MUSTANG SOFTWARE, PROJECT ANNIHILATOR PRELIMINARY INFORMATION SHEET
AUGUST 22, 1995

Interactive Multimedia Reaches the On-line Application Market

Mustang Software is developing a system to empower the corporate, business,
small office and hobbyist community to offer full on-line multimedia to
customers, staff and prospects. The development name of the project is
Annihilator and it has entered beta testing at several hundred locations.
It is targeted for release between Thanksgiving and the end of the year as
Wildcat! 5 for Windows 95 and Windows NT.Annihilator is a true Windows 95
or Windows NT client/server application designed to provide a BBS-based
solution for a broad range of customers. It delivers an exciting
interactive multimedia experience for callers by allowing the system
operator to make use of familiar multimedia tools, including JPEG and GIF
editors, for customization of the caller interface. For backward
compatibility all aspects of the system are accessible via standard ANSI
connectivity but when accessed using the free remote client, the caller is
greeted with an exciting multimedia experience. The support engine for
offering remote graphics to the caller is included at no additional cost,
and the remote graphical client suite is slated for free distribution.
Annihilator takes full advantage of the new multitasking in Windows 95 and
the robust server operations in Windows NT to provide a solution for every
online need. The Windows 95 platform has been selected to support small to
medium load systems while the Windows NT platform was chosen to provide
high performance on-line solutions utilizing its single and
multi-processor support.

TRUE CLIENT/SERVER TECHNOLOGY

The Bulletin Board System arena is the latest market segment to be courted
by advertisements touting the benefits of "client/server" technology.
However, upon closer inspection, "client/server" is often used to refer to
the use of a proprietary remote program (the client) to dial into a BBS
application (the server). While the use of a remote graphic client is an
exciting aspect of many of the newer BBS technologies including
`Annihilator', it does not represent true client/server functionality at
the application program level, the location where its true power can be
unleashed.

SO WHAT IS CLIENT/SERVER?

Client/server, at its simplest level, is an architecture that involves
client processes requesting service from server processes. Client/server
computing recognizes that those client modules need not all be executed
within the same memory space, that is, the processes that distribute the
information need not all be a part of the same single program. Separation
of the client and server modules provides improved security and
performance. By implementing a BBS with a core information server, and
routing that information using a number of application clients at the
sysop's location, a system can be established that delivers more
information at greater speed, even on a single PC running Windows 95.

ISN'T IT COMPLICATED?

Client/server can be as simple as running two or three familiar programs on
a single PC or as intricate as a multiple-PC network running several
applications on each PC. The beauty of client/server model is that once
you understand the relationship between the different executable programs
(the clients and the servers) you can set it up in any of several ways
that best meet your needs. The client/server model of Annihilator above is
a simple setup with the server and all clients running on a single PC. The
computer can operate under Windows 95 or Windows NT Workstation or Server.
This configuration offers the most compact system and allows for total
management from the single BBS computer. An alternative to operating all
client executables on a single PC is to distribute the processing over a
Microsoft Network. The server executable runs on a Windows NT (workstation
or server) PC while the client modules can be run on either the server PC
or networked PCs running either Windows 95 or Windows NT. The advantage of
separating some client operations from the server is increased power
through distributed processing. For example, in an extremely active system
the sysop may find it advantageous to establish three PCs, one for the
Server and TCP/IP connectivity, including WWW access, and two others, each
running a rack of 32 modems with its own copy of the Modem Controller
Client.

USE OF THE CLIENT/SERVER MODEL PROVIDES A NUMBER OF ADVANTAGES:

* 32-bit Windows multitasking means no additional multitasking software is
needed and 16-32 lines can be run easily without loading multiple copies
of the BBS.

* The entire BBS configuration in our client/server model can be modified
even while in full operation, but only by authorized personnel. The system
server accepts change requests and implements them as soon as usage
permits.

* The number of inbound sessions on a single computer is significantly
increased. Thanks to the enhanced multitasking of both 32-bit Windows
platforms, a much larger number of connections is possible on any given
PC. As inbound access (via modem, telnet, HTTP, etc.) reaches the
processor limits for any given PC, additional client PCs can be added
which communicate automatically with the server. Clients for modems, HTTP,
telnet and other activities can be operated on a single PC or on a variety
of additional systems, depending on load.

* This new generation BBS can truly isolate the core of the host
activities, providing secure, private system access even to local users.
The server portion of the system is established in an area on disk with
restricted user access. The server controls all access to messages, files
and other system information. Requests are submitted to the server by all
support programs and third-party utilities through an easily adopted
application program interface (API). This methodology has the added
advantage of allowing the actual BBS program-flow code to be written in
wcCODE and to be fully customizable.

True Client/server technology provides total flexibility. It allows the
sysop to offer a BBS on a desktop platform and to expand the system
capabilities as desired.

STANDARD ANNIHILATOR MODULES INCLUDED WITH EVERY BBS CREATE A FOUNDATION

Server module

This module provides the base functionality for processing all database and
configuration requests through a published API structure.

Local or LAN Client

This module is included with every package and is used by anyone connecting
at the host PC. It can also be used by anyone on the network for local
login. It is an ANSI text connection. Note that the Graphical Client used
for remote connection also can be used locally for a graphical local
connection.

Online Client

This module is included with every package and answers the phone for all
dial-in lines. It can present the BBS information to a caller in ANSI,
ASCII or in full graphics when called with the free remote graphical
client.

QWK Echo Client

This module is included with every package and handles QWK mail exchange
processing between the host and other BBSs.

TAPI Client

This module is included with every package and provides a link to the
Windows Telephony Application Program Interface. It talks to TAPI-aware
add-on cards or hardware that offer ISDN, X.25 or other connectivity.

Graphical Remote Client

This module is a set of freely-distributable Windows programs for callers
to experience full multimedia when connected. This program suite operates
on Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows NT and any OS/2 release with Windows
support. It can also be run locally, over a LAN or via a telnet
connection. The core language of the remote graphical client is HTML, the
language of the World Wide Web.

OPTIONAL ANNIHILATOR MODULES INCREASE CLIENT/SERVER POWER

UUCP Client [wcGATE]

This optional module handles dial-up Internet email and newsgroup support.
It includes a dial-out program and mail tosser, allowing callers to send
and receive Internet email and newsgroup messages. It also supports
feeding messages to downline nodes.

Internet Package

This optional accessory package handles TCP/IP support and includes several
individual clients. Note that many of the modules included with the
Internet Client Package operate as clients to the BBS host, but act as a
server to the wider Internet connection:

* Telnet Module - This module handles inbound telnet, connecting callers to
the BBS when they connect from a remote internet site. In this mode it
acts as a telnet server. With the Telnet module installed the BBS also
supports outbound telnet sessions requested by callers, connecting them to
other locations on the internet. In this mode the BBS acts as a telnet
client for the caller. Inbound telnet connections support ANSI, ASCII and
the graphical remote client interface.

* FTP Module - This module handles inbound FTP file requests and functions
as a FTP server. Requests can be made anonymously for a restricted file
set, or using a name and password on the BBS for FTP access to files based
on the caller's access profile.

* WWW Module - This module provides BBS connectivity to callers connecting
using a WWW browser. It functions as an HTTP server that dynamically
creates HTML files for file and message data and is fed by a set of
display files in HTML format customized by the sysop.

* IRC Module - This module provides a link to internet relay chat to expand
the live discussion capabilities of the BBS. It functions as an irc client
for callers. Note that standard inter-node chat is supported without this
module.

* SMTP Module - This module provides support for simple mail transfer
protocol messaging and acts as a server for SMTP. It provides the link to
allow callers to send and receive internet email.

* NNTP Module - This module provides support for network news transfer
protocol messaging and acts as a NNTP client to process mail from an
Internet NNTP server (many providers offer nntp mail services). It
provides the link to allow callers to read and reply to usenet
newsgroups.

MAPI Client

This optional module provides a link to the Windows Mail Application
Program Interface. It provides a mechanism to exchange messages between
any application that supports MAPI such as Microsoft Mail, cc:Mail, Lotus
Notes, etc. With MAPI support the sysop can easily establish a single
repository for all messages by routing e-mail to Microsoft Exchange or any
favorite mail package.

CODE Development Package [wcCODE]

This optional package is a new, enhanced high-speed 32-bit development
language so powerful that all standard BBS functions are written in it.
The CODE package allows the sysop to create custom BBS operations and
programs to be run by the caller. Source Code

For total customization of all online activity the wcCODE source for all
BBS functions is available for purchase. (Requires wcCODE)

Database (SQL) Client

This optional module provides full remote connectivity to distributed
database processing using the SQL standard.

Reports Client [wcPRO]

This optional module provides extensive reporting on BBS usage and
activities.

Billing Client [wcBILLING]

This optional module provides a complete billing for pre-pay or post-pay
systems.

HOW DO I SET UP A CLIENT/SERVER BBS?

The configuration of Annihilator is very similar to the DOS Wildcat! BBS
except that all configuration programs are 32-bit graphic Windows
applications. Once you have run the installation and configuration
programs you maintain the BBS using other Windows applications that
provide functionality similar to the DOS Wildcat! MAKEMENU, MAKEWILD,
MAKEQUES, wcFILE, and other support programs.

HOW DO CALLERS CONNECT?

There are several methods for callers to connect to your Annihilator
(Wildcat! 5 ) BBS and several types of presentation:

* Dial-in modem callers using a standard comm package receive standard ANSI
screens, just like WC4.

* Dial-in modem callers using the Graphical Remote Client package receive a
full graphical HTML presentation. The BBS main "page" and all other
informational pages such as bulletins, etc. are created by the sysop as
HTML (www) documents using any HTML editor.

* Telnet in connections using a standard telnet or comm package receive
ANSI screens, just like WC4.

* Telnet in connections using the Graphical Remote Client package receive a
full graphical HTML presentation.

* FTP inbound connection requests can log in as "guest" or "anonymous" for
limited file access as set by the sysop, or can log in as a BBS user with
the correct password for full file lists based on BBS access profiles.

* HTTP inbound can be made using any browser (Netscape, Mosaic, etc.) and
will receive dynamically generated HTML pages for files and messages, with
other information and a main "page" prepared by the sysop as HTML
documents.

WHAT INTERNET SERVICES CAN I OFFER?

Your callers can make use of a number of Internet services if they dial-in
using the Remote Graphical Client. By connecting to you over a standard
phone line they are able to telnet to any other internet location, they
can ftp to any other location and they can surf the World Wide Web
(because our Remote Graphical Client is a web browser). We hope to add the
ability to offer PPP connectivity as well, but the implementation may not
be available until after Christmas.

WHAT HARDWARE WILL I NEED?

Annihilator was designed to provide a platform for everything from a single
line BBS to a 1,000 line corporate connectivity server. The same set of
client/server modules are used in all installations.

For a simple one or two line BBS the easiest installation platform would be
a 486/66 PC with 8 MB of memory running Windows 95. The standard
communications ports in the PC can be used and the sysop just needs to run
the Server Module and the Modem Client. Minimize these two programs on the
desktop and your BBS is operational. To login locally you run the
Graphical Client for a full graphical BBS session.

As the BBS expands the sysop might add a multiport card from Digi, Comtrol,
Stallion, Equinox or any other manufacturer that offers Windows 95 or NT
support. A 4-16 port card can be installed in the same 486 PC to increase
line count and the only additional hardware changes might be to add
additional memory to 16 MB. The same Modem Client will handle the
additional lines with the installation of a line count increase module.

Further expansion of the BBS can be accomplished in many ways. As line
count increases the power of the PC can be increased to handle the added
load by moving to a Pentium 90-120 MHz CPU. With the technology available
today it is entirely possible to operate a single-box PC that can address
hundreds of incoming lines and other connections by taking advantage of
the multi-processor capabilities of the Windows NT platform.

For those that would rather make use of a LAN environment for BBS
connectivity the Annihilator project also has a solution. By using Windows
NT (Server or Workstation) the sysop can establish a server PC that
handles the core server duties and separate PCs for different aspects of
the remote connection. Each Client module can be operated on a networked
PC running Windows 95 or NT, and will communicate with the server PC
automatically. No messy drive mappings and no specific Networking
components are required, other than those that come with Windows NT
(workstation or server) and Windows 95. This type of distributed
processing system really make sense for large systems with several
different types of access, including local, TCP/IP, modem, X.25 and ISDN.
Different client processes can be run on less-powerful PCs depending on
their load.

WHAT ABOUT NOVELL NETWORKS?

Annihilator is totally compatible with NetWare. A workstation PC in a
NetWare LAN can run Windows 95 or Windows NT and operate the complete BBS.
Other LAN PCs can access the BBS using the Local/LAN client.

Although the BBS PC can access files located on the NetWare Server drives,
it is recommended that all BBS files be located on the PC that operates
the BBS Server Module, with the possible exception of the downloadable
files, which can be located anywhere on the LAN.

The sysop can set up BBS clients on other PCs on the LAN providing the BBS
server module is on a PC running Windows NT and the other client PCs run
Windows 95 or NT. The same cabling for NetWare connectivity is
automatically used by the Windows networking to share BBS client/server
data using NT's routing technology.

Can it Run Doors? Annihilator supports DOS-based doors on all port
connections, and includes a program for DOS program redirection. However,
operation of 16-bit DOS doors does limit the number of lines that can be
supported on any given PC. Programs specifically written in the new 32-bit
wcCODE are an exception, and do not cause this system degradation.

Doors do not require any modification and operate in their own memory
session for each node. Door operation is virtualized, a process that
isolates the door itself from the port, and prevents it from knowing
whether it is talking to a standard com port, a DigiBoard or a telnet
connection. All doors all think they are talking to a standard COM 1.

RELEASE INFORMATION AND PRICING

No specific release date has been set for project Annihilator, but the
target date is between Thanksgiving and year end. The majority of the
program modules are expected to be available in fourth quarter `95 but
some optional modules will not become available until early 1996.

PRE-RELEASE CD SPECIAL

A special Pre-Release Annihilator CD will be made available in
mid-September for $49. Only 5,000 copies of this special CD release will
be mastered, and they will be distributed solely as an instructional and
informational exercise. Although the BBS on the CD program will be
operational, it is not intended to be used as a commercial BBS because it
will not have completed testing nor will it include full printed
documentation.

The Pre-Release Annihilator CD has two functions:

* Provide an early introduction to new technology for leading-edge sysops.

* Establish eligibility for a staggering price discount on the purchase of
the full product release.

Those who purchase a copy of the CD and invest the time in learning the new
technology ahead of time will be rewarded with a 75% discount off the
purchase price when Annihilator is released. Wildcat! BBS sysops who elect
not to participate in the Pre-Release Annihilator CD special will be
eligible for a 66.6% (2/3) discount. The following table outlines the
expected manufacturer's suggested list price, the Pre- Release participant
discount and the Wildcat! sysop discount:

Product           MSRP*     75% off*     66.6% off*      Availability

M2 (two + local)    $149      $37          $49          4th qtr. `95
M16 (16 node)       $349      $87          $115         4th qtr. `95
M32 (32 node)       $699      $174         $230         4th qtr. `95
8 Pack Node Inc     $199      $49          $65          4th qtr. `95
UUCP Client (dial)  $149      $37          $49          4th qtr. `95
Internet Pkg.       $799      $199         $265         4th qtr. `95
MAPI Client         $799      $199         $265         early `96
CODE Language       $149      $37          $49          4th qtr. `95
BBS Source Code     $799      $199         $265         4th qtr. `95
SQL Database Client $799      $199         $265         early `96
Reports [wcPRO]     $149      $37          $49          early `96
Billing Client      $149      $37          $49          early `96

* MSRP - Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price; 75% off - to participants in
the special Pre-Release Annihilator CD program; 66.6% off - to any
Wildcat! sysop with a valid registration number

The CD will include an unlimited line count program, a dial-up UUCP client,
Internet support for telnet in/out, ftp in, and email/newsgroup message
tossing. It will also contain the wcCODE Integrated Development
Environment and source code for the BBS operation.

To obtain a copy of the CD contact MSI direct at 800-999-9619. The current
DOS version of Wildcat! will continue to be supported and updated by its
own separate team of engineers. We have no current plans for a native OS/2
BBS system and do not anticipate such development in the foreseeable
future.
 
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