This time last year David Clarke, the product manager for network applications, at Emeryville, California-based Farallon Computing Inc, said there would be a fix for delivering a Windows for Workgroups version of its Timbuktu software for running one machine on a network from another one in 1993 (CI No 2,080), but users are still waiting for the thing. Two problems had been found: Timbuktu was optimised for NetWare, and therefore used Novell Inc ODI Open Data link Interface-compatible local network adaptor drivers rather than the NDIS drivers used by Microsoft Corp; and it clashed with Windows for Workgroups’ file sharing functions. According to Clarke, the file redirector problems have been insurmountable. He said that, after nine month’s work, Microsoft and Farallon have been unable to resolve the problem and have given up trying for complete compatibility. On the driver front, the launch of Windows for Workgroups 3.11, which features proper support for ODI drivers, has alleviated the former problem, although the company has not yet made public any plans to go ahead with a limited functionality version of Timbuktu for Windows for Workgroups. On the Personal NetWare front (last year Farallon opted to wait for Novell’s Personal NetWare replacement for NetWare Lite) Farallon says work is in progress and that an announcement will be made within weeks. Meantime the company has just released two new products: Timbuktu Pro for Macintosh, a new Mac version of its software, and Timbuktu for Windows 1.1. Timbuktu Pro supports Apple Computer Inc’s PowerTalk client software which enables System 7 Pro users to take advantage of its directory services to locate and connect to other Timbuktu users, says the company. It is available now in 10-, 30- and 100-packs. Pricing starts at $200, with upgrades to Timbuktu Pro at $60 per copy. A Timbuktu Administrator’s Toolkit is also available for $700, or free with the 100-packs. Timbuktu for Windows 1.1 is said to have new printing features, faster installation, and support for additional Ethernet and Token Ring boards. It will be available in first quarter in single, 10-, 30- and 100-packs. Pricing from $200; upgrades are available for $40 per copy.
