Apple to Update Support for ODBC Database Access Standard

Teams with Visigenic Software to Provide ODBC 2.1 for Macintosh

CUPERTINO, California--May 8, 1995--Apple Computer, Inc. and Visigenic
Software, Inc. today announced plans to offer full support for the Open
Database Connectivity (ODBC) 2.1 application programming interface (API)
to Macintosh developers. Implementation of ODBC 2.1 provides developers
transparent access to local and server-based data sources from within
their applications.

"With ODBC 2.1, developers gain access to enhanced DBMS support and can
create native Power Macintosh applications that utilize the full range of
legacy and relational database systems," said Ike Nassi, Apple vice
president for software development. "This expands on our current support
for the industry-standard ODBC specification, and continues to allow
developers to leverage Macintosh ease-of-use and price/performance
advantages in crucial client/server and non-networked applications."

"We are delighted that Apple has partnered with Visigenic to ensure the
widespread availability of database-independent access for Power Macintosh
and Macintosh computers," said Mark Hanson, president of Visigenic
Software. "With this agreement, Visigenic is expanding its leadership role
in the cross-platform database access market by providing the identical
data access functionality across major computing platforms."

The ODBC API, developed by Microsoft Corporation, is based on the X/Open
SQL Access Group's Call Level Interface (CLI) specification. The ODBC API
is implemented using a Driver Manager, software that loads into memory as
part of the Macintosh operating system. The Driver Manager supports the
use of ODBC programming calls within application source code, and works
with ODBC-compliant database drivers available for most major SQL and non-
SQL DBMS products. By using ODBC, developers are able to create a single
set of source code that supports most proprietary database formats.

As part of the agreement, Apple has licensed the Visigenic ODBC 2.1
Software Development Kits (SDK) for Power Macintosh and Macintosh
computers from Visigenic Inc. of San Mateo, Calif. Both SDKs, scheduled
for release this summer, are expected to include the ODBC 2.1 Driver
Manager, header files, sample files, and on- line documentation. Visigenic
is the exclusive licensee of the Microsoft ODBC SDK source code for all
non-Microsoft operating systems.

The Visigenic SDKs are fully compatible with the Microsoft ODBC SDK,
ensuring that there is one standard implementation of the ODBC API across
all platforms, including Power Macintosh, Macintosh, IBM AIX, HP-UX,
SunOS, Sun Solaris, SCO and IBM OS/2. This provides developers the maximum
interoperability across the leading client/server operating environments.
Visigenic also plans to release ODBC database drivers for Power Macintosh
and Macintosh computers this summer.

Apple currently offers support for ODBC 1.0 as part of the Macintosh OS
Software Developer's Kit (SDK). Macintosh applications using the 1.0
software should run unchanged with version 2.1.

Availability and Pricing

Apple plans to make the ODBC software available this summer at no extra
charge as part of the Mac OS SDK. The offering is expected to include an
unlimited redistribution license for use within an application or driver.
The Mac OS SDK is a subscription product offering developers convenient
access to more than 30 popular Macintosh system software extensions
published by Apple. It is available through APDA, Apple's source for
developer tools, for $299.

For more information and a free copy of the Apple Developer Tools Catalog,
call 1-800-282-2732 (U.S.), 1-800-637-0029 (Canada), or (716) 871-6555
(international). The ODBC 2.1 SDKs will also be available directly from
Visigenic Software.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information
industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal
computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal
digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple
(NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products,
technologies and services for the business, education, consumer,
scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.

Visigenic Software, Inc. is a leading provider of software for
enterprise-wide database connectivity. The company currently develops and
markets the Visigenic ODBC Driver Set, Visigenic ODBC Software Development
Kits, and Visigenic ODBC Test Suites for Windows, UNIX, Macintosh, and
OS/2. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in San Mateo,
California.

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