General Magic Expands Industry Alliance

Not too long ago, it was nearly impossible to get any information about what a group of engineers — hid away in Mountain View and calling themselves General Magic—were doing. This has changed dramatically with the nearly constant barrage of technology announcements and new alliance members.

In fact, from January to April 1994, General Magic has recruited four new stars to their already talent- and financially-rich roster. Joining this computing and communication “dream team” are Toshiba, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), Fujitsu, and France Telecom. Considering that the General Magic Alliance already included Apple, AT&T, Matsushita, Motorola, Philips, and Sony, we’re beginning to wonder who’s left.

You’ll Recall…

With the recent emphasis on concepts such as the information superhighway and the worldwide web, leading consumer and communication companies are on edge about remaining on the edge. This has drawn them to one of the truly original technologies of our time, namely Telescript and its associated Magic Cap environment.

The January issue of this newsletter featured a comprehensive examination of both technologies, however Telescript can be summed up as a communication description language. Magic Cap, on the other hand, serves as the “native” platform on which Telescript-based applications can be created and used.

All Aboard

NTT, the Japanese telecommunication giant announced its intention to join the General Magic Alliance on January 26, 1994. NTT will license Magic’s technology, and plans to develop new information services and devices.

While NTT isn’t being specific about the types of services it plans to introduce, its high visibility in the Japanese market is good news for General Magic. Similar to other alliance members, NTT is also planning to commit resources to assist Magic in the development of the technology.

Next…

Toshiba Corp, an unquestionable leader in the laptop and notebook computer field (along with a respective new pen computing entry with the T200 series devices—see last issue) took its turn on March 14, 1994 to announce its ascension to the alliance.

Along with licensing Telescript and Magic Cap, Toshiba also plans to make an undisclosed capital investment in General Magic. Toshiba, like others in the alliance, believes that General Magic indeed has a chance of becoming a “de facto standard” and the company is certainly large enough to hedge its bets by joining.

And…

Not satisfied with simply licensing technology and investing in General Magic, Fujitsu Ltd. announced on the same day that it will join the alliance and nominate Mikio Ohtsuki, executive vice president of Fujitsu Ltd., to Magic’s board of directors upon completion of its investment.

While avoiding specifics, Fujitsu stated that it plans to build personal intelligent communicator products using Telescript and Magic Cap. In addition, Fujitsu has a strategic goal of creating a Japanese language multimedia communication system called “Life Media” for both business and personal use.

Finally?

Perhaps the most interesting addition to the alliance came on April 12th, when France Telecom (FT) announced its intention to join and take an equity stake in General Magic.

France Telecom operates the largest videotex system in the world with over 23,000 services, 6.5 million terminals, and 133 million connect hours last year. Of course, since France Telecom is a state-owned telecom provider, it had the luxury to create an environment for its eventual success.

Nonetheless, France Telecom’s experience in providing a broad-range, public service information infrastructure makes it an ideal partner for General Magic. Not only does it offer balance to the range and number of Japanese companies promising to offer products and services (five by last count), FT also brings a certain can-do attitude that early adopters like to see.

France Telecom intends to use Magic’s technology to enhance its existing Teletel and Minitel system and provide new information and messaging services. FT also hopes to leverage its investment by employing technology that it believes is likely to become a global standard for advanced communication.

General Magic
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Mountain View, CA 94040
(415) 965-0400
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