August 4, 1992 (Washington, DC)- The Software Publishers Association (SPA)
today announced that fundamental changes in the software marketplace have
led to revision of their quarterly software sales figures and data
projection methodology. Market developments include:

*  The rapid growth of the Windows platform.

*  Dramatic growth of new categories, including utilities,
   presentation graphics, and drawing and painting.

*  A decline in the channel mark-up, lowering the ratio of street
   prices to publisher revenues.

*  An increase in direct sales to end-users.

"Revising our methodology to reflect these changes allows us to provide
numbers that more accurately reflect the reality in today's marketplace,"
commented Dave Tremblay, SPA Research Director.

In the SPA software sales data program, 150 publishers report their
application software sales in 31 categories of software and eight formats.
The SPA uses this information to develop its projections of total North
American retail sales.

"The SPA is one of the few credible third party sources of information
about the software industry. I applaud the changes they're making; they're
keeping their numbers true to the industry as the marketplace evolves,"
said David Readerman, Senior Vice-President, Lehman Brothers.

Starting with the first quarter 1992 sales report, the SPA is now reporting
North American retail sales estimates in the following application
categories:

*  Utilities (new): Includes products designed to enhance or
   improve operating systems, such as anti-virus, file recovery
   and back-up packages.

*  Presentation Graphics (new): Includes software designed to
   create professional presentations.

*  Drawing & Painting (new): Includes software with its primary
   function to create professional freehand artwork.

*  Home Education (new): Education products with the home market
   as their primary target.

*  Finance (new): Personal finance, tax and accounting packages.

*  Other Graphics (new): Includes all other graphics
   applications, such as forms packages, fonts, clip art
   collections, and home-oriented graphics software.

*  Entertainment: All types of personal computer based games,
   excluding cartridge video games.

*  Word Processors.

*  Spreadsheets.

*  Databases: Relational and flat-file personal computer-based
   databases.

*  Integrated: Includes products that combine several different
   applications in one. Includes "Works" products, but excludes
   product suites.

*  Desktop Publishing: Includes all document/page layout and
   design programs.

*  Languages & Tools: Includes all C, Pascal and other languages
   as well as all tools designed to aid software development.

*  Other Productivity: All other types of personal computer
   software not included in the above categories, including
   electronic mail, project management, school curricula, CAD,
   scientific and engineering, and communications.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of
the PC software industry. Its 900 members represent the leading publishers
in the business, consumer, and education markets. The SPA has offices in
Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

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