PR28 15.4.94 - Acorn Computers Launches the Risc PC Range.
Acorn Computers, the leading supplier of 32-bit RISC based personal computers, has today announced a new family of Acorn products. The Acorn Risc PC is based on a new architecture offering significantly increased speed and graphics, and enhanced functionality and connectivity.
The Risc PC's improved performance is enabled by: the ARM 610 RISC processor; full 24-bit colour support; unique second processor capability, offering users access to other environments such as DOS or Windows; and an innovative modular case design allowing easy and low-cost expansion. This is all supported by the latest release of RISC OS, Acorn's acclaimed operating environment. Compatible with over 90% of existing RISC OS software, the Acorn Risc PC will be launched with over 3,000 software applications already available.
Sam Wauchope, Managing Director of Acorn Computers comments:"The launch of the Risc PC marks a major leap forward in technology for Acorn and its customers. The innovative design of the Risc PC offers exceptional performance and value for money. In terms of speed, graphics and true multimedia, the Risc PC is the best personal computer available today.
Risc PC's compatibility with existing software, coupled with a guaranteed low-cost processor upgrade path, and simple and effective expansion with industry standard memory and peripherals, ensures that existing and new Acorn customers have their investment protected for the future. As the requirements of our users develop, Risc PC will be able to cope with and exceed these."
Acorn is committed to the innovative use of technology and works with industry partners and customers to provide appropriate systems for its target markets. As a result, Acorn has developed a product line-up that matches both the market's expectations and open system requirements.
Initially three product configurations will be offered.
Founded in 1978, with 1992 revenues of #48. 2m, Acorn Computers is the premier supplier of IT solutions to UK education and has been the leading provider of 32-bit RISC based personal computers since 1987. In 1990, Acorn established an associate company, Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) in a joint venture with Apple Computer and VLSI Technology Inc to develop and exploit further Acorn's RISC processor technology. Acorn works closely with a strong community of other industry partners, users and software developers to provide innovative technology solutions for the education, consumer, publishing and international markets. Acorn Computers Limited is part of the Acorn Computer Group plc, which went public on the USM in 1983.
PR29 15.4.94 - A wealth of applications available today for the Acorn Risc PC
Acorn Computers, the leading supplier of 32-bit RISC based personal computers, will launch its range of Risc PC systems with a multitude of applications already available to run on it. Thousands of existing RISC OS titles are available to Risc PC users. The backward compatibility of the Risc PC means that over 90% of existing RISC OS applications run with the new architecture. In addition, the Risc PC's unique dual processor capability will allow access to software from other environments, most notably with Windows or DOS.
Offering existing Acorn users excellent investment protection, users will be able to run software in every application category from the day the Risc PC is launched, from education to consumer, business, the home, and print and publishing. The advanced technology of the Risc PC, with features such as 16 million colours and increased processor speed and memory, will improve the performance of existing RISC OS applications, as well as openingthe door to a host of new applications.
In addition to the existing base of applications, Acorn has been working with independent software developers to develop new solutions which will take advantage of the new architecture. For example, Risc PC will demonstrate the full capabilities of multimedia applications with increased RAM and the Full Motion Video on Acorn Replay. Risc PC's true 24-bit colour, delivering 16 million colours, will also greatly improve graphics applications.
Sam Wauchope, Managing Director of Acorn Computers, comments:"The launch of the Risc PC with such a huge number of software titles available to run on it will greatly benefit users. Risc PC's phenomenal capabilities will also offer software developers an elegant and suppotive development platform, paving the way for a whole new generation of multimedia software development."
Founded in 1978, with 1992 revenues of #48.2m, Acorn Computers is the premier supplier of IT solutions to UK education and has been the leading provider of 32-bit RISC based personal computers since 1987. In 1990, Acorn established an associate company, Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) in a joint venture with Apple Computer and VLSI Technology Inc to develop and exploit further Acorn's RISC processor technology. Acorn works closely with a strong community of other industry partners, users and software developers to provide innovative technology solutions for the education, consumer, publishing and international markets. Acorn Computers Limited is part of the Acorn Computer Group plc, which went public on the USM in 1983.
PR30/15.4.94 Acorn Computers launches biggest ever marketing campaign with the Risc PC.
Acorn Computers, the leading supplier of 32 bit RISC based personal computers, is launching its new range, the Risc PC, with its biggest ever marketing push. The launch marks a major leap forward for Acorn and, by exploiting the latest in the ARM 32-bit RISC processor designs, Acorn has opened the door to a world of opportunities in multimedia and innovative multiplatform technology.
The Risc PC will have revolutionary implications in Acorn's strongholds of education and the home, but increasingly also in Acorn's newest target market - the use of multimedia for professional purposes. The campaign will include direct mail, national, trade and regional press advertising and a three day London-based launch event.
Mike O'Riordan, Sales and Marketing Director of Acorn Computers, comments:
"The campaign will illustrate that, with the Risc PC, Acorn has produced a product range which is innovative in both technology and design. The products are fully capable of meeting users' needs today and also provide the technology and upgrade path to meet their requirements tomorrow. In sheer speed, graphics, video performance and in multimedia, the Risc PC is unrivalled by any other personal computer.
Furthermore, Acorn's unique second processor capability, which permits the user to run an Intel or other processor alongside Acorn's own processor whilst sharing memory and other facilities, means those who need to access, for example, DOS or Windows applications can do so while exploiting the unique advantages offered by the Risc PC."
Acorn's marketing campaign is built around the theme 'A world of opportunities' which serves to highlight the wealth of opportunities that the new range will offer for users, and also for Acorn and its developer community.
In addition the theme reflects the fact that the Risc PC's innovative design will present further opportunities for Acorn to expand its programme of industry partnerships. Acorn has already established a number of highly successful joint initiatives with major players, including Novell, Apple, Psion and Kodak, and the Risc PC now opens up the field for wider opportunities on the international stage.
Founded in 1978, with 1992 revenues of #48.2m, Acorn Computers is the premier supplier of IT solutions to UK education and has been the leading provider of 32-bit RISC based personal computers since 1987. In 1990, Acorn established an associate company, Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) in a joint venture with Apple Computer and VLSI Technology Inc to develop and exploit further Acorn's RISC processor technology. Acorn works closely with a strong community of other industry partners, users and software developers to provide innovative technology solutions for the education, consumer, publishing and international markets. Acorn Computers Limited is part of the Acorn Computer Group plc, which went public on the USM in 1983.