pilot Software and Planning Sciences, will enable customers to use data mining results with OLAP or presentation tools. IBM's DB2 family will be the data storage vehicle during the mining process. Vality Technology, a leading supplier of data quality integration tools and consulting services, will integrate its products with the Intelligent Miner to support clients who wish to have customers, vendors, products and other business entities cleansed and consolidated prior to data mining. Industry application and services suppliers Equifax, Intrepid and WCSS will extend applications through the Intelligent Miner to enhance the data analysis capabilities available to users in finance, insurance, health care, retail and supply chain management industries. These applications allow customers to use data assets as a differentiator in three highly competitive markets. Software Vendor Marketing Programs Agreement In addition to the announced product integration plans, IBM and Vality Technology have also signed an agreement that will allow the IBM sales channels in North America to sell Vality's product as an integrated part of IBM's data mining and data warehousing solutions. Additional Information The new decision support products and services introduced by IBM on April 2 include: o The IBM Intelligent Miner, a knowledge discovery toolkit for analyzing, extracting and visualizing data traditionally held in large databases; o The IBM Intelligent Decision Server*, a LAN-based information analysis server for deploying decision support applications throughout an enterprise; o A number of customizable, cross-industry applications; o Consulting and services support to help customers in a wide range of industries take advantage of knowledge discovery and validation techniques. IBM's Software Solutions Division provides data management, application development and workgroup solutions for mission-critical applications on personal computers, workstations, LANs and host systems. For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is accessible via http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. IBM's Worldwide Decision Support Solutions unit provides sales, marketing applications, consulting and services focused on decision support and data mining computing solutions that apply advanced search analysis and data management techniques to large databases. These solutions are revolutionizing the way businesses make use of information to make decisions more intelligently and effectively. * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. ** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of respective companies. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. ========================================================================== April 8, 1996 0496_27 IBM and Solution Developers Deliver Applications for Small Business Owners New CD-ROM Offers 33 Native 32-Bit OS/2 Warp Applications AUSTIN, Texas, April 8, 1996--IBM has created a product to get OS/2* Warp applications quickly and easily into the hands of small and home business owners. The company partnered with 20 solution developers such as Lotus and STAC, Inc., the makers of Stacker, a high performance compression product for data storage and communication, to create a CD-ROM that features a complete set of OS/2 Warp applications for business. The CD-ROM, entitled Business Software Solutions for OS/2 Warp, contains marketing information, benefits, screen shots and demos on 35 excellent native 32-bit applications that exploit OS/2 Warp's unique operating environment. Users can order the products they see via phone. "Finding the right customers in a crowded market isn't easy, so participating in this type of CD-ROM program can be of considerable assistance in getting developers and potential buyers together," said Amy D. Wohl, editor of The Trend Letter, a monthly newsletter on trends in the computer industry. "It's a good example of how IBM works with developers to make sure customers are aware of the range of OS/2 software now available." "Business Software Solutions is a unique opportunity for both small business owners and the companies that have applications featured on the CD," said Howie Hunger, director, Solution Developer Programs. "This CD provides an easy way for small business owners to view products. In addition, the solution developer products which are featured will gain tremendous exposure in the market due to the extensive distribution methods that we will use for this offering." Some of the product categories users can view are finance, communications, contact management, decision support, document management, graphics, groupware, image processing, on-line services, optical character recognition, personal time management, presentations, reference, spreadsheet, utilities and word processing. "There are a wealth of business applications available on OS/2 Warp, and Lotus is pleased to be included in this unique marketing initiative," said Glenn Matsuda, marketing manager, Lotus cc:Mail. "The Business Software Solutions CD-ROM is just one of the valuable perks to being an IBM solution developer." Lotus Development Corp. offers high-quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allows information to be accessed and communicated in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. The Lotus products featured on the CD are cc:Mail for OS/2**, Freelance Graphics for OS/2**, Lotus 1-2-3 for OS/2**, Lotus Notes**, Lotus SmartSuite** and WordPro 96** for OS/2. "The Business Software Solutions CD is just one example of the concerted effort IBM makes in working with developers and enhancing their success," said Joel Krautheim, President of SPG, Inc. "We had an unexpected surge in sales during the last part of 1995 and early 1996, while many Windows 95 developers have been suffering. Clearly this is largely due in part to IBM's commitment to OS/2 and OS/2 developers, and the demand for OS/2 Warp applications." SPG, Inc. is the maker of ColorWorks*** Version 2, the award-winning 32-bit multi-threaded, multi-tasking and multiple-processor enabled graphics part and image processing program. The product will be distributed free of charge at selected business shows and trade shows such as IBM's Technical Interchange and the Shomex Small Business World Expos. The CD has been mailed to the 3,400 Business Enterprise Solutions Team (BESTeam) members and 500 ASCII group members. It will also be available at vertical industry shows and conferences. BESTeam is IBM's award-winning software program for value added resellers, system integrators, network integrators and consultants worldwide. The ASCII group is an independent reseller organization. Anyone in the U.S. can receive the CD by calling 800/627-8363 and asking for the OS/2 Warp operator, or by sending e-mail to sdline@vnet.ibm.com and requesting the Business Software Solutions for OS/2 Warp CD-ROM. Customers must include their name, company, address and phone number. * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. ** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of Lotus Development Corp. *** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of SPG, Inc. ========================================================================== April 3, 1996 0496_28 Notes Release 4.1 Launched with Support for Nine New Clients, Five New Servers, Including Digital AlphaServer Systems For Businesses Building a Robust Infrastructure for Messaging, Groupware and the Internet: Lotus Leads with 15 Million Communications Seats LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 2, 1996 -- Lotus Development Corp. has announced its installed base of communications software seats, including Lotus Notes and Lotus cc:Mail, now exceeds 15 million, more than one and one-half times the installed base of its nearest competitor. At the NetWorld + Interop show and conference opening here today, Lotus also announced it will begin shipments this month of Lotus Notes Release 4.1, adding support for nine new clients and five new server platforms, including Digital Equipment Corp. AlphaServer systems running Microsoft Windows NT. Notes Release 4.1 also includes the new InterNotes Web Publisher Release 4.0, enabling businesses to create, manage and administer their internal Intranet and public Web sites using Lotus Notes. Lotus Notes provides an ideal communications infrastructure by combining enterprise-ready, client/server messaging and the global access and distribution of the World Wide Web, together with a platform for rapidly developing and deploying strategic groupware applications. This enables users to communicate, collaborate and coordinate within and beyond their organizational boundaries to achieve dramatically improved business results. Notes Release 4, which shipped in January, has topped Microsoft Exchange and Novell Groupwise in every computer industry trade magazine review, based on its multi-platform support and superior combination of client/server messaging, Internet integration, and groupware. Lotus Chief Operating Officer Jeff Papows said, "Information Technology managers charged with building a robust infrastructure for messaging, groupware and the Web are rejecting incomplete or roll-your-own approaches and selecting Lotus Notes because it meets the needs of individual departments, as well as the enterprise as a whole. Whether you have the power of a Notes client or just a Web browser, Notes unifies management, directory, administration, security and business application development for customers integrating messaging, groupware and the Web." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., has used Notes since 1991 and currently has 6,000 users with plans to move to 12,000 seats this year. According to Paul Wohlleben, director of the Office of Information Resources Management at the EPA, "One of our new Notes Release 4 pilots will help us better manage the process of making EPA grants. Constituents such as other government organizations, independent groups such as Indian tribes, and even individual citizens can connect over the World Wide Web to our Notes environment using any standard Internet browser. Then we can use Notes internally to handle the workflow associated with processing applications through the lifecycle of the grant. Notes' superior support for forms, unique ability to handle workflow routing and management, and security via certificate-based authentication makes it a powerful tool that goes far beyond simple messaging or a static Web page." A Messaging Product You Won't Have to Exchange In anticipation of Microsoft's initial entry into the client/server messaging market, Lotus is delivering to attendees at Networld+Interop more than 50,000 copies of its Notes Mail demonstration CD and offering free training sessions in a classroom setting. Notes Mail, which is a client in the Lotus Notes family, provides users with a simple and consistent set of mailbox and message management tools to process and organize large volumes of mail, as well as participate in discussions and access the Web. IT managers and administrators will find the CD particularly valuable for exploring Notes connectivity, management, security, and scalability, as well as typical business applications. Las Vegas taxicab drivers have been hired to issue the free CD, which will also be made available through the Web and Lotus Business Partners. Lotus also announced at Networld+Interop a new Migration program and toolset to help users of Microsoft Mail, as well as Lotus cc:Mail and IBM Office Vision migrate to Lotus Notes. Additionally, Lotus announced an updated version of its NotesView 4.0 graphical management tool for Notes networks. Lotus Notes Release 4.1 begins shipping April 19. This latest release adds support for: New Notes 4.1 Clients: Apple Macintosh 68000 and PowerPC, IBM OS/2 Warp and Warp Connect, Microsoft Windows NT Intel and Alpha, IBM AIX, HP-UX and Sun Solaris x86 and SPARCsystems New Notes 4.1 Servers: OS/2 SMP, Novell NetWare, Windows '95, NT Alpha, and Solaris x.86. Notes Release 4.1 will be available in Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, International English, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. The International English version will support Thai. Lotus Notes Release 4.0 has been shipping since January on the following platforms: Existing client platforms: Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 Server platforms: HP-UX, IBM AIX, IBM OS/2 Warp and Warp Connect, Sun Solaris, and Microsoft Windows NT. Lotus Development Corp., a subsidiary of IBM Corp., offers high quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allows information to be accessed and communicated in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. The company also provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center. All prices and terms are for the U.S. only. Notes software prices are estimated for retail prices for volume purchases through Lotus' Passport program. Lotus and Lotus Notes are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. Notes, InterNotes, InterNotes Web Publisher, and InterNotes Web Navigator are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. All other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com. The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services. A copy of this release and other company information is also available via fax by dialing 1-800-57-LOTUS within the U.S. and Canada or 201-946-2336 outside the U.S. and Canada. Questions concerning the service should be directed to Lotus' corporate communications department at 617-693-5625. ========================================================================== April 3, 1996 0496_29 Lotus Notes MTAs Enter Widespread Field Test Provides Native Connectivity Between Lotus Notes/cc:Mail, Internet and X.400 Messaging Protocols LAS VEGAS, NV., April 2, 1996 -- Lotus Development Corp. today announced its native Internet Simple Mail Transfer Protocol/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (SMTP/MIME), X.400 and cc:Mail message transfer agents (MTAs) have entered widespread field test. The Lotus Notes MTAs provide extended messaging connectivity to the Internet and X.400-based enterprise messaging systems for Lotus Notes and Lotus cc:Mail. Unlike connectors in competitive messaging systems, Lotus provides true MTAs, which allow Notes R4 servers to exist natively within other messaging networks. For instance, the SMTP MTA allows administrators to build an Intranet SMTP infrastructure using Notes R4 servers, as well as providing traditional gateway functions between Lotus Notes Mail and SMTP. Users benefit from the ability to natively relay messages in any one of the three supported environments -- Lotus Notes/cc:Mail, SMTP/MIME and X.400. Because the messages are not translated by a gateway, they retain maximum message fidelity. "Our messaging needs require a solution that can handle various enterprise and interenterprise messaging environments," said Scott Hertz, product manager for BellSouth Atlanta. "As our network topology becomes increasingly sophisticated, relying solely on gateways as a solution becomes an administrative challenge. The SMTP/MIME MTA will allow our 3,000 users to effectively and efficiently communicate with Internet and other intranet users without compromising message integrity." "Lotus provides customers the means to leverage heterogeneous environments across the enterprise and interenterprise," said Michael Zisman, executive vice president and CEO, Lotus Development Corp. "Many messaging vendors today only provide a gateway approach which can be cumbersome and limited. The Lotus Notes MTAs represent the next evolution in delivering messaging flexibility and connectivity to network administrators and users that is unmatched in the industry." By eliminating the need for gateway connectors, Lotus Notes MTAs provide network administrators with greater ease and flexibility in centrally and remotely managing large scale messaging environments. Benefits include: Support for groupware features - Allows recipients to perform a "reply-to-all" and allows senders to address messages directly from, for example, as they appear on a business card; Disconnected, remote access and single point of management - Gives administrators more flexibility to manage networks regardless of physical location on or outside the network; Dynamic routing - Increases message efficiency and speed of delivery by automatically routing messages through the best possible and available path; Delegation of MIME/uuencoding domain preferences - Saves the administrator the task of predefining MIME or uuencode preferences for every recipient domain by allowing users to choose either preference. This helps reduce administration and increases the number of successfully delivered messages; Message encapsulation - Allows Notes and cc:Mail messages to cross either X.400 or SMTP networks without losing fidelity, field attributes or security features. For example, many firewalls only permit SMTP messages to pass. In this case where SMTP is the only protocol available between Notes-to-Notes environments, the MTA encapsulates Notes Mail messages, passes the message, and allows the recipient to open the Notes message as if it came directly from a Notes server; Server subforms - Eases administrative tasks with an easy-to-use interface similar to the interface in Lotus NotesView and Lotus cc:Mail View; Domain management - Controls both server global and foreign domain set-up and management for simple and flexible execution. Although effective, gateways only bridge dissimilar networks. The strength of the MTAs are their inherent ability to act as "brouters," which bridge dissimilar networks like a gateway, but are also capable of relaying native messages like a router; a faster solution that keeps messaging contents unaltered. The MTAs replace the current Notes SMTP gateway and the Lotus Mail Exchange Facility (LMEF) that previously allowed Notes users SMTP and cc:Mail communications. Availability The Lotus MTAs are scheduled to ship mid-year 1996 and will run on supported Notes Release 4 platforms. Pricing has not yet been announced. For more information about Lotus products, visit Lotus' home page -- http://www.Lotus.com -- or call Lotus at 1-800-343-5414 or 1-610-640-9600. Lotus Notes is the leading client-server platform for developing and deploying strategic groupware applications that help organizations communicate, collaborate and coordinate strategic business processes within and beyond their organizational boundaries to achieve improved business results. More than 8,000 companies and 4.5 million people use Notes to improve key business processes such as customer service, sales and account management, and product development. Lotus Notes supports all major operating systems including IBM OS/2 Warp, Apple Mac OS, UNIX platforms including IBM AIX, Sun Solaris, HP-UX, and SCO OpenServer, and Microsoft Windows, Windows 95 and Windows NT. Notes is also available as a NetWare loadable module for the Novell environment. Lotus Development Corp., a subsidiary of IBM Corp., offers high quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allows information to be accessed and communicated in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. The company also provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center. Lotus, Lotus Notes, and cc:Mail are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. All other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. A copy of this release and other company information is also available via fax by dialing 1-800-57-LOTUS within the U.S. and Canada or 201-946-2336 outside the U.S. and Canada. Questions concerning the service should be directed to Lotus' corporate communications department at 617-693-5625. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com. The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services. ========================================================================== April 1, 1996 0496_30 IBM AntiVirus Software Now Available to VARs and Resellers STERLING FOREST, N.Y., April 1, 1996 -- The recently released IBM AntiVirus Version 2.4 is now available to hardware and software remarketers in a MultiPak format for OS/2* Warp, DOS, Windows** and Windows 95 operating systems. This package includes all necessary components to enable a remarketer to create a preloaded system unit containing premier virus protection and disinfection for sale to customers. The MultiPaks make it easy for resellers, such as small to medium- sized OEMs, VARs and system integrators, to acquire IBM AntiVirus software from IBM Authorized Software Distributors for preloading on their computer system units. IBM's advanced anti-virus solution enables computer users to protect their computing environment across all supported platforms. "With the Preload MultiPaks, IBM AntiVirus software can be coupled with the most popular operating systems. When making an OEM operating system purchase, it is easy to add on the same number of IBM AntiVirus products. In this way the OEM can easily differentiate their offering to the end user and boost profits," said Kay Lee, IBM AntiVirus marketing and planning representative. "Our IBM AntiVirus software is new to the OEM market even though it has a proven track record and has been used in business and home environments throughout the world for many years." IBM AntiVirus MultiPaks are available in two versions: Preload and Distribution. The IBM AV Preload MultiPak consists of five packages of diskettes and documentation, including 3.5" diskette media, concise users guides, program license agreements and a customer subscription card. One package may be used to preload one computer system unit and/or may be included with the computer unit sale. The IBM AV Distribution MultiPak is a license only package that authorizes remarketers to preload five computer systems from the media supplied in the IBM AntiVirus Preload MultiPak. "Our objective with the MultiPak is to mirror the way operating systems are sold in this channel and make it easy for the OEM to provide the much needed antivirus software that is requested by consumers," said Eric Lindner, IBM AntiVirus OEM marketing and sales manager. As more and more users access the Internet and other global networks, the possibility of acquiring a computer virus is greater, increasing the need to have an anti-virus solution. Part of an integrated suite of anti-virus products and services, IBM AntiVirus software now protects personal computer users by detecting more than 6,800 strains of computer viruses, a 15% increase over viruses detected in the previous version. On average, there are three to five new viruses discovered every day. At IBM Research, researchers track virus incidents throughout the world and update IBM AntiVirus continuously with new disinfection measures.Through the IBM AntiVirus Program Upgrade Subscription Plan, customers can receive quarterly upgrades, which include all new virus detection signatures, new disinfection capabilities, program corrections and functional enhancements added since the previous release. For more information, small to medium-sized OEMs should call 1 800-742-2493 in the U.S.; John Warus at (905) 316-5006 in Canada. For larger volume purchases of more than 1,000 units, OEMs should contact their IBM sales representatives. IBM AntiVirus is part of IBM's SecureWay* family. IBM, the largest computer company in the world, offers hardware, software, consulting and services to help customers secure their information technology. Whether addressing an individual need or creating a total enterprise solution, IBM SecureWay offerings provide the expertise to plan, design, implement and operate secure solutions for businesses. Additional information on these offerings can be found through the IBM I/T Security home page at http://www.ibm.com/Security. The fastest,easiest way to get information regarding the IBM AntiVirus solution is to go to the product home page at http://www.brs.ibm.com/ibmav.html or call 1 (800) 742-2493. * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. ** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of the respective companies. ========================================================================== Calendar of Events 0496_31 ------------------ May Object World East May 5 -9, Boston, Massachusetts /AIXtra POWER Technical Conference May 12 - 17, Orlando, Florida Aegis Product Marketing Forum (TM) Spring '96 Tour May 15 - 17, Chicago, Illinois SystemView '96 USA May 21 - 24, Atlanta, Georgia June 1996 International DB2 Users Group (IDUG) North America Conference June 2 - 6, Dallas, Texas VM/ESA and VSE/ESA Technical Conf June 3 - 6, Orlando, Florida AS/400 Technical Conference June 9 - 13, Miami Beach, Florida GUIDE's Spring 1996 Conference June 9 - 13, Washington, D.C. Internet Expo, Web World and EMail World June 12 - 14, Chicago, Illinois IBM International Conference on Object Technology June 18 -21, San Francisco, CA Object World UK June 18 - 21, London, England July August Object World West August 18 - 22, San Jose, CA Object World Australia August 27 - 30, Sydney, Australia September AS/400 Technical Conference September 8 - 12, Anaheim, CA SystemView '96 September 9 - 13, La Hulpe, Belgium Data Centers of the '90s Technical Conference September 16 - 19, Dallas, Texas October AS/400 Technical Conference October 1 - 3, Spain (TBA) Internet Expo, Web World and EMail World October 1 - 3, Toronto, Canada Object World Tokyo October 2 - 4, Tokyo, Japan Object World Frankfurt October 9 - 11, Frankfurt, Germany 1996 ColoradOS/2 Conference October 13 - 18, Keystone, CO Data Warehouse Technical Conference October 14 - 16, Miami, Florida DB2 Technical Conference October 14 - 18, Miami, Florida VM/ESA and VSE/ESA Technical Conf October 14 - 18, La Hulpe, Belgium Internet Expo, Web World and EMail World October 15 - 17, Boston, MA 1996 International DB2 Users Group October 21 - 24, Amsterdam, The (IDUG) European Conference Netherlands MVS Expo and Performance Tech Conf October 21 - 25, Washington, D.C. November Transaction & Messaging Congress November 4 - 7, Berlin, Germany 1996 International DB2 Users Group (IDUG) Asia Pacific Conference November 13 - 15, Melbourne, Australia December IMS Technical Conference December 2 - 6, Phoenix, Arizona