---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW CATALYST CDWARE PROGRAM FROM SUN LETS USERS SHOP FOR SOFTWARE AT THEIR DESK SunFLASH Vol 19 #17 July 1990 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Developer Support Program, Sun's "Welcome Kit," Also Helps Market Software MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. --July 17, 1990-- Sun Microsystems today unveiled two innovative new programs for marketing and distributing application software developed for Sun workstations. Catalyst(TM) CDware(TM) lets Sun users browse through an interactive "catalog" of applications -- such as Lotus 1-2-3 for Sun and FrameMaker -- contained on a CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory) disc. For Sun's third-party software developers, Catalyst CDware is an effective new vehicle for marketing their products directly to Sun users. As a key benefit of the program, the application software can be distributed to users. Sun's "welcome kit" is another unusual marketing program from Sun that benefits both customers and software developers. Now to be included with every new SPARCstation(TM) shipped domestically, this box contains discount coupons on third-party productivity applications and other products. Free Disc Sent to Customers Quarterly Each quarter, Sun will distribute Catalyst CDware to its customers. The disc will be offered to all Sun users at no charge. Catalyst CDware will include samples of software programs, short demonstrations and other information that can be displayed and interactively manipulated on a user's workstation screen. To purchase an application, Sun users will contact the software developer or its authorized resellers directly. A major feature of Catalyst CDware is the intuitive OPEN LOOK(TM) graphical user interface. Utilizing pull-down menus and point-and-click mouse controls, OPEN LOOK makes it easy and fun for users to look through the demos and programs, trying them out as desired. "As UNIX(R) systems such as our SPARCstations continue to move into the Fortune 1000, it's important for users to learn about all the new desktop applications for these systems," said Ed Zander, vice president of corporate marketing at Sun. "CD-ROM is great for this, since it's inexpensive, easy to use and stores a tremendous amount of information." Last May, Sun announced its intention to convert to compact disc as the exclusive distribution medium for all of its system and application software by 1991. Catalyst CDware discs run on SunCD(TM) drives, which are now owned by a growing percentage of SPARCstation users. In addition, Sun is now bundling SunCD drives with all its SPARCservers(TM) and high-end SPARCstations. A Catalyst CDware disc can also be loaded into a consumer CD player for audio information about Sun applications. To utilize the distribution capability of Catalyst CDware, software firms put their products on the disc, with selected features disabled. Users who wish to purchase the product contact the vendor, who supplies a special computer code that unlocks the disabled features. This turns the vendor's Catalyst CDware application into a fully functional, ready-to-use product. "Welcome Kit" A First in Workstation Industry Another developer support program from Sun is its "Welcome Kit", a first in the workstation industry. The kit contains discount coupons on application software, which are included with a workstation. Launched on a trial basis in May, the welcome kit will now be shipped with every desktop SPARCstation purchased domestically, in Canada and Italy. It contains discount coupons from third-party vendors on a range of software and services for Sun's SPARCstations, as well as promotional pricing on Sun products. Among the vendors participating are Lotus, Frame, Interleaf, T/Maker, Access Technology and VersaSoft. "We feel Catalyst CDware and our welcome kit are very effective, creative ways to help the developers in our Catalyst program sell their software," Zander said. "Through these programs, software developers now have a simple, direct marketing vehicle." The first Catalyst CDware disc will be distributed in October. Twenty vendors have already signed up to participate in the new Sun program. They are: Applix, Ashton-Tate, BMDP, DUX, Ficor, Frame, Ingres, Informix, Interleaf, Island Graphics, Kodak, KnowledgeSet, Lotus, Mathsoft, Media Logic, Saber, SAS, T/Maker, Unify and WordPerfect. Participation in the Catalyst CDware program is being offered to companies developing products based on OPEN LOOK. Sun will begin including its welcome kit with new desktop SPARCstations in mid-August. Both programs will be expanded to encompass Sun's overseas software vendors and customers in the future. 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. ### SPARCstation, SPARCserver, Catalyst and CDware are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. OPEN LOOK is a trademark and 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, Florida, USA. 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