It would probably be a public service if some interested parties were to determine the ``encryption'' method that Sun Express, the standard Sun ``license manager'', and other packages use. At the moment, the details of these technologies are not described in the public literature (as far as I know). Rather than have these companies discover years too late that their "unlockable" software is really unlockable by anyone who understands cryptography, it'd be better for them to learn it this year, while they are still handling low volumes of programs that way. Also maybe they will stop dumping these programs-that-you-have-but-must-pay-to-run on us. John ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash SunExpress Unveils One-Stop Shopping From the Desktop SunFLASH Vol 49 #21 January 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- New CD-ROM and facsimile services make it easier than ever to select and purchase products CHELMSFORD, Mass. --January 26, 1993-- SunExpress, a subsidiary of workstation industry leader Sun Microsystems, Inc., today announced two new customer services which simplify information retrieval and product ordering. FaxInfo(SM), which allows SunExpress customers to access product information and order product through their fax machine, is available now. A second program will allow SunExpress customers to "unlock" software applications directly from SunSoft's Catalyst CDware(TM), the most widely-distributed demo CD for users of the UNIX(R) operating system. The CD-ROM program is being implemented in twenty customer sites on a trial basis and will be generally available later this year with Catalyst CDware Volume 5.0. The integration of these technologies, coupled with other electronic ordering innovations planned for release later in 1993, will allow SunExpress to process orders more efficiently and provide a higher level of customer satisfaction. Eventually, these process innovations will result in drastically fewer written orders, smaller inventories, less postage, phone and freight costs, resulting in reduced costs for SunExpress customers. "SunExpress is committed to providing its customers with leading-edge technologies that will make it easier than ever for them to select and purchase products. The new programs announced today are just the beginning," said Dorothy Terrell, president of SunExpress. "In the near future, our customers will be able to browse through full color on-line catalogs, watch video demonstrations and try out software all without leaving their workstation." FaxInfo The FaxInfo program allows SunExpress customers to access detailed product information about catalog offerings within minutes. By calling into the regular SunExpress ordering and information number (800-USE-SUNX), customers can access FaxInfo and have technical data sheets faxed back to the location of their choice by using the touch-tone keypad on their phone. SunExpress maintains up-to-date datasheets on all of the products that it offers and makes revisions to product specs as they are made available. SunExpress joins with SunSoft's Catalyst CDware Program Sun(TM) workstation users currently have access to SunSoft's Catalyst CDware program which allows them to run demo versions of a range of UNIX software applications from several major ISV's and decide whether it is something they would like to buy. With SunExpress' participation in the program, interested customers can purchase and obtain a fully-functional version of their chosen software -- all in one toll-free phone call. Currently this program is being tried out at twenty customer sites with limited software product offerings including: Clarity's Rapport(TM), and Ta-Dah!(TM) and SimCity(TM) from Dux Software. The program is targeted for full implementation with many more titles this summer, and will be attractive to ISVs who are already marketing their product through Catalyst CDware from SunSoft. Catalyst CDware currently carries 73 product presentations from 54 different vendors. "We feel that this service from SunExpress can only enhance the effectiveness and impact of our Catalyst CDware program," said Peter Schakow, Manager of CD programs at SunSoft. "We look forward to providing this added service to our Catalyst CDware partners." ISVs are interested in the SunExpress distribution strategy as a new sales channel. "This program will greatly facilitate our marketing efforts into the Sun installed base," said Bob Adams of DUX Software. "In addition to assisting with new product sales, it will be extremely useful and cost effective for distributing product enhancements and upgrades." SunExpress, a subsidiary of Sun Microsystems, Inc. provides customers with easy access to a wide range of Sun and innovative 3rd party products at low competitive prices and same day shipping. SunExpress supports SPARC(R), Solaris(R), and other computing environments based on the UNIX operating system. The company offers a 30-day no fault return policy and is currently serving customers in the United States, Europe and Japan. SunExpress can be reached at 1 (800) USE-SUNX and is headquartered in Chelmsford, MA. Press Contact: Hi-Tech Communications Mark Lederhos (508) 251-8278 Kathryn Lang (415) 904-7000 x204 Sun Lisa Ganier (415) 336-5637. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For information send mail to info-sunflash@Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@Sun.COM. Archives are on solar.nova.edu, uunet.uu.net, sunsite.unc.edu, src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ftp.adelaide.edu.au All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.