StarBurst software developers kit brings reliable multicast file transfer to third-party applications.

CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 1997--

Microsoft NetShow and PLATINUM technology, inc. are using

StarBurst's SDK to develop MFTP-based applications

StarBurst Communications today announced its StarBurst Multicast Software Developers Kit, a tool that enables systems integrators, end users, software vendors and OEMs to easily integrate StarBurst's MFTP-based reliable multicast file transfer software into their custom applications.

Supporting Jesse Berst's recent call on ZDNet (http://www4.zdnet.com/anchordesk/story/story_951.html) to "make multicast happen in a hurry," the SDK enables the deployment of multicast file transfer in applications such as software distribution, "pushing" business-critical information and multimedia content delivery. Based on StarBurst's highly scalable and efficient MFTP (Multicast File Transfer Protocol), the SDK allows custom applications to distribute files faster while reducing network traffic and lowering server resource usage as compared to traditional point-to-point file transfer methods.

Microsoft plans to integrate StarBurst's MFTP software into its Microsoft NetShow streaming multimedia software platform using the SDK. MFTP will enhance content and information providers' ability to deliver compelling content by leveraging the bandwidth efficiencies of IP multicast to reliably deliver content to intranet and Internet-based users. In addition, PLATINUM technology, inc. is using the SDK to improve the efficiency and scalability of its AutoXfer software distribution solution.

"The StarBurst Multicast SDK features a well architectured application programming interface that is easy to use," said PLATINUM technology, inc. Special Projects Manager Richard Westgard. "StarBurst Multicast integrated smoothly into our application, and StarBurst's technical staff was always available to answer our questions about the SDK."

A cross-platform, multi-platform SDK

StarBurst's Multicast File Transfer Protocol (MFTP) provides reliable multicast file transfer services over TCP/IP networks supporting IP multicast. MFTP consists of an administrative protocol for establishing a multicast session and a data transfer protocol that ensures the reliable delivery of files to a multicast group's members. Based on MFTP, the StarBurst Multicast SDK enables applications to deliver files to multiple receivers in one efficient stream, with the network replicating the stream to all receivers.

MFTP is highly scalable; it has been field proven in production applications involving thousands of simultaneous receivers. This scalability stems from an efficient, negative acknowledgement-based method for receivers to request retransmission of lost frames during a file transfer session.

The cross-platform SDK's application programming interface (API) is based on the Berkeley sockets model and exposes all underlying StarBurst MFTP functions, such as multicast group definition and control, file transfer configuration and control, and file transfer status monitoring. StarBurst's own applications are developed using the SDK and the same API. The SDK is also multi-platform, letting users avoid redundant development by making derivative applications highly portable.

"The StarBurst Multicast SDK makes it easy to fuel a wide variety of critical applications with the power of reliable multicast file transfer," said StarBurst President and CEO Harland LaVigne. "The StarBurst Multicast SDK is an ideal way for systems integrators, independent software vendors, OEMs, and end-users to seamlessly combine the benefits of StarBurst's MFTP software with the strengths of their custom applications."

Pricing and availability

StarBurst Multicast SDK is available immediately, with a two-seat developer's license priced at $24,900. Supported platforms currently include Sun Solaris 2, SunOS Release 5.4, Digital UNIX V3.2G Worksystem Software, Windows NT and Windows 95 (StarBurst client only). Planned platforms include HP-UX and OS/2.

About StarBurst Multicast

Before multicasting, one-to-many information distribution was done through a series of point-to-point file transfers or by duplicating and overnight mailing disks or tapes. These solutions don't scale well to handle many receivers, large amounts of data, or frequent transmissions.

StarBurst Multicast is the first highly scalable multicast file transfer solution that guarantees 100 percent reliable, one-to-many data delivery in a highly efficient manner. While current point-to-point file transfer methods use a bandwidth-consuming approach to delivering information, StarBurst Multicast enables servers to push data over the network simultaneously to all recipients, using bandwidth much more efficiently and significantly reducing the load on the sending servers.

StarBurst Multicast is a multi-platform, cross-platform, client/server application available on the following platforms: Sun Solaris, SunOS, HP-UX, IBM AIX, Digital UNIX, SGI IRIX, Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows, DOS, OS/2 and VAX VMS.

About StarBurst Communications

StarBurst Communications Corporation, the multicast solutions company, is the leader in developing innovative solutions for electronic information delivery via multicast networks. The Concord, Mass.-based company is privately held and venture capital-funded. More information can be found at StarBurst's World Wide Web site: http://www.starburstcom.com .

CONTACT: Stephen Collins

StarBurst Communications

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Christine LeCompte

Beaupre & Co. Public Relations

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