MDG PR: Low-Cost Internet Gateway

[mdavis@crash.cts.com (Morgan Davis)]

 For Immediate Release
 
 
 MDG Offers Low-Cost Internet Gateway
 
 SAN DIEGO, California--April 1, 1993--The Morgan Davis Group today
 announced uMDSS, a mail distribution subsystem protocol for Unix systems.
 uMDSS makes possible the exchange of Internet electronic mail and news
 with microcomputers unable to communicate over traditional UUCP channels,
 like the venerable Apple II.  While available at the university level,
 Internet access is cost prohibitive for most grade schools still equipped
 with labs full of aging microcomputers.
      ``Compared to a direct Internet connection--about $24,000 per year--
 and the complexities of special hardware and system administration, it's
 obvious why K-12 students and the computer-using community have been
 unable to use the Internet.  It's supposed to be available to everyone,
 but it's too expensive,'' explains MDG president Morgan Davis.  ``We're
 building a network of Internet e-mail access points on inexpensive
 personal computers.   Instead of pouring thousands of dollars into new
 hardware and monthly access fees, schools can retain their investment in
 yesterday's hardware and still get today's technology for the cost of a
 normal telephone bill.''
      uMDSS is like UUCP in many ways.  uMDSS sites connect to UNIX hosts
 over serial-based connections.  The caller logs in with an account name
 and password, then identifies itself by its site name and a secondary
 password.  Session information is exchanged, and files begin moving
 between systems.  When all files have been exchanged in both directions
 the session is complete.  uMDSS maintains site lock (LCK) files,  session
 ``.Status'' files, and a detailed log file.  It also includes a uustat-
 like function for reporting job and connection statistics.  Integration
 with local mail services is transparent.  At the transfer level, an
 XMODEM-based 4K-packet protocol provides near 100% or better transfer
 efficiency, and is compatible with high-speed modems and ports.
      Client support is currently available for the Apple II through the
 ProLine BBS developed by Morgan Davis.  ``ProLine is a network of Apple
 II systems that are not only tied to each other, but routinely carry
 Internet News Groups . . . something we just didn't expect,'' wrote
 Boardwatch Magazine in a June 1991 review.  The uMDSS interface makes
 this possible.  ProLine was recently awarded five out of five stars in an
 inCider/A+ review.  The leading Apple II/Macintosh magazine wrote,
 ``ProLine is as powerful as many Unix minicomputer-based systems, yet
 amazingly, it runs on a standard Apple II.''  uMDSS support for PC and
 Macintosh computers is expected later this year.
      The uMDSS host software is available immediately for $59.95 per
 host site.  Distribution involves an electronic package containing full
 C source code for compilation on most Unix systems.   It also includes
 full documentation on installation and integration with local services
 such as smail and cnews.  A six-host site license is available for $299.
      Founded in 1989, the Morgan Davis Group produces unique, powerful,
 and innovative software for a variety of computers.  Call or write for a
 free product catalog.
 
 Contact:
      Morgan Davis Group
      10079 Nuerto Lane
      Rancho San Diego
      CA 91977-7132 USA
      +1 619 670 0563 TEL
      +1 619 670 9643 FAX
      +1 619 670 5379 BBS

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