Apple Computer UK Announces Expansion Capabilities of Email for Newton PDA
May 10, 1996 — In a move which expands the email strengths of Apple's Newton platform, Apple Computer, Inc. and CompuServe Incorporated today announced they have entered into an agreement to provide a CompuServe Mail Client for Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) based on Apple's Newton technology. The client software allows users of the MessagePad and its Newton operating system to connect to the CompuServe Mail network.
The CompuServe Mail Client for Newton 2.0 will link Newton customers to CompuServe's global network with more than 480 points of presence worldwide. The mail gateway links users of the Internet, other commercial online services and private email networks, giving reliable 24-hour connection to virtually anyone who has an email account. The mail client also shares an electronic mailbox with CompuServe connections on all computers, including those running Microsoft Windows and Windows 95.
"With this tool, Newton PDA users can stay in touch, regardless of where they travel, in most cases with a local telephone call," said Mike Blackwell, CompuServe product manager. "It's convenient to use, because the CompuServe Mail Client works with Newton 2.0's built-in tools, such as the In Box and Out Box. When the user returns home, he or she can access the same mail using their desktop computer, whether it's Windows or Mac OS-based. It's part of CompuServe's 'Stay in Charge' strategy to ensure our members can receive critical information anytime, anywhere, through any type of computer." Blackwell continued.
"The addition of a CompuServe Mail client widens the email offerings on the Newton platform, keeping with our strategy of an open environment to give customers a choice when considering their email options," said Craig Sears-Black, European marketing director for Apple's Newton Systems Group. "It also provides another option for customers to send and receive email through the Internet."
The CompuServe Mail Client for Newton 2.0 will be available online, free of charge, to Newton PDA customers who are CompuServe members. It is expected to be available in June 1996.
Apple's email strategy for the Newton platform is to support a wide variety of email, and to give customers a range of choices. Many of the choices are from third party developers and include online email clients for services like CompuServe and LAN email (for example Lotus cc: Mail, CE QuickMail, First Class Mail and Microsoft Mail through remote access mail clients). Other choices such as Qualcomm's Eudora and LunaMail provide Internet mail access.
CompuServe is an H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) company. Founded in 1955, H&R Block is a diversified services company and the world's leader in tax preparation and online information services. H&R Block Tax Services handled almost one in every seven returns with the Internal Revenue Service in 1995, serving 17.1 million taxpayers in more than 9,500 offices worldwide. CompuServe operates the most comprehensive online network in the world, providing services to more than 950 corporate accounts and more than 4.7 million users in more than 185 countries.
Apple Computer, Inc., a recognised innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customer's in over 140 countries.
Apple's home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.apple.com Apple Computer UK's home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.euro.apple.com/uk/ Newton home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.info.apple.com/newton
CONTACT:
Russell Brady, Apple Computer UK Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)181 730 2480
Melissa Davis, Bite
Tel: +44 (0)181 741 1123