Apple Windows Client Products
Product Description
Apple has introduced Windows client software for both AppleShare(R) file and
print service software and AppleSearch(TM) information search and retrieval
software. The AppleShare and AppleSearch Client for Windows products provide
Windows users in a local-area network (LAN) with full access to the capabilities
of these applications, and with the familiar Windows "look and feel." They
support Windows versions 3.1 and 3.11, as well as Windows For Workgroups (WFW)
3.11. Already low cost, easy to use, and high performance, Apple's server
solutions are now cross platform-ideal for customers with mixed Macintosh(R) and
Windows environments.
Positioning
For organizations running AppleShare or AppleSearch, these appli-cations now
support Windows clients. In addition, for organizations with Apple(TM) Macintosh
and Windows softwareÐbased computers, Apple's Workgroup Servers now provide
easy-to-use, low-cost, cross-platform solutions.
Key Benefits
- Tighter integration of networked Macintosh and Windows computers.
Collaboration among all users in the network is now easier and more effective,
because everyone can take advantage of a central server to store, share, and
retrieve documents, as well as to share networked printers.
- Easy-to-use, low-cost, cross-platform network solutions. With Windows client
software, Apple now provides AppleTalk(R) LAN managers with the easiest-to-use,
low-cost, cross-platform file and print sharing and information-retrieval
solutions.
- Intuitive interface. Now all users can work with AppleShare and AppleSearch
using the interface with which they are most familiar, whether it's the Mac(TM)
OS or Windows. ThereÕs no need to learn new ways of working, so productivity is
maintained.
- Compatibility. The Windows client software is fully compatible with Windows
3.1 and 3.11 and WFW 3.11, as well as with customers' existing Ethernet cards and
cables, enabling convenient, cost-efficient installation.
- Printer access for Windows users. With the AppleShare Client for Windows
software, Windows users have easy access to networked printers on an AppleTalk
LAN.
- Cost-effective Internet access for all AppleSearch users. AppleSearch now
enables all Macintosh and Windows users on the LAN to search not only local
information sources, but also Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS) on the
Internet (requires Internet connection).
Prospects
Likely prospects for the Windows client software are decision makers who are
Macintosh oriented and who manage cross-platform net-works that have more
Macintosh computers than Windows softwareÐbased computers. It is ideal for any
mixed workgroup on a LAN, from campus computer labs to office departments,
particularly in fields such as publishing, design, and marketing.
Availability and Upgrades
The AppleSearch and AppleShare Client for Windows products are expected to ship
by the end of February 1995.
The AppleSearch Client for Windows will be bundled with the AppleSearch
version 1.5 server software. Current AppleSearch version 1.5 customers can
receive the AppleSearch Client for Windows for a nominal shipping and handling
charge.
Customers who purchase any Workgroup Server after January 1, 1995, are
eligible to receive the AppleShare Client for Windows soft-ware free of charge.
Workgroup Server customers who purchased their server before January 1, 1995, as
well as customers who purchased AppleShare software separately, can purchase the
AppleShare Client for Windows software through authorized Apple resellers.
Both the AppleShare and AppleSearch Client for Windows products come with a
network license that allows distribution of the Windows client software to any
Windows softwareÐbased computer connected to
the network.
For more information, call the Apple Business Systems Network
Information Hotline at (408) 862-3385, or send an AppleLink(R) message to
ABS.NETINFO@applink.apple.com
New and Faster AppleShare
In mid-1995, Apple intends to release a new version of AppleShare that will
provide significantly faster performance when running on a Workgroup Server 6150,
8150, or 9150. This new AppleShare version will be available for a nominal
shipping and handling fee to customers who purchase a Workgroup Server 6150,
8150, or 9150 after January 1, 1995. It is expected to come preinstalled on
select Work-group Server configurations. This new version-and its inclusion with
Workgroup Servers-is part of Apple's ongoing strategy to provide server customers
with increased price/performance value. Details about upgrades for other
AppleShare customers will be available when the product is formally introduced.
Q and A
How does the Windows client software improve Apple's competitive stance in
today's market?
This software makes AppleShare and AppleSearch usable for cross-platform
AppleTalk networks, which in turn increases the value of our Workgroup Servers.
Overall, it supports Apple's stated commitment to moving toward greater
compatibility with Windows softwareÐbased systems.
Previously, customers used Farallon software to allow PCs to
access AppleTalk networks. Why is AppleShare Client for Windows
a better solution?
Unlike Farallon's product, AppleShare Client for Windows is designed to take
advantage of the architecture of Windows. Because of this, it requires less
conventional PC memory, costs less, and delivers excellent performance and
compatibility.
Can I use the AppleShare Client for Windows software with
DOS applications?
The AppleShare Client for Windows software is a solution for Windows users. PC
users can run DOS applications from a Windows/DOS session. For DOS-only PC users,
Apple recommends that net-work managers investigate other PC connectivity
solutions for DOS, such as Farallon's PhoneNet PC.
How do customers get Macintosh and Windows client software
for both AppleShare and AppleSearch?
With AppleShare, the Macintosh client software is free for the entire network,
because it is an integral part of the Mac OS. The AppleShare Client for Windows
software is now bundled with all Workgroup Servers. It is also available for
purchase to other customers (those who previously purchased AppleShare separately
or owners of existing Workgroup Servers), and it includes a network license.
The AppleSearch client software for Macintosh was originally sold in a
10-pack with a limited license. This changed with AppleSearch 1.5 (which shipped
in November 1994), in which the Macintosh client software was included with the
AppleSearch server software. Now both the Windows client software and the
Macintosh client software are bundled with AppleSearch server software.
Which PC-compatible networking cards and cables are compatible with
AppleShare Client for Windows and AppleSearch Client for Windows
software?
Most Ethernet networking cards and cables that have ODI and
NDIS support are compatible; the following is a list of the most commonly used:
Why didn't Apple increase the processor speed of the Workgroup Servers at
this time?
Increasing the processor speed of a Workgroup Server does not significantly
improve the performance of AppleShare. In fact, the higher cost of the faster
processor chip results in lower price/performance value when compared with the
current Workgroup Servers. For this reason, Apple chose not to increase the
processor speed of the Workgroup Servers at this time.
What kind of performance increase can customers expect from
the updated AppleShare?
The new AppleShare software version is under development, and is expected to be
available in mid-1995. Pre-release software benchmarks show at least a 35 percent
increase in AppleShare performance. We expect to see similar enhanced performance
when the software becomes available.
Which developers will be creating cross-platform applications with the new
AppleTalk Protocol Stack for Windows?
The new AppleTalk Protocol Stack for Windows, codeveloped by Apple and Miramar
Systems, enables independent software developers (ISVs) of database,
electronic-mail, scheduling, and other network services to develop additional
cross-platform versions of their applications for AppleTalk network systems.
Several developers, including ACI US, EveryWare Development, Dantz Development,
Claris, Helios, ON Technology, and SoftArc are currently evaluating the AppleTalk
Protocol Stack for Windows.
