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              PCM Online  August 1995 - BBSCON Edition
 
PRESS BOX Contents: 
 
   []  News Bites: News shorts from across the industry 
   []  $$  What a Deal!  $$: Bargains we've stumbled across 
   []  Telecom Press Releases: For SysOps and other online enthusiasts 
 
Entire contents copyright 1995 by Falsoft, Inc. 
 
PCM -- The Premier Personal Computer Magazine -- is intended for the  
private use and pleasure of its subscribers, and reproduction by any  
means is prohibited. 
 
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NEWS BITES 
~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
          >>  THROBBING MODEMS -- ROMANCE IS ON THE LINE  << 
 
   Throbbing Modems, a new book by Joshua Baby, is a how-to guide to 
finding romance and adventure through the computer. "The Information 
Superhighway is allowing millions of people to not only correspond, but 
also to fall in love with each other through the use of their keyboards. 
The growing popularity and curiosity about cybersex phenomena make 
Bagby's new breakthrough instructional guide an essential and timely 
one." Bagby takes audiences through the Internet with advice on meeting 
online, handling gender differences, nurturing intimacy, "turning 
cyberlove into reality," and coping with hazardous personalities and 
situations.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  HIGH-TECH GADGET HELPS YOU "BEAT THE BUSIES"  << 
 
   Technology Arts announces the release of PowerDialer<TM> ($249), the 
"world's fastest way to automatically redial busy numbers." PowerDialer 
repeatedly dials busy telephone numbers as quickly as the telephone 
company can process the calls -- as fast as 25 times per minute. When 
busy signals or "all circuits are busy" recordings are encountered, 
PowerDialer immediately hangs up and tries again. When PowerDialer 
encounters either a ringback or speech, meaning that the call has gone 
through, an alarm sounds to signal a successfully completed call. 
   Also available from Technology Arts is the Ring n' Route<TM> 
($44.95), a gadget that lets your modem have its own phone number 
(separate from your voice number) on a single telephone line. Ring n' 
Route enhances the telephone company's Distinctive Ringing service by 
selectively routing or blocking specific ringing patterns to telephones, 
fax machines, answering machines and modems. Auto-answering devices such 
as modems, answering machines and faxes cannot tell the difference 
between the distinctive ringing patterns. They will each attempt to 
answer the line simultaneously. Ring n' Route prevents this by 
"listening" to the ringing pattern and passing the call to the 
appropriate attached telephone device. Ring n' Route connects in series 
and can be easily set to pass one of the four possible ringing patterns 
to the desired telephone or service. 
   Technology Arts, (800) 600-1778 or (617) 642-8422.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
            >>  HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN THE PACIFIC RIM  << 
 
   World Access Corp. offers a selection of 60- to 90-minute video 
seminars on doing business in Pacific Rim countries (each country gets 
its own tape): China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, 
Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Each tape sells for 
$119.95, or the entire set can be purchased for $999.95. Also included 
with the videos are market profiles, business and cultural tips. World 
Access Corp., (617) 235-8095.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
                    >>  26GB ON YOUR DESKTOP  << 
 
   Cybernetics has announced the immediate availability of the CY-20P, 
an optical disk library that can store 26GB of data on 20 disks. 
Featuring the "fastest optical disk drive on the market," the CY-20P 
provides a 2.2MB/sec read rate and an average seek time of less than 
18.9 milliseconds. The drive can read and write 1.3GB, 1GB and 650MB 
disks, in both erasable and WORM formats. Cybernetics, (804) 833-9000.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
               >>  HENRY FORD COMES TO THE NET  << 
 
   Want to take an armchair tour of the Henry Ford Museum? Check it out 
at 
 
   http://hfm.umd.umich.edu 
 
   The Henry Ford Museum Online site is unique among other World Wide 
Web museum sites in that it provides users with historical content and 
programs rather than just information about on-site offerings. The 
Showroom of Automotive History, for example, will highlight automobiles 
from the museum's collection of 300, representing a substantial 
contribution to the auto industry through design, production, 
engineering and other unique qualities.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
                    >>  DON'T FORGET TO BLINK  << 
 
   Do long hours at the computer leave you with burning, irritated eyes? 
That gritty, sandy sensation you attribute to eye strain or fatigue may 
actually be just a symptom of dry eyes. Studies have shown that blinking 
decreases during computer use, reducing tear production. Unfortunately, 
most people ignore their dry-eye symptoms or mistakenly assume that 
their eyes are red and irritated because of eye strain or fatigue. 
Cosmetic eye-drop preparations (which contain vasoconstrictors), 
eliminate redness but do not restore moisture, says Dr. Alan L. Shabo, 
clinical professor of opthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. "In 
fact, long-term use of vasoconstrictors can actually cause a 'rebound 
effect' in which patients experience increased redness and dryness; for 
some people, these products even become addictive." 
   Here are some tips to beat dry eyes at the computer: 
 
   [] Break up your computer time. Five-minute breaks every hour can 
ease the impact of the constant glare. 
   [] Use an anti-glare filter on your monitor. 
   [] Use a desk lamp to illuminate your computer area, or invest in a 
screen to reduce the harshness of fluorescent lights. 
   [] Avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods when in front of 
a computer; contact lenses tend to increase the chance of dryness. 
   [] Position your monitor so that you are looking down at it (this 
decreases the exposed surface of the eye, helping to retain moisture.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  BIG, BAD WOLF FINALLY GETS TO TELL HIS SIDE OF THE STORY  << 
 
   You heard it here, folks. You can find out what really happened the 
day the wolf met those three little pigs in Reader Rabbit's Reading 
Development Library, a line of interactive books featuring multiple 
perspectives. As one of three character perspectives, the wolf helps 
children appreciate that there are many sides to every story. The 
Reading Development Library titles (MSRP $45 each) are published by The 
Learning Company, (800) 852-2255.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
             >>  HOW TO BACK UP A 1.68MB FLOPPY DISK  << 
 
   Users who receive Windows 95 on floppies will be in for a shock when 
they try to make backup copies of their disks -- they can't, says Max 
Dunn of Micro Design Systems. According to Dunn, Windows 95, as well as 
many other Microsoft products, are being distributed on a new 1.68MB 
format that Microsoft is calling the Distribution Media Format (DMF). 
The extra capacity is achieved by placing 21 sectors on the disk rather 
than the usual 18. The problem with this format is that normal DOS 
utilities like DISKCOPY, COPY and XCOPY cannot access the three extra 
sectors -- and this serves as a form of copy protection. For a fee, 
Microsoft will sell you backup disks. 
   But Micro Design Systems has another way: FixFlop, its memory-
resident program that allows the normal DOS copy commands to work with 
the 1.68MB format. "Users are legally entitled to make backup copies of 
their program disks," explains Dunn, "and FixFlop allows them to do 
that." 
   Dunn has generously made FixFlop available to all Internauts at these 
addresses: 
 
   http://www.msd1.com/msd1 
   ftp.msd.com  in the pub/msd1 directory 
 
   Shareware versions of Micro System Design's disk-copy program, 
DiskDupe, has also been enhanced to support the 1.68MB format. 
   Micro System Designs, (408) 446-2066.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  PACKARD BELL, TANDY LEAD LIST OF WORST COMPUTER RESELLS  << 
 
   Taylor Bond, whose Computer Renaissance store has become a sales 
volume leader for new and used computers, says the worst computers for 
resale value are "all models of Packard Bell and Tandy." He won't buy 
them for resale. Which computers have the best resell value according to 
Bond? Macintosh Powerbooks (all models), Compaq/IBM/Toshiba 486 
notebooks, Gateway 486 desktop systems, the Macintosh SE/30, and the 
Macintosh Color Classic.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
                    >>  HOTELS IN YOUR HOTLIST  << 
 
   Yes, even hotel chains are coming to the Net. Promus Hotels has 
announced it is the first major hotel company to set up Web sites for 
its hotel properties: Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites. 
With your Web browser you'll be able to view hotel layouts, see what a 
standard room looks like, and be given contact information. You aren't 
able to actually book a room through the site -- yet. Promus has that in 
the works. The addresses: 
 
   http://www.promus.com/embassy.html 
   http://www.promus.com/hampton.html 
   http://www.promus.com/homewood.html  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
               >>  OFFICIAL SALVADOR DALI WEB SITE  << 
 
   Where else would you expect to find free wallpaper (for your 
computer) featuring flies, melting clocks and Salvador Dali's image? 
From the Salvador Dali Museum of St. Petersburg, Florida, of course! 
Check it out and grab some cool wallpaper at: 
 
   http://www.highwayone.com/dali/  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  FROM GUITAR TO MIDI -- NO KEYBOARD REQUIRED  << 
 
   On the one side there's the guitarist. On the other side is a MIDI 
sequencer. Now Twelve Tone Systems and Lyrrus bring the two together. 
Beginning this fall, the G-VOX Bridge Windows driver will be bundled 
with specially marked packages of Twelve Tones' Cakewalk music software. 
Using the G-VOX Pickup and Belt Pack, Bridge allows a user to record a 
MIDI sequence directly into Cakewalk by playing an electric or acoustic 
guitar. Twelve Tone Systems, Inc., (617) 926-2480.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
                   >>  BROWSIN' FOR A CRUISIN'  << 
 
   Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has announced the opening of its World 
Wide Web site on the Internet, making it the first major cruise line to 
establish its own Internet presence. If you want to smell the sea salt 
in the air, and feel the wind in your hair, point your browser to 
http://www.windjammer.com  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
      >>  CUSTOM SOFTWARE DELIVERED TO YOUR INTERNET ADDRESS  << 
 
   Ensemble Software of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has come up with a new  
way sell custom software solutions -- over the Internet. A prospective  
customer travels to Ensemble's World Wide Web home page,  
http://www.ESISolutions.com, then submits a request for custom software  
using an online questionnaire. Ensemble Software programmers will start  
work on the program and deliver it to the customer's e-mail address. 
   Those not looking to buy will find the Ensemble home page full of  
interesting features, including: a new, free application every month;  
tips and techniques on software, hardware and programming; and links to  
other places on the net.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
             >>  PRODIGY SPORTS A MORE "WEBBISH" LOOK  << 
 
   The Prodigy online service has adopted a new look: its sign-on  
screen, and other screens within, resemble World Wide Web pages. This is  
a conscious effort on Prodigy's part to integrate its internal service  
with its Web browser. The mail system has also been upgraded, allowing  
multimedia attachments (for sending files to other Prodigy users). For  
users who don't initiate the update by going "Jump: New Prodigy Center"  
by August 9, 1995, the service will update you automatically at sign-on.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES LAUNCHES WEB SITE  << 
 
   The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will launch its own World  
Wide Web site on the Internet -- http://www.emmys.org/ -- on Thursday,  
July 20, 5:40 a.m. PDST to coincide with the live announcements of the  
nominations for the 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards competition. The  
Web site will initially contain the prime-time Emmy nominations along  
with awards information (facts about past winners, rules, deadlines,  
trivia, etc.) and details on the Academy's many activities and programs. 
   During the 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (to be broadcast Sunday,  
September 10, 8 to 11 p.m. EDT/PDT on FOX), viewers at home will be able  
to access an interactive guide to the show, containing the same photos  
and information as in the program given to audience members attending  
the ceremony. In addition, the Academy's Internet guests will have  
access to historical Emmy Awards information and photographs, and may be  
privy to some behind-the-scenes surprises from backstage. 
 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
      >>  ARDIS SUPPORTS MOTOROLA'S NEW WIRELESS MODEM CARD  << 
 
   On July 18 ARDIS announced it is the first two-way wireless data  
communications network in the United States to support Motorola's  
Personal Messenger 100D PCMCIA Type II wireless modem card, which just  
became commercially available. Using the nationwide services offered by  
the ARDIS network, Personal Messenger 100D card users can wirelessly  
send and receive electronic mail, send faxes, access applications and  
information, and update and query databases. ARDIS, (708) 913-1215.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
>>  ARTISOFT REDUCES PRICES & SIMPLIFIES LANTASTIC SERVER OFFERINGS  << 
 
   Artisoft, Inc., announced on July 3 that it has simplified the  
package offering for its award-winning LANtastic Dedicated Server  
software, and reduced the pricing. The server product line now consists  
of a LANtastic Dedicated Server v1.1 package for 2 to 10 users, priced  
at $649; LANtastic Dedicated Server add-on licenses for 5, 10, 25 and 50  
users beginning at $339 (MSRP) for a five-user version; and an upgrade  
from CorStream (TM) server v1.0 to LANtastic Dedicated Server v1.1 at  
$299 (MSRP). The LANtastic Dedicated Server is built on Novell's 32-bit  
NetWare 4 technology, "yet maintains the LANtastic system's ease of use  
that helped make LANtastic the network of choice for small businesses of  
two to 100 users." The revised options and new pricing are effective  
immediately. 
   "We've reduced the number of package options for our LANtastic  
Dedicated Server family from 15 to six, while continuing to offer the  
same scalable, high-performance solution for growing LANtastic v6.0 and  
Power Suite networks," said Artisoft Vice President of Worldwide  
Marketing Bill Peterson. "We believe the simplified server family will  
be easier for our distributors and reseller partners to stock and for  
Artisoft to produce and maintain. This reduces production and sales  
costs, which can be passed to our customers through very affordable and  
competitive pricing." 
   Artisoft, (800) 233-5564 or (520) 670-7100.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
             >>  SHEDDING LIGHT ON PALMTOP COMPUTERS  << 
 
   Thanks to the newly introduced PCL 300 Palmtop Computer Light  
($29.95) from ASF Associates Ltd., low-light situations are no longer an  
obstacle to mobile computer users. the PCL is a portable light that ends  
screen visibility problems common to all hand-held computers with non- 
backlit displays. The compact, lightweight, collapsible unit evenly  
illuminates your display, keyboard and entire work area. It comes with  
an adjustable clip and fastening system that is designed to hold any  
palmtop computer, pocket organizer or handheld video game. The PCL uses  
AA batteries. It is packaged with four spare Ektron bulbs, two clear and  
two red for night vision; a DC vehicle adapter with a high-low dimmer;  
and a soft travel case. ASF Associates, (800) 771-3600.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
             >>  BEHIND THE SCENES AT DELPHI INTERNET  << 
 
   Delphi has made big noises about bypassing its competitors  
CompuServe, Prodigy and America On-Line with an expanded service, new  
content, graphical Internet access, and a new multimedia interface  
coming this fall. Toward the goal of improving and expanding content,  
Rupert Murdoch (head of Delphi Internet -- and the FOX network --  
through the parent company The News Corporation) has named Anthea Disney  
Editor-in-Chief Worldwide of the News Corporation's Delphi Internet  
Services. To come to Delphi, Disney will be leaving her job as editor- 
in-chief of TV Guide. 
   Named "Best Editor of 1992" by Advertising Age, Disney was credited  
with revitalizing TV Guide, bringing a sharper, more provocative edge to  
America's largest weekly magazine. Disney's arrival at Delphi signals  
the importance The News Corporation places on its online service and  
recognition of the importance of superior editorial content. 
   "To date, the content developed for this emerging online medium has  
been largely lacking in editorial sophistication," said Dr. Alan Baratz,  
CEO, Delphi Internet. "As we prepare to launch our new service in the  
fall, it is our goal to deliver refreshing and engaging content that  
sets new standards for creative and editorial excellence. With her  
extensive experience in providing informative and entertaining editorial  
content for one of the nation's most widely read publications, Ms.  
Disney will drive us to this goal."  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
     >>  MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MAPS OUT THE INTERNET FOR LAWYERS  << 
 
   According to GoAhead Productions, the world's largest law library is  
available to everyone, 24 hours a day, virtually for free -- but most  
attorneys don't even know it exists. The Internet provides free access  
to such valuable research resources as the United States Code, SEC  
filings and law-firm memos. The expertise required to keep up with the  
daily-changing network is now being provided by "The Internet Lawyer"  
newsletter, a new publication from GoAhead Productions. Legal eagles  
looking for more info may contact GoAhead Publications at (904) 371- 
3191, or by e-mail: aadkins@freenet.ufl.edu.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
       >>  STUDY REVEALS WE'RE BECOMING MULTI-PC HOUSEHOLDS  << 
 
   According to TECH/TRACK's on-going survey of technology in the  
American home, almost one out of three American PC households now owns  
more than a single personal computer system today -- some 8.6 million  
households. 
   "Ownership" defined by TECH/TRACK means actual personal property, on- 
site at the time of interview; this avoids the skewing of figures  
acquired from potential "double-tracking," since the parameters  
eliminate office-borrowed portables or PCs (4.6% of households) as well  
as the PC that was purchased and is away at school with a child (3% of  
households). 
   By the end of 1995's first quarter, 29.8 million American households  
owned PCs, up from the last 1994 quarter's total of 27.3 million. U.S.  
Census Bureau's estimate of 96.39 million households was used throughout  
the study. Some 2.6 million PCs were purchased; average price was $1841;  
aggregate sales bolstering the economy were $4 billion. 
   Other quarter's end information regarding household technology  
ownership include: 
 
             88%   VCRs 
             33%   Hand-held portable cellulars 
             63%   Answering Machines 
              6%   Copiers 
 
   A second trend related to peripherals was noted in the study. They  
are less likely to be purchased as "extra" add-ons to the PC; rather,  
they are offered by the marketer as a more complete package that often  
includes mouse, modem, CD-ROM and a color monitor. 
   While home PCs are used for "personal" activities such as home  
finance, other important uses performed in the PC household include  
general business applications for a small office/home office,  
education/reference, data inquiry, e-mail and work brought home from an  
office. 
   TECH/TRACK monitors approximately 30,000 randomly selected households  
per year. The current database of more than 40,000 in-depth interviews  
reflects TECH/TRACK's nearly two years of information gathering service.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
        >>  INTERNET TOUR GUIDE AND RESOURCE -- ON CD-ROM  << 
 
   Odyssey ($49.95), a CD-ROM tool, is part tutorial, part reference  
source, part simulator and part access software. It enables users to: 
 
   [] learn about the Internet through any of 10 interactive tours,  
          which contain more than 90 minutes of audio and video help,  
          and more than 2000 screens and popups; 
   [] answers questions about the Internet through its hyperlinked  
          reference and glossary; 
   [] simulate and rehearse site explorations before wasting time and  
          money online; and 
   [] take the Internet plunge and start exploring. 
 
   MindQ Publishing, (703) 938-3579, or e-mail info@mindq.com  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
    >>  FREE NEW CD-ROM REFERENCE FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS  << 
 
   On July 12 National Instruments announced a free new CD-ROM reference  
containing instrumentation information for engineers and scientists  
building test, measurement, process monitoring and control applications.  
The Windows-compatible "Instrupedia" is more comprehensive than a  
product catalog by including application notes, user solutions,  
demonstration software -- and examples and tutorials covering  
instrumentation software and GPIB, VXI, serial and data-acquisition  
(DAQ) hardware. Instrupedia will be available in the third quarter of  
1995. Scientists and engineers can use Instrupedia to determine hardware  
and software requirements when building completely new computer-based  
instrumentation systems or upgrading existing systems. 
   National Instruments, (800) 433-3488, (512) 794-0100,  
info@natinst.com, or http://www.natinst.com/.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
 >>  EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL VIDEODISC HINDERED BY FORMAT WAR  << 
 
   Based on industry-wide census surveys and inferring from the history  
of the VCR, InfoTech has concluded that the digital videodisc's adoption 
rates will be hindered. The next generation of optical media will be  
launched in 1996 amid a likely standards war between two rival formats,  
Multimedia CD (MMCD) from Sony/Phillips and Super Density CD (SD) from  
Time/Toshiba -- unlike today's CD-audio and CD-ROM technologies, which  
benefited from a single standard from their inception. In a speech at  
the REPLtech Intl. meeting in June, InfoTech chairman Ted Pine cautioned 
that a format war will dampen adoption rates of both linear and  
interactive applications -- digital videodisc (DVD) and high-density  
CD-ROM (HDCD-ROM) -- by causing consumer uncertainty and raising prices. 
   "Lack of standardization is a major problem for DVD," Pine said,  
"Because the rivals must not only compete with each other, but with a  
new videotape format that will be introduced concurrently: digital  
videocassette (DVC)." Under the assumption that both rival DVD formats  
come to market, InfoTech forecasts a U.S. installed base of 1 million  
for DVD by year-end 1988. DVD adoption will underperform the initial  
adoption rate of CD-audio, but will surpass the VCR, which did not  
achieve a 1-million U.S. installed base until its sixth year of  
availability, owing in part to the protracted VHS/Beta controversy. "The 
forecast for DVD during its initial five years is higher than either VCR 
or laser videodisc, because the demand for home video is now  
well-established," Pine explained. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  CD-ROM "YELLOW PAGES" OF INTERNET ADDRESSES  << 
 
   For Internet users who want access to the "latest and most complete  
list of Internet addresses," Microforum announces its new Internet  
Connection ($19.95). Combining an advanced, user-friendly menu system  
with "the most comprehensive list of Internet addresses available  
today," the Internet Connection is an invaluable tool for both the  
novice and experienced net surfer. Its menu system allows users to  
search for an address and then access it via a one-step connection  
provided in the software. It's available in floppy-disk and CD-ROM  
versions. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
  >>  MSI INTRODUCES FIRST AFTERMARKET COMM PROGRAM FOR WINDOWS 95  << 
 
   Mustang Software plans to ship the industry's first aftermarket  
online communications program for Windows 95 -- QmodemPro for Windows 95  
version 2.0 -- in conjunction with Microsoft's release of Windows 95,  
scheduled for August 24, 1995. QmodemPro offers the consumer a wide  
array of features, including file transfers, terminal emulation, TAPI  
and OLE 2.0, all using full 32-bit multithreaded technology. It will  
cost $69 for upgraders (only $49 if the order is placed by September  
30), and $129 for first-time QmodemPro users. 
   Mustang Software, sales (800) 999-9619, voice (805) 873-2500, BBS  
(805) 873-2400, World Wide Web: http://www.mustang.com, telnet:  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
 >>  TACTILE, TALKING WINDOWS 3.1 TUTORIAL FOR VISION-IMPAIRED USERS  << 
 
   DOS-based computers have been accessible to visually impaired users  
through screen access software for over a decade. Now popular  
graphics-based programs are revolutionizing the workplace and classroom. 
Inadvertently, this type of software, with its icon-based environment,  
shuts the doors of opportunity for blind computer users. "So, what do  
you do when the doors of accessibility have been closed? You open a  
window." 
   Opening Windows ($49.95), an instructional kit from the American  
Printing House for the Blind, will acquaint visually impaired computer  
users with Windows 3.1, the pictorially attractive software package that 
most users access by pointing and clicking a mouse. Until recently, the  
graphical menus in Windows 3.1 made it impossible for a blind person to  
use the environment, but Opening Windows reaches out to this audience  
with easy-to-follow information provided in three formats: 11  
silk-screened reproductions of computer displays, an audio cassette on  
4-track, and a 3-1/2-inch disk with practice files. 
   American Printing House for the Blind, (800) 223-1839 or (502)  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  AUTOMOTIVE MARKETING AND ADVERTISING ON THE INTERNET  << 
 
   The Reynolds and Reynolds Company (NYSE: REY) has acquired the assets  
of Dealer Internet Services Corp. (DISC) of Lynnwood, Washington. With  
DISC's DealerNet (TM) service, automobile manufacturers, dealers and  
other auto-related industries can market their vehicles and services  
directly to consumers over the Internet. According to Marty Rood,  
developer of DealerNet and president of Rood Nissan/Volvo in Lynnwood,  
DealerNet has 21 dealer subscribers located in six states -- and has  
tracked over 1.5 million consumer inquiries. 
   Today DealerNet, a World Wide Web site, has nearly 4500 pages of  
information from 45 car companies, and Reynolds intends to increase this 
as the service expands to meet the needs of a national audience. Once  
accessed, DealerNet creates a Virtual Showroom (TM) for each  
participating manufacturer, dealership and auto-related company.  
Consumers and browsers can research information on specific vehicles,  
including their availability within a specific region or dealership.  
With its multimedia capabilities, DealerNet will allow users to view  
full-color brochures and full-motion video of vehicles and related  
products, discover available options and even search available dealer  
inventory. The service also features two-way communication between the  
dealer and the consumer, allowing for quick follow-ups to inquiries. 
   The URL address for DealerNet's home page is http://www.dealernet.com 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
               >>  A"PEEL"ING FLOPPY DISK LABELS  << 
 
   It's just about impossible to peel off a floppy disk label once it's  
stuck, so it's not uncommon to see "recycled" floppy disks with multiple 
layers of labels. Polka Dot Products has a solution -- the Polka-disc, a 
label that comes off as easily as it went on -- making way for the  
next-generation label. A sample packet of 10 Polka-disc labels can be  
ordered by sending $1 check or money order to: Polka Dot Products, 4232  
Colfax Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55409. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
        >>  REMEMBER, ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES  << 
 
A public-service announcement from the USDA Forest Service: 
 
   Smokey is counting on you to follow the rules for safely burning  
debris: 
 
    [1] Check local laws on burning. 
    [2] Don't burn on dry, windy days. 
    [3] Clear a 30-foot circle around debris before lighting fire. 
    [4] Keep shovel, rake and water nearby. 
    [5] Don't leave fire unattended by an adult, even for a minute. 
    [6] Consider alternatives to burning: composting, recycling, or  
          hauling to a landfill. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  CRAFTING AN IMAGE WITH CUSTOM STATIONERY  << 
 
   A new system of classic stationery and software templates from Avery  
is designed to help home-based and small-business owners create a  
customized, professional image without leaving their offices. The  
system, called Communique ($24.95), acts as a design partner, enabling  
users to try different graphic looks before making a final design  
decision. Using a PC and  laser printer, sales and marketing materials  
can be produced quickly. The new line will be available in August 1995  
at computer stationery and office superstores nationwide. 
   Avery Dennison, (800) 462-8379 or (909) 869-7711. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
           >>  PROTECT YOUR WORK FROM INFRINGEMENT  << 
 
   Far too many people make the mistake of failing to protect their  
intellectual property. Only through copyright registration can you  
secure maximum protection for your computer programs, books and other  
creative works. Copyright registration conclusively establishes the  
validity of your copyright. Copyright Wizard ($99), a program from  
Transcender Corp., helps you register your copyright with the U.S.  
Copyright Office by leading you through the creation of Form TX (which  
must be used to register most literary works, including computer  
programs, fiction, nonfiction, advertising copy, catalogs, songs, poems, 
etc.). When you're finished, the program prints a completed,  
ready-to-file Form TX on your HP LaserJet-compatible laser printer. 
   Transcender Corp., (615) 726-8779. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  FOUR NEW BOOKS FOR "COMMUNICATING" PLAYERS  << 
 
   Do you like to play games where you can get your modem involved?  
BradyGAMES has four books you might want to check out. Each costs $19.99 
and has 300+/- pages. 
 
    []  MUDS: Exploring Virtual Worlds -- covers all types of MUDs  
          (MultiUser Dungeons); includes in-depth information on 25 of  
          these text-based Internet virtual worlds, and offers a  
          directory of more than 100 others. 
    []  Gaming on the Internet -- covers real-time/online games,  
          including combat MUDs, role-playing, flight/space combat,  
          board games and war games. 
    []  BradyGAMES Hard-Core Online Gamer's Guide -- a gaming reference  
          covering all major online services. The book is organized by  
          games rather than by online services. Includes info on where  
          to find each game and basic rules applicable for all services. 
    []  Head-to-Head Modem Gaming -- an extensive source of tips and  
          strategies for mastering the best games that offer modem play:  
          Wing Armada, DOOM, Corridor 7, Legions, Rise of the Triad and  
          more. 
 
   BradyGAMES, (800) 428-5331. Web site: http://www.mcp.com/ 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
     >>  FUTURUS INTERCHANGE DELIVERS YOUR INTERNET E-MAIL  << 
 
   Would you like a hassle-free way to hook your network to the Internet  
for e-mail? Would you like your own domain name? Futurus Corporation  
delivers the goods by making it easy to hook your mail server up to  
their site; they'll even register your domain name for you. This is for  
e-mail only, but everyone in your company can have an individual  
address. Plans range from $39.95 a month (3 hours of mail-transfer time; 
suitable for small sites up to 25 users) to $99.95 a month (allowed 12  
hours of mail-transfer time; suitable for sites of up to 100 people). 
   Futurus, (800) 678-5390. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
   >>  FOR ONLY $33 PER MONTH, ANYONE SET UP SHOP ON THE WEB  << 
 
   TechMall announces it is now accepting tenants for its Internet World  
Wide Web electronic mall -- starting at only $33 per month. The price is 
low because TechMall uses a "production line" process. Prospective  
tenants fill in a printed form to indicate the text they want, and the  
formatting they'd like. Then they submit the form together with slides  
or photographs to be included. TechMall converts the information into a  
professional-looking Web page. The tenant does not have to know anything 
about the Internet or computers to put his or her business online -- and 
soon be advertising and accepting orders over the net. 
   Tenants can simply put their contact phone numbers on their page, or  
have interested visitors fill in an online form for more information --  
or to place an order. TechMall offers encrypted transactions to protect  
credit-card numbers and other sensitive information. Information  
requests and orders can be submitted to tenants via e-mail, fax or U.S.  
mail. 
   TechMall can be reached on the World Wide Web at  
 
          http://www.techmall.com 
 
   Information can also be obtained by calling (800) 949-MALL, or  
sending 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  ADAPTEC SHIPS ITS FIRST WIRELESS I/O PRODUCTS  << 
 
   Adaptec, a leader in input/output (I/O) technology, announced on July  
19 that it is shipping its AIRport (TM) infrared (IR) adapters. AIRport  
products make file transfers and file synchronization simple by  
eliminating the need for cables or floppies, a feature appealing to  
mobile professionals who need simple notebook-to-desktop connections.  
Infrared ports are becoming standard on most notebook computers as a  
means to communicate with other PCs and many popular peripherals. 
   Adaptec's first two IR products, the AIRport 1000 (MSRP $89) and  
AIRport 2000 (MSRP $119), are designed to comply with the Infrared Data  
Association (IrDA) specifications, ensuring compatibility with all  
devices meeting the IrDA standard. The AIRport products have  
data-transfer rates of up to 115K bits/second (eight times faster than  
14.4Kbps modems) and transmission ranges of up to 2 meters depending on  
power options. 
   The AIRport 1000 kit includes an IR adapter to upgrade a notebook  
that 
does not already have an IR port built-in. It snaps directly onto the  
serial port to provide an IR link to desktop systems, printers, and any  
other IR-equipped devices. The AIRport 2000 kit includes an IR port  
adapter for a desktop PC. Another kit, the AIRport 2500 ($189) bundles  
the two adapters, allowing users to upgrade both their desktop and  
portable PCs. 
   All the AIRport products use a custom lens that doubles the typical  
operating range. They also include TranXit (TM) for Windows 3.1, a  
file-transfer and synchronization program from Puma Technology. 
   Adaptec, (408) 945-8600. Web site: http://www.adaptec.com. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
  >>  "PLAN 9 FROM BELL LABS" LOOSED UPON UNSUSPECTING WORLD!  << 
 
   On July 18, AT&T announced that Plan 9 (TM), a new computer operating  
system from AT&T Bell Laboratories, is now available for research and  
educational use. The Plan 9 operating system, named for the  
science-fiction cult movie "Plan 9 From Outer Space," was designed by  
the inventors of UNIX (which was created 25 years ago at Bell Labs). The 
product, including source code, is available for $350. The full kit  
ships with a CD-ROM, four floppy disks and two manuals. According to  
Paul Fillinich, marketing manager for AT&T Software Solutions, "Plan 9  
is not in competition with UNIX or Windows. It's a small, powerful  
system designed from the start to work in today's distributed, networked 
computing world." The Plan 9 operating system currently controls the  
computer that maintains parts of the Bell Labs World Wide Web service. 
   Harcourt Brace & Co. is handling the distribution. For info and  
orders, call (800) 462-8146 or (415) 943-4076. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
>>  IS ANYONE MAKING MONEY MARKETING THEIR BUSINESSES ON THE WEB?  << 
 
    That's the question of the decade. For those who want to market on  
the Web but don't know where to begin, Future Communications Systems  
offers a $59 package called The Internet Marketing 101 Video/Software  
Suite. The two-hour videotape, along with the Windows multimedia  
program, is intended to teach people how to market on the Internet. The  
information is presented by "people who have successfully marketed"  
online. 
    "Companies going in blindly and using conventional marketing methods  
are in for an online marketing disaster. I see it every day," says  
publisher Marty Fox. "The Internet can be a goldmine, but only if you  
respect the culture and do it right." 
    Course topics include: 
 
    []  a guided tour of successful sites; 
    []  examples of successful marketing; 
    []  info on who's making money online; 
    []  info on how to set up and attract visitors to your Web site (Web  
          templates included) 
    []  a list of the 20 Web directories "you *must* list your Web page  
          in"; and 
    []  the "101 Best Web Sites." 
 
    Future Communications Systems, (516) 496-7121. E-mail:  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  VIDEO CONFERENCING MODEM TO MODEM OR VIA SLIP/PPP  << 
 
    Future Communications Systems has announced the release of VideoVu,  
which enables Internet users to do live-action videoconferencing "at a  
fraction of the cost of other systems." It features shared workspace,  
video e-mail, teletype chat and file transfer. It can also be used to  
transmit live video as part of a World Wide Web page. 
    "The $75 product works with an ordinary Internet SLIP/PPP account or  
modem to modem. Both one-way and two-way video transmission is possible  
over the Internet or ordinary analog phone lines. VideoVu also works  
with Internet Phone, so long-distance and international calls with audio 
and video can now be made over the Internet for the price of a call to  
your local Internet access provider. To receive video no additional  
hardware is necessary. 
    "To videoconference with another Internet user, you simply enter his  
or her IP address instead of a modem number, and you are quickly  
connected and have a live video connection. If you wish to send video,  
VideoVu will work seamlessly with over 25 inexpensive video-capture  
boards." 
    Future Communications Systems, (516) 496-7121. Web page:  
http://totw.com/videovu.htm 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
         >>  NYNEX INTERACTIVE YELLOW PAGES NOW ON THE INTERNET!  << 
 
    Want to be able to look up, at no charge, names, addresses and phone  
numbers of nearly every business in the northeast United States? Try  
 
            http://www.vtcom.fr/nynex 
 
for NYNEX Interactive Yellow Pages on the Web -- that's 2.1 million  
business listings, the equivalent of 280 Yellow Pages directories. The  
site also lets you link with more than 400 of those businesses via the  
web. People interested in linking their Web sites to the service may  
call (800) 35-NYNEX. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
           >>  OUCH! IS YOUR COMPUTER HURTING YOU?  << 
 
    It may be if you sit in one position too long, doing the same  
motions over and over. To help reduce the threat of repetitive strain  
injuries (including carpal tunnel syndrome), Bodysavers Systems has  
announced a $59.95 program/screen saver for Windows 95 that pops up an  
exercise reminder every two hours. It demonstrates a system of easy  
workplace stretches for relieving tension in the upper and lower back,  
neck, eyes, shoulders, hips, ankles, wrists and hands. Just follow the  
animated, onscreen model. Bodysavers Systems, (800) 618-2732. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
>>  MACROMEDIA ANNOUNCES FIRST AUTHORING PROGRAM FOR CD PLUS FORMAT  << 
 
    Imagine you're cruising home from work listening to the latest Eric  
Clapton album in your car's CD player. You wonder what the video looks  
like, so when you get home you pop the disc into your multimedia PC,  
which supports the new "CD Plus" format. Now your audio disc has become  
a CD-ROM disc that packs all kinds of extras. Maybe there's an interview 
with the artist there? Or the video you're hoping to see. Or a display  
of the lyrics that keeps up with the music, karaoke style. Or a  
multimedia retrospective of the author's career. 
    The enhanced, interactive CD format, developed by Sony and Philips  
Electronics, in association with Apple and Microsoft, is exciting news  
for music lovers -- and computer owners. It's also exciting news for  
companies that develop multimedia authoring software, like Macromedia,  
which publishes Director. In fact, Macromedia has announced a fall 1995  
release of its Director Enhanced CD Toolkit, which lets users create  
disks with "author once, play anywhere" technology. 
    Using Director Enhanced CD Toolkit, users can author the title on  
their platform of choice (Macintosh or Windows), and then let the  
software take care of translating it for distribution for these  
platforms: Windows, Macintosh, OS/2, enhanced CDs, the Internet, and  
even emerging interactive television networks. So far the Toolkit is the 
only cross-platform enhanced CD authoring program that complies with the 
Record Industry Association of America's new "Blue Book" specification. 
    Macromedia's partner in this enterprise is a company called ION, a  
leader in cutting-edge, interactive music technology. 
    Macromedia, (415) 252-2000. World Wide Web:  
 
          http://www.macromedia.com 
 
-=-------------        -=*=-     -=*=-     -=*=-        -------------=- 
 
$$ WHAT A DEAL! $$ 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
  >>  ALPHA FOUR RUNTIME VERSION DROPS $700 IN PRICE TO $299.95  << 
 
   If you want to develop your own DOS-based database applications to  
give or sell to others, check out the latest news from Alpha Software  
Corporation. It's lowered the price on its run-time version by $700!  
Until September 15, 1995 (maybe longer, the company representative  
wasn't sure), you can purchase it for $299.95 instead of the regular  
price of $995. (The multiuser unlimited license version for networked  
users now costs only $399.95 instead of $2995.) If Clipper and Borland's  
dBASE compiler are giving you fits -- or you don't know how to program  
and don't care to learn -- this is the way to go. Your users can enjoy  
your beautiful reports and forms, and even search with powerful queries.  
Any databases you develop using the runtime are royalty-free. Alpha  
Software Corporation, (800) 622-7105.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
 >>  FREE SCREEN SAVER SHOWCASES NATURAL BEAUTY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA  << 
 
   A new freeware screen saver takes Windows users on a virtual tour of  
British Columbia, Canada, by moving the traditional travel poster from  
the office wall to the desktop computer. The program, from Tourism  
British Columbia, offers a gallery of 20 striking, full-color "travel  
posters." The photographs are as varied as British Columbia itself.  
Scenes include ocean beaches, wilderness parks, quiet mountain lakes,  
whales in the wild, grizzly bears, and a stunning skyline shot of  
Vancouver. "Using this screen saver is like installing a coffee-table  
book on your computer desktop," says tourism minister Bill Barlee. 
   The screen-saver home page on the World Wide Web is more than just a  
download site. It also links to an interactive tourism map of British  
Columbia, and to information about an exhibit of Mongol artifacts now on 
display at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, just a ferry  
ride north of Seattle. 
   To download, point your URL to:  
 
          http://www.tbc.gov.bc.ca/screensaver.html 
 
   Those not wired to the Web may order the screen saver by calling  
(800) 663-7611 and paying a $5.95 shipping charge ($6.95 outside  
Canada). 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
           >>  PRICE DROPS ON PORTABLE 2X CD-ROM PLAYER  << 
 
   Our friends at Surplus Software have sent us another catalog. A 
couple of deals stand out this month: 
 
     [] The Reno Media Vision 2x Portable CD-ROM Player drops in price  
           from $199 to $159. If you're looking for a CD-ROM drive and  
           an audio disc player in one, this is for you. It includes a  
           SCSI2 interface card you can plug into your PC. (If you have  
           a Macintosh, you can plug it directly into your Mac's 25-pin  
           SCSI port.) Includes cables and driver software for both  
           platforms. Specs: 306K/sec transfer rate, 180ms access time,  
           64K data buffer. 
     [] Lotus SmartSuite 3.0 for Windows at $98.99. That's truly a suite  
           deal, considering the original retail price was $795, and you  
           get all these goodies in one package: Lotus 1-2-3 Release 5,  
           Approach 3.0, Ami Pro 3.1, Freelance Graphics 2.1, Organizer  
           1.1 and ScreenCam. It's also Lotus Notes-ready. 
 
   Surplus Software, (800) 753-7877 or (503) 386-1375.  
 
-=-------------        -=*=-     -=*=-     -=*=-        -------------=- 
 
TELECOM PRESS RELEASES 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
   ** NOTE: we are publishing these press releases nearly verbatim 
   as a service to SysOps and other online enthusiasts. We are not 
   responsible for inaccuracies or excessive braggadocio. <G> ** 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From Searchlight Software: 
 
           >>  SEARCHLIGHT SOFTWARE'S "PROJECT ODESSA"  
                 BRINGS BBS-LIKE FEATURES TO THE WEB  << 
 
       "New product is a true World Wide Web server bundled 
       with modules for hosting Web-based conferences and file libaries" 
 
   AUGUST 1995 -- Search Software will demonstrate its new World Wide 
Web host product at ONE BBSCON and announce plans for a fall beta-
testing schedule and a December release date. Code-named "Project 
Odessa," Searchlight's new software is a true World Wide Web server 
designed to run on a Windows NT or Windows 95 platform with a TCP/IP 
stack. Unlike similar products, Odessa includes utilities for hosting 
message conferences, file libraries and user databases, making it the 
first all-in-one solution for running a BBS-like service on the Web. 
 
   "Traditionally, the World Wide Web has been used as a vehicle for 
delivering prepared documents and static files," said Searchlight 
President Frank LaRosa. "But that's changing rapidly. Today, people want 
to have conferences, databases, surveys and other interactive features 
at their Web sites. Project Odessa was conceived as a way to pair the 
flexibility of a BBS product with the global accessibility of the Web. 
Our position as a leading developer of BBS software gives us a fresh 
approach to the Web and a unique understanding of the system operator's 
needs." Cleveland-based Searchlight Software has been producing the 
popular Searchlight BBS software package since 1987. 
 
 
>>[ Share Conferences and Files With a BBS ]<< 
 
   Odessa's conference and file modules use the same file formats as 
Searchlight BBS software, making Odessa the first Web product capable of 
sharing data with a traditional BBS system. Operators who set up an 
Odessa server on a LAN running Searchlight BBS will have direct, real-
time access to their Searchlight conferences, file libraries and other 
resources. Messages and files posted from either source are immediately 
visible to both BBS callers and World Wide Web users. 
 
   "One of the problems with existing Web-based conference solutions is 
that they're limited to the Web interface," said LaRosa. "A large number 
of BBS operators want to start offering Web services, but find that it's 
difficult or impossible to build a Web site that works like their BBS. 
With Odessa, you can build a Web site that uses the same conferences and 
file libraries as your BBS. In fact, if you already run Searchlight BBS, 
you can install Odessa and instantly offer a Web site with the same 
conferences and file libraries as your BBS -- there's no lengthy 
conversion or setup process involved." 
 
 
>>[ Open Architecture Offers Compatibility, Expansion ]<< 
 
   Odessa is built around a series of dynamic link libraries (DLLs) that 
can be easily replaced, upgraded or expanded upon by third-party 
developers without replacing the main server. In addition, Searchlight 
plans to release versions of Odessa's congference, file and user 
database modules that are compatible with Web servers from major players 
like the O'Reilly and Quarterdeck. "The real focus of our development is 
the back end -- the utilities and modules that provide interactivity," 
LaRosa said. "Odessa's modular design lets webmasters take advantage of 
its BBS-like functionality even if they prefer to use another company's 
Web server software." 
 
   Long-term plans for Project Odessa include continuing development of 
"back end" applications (including an extensible database module, an 
advertising system and a chat application) and ports to other operating 
platforms. Odessa was primarily developed using Borland's C++ compiler, 
which will allow Searchlight to port the product to OS/2 and Unix 
platforms. 
 
   Searchlight will continue to develop its popular RIP/ANSI-based BBS 
software product. "Odessa is designed to complement Searchlight BBS, not 
replace it," explained LaRosa. "We'll continue upgrading and supporting 
our BBS software as long as there is a need for traditional dial-up BBS 
systems." He added that Odessa can run alone or in conjunction with a 
Searchlight BBS system. 
 
 
>>[ Searchlight Teams With Internet Provider ]<< 
 
   The Odessa software was developed as a joint project between 
Searchlight Software and Multiverse, Inc., Cleveland's largest 
commercial Internet service provider. "When we sat down to design this 
software, we knew what SysOps and webmasters wanted -- but we didn't 
know a whole lot about how the Web works," LaRosa said. "Our partnership 
with Multiverse gave us immediate access to some of the best Web 
designers and system operators in the midwest, as well as the 
infrastructure we needed to properly develop and test a product of this 
scale." 
 
   Since its inception in 1993, Multiverse has become the leading 
Internet provider to Cleveland's business and professional community. 
Multiverse maintains the city of Cleveland's official home page 
(http://www.cleveland.oh.us) as well as corporate Web sites for 
companies like Manco, Inc. (http://www.manco.com). The company's 
services include the Multiverse BBS (running Searchlight BBS software), 
offering subscribers full access to the Internet. "Odessa will 
fundamentally change the way the Web operates," said Multiverse V.P. of 
Operations, Michael Kister. "We talked about the limitations of the 
traditional Web format, and how that could be improved upon. Ultimately, 
we scrapped a lot of old ideas and created a new product from the ground 
up. With Odessa, we'll have databases that can be dynamically referenced 
to create HTML documents on the fly. Reconfiguration of Web sites will 
be a snap -- our clients will gain a huge advantage through our use of 
Odessa." 
 
 
>>[ Prices, Release Schedule Announced ]<< 
 
   Odessa is targeted for a December 1995 release date with an initial 
price of $495, including the Web server and applications for user 
databases, message conferences and file libraries. Since Odessa's server 
can support traditional HTML pages as well as Odessa applications, this 
price buys a complete Web server/Web BBS solution. Additional 
applications (such as general-purpose databases and chatting) will be 
announced in the fall and released during 1996. 
 
   A limited number of beta-test positions will be made available during 
ONE BBSCON at a cost of $100. This price entitles the beta tester to a 
full copy of the Odessa product at the conclusion of the beta-testing 
period. Beta testing for Project Odessa is scheduled to begin in late 
September and the beta-test team will be strictly limited to the first 
100 participants. Interested parties can apply at Searchlight's booth 
during ONE BBSCON exhibit hours. Should any beta-test positions remain 
available after the convention, these will be offered through the end of 
August at a cost of $250. 
 
   See Searchlight in booths 635 and 734 at ONE BBSCON. Searchlight 
Software, Inc., (216) 631-9290.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From OnPro Development Corp.: 
 
          >>  NEW WORLD WIDE WEB MARKETING TOOL PROVIDES 
               JUMP-START TO ONLINE PUBLICITY PROGRAMS  << 
 
           "WebPost<TM> Provides Fast, Easy-to-Use Automated Approach 
           to Posting on Internet Directories and Search Engines" 
 
   BEDFORD, MA -- August 7, 1995 -- OnPro Development Corp., a leading 
developer of online marketplaces, today announced the availability of 
WebPost<TM>, an automated tool for posting company URLs and information 
to more than 25 directories and search tools on the Internet. 
 
   WebPost is accessible to any company involved in Web-site 
development, design and marketing. Located at OnPro's marketplace, Sales 
and Marketing Exchange (SME), WebPost is available today at 
http://www.sme.com/webpost/ 
 
   "Posting to the Internet directories is a first step in generating 
awareness and traffic, but it's a tedious and time-consuming process," 
said Bill Younker, president of OnPro. "Until now, companies spent days 
locating directories on the Web, navigating to the proper submission 
page within each directory, then filling out each form one-at-a-time. 
WebPost reduces the time to as little as 30 minutes and eliminates the 
possibility of missing an important posting." 
 
   WebPost supports the major directories, search engines, "What's New" 
sites and mailing lists such as Yahoo, Yellow Pages, Lycos, NCSA and 
NetHappenings. 
 
   WebPost allows quick posting from a single location. The user fills 
out a single master form, then selects the directories for posting. As 
each directory is selected, a representative form for that directory is 
displayed, allowing the user to customize the submission before posting 
it to the directory. Once posted, the user receives a confirmation 
notice from the directory, then clicks on the browser "Back" key and 
processes the next directory. 
 
   "This approach allows users to complete the process in minutes with 
the flexibility of customizing each entry," said Larry Gormley, OnPro's 
Vice President of Online Services. "All the information is organized on 
one page, eliminating the need to navigate from one Web stie to 
another." 
 
 
>>[ Value-Added Links and Extensions ]<< 
 
   In addition to providing companies with a tool for fast and easy 
directory posting, OnPro delivers a rich set of links to other Internet 
marketing tools and resources located on the Web. These links are co-
located with WebPost at SME. 
 
   WebPost enhancement plans include vertical directory listings and 
automated logging. "We will continue to enhance WebPost and develop 
other tools and links to information resources that benefit sales and 
marketing professionals and providers," said Gormley. "WebPost fits into 
the SME vision while answering the immediate need of hundreds of 
companies establishing a Web presence every day." 
 
 
>>[ Pricing and Availability ]<< 
 
   WebPost is free of charge and available today. OnPro intends to seek 
sponsors for the WebPost site in the future. 
 
 
>>[ Company Overview ]<< 
 
   OnPro Corp. is a Massachusetts-based company formed in 1994 to create 
online marketplaces. SME is the company's premier marketplace. The 
company's mission is to make SME the most comprehensive and useful 
global resource for sales and marketing professionals. In addition to 
SME, OnPro provides online marketplace consulting and implementation 
services to selective corporate customers.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From OnPro Development Corp.: 
 
      >>  WORLD WIDE WEB MARKETPLACE FOR SALES AND MARKETING  
                 COMMUNITY NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL  << 
 
           "Service Establishes Six Subsidiary Marketplaces, 
           Signs First Agreements to Sell Publisher Content" 
 
   BEDFORD, MA -- August 7, 1995 -- OnPro Development Corp., a leading 
developer of online marketplaces, today announced the availability of 
Sales and Marketing Exchange (SME) as a fully operational marketplace 
for sales and marketing professionals and providers. The formation of 
SME was announced by OnPro in late March, 1995. 
 
   Located on the World Wide Web, SME offers a rich and growing database 
of information, tools and services for sales and marketing 
professionals. Examples include online directories of service companies 
such as PR agencies, tools such as software templates and information 
products for resale such as newsletters. SME is available today at 
http://www.sme.com 
 
   "Our intent is to make SME the most comprehensive, useful and easy-
to-use resource for sales and marketing professionals," said Bill 
Younker, president of OnPro. "Our status as an independent company is 
key to that intent as it allows us to openly work with all promotion and 
content providers. We also employ an affordable pricing model, non-
exclusive agreements with publishers and strategic partnering to quickly 
fuel SME's growth. The result is a marketplace rich in content with 
links to value-added sites on the Web and comprehensive lists of print-
based resources." 
 
   In addition to its deep content, SME's organization makes the service 
easy to use. Its six subsidiary marketplaces -- MarketingWeb, SalesWeb, 
PRWeb, ADWeb, DMWeb and DesignWeb -- provide a logical structure to SME, 
and a universal toolbar allows the user to navigate anywhere within the 
service in two clicks. A robust search engine with powerful querying 
functionality will be available in August. 
 
 
>>[ First Information Product and Content Publishers Signed ]<< 
 
   OnPro recently signed reseller agreements with MediaMap, SALES LEADS 
and Lawrence Erlbaum Associates to sell their information products at 
SME. MediaMap is the leading information product provider to high-
technology public-relations professionals. "There were several 
compelling reasons to put our infomration up on SME," said Kirke Curtis, 
MediaMap COO. "Apart from providing us with a new sales channel for our 
existing products, SME also gives us an opportunity to develop new 
online products at lower price points and thus to serve a whole new 
segment of our market. Our move also responds to our clients' demands 
for Internet access to our information. With our new products up on SME, 
clients can get access to just the information they need, when they need 
it, at a price point they can afford -- 24 hours a day from anywhere in 
the world." 
 
   SALES LEADS is the leading supplier of sales lead information to 
industrial sales reps, and Erlbaum is a leading publisher of books and 
journals to PR professionals. "These initial agreements mark SME's 
direction with content," said Younker. "In addition to these agreements, 
we are in discussions with a number of other publishers to resell 
content and provide services such as news feeds to SME." 
 
 
>>[ First Tool Introduced ]< 
 
   OnPro separately announced today its WebPost<TM> tool for automating 
the time-consuming process of posting to the many Internet directories 
and search engines. In addition to WebPost, OnPro is working with other 
providers to sell tools ranging from direct mail cost estimators to 
marketing planning templates. 
 
 
>>[ Web Experiencing High Business User Growth ]<< 
 
   According to Georgia Institute of Technology's Graphics, 
Visualization & Usability (GVU) World Wide Web User Survey, an estimated 
15 to 20 million users have access to the Web. The survey reports that 
less than one-quarter of users are from educational domains, and more 
than a third are now professional and management users. 
 
   Access to the Web by users of the major private online services and 
Microsoft Network are expected to accelerate the number of business 
users. "We believe that new business users want to use the Web as a 
productivity resource and tool," said Younker. "SME is fast becoming the 
answer to that need." 
 
 
>>[ SME Pricing ]<< 
 
   SME offers sales and marketing service providers links to their Web 
sites at no charge. One-time fees of $145 for freelancer profiles and 
$395 for company profiles are available for organizations that don't 
require a full Web site. Terms for publishers vary by content type. 
Publishers typically retain 80 percent of revenues and setup costs are 
absorbed by OnPro. 
   Service and Content providers may also use SME as an announcement 
medium for new products and services. OnPro will begin selling ads and 
sponsorships in the third quarter of 1995. Users utilize SME free and 
pay only for content downloads and content purchases delivered by mail. 
 
 
>>[ Company Overview ]<< 
 
   OnPro Corp. is a Massachusetts-based company formed in 1994 to create 
online marketplaces. SME is the company's premier marketplace. The 
company's mission is to make SME the most comprehensive and useful 
global resource for sales and marketing professionals. In addition to 
SME, OnPro provides online marketplace consulting and implementation 
services to selective corporate customers.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From the American Bar Association: 
 
   >>  NEW AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP STANDARDS 
      ON USES OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION  << 
 
WASHINGTON, DC, July 12, -- Rapid advances in technology are eroding  
traditional notions of privacy rights. Before long, walls will cease to  
be barriers to overhearing conversations or observing activity. Devices  
are being developed that can scan a person from a distance for a  
concealed weapon. And law enforcement agencies will not have a monopoly  
on making use of emerging technologies. 
 
   Suspected criminal organizations, for example, may be able to place  
crucial evidence out of reach of law enforcement agencies through the  
use of sophisticated encryption. Little attention has been given to  
these developments and their impact on the delicate balance between  
privacy concerns and law-enforcement needs. 
 
   "Our homes and our persons -- once considered 'safe havens' -- may no  
longer be protected by Fourth Amendment requirements," said Sheldon  
Krantz, chair of a newly convened American Bar Association task force on  
Technology and Law Enforcement within the Criminal Justice Section. Its  
goal will be to revise existing standards on electronic surveillance and  
formulate principles governing the use of emerging technologies." 
 
   Krantz said, "Our undertaking is a daunting one. Technological  
advances for law enforcement are both desirable and inevitable, but we  
need informed discussion of the appropriate restrictions that should be  
placed on their uses. Existing statutes, case law and administrative  
regulations do not begin to address the problems created by the new  
technologies." 
 
   The Task Force will analyze existing and potential standards on such  
matters as visual surveillance, wiretapping and surveillance of  
electronic communication, search and seizures of data in computer  
systems, and the use of encryption by criminal organizations to deter  
law enforcement. 
 
   Krantz, former dean of the University of San Diego Law School and a  
past chair of the ABA's Criminal Justice Section, said the Task Force  
intends to solicit views from a variety of sources prior to drafting  
final recommendations, which they expect to present within 18 to 24  
months. "While it will be difficult to formulate standards in this area  
that properly balance privacy and law enforcement concerns, all Task  
Force members perceive a dangerous void in current national policies  
that needs to be filled. We welcome the challenge," said Krantz. 
 
   The Task Force is composed of representatives from federal and state  
law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, the criminal defense bar, the  
judiciary, and privacy experts.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From Pacific Internet: 
 
        >>  PACIFIC INTERNET UPDATES SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS 
       FOR FIRST LOW-COST INTERNET WORLD WIDE WEB SERVER  << 
 
        "New 'Web-in-a-Box,' Pentium-based, turnkey server offers  
        simple solution to online commerce, Web information publishing" 
 
CULVER CITY, CA -- Pacific Internet, a leading supplier of online  
products and services, has introduced the first low-cost, turnkey  
Internet server solution to enable users to immediately configure a  
complete, online, corporate-wide communications server or establish a  
site on the Internet's World Wide Web (WWW). 
 
   Named "Web-in-a-Box" (TM), the open architecture, Intel Pentium- 
driven, Unix-based Web-server system comes complete with all necessary  
hardware and software to establish one or more Web sites and set up home  
pages that can be accessed by the millions of Internet users. 
 
   Introduced as the eight-month-old company's first product sold under  
the "Pacific Internet" brand name, Web-in-a-Box includes industry- 
standard Web server software and comes with leading Internet software  
utilities -- including TCP/IP, e-mail, FTP, Gopher and news services. 
 
   Fully configured, the Pacific Internet Web-in-a-Box server product  
can easily handle up to 250,000 hits per day and 500 hits per minute,  
allowing users to effectively "broadcast" information to the burgeoning  
Internet population. As an added feature, Web-in-a-Box comes equipped  
with Web statistics software that tallies and logs the number of "hits"  
-- or Web site accesses -- to an organization's home page, to allow for  
instantaneous feedback and content adjustment. And, to make content  
development and changes effortless, Web-ion-a-Box includes a complete  
set of easy-to-use WYSIWYG HyperText Markup Language (HTML) authoring  
tools for use in the creation, editing and hyperlinking of Web pages. 
 
   "Web-in-a-Box represents the first low-cost, PC-based Web server,"  
explained Garry S. Hipsher of Pacific Internet. "Budget-conscious  
organizations can now easily install and manage in-house servers,  
eliminating the need for specialized third-party vendors. Our decision  
to standardize upon the mainstream PC Platform, coupled with the open  
Unix operating system, delivers the best of all worlds in price,  
performance and expandability," said Pacific Internet's Hipsher. 
 
 
>>[ Electronic Commerce ]<< 
 
   Already connecting tens of millions of computers of all platforms and  
architectures worldwide, the Internet and the World Wide Web are  
consistently being given a high priority rating by researchers,  
education, and the business community because they provide immediate  
access to massed information as well as corporate background data and  
product information. 
 
   "Every business today needs to give serious consideration to the  
subject of Internet access and Web presence, regardless of the  
organization's size or industry. Over the next three years, an in-house,  
corporate Web server will come to provide an indispensable medium for  
information sharing, marketing and global commerce for companies of all  
sizes," said Hipsher. 
 
   In addition to being a complete plug-and-play solution, Web-in-a-Box  
is based on industry-standard, modular Unix and Pentium architectures  
allowing for easy and affordable upgrading of RAM, disk space and  
network bandwidth as users' Web sites grow in demand and complexity.  
These same features allow for the use of extensive off-the-shelf, third- 
party software tools alongside the server's integrated systems software. 
 
   System configuration for the Web-in-a-Box solution includes a 90MHz  
Pentium CPU, 16MB of expandable RAM, a 16-bit Ethernet card, a 1- 
gigabyte hard drive, an internal CD-ROM drive, floppy drive and a 350MB  
tape drive, preconfigured with Unix Internet software. 
 
   As an added benefit for Web-in-a-Box users, Pacific Internet has  
negotiated third-party T1 and 56Kbps high-speed Internet connections --  
considered essential to users expecting heavy-volume traffic over the  
Internet's Web. To facilitate use of these high-speed Internet  
connections, users can opt to have T1 and 56 Kbps wide-area-network  
routers built into their Web-in-a-Box systems, eliminating the need for  
external peripherals. 
 
   The basic Web-in-a-Box provides ample computing power to allow one  
system to host multiple domain names and Web sites -- for one company or  
an organization with diverse identities, or for several companies  
sharing server capacity. The Web-in-a-Box Model W1000 will be priced as  
low as $4,995 and be available exclusively from Pacific Internet  
beginning in August of 1995. 
 
   Pacific Internet employs both traditional and online methods for  
product marketing and sales using the PacNetWeb. For further  
information, contact Pacific Internet at (310) 410-9700, visit its World  
Wide Web page at http://www.pacnet.com or send inquiries to pac- 
sales@pacnet.com.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From U.S. Robotics: 
 
>>  U.S. ROBOTICS ANNOUNCES 33.6KBPS OPERATION; EXTENDS V.EVERYTHING  << 
 
          "New Software Also Boosts Throughput at Lower Speeds;  
          Increases V.34's Ability to Connect at Higher Speeds" 
 
SKOKIE, IL -- July 12, 1995 -- U.S. Robotics today announced new  
software for its Courier desktop modems and Total Control systems  
products that provides 33.6Kbps capabilities. An extension of the  
company's "V.Everything" feature set, the new software also provides the  
added benefit of higher data rates at any speed; built around the V.34  
standard, it includes enhancements that enable better performance on any  
V.34 connection between two products running the new software. 
 
   U.S. Robotics' new modem software closely tracks the work of the ITU  
standards committee. The V.34 Working Group has come to technical  
consensus on enhancements to the V.34 standard that boost speed to  
33.6Kbps. Formal approval of a new version of V.34 is in process. 
 
   "The ITU will approve a speed of 33.6Kbps as an enhancement to the  
V.34, as opposed to creating a new standard," said U.S. Robotics' Dale  
Walsh, vice president of advanced development and a member of the  
committee that developed V.34 and the new additions to the V.34  
standard. "We expect the new software we've developed will be very  
similar to the final standard -- if there are any changes to the  
standard, we'll be able to implement those via software download." 
 
 
>>[ U.S. Robotics' New Software Provides Added Benefit at Any Speed ]<< 
 
   "Our new software not only boosts speed up to 33.6Kbps, but also  
increases overall throughput," added Walsh. "In general, we're seeing  
that connections between two U.S. Robotics products running the new  
software will consistently be from 2400 to 4800 bits per second faster  
than they were using the previous version of the software. 
 
   "For example, on a noisy connection where a customer might typically  
experience 26,400 bps, it's likely the new software will allow a  
connection at 28.8 on a regular basis. By pushing the barriers of higher  
speeds, we've been able to enjoy a dividend of faster connections at  
lower speeds." 
 
   The new software, which is available immediately for Courier desktop  
modem users, allows two new speeds, 33.6Kbps and 31.2Kbps, in addition  
to the enhanced overall performance on V.34 connections. Connections at  
33.6Kbps with other manufacturers' products will be realized when those  
companies implement the enhanced version of V.34. 
 
 
>>[ Availability ]<< 
 
   The company has elected to make the new 33.6 software available at no  
cost for owners of Courier "V.Everything" and V.Fast Class desktop  
modems, which include Flash ROM capabilities. (Courier owners may  
download the software from U.S. Robotics' FTP site -- www.usr.com -- or  
via the company BBS: 708-982-5092.) The 33.6 software will also be  
included in all newly shipping Courier desktop products. 
 
   The new software will also be ported into the company's remote access  
servers, modem pools and high-end WAN communications systems, for end- 
to-end interoperability. Availability and pricing for upgrades to  
systems-level products have not yet been announced; however, the 33.6  
software is expected to be available for all systems products by year- 
end. 
 
   U.S. Robotics, (708) 982-5010.  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From Security First Network Bank: 
 
   >>  FIVE PACES, NETSCAPE TEAM TO OFFER SECURE ONLINE BANKING  << 
 
           "Security First Network Bank, Wachovia, Huntington  
            and Area Bancshares to Implement" 
 
ATLANTA, GA (July 1995) -- Five Paces Software, Inc., an Atlanta-based  
software company providing services to financial institutions interested 
in offering online financial products and services to their customers,  
and Netscape Communications Corporation have teamed to offer secure  
banking over the Internet and other global networks, both public and  
private. 
 
   As part of the agreement, Five Paces has chosen to distribute  
Netscape Navigator<TM> and Netscape Navigator Personal Edition in its  
initial release of Virtual Bank Manager<TM>, a software tool that allows 
financial institutions to offer their customers full online service over 
the Internet. The performance of Netscape Navigator, operating over  
14.4Kbps modems, allows anyone with a PC to easily access secure,  
full-service banking online. 
 
   "The relationship between Five Paces and Netscape further endorses  
the Internet as an emerging channel for conducting business," said Marc  
Andreesen, cofounder and vice president of technology at Netscape. "Five 
Paces' intuitive banking application, combined with Netscape's  
easy-to-use, standards-based software, will create a powerful platform  
for delivery of online banking services." 
 
   In affiliation with SecureWare, Inc., of Atlanta, Five Paces has  
developed a secure Web platform. In order to secure electronic commerce  
transactions across public networks, three layers of protection are  
required: 
 
   []  ENCRYPTION TECHNOLOGIES protect data and ensure privacy as  
information travels over open networks; 
   []  FIREWALLS and FILTERING ROUTERS limit access to the system from  
external networks; and 
   []  TRUSTED OPERATING SYSTEMS provide strong access controls that  
create virtual lock-boxes for each customer, protecting against  
unauthorized tampering with his/her private account information. 
 
   Five Paces' secure Web platform incorporates all of these requisite  
technologies, enabling businesses and their customers to take advantage  
of financial and commercial services over the Net. 
 
   "The encryption provided by Netscape acts as an armored car, helping  
to protect data as it passes over the Internet," explained Michael C.  
McChesney, cofounder and chief executive officer of Five Paces. "The  
trusted operating system creates a vault in which the data can be stored 
when it reaches the bank." 
 
   Five Paces will use Netscape Communications Server<TM> and Netscape  
Commerce Server<TM>, which employs the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) open  
security protocol for conducting secure communications and commerce over 
the Net. Designed around technology from RSA Data Security, SSL delivers 
features such as encryption, authentication and data integrity. Netscape 
Navigator and Netscape Commerce Server have incorporated SSL since the  
products first shipped in December 1994. Five Paces has integrated the  
Netscape servers into its secure Web platform, along with the trusted  
operating system and additional security technologies in which  
SecureWare has invested hundreds of man years. 
 
   Security First Network Bank, FSB (http://www.sfnb.com), scheduled to  
open for business in the third quarter of this year, will be the first  
bank to license and use the Five Paces online banking and security  
technology. Additionally, Wachovia Corp. of Winston-Salem, N.C. (NYSE:  
WB), Huntington Bancshares of Columbus, Ohio (NASDAQ: HBAN), and Area  
Bancshares of Owensboro, KY, have licensed the Virtual Bank Manager  
software as part of a recently announced plan to invest in Security  
First and its consequent acquisition of Five Paces. 
 
   "The relationship between Five Paces and Netscape provides a solution 
unparalleled in the industry for financial institutions seeking to  
establish secure online services for their customers," said Michael S.  
Karlin, president of Security First. 
 
   Five Paces Software, Inc., formerly known as WebTech, Inc., is  
dedicated to developing and maintaining a secure operating environment  
for Internet banking to ensure that financial institutions and their  
customers are protected from internal and external attack. Five Paces is 
affiliated with SecureWare, Inc., and has licensing agreements with  
SecureWare to sell its trusted operating system and secure Web platform. 
 
   SecureWare, Inc., an Atlanta-based software company focused on  
security products for networked businesses, produces secure network  
communications, operating systems and application products designed to  
protect sensitive data in enterprise networks. Founded in 1986,  
privately held SecureWare also works with OEMs to provide security  
products and services to business and government customers. 
 
   Netscape Communications Corporation is a premier provider of open  
software to enable people and companies to exchange information and  
conduct commerce over the Internet and other global networks. The  
company was founded in April 1994 by Dr. James H. Clark, founder of  
Silicon Graphics, Inc., a Fortune 500 computer systems company; and Marc 
Andreesen, creator of the NCSA Mosaic research prototype for the  
Internet. Privately held Netscape Communications Corp. is based in  
Mountain View, California. 
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From SecureWare, Inc.: 
 
           >>  DO YOU KNOW WHO'S READING YOUR E-MAIL?  << 
 
      "SecureWare Introduces Confidential, Authenticated, Secure  
      E-mail: Free evaluation copy available for Internet download" 
 
ATLANTA (July 1995) -- Do you know who's reading your e-mail? U.S. Air  
Force Capt. Scott Zobrist thought he did when he sent e-mail to a  
handful of Air Force buddies detailing the account of the Bosnian rescue 
mission of his friend and fellow F-16 pilot Capt. Scott O'Grady.  
However, his confidential message, containing Air Force operations  
secrets, was quickly transported beyond his intended recipients to  
millions of international Internet and America Online subscribers. 
 
   To protect businesses from similar potentially costly risks,  
SecureWare, Inc., a recognized leader in computer security technology  
for both commercial and government customers and developer of the  
security architecture for the first Internet bank, has introduced  
SecureMail<TM>. A privacy enhanced electronic mail package, SecureMail  
offers secure e-mail transmissions across public networks. Using  
advanced cryptography from RSA Data Security, SecureMail positively  
identifies both the sender and receiver, ensures that messages arrive  
exactly as they were sent, and encrypts messages so that only the  
intended recipients can read them. 
 
   "Incidents such as the worldwide spread of the private e-mail of the  
rescue of pilot Scott O'Grady from Bosnia, which included explicit  
descriptions of radio frequencies, code names and weapon loads, further  
emphasizes the need for secure e-mail," explained David Luther, vice  
president of business development for SecureWare. "Secure electronic  
mail is essential as businesses and government exchange valuable data  
and conduct electronic commerce over the Internet and other public  
networks." 
 
   Unlike other e-mail products, SecureMail uses advanced encryption  
technology to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of  
e-mail correspondence -- yet it's as easy to use as ordinary e-mail  
packages. Because the security functions operate transparently, users  
simply point and click on the Send and Read buttons to exchange  
digitally signed and encrypted e-mail. 
 
   SecureMail ensures e-mail confidentiality by converting the clear  
text message to ciphertext -- a series of encoded characters -- as it  
travels over the networks. While others may continue to eavesdrop and  
view the ciphertext, they are unable to decipher the original message. 
 
   By computing a unique cryptographic hash -- similar to a digital  
thumbprint -- for each message, SecureMail provides message integrity.  
When the message is received, the message hash is re-computed and  
compared to the original value to ensure that the message has not been  
modified. 
 
   The hash value is included within a digital signature at the end of  
the message. Similar to a handwritten signature used on printed  
documents, the digital signature is used to authenticate the identity of 
the author of the message. The signature also provides for  
nonrepudiation -- the sender cannot deny that he or she sent the  
message. 
 
   "SecureMail offers businesses and individuals an easy-to-use,  
affordable means to communicate privately using e-mail," said David  
Arnovitz, president and cofounder of SecureWare. "This assurance is  
imperative as more and more organizations go online to conduct  
business." 
 
   SecureMail uses advanced cryptographic algorithms from RSA Data  
Security to provide a software-only implementation of the Privacy  
Enhanced Mail (PEM) standard. Encrypted attachments are supported using  
PEM (RFCs 1421-1424) with the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions  
(MIME) standard (RFC 1521). SecureMail messages may include combinations 
of graphics, text documents, audio and video data. 
 
   SecureWare will continue to adapt SecureMail to evolving e-mail  
security standards, such as the MIME Object Security Services (MOSS) and 
the recently proposed Secure MIME (S/MIME) blueprint. 
 
   SecureMail also can secure e-mail using the hardware token identifier 
and cryptographic algorithms on the National Security Agency's Fortezza  
PCMCIA card, in conformance with the Message Security Protocol (MSP)  
standard. 
 
   In addition to ensuring privacy, SecureMail offers a full range of  
e-mail features, including: 
 
   []  Ease of use through an intuitive graphical user interface and  
          online help; 
   []  Address books with groups and nicknames; 
   []  A spelling checker; 
   []  Automatic word wrap while composing messages; 
   []  Multiple folders for organizing and filing messages; 
   []  Powerful message searching and sorting; and 
   []  Support for multimedia attachments (MIME). 
 
   Free evaluation copies of SecureMail can be downloaded from  
SecureWare's World Wide Web site at http://www.secureware.com.  
SecureWare is available for HP/UX, SCO ODT, ATX and SunOS. SecureMail  
also can be run on any of these Unix platforms and displayed on an X  
Server operating on a Windows PC, Macintosh or other Unix platform.  
Note: SecureMail is subject to export restrictions. 
 
   SecureWare, Inc., an Atlanta-based software company focused on  
security products for networked businesses, is a premier provider of  
secure network communications, operating system and application products 
designed to protect sensitive data in enterprise networks. Founded in  
1986, privately held SecureWare has worked with OEMs to supply security  
products and services to commercial and government customers. Having  
developed some of the world's most secure computer platforms, including  
 
                                 -=*=- 
 
From FreeMark: 
 
  >>  PRODUCTVIEW INTERACTIVE TO LAUNCH FREE E-MAIL SERVICE THIS YEAR: 
      ADVERTISERS WILL UNDERWRITE COST OF E-MAIL VIA SPONSORSHIP  << 
 
          "Company Changes Name to FreeMark Communications" 
 
CAMBRIDGE, MA -- June 27, 1995 -- ProductView Interactive, Inc.,  
announced today that it will launch by the end of the year an electronic 
mail (e-mail) service that is completely free to users, including  
communications costs. The company also announced that it has changed its 
name to FreeMark Communications, Inc., effective immediately. 
 
   "Our new name FreeMark Communications, Inc., reflects our focus on  
providing consumers with a variety of free online resources," said  
FreeMark Communications' president, Robert Young. "Free e-mail is the  
first of these resources." All of the resources on FreeMark's new online 
service will be supported solely by advertiser sponsorship. 
 
   With the exponential growth in home PC usage, e-mail is becoming a  
common means of communication. The Internet currently handles over one  
billion pieces of e-mail per month. Among users of online services,  
e-mail constitutes the single-most accessed activity. Both the Internet  
and online services charge hourly or monthly fees, however. By providing 
free e-mail to consumers, FreeMark expects to become the e-mail service  
of choice for new users, while rapidly converting price-sensitive  
members of commercial online services. 
 
   "As the real costs of the Internet surface, more and more people will  
want affordable access," said Nicholas Negroponte, director of MIT's  
Media Lab and chairman of FreeMark's media advisory board. "FreeMark's  
obvious cost benefit will make it a popular choice for e-mail users." 
 
 
>>[ Postage-Paid E-mail ]<< 
 
   FreeMark Mail users will be given a mailbox in the FreeMark domain  
(e.g., "SubscriberName@FreeMark.com"). FreeMark Mail is an offline  
e-mail system where each piece of e-mail is visually displayed onscreen  
in the graphic form of an envelope postmarked with a digital stamp  
bearing the insignia of an advertiser. FreeMark Mail users view  
sponsor's advertisements both when reading and composing e-mail  
messages. Users double-click on the envelope to read the e-mail. If the  
recipient wants more information about the advertiser, he/she can click  
on an advertiser's banner at the bottom of the e-mail message, which  
leads to a third screen containing a special promotion or message.  
E-mail messages can be sent to and received from any other FreeMark user 
or any Internet e-mail address. Only FreeMark users see advertising;  
i.e., when e-mail is sent from a FreeMark Mail user to someone on the  
Internet or a different online service, the person receiving the mail  
will not see the advertising. FreeMark has applied for a patent on the  
inventions developed for its unique e-mail system. 
 
   FreeMark expects its free e-mail service to appeal to a wider target  
audience than is usually thought to be online. FreeMark's intuitive  
point-and-click interface will make it easy for the novice to get  
online. There is absolutely no cost to users for e-mail, including  
connection charges. 
 
 
>>[ For Advertisers -- As Easy as Buying a Book of Stamps ]<< 
 
   FreeMark is a very simple media buy for advertisers: they buy an  
inventory of digital stamps, which are allocated to FreeMark subscribers 
based on demographic profiles requested by advertisers and product  
references expressed by subscribers. Anyone using FreeMark e-mail will  
see advertising whenever they send or receive mail. 
 
   "FreeMark developed the model for sponsored e-mail with the aim of  
attracting any and all types of advertisers, especially packaged goods  
advertisers, which have had a particularly difficult time trying to  
leverage interactive media as an effective advertising medium" explained 
Mr. Young. "Most products that sell successfully via online media do so  
because they are complicated and expensive purchases that require  
consumers to collect a lot of information -- so-called 'considered  
purchases.' Packaged goods, on the other hand, such as toothpaste, fast  
food and laundry detergent, depend on brand-name recognition and  
promotions for sales. FreeMark's e-mail sponsorship model allows these  
brands to gain repeated name exposure to their target audiences." 
 
   Mr. Young also noted that a compelling difference between FreeMark  
and other traditional advertising venues is that FreeMark can provide  
proof that an ad has been seen. "Since advertisers only pay us once we  
provide them with absolute proof of exposure, there's an element of  
accountability that you don't find in other media," he explained. 
 
   FreeMark is currently working with a number of advertisers and  
advertising agencies in preparation for the phased rollout of FreeMark  
Mail during the fall of 1995, followed by the availability of  
interactive brochures in 1996. Interactive brochures will contain  
in-depth information on a wide range of products and services such as  
cars, vacations and financial services. FreeMark will become a central  
repository for such information, intended to help consumers make  
educated purchase decisions. 
 
  FreeMark's Web site: http://www.freemark.com 
 
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