Apple and Mentat Announce Technology License for Open Transport

Updated Version of Open Transport Ships on New PowerMacs

Cupertino, California--August 28, 1995--Apple Computer, Inc. and Mentat,
Inc. today made public a technology agreement under which Apple licensed
Mentat Portable Streams (MPS) and Mentat TCP/IP (MTCP) as key components
of Apple Open Transport, the new networking and communications system for
the Macintosh operating system. Mentat is the industry's leading OEM
(original equipment manufacturer) provider of high performance
kernel-level network software.

Mentat Portable Streams (MPS) is a fast, full-featured, multi-processor
safe version of the Unix System V Release STREAMS environment. Its
inclusion in Open Transport provides a reliable platform for
protocols--including Apple's own STREAMS-based AppleTalk stack--and allows
easy porting of third party protocols from other platforms to Open
Transport and the MacOS. MPS is the same implementation of STREAMS found
inside many Unix operating systems including those from IBM and OSF, as
well as other platforms such as Novell NetWare. Mentat TCP (MTCP) is a
robust implementation of TCP/IP that conforms with all industry standards;
it makes a significant contribution to the performance and functionality
of Open Transport/TCP.

"We selected Mentat to supply both their STREAMS environment and MTCP based
on their outstanding track record as a supplier to other key networking
and OS industry players", said Andy Felong, Apple's Senior Director of
Communications & Collaboration. "The successful delivery of Open Transport
has shown that our confidence in Mentat was very well-placed."

"By adopting our proven, scalable implementation of STREAMs and TCP as the
foundation for Open Transport, Apple has taken the steps necessary to
position the Mac OS as the leading desktop platform for LAN and Internet
connectivity", said Bruce Carneal, President of Mentat. "Not only does it
embrace cross-platform standards, but with its support for transport
independent applications Open Transport re-sets the bar for desktop OS
networking and communications".

Apple Open Transport brings a new level of networking connectivity, control
and compatibility to Macintosh customers, while preserving and enhancing
the hallmark of the Mac OS--built-in support for easy-to-use networking.
Apple Open Transport (v1.0) began shipping to select customers in June of
this year with the release of Apple's powerful and expandable Power
Macintosh 9500. In August, Apple began shipping a new updated version of
Open Transport, (v1.0.6) to customers with the new Power Macintosh 7200,
7500, and 8500 systems.

In addition to supporting the new Power Macs, Open Transport Version 1.0.6
makes some fixes to Open Transport 1.0 and incorporates work being done
towards the planned Open Transport 1.1 release. More detailed information
is available in the Release Notes, however, in summary Version 1.0.6
updates can be grouped into four areas; core AppleTalk changes to improve
overall performance and stability; core TCP/IP changes to improve overall
performance and stability, changes to interoperate with Microsoft Windows
NT DHCP server, and better compatibility with BOOTP servers;
backward-compatibility for AppleTalk changes to better support
applications that use Name Binding Protocol (NBP) as a form of software
license enforcement on the network; and backward-compatibility for TCP/IP
changes to address potential data truncation problem, and substantial
changes to improve compatibility with existing SLIP and PPP
implementations.

Availability

Apple Open Transport 1.0.6 is available to customers who purchase a new
Power Macintosh 7200, 7500, or 8500 system with PCI bus. Customers who
previously bought a Power Macintosh 9500 can upgrade their system software
to the latest version, including Open Transport version 1.0.6 by calling
1-800-769-2775 ext. 5617. The cost is U.S. $10 for shipping and handling
plus local tax.

Apple plans to make Open Transport Version 1.1 available for other
Macintosh computers, including the installed base of 680x0-based and
earlier Power Macintosh systems by the end of 1995 through software
maintenance, OEM and other Mac OS distribution channels. Pricing and other
details will be announced prior to product availability.

Mentat is based in Los Angeles, CA, Mentat was founded in 1987 and remains
privately held. In addition to STREAMS and TCP/IP, Mentat also provides
STREAMS-based XTP and XNS protocol stacks. By emphasizing both portability
and performance, Mentat delivers highly reliable and maintainable
software. Mentat has licensed its software to over 30 major OEMs
throughout North America, Europe, and Japan including Apple,
Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Motorola, Novell, OSF, Sony, Sun and Xerox.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information
industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal
computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal
digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple
(NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products,
technologies and services for the business, education, consumer,
scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.

Customer Information Contact: If you are considering the purchase of an
Apple product and would like to have product information faxed to you,
please call 1-800-462-4396 in the U.S. or (415) 598-4329 in Canada. If you
do not have a fax machine or would like to locate an Apple authorized
reseller near you, please call 1-800-538-9696. Customers outside the U.S.
should contact their local Apple representatives for information.

Apple's home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.apple.com/

Apple Computer Inc
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
408-996-1010
 
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