-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOTUS Announces Lotus 1-2-3 FOR SUN sunFLASH Vol 13 #14 January 1990 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sun Workstation Users to Benefit from Spreadsheet Power of Best-selling PC Business Software NEW YORK, New York--January 17, 1990-- Lotus Development Corporation today announced Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun, a family of products based on Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3 and optimized for Sun's three computing platforms: the SPARC(TM)-based workstations; the Motorola-based Sun-3(TM) line; and the Intel-based Sun386i(TM). The announcement is the result of a joint development and marketing agreement announced by Lotus and Sun Microsystems, Inc. last summer. Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun is designed for users who want the spreadsheet capabilities of 1-2-3, combined with the power of the Sun workstation. The product integrates 1-2-3's rich user environment with high-performance Sun workstation capabilities, such as distributed network services, multiple window support, multi-tasking, and support for large memory. With Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun, Lotus and Sun are providing users with a powerful computing platform and the business application software used by millions of professionals today. "The introduction of 1-2-3 for Sun is a milestone for both companies and the industry," said Jim Manzi, Lotus president and CEO. "Users who have made the move to Sun workstations and UNIX(R) will have the spreadsheet of choice running on this powerful platform. For Lotus, 1-2-3 for Sun represents a major step in achieving our goal to provide applications software that operates across a wide variety of hardware and operating systems". According to Scott McNealy, president and CEO of Sun, important applications like Lotus 1-2-3 designed specifically for Sun workstations signals a major trend for 1990. "We're entering an era of workgroup computing in which professionals will share information via powerful, low-cost desktop systems like the SPARCstation 1(TM)," said McNealy. "The increasing availability of shrinkwrap UNIX applications like Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun will spur the rise of networked workstations as a company's principle information source." Advanced Spreadsheet Technologies Optimized for Workstation Users The new Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun includes the advanced spreadsheet capabilities introduced in 1-2-3 Release 3, including in data analysis improvements, three-dimensional modeling capabilities, relational database functionality, improved graphics and file reservation features. Like 1-2-3 Release 3, Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun will make use of external data access capabilities provided through Lotus' DataLens technology. "Lotus 1-2-3 and Sun workstations are natural partners for business," said Frank Moss, vice president of the Lotus Networked Applications and Systems Division. "Workstations provide tight integration of computation, graphics and networking that perfectly complements 1-2-3's superb analysis, presentation and integration capabilities. Furthermore, 1-2-3 for Sun is a comprehensive application solution that allows networked users to work together efficiently and productively." Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun is optimized for the Sun computing platforms, providing users with powerful capabilities available via SunOS(TM), Sun's UNIX operating system, running under the SunView(TM) windowing environment. This enables support for distributed network services, multiple window operation, multi-tasking, support for large memory and other workstation features. Users will be able to view up to 26 spreadsheets at a time, using Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun's three-dimensional perspective mode operating in a SunView window. Lotus 1-2-3 graphs and multiple spreadsheet files can be viewed through separate windows, which can be dynamically re-sized or transformed into icons for easy access. Users of Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun will be able to scroll through a spreadsheet, while simultaneously performing any mixture of the following: recalculations in the background, executing a macro, displaying a graph and receiving another worksheet file across a network. Users can, thus, become more productive and manage a large flow of applications and data using Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun's multi-tasking environment. Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun also supports the Sun networked environment, with network security, password protection and locking capabilities at the file level. Users will find the same familiar user interface as 1-2-3 Release 3 running under DOS and OS/2, and full keystroke compatibility. Files and macros are also fully compatible with 1-2-3 Release 3, and users can utilize Sun's industry-standard Network File System (NFS(TM)) and PC-NFS(TM) to access any file on a network created by previous versions of 1-2-3 such as 1-2-3 Release 2.01, 1-2-3 Release 2.2 and 1-2-3 Release 3. This compatibility provides users with the ability to share 1-2-3 data, files and macros in a heterogeneous or mixed computing environment, while protecting their investments in applications development and training. Lotus to Provide DataLens Toolkits for Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun Lotus also announced that it will produce a DataLens Developer Toolkit for 1-2-3 for Sun. This product will allow third-party database vendors and corporate programmers to create drivers that enable application users to access a wide variety of external data sources from directly within 1-2-3. Drivers under development for Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun include Sybase, Ingres, Oracle and Unify. The DataLens Developer Toolkit is currently in beta testing and will be available in the second quarter of 1990. Pricing, Availability and Support Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun is currently in beta testing and will ship in the second quarter of 1990. Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun is priced at $695 for a Standard Edition, $995 for a Server Edition and $495 for a Node Edition. The Server Edition is designed for installation on a network server, providing an efficient way for users to share software. This edition contains the complete Standard Editions, plus network documentation and administration software, which allows the administrator to determine the number of licenses available on the network. A single Server Edition supports users on all three Sun architectures. The Node Edition provides networked users with an additional license and documentation. Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun will be available through selected Lotus Authorized Resellers. These currently include Corsoft, Ingram Micro D, MicroAge, Softmart, Softsel Worldwide and Univar. Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun will also be available through Electro Rep, a leading UNIX reseller Lotus will supply traditional Lotus hotline support for Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun, including free support for 90 days. Additional enhanced support programs tailored to the needs of workstation users will be announced at the first customer shipment. The Standard Edition of Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun requires a Sun-3, Sun-4 (including the SPARCstation) or a Sun386i workstation running SunOS 4.0 or higher, 4 megabytes of RAM and 5 megabytes of available hard disk space. Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun is part of the Lotus Spreadsheet Family, and is a central component in Lotus' long-term cross-platform strategy to provide users with common applications and services in heterogeneous computing environments. Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Lotus Development Corporation is the leading developer of applications software for personal computers and information services delivered on CD-ROM. Sun Microsystems, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a leading worldwide supplier of network-based distributed computing systems, including professional workstations, servers and UNIX operating system and productivity software. ### All prices and terms are for the U.S.A. only. SPARC, Sun-3, Sun386i, SPARCstation, SunOS, NFS, PC-NFS and SunView are trademarks Sun Microsystems, Inc. Lotus 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T. All other products or services mentioned in this document are identified by the trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations. Press Contact: Nancy Groves (415) 336-6411 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sunflash is an electronic mail news service from Sun Microsystems, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Please address comments to John McLaughlin (sun!sunvice!johnj or johnj@sunvice.sun.COM). (305) 776-7770.