System 70 Features

9-May-89 15:25:56-GMT,18703;000000000000 Return-Path: <mjohnson@apple.com> Received: from apple.com by sumex-aim.stanford.edu (4.0/inc-1.0) id AA27869; Tue, 9 May 89 08:25:56 PDT Received: by apple.com (5.59/25-eef) id AA23034; Tue, 9 May 89 08:24:34 PDT for info-mac@sumex-aim.stanford.edu Date: Tue, 9 May 89 08:24:34 PDT From: Mark B. Johnson <mjohnson@apple.com> Message-Id: <8905091524.AA23034@apple.com> To: info-mac@sumex-aim.stanford.edu, macworkers@rascal.ics.utexas.edu Subject: System 7.0 disclosure System Software Directions Overview On May 9, 1989, Apple will disclose future system software plans to third-party developers attending the annual World-Wide Developer's Conference. The disclosures will cover the core technologies under development for inclusion in the next major Macintosh System Software release, System 7.0. The purpose of the disclosure is to ensure that developers have the time and information necessary to capitalize on the new features and functionality of System 7.0. By doing this, we believe that many new, more powerful applications will be available at the time System 7.0 is introduced. We will also take this opportunity to hold an informal press seminar to begin educating the media on Macintosh System Software. Below is an overview of the core feature set planned for System 7.0. While it's still too early in the development cycle to announce a customer availability plan or introduction date, we will begin seeding developers with code in the fall. As we make further progress on System 7.0, we will provide additional details. System Software Release Strategy In early 1989, Apple announced a new system software release strategy to accommodate the varying needs of current users, new customers and Macintosh developers. We now break our system software into two release categories: Product Support Releases and Feature Releases. Product Support Releases are developed to support a new CPU, peripheral or networking product. Generally, these releases are for buyers of newly introduced products and should not concern current owners. Feature releases are major enhancements to the system software foundation that we encourage all users to adopt. They significantly enhance the capabilities of the Macintosh and add substantial value to the installed base. System 7.0 will be a Feature release. System 7.0 Goals The primary goal of System 7.0 is to extend the user's reach. System 7.0 demonstrates Apple's commitment to add value to the installed base and to create new reasons to buy Macintosh. The new System 7.0 features will extend the capabilities of the Macintosh using the consistent and intuitive techniques with which users are already familiar. System 7.0 Core Technologies: Virtual Memory and 32-Bit Addressing Virtual Memory extends the user's available memory by transparently treating the hard disk as additional RAM. This allows users to run more and larger applications w…