------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS OF THE WEEK| This section is dedicated to verified news . . . All News (C)opyright Respective Owner - Will Only Reprint ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pinnacle Micro Meets 10X Challenge . . .| ----------------------------------------- LAS VEGAS, April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinnacle Micro, Inc. (Nasdaq: PNCL) today introduced the world's first 10X speed CD-ROM drive for the consumer and home markets. This announcement comes from the Networld Interop show in Las Vegas, one of the world's largest networking trade shows, where Pinnacle is exhibiting this new technology. The 10Xtreme(TM) is the fastest IDE CD-ROM system on the market today with a 1.5 Megabyte per second data rate. This advanced generation CD-ROM drive is available for use with any PC/AT or compatible computer. 10Xtreme has a suggested retail price of $299 and ships with a free copy of "UP!", a unique multimedia CD with 100 digital videos. The 10Xtreme is slated to ship in late April. "Users can now quickly access volumes of data with amazing speed," said Don Johnson, optical product manager for Pinnacle Micro. "Computer games that once appeared sluggish will become challenging. CDs containing graphic images, multimedia presentations and titles with video and animation will run without undesirable pauses or delays." With its internal 5.25" half-height form factor, the 10Xtreme fits into any available 5.25" open bay. The included interface cables and IDE controller allow the drive to be quickly and easily installed making it a simple add-on to any system. The 10Xtreme uses a motorized CD loading tray which makes changing CDs a snap. "CD-ROM technology has witnessed explosive growth the last few years and is now almost synonymous with multimedia and electronic publishing," states Gary Brach of CD-ROM Professional (April 1996). "The adoption and growth of CD-ROM and CD-R strongly parallel the usage of print in the modern world." "This is the first product for Pinnacle that directly targets the mass, consumer market," said Scott Blum, Pinnacle's executive vice president. "And with the widespread acceptance of compact discs as a distribution tool, we anticipate strong demand through retail distribution centers like CompUSA, Computer City, MicroAge and MicroCenter." CD-ROM STORAGE FEATURES CAPACITY PER DISC 650 Megabytes TEXT CAPACITY 300,000 pages IMAGE CAPACITY 1,000 - 40,000 images AUDIO CAPACITY 1 to 48 hours audio VIDEO 1 to 5 hours video FORMAT international standard - ISO 9660 LONGEVITY 25 to 250 years -- CD-ROM Professional, April 1996 Pinnacle Micro, Inc. is the recognized leader in recordable CD technology and optical storage systems for general data storage and data intensive applications such as network storage, imaging, desktop publishing and prepress, as well as emerging applications such as digital audio/video editing and commercial multimedia. Founded in 1987, Pinnacle Micro, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, CA with offices in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. Note: The "X" used to describe CD-ROM technology denotes a CD-ROM drive's speed, or the rate at which data is transferred from a CD-ROM disc to a computer. First generation 1XCD-ROM drives have a data transfer rate of 150 kilobytes per second. The technology has advanced so that CD-ROM drives are available in 1X, 2X, 4X, 6X and now from Pinnacle Micro 10X speed, with a data transfer rate of 1.5 Megabytes per second. This differs from the magneto-optical storage industry, which advances new generations in terms of capacity. A 1X optical drive is 650 Megabytes, 2X is 1.3 Gigabytes (GS), 4X is 2.6 GB, and 7X, available only from Pinnacle Micro, denotes a 4.6 GB optical drive. ------------------------------------------- Mustang Wins Internet Award for Wildcat 5!| ------------------------------------------- WASHINGTON, April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Mustang Software, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: MSTG) Wildcat! 5 has been selected as "Best New Internet Product" in judging at the 1996 Federal Operating Systems Exposition (FOSE) held through today at the Washington Convention Center. Wildcat! 5, which shipped on March 25 and is just beginning to reach retail shelves, is a dual purpose Internet and Intranet platform designed to fill government, business, and consumer needs for online interactive Web presence and internal Intranet ap plications. Award nominees were judged for FOSE '96 by the editors of Government Computer News. Internet Software category runner-ups included: Netscape Navigator Gold 2.0, Netscape Communications Inc.; The Caldera Network Desktop, Caldera Inc.; SafeNet, MCI Communications Corp.; askSam 3.0/Professional and askSam Web Publisher, askSam Systems Inc.; and ISYS Web, ISYS/Odyssey Development. FOSE is the largest federal information technology trade show nationwide. Traditionally focused on microcomputer products, the annual show has recently expanded its focus to include workstations; client/server computing/key enabling technologies; and other technology solutions within the Federal Government market. FOSE attendees are comprised of buyers and sellers of information technology products, including government end-users, IRM professionals, technical staff, program managers, systems integrato 8(a)'s resellers, and VARs. "We're honored that Wildcat! 5 has been named as Best New Internet Product against such competition," stated Jim Harrer, President and CEO of Mustang Software, Inc. "Wildcat! 5 is breakthrough technology that offers business and consumers the opportunity to build powerful online Web sites and online communities with exceptional interactive messaging versatility. Wildcat! 5 also gives business and government a flexible and robust Internet solution, with the ability to give users access to Internet-publ d documents and resources." Access to a Wildcat! 5 system can be through Internet, direct dial or company LAN. Wildcat! 5 uses graphical, easy-to-navigate HTML pages offering users full interactive and threaded messaging, real-time teleconferencing, local E-mail, and access to file library areas. The system also offers the ability to link to the Internet (with the optional Internet Connectivity Package) allowing Wildcat! system users to receive Internet E-mail, access relevant Usenet newsgroups, and utilize outbound browsing for research on the 'Net. Wildcat! 5 also allows system managers to set security level r controlled access to various system message and file areas. One of the Wildcat! 5 features receiving attention is the Wildcat! Navigator, a Windows-based program which callers use to access Wildcat! 5 interactive features. "Only a small percentage of computer users have direct access to the Internet, so Wildcat! 5 offers a solution," said Harrer. "Federal agencies and business need the ability to freely distribute a single program to any computer user without worrying about installing TCP/IP. The Wildcat! Navigator has solved this issue by allowing any user w Windows and a modem to access the Internet simply by connecting to Wildcat! 5. The Wildcat! Navigator addresses the needs of the very basic consumer, while Internet-savvy consumers have the ability to access the Wildcat! 5 site with their favorite browser." Wildcat! 5 is included on the GSA Schedule 1996/99. Wildcat! 5 is distributed by Ingram Micro, Merisel and DistribuPro. Resellers include CompUSA, Egghead, Computer City, Software Etc., Babbages, Best Buy, Micro Center, Media Play, Fry's Electronics and Office Max. The Wildcat! product line is a leader with an active install base of more than 50,000 sites. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SYMANTEC AND NETSCAPE TEAM UP!| ------------------------------- CUPERTINO, Calif., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), a leading supplier of utilities software products, today announced the licensing of its award-winning Norton AntiVirus software to Netscape Communications Corporation as part of Netscape Power Pack 2.0 for Windows, companion utilities and plug-ins for Netscape Navigator. Seamlessly integrated into Netscape Navigator, Norton AntiVirus Internet Scanner provides comprehensive virus protection by automatically checking for viruses as the user saves files downloaded from the Internet. Norton AntiVirus Internet Scanner provides effective detection and elimination technology, catching most viruses before they can do any damage to a user's files. This lets the user safely download programs, documents and other files. NAV Internet Scanner detects over 7,300 viruses and eliminates almost all, including the Word Macro viruses and also the Boza Virus, which targets the Windows 95 operating system. The Netscape Power Pack 2.0 for Windows, with the Norton AntiVirus Internet Scanner, will be av available this month and has an estimated retail price of $39.95. "Cruising the information superhighway without virus protection is like driving your car without insurance. You can do it, but why take the risk?" said Mary Engstrom, general manager of Symantec's security business unit. "This integration of Norton AntiVirus with the Netscape Navigator provides you with that insurance, and represents an easy new way for Internet users to protect while they connect." Symantec's antivirus products are backed by an unsurpassed range of virus information, update services and the industry's leading antivirus research center. Users can access the Symantec AntiVirus Reference Center on Symantec's web site to obtain up-to-date information on viruses and virus protection. This site also contains the monthly updated virus definitions for all Symantec antivirus products. Additional virus information is available to all users on The Virus Hotline, 541-9-VIRUS-9. Netscape Communications Corporation is a premier provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools, and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California. "Users need to feel comfortable accessing and downloading information from the Internet," said Mark Szelenyi, product manager at Netscape. "Norton AntiVirus software allows us, through Netscape Power Pack 2.0, to provide our customers with one of the leading Internet virus protection products available." Symantec Corporation develops, markets, and supports a complete line of application and system software products designed to enhance individual and workgroup productivity as well as manage networked computing environments. Platforms supported include IBM personal computers and compatibles, Apple Macintosh computers as well as all major network operating systems. Founded in 1982, the company's global operations span North America, Europe and several fast growing markets throughout Asia Pacific and Latin Am America. Information on the company and its products can be obtained by calling 800-441-7234 toll free or 541-334-6054. ---------------------------------------- NOVELL STARTS TESTING 32 BIT DOS CLIENT| ---------------------------------------- OREM, Utah, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) today announced the open beta availability of its NetWare(R) Client 32(TM) for DOS/Windows. The NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows is the only client software to offer DOS and Windows 3.1 desktop users full 32-bit access to NetWare services, including its industry-leading Novell Directory Services(TM) (NDS(TM)). In addition to providing increased speed through 32-bit access, the NetWare Client 32 software lets users benefit from full automatic reconnection to all network files and resources, as well as simultaneous access to multiple directory trees and fault tolerance to ensure reliable and comprehensive access to network services. The Client 32 software includes the NetWare Application Manager, which gives users transparent access to network applications and centralizes network application installation and administration through NDS. Built on Novell's proven Client 32 architecture, the NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows is a key c component in Nov ell's strategy to enable a Smart Global Network by giving users reliable access to the information they need anytime, anyplace. "One of the biggest benefits of NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows is that it loads into extended memory," said Ron Dike, network engineer for the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. "This allows us to run PC card services on our laptops. We also have more flexible configurations on desktops because there is significantly more conventional RAM without having to implement costly upgrades. Novell's Client 32 provides us with the best Windows integration available." Novell is committed to providing complete network access to all desktop operating systems, including the legacy operating systems which exist in today's heterogeneous networks. The NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows provides 16-bit desktop environments with full 32-bit access, offering users enhanced performance and superior network integration. The NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows and the recently released NetWare Client 32 for Windows 95 share the same code-base, easing upgrades from DOS and Windows 3.1 t o Windows 95 by allowing network administrators to leverage network drivers as they upgrade client software. The NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows extends the full availability of NetWare services to users of MS-DOS 5.0 or above, Windows 3.1 or above and Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or above. The NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows allows users to: * Authenticate to and simultaneously browse resources on multiple NDS trees (graphically within Windows), simplifying connections to all network information and resources; * Operate with a smaller conventional memory or Upper Memory Block (UMB) footprint, freeing up additional memory to run applications (4kb in most environments using 32-bit LAN drivers); * From within Windows, use a GUI login utility to access NetWare servers, including updating environment variables and searching drive mappings; * Fully access NetWare 2.x, 3.x and 4.x resources throughout the network, providing connectivity and backwards compatibility with all services and information; * Take advantage of extensive automatic reconnect capabilities, including open files, mappings and file locks, providing intelligent recovery and fault tolerance for the user; * Benefit from dynamic client-side caching, enabling faster performance of repetitive desktop functions; and * Enjoy improved LAN and WAN performance via support for Large Internet Packets (LIP) and Third Generation Packet Burst. The NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows also provides the following network management capabilities to network administrators: * Dynamically setup and refresh client software across the network with Automatic Client Update capabilities, lowering the cost and complexity of client upgrades; and * Centrally administer applications accessed by users through NDS with NetWare Application Manager. Pricing and Availability The NetWare Client 32 for DOS/Windows with NetWare Application Manager is available now to NetWare users electronically, free of charge, from NetWire on CompuServe (GO NWCLIENT) and the World Wide Web (http://netwire.novell.com). For additional information, customers can contact Novell at 1-800-NETWARE, or download information from NetWire on CompuServe or the World Wide Web (http://www.novell.com). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHECKFREE MAKES A DENT!| ------------------------ ATLANTA, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- CheckFree Corporation (Nasdaq: CKFR) today announced a 97 percent increase in revenues for the quarter to $21.7 million compared to $11.0 million for the same period a year earlier. Contributing to the increase in revenues were: -- $7.6 million in revenues primarily from Servantis Systems, Inc. CheckFree acquired Servantis in a purchase transaction on February 21, 1996 resulting in the inclusion in CheckFree's quarterly results of Servantis' revenues and expenses after the acquisition date. -- A 30 percent increase in processing revenue over the same period last year. -- A 38 percent increase in the number of active consumer users of bill payment or home banking products and services to 512,000 from 370,000 for the same period last year. -- Growth in the number of live or in-process electronic banking and processing agreements to 131 from 30 for the same period a year earlier. CheckFree, which went public in September of 1995, also reported an expected first quarter net loss of $97.5 million or $2.81 per share, compared with a loss for the first quarter 1995 of $153,000 or one cent per share. The expected loss is largely attributable to $94 million in in-process research and development write-offs primarily associated with the acquisition of Servantis Systems, Inc. "The increase in revenues indicates that customers want total electronic commerce solutions," said Peter J. Kight, CEO of CheckFree. "Acquiring Servantis -- and our agreement to purchase Security APL -- enables us to provide those total solutions and we expect to see increased revenues as a result." CheckFree delivers privately branded electronic commerce solutions for financial institutions, businesses and their customers. The company's solution suites offer device independent access to information and transaction processing, choice from among several industry-leading applications and control of brand and customer base. "It is clear to us that electronic commerce will grow significantly as financial institutions commit to it as a value added delivery channel," Kight said. "And we intend to grow as these financial institutions do -- by providing them with the solutions that enable them to offer branded electronic commerce products and services to their customers." -------------------------------------- THANKS FOR TELLING US WHAT IS DECENT!| -------------------------------------- WASHINGTON, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Family Association has written CompuServe today to ask that it remove all pornography from its system. In a letter to CompuServe's CEO Robert Massey, AFA Director of Governmental Affairs Patrick Trueman said "(s)o far as we know CompuServe is the only major on-line service provider to provide pornography on its system, making CompuServe the least family-friendly of the available service providers." American Family Association, on April 1, filed a formal complaint with Attorney General Janet Reno alleging that the provision of pornography by CompuServe on its service violates the federal communications Decency Act signed into law earlier this year. Trueman reminded Massey that the CDA is in effect today. "Pornography harms families and in particular it harms children," Trueman wrote. "Pornography primarily is a sexual exploitation of women, and it is sad to see an otherwise respectable American corporation engaged in this practice and profiting from it." Trueman is the former section chief of the U.S. Justice Department's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section which is responsible for prosecution of federal pornography crimes. þ