Cel Corporation Enters into Preliminary Agreement to Acquire Mac RUMBA Product Family from Wall Data Incorporated.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 1997--Cel Corporation moves to the forefront of the Apple Enterprise and Midrange customer markets with a preliminary agreement to acquire the Mac RUMBA(R) family of IBM host connectivity software from Wall Data Incorporated. The product suite includes Mac RUMBA for the AS/400, Mac RUMBA for the Mainframe, Mac RUMBA SNA Gateway, Mac RUMBA Print, SNA.ps(TM) Folders 400, APPC Developer's Kit, and 3270/5250 API Developer's Kit.

The underlying technology and products that make up the Mac RUMBA products were licensed by Apple Computer to Wall Data in 1994 under the product suite name of SNA.ps(TM). Since then, Wall Data has upgraded and enhanced the product line with new functions, user interface features, and additional network support. They have also grown the customer base to over 100,000 users worldwide and have established a network of resellers for the products in the North American, European, Asia/Pacific, and Latin American regions. The terminal emulators are available in English and Kanji versions with code page support for access to IBM mainframe and AS/400 hosts running in all major languages.

Cel has been a leader in the host data integration market since 1990 when it introduced Blacksmith, its flagship product for developing graphical user interfaces to legacy host applications running over standard enterprise networks such as TCP/IP and SNA. "Cel has supported the SNA.ps and Mac RUMBA APIs for many years by adding value to the basic display, file transfer, and networking functions with advanced user friendly graphical interfaces, making this acquisition a logical extension of the company's product line. Most of CEL's current products are developer tools and we are now able to offer products for end users as well," says Bruce Matichuk, President of Cel Corporation.

"We are pleased to have Cel take over the Macintosh products and will work closely with them to ensure that all customers, resellers and distributors continue to receive first class support. Cel has a strong history of success marketing enterprise products that support the Apple Macintosh platform. Their ability to market Mac RUMBA, support the installed base, and extend the products to take advantage of Apple's planned OS enhancements makes them an excellent fit for the technology," says John Wall, President and CEO of Wall Data Incorporated.

During a transition period, Cel plans to retain the product names and will work with Wall Data to market, sell and support the products. In an effort to ensure a smooth transition for customers, resellers and distributors, both Wall Data and Cel will provide technical support during this period. Wall Data will also continue to offer the products through its North American direct and telemarketing sales forces and international subsidiaries.

The Mac RUMBA client software features integrated display, print and file transfer facilities, state of the art user interfaces with toolbars, Quickstep pads, Macro facilities, and SNA, TCP/IP, and AppleTalk connection support. Mac RUMBA for the Mainframe additionally supports NetWare for SAA connections. The Mac RUMBA SNA Gateway software is an integrated SNA Node Type 2.0/2.1 node for 3270, 5250, and APPC applications. It supports LU 1, 2, 3, and 6.2 host connections with up to 254 sessions for concurrent access to multiple host systems. The products also feature the fast, easy to use setup and administration features that Macintosh users have come to expect.

"We are excited about the new partnerships that we are entering into with this agreement," says Armin Gebauer, Director of Sales and Marketing for Cel Corporation. "With Apple's increased desire to support its enterprise customers and the substantial customer base that exists in the Education and Government markets, we are confident that product revenues will grow considerably in the next year. We are also on a fast track to release enhancements and complementary cross-platform technologies that will improve the way Macintosh computers are used and integrated into organizations that are predominantly Windows based."

Cel invites all interested parties to visit their booth (No. 3091) at IT Forum for further information on the acquisition from Wall Data or other Cel products.

CEL Corporation is a leading developer and distributor of host communications systems and web-to-mainframe integration software. It's family of connectivity products bridge existing mainframe and minicomputer applications to 4GL and web server environments. Serving the information technology needs of Fortune 1000 companies since 1990, Cel has successfully implemented technology solutions into several major corporations including Apple Computer, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Bay Networks, Lockheed-Martin, Hallmark Cards, Holiday Inn Worldwide, Motorola, NASA and United Airlines.

Wall Data develops, markets and supports connectivity and application software products designed to increase productivity for the business user running Windows, Windows NT(R), Windows 95, and OS/2 operating systems. RUMBA software provides easy access to computer applications and data residing on personal computers, servers, multiple host mainframes and minicomputers in enterprise-wide information systems. SALSA software allows users to create and deliver data-centric applications to corporate network and intranet users. ARPEGGIO software lets users publish enterprise-wide information via corporate networks, intranets or over the Internet. ONESTEP(R) Service Programs provide a comprehensive set of service offerings to Wall Data's business software users including centralized technical support, online resources, software upgrade insurance and training for users at all levels. Wall Data has worldwide headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, corporate headquarters in Palo Alto, California, and 67 offices throughout the world.

(c)1997 CEL Corporation.

CONTACT: CEL Corporation, Edmonton, Alberta

Ayla Akgungor, Marketing Manager

403/438-2323, ext. 306

[e-mail]

or

Wall Data Incorporated, Palo Alto, Calif.

David Nagy, Apple Business Unit Manager

650/858-0481

[e-mail]