Apple Announces Claris To Reorganize as FileMaker, Inc.

CUPERTINO, California--Jan. 27, 1998--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced that its Claris subsidiary will restructure to focus exclusively on its award-winning FileMaker Pro line of database software.

This restructuring will include changing the Company name to FileMaker, Inc., divesting of products other than the FileMaker Pro line, and laying-off approximately 300 Claris employees.

FileMaker Pro is the most popular database software for the Macintosh and is the second most popular standalone database software for Windows, with about 3 million units sold and 2,500 developers. Sales of the FileMaker Pro line were $73 million in FY97, and $24 million in the most recent quarter which ended Dec. 26, 1997. Sales of the Windows versions more than tripled during the past two years (from $9 million to $28 million) and grew 77 percent during the most recent quarter over the same quarter a year ago.

"As FileMaker, Inc. we can now focus all our energies on our very successful FileMaker business," said Dominique Goupil, President of Claris. "We are totally committed to growing this business dramatically during the coming year."

Beginning February 1, Apple will distribute all Apple-branded software, including Mac OS 8 in the U.S. In addition, Apple will develop, distribute and support the award-winning ClarisWorks integrated productivity software. ClarisWorks is the leading productivity software in the K-12 education market, a key market focus for Apple.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the effect competitive factors and Claris' reaction to them may have on consumer and business buying decisions with respect to Claris' products; and the ability of Claris to make timely delivery of successful technological innovations to the marketplace. More information on potential factors that could affect Claris' financial results is included in the public filings of Apple Computer, Inc., Claris' parent company, with the SEC including Apple's Form 10-K for the 1997 fiscal year, and its Form 10-K for the first fiscal quarter of 1998, to be filed with the SEC.

Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission - to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

1998 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh and Power Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Claris, ClarisWorks and FileMaker are registered trademarks. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

 

 

 

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