IBM Releases PC DOS 7 With Integrated Stacker 4.0 Compression

Continuing IBM Support for DOS Users

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 27, 1995 . . . IBM today announced PC DOS 7, the most
advanced DOS available, offering more memory and more disk space than any
previous version.

PC DOS 7 includes integrated data compression from Stac Electronics, the
leading provider of PC compression software; an extensive on-line help
system; and exclusive features designed for mobile users, such as file
synchronization, docking capabilities and the latest support from Phoenix
Technologies for PCMCIA cards.

PC DOS 7 is IBM's 14th release of industry-standard DOS and was designed to
add value and power to existing DOS and DOS/Windows environments.

"We recognize that the world is shifting to 32-bit operating systems. The
success of OS/2 Warp has proven that," said Karl LaWall, PC DOS worldwide
brand manager, IBM Personal Software Products. "But the millions of DOS
installations around the world won't disappear or convert overnight, and
IBM is in a position to support and enrich this environment. PC DOS 7 is
the best upgrade choice for MS-DOS users who want to enhance their DOS and
DOS/Windows environments without taking the step to a 32-bit operating
system."

The product also provides a powerful new platform for developers of DOS and
Windows-based business applications and games, and for software companies
who still depend upon sales of their existing DOS-based applications.

"WordPerfect for DOS, both versions 5.1+ and 6.0, are still selling quite
well," said Mark Calkins, vice president and general manager of
WordPerfect, a member of the Novell Applications Group. "This tells us
that the DOS market is still a viable and profitable option. IBM's PC DOS
7 will extend that by offering increased function and benefits to both DOS
and DOS/Windows users."

More Free Memory and Space

PC DOS 7 provides users with as much as 40KB more conventional memory than
DOS version 6.x. This means there's more memory available for Windows,
games and memory-hungry applications.

IBM also has integrated Stacker 4.0 for DOS and Windows into PC DOS 7,
giving users the highest compression ratio and most disk space possible on
DOS and Windows. Stac Electronics also provides Stacker 4.0 for OS/2,
providing users with an industry-standard compression strategy across all
PC operating systems. Stacker 4.0 provides more available disk space than
other technologies, and users can easily upgrade to PC DOS 7 from MS-DOS
DoubleSpace and DriveSpace, IBM SuperStor/DS and earlier Stacker versions
without decompressing existing files.

Stacker 4.0 provides additional portability across systems with the
"Stacker Anywhere" feature, which enables the use of diskettes containing
compressed data on systems without compression software.

"IBM's decision to integrate Stac's complete DOS and Windows version of
Stacker 4.0 in PC DOS 7 will be a boon to all DOS and Windows users," said
Gary Clow, president, Stac Electronics. "The installed base of PCs running
DOS and DOS/Windows is very large, and IBM has not forgotten these users.
Stac expects to see strong demand from the release of PC DOS 7."

Tailor-made for the Mobile Market

PC DOS 7 has been improved for mobile computing with exclusive features
such as the File Update utility, built-in PCMCIA software and docking
support. The only DOS with built-in PCMCIA support, PC DOS 7 includes the
latest PCMCIA and socket service support from Phoenix Technologies and
makes PC card setup and configuration easy with new DOS and Windows
utilities.

File Update allows mobile users to keep their work files current by
comparing files on different computers and keeping them synchronized.
Mobile users with Plug and Play-enabled hardware can benefit from docking
support, which may eliminate the need to reboot when a notebook is
docked.

Upgrading, Pricing and Availability

PC DOS 7 upgrades any DOS version 3.3 and higher and is supported on all
IBM and IBM-compatible PCs. Customers should be able to upgrade for less
than $60. The product is now available in the United States and other
countries that sell Single Byte Character Set (SBCS) versions. Double Byte
Character Set (DBCS) versions will be available within the first half of
1995.

IBM's Personal Software Products division, with headquarters in Austin,
Texas, is an industry leader in the development and marketing of operating
systems including PC DOS and OS/2 Warp, as well as networking products and
other advanced technologies.
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                  New Features in PC DOS 7

  * More conventional memory, allowing users to run memory-hungry
    applications while maintaining complete industry-standard
    compatibility.
  * Central Point's RAMBOOST memory optimizer, offering enhanced
    multiple configuration support, including CONFIG.SYS
    organization assistance.
  * Stacker 4.0 disk compression technology from Stac Electronics,
    giving users the highest compression ratio and most disk space
    available.
  * The new File Update utility, allowing mobile users to keep
    their work files current by comparing files on different
    computers and keeping them synchronized.
  * Improved PCMCIA and socket service support from Phoenix
    Technologies, making PC card setup and configuration easy with
    new DOS and Windows utilities.
  * Hot docking support, which may eliminate the need for mobile
    users to reboot when a notebook is docked.
  * The advanced, powerful and easy-to-use REXX programming
    language, allowing users to write batch programs that are
    portable to other operating systems, such as OS/2 Warp.
  * Improved Editor, with pull-down menu, mouse and arithmetic
    support and the ability to view and edit multiple files
    simultaneously.
  * A DYNALOAD command, enabling users to dynamically load device
    drivers without modifying the CONFIG.SYS file and rebooting
    their systems.
  * PC DOS Viewer, offering on-line help and support to view
    IPF-based documents.
  * An enhanced setup program, enabling mouse use during
    installation and letting users view or edit changes to the
    CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files prior to system restart.
  * IBM's version of Central Point's Backup utilities for PC DOS
    and Windows, which now includes enhanced tape formatting and
    additional file filtering capabilities.
  * IBM AntiVirus, protecting against more than 2,100 common
    computer viruses and detecting mutated viruses.
  * PenDOS support by Communication Intelligence Corp., providing
    extensions that allow users to replace the mouse with a pen to
    launch DOS applications.

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