kutcha@clotho.acm.rpi.edu (Phillip Rzewski) (06/10/90)
While on a local BBS yesterday (In case anyone is interested, Plain Vanilla (518)/462-5953) I found this file of posts made by Jerry Cline on some BBS which tell about the coming out of ProTERM v2.2 and v3.0. They aren't exactly CHOCKED full of specific information, but I think they say enough to give us a general idea of what to expect and when to expect it. ====================================================================== The following is a post made by Jerry Cline on the subject of the new software company called InSync(c): ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ProTERM 2.2 to be first product of InSync, a new software publishing company. Phoenix, AZ -- Greg Schaefer and Jerry Cline have just announced the formation of InSync(c) Software, a new software publishing company that will be dedicated to offering Apple computer users quality products and support, while providing publishing assistance to both new and experienced software artists. Schaefer is the author of ProTERM(R), the telecommunications software for Apple II computers, and Cline is, among other things, author, president of The Arizona Apple/Mac User Group and User Group Forum Leader for America OnLine. The duo announced that their first release will be version 2.2 of Schaefer's ProTERM telecommunications package. ProTERM, recently published by Checkmate Technology, Inc., has long been considered a standard for Apple II users. Schaefer, the prototypical software genius, authored ProTERM at age 19, as well as GBBS (Greg's Bulletin Board Service), GBBS Pro and other software goodies. On the other hand, Cline as a user group "Ralph Nader," is committed to defending and promoting the cause of Apple II and Macintosh users. Together the two hope to provide a special understanding of the needs of the, "most important and often most ignored" players in the software business - authors and users. "Starting with an established winner like ProTERM is exciting," Cline explained, "it's the solid gold type of product that any new company would like to use as a launching pad." Cline continued, "It just serves as proof that we are 'InSync' with the software world, hence, the name of the company." "InSync is really a description of our future plans, as well." added Schaefer. "Soon, we'll be adding some innovations to ProTERM, and developing and aiding the development of some new applications for which we, as users, see an immediate need. Cline first saw ProTERM when he went to visit Schaefer at his offices during the Denver rollout of the Apple II GS in the fall of '86. While the pair were involved in some consulting (BBS chatter), Schaefer unveiled his new telecommunications package - ProTERM. "As a grudging ASCII Express user, I saw the magic of ProTERM instantly, "stated Cline' "it was exciting and I wanted to be involved." Cline's enthusiastic response made a believer of a friend who was with Cline for the ride. Andy Niemic, then president of Checkmate Technology. Niemic listening to Cline's remarks, stepped in and snapped up the rights to publish ProTERM. "Take a look at the May 1990 issue of A+InCider magazine," Cline said, "ProTERM is ranked first above ALL other Apple // telecom applications due to its advanced, easy to use features and we have ideas for the future to make it even better. Now that Greg is really an integral part of ProTERM again and is just finishing up at CU Boulder, we have plans that will make InSync Software a recognized company." "In spite of Checkmate's important part in publishing ProTERM," revealed Schaefer, "Jerry has always been its unofficial product manager." Greg finished stating, "Now with Jerry working as the official product manager plus handling the day to day business of InSync, we'll be in the publishing business and I'll be free to create which is exactly where I've always wanted to be. This will be an extremely fruitful and rewarding partnership, and our goal is, that users and other software artists reap the benefits." For more information, contact: Jerry Cline InSync Software PO Box 22141 Phoenix, AZ 85028-2141 602/992-5515 AppleLink: Cline.J America OnLine: AFL Cline.J -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following is a post made by Jerry Cline on the subject of ProTERM: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greg and I have been burning the oil lamps 26 hours/day working on the ProTERM manual, new packaging and a software revise from v2.1 to v2.2. We just finished the last cut of the manual this eve and now to Carol Schafer (AzApple member and owner of "Print & Mail") for proofing and final over the weekend and to the printer Monday morning. The manual has (finally) really been 'fleshed' out and a whole new layout that is very attractive and easy to follow with lots of white space, referrances, and indexing. Not even recognizable from the original. A lot of detail added, more clarification, less typoes & more disambiguation :) Although I feel good about the manual, I would like another two weeks at it, but if we are going to get it on the market, it has to stop sometime eh? The new package is just short of explosive - REALLY fun and dynamic. When you see it you will just have to say WOW! We are working with some graphic artists Richard Kronic (AzApple member) and Kevin Janke of Greymatter Inc. Creative and strong - Its exciting! One of those kind of packages you like to have on the shelf just for looks, a keeper. The upate on the software fixes some known problems that have been around for a LONG time. Nothing big, just getting it fixed and out. We have plans for the future though and are looking for input. I have enjoyed working with Greg on this even though it has been grueling... or is that grilling? We have been doing without sleep for a week. He made the comment that he feels like a huge weight had just been taken off of his back and that he has a reason and a want to be creative again. He said, "Its like I have been stiffled and all of a sudden there is a reason and a direction. Well it just shows to go ya, if you like what you do, you never get enough of it. I hope the Surgeon Genereral doesn't find out about computering, anything this neat has to be bad for your health ;) Updates will be available and at a price everyone will agree with. Give us a chance to get our breath and we will give you the details. Jerry Cline InSync Software (thanks for the support!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following is a post made by Jerry Cline on the subject of ProTERM: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yep we will work closely with AzApple members on the updates but v2.2 won't be any vast re-write. There are some things that need to be taken care of and they will be in this version. However, Greg is really creatively inpspired again, and has started organizing thought and direction for v3.0 and that version will certainly be extraordinary and very different. I am excited at the positive response from everyone like yourself. Paul Staadt, from InCider Magazine was really excited about getting something going in the Apple // world again. He will be interviewing us Monday for an article on what is happening with this 'little upstart' company and the future of ProTERM. ProTERM will never be GS specific, there would not be any justification in not allowing the Apple //e and //c to be a part of the market as they are excellent telecommunications platforms and there are 800,000 of them in the market place and only 200,000 Apple IIgs CPUs. There are some things planned that you will like however. One thing that is GS specific about ProTERM is, if you use an external modem, you can still use slot two for a card of your choice. This makes it equivalant to having 8 slots. I have even been getting inquiries from potential investors, but Greg and I both want to run lean and mean and do what we do without a lot of out outside pressure. We have our own money and time in it and everything is in motion. Our plans include shipping our first product within two weeks. That means no sleep, but what the heck when the pay is poor and hours are long your being creative. This is the way it has to be in anything you enjoy doing, that is what makes it possble, the fact that the satisfaction is so complete. We have both been feverishly working to get everything together in the shortest possible time. The manual was almost a re-write with a lot of referrencing to index, table of contents, appendix, and cross referrance Carol Schafer (The AzApple member who assists with the AzAzpple Journal) is proofreading the manual right now so we are still on schedule to get it to the printer Monday. Greg does log on here, but he is not much for cruising the Branches or getting into conversations. I am pleased to announce that Mike Golaszewski (Mike Gola) will be here a lot now. He will be looking for input which he will feed back to Greg. Mike helped with a lot of the customizing of The Apple Tree BBS as you see it now, and Mike wrote the EXfer transfer system you use when up/downloading files here on The Tree. jc... ========================================================================= Well, that's all from here. If you are looking for more information I'm really not sure where to turn. But if anyone DOES have more information I'd sure like to see it. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :: -Phil Rzewski Internet: kutcha@clotho.acm.rpi.edu :: :: "A man in love is a man possessed." Bitnet: USERF3DK@RPITSMTS.BITNET :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::