VENDINFO Version 1.22 Tools Add CD-ROM, Media-Kit Capabilities

Parker, Colorado -- March 16, 1995 -- Rams' Island Software today releases
version 1.22 of its VENDINFO toolset. This new version adds support for
"smart" CD-ROM front ends, and a capability for electronic media kits, to
the industry-standard VENDINFO Product Information System.

VENDINFO is a system for conveying software product information and
distribution permissions from the author to distributors and users. A
standard file format allows a VENDINFO.DIZ file to carry extensive
information in a compressed, efficient form. VENDINFO provides un-
precedented capabilities for

   o  Communication of product information and distribution policies
      from author to distributors and users.

   o  Enforceable distribution policies.

   o  Automation of many aspects of package handling by shareware
      distributors of all types, including sysops, disk vendors, and
      CD-ROM publishers.

The new v1.22 release allows author to produce special VENDINFO.DOZ files
for use by CD-ROM front ends and electronic media kits. These files
contain the information necessary to allow installation, con- figuration,
and execution of products by CD-ROM front ends. At the author's option,
they may also contain screenshots, icons, sound samples, logos, and other
such multimedia files for use by the CD-ROM front end. Available tools and
developer libraries allow the CD-ROM publisher to extract all relevant
information and to configure it for optimal use on a particular CD-ROM.

The CD-ROM produced by FormGen for the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP) is already making use of these special CD-ROM
front-end capabilities.

Standardized electronic media kits will soon be possible, as well, since
the VENDINFO.DOZ file can carry press releases, reviewer notes, company
backgrounders, and other media-related files.

Rams' Island Software is now working to extend the VendView viewers (both
DOS and Windows) for display of these files. These viewers are free to
individual users, and will be available under inexpensive licenses for use
as CD-ROM product information browsers and as electronic media kit display
mechanisms.

A "single-use" license is now available, allowing a shareware CD-ROM
publisher to obtain a single license and provide a registered copy of the
VENDINFO editor to those submitting material to the publisher. In general,
the cost of this license will be substantially less than the labor savings
to the publisher.

The new versions should already have been received by subscribers to the
VENDINFO Auto-Upgrade Plan. They are also available by download or FidoNet
file request from the Rams' Island BBS (see below) and from:

      CompuServe ASP (lib 5), UKSHARE (lib 11), and EDFORUM (lib 2)
      Ziff Interactive
      Public Brand Software BBS

They will also be available via the ASP CD-ROM, PsL CD-ROM, SDN and ADN
BBSes, and various other sources. Rams' Island Software will also provide
them by direct mail for a small fee.

 VENDINFO packages include

    VNDINF10.ZIP -- VENDINFO.DIZ standard and information
    VNDNFO12.ZIP -- VENDINFO Toolkit (editor, processor)
    VNDVUE11.ZIP -- VendView end-user's viewer.
    VNDUTL12.ZIP -- Utilities and frequently-updated data files.

 Rams' Island Software
 7644 E. Lakecliff Way                   _______
 Parker, CO 80134-5904 (USA)        ____|__     |                (R)
                                 --|       |    |-------------------
 Voice:    (303) 841-2848          |   ____|__  |  Association of
 BBS/FAX:  (303) 841-6269          |  |       |_|  Shareware
 CompuServe: 76244,324             |__|   o   |    Professionals
                                 -----|   |   |---------------------
 FidoNet:  1:104/333                  |___|___|    MEMBER
 RIME:     1235
 Internet: 76244.324@compuserve.com

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