lenoil@apple.CSNET.UUCP (02/20/87)
(I am definitely an "interested party" in the following product announcement, but I think it could be of interest to the Info-IBMPC community.) Last month, at the Seybold Conference on Desktop Communications, Apple formally introduced its Desktop Communications strategy, and demonstrated several new products that fit in with that strategy, most notably the AppleShare file server. Also announced was the AppleTalk PC Card, a $395 half-size card for the IBM-PC, which puts the PC on the AppleTalk network. The card comes packaged with a software driver, and with a menu-driven utility for converting files created by popular PC applications to PostScript and sending them to an Apple LaserWriter for printing. Apple has made the driver interface available to third party developers, and there already are programs for such things as electronic mail, printing, and access to files on Macintosh. Apple also announced its committment to produce MS-DOS software for transparent access to AFP (AppleTalk Filing Protocol) file servers. I have just unwrapped one of the first finished products to roll off the assembly line, and I am told that dealer shipments have begun. For more information, contact an authorized Apple dealer (call (800) 538-9696 to find the name of a dealer in your area). The part number for the AppleTalk PC Card is M2050. Robert Lenoil Apple Computer, Inc. Network Systems Development