info-mac@uw-beaver (01/25/85)
From: Macintosh Evaluation Project <MAC%upenn-1100.csnet@csnet-relay.arpa (Macintosh Evaluation Project)>
From "Datamation" magazine, January 1, 1985:
There's more to the recently announced deal between Apple Computer and
General Electric information Services than was announced. Instead of the
1000-Mac purchase that GEISCO admitted, up to 10,000 personal computers may
be ultimately involved. The procurement is part of a worldwide network that
GEISCO is setting up for Apple's 100 offices. Apple will use the net for
applications, including inventory control, shipping, receiving, and
electronic mail. To be called AppleLink, the net will use Apple's proprietary
error-free protocol, a takeoff on AppleBus. Sources say that the net, scheduled
to go into beta testing this month, and to be rolled out in March, will cost
Apple $250,000 per month -- cheaper, perhaps, than what it was paying Tymnet
for packet switched service. Will AppleLink be setting a new industry standard
that big carriers like the Rockville, MD-based GEISCO will adopt? "Why do you
think we bought 10,000 Macs that retail for about $2,000 apiece, dummy?"
replies a DEISCO savant.