Tuesday, March 14, 1995

APPLE INTRODUCES NEW VERSION OF MAE FOR HP AND SUN WORKSTATIONS

Apple today introduced a new version of Macintosh Application Environment (MAE). This innovative software product brings the functionality and ease of use of the Mac OS operating system to Sun Microsystems SPARCstations running the SunSoft Solaris operating system, and to Hewlett-Packard Company's HP9000 workstations running HP-UX, allowing users of these computer systems to run Macintosh applications. MAE 2.0 extends the power of Version 1.0 with the inclusion of AppleTalk networking, MacTCP support, substantial performance gains and support for Macintosh sound-based applications.

"With MAE running on Sun workstations we can provide our users with access to Macintosh applications very easily with a reduction in support costs," says Mike Cooper, manager of systems administration at the University of Southern California. "MAE 2.0 gives us the added advantage of AppleTalk networking support, allowing our MAE users to utilize our existing extensive network of AppleTalk servers and installed applications anywhere on the campus-wide network."

"MAE 2.0 provides a significant productivity solution to UNIX customers by enabling them to maintain integration with their corporate networks while running high-quality, low-cost productivity applications on their workstations," said Guerrino De Luca, vice president of sales and marketing for the AppleSoft division.

HP and SunSoft Support MAE 2.0

"With MAE 2.0, HP continues to make available to our customers the best productivity tools on our HP9000 workstations," said Bernard Guidon, General Manager of HP's Workstation Systems Division. "HP-UX users significantly benefit by having the ability to run the same Macintosh personal productivity applications used by Macintosh-based departments. The increased performance and addition of AppleTalk networking in MAE 2.0 will be particularly useful to our customers. We look forward to our continuing relationship with Apple on this product."

"We are excited about the introduction of MAE 2.0," said Dave Power, vice president of PC Integration Products at SunSoft, Inc. "MAE is a key part of our universal desktop strategy, allowing us to support multiple environments on a single platform. The new features in MAE 2.0, particularly the addition of AppleTalk networking, allow Solaris customers running on SPARC workstations to share information and networked resources very easily with Macintosh users."

Product Description

MAE 2.0 is a Macintosh emulation product that enables users to run Macintosh personal productivity applications on UNIX workstations while providing significant interoperability with other Macintosh computers in the enterprise. MAE 2.0 provides the capabilities users expect with any standard Macintosh computer. MAE 2.0 also adds Macintosh file handling and navigation to the UNIX file system. Because of the integration between MAE 2.0 and the UNIX environment, users can copy and paste text and graphics between UNIX and Macintosh applications as well as launch UNIX applications from MAE 2.0.

One of the most significant new features in MAE 2.0 is the built- in AppleTalk networking capability. AppleTalk networking makes it easy to share printers, files, and email with other Macintosh and MAE users on a network. As well, users now have the ability to run AppleTalk-based applications. MacTCP support, also a new feature, allows UNIX workstations running MAE to access the Internet and use TCP/IP-based applications. In addition, MAE 2.0 has enhanced file system support, which makes it easier for users to access, display and manipulate remotely mounted files from Network File System (NFS), or Andrew File System (AFS).

The performance of MAE 2.0 has been increased significantly over Version 1.0 by making use of a technology called Dynamic Compilation. This technology takes segments of emulated code that are executed repeatedly and compiles and executes these segments as native code. Dynamic Compilation increases the performance of MAE by an average of 50%.

Other new features include dynamic resizing, which provides the ability to resize the MAE 2.0 window without restarting MAE; support for Macintosh sound-based applications; a license binder, which allows system administrators to keep track of who is using the product; and QuickTime and HyperCard Players.

MAE 2.0 Extends Market Opportunity for Macintosh Application Developers

Apple has maintained the same high-level of compatibility it established with MAE 1.0 assuring customers that hundreds of Macintosh applications are compatible with MAE 2.0. "Being able to run Macintosh applications such as Claris Impact, FileMaker Pro and ClarisWorks brings great productivity and usability benefits to UNIX users," said Daniel Eilers, president and CEO for Claris Corporation.

Availability and Pricing

MAE 2.0 is available in the United States through authorized Apple Resellers, distributors and system integrators for the suggested retail price of U.S. $599.00. Customers may also order MAE 2.0 in the United States directly from Apple, by calling 1-800-769-2775 ext.7675. Availability and pricing outside the United States varies by country. Volume license options and multi-pack pricing is also available. In Europe and in the Pacific region, customers should call their local Apple reseller or dealer, or call APDA at 716-871-6555.

Customers can learn more about MAE 2.0 by exploring the wide variety of information that is available via the Internet. Users can access the MAE web site at http://www.mae.apple.com/ or at Apple's FTP site at ftp.support.apple.com (/pub/mae directory).