Apple Computer Inc has continued its fervent push towards the Internet and general communications markets with the launch of version 2.1 of the Apple Remote Access family of products, including ARA Client 2.1, ARA Personal Server 2.1 and the ARA Multiport Server 2.1.1 PCI Version. More importantly, the company has committed itself to a three-phase product road-map that will see all of its AppleTalk networking products align with industry standards and Internet protocols. Version 2.1 of ARA represents the first phase, and includes support for ISDN. In Phase Two Apple will begin moving towards Open Transport- enhanced dial-up networking, through the introduction of Open Transport/PPP – an extension to Open Transport delivering Point- to-Point Protocol support. The first release of Open Transport/PPP will support connection to TCP/IP networks. The last phase will see the company release version 3.0 of its ARA product line, including an enhancement to Open Transport/PPP to enable concurrent support of AppleTalk & TCP/IP over Point-to- Point Protocol. Apple will also introduce Open Transport- Enhanced support for the AppleTalk Remote Access Protocol. On PowerPC-based Mac OS systems, both Open Transport/PPP and the ARA 3.0 family promise to offer the benefits and performance of native code. ARA Client 2.1 enables a Mac or Power-book computer to connect to infor-mation and resources at a remote location. Apple says it works with all ARA-compatible servers, enabling administrators to choose service levels and expand server configurations without disrupting the user base. Shipping now it costs $60. The ARA Personal Server 2.1 combines client and one- port server software to let users remotely access another Mac OS computer, Apple Workgroup Server, or an entire AppleTalk network over standard phone lines, cellular and ISDN service. It costs $190. The ARA Multiport Servers provide network access to large numbers of remote or mobile users – version 2.1 with NuBus support was launched in February (CI No 2,857). The ARA Multip ort Server 2.1.1 PCI Version, is a six-port remote access server that also offers support for ISDN (two Basic Rate channels, 115.2Kbps) and high-speed modem support (28.8Kbps/V.34). Available now, it costs $1,100.
