Apple Launches ATM Developers Program Aimed at Increasing Availability of High-Speed ATM Networks for Multimedia Applications MACTIVITY, SAN JOSE, California--July 16, 1996--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced the ATM Application Jump Start Program, aimed at promoting and facilitating development of applications that take advantage of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) features such as Quality of Service guarantees and scalability in both speed and distance. For a $7,500 licensing fee, a limited number of developers will receive a package that includes a development license to Apple ATM Middleware, designed to help accelerate ATM solutions development by providing compatibility to the Mac OS, in addition to signaling modules, LAN emulation, classical IP (Internet Protocol) and an intuitive user interface. Recognizing the superior multimedia data handling capabilities offered by ATM networks, Apple's participation in ATM has progressed from a research and technology emphasis to offering products that will enable both developers and end user customers to benefit from this new standard in network capability. To aid in hastening the technology's widespread adoption, Apple is offering the ATM Application Jump Start Program to developers at a significant cost savings of more than $8,000. In addition to the license to Apple ATM Middleware, developers will also receive a Whitetree, Inc. WS3000 Ethernet/ATM Workgroup switch; two Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) ATM25 cards and limited direct support from the ATM Engineering Team. "We firmly believe ATM network technology is the strongest candidate for providing customers in Apple's key media rich markets, such as electronic publishing, film and broadcast, with the high-bandwidth and quality-of-service features they require," said Carlos Montalvo, director of Apple's Interactive Media Group. "By providing a very aggressively priced kit that contains Apple ATM Middleware, we are accelerating the development of ATM network cards and applications." "The ATM Application Jump Start Program will fuel the continued growth of the ATM market, particularly the workgroup segment," said Kurt Bauer, vice president of marketing and business planning at Whitetree Inc. "We are delighted to be part of a program that enables developers to build next-generation applications and further adoption of the technology." How To Join To qualify for the ATM Application Jump Start Program, send electronic mail to (atmdev@pop.apple.com). Reference the ATM Jump Start Program in the title and include company name, shipping address, contact name, telephone number, fax number and electronic mail address. Also include information regarding the application that will be developed or adapted to ATM, the target market or customers for the application and other products your organization currently sells or develops. Why ATM? Asynchronous Transfer Mode is one of the most promising network technologies to appear in the last four years. A networking and communication standard, key benefits of ATM networks include the following: scalability in bandwidth, ranging from 25Mbps to 155Mbps for desktops to gigabit speed for equipment manufacturers; and scalability in distance, ranging from the LAN to the MAN (Metropolitan Area Networks) to a WAN spanning many continents. The technology's Quality of Service feature guarantees delivery of time-based data such as audio and video; and preserves investment in current infrastructure because of the ability to use existing cable plants or upgrade at a controlled pace. Also, ATM collaboration among major industries such as telecommunications and computer/networking vendors is serving to ensure interoperability and compatibility. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged. ________________ Do you believe in Macintosh? Please check out (http://www.evangelist.macaddict.com/) to see how you can help the cause.