Canopy Provides Open Source Code For Former Willows Technology
Ralph Yarro
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CANOPY PROVIDES OPEN SOURCE CODE FOR FORMER WILLOWS CROSSBPLATFORM TECHNOLOGY: WINDOWS API/ABI
Usage Requires No License Fee
OREM, UTCJUNE 17, 1997CThe Canopy Group Inc. today announced the immediate Internet availability of a crossBplatform,
Windows compatible Application Programming Interface (API) and provisional Application Binary Interface (ABI).This
technology was formerly known as the ATWIN API@ under the company name of AWillows Software@ (a division of the Canopy
Group) and requires no license fee. The source code and provisional binary license allows for the rapid continuation of
the technology with increased support for small and large ISVs.
The TWIN API is a crossBplatform Windows Application Programming Interface
(API) and provisionally, an Application Binary Interface (ABI). The API allows developers and companies to port and provide
Windows applications and utilities for operating system platforms other than Windows. The ABI allows Windows applications
to run unmodified on many diverse platforms including but not limited to: Novell NetWare, Apple Macintosh and Caldera
OpenLinux.
The TWIN API also provides Windows API compatibility, supplying interfaces for
16 and 32 bit Windows APIs. Other popular Windows interfaces such as WinSock, Shell, Registry, Common Dialogs and Common
Controls are also provided.
"APIs should belong to the community at largeCno one entity should control
them," said Ralph Yarro, general manager of The Canopy Group, Inc. "We want users to have the freedom to choose the
platforms that best serve them and not be limited by the lack of applications that run on them. That=s why we support not
only this action, but other developments like the Wine Project and Java as well. We greatly appreciate the investment of
time and money that developers have made to the Windows API. It is our intention to give them a free and efficient
alternative for moving their products to other platforms without further investment."
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Rob Farnum, the inventor of the Willows technology, is under contract with
The Canopy Group to oversee the Internet development of the technology and resulting product direction and evangelization.
"After watching the development of Linux over the last couple of years, I have become convinced that the Internet
development community will keep the Willows technology moving forward with the best solutions possible,@ said Mr. Farnum.
AThis bold move by The Canopy Group will allow the technology to benefit from the worldwide contributions of the best that
the development community has to offer.@
The Canopy Group=s original intent for the Willows technology was to support
their Caldera, Inc. Linux offering. However, this opportunity will now benefit the entire Internet community.
"This action by the Canopy Group is a good one for us and the industry." said Bryan Sparks, president and CEO of Caldera,
Inc. "The TWIN API/ABI broadens the scope of solutions that Caldera can provide on our OpenLinux platforms. It also
provides resellers with an alternative for providing their custom solutions on other platforms. It gives them and
their customers increased freedom-of-choice and better overall solutions."
"We have watched the Wine group=s Internet success closely, and believe that the
Willows code will help them be even more successful," continued Ralph Yarro of The Canopy Group. AThe Wine project is a
free Windows emulator currently being developed by volunteers on the Internet. The publication of the Willows source code
means that both Willows and Wine will be able to benefit from each other's work, and build an even better emulator by
combining the strengths of both products.@
Alexandre Julliard, leader of the Wine project concurs. "This is very exciting for usC being able to share code and ideas
with Willows. It will be a huge help to fulfill our dream of a free Windows environment. It is a great day for the free
software world!"
The Source code is available for download via FTP at: ftp.willows.com. Two email groups have been created for
developers and users at: twi...@willows.com and twin...@willows.com. For all other information you may contact Ralph
Yarro at (801) 229-2223 or visit the Willows web site at: www.willows.com.
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Canopy Provides Source Code for Windows API/API Page 3
The Canopy Group is a division of NFT Ventures, Inc. based in Orem Utah. Its mission is to grow the industry by supporting
and developing emerging companies and technologies that foster choice, offer strategic alternatives,
and demonstrate industry leadership and vision. For more information visit www.canopy.com.
All products, services, companies and publications are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Mailing lists: twi...@willows.com and twin...@willows.com
FTP: ftp.willows.com
URL: www.willows.com
Press Contact:
Ralph Yarro
ra...@nft.com
Tel: (801) 229-2223
Fax: (801) 229-2458
Technical Contact:
Rob Farnum
ro...@willows.com
Tel: (408)867-5009
Fax: (408)366-0344