To all, Read this release from SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA from 4/22/98
Thanks to KEIKO over on the AIME thread:
Release Date: April 22, 1998
Scientific-Atlanta's CreativEdgeT Developers' Program Accelerates the Launch of Interactive Digital Applications
-- Program helps third-party application developers test, integrate and launch new interactive services for the Explorer 2000 advanced digital set-top --
ATLANTA -- Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. announced today its CreativEdgeT Developers' Program to help third-party application developers test, integrate and launch new interactive services for the Explorerr 2000 advanced digital set-top.
For digital interactive technology to be successful in the marketplace, cable operators must provide subscribers with a variety of valuable content choices. Through the support and certification of application developers, the CreativEdge program facilitates the launch of a wide assortment of digital, interactive services for the Explorer 2000 set-top, which is being deployed by nine major cable operators in 1998.
A variety of third-party developers are currently working with Scientific-Atlanta's interactive digital platform to create applications and content, including American Interactive Media, Inergy Online, Interactive Channel Inc., Network Computer Inc. (NCI), Prevue Networks, StarSight Telecast, and WorldGate Communications. In addition to providing the operating system for the Explorer 2000 set-top, PowerTV Inc. is developing a number of Web-based services, including e-mail, to be launched in late summer.
"The CreativEdge program allows us to work with companies that place innovative interactive services at the forefront of their business," said Jack Miller, Director of Third-Party Applications and Licensing at Scientific-Atlanta. "For application developers, the goal is to make sure the program provides a cost-effective and convenient process for content development. For cable operators, we have instituted a process that ensures these applications will run reliably on the operators' cable networks."
"The amount of interest from both developers and operators has been phenomenal," said Raj Amin, Marketing Manager, Third-Party Applications at Scientific-Atlanta. "Their input was instrumental in helping us define the program."
Once a part of the program, CreativEdge participants receive network software development kits and gain access to a developers-only Web site with FAQs, technical documentation and bulletin boards. Developers can select from multiple middleware choices including HTML, JavaScript and PersonalJavaT. PowerTV will also assist developers with operating system-related questions.
As a member of the CreativEdge program, a developer receives technical support and training, as well as special pricing on software development licenses. Developers also receive sales and marketing support through Scientific-Atlanta's global sales force.
"The enhanced capabilities of the Explorer 2000 set-top allow us to deliver a more compelling service to consumers, which translates into greater value for cable operators," said Tom Peters, Senior Vice President of Interactive Channel Inc. "As a charter member of the CreativEdge program, we will be able to integrate and launch our applications on set-tops shipping in 1998."
The Scientific-Atlanta Explorer 2000 set-top is the only advanced digital set-top shipping this year. Advanced digital set-tops have high-throughput two-way communications and sufficient processing power, memory, and graphics to enable a variety of two-way, interactive applications for cable subscribers, including Internet access, video-on-demand, home shopping and IP-based applications.
As previously announced, nine U.S. and Canadian cable operators have stated that they plan 1998 deployments of Explorer set-tops, which comply with expected OpenCable specifications. CableLabs has selected Scientific-Atlanta to play the lead system integration role by identifying and documenting the end-to-end system integration of new digital devices and services on cable networks.
Advantages of developing for the Explorer 2000 system include the following features:
Powerful Sun MicroSPARC II RISC processor core for application processing OpenCable compliant Shared memory architecture Ethernet 10BaseT interface can support hook up to the PC, printers, and other peripherals Real-time PowerTVr Operating System PowerKEYT Conditional Access System Smartcard slot for added security and electronic commerce transactions EagleT multimedia technology for high resolution, photo-realistic graphics
The CreativEdge program also plans to support application development for Scientific-Atlanta's 8600xT advanced analog platform.
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. (NYSE:SFA) (http://www.sciatl.com) is a leading supplier of broadband communications systems, satellite-based video, voice and data communications networks, and worldwide customer service and support.
"Forward-looking statements," as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may be included in this news release. A variety of factors could cause
Scientific-Atlanta's actual results to differ from the anticipated results expressed in such forward-looking statements. Investors are referred to Scientific-Atlanta's Cautionary Statements (Exhibit 99 to the Company's most recent Form 10-Q), which statements are incorporated into this news release by reference.
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Explorer is a registered trademark and CreativEdge and 8600x are trademarks of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. All other products or brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The CreativEdge developer's showcase at the NCTA show will be located in Booth #3838 Hall G.
2. Call Scientific-Atlanta at the above number for a complete list and description of Explorer 2000 set-top features and services.
3. Please visit the Scientific-Atlanta Web Page at sciatl.com if you are interested in additional information about Scientific-Atlanta or CreativEdge.
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For Additional Information:Crescent CommunicationsCaroline March-Long |
