Apple Boosts Performance of PowerPC Processor-based Workgroup Server Line

Faster CPU speeds, enhanced AppleShare performance and leading server
applications extend the value of Workgroup Servers

CUPERTINO, California--April 3, 1995--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced
three new PowerPC microprocessor-based Workgroup Servers featuring leading
PowerPC processor performance. The new servers are available with the
fastest AppleShare yet--AppleShare 4.1 -- delivering nearly twice the
performance of earlier versions of Apple's flagship file-and-print
software. In addition, Apple is bundling a host of server software
solutions that extends workgroup productivity for both server
administrators and network users.

"Apple offers the industry's best server price/performance by providing
customers with increased PowerPC performance, faster AppleShare and a
range of server software solutions that come standard with our Workgroup
Servers," said Jim Groff, vice president and general manager for Apple
Business Systems.

The new high-performance Workgroup Servers 6150/66, 8150/110, 9150/120
provide easy-to-use, low-cost server solutions for organizations in
education, publishing and business. The Workgroup Server 9150/120 is the
fastest PowerPC processor-based system available today, using the latest
PowerPC 601 120-megahertz processor developed by IBM and Motorola as part
of the PowerPC Alliance.

In addition, Apple's server solutions offer reliability and come equipped
with hardware and software designed to protect server data, including
high-capacity Digital Audio Tape (DAT) drives with Retrospect Remote
backup software from Dantz Development Corp. and Apple RAID Software for
disk mirroring. In the United States, the Workgroup Servers are supported
around the clock, 365 days a year by a technical hotline and come with
optional accelerated service plans to fit the needs of a range of customer
requirements. (Service agreements vary in other parts of the world.)
Apple's servers also come with high-capacity storage drives, including
quadruple-speed CD-ROM drives and hard-disk drives with up to
four-gigabytes of storage capacity.

AppleShare 4.1--90 Percent Faster

The latest version of AppleShare--version 4.1--is designed specifically for
the advanced PowerPC processor and runs an average of 90 percent faster
than previous versions of AppleShare for PowerPC (based on Apple internal
benchmarks using AppleShare 4.1 and the new Workgroup Server systems).

While server performance will vary depending on system configurations and
the tasks being performed, Apple reports that AppleShare 4.1 running on
the new Workgroup Servers 6150/66, 8150/110 and 9150/120 performs 90
percent faster (on average) than AppleShare 4.0.2 running on existing
6150, 8150 and 9150 servers (running at 60, 80 and 80 megahertz,
respectively). AppleShare 4.1 on existing Workgroup Servers 6150, 8150 and
9150 performs 75 percent faster (on average) than AppleShare 4.0.2 running
on the same servers. Performance increases were achieved by changes to
both the AppleShare client and server software, including a client
read-ahead and write-behind cache scheme and a new server desktop database
cache.

"We are delivering on our commitment to increase AppleShare performance on
the PowerPC platform," said Groff. "This effort will continue as we work
towards a file-and-print solution that runs native on PowerPC
processor-based Workgroup Servers from Apple."

Increased Application Performance

As a result of speedier PowerPC processor performance, a variety of
software solutions developed by independent software vendors (ISVs) now
run faster on the Workgroup Servers. Tests with Cumulus PowerPro 2.0.2, a
client/server image database from Canto Software Inc., showed that Cumulus
PowerPro is 25 percent faster on the 9150/120 than on the existing 9150
and up to 450 percent faster than the Macintosh Quadra 800. Claris
FileMaker Pro Server, version 2.1, a powerful network database server
software, showed a 20 percent performance increase on a 9150/120 when
compared to the 9150, and approximately a 30 percent increase on the
9150/120 when compared to a similar setup on a Power Macintosh 8100/80. In
addition, new versions of Adobe Systems' Print Central and Color Central,
image and print server productivity software, performed up to 40 percent
faster on the 9150/120 than on the existing 9150.

Server Software Solutions

In addition, Apple has added leading client/server productivity and server
administration software tools to its Workgroup Server solutions, including
Now Contact and Now Up-to-Date for workgroup contact management,
calendaring and scheduling from Now Software Inc. of Portland, Oregon;
Server Manager for remote AppleShare administration from Santorini
Consulting and Design Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.; FileWave for software
distribution and management from Wave Research Inc. of Berkeley, Calif.;
Acrobat Reader for viewing PDF (portable document format) files from Adobe
Systems Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.; and Viper Instant-Access for fast
reliable access to key business information such as company telephone
directories, price lists and customer contact lists from IT Design USA,
headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif. Availability, Upgrades and Pricing

The new Workgroup Servers 6150/66, 8150/110 and 9150/120 are expected to be
available from Apple authorized dealers in the U.S. beginning in April
1995. The new Workgroup Servers range in price from $2,549 to $8,709.
Upgrade kits, which include a higher speed logic board, System 7.5.1,
Apple RAID Software 1.0.2 and other components will be available for the
Workgroup Server 8150 and 9150 beginning in May 1995. A separate software
update kit, which includes System 7.5.1 and Apple RAID Software 1.0.2,
will be available for a nominal shipping and handling charge to current
PowerPC processor-based Workgroup Server customers in May 1995 (with proof
of purchase).

AppleShare 4.1 will be available and come pre-installed on several
Workgroup Server configurations, along with System 7.5.1 and Apple RAID
Software, beginning in April. All PowerPC-based Workgroup Server and Power
Macintosh customers with AppleShare 4.0.2 can upgrade to version 4.1 by
calling (408) 862-3385. Workgroup Server customers can receive the 4.1
upgrade for a nominal shipping and handling charge; Power Macintosh
customers can receive the upgrade for $199 plus shipping and handling
(proof of purchase required). AppleShare 4.1 will not be available for
purchase separately.

Customers interested in more information on the latest Workgroup Server
solutions from Apple should contact the ABS Network Information Hotline at
(408) 862-3385 (AppleLink: abs.netinfo; Internet e-mail:
abs.netinfo@applelink.apple.com). Customers can also get more information
on Workgroup Servers products by phoning Apple's Fax-On-Demand at (800)-GO
APPLE (choose option 2); or Apple's World-Wide Web page at
http://abs.apple.com. In Europe customers interested in more information
should contact their Regional European Apple Office.

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, on-line 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.

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

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