Extended Services From Applelink Announced
CUPERTINO, Calif. — April 26, 1993 — Users of AppleLink — the global information and communication service from Apple Computer Inc. (NASDAQ-NMS: AAPL) — can now get everything from travel planning to political commentary, following agreements announced today by Apple. The extension of the service, which reaches over 54,000 subscribers in 52 countries worldwide, delivers online information from organizations such as Reuters, RR Donnelley GeoSystems, Dow Jones, Ziff Desktop Information, USA Today, Grolier Electronic Publishing and Tribune Media Services. Apple customers can also benefit from expanded support information as well as a new area on the topic of "Mobile Computing."
Apple Online Services (AOS), the electronic services business unit within the Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) division, intends to significantly add information to these areas, as well as adding additional areas in the future.
"This new expansion represents our commitment to expand its online information services beyond an Apple industry focus and provide ongoing value to our users worldwide," said Peter Friedman, director of Apple Online Services. "The new information added to the existing core information services on AppleLink will also be used in future services developed by AOS."
In the future, AOS services are planned to be included with Macintosh personal computers (including PowerBook computers), products in the Newton family and other Personal Digital Assistants.
New Services Highlights:
— Expanded Support Information
Apple and third-party support information has been significantly expanded and consolidated into one area. In addition to the expanded technical content, the area features a "meeting place" for the entire Apple support community. Discussion boards give users access to the assistance and opinions of other support professionals. All information is updated daily.
— ZiffNet Selections from Ziff Desktop Information
ZiffNet Selections combines popular features of the ZiffNet/Mac online information service, including the latest industry news, product reviews, and downloadable software from Ziff publications like MacUser, MacWEEK, and PCWeek.
— News and Reference
– Dow Jones Service: Daily newsletter from the Wall Street Journal, CustomClips news clipping service and Company Reports service.
– Tribune Media Services: Feature Columnists (horoscopes, movie reviews, entertainment news, lottery scores, political commentary, health & fitness columnists) and Market News (daily market summary info, money market and CD rates, top executive's trades, and financial experts). Also includes TV Quest, a weekly searchable TV listings database.
– Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc: Grolier's Academic American Encyclopedia, from abacus to zygote.
– USA Today Service: USA Decisionlines — topical news briefs organized by industry. Topics include banking, business law, trends and marketing, real estate, telecommunication, and more.
– Reuters: Headline news and business news reports; sports news, scores, schedules.
– Central Weather: Weather conditions and forecasts of over 130 cities worldwide.
— Travel
The travel area is intended to assist users in making business or leisure travel plans. For an additional fee, users can receive access to the following services:
– Road Trip Planner from GeoSystems: A road trip planning service suggests best or most scenic driving routes and includes driving times and distances.
– Worldview TripPlan: Custom trip planning information includes Worldview's custom published trip plans tailored to user interests and includes information about recreation, restaurants, sight special events and more.
— Mobile Computing
A mobile systems area added to AppleLink brings users information on topics related to mobile computing, such as Powerbook user tips and news on PDA's, pen based products, etc.
Earlier this year Apple established a strategic relationship with America Online, licensing their technology for use in future Apple branded services. This partnership has been expanded to include a pilot program with select Macintosh Performas featuring an Apple Special Edition of America Online, offering exclusive Apple information through an arrangement with Apple Online Services. It is intended that customers who subscribe to this edition will be eligible for upgrades to Apple's future online services.
Apple Online Services is Apple's information services business unit and currently provides commercial information services such as AppleLink and AppleLink CD to 54,000 subscribers in 52 countries around the world.
NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are registered trademarks and AppleLink, PowerBook and Newton are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. American Online is a registered service mark of America Online Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective companies and are acknowledged as such.
CONTACT:
Frank O'Mahony of Apple Computer, 408-974-5420