matt@uunet.UU.NET (Matt Kingman) (06/05/91)
PACER SOFTWARE PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Contact: David Ryter -- Pacer Software, Inc.
(508) 898-3300
For Immediate Release
June 4, 1991
PacerTerm( Combines Full Macintosh Communications
Toolbox Compatibility, HyperTalk Scripting, and More
La Jolla, CA -- Pacer Software, Inc. has announced PacerTerm(, a powerful
new Macintosh communications software product that builds on Apple
standards to provide terminal emulation and file transfer capabilities in
a number of prevalent networking environments. HyperTalk-based scripting,
together with a flexible interface to the Macintosh Communications
Toolbox, enables PacerTerm users to build effective Macintosh front-ends
to host systems and applications.
Communication Toolbox Compatibility
PacerTerm is the first third-party application to be built completely
around the Macintosh Communications Toolbox (CTB), a modular architecture
that provides Macintosh applications with standardized access to terminal
emulation, data connection, and file transfer services. The CTB is a key
component of Apple's recently released System 7.0. PacerTerm includes a
comprehensive set of terminal (VT320, VT102, TTY), connection (LAT,
TCP/IP, ADSP, PacerCT, serial, modem), and file transfer (FTP, Kermit,
Xmodem, Zmodem, PacerFT, text) tools. The product is of immediate value
to Macintosh users interacting with VAX or UNIX systems, on-line services,
or any remotely accessed computer system. In addition, PacerTerm
complements Digital Equipment Corporation's Pathworks for the Macintosh
and can be easily integrated into a network running either Pathworks or
Pacer's PacerLink.
As a benefit of adhering to the CTB architecture, all CTB tools, whether
included with PacerTerm or supplied by other parties, are able to be used
in conjunction with PacerTerm and its full set of user interface features.
Advanced Interface Features
With PacerTerm's SoftKey* feature, on-screen, mouse-activated buttons can
be easily created to perform terminal functions, issue host commands,
execute scripts, redefine keyboard mappings, or
load new SoftKey sets. A keymapping editor allows a terminal function to
be mapped to any key on the Macintosh keyboard. Keys can also be
programmed to launch scripts or issue host commands.
PacerTerm can be used to open multiple windows, simultaneously
communicating with one or several hosts. An individual window maintains
its own set of parameters, allowing users to specify distinct terminal,
connection, and file transfer types in each window. Single or multiple
file transfers can be performed as background operations, while the user
interacts with another host or runs another Macintosh application.
HyperTalk-Compatible Scripting
PacerScript fully implements HyperTalk, Apple's widely adopted scripting
language, and adds the ability to create standard Macintosh dialogs that
can serve as front-ends to host applications. HyperTalk was chosen for
its power, flexibility, and ease-of-use, and because it is widely known in
the Macintosh community. PacerTerm functions, such as setting
communication parameters, logging on to a host, or operating a modem, are
all accessible via PacerScript. Scripts can be created through
PacerTerm's record mode which automatically captures a user's actions and
translates them into the standard script commands. Scripts can also be
created or modified with PacerTerm's integrated scripting editor, which
supports multiple editing windows, on-line help, and command builder, an
automated tool for creating PacerScript commands.
"PacerTerm does an elegant job of marrying two key Macintosh technologies:
the Communications Toolbox and HyperTalk. The set of tools included
makes the product immediately useful in a range of environments,"
commented Jim Groff, Director, Networking and Communications, Apple
Computer, Inc. "And PacerTerm's scripting language, together with its
keymapping features, provides a powerful front-ending capability. It's an
application that shows off Macintosh networking at its best," he added.
PacerTerm will be available in June and have a suggested retail price of
$249. For the past five years Pacer has been providing Macintosh
networking solutions, including PacerLink, PacerShare,
and PacerPrint, directly to end-user sites. PacerTerm is the first Pacer
product to be made available through retail distribution.
System Compatability
PacerTerm runs on Macintosh Plus, Classic, LC, SE, SE/30, and any II
model. 1MB of memory (2MB recommended) and system 6.0.4 or later is
required; a hard disk is strongly recommended. The product is System 7.0
compatible.
Pacer Software, Inc. is a privately held California corporation with
research and development facilities in Massachusetts. The company
incorporated in early 1981 and has since focused on developing and
marketing Macintosh communication software. Earlier this year, Pacer and
Apple jointly announced exclusive licensing arrangements covering
AppleTalk protocol and Data Access Language (DAL) technologies for UNIX
platforms.
Pacer Software, Inc. is located at 7911 Herschel Avenue, Suite 402, La
Jolla, California 92037; telephone (619) 454-0565. Pacer Europe S.A. is
located at Espace Beethoven, rte des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560
Valbonne - France; telephone (33) 93 653 008.
###
PacerTerm and PacerLink are registered trademarks and PacerScript,
PacerCT, PacerFT, SoftKeys, and MiniWindows are trademarks of Pacer
Software, Inc. DEC, VT102, Pathworks, VAX and VT320 are trademarks of
Digital Equipment Corporation; HyperCard, Apple, HyperTalk and AppleTalk
are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.; Macintosh is a trademark of
McIntosh Laboratories, Inc. licensed to Apple Computer. All other
trademarks are subject to trademark claims.
---
Matt Kingman
Macintosh Software Engineer
Pacer Software Inc.
I speak only for myself...