Project Avante news...

[Cerilica Limited]

Formal announcement of the development of 'Project Avante'
**********************************************************

Many of you will be aware of the much publicised Risc OS product in
development under the title 'Project Avante'. The following is the
latest news with regards to this product and the change in situation
due to Acorn Plc's latest decision...

Continuing onwards
******************

It is with much sadness that the future of Risc OS desktop machines
has been put in question due to Acorn's desicion to stop the
development/manufacture of Phoebe:Risc PC II. However, after careful
consideration on the affect this may have on our intended market,
we have decided to continue in a 'business as usual' fashion. This
equates to Project Avante being launched in the coming new year.

Formation of Cerilica Limited
*****************************

In order to formally present Project Avante to the world under a
single name, and deliver it in a professional manner, Cerilica Ltd.
has recently been established to do so.

Under the joint control of Simon Birtwistle (Technical Director)
and myself, Nicholas van der Walle (Marketing Director), and soon
to be followed by Jane Birtwistle and Susan South (non-executive
directors), Cerilica Limited is set to become one of the leading
lights on the Risc OS design and publishing scene.

Our objectives are far-reaching as Project Avante is destined to
become the first of many quality products to reach users who
require quality leading-edge technology at affordable prices.

Project Avante officially named 'Vantage'
*****************************************

A title to be announced at the 'postponed' Acorn World 98 show in
London, the development name for Cerilica's first product has
given way to its official title of 'Cerilica Vantage'. All
publicity and material will now refer to the official title rather
than its predecessor.

Launch and Acorn World 98
*************************

The rather unfortunate situation of this highly promising show
being cancelled last minute without any prior warning has been a
blow to the launch of Cerilica Vantage.

Final preparations were underway and fabrication about to commence
for the 'first ever' joint graphics stand designed by Astute
Graphics and co-hosted by Spacetech, Alternative and Akalat. This
has all had to be cancelled and due to time scales will not be
possible to resurrect even if the event were 'saved'.

The launch will now take place without any apparent focal point
and will be led by internet announcements and information
deliveries via appropriate announcements services and the official
Cerilica Vantage WebSite (see later).

Our first physical appearance could possibly be at the forthcoming
South West show, and we hope to discuss matters in the near future
with organisers to ensure that any such event will supersede the
plans made for Acorn World 98.

Pricing, availability
*********************

Cerilica Vantage has been set to be released at the price of
200ukp + VAT and postage (approximately 240ukp total) for UK only.

Discussions are underway to ensure that shortly after the initial
UK release, other countries will be supported by dedicated
organisations, geographically placed to best suit the requirements.
This also promises to, in turn, lead to alternative language
versions such as German and Dutch.

Distribution of this product is yet to be finalised, but it is
likely that all UK orders will have to be placed directly with
Cerilica Limited. We are looking into dealer discounts, and would
still appreciate any comments from such companies.

Deposit scheme
**************

A feature to be launched at the Acorn World 98 show, deposits for
Cerilica Vantage will be taken, which in turn will lead to
discount on the final price.

Due to the recent upheavals at Acorn, the deposit scheme may yet
be reviewed, but it is likely to remain at the following;

- A 30ukp + VAT (35.25ukp) deposit will attract a 15ukp + VAT
(17.63ukp) deduction on the final price.

- The desposit will be non-returnable as all income will go
towards the physical manufacture of the product.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND DEPOSITS AT THIS STAGE. AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE
MADE SHORTLY...

Cerilica Vantage dedicated WebSite
**********************************

It has been promised for a number of months now, and for many
reasons has been delayed. However, now that more time can be freed
up and the fact that it will become the primary source of product
information, the official Cerilica Vantage WebSite will appear
very shortly. A full announcement will be made when appropriate.

In the meantime, a development site may be found at;

http://www.astutegrfx.demon.co.uk/cerilica/INDEX.HTM

This site is being temporarily hosted by Astute Graphics and DOES
NOT REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL FINAL SPECIFICATION OR DETAILS. Such
details are subject to change (including such images as the
Cerilica logo) but you should be able to get an initial glimpse
into the package, and return on primary feedback if you wish.

Contact
*******

It is possible to contact myself with any queries or comments
by the follong e-mail address (preferred);

mailto:ceri...@astutegrfx.demon.co.uk

Again, this mail address is only temporary but will redirect
mail after the official site is up-and-running.

Please note that it may take some time replay to all mails due to
both the shear volume and that fact that each one is replied on an
individual basis.

Alternatively, please get in touch by 'snail' mail at;

Nicholas van der Walle,
Marketing Director,
Cerilica Limited,
40 Primrose Close,
Ross-on-Wye,
Herefordshire,
England
HR9 7RN

Or by phone;

. Telephone (UK) (01989) 567350
. International 44 1989 567350

(between 08:30 and 16:30 GMT, Monday to Friday)

*-*-*

Thank you to those who were patiently awaiting this announcement
and details. I hope that it has clarified and enlightened the
situation, somewhat. However, if you still have any queries then
please do not hesitate to contact me.

--

Nicholas van der Walle,
Marketing Director,
Cerilica Limited,
England

. Telephone (UK) (01989) 567350
. International 44 1989 567350

Developers of advanced graphics and publishing software

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