Digital and Spacetec IMC enter into channel partner agreement; AlphaStation, PowerStorm and Spaceball 3003 increases 3D MCAD productivity.

LOWELL, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 1996-- Digital Equipment Corporation and Spacetec IMC Corporation today announced that they have entered into a channel partner agreement where Digital will sell and market Spacetec IMC's recently announced (March 5, 1996) Spaceball 3003 3D input device. Digital will sell the Spaceball 3003 worldwide, as an add-on peripheral to their AlphaStation product line, for use in three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) applications.

"The Spaceball 3003 fits our 3D graphics acceleration strategy quite nicely. Our high-performance PowerStorm adapters and Alpha systems provide the horsepower needed for graphics intensive applications like 3D CAD," said Philippe Ribeyre, vice president of Digital's Workstation Business Segment. "Our customers not only reap the benefits of fast graphics, but they also now have easy access to the best tool for moving and viewing 3D models, the Spaceball 3003." With full simultaneous six-degrees of freedom control (X, Y and Z translations and rotations), the Spaceball 3003 enables users to smoothly and dynamically pan, zoom, and rotate 3D models. Faster and easier to use than traditional devices, the Spaceball 3003 increases productivity when working in 3D. A user simply applies a light fingertip pressure or twist to the Spaceball PowerSensor to move or rotate their 3D model instantly on screen. Also, by encouraging greater overall 3D interactivity, the Spaceball 3003 provides additional benefits, including the earlier detection of errors and improved design comprehension.

John Gould, Spacetec IMC vice president of sales and marketing added, "With the successs of Digital's new AlphaStation product line, it was very important for us to add Digital as a new channel partner. Our relationship is a natural fit. Digital's AlphaStation workstation, PowerStorm graphics and the Spaceball 3003 provide an optimum 3D hardware platform for use with 3D mechanical design automation applications."

Optimized performance of the Spaceball 3003 is achieved through proprietary software modules called SpaceWare. SpaceWare is integrated with and fully supported by the leading CAD/CAM/CAE applications. On Digital UNIX-based AlphaStation systems the Spaceball 3003 is supported in CADDS5, Euclid3, MegaVision, Strim100, Patran, Pro/ENGINEER, Pro/Jr. and Unigraphics. On Windows NT for Alpha systems, the Spaceball 3003 is supported in Pro/ENGINEER and Pro/Jr., and on OpenVMS systems in Strim100 and Unigraphics.

The Spaceball 3003 is available now through Digital Equipment's direct salesforce, authorized distributors and resellers, and DECDirect catalog (1-800-DIGITAL), and will sell for a recommended list price of $695 (U.S.).

Digital Equipment Corporation

Digital Equipment Corporation is the world's leader in open client/server solutions from personal computing to integrated worldwide information systems. Digital's scalable Alpha platforms, storage, networking, software and services, together with industry-focused solutions from business partners, help organizations compete and win the today's global marketplace.

Spacetec IMC Corporation

Spacetec IMC is the world leader in Advanced 3D Interactive (3D-I) motion control input devices and software. Other Spacetec IMC products include the Spaceball 2003 for workstation-based design and engineering applications, the Spaceball SpaceController for PC systems, SpaceWare 3D-I Always software for AutoCAD, the new SpaceOrb 360 hand-held 3D PC game controller and the SpaceOrb 360 Desktop 3D multimedia controller, and SpaceWare Advanced 3D-I interface software. Spacetec IMC is headquartered at The Boott Mills, 100 Foot of John Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 0l852. Additional information can be obtained by calling 508-970-0330 or by visiting the company's Web Site at http:\\www.spacetec.com. Spacetec IMC Corporations common stock is traded in the Nasdaq Market System under the symbol SIMC. -0-

Spaceball, SpaceWare and PowerSensor are registered trademarks and SpaceController, 3D-I Always, SpaceOrb 360, 3D-I, and Advanced 3D-I are trademarks of Spacetec IMC Corporation. Digital, DEC, PowerStorm, AlphaStation are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X-Open Company, Ltd. Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Jane O'Toole

Spacetec IMC Corporation

508-970-0330, ext. 107

[e-mail]

or

Karen Quatromoni

Digital Equipment Corporation

508-493-5848

[e-mail]