Andrew announces product development agreement with IBM; will develop Macintosh client software for the AS/400.

ORLAND PARK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 1996--Andrew Corp. announces that it will develop the MacMidrange(R) Client software for the IBM(R) AS/400(R).

Utilizing IBM's Client Access/400(R) portable core, Andrew will design the software to allow Macs to access the features and processing power of an AS/400. The user will have the functionality of the Client Access(R) for the PC, but with the Macintosh(R) look and feel. The product is scheduled to be released in late 1996.

"This is the first product that allows Macs to utilize the Client Access functions on the AS/400," said Monica Harmon, product line manager at Andrew Corp. "The new MacMidrange Client will provide customers using Andrew Macintosh-to-IBM midrange connectivity tools with an upgrade path to a full-function client.

"Andrew has over eight years experience in the Macintosh-to-IBM midrange connectivity market and the resources to develop the product with the quality our customers expect," said Harmon.

The software will offer the Macintosh user a direct TCP/IP connection to the AS/400 without requiring a separate gateway. It will also provide 5250 terminal and printer emulation, on-line help and security, and support for IBM's application programming interfaces. In addition to these functions, the software will incorporate the following features and benefits:

-- Graphical Database Access -- using the ODBC driver, non-programmers can bring DB2/400(R) data into Macintosh applications with a simple point and click;

-- AS/400 Mount -- users can mount an AS/400 volume to the Mac just like any remote Macintosh volume; and

-- Remote Commands -- allow users to send commands from the Macintosh to the AS/400 without terminal emulation.

"This joint agreement will allow businesses, schools and publishing houses utilizing Macs to combine Macintosh versatility with the power of AS/400," said Jeff Van Heuklon, IBM client server development coordinator. "By using the Client Access portable core, Andrew will be able to provide integrated functionality not available in any Macintosh-to-AS/400 solution on the market today."

For more information on the MacMidrange Client, telephone Andrew at 800/328-2696, or send an e-mail to [e-mail].

Andrew Corp. is a global supplier of telecommunications equipment and services. Major markets are wireless communications -- which includes cellular, personal communications systems and land mobile radio -- broadcast and common carrier. Andrew is an S & P 500 company listed on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol: ANDW.

EDITORS NOTE: There is an "at" symbol between "macinfo" and "andrew.com" in the above release. This symbol may not appear properly in some systems.

CONTACT: Andrew Corp., Orland Park

Tim Surin, 708/873-2485