DCA Launches Major Communications Initiative -- First to Reveal Multi-Host Communications for Windows 95.

ALPHARETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 1994--Building on its strategy to create seamless communications links between all computing platforms throughout the enterprise, DCA today unveiled Irma Suites, communications software that supports the broadest range of hosts and desktops in the industry.

As the cornerstone of its announcement, DCA became the first software company to demonstrate multiple host connectivity in the Windows 95 environment. DCA said it will ship Irma Suite for Windows 95 within 90 days after Microsoft's new operating environment becomes available. Irma Suite for Windows 95 will provide access from the desktop to mainframes, midrange computers, UNIX platforms and local area networks (LANs).

Irma Suite for Windows 95 provides a common user interface for sessions on IBM, Hewlett-Packard, DEC and Unisys platforms as well as LANs. The software enables users to open multiple host sessions simultaneously in separate windows and use "drag and drop" features of the interface to initiate file transfers between various computing platforms. Taking advantage of the plug-and-play features of Windows 95, Irma Suite for Windows 95 also includes the ability to detect automatically the type of communications adapter used in the machine and configure the software accordingly.

With Irma Suite for Windows 95, users will be able to fully integrate OLE Linking, Embedding and Automation into commonly used Windows applications such as Microsoft Excel, or into mission-critical, enterprise-wide host applications with simple mouse clicks. Further, all versions of Irma Suite will include full APPN End-Node, CPI-C and TCP/IP support which will allow access to information from virtually any host.

"Productivity software is where the action is for enterprise computing in the future," said James D. Lindner, DCA's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our software products are designed to help our customers evolve from host-based environments to client/server platforms while protecting their investments in legacy applications and information. "As the leading global provider of communications products that access both applications and information, it is our strategy to deliver solutions that will enable any corporate user to take advantage of enterprise knowledge wherever it resides."

DCA's flagship Irma products have helped enterprises take full advantage of the power of microcomputers since the early 1980s. The company has shipped more host access software than any other company, including IBM. Now DCA concentrates on providing products that will enable enterprises to develop a strong, flexible communications infrastructure.

As part of this effort, DCA's Irma Suite has been designed to work with other DCA products: Remote LAN Node, which offers communications products that enable any user to enjoy full benefits of LAN attachment from any remote location; NetWizard, the industry's first software management solution for corporate networks using any type of LAN/WAN combination; Groupware Division's OpenMind software, which facilitates collaboration of users throughout the organization on tasks and projects and promotes corporate-wide knowledge publishing.

"It's our job to link people throughout the enterprise as effortlessly as possible," said Larry Zito, President of DCA's IBM Division. "To accomplish that in today's sprawling, heterogeneous environment, we must provide the broadest range of host access possible, delivering information from every host platform to all intelligent desktops."

In addition to the Windows 95 offering, DCA also unveiled additional products: Irma Suite for Windows 3.1. Creating a new standard for enterprise information access as it exists today, Irma Suite for Windows 3.1 provides the broadest range of host access options available, a robust user interface and "hooks" for seamless integration with productivity-enhancing tools such as DCA's QuickApp and QuickPeer. Irma Suite for Windows 3.1 offers the functionality of enhanced versions of three DCA products traditionally sold as stand-alone modules -- Irma for the Mainframe, Irma for AS/400 and Irma for Open Systems, providing users access to IBM mainframes, AS/400s, Digital Equipment Corporation VAXes, and Hewlett-Packard and UNIX hosts from a single product.

Irma Suite for the Macintosh. With this product DCA becomes the first major communications software player to announce and ship a product to provide multi-host access from a single Mac host access product. Coupled with the Irma Suite offerings for Windows 95 and Windows 3.1, DCA becomes the first company to develop a full set of mainframe and minicomputer communications software for both Windows and Macintosh computers.

Irma Suite for Windows 95 will be available within 90 days of the release of Microsoft's Windows 95 desktop operating system. Pricing has not yet been determined.

Irma Suite for Windows 3.1 and Irma Suite for Mac are available at an introductory suggested retail price of $250. After March 1995, the suggested retail price for both versions of Irma Suite will be $495. Existing users of any single-host version of DCA Irma or other vendors' software may trade-up to Irma Suite for Windows 3.1 for $125 through March 1995. After March 1995, these trade-ups will be $250.

DCA is also offering reseller incentives on sales of Irma Suite for Windows 3.1 and Irma Suite for Mac. Reseller incentives range from $20 for single-user sales up to $2500 for 100-user MultiPaks. The DCA incentives can be passed along to reseller sales managers and individual reps.

DCA, located in metro Atlanta, is the 29th largest software company in the world. DCA enables businesses to access information and applications that leverage and build corporate knowledge. DCA's information access and productivity-enhancing software ranges from remote access and host communications products to client/server groupware and software distribution applications. These products support the widest range of desktop, midrange and mainframe systems. For more information about DCA's products, call 1-800-348-3221 or 404-475-8380. International customers may fax requests for pricing or product information to 404/442-4364. DCA is a registered trademark of Digital Communications Associates, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holder.

CONTACT: Digital Communications Associates Inc., Alpharetta

              Meg Owens, 404/442-4521
                  or
              Copithorne & Bellows, Boston
              Joann Anderson, 617/252-0606