Complementary OS Strategy
Apple plans to implement an OS strategy that offers complementary product lines moving forward--Mac OS and Apple's next generation OS, Rhapsody. Mac OS will continue to deliver market leading Internet and multimedia capabilities; Rhapsody will introduce next generation OS technologies and provide a platform for breakthrough applications that leapfrog competitive OS offerings.
Smooth Migration Path Offers Compatibility
Apple's complementary OS strategy is designed to enable both Mac OS and Rhapsody to share a similar look and feel and provide compatibility with existing Mac OS applications and hardware. This gives customers and software developers a smooth upgrade path to next generation technology and protects their current investment in Mac OS technology. Additionally Rhapsody will support today's Mac OS personal computers, as well as future Mac OS hardware. Customers in each of Apple's markets can migrate to Apple's next generation OS, Rhapsody, at their own speed. Apple anticipates many customers will remain on Mac OS for a number of years and intends to continue to upgrade this track of the OS in regular semiannual upgrades.
Accelerated Delivery of New Operating System Software
Apple's complementary OS strategy will allow the Company to quickly deliver new operating system technology to market. Both Mac OS and Rhapsody will be scheduled for regular updates, giving customers access to the latest software from Apple. Apple expects the next generation technology in Rhapsody to come to market quicker because it is not directly tied to the upgrade schedule of Mac OS. This move should allow customers to plan deployment of new operating system technology in advance.
Breakthrough Development Environment Brings New Applications to
Market
The integration of NeXT Software's OPENSTEP development environment in Rhapsody will provide software developers, in-house development teams and new media specialists with a market-leading component software environment. This acclaimed development environment is acknowledged to allow small, fast, multimedia rich and Internet-centric applications to be created quicker than on competitive platforms. Apple believes that the advanced technical underpinnings and rapid development environment of Rhapsody will allow developers to create applications that leapfrog those of other 'modern' operating systems.
Multimedia and Internet Leadership
Apple's OS Strategy will allow the Company to continue to lead the market in multimedia innovation and provide new levels of Internet integration. Apple's QuickTime Media Layer (QTML) will be optimized for both Mac OS and Rhapsody moving forward, providing all Apple customers with multimedia leadership through the millennium. QTML is a set of cross-platform technologies that bring rich multimedia content to CD-ROM and the Internet--allowing developers to create and deliver synchronized graphics, sound, video, text, and music. Apple also plans to carry forward key technologies such as OpenDoc, Statements in this press release regarding future versions of the Mac OS and regarding Rhapsody are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including successful and timely development of future versions of the Mac OS and of Rhapsody. The success of new products is dependent on a number of factors, including technological feasibility, the ability of the Company to develop and make the product at an acceptable cost, market acceptance, and the Company's ability to manage the risks associated with product transitions. More information on potential factors that could affect the success of the products described in this press release and the Company's financial results are included in the respective SEC filings of Apple, including Apple's Form 10-K for the 1996 fiscal year, and in Apple's Form 10-Q for the first fiscal quarter, to be filed with the SEC.
Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in more than 140 countries.
Nicole Overson
NeXT Software Inc.
(415) 780-3731
email: nicole@next.com
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