mdavis@pro-sol.cts.COM (Morgan Davis) (05/24/88)
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>From samp Fri May 20 23:34:05 1988
Date: Fri, 20 May 88 23:31:04 PDT
From: samp (Sam Pemberton)
To: mdavis
Subject: AppleLink Personal Edition
APPLELINK PERSONAL EDITION
APPLE COMPUTER AND QUANTUM COMPUTER SERVICES ANNOUNCE APPLELINK PERSONAL
EDITION
Boston. May 20, 1988. Apple Computer, Inc. and Quantum Computer Services,
Inc.announced here at AppleFest(R) today a new online communication and
information service specifically for Apple computer owners called AppleLink(R)
Personal Edition. The product is being demonstrated throughout the three-day
trade show, which focuses on the home market for Apple computers.
AppleLink Personal Edition is jointly developed and co-marketed by Apple
Computer and Quantum Computer Services. It will allow Apple users to "talk"
with each other and access both Apple-specific and general online information
and resources. Designed to enhance computing for productivity, learning,
creativity and fun, it will be useful to individuals with a broad range of
computer needs and uses. Users can, for example, sample software for Apple
computers, exchange electronic mail, check stock quotes, and participate in an
online forum with guest speakers such as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
AppleLink Personal Edition provides in-depth Apple-related information and
services, Apple-specific forums, and a range of general information and
communication resources and capabilities. Designed to be widely accessible,
it will be available 24 hours a day throughout the United States, affordably
priced and easy to operate. In most cases, the service will be accessible
with a local phone call. A one-step sign-on procedure, icons and pull-down
menus provide simple and time-saving access and navigation through the system.
Charles M. Boesenberg, senior vice president and group executive, Apple USA,
said, "With AppleLink Personal Edition, we want to provide Apple computer
owners easier access to the information they need, whether it's from Apple,
from third parties, or from each other. That way, all subscribers can get the
best use from their computers."
James V. Kimsey, president of Quantum Computer Services, said, "Quantum
specializes in interactive, system-specific online computer services. We're
very excited about joining the Apple community, which is known for its
enthusiasm and creativity, with both Apple(R) II and Macintosh(R) versions of
AppleLink Personal Edition."
AppleLink Personal Edition adds to the spectrum of information and support
services available to Apple computer owners. It joins authorized Apple
dealers -- primary providers of computer support services -- as well as user
groups, trade publications and other online services to provide an additional
source of information and support to system subscribers.
The Apple Community and General Services
AppleLink Personal Edition is organized into two main sections: The Apple
Community section and the General Services section. Apple Computer provides
information and direction for the Apple Community section. Quantum Computer
Services is responsible for the General Services section and manages and
maintains the online system.
The Apple Community section includes Forums of particular interest to Apple
computer owners; Industry Connection, with demonstration software, product
information and technical support from third-party companies; Software Center,
with public-domain software and shareware; Apple Headquarters, providing
information about Apple products, press releases, and a connection to Apple
Customer Relations; Reference Library, with information from Apple's technical
and product databases, software reviews, special education software and Apple
Programmers and Developers Association (APDA) listings; Apple University,
which at introduction will include online courses on BASIC programming and
AppleWorks, and; Calendar & Events, a guide to online events in the Apple
Community section. Questions posed to Customer Relations on the service will
usually be answered within 48 hours.
The General Services section of AppleLink Personal Edition includes People
Connection, an area featuring live "chat" from around the country, game shows,
and guest speakers in the auditorium; Financial District, with 15-minute
delayed stock quotes from the NYSE, AMEX and OTC, stock market summary and
investor's debate board; Recreation Center, with interactive multi-player
games as well as forums on sports, music and other topics; Club House for
special interest forums such as photography and genealogy; News Room, with
international news and weather; The Mall, with more than 200,000 brand-name
items available at discount prices through Comp-u-store, American Airlines
EAAsy Sabre service for air, car and hotel reservations, and classified ads;
and Learning Center, providing online courses and the electronic Grolier's
Academic American Encyclopedia.
Real-time communication and electronic mail functions work across both
sections of the service, and a work offline function allows users to save
online charges.
As AppleLink Personal Edition evolves, there will be more special interest
forums, system enhancements, and additional services.
A monthly magazine for system subscribers, called AppleLink Update(TM), will
provide detailed listings of conferences and online events and the latest
information about system features.
Hardware Requirements
The Apple II version of AppleLink Personal Edition works on Apple IIGS(R),
IIc, and IIe computer systems and on most commonly available modems. (Apple
IIe systems need enhanced ROM, 128K memory, an 80-column card, and a Super
Serial Card.)
When the Macintosh version is available later this year, AppleLink Personal
Edition will also operate on Macintosh 512K, Plus, SE and II computers.
Availability and Price
The Apple II version of AppleLink Personal Edition will be available at
authorized Apple computer dealers this summer, and the Macintosh version will
be available later in 1988.
The AppleLink Personal Edition package, available for a suggested retail price
of $35, will include the software, the user guide, the first year's
subscription to the service and the monthly AppleLink Update magazine, and
the first two hours of non prime time use. After the first year, there will
be a $35 annual subscription fee for the service and AppleLink Update.
AppleLink Personal Edition hourly rates are $6 per hour for non prime time use
(6 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays and all day on weekends) and $15 per hour for prime
time use. The hourly charge is the same for baud rates of 300, 1200 and 2400,
and there are no surcharges for any services available at introduction.
Quantum Computer Services, Inc. provides online services to personal computer
owners and specializes in interactive communications, computer enhancement and
entertainment services. Founded in 1985, Quantum is headquartered in Vienna,
Va. and is the creator of Q-Link, one of the nation's most widely used online
computer services.
Apple, the Apple logo, Apple IIGS, AppleLink, and Macintosh are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. AppleLink Update is a trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc.
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