Apple Unveils System 7 Pro

New Version Provides Industry-Leading Communication and Customization Capabilities

Cupertino, California--October 4, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today extended its continued leadership in software innovation as the company's AppleSoft division unveiled System 7 Pro, an advanced version of the System 7 operating system for Apple Macintosh personal computers. This groundbreaking new software provides powerful new integrated communication and customization capabilities that Apple recommends for most users of Macintosh computers in business, government and higher education. System 7 Pro incorporates three industry-leading technologies--PowerTalk, AppleScript and QuickTime-- making it even easier for Macintosh users to work with others and to create custom computing solutions.

"System 7 Pro is the on-ramp to the information superhighway," said David Nagel, senior vice president and general manager of the AppleSoft division. "Whether you are an entrepreneur working at home or in an office with dozens of co-workers, System 7 Pro will streamline how people communicate today and prepare them for tomorrow. This clearly extends the differentiation between the Macintosh and other personal computers."

System 7 Pro Technologies

PowerTalk, available to customers for the first time, is personal communication software based on the Apple Open Collaboration Environment (AOCE), a technology framework for providing collaboration services to users of personal computers. PowerTalk's built-in electronic messaging capabilities make it easy for an individual to communicate and work with other individuals or groups. AppleScript, which has been available separately since its introduction in April 1993, provides System 7 Pro with a system-level scripting capability for automating routine tasks.

Together, PowerTalk and AppleScript can be used to create affordable custom solutions that once were available only to organizations with mainframes or minicomputers. QuickTime is Apple's award-winning software for creating and playing dynamic data--such as sound, video and animation--on a personal computer.

PowerTalk

PowerTalk software provides system-level capabilities for electronic messaging. Regardless of whether the method of communication is electronic mail, fax, voicemail or pager, an individual can receive messages or documents in a single mail box, or send from a single mail box, using a drag-and-drop method that simplifies and streamlines correspondence. PowerTalk comes with AppleMail, a letter application that can be used to send messages and documents to any other PowerTalk user. PowerTalk also provides the facility for users to send a document directly from within any PowerTalk mail-capable application just as easily as users can print today.

Two other components of PowerTalk--catalogs and security--complement the PowerTalk messaging capabilities. PowerTalk's built-in catalogs provide an open-ended object storage capability that will initially help customers manage electronic addresses and other information, contributing to the ease of sending and of accessing information. PowerTalk's built-in security includes a Key Chain, which offers customers privacy for their desktop mail box and a single log-on method for connecting to various electronic mail and network services. PowerTalk's DigiSign software lets a user attach an electronic signature to a document so that any user can verify who approved the document and whether or not it has been altered. This digital signature capability can be used together with PowerTalk's messaging services to send documents through an approval process electronically, without each individual having to print out the document to sign and forward.

In addition to the immediate customer value of PowerTalk within System 7 Pro, third-party vendors will deliver applications and other software add-ons that build on the PowerTalk capabilities, to create applications and solutions that have not previously been available for personal computer users. Examples of such applications are access software that links PowerTalk users to other messaging services, such as voice, fax, paging, and online services; software agents that can be assigned to perform a variety of tasks for users automatically; and team-productivity applications that use AppleScript and PowerTalk to create custom team solutions, such as scheduling, calendaring, automating approval and document review and distributing information more effectively.

"We are just beginning to see the full promise of PowerTalk as applications vendors announce the powerful and innovative applications that are enabled by PowerTalk technology and creative software designers," said Gursharan Sidhu, AppleSoft's director of collaboration products and the chief architect of AOCE. "Inspiring applications are beginning to emerge that will significantly enhance the way individuals work with others."

Leverages Server-based Services

The PowerTalk software included with System 7 Pro can take advantage of a full range of server-based services, including those of existing electronic mail systems and the AOCE-based PowerShare Collaboration Servers software. Extending the capabilities of an AppleTalk network, PowerShare provides a store-and-forward server for electronic messaging and a catalog server for administration of catalogs that can be distributed across multiserver networks. PowerShare also provides privacy--authentication of network sessions and encryption of data transmitted over the network--for secure network communications, critical to many workflow systems. PowerShare also provides the ability to consolidate gateways and other shareable resources for easy administration.

System 7 Continues as the Basic Operating System

In addition to System 7 Pro, AppleSoft's current System 7 product continues to be available, providing customers with a choice based on their computing needs. "The installed base of Macintosh customers has grown and become more diversified," said David Nagel. "We plan to enhance System 7 to meet the needs of customers in the consumer and K-12 education markets."

Availability and Pricing

System 7 Pro is available immediately in the United States through software resellers and Apple authorized resellers. The suggested retail price for the single-user product, the System 7 Pro Personal Upgrade Kit, is U.S. $149, and the suggested retail price for the 10- user product, the System 7 Pro MultiPack is U.S. $999. AppleSoft is offering a U.S. $50 rebate to customers who upgrade to System 7 Pro after purchasing the System 7 single-user product between Aug. 15, 1993 and Nov. 1, 1993.

System 7 Pro is available through the Apple Volume License Program, a cost-effective way for customers in the United States to acquire software licenses, support and maintenance in volume for selected Apple products. Under the program, United States customers may also acquire volume licenses for site locations outside the United States. This volume licensing is available through authorized Apple resellers, including direct software resellers, Apple dealers and Apple Value Added Resellers (VARs). Education and local-government customers may purchase volume licenses directly from Apple.

Availability of System 7 Pro outside the United States varies by country. Localized versions are expected to be available beginning in November 1993.

The PowerShare Collaboration Servers product is expected to be available in early 1994, in the United States through software resellers and Apple authorized resellers. Outside the United States, availability will vary by country. In the United States, the suggested retail price for the PowerShare Collaboration Servers software will be U.S. $999.

System Requirements

A Macintosh computer system with a minimum of 5MB of RAM is recommended to install System 7 Pro. A Macintosh computer system with a minimum of 8MB of RAM is recommended to install the PowerShare Collaboration Servers product.

Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple Computer, Inc., (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures and markets personal computer, server, and personal interactive electronic systems for use in business, education, the home, science, engineering and government. A recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, Apple does business in more than 120 countries.

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh and AppleTalk are registered trademarks and System 7, PowerTalk, AOCE, AppleScript, QuickTime, PowerShare, AppleMail, DigiSign and Finder are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. DataPak Word Solution Engine is a trademark of DataPak Software, Inc.