Willow Technology and IBM announce MQSeries Licensing Agreement

IBM MQSeries Client Connectivity Headed for Mac OS

Campbell, CA,--January 27, 1997--Willow Technology, Inc. and IBM announced the recent signing of a technology licensing agreement which grants Willow the right to develop and market worldwide MQSeries client software for Apple Computer Inc.’s Mac OS operating systems. Extending MQSeries to Mac OS provides a simple way for Apple users to access information and applications on other computer systems and software within their enterprise.

MQSeries is IBM’s award-winning messaging middleware that makes it simple for applications to interoperate across a network. It is available on more than 20 industry operating systems and it allows software developers to concentrate on delivering necessary business functions, while MQSeries provides the underlying connectivity.

According to Gary Clueit, CEO of Willow, the availability of MQSeries client capabilities for Mac OS represents a significant step toward allowing Mac OS systems to fully participate in exchanging enterprise information for both corporate applications and third-party software packages.

"By combining forces with Willow and Apple, we have extended our reach of users to the Apple platform further enabling network computing within enterprises," said Alfred Spector, general manager for IBM Transaction Processing. "This agreement demonstrates IBM’s ongoing commitment to provide cross-platform solutions building on the industry trend toward integration of different systems and software."

Initial availability of the Willow developed MQSeries Software Development Kit and runtime client software for 68k and PowerPC based Mac OS systems will be within 90 days.

Ellen Hancock, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Apple Computer, Inc. said "MQSeries is one of the leading commercial messaging technologies on the market, and one which provides a firm foundation for many commercial and corporate applications. The availability of MQSeries client connectivity on the Macintosh will allow Mac users to participate in enterprise solutions that have not previously been practical. This announcement is yet another important element in Apple’s focusing on the enterprise market."

Willow Technology, Inc. of Campbell, CA, founded in 1991, is a software developer specializing in enterprise multi-platform client-server tools. Willow can be reached at phone +1.408.377.7292; fax +1.408.377.7293; email info@willowtech.com; home page http://www.willowtech.com.

For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services, technology, and channel programs on the World Wide Web. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. Information about MQSeries can be found at the MQSeries home page at http://www.software.ibm.com/ts/mqseries.

IBM, the world’s largest software provider, creates, develops, and manufactures the industry’s most advanced information technologies including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in more than 140 countries. Apple’s home page is http://www.apple.com.