NCR and Metaphor announce new DIS data access option

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- NCR Corporation and Metaphor Inc. today announced the availability of a new data access option for Metaphor's Data Interpretation System (DIS) product.

This new DIS data access option is a PS/2-based gateway to the NCR DBC/1012).

DIS access to the TERADATAR database server can be from either a token ring or Ethernet LAN-attached gateway connecting to a TERADATA XNS Communications Processor on the DBC/1012.

With the new option, DBC/1012 users gain access to larger amounts of detailed data, enabling better business decisions.

Teradata, a pioneer in high-capacity, high performance relational database and parallel processing, was acquired by NCR Corporation in February 1991. Metaphor is a pioneer in the decision support software arena with its Data Interpretation System (DIS) software.

Metaphor's flagship DIS product was introduced in 1984, and is now an integral part of the decision-making process at nearly 200 Fortune 1000 companies. DIS is a client-server decision support product developed by Metaphor and jointly marketed by Metaphor and IBM.

"The real significance of this announcement is the addition of a high performance gateway to the powerful NCR DBC/1012 database server for DIS users to help them in the decision support process," said Cathie Selleck, president and CEO of Metaphor.

"For the first time, our customers can achieve not only connectivity to a leading high performance TERADATA database server, but can now apply the significant performance and capacity to their data analysis."

"We are excited about the relationship with Metaphor because we share a common vision of client-server architecture and the need for solutions that make use of large amounts of data," said Ben Barnes, assistant vice president of NCR's Large Computer Products Division.

"Metaphor possesses a broad range of experience in helping organizations turn data into information to help them run their businesses. Together we are able to provide DBC/1012 users with a robust, enterprise-wide decision support solution."

DIS provides non-technical business professionals with the tools they need to make the right decisions quickly and efficiently no matter where they -- or the data -- are located. The product combines a graphical user interface and relational database technology with a suite of software tools that allow users to gather and analyze data, and transform it into usable information at the touch of a button.

A typical DIS installation consists of PC workstations, file, mail, print, communications and database servers, database and mail gateways, a local area network and a complete set of interactive software tools for database access and analysis and end-user application construction.

NCR Corporation, an AT&T company, develops, manufactures, markets, supports, and services enterprise-wide information systems for worldwide markets.

Founded in 1982, Metaphor Inc., is a wholly owned, independently managed subsidiary of the IBM Corporation with sales and support offices in major metropolitan areas in the U.S., as well as Canada and the U.K.

NCR is a registered trademark of NCR Corporation. DBC/1012 is a trademark of Teradata Corporation. TERADATA is a registered trademark of Teradata Corporation. Metaphor is a registered trademark of Metaphor Inc. RISC System/600 is a trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective company with which they are associated.

Linda Poniktera - NCR Corporation
212-484-5425

Chris Sellman - NCR Corporation
619-485-2799

Cordell Koland - SIPR
408-437-1880

Mary Lindmeier - Metaphor Inc.
415-966-0805

Note: AT&T is no longer in the computer, computing equipment, or point-of-sale equipment business. On December 31, 1996, AT&T spun off its Global Information Solutions unit (which was originally known as NCR) into an independent company known as NCR Corp. For information about NCR's products and services, visit the NCR website.