FTP Software's KEYpak removes barriers to sharing electronic documents; New version of mail-enabled conversion and distribution product bridges Legacy Systems and client/server environments; Includes support for Microsoft Word for Windows 95 and HTML

Business Wire, Sept 26, 1995

ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 1995--FTP Software Inc. today announced a new version of its KEYpak automatic document conversion software for mail-enabled client/server environments.

KEYpak Version 3.2 allows users of host computer and PC-based document processing systems to exchange fully editable documents while preserving the original formatting and includes conversion to and from Microsoft Corp.'s Word for Windows 95.

KEYpak integrates with popular electronic mail systems and gateways to provide transparent document conversion for the user and easy maintenance for network administrators. Available for systems including IBM mainframes, DEC VAX, multiple UNIX implementations, DOS and Windows, KEYpak has been adopted by many Fortune 1000 companies whose networks serve thousands of users. KEYpak's HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) conversion technology is embedded in the market-leading HTML editor, HoTMetal Pro from SoftQuad, and provides ready creation of documents formatted for the World Wide Web (WWW).

Internet and Windows 95 support added

This latest KEYpak version includes several key improvements driven by new technology developments such as Windows 95 and the Internet. HTML conversion capabilities are improved in KEYpak Version 3.2 with the ability to convert GIF (Graphics Interchange Formats) images to add to HTML documents, and to support numerous file formats. KEYpak's HTML conversion technology also served a pivotal role in providing instant access to official information on the 1995 G7 Economic Summit in Halifax. SoftQuad's G7NewsWeb Internet publishing service provided information within minutes of its release to journalists and delegates participating in the recent Summit and readers worldwide via the WWW. According to Linda Hazzan, SoftQuad's marketing director, "We're bundling KEYpak because its powerful conversion technology is a compelling addition to HoTMetal Pro 2.0 which distinguishes us from the competition."

Support for Microsoft Word for Windows 95 makes document conversion options readily available for the millions of Windows users as they upgrade their systems to Windows 95 and need to have access to documents written in other formats. KEYpak makes it possible to mail complete business documents without the sender being concerned with what applications are used by the recipient(s). Enterprises with users of both legacy and PC-based document processing systems in complex computing environments can be assured of the ability to read and send documents without regard to the applications running on other systems.

"Coexistence of differing technologies is the rule for corporations today even if their plans include conversion from legacy to client server or personal computer networks," said Bart Broussard, FTP Software's vice president of marketing. "With KEYpak Version 3.2, FTP Software has provided the enterprise tool that can reduce the cost and frustration of this migration and make this needed coexistence more productive."

In KEYpak Version 3.2 a new feature automatically detects the type of file that is to be converted and does the conversion at the server level without the assistance of a system administrator. The result is a reduction in dependency on support personnel.

KEYpak Version 3.2 provides support for more UNIX platforms including Silicon Graphic's IRIX. It also supports superior conversion to Postscript for host-based printing and faxing.

Pricing and availability

KEYpak Version 3.2 is currently available with site-license pricing $47 per user for a 25-user license, or less based upon the number of users. The product is distributed worldwide through direct sales channels, VARs, system integrators and OEMs.

FTP Software Inc. is the leading independent supplier of IP-based applications and TCP/IP software that enables millions of PC users worldwide to access resources across workgroup LANs, enterprise networks and the global Internet. The publicly held company (Nasdaq: FTPS), a pioneering developer of interconnectivity applications and a founding member of the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), is committed to providing technically superior products for sharing information across disparate computing platforms and networks. FTP Software markets its products and services worldwide through an international distributor network, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and direct sales. -0-

FTP Software is a registered trademark and KEYpak is a trademark of FTP Software Inc. Other tradenames, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Information on FTP Software Inc., including this press release, is available electronically via FTP Software Inc.'s World Wide Web home page (http://www.ftp.com) or anonymous ftp site: ftp.ftp.com.

CONTACT: FTP Software Inc.

Jill LeBallister Dudka, 508/685-4000, x6458

Internet: jld@ftp.com

or

Lois Paul & Partners

Ellen Fletcher, 617/862-4514

Internet: ellen_fletcher@lpp.com