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Computers

Apple Integrates Windows Client Software into Workgroup Servers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As part of its ongoing strategy to provide superior cross-platform solutions, Apple Computer has announced plans to include Windows client software with its Workgroup Servers, making them a low-cost, easy-to-use cross-platform solution for mixed environment LANs.

This move brings greater value to Apple's Workgroup Server line, providing an easy-to-use and affordable cross-platform solution for customers in mixed workgroups. The AppleShare Client for Windows, included at no additional cost to customers, allows Windows users to access AppleTalk-based file and print services, while the AppleSearch Client for Windows gives Windows users access to advanced text search and retrieval capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple is including Windows client software with its Workgroup Servers, making them a low-cost and easy-to-use cross-platform solution for mixed environment LANs.
  • The AppleShare Client for Windows allows Windows users to access AppleTalk-based file and print services, including support for current Windows versions 3.1, 3.11, and Windows for Workgroups 3.11.
  • The AppleSearch Client for Windows provides Windows users with access to advanced text search and retrieval capabilities, including searching information stored on LAN servers, online information databases, or over the Internet.
  • The software is compatible with 80386, 80486, and Pentium processor-based PC computers with at least 4MB of RAM and an Ethernet network adapter card using an ODI (Open Datalink Interface) or NDIS 3.0 (Network Device Interface Specification) driver.
  • The Windows AppleTalk Protocol Stack, co-developed by Apple and Miramar Systems Inc., enables fast throughput and low memory consumption, requiring only 30k of RAM compared to up to 100k of RAM required by other implementations of AppleTalk.
  • Several developers, including ACI US Inc., Dantz Development Corp., Everyware Development Corp., HELIOS Software GmbH, and SoftArc Inc., are evaluating the Windows AppleTalk Protocol Stack for potential integration into their applications.
  • The AppleShare Client for Windows will be available for a suggested retail price of $199 in the U.S. through Apple authorized resellers, while customers who purchase a Workgroup Server from Apple after January 1, 1995 will receive the software free of charge.

Statistics:

  • 30k: The amount of RAM required by the Windows AppleTalk Protocol Stack, compared to up to 100k of RAM required by other implementations of AppleTalk.
  • 140 countries: The number of countries in which Apple develops, manufactures, licenses, and markets products, technologies, and services.
  • 4008623385: The phone number for the Apple Network Information Line for customers in the U.S. to obtain information on how to obtain the AppleShare and AppleSearch Client for Windows products.
  • 4089744398: The phone number for John McCreadie of Regis McKenna Inc. for press inquiries.

Sources:

  • Apple Computer, Inc. press release, January 4, 1995
  • Miramar Systems Inc. press release, January 1995
  • ACI US Inc. press release, January 1995
  • Dantz Development Corp. press release, January 1995
  • Everyware Development Corp. press release, January 1995
  • HELIOS Software GmbH press release, January 1995
  • SoftArc Inc. press release, January 1995

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