Santa Clara, Calif., Feb 19, 1996 – The Windows Sockets (WinSock) Group today announced that a software developer’s kit (SDK) for Windows Sockets version 2 is now available for beta testing on Windows NT(tm)-based PCs. A Windows® 95 version of the beta SDK is expected to be available in the first quarter of this year. Windows Sockets 2 is a protocol-independent version of the widely known Windows Sockets data communications interface specification for the TCP/IP protocol. In addition, the new version offers extensions optimized to support real-time multimedia communications and creates a communications infrastructure that is ready for new Internet and network technologies such as ATM, wireless, ISDN, cable and infrared.

Windows Sockets 2 originated as a specification that was created by the WinSock Group, an informal coalition of leading PC industry companies working together to further enhance the capabilities of the Windows Sockets specification.

Key features of the new version include:

• Protocol Independence: Ability to support multiple protocols, including traditional transport stacks (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, OSI), LANs, ATM networks, wireless networks and telephony networks. Makes it possible for Windows Sockets 2 developers to create Internet and general communications applications that are independent of underlying networks.
• Quality of Service: An interface for applications to query and request performance attributes such as bandwidth and latency from the underlying network -- a capability required for real-time multimedia and communications.
• Multi-point and multi-cast features to enable end user capabilities like multi-player games, conferencing, and distance learning.
• 100% binary compatibility with the current Windows Sockets 1.1c specification, ensuring that Windows Sockets 2-compliant systems will have immediate compatibility with the hundreds of existing Windows Sockets applications.

Availability
The Windows Sockets 2 beta SDK is being distributed as part of the just released beta version of Microsoft’s Windows NT 4.0 (Shell Update Release) Workstation and Server included in the Microsoft Developer’s Network (MSDN) level 2 subscription. Copies of the Windows Sockets 2 SDK, and important feature updates, can also be obtained free of charge on the World Wide Web and via anonymous FTP at:

http://www.intel.com/IAL/winsock2
ftp://ftp.intel.com/pub/winsock2/sdk

SDK Background and Description
In support of the Windows Sockets 2 specification, the Intel Architecture Labs (IAL) and Microsoft Corporation are working together to create the SDK for Microsoft’s 32-bit operating systems which include Windows 95 and both Windows NT platforms. The SDK contains all of the components necessary for software developers to create data communications applications including specifications, sample applications code, and the DLL components. Also included is Microsoft’s Windows Sockets 2 service provider for TCP/IP protocol on the Windows NT platforms. A Windows 95 version of the beta SDK is expected to be available in the first quarter of this year.

Interoperability Workshops Planned
The beta trial period will feature a series of inter-operability workshops sponsored by Microsoft, Intel, and Stardust Technologies beginning in late March of 1996. All of the beta participants will be invited to test their applications across a wide variety of Windows Sockets 2 service providers.

Early adopters of the new Windows Sockets 2 technology include: Banyan Systems, Intel, FTP Software, Lotus Development Corporation, Microsoft, NetManage, Novell, Stardust Technologies, SunSoft, WRQ, and many others.

Contacts:
Ralph Bond, Intel Corp., (503) 264-6277
Joni Gregory, Microsoft, (206) 882-8080
Pamela Laurence, Novell, (801) 429-7000
Martin Bickford, Stardust Technologies, (408) 879-8080
Sue Hartford, WRQ, (206) 217-7391
Siobahn Carrol, Banyan Systems, (617) 577-9777
Jill LeBallister Dudka, FTP Software Inc., (508) 659-6458
Laura Ramsey, SunSoft, (508) 442-0508
Donna Loughlin, NetManage, (408) 342-7612

* Legal Stuff © 1997 Intel Corporation