APPLE, AT&T, IBM AND SIEMENS TEAM UP TO ACCELERATE CONVERGENCE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTING; Versit Initiative To Provide Choice and Diversity for Telephone, Computer Users.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 30, 1994--Apple Computer, AT&T, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) and Siemens today announced they have formed Versit, a global initiative to enable interoperability The capability of two or more hardware devices or two or more software routines to work harmoniously together. For example, in an Ethernet network, display adapters, hubs, switches and routers from different vendors must conform to the Ethernet standard and interoperate with each other. between existing and emerging communication and information products. The companies intend to accelerate availability of interoperable The ability for one system to communicate or work with another. See interoperability. products and services from competing vendors by developing and promoting open, cross-platform specifications. The cooperation covers products including telephones, PBXs, computers, networks, servers and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Versit will work with other communication and computer companies, as well as standards organizations A standards organization, also sometimes referred to as a standards body, a standards development organization or SDO (depending on what is being referenced), is any entity whose primary activities are developing, coordinating, promulgating, revising, amending, , to make it easy for users of communication and information devices from different vendors to collaborate and exchange voice, data, images and video. The initiative covers a wide range of computer and telephony platforms and operating systems Operating systems can be categorized by technology, ownership, licensing, working state, usage, and by many other characteristics. In practice, many of these groupings may overlap. , seeking to eliminate barriers to effective communication and collaboration. For example, Versit specifications will allow users to dial phone connections from mobile devices such as notebook computers A laptop computer that weighs in a range from five to seven pounds. The term originated when laptops were routinely more than 10 pounds, and those that became lighter were placed in a special "notebook" category. In practice, notebook computer and laptop computer are synonymous. or PDAs; connect video and data conferencing Sharing data interactively among several users in different locations. Data conferencing is made up of whiteboards and application sharing and are often used in conjunction with an audio or videoconferencing connection. systems from different vendors seamlessly; and electronically exchange personal information such as business cards through common formats. For developers, Versit will make it easier to create applications that are interoperable and portable over a variety of platforms. The companies outlined Versit's progress to date, which includes several specifications undergoing final review. Each of the four founding companies today also discussed its plans for incorporating Versit specifications into its individual products. Executives from the four companies Michael Spindler Michael Spindler (born 1942 in Germany), nicknamed "the Diesel" for his reputed around-the-clock work habits, was president and CEO of Apple from 1993 to 1996. Having joined Apple in 1980, he rose through the ranks in Apple's European operations as President of Apple Europe , president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Apple; Pat Russo Pat Russo (born 5 October 1941 in Morristown, New Jersey) is an American model. She was Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for its November 1965 issue. Her centerfold was photographed by Pompeo Posar. Pat grew up with her brother and sister in Connecticut. , president, AT&T Global Business Communications Systems In telecommunication, a communications system is a collection of individual communications networks, transmission systems, relay stations, tributary stations, and data terminal equipment (DTE) usually capable of interconnection and interoperation to form an integrated whole. ; Ellen Hancock Ellen Hancock is a long-time technology manager from the United States who has worked for IBM and Apple, among others. Hancock was born in the Bronx, New York City and raised in Westchester. , IBM senior vice president and group executive; and Peter Pribilla, member of the Siemens managing board and president and CEO of Siemens Rolm Communications Inc. said Versit is a direct response to their customers' desire to have the broadest range of choice in systems and services that can work together effectively. They said Versit is well positioned to succeed because it is small enough to work fast and large enough to have an impact in their converging industries. The initial scope of work defined by Versit covers both wired and wireless connections between telephones and computers, and exchanging information in three primary areas: Computer-telephony integration (CTI (Computer Telephone Integration) Combining data with voice systems in order to enhance telephone services. For example, automatic number identification (ANI) allows a caller's records to be retrieved from the database while the call is routed to the appropriate party. ), to allow telephony-based computer applications to work equally well from the home, car, office or hotel; Personal data interchange between diverse applications and platforms, for example electronic business cards; and Collaboration, the interconnection of voice, whiteboarding and video products from competing vendors. Versit specifications are based on existing and emerging standards; where no standards exist, Versit will develop specifications to address interoperability. Versit will work with standards organizations and industry groups in the development of standards-based specifications. Finalized See finalization. Versit specifications will be widely available to the industry. Project Work Well Underway Versit project teams have been working on specifications for defined project areas. The results of the technical work underway include: A comprehensive outline of direction for Versit CTI, which will take the form of a "Versit CTI Encyclopedia encyclopedia, compendium of knowledge, either general (attempting to cover all fields) or specialized (aiming to be comprehensive in a particular field). Encyclopedias and Other Reference Books " that defines a full range of functions across various computer and PBX (Private Branch eXchange) An inhouse telephone switching system that interconnects telephone extensions to each other as well as to the outside telephone network (PSTN). platforms. Versit's CTI specifications are based on Computer Supported Telecommunications Application (CSTA (Computer Supported Telephony Application) An international standard interface between a network server and a telephone switch (PBX) established by the European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA). ) standards, enhanced with leading CTI technologies from the industry, such as: Novell's Telephony Services Application Programming Interface (TSAPI (Telephony Services API) A telephony programming interface from Novell and AT&T. Based on the international CSTA standard, TSAPI is designed to interface a telephone PBX with a NetWare server to provide interoperability between PCs and telephone equipment. ), which will serve as the base for a common, computer platform-independent API (Application Programming Interface) A language and message format used by an application program to communicate with the operating system or some other control program such as a database management system (DBMS) or communications protocol. for developers; IBM's CallPath switch normalization In relational database management, a process that breaks down data into record groups for efficient processing. There are six stages. By the third stage (third normal form), data are identified only by the key field in their record. architecture, which allows CTI applications to be written independent of switch; first-party functions to extend CTI capabilities to home and mobile computer users; and a set of object classes under development for the next generation of telephony applications. Novell is working with Apple, AT&T, IBM and Siemens to advance the CTI industry and to develop Versit's API specification, to be called Versit TSAPI. The Versit CTI Encyclopedia will be available during the first half of 1995. Final specifications for implementation of the Versit GeoPort project, addressing universal high-speed wired connection for computers, mobile devices and telephones. The specification is based on Apple Computer's GeoPort, the plug-and-play serial port connection providing up to 200 times the bandwidth of traditional serial ports. This specification will be available in early 1995. Specifications for personal data interchange for electronic virtual business cards that can be transferred through wireless or wired connections. The specifications are based on Bento A data structure used to store embedded documents in an OpenDoc compound document. Bento, which stands for lunch box in Japanese, provides a "container" to hold the data and a format for defining its contents. container technology from CILabs and will be available in early 1995. Support for standards developed by the Infrared Data Association See IrDA. (standard, body) Infrared Data Association - (IrDA) A non-profit trade association providing standards to ensure the quality and interoperability of infrared (IR) hardware. (IrDA) to serve as the wireless connection of personal computers/PDAs to telecommunications devices. The Versit founders, with the endorsement of Hewlett-Packard, plan to work with IrDA to extend its specifications and develop implementation guidelines. Progress towards an implementor's agreement for interoperable ISDN-based video conferencing See videoconferencing. (communications) video conferencing - A discussion between two or more groups of people who are in different places but can see and hear each other using electronic communications. based on the H.320 standard. Versit will leverage the work of the WorldWorx developers' group. This implementor's agreement will be available during the first half of 1995. Versit plans to address additional areas for interoperability, including collaborative data conferencing over a variety of communications infrastructures, simultaneous voice and data See SVD. , and universal mailbox A simulated mailbox in the computer that holds e-mail messages. Mailboxes are stored on disk as a file of messages, a database of messages or as an individual file for each message. The standard mailboxes are usually In, Out, Trash and Junk (Spam). messaging. Versit is a trademark of Apple, AT&T, IBM and Siemens Siemens is a registered trademark of Siemens Aktiengesellschaft CallPath is a trademark of IBM Apple is a registered trademark, and GeoPort and Bento are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. WorldWorx is a service mark of AT&T Press Contacts: Nov. 30 Only: 212-554-1489 212-554-1492 After Nov. 30: Apple: Lisa Byrne (408) 862-5154
AT&T: Kevin Compton (408) 452-3966
IBM: Glenn Rossman (914) 766-1711
Steve Malkiewicz (914) 765-4916
Siemens: Alice Andors (202) 434-4820
How to Contact Versit:
Internet: Versit(use "at" symbol)cup.portal.com
Phone: 800-803-6240
Fax: 800-803-6241
Outside the U.S.:
Phone: 201-327-2803
Fax: 201-327-4981
-0- Apple Computer, Inc. Joins Versit Computer and Communications Interoperability Initiative Pledges commitment to make Macintosh the universal platform for connecting and exchanging information with diverse communications devices Typically refers to a terminal used to send voice, video or text. Mobile phones, wireless PDAs and personal computers equipped with microphones, speakers and cameras are all considered communications devices. See modem. NEW YORK New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , New York--November 30, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced that it has joined AT&T, IBM and Siemens as a founding partner of Versit. This global initiative has been established to provide common specifications to improve the interoperability between existing and future computer and communications platforms, including network services. At a press conference in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. , company president and CEO Michael Spindler pledged Apple's commitment to make Macintosh the universal platform for a wide variety of communications products and services, such as telephones, PBX systems, personal digital assistants and computer networks. To that end, the company announced today Versit-compliant product plans which adhere to adhere to verb 1. follow, keep, maintain, respect, observe, be true, fulfil, obey, heed, keep to, abide by, be loyal, mind, be constant, be faithful 2. Versit specifications. "Customers are frustrated frus·trate tr.v. frus·trat·ed, frus·trat·ing, frus·trates 1. a. To prevent from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire; thwart: with proprietary standards Specifications for hardware and software that are developed and controlled by one company. Proprietary standards are technically de facto standards such as Microsoft's Windows and Intel's x86 chip family. Contrast with open standards. that build walls between telephone networks and computing devices," said Michael Spindler. "At Apple, we don't think the customer should have to worry about device interoperability. We will assume that burden for them by making the commitment to produce interoperable products. Apple will succeed not only by standing out in quality of integration and user experience, but also by fitting in through interoperability." "This is a significant announcement for Apple, on par in importance with the PowerPC development relationship," said Paul Kent, president of Mactivity Inc., who hosts industry conferences and publishes a technical journal about Apple's communication technologies. "The presence of Apple as a founding member of Versit and their technology contributions reinforces Apple's status as a leader in the fields of communications and collaboration." Within the next 12 to 18 months, Apple intends to introduce Versit-compliant products in the areas of connectivity, personal data interchange, computer-telephony integration, and conferencing and messaging. In the area of connectivity, Apple is currently shipping GeoPort-compliant Macintosh computers. Versit selected Apple's GeoPort architecture as the basis for its specifications for a universal multimedia interface. GeoPort is the only cross-platform serial interface that is designed to link a computer with virtually any other communications device and transmit any kind of information, anywhere in the world. In the areas of personal data interchange and infrared (IR) connectivity, Apple plans to have "Versit IR"-compliant products for its Macintosh PowerBook and Newton product lines. As an example, this means that a PowerBook user in the future could beam their business card (which complies with the Versit specification) via infrared (which complies with the IrDA specification) to any other "Versit IR"-compliant device without any need for data re-entry RE-ENTRY, estates. The resuming or retaking possession of land which the party lately had. 2. Ground rent deeds and leases frequently contain a clause authorizing the landlord to reenter on the non-payment of rent, or the breach of some covenant, when the . In addition, PowerTalk's Personal Address Book will support Versit's virtual business card specification (which is based on the OpenDoc Bento structured storage mechanism). In the area of computer-telephony integration (CTI), Apple intends to continue to extend its Macintosh Telephony Architecture (MTA (1) (Message Transfer Agent or Mail Transfer Agent) The store and forward part of a messaging system. See messaging system. (2) See M Technology Association. 1. (messaging) MTA - Message Transfer Agent. ) by incorporating support for the "Versit Telephony Control Services" specifications. This extension means that the Macintosh will provide even greater levels of interoperability and functionality for computer-telephony integration while existing elements of MTA, including Telephony-Apple events, the Macintosh Telephone Manager, and other Mac OS facilities ensure that Macintosh remains the best and easiest-to-author development platform for telephony-aware, screen-based telephony, and programmed telephony applications. Finally, in the area of conferencing and messaging, Apple plans on supporting Versit's specifications that describe interoperability between various video conferencing architectures over diverse networks. "Apple pioneered ease-of-use and multimedia at the desktop, and we're at the forefront as the worlds of computers and telephones converge," said Rick LeFaivre, vice president of the Advanced Technology Group of Apple Computer, Inc. "Our customers know and trust us to bring the power of these very different worlds to their desktop in a way that is meaningful to them." 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, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :AAPL AAPL Apple Computer, Inc. (stock symbol) AAPL American Association of Professional Landmen AAPL American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law AAPL Advance Audiovisual Presentation Limited AAPL Advocates for Arkansas Public Libraries ) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific, and engineering and government markets in over 140 countries. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh and Newton are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. GeoPort, OpenDoc, PowerBook, and PowerTalk are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Versit is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., AT&T Corp., International Business Machines Corp., and Siemens Rolm Communications Inc. Contact: Lisa Byrne Apple Computer, Inc. 408-862-5154 Julie Karbo Stirling & Cohan 415-513-0974 -0- AT&T PLANS PRODUCTS IN LINE WITH VERSIT INITIATIVE NEW YORK -- AT&T today outlined its initial plans for communications products reflecting the specifications being developed by the Versit initiative announced here. These specifications will impact AT&T offerings in all three areas addressed by Versit: computer-telephone integration, collaboration and personal data interchange. "Customers tell us they want solutions that work together," said Pat Russo, president of AT&T Global Business Communications Systems. "The Versit initiative complements work already under way at AT&T -- to give our customers access to a diversity of products and services that help them communicate and collaborate with anyone, anytime, anywhere," she said. "Working with Apple, IBM, Siemens and other companies such as Novell and Hewlett-Packard enables AT&T to offer customers solutions that work together, representing the best technologies in the industry." Specific AT&T product and service areas complementary with Versit include AT&T's work with Novell on Telephony Services Application Programming Interface (TSAPI), a key technology integrating communications and computing networks. As the companies develop new releases, Versit TSAPI will reach more platforms and its capabilities will be expanded through technologies from the partners. In the area of collaboration, AT&T plans to work with Versit to enhance its WorldWorx(tm) Solutions by expanding the work already under way in the WorldWorx Developers Group and other industry groups. This work includes developing industry agreements in the area of desktop video and data conferencing and whiteboarding. Potential synergies between WorldWorx and Versit include developments in electronic business cards and directory services. AT&T Global Business Communications Systems will incorporate infrared adjunct modules into its Definity(r) System phones to accommodate wireless connections with mobile computers and other devices based on the standard developed by the Infrared Data Association and endorsed by Versit. Versit GeoPort, the universal high-speed wired connection for computers, mobile devices and telephones based on Apple Computer's GeoPort, will be incorporated into AT&T's PassageWay(tm) Solutions product line. AT&T also will investigate the use of GeoPort with other offerings. AT&T plans to work closely with its customers to determine how Versit's specifications can enhance other AT&T products and services. "Versit is another example of AT&T's willingness to work with the industry -- and in many cases, with our competitors -- to provide customers with a diversity of products and services that work well together," said Carl Pavarini, vice president, AT&T Global Business Communications Systems. "These initial plans are a good start for the Versit effort within AT&T, and we expect to find many places where our customers and industry partners can benefit from this and complementary efforts." WorldWorx and PassageWay are trademarks and Definity is a registered trademark of AT&T Corp. Kevin Compton (408) 452-3966 (work) (408) 353-3883 (home) Jo Johnston (908) 953-7525 (work) (908) 638-4547 (home) -0- IBM ADVANCES ABILITY OF TELEPHONES AND COMPUTERS TO WORK TOGETHER THROUGH SUPPORT OF VERSIT COLLABORATION NEW YORK, November 30, 1994 . . . IBM's initiatives towards openness and interoperability -- the ability of diverse computers, telephones, and other communications devices from different manufacturers to easily work together -- took another major step forward today with the announcement of Versit(a), the collaborative effort of IBM, Apple, AT&T and Siemens. As one of the founding partners, IBM is playing an important role by contributing skills and technology to the development of Versit specifications and supporting the specifications in IBM products The following is a list of products from the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation and its predecessor corporations, beginning in the 1890s, and spanning punched card machinery, time clocks, and typewriters, via mainframe computers and minicomputers, to microprocessors, PCs, . Versit is aimed at identifying, developing and promoting open technical specifications to advance the compatible exchange of information among a wide variety of devices, such as personal computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and telephones. Versit specifications will help break down the barriers between the worlds of telecommunications and computing by enabling these devices to "speak the same language." This will make it easier for people at work, at home, or on the road to exchange information and communicate, no matter what device they may be using. Versit furthers IBM's strategy of establishing leadership in the emerging network-centric computing market, in which people subscribe to Verb 1. subscribe to - receive or obtain regularly; "We take the Times every day" subscribe, take buy, purchase - obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction; "The family purchased a new car"; "The conglomerate acquired a new company"; applications and services on high-speed networks and access information anytime, anywhere, using any device and format they want. "The revolution promised by the convergence of telecommunications and computing will not reach its full potential unless our industries agree to open, interoperable standards that make using a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). , telephone and notebook computer together as easy as turning on the different components of a stereo system," said Ellen M. Hancock, IBM senior vice president and group executive. "IBM is committed to being a leader in making information accessible anywhere, in any form, at any time, for any user. Versit is uniquely positioned to help us get there because it is a small enough group of companies to get things done, but large and diverse enough to make an impact." IBM is embracing the Versit specifications, which will be set forth this year and next in the areas of voice, video, data and networking. IBM today announced support for specific Versit efforts in the following areas: Collaboration IBM's Person to Person(a) desktop conferencing See videoconferencing and data conferencing. software enables real-time, multimedia collaboration that turns the desktop into an interactive meeting tool. The next version of Person to Person will utilize IBM's Lakes Collaborative Networking Architecture, which allows video conferencing and other collaborative applications to work across multi-vendor platforms. IBM announced that Person to Person and Lakes will support adapters utilizing the H.320 standard for ISDN-based video conferencing as is consistent with Versit's specification. Integrated Services Digital Network Integrated services digital network (ISDN) A generic term referring to the integration of communications services transported over digital facilities such as wire pairs, coaxial cables, optical fibers, microwave radio, and satellites. (ISDN ISDN in full Integrated Services Digital Network Digital telecommunications network that operates over standard copper telephone wires or other media. ) capabilities enable the digitized transmission of voice and video signals. Connecting and Exchanging Information Infrared Data Transport. IBM today reaffirmed its commitment to the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) specifications for wireless data interchange as endorsed by Versit. Exchanging data through wireless connections with an infrared (IR) link provides users with a convenient and inexpensive method for "beaming" data between devices such as PDAs, notebook computers, telephones and other office equipment. Users can simply "point and shoot" to exchange electronic business cards, or they can use their phone directory stored in their PDA to place telephone calls without wire connections. Currently, IBM provides an IrDA-compliant link on its recently-announced ThinkPad(a) 755CE, and will provide IR capability on future mobile products, workstations and adapters. IBM is already actively involved as a member of IrDA and will continue to work closely with IrDA and the Versit partners on future requirements for a wide range of devices. Structured Data Exchange. Today, because of the lack of standards, people cannot transmit and exchange information with consistent formats across mobile devices, such as PDAs and laptop computers manufactured by different companies. Versit has developed a common format for interchange of personal information called Personal Data Interchange Specifications (PDIS PDIS Parallel and Distributed Information Systems PDIS Plant Diagnostic Information System (National Plant Diagnostic Network) PDIS Preparation for Dissemination PDIS Procurement Document Imaging System ). PDIS is based on Bento(b), a portable object storage library which is part of the OpenDoc(b) component software architecture from Component Integration Laboratories (project) Component Integration Laboratories - (CIL) An effort to create a common framework for interoperability between application programs on desktop platforms, formed by Apple Computer, Inc., IBM, Novell, Oracle, Taligent, WordPerfect and Xerox. (CI Labs). PDIS will be used by IBM and its Versit partners for business card exchange. Computer-Telephony Integration (CTI) IBM will extend its CallPath(a) product family to support a wider range of clients by adopting a Versit telephony services application programming interface (API), providing current and future CallPath customers with a wider application portfolio to select from. CTI links telephone functions and business applications to enhance end-user productivity. IBM's CallPath family currently supports personal computers running OS/2(a) or Windows(b), and workstations running AIX (Advanced Interactive eXecutive) IBM's Unix-based operating system which runs on its Intellistation workstations and pSeries, p5, iSeries and i5 server families. (a) or other versions of UNIX UNIX Operating system for digital computers, developed by Ken Thompson of Bell Laboratories in 1969. It was initially designed for a single user (the name was a pun on the earlier operating system Multics). (b). IBM will work with its Versit partners to simplify CTI application development and enhance CTI application portability. As part of this effort, Versit is incorporating IBM's CallPath Services Architecture normalization technology, which allows a single telephony application to be written for and work across a wide range of PBX switches. Other IBM support Many IBM divisions, such as the IBM Global Network, develop products and services that support network-centric computing, and will work to integrate Versit specifications into their offerings as those specifications become available. The world of information exchange enhanced through the adoption of Versit specifications can be leveraged through other IBM networking and device technologies. These include networking technologies such as ATM, or Asynchronous Transfer Mode See ATM. (communications) Asynchronous Transfer Mode - (ATM, or "fast packet") A method for the dynamic allocation of bandwidth using a fixed-size packet (called a cell). See also ATM Forum, Wideband ATM. ATM acronyms. Indiana acronyms. , which provides powerful transmission and bandwidth advantages; multimedia technologies; powerful PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, San Jose, CA, www.pcmcia.org) An international standards body and trade association that was founded in 1989 to establish a standard for connecting peripherals to portable computers. PCMCIA created the PC Card. See PC Card. chip technologies; wireless technologies; operating system operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. software; and systems management software. (a) Versit is a trademark of Apple, AT&T, IBM and Siemens. Indicates trademark or registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corp. (b) Indicates trademark of the respective owner. Contact: Steven Malkiewicz
(212) 554-1492 or
(212) 554-1226 Nov. 30
(914) 765-4916 after Nov. 30
Glenn Rossmann
(212) 554-1492 or
(212) 554-1226 Nov. 30
(914) 766-1711 after Nov. 30
-0- SIEMENS TO DELIVER VERSIT COMPLIANT PRODUCTS VERSIT SPECIFICATIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SIEMENS COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTING PRODUCT LINES NEW YORK, November 30, 1994 -- Siemens Rolm Communications Inc. today said Siemens will implement Versit specifications in its communications and computing products. This will enable current and emerging Siemens products to interoperate See interoperable. with a diversity of compliant products. As one of the founders of the Versit initiative announced here today, Siemens Rolm, based in Santa Clara Santa Clara, city, Cuba Santa Clara (sän`tä klä`rä), city (1994 est. pop. 217,000), capital of Villa Clara prov., central Cuba. , Calif., will manage the convergence of communications and computing products for the global Siemens enterprise, working closely with Siemens Nixdorf See Fujitsu Siemens. Information Systems and Siemens Stromberg-Carlson. Peter Pribilla, member of the Siemens managing board and president and CEO of Siemens Rolm said, "We've been breaking new ground in the convergence of communications and computers for more than a decade, bringing practical solutions to customers across a variety of platforms. We are proud that the natural culmination of years of work is now resulting in this cooperation for diversity with other industry leaders to the benefit of our customers." Enhanced Interoperability for Siemens Products Pribilla said there are four immediate areas where Versit will play a role in Siemens product plans: o Computer-Telephony Integration. The Versit specifications for CTI build on Computer Supported Telecommunications Application (CSTA), a standards effort that Siemens, IBM and Digital Equipment Corporation began in 1987. CSTA has been supported in Siemens CallBridge CTI products since 1990, and will be evolved to Versit compliance. In the first quarter of 1995, Siemens Rolm will deliver its CallBridge link to Novell's Telephony Services Application Programming Interface (TSAPI), providing ROLM PBXs support for TSAPI applications on a variety of computer platforms. Siemens will continue to support current CTI implementations, including IBM's CallPath Services Architecture (CSA (1) (Canadian Standards Association, Toronto, Ontario, www.csa.ca) A standards-defining organization founded in 1919. It is involved in many industries, including electronics, communications and information technology. ). Siemens Nixdorf+s CTI products will also be Versit compliant. These products include the SINIX SINIX Siemens-Nixdorf Sinix Siemens Unix telephony server A computer in a network that provides telephone integration. The term may refer to the entire system or to just the plug-in boards and software. An Internet telephony server links phone lines to the Internet. TELAS TELAS TELephony Application System and ComfoPhone, a phone manager for MS Windows, both designed and implemented in line with the CSTA standard. o Support for Versit GeoPort. The Versit GeoPort enables communications and computing devices to connect alternately with both analog and digital networks, intelligently recognizing what network and bandwidth is currently available. GeoPorts will be incorporated into future releases of Siemens products. o Infra-red communication. Versit-enhanced Infrared Data Association standards will be implemented in Siemens products to enable solutions such as CallBridge "Mobile." CallBridge Mobile will provide a wireless CTI link between a diversity of communications and computing devices. o Collaboration and messaging. Siemens will implement Versit specifications to enable seamless interoperation among a variety of diverse audio, video and document conferencing and messaging products. This will include Siemens video communication products and Siemens Nixdorf's collaboration products See collaborative software. , as well as future multimedia messaging products and services using H.320 and T.120 standards. Future Areas of Versit Interoperability For interoperability projects still being defined, Siemens Rolm, Siemens Nixdorf and Siemens Stromberg-Carlson are jointly participating in the Versit initiative. Siemens Rolm will focus on advanced solutions for person-to-person communication, while Siemens Nixdorf will emphasize projects integrating X.500 directory services, available as a global offering of its Office Automation Unit. Siemens Stromberg-Carlson, which recently announced an alliance with Scientific Atlanta and Sun Microsystems Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAVA[3]) is an American vendor of computers, computer components, computer software, and information-technology services, founded on 24 February 1982. for a public network multimedia architecture, is active in video on demand (broadband services See broadband and broadband service provider. ) and wireless access to public networks. "Interoperability as envisioned by Versit enables the innovative combination of communications and computing, and paves the road toward the choice and diversity of products and services our customers want," Pribilla said. "Open specifications are key to achieving this goal." Founded by Apple, AT&T, IBM and Siemens, Versit is developing and promoting open specifications designed to make true interoperability among diverse and competing devices and services a reality. The cooperation covers a wide variety of products including PBXs, telephones (including wireless and cellular), computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), servers and networks. Siemens Rolm's extensive background in CTI includes: o 1983: an integrated PC/telephony interface called ROLMlink; o 1984: specialized devices and PC hardware and software sets to combine ROLMphones with IBM PCs A PC made by IBM. IBM created the PC industry in 1981 when it introduced its first model with 16KB of RAM. However, it was way off in its estimates, projecting that 250,000 units would be sold in the first five years. In fact, about three million IBM PCs were sold in that period. ; o 1987: the first version of CallBridge, linking Siemens and ROLM systems with IBM hosts and servers; support for other platforms followed; o 1990: a PC telephony software package (now called ComManager) for Windows; o 1993: full implementation of CSTA; enhancements to ComManager for working in LAN (Local Area Network) A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. The "clients" are the user's workstations typically running Windows, although Mac and Linux clients are also used. environments; o 1994: support of both TSAPI and Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI (Telephony API) A programming interface from Microsoft and Intel that is part of Microsoft's WOSA architecture. It allows Windows client applications to access voice services on a server. ) on ROLM PBXs. Siemens, with 1993/94 annual sales of approximately $53 billion (DM 84.7 billion), is one of the world's largest electrical/electronics companies. Siemens is a leading supplier of power generation systems, industrial automation systems, telecommunication networks and information systems, medical diagnostic equipment, electronic components, transportation systems and lighting. In the U.S., Siemens had sales of $7.3 billion, with 46,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and assembly facilities nationwide. Versit is a trademark of Apple, AT&T, IBM and Siemens. Siemens is a registered trademark of Siemens Aktiengesellschaft. Rolm, CallBridge and ROLMphone are registered trademarks and ComManager and ROLMlink are trademarks of Siemens Rolm Communications Inc. TELAS and ComfoPhone are trademarks of Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems, Inc. Apple is a registered trademark and GeoPort is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Contact: Derek Van Bronkhorst (408) 492-2161 -0- |
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