CommSuite 95

CommSuite 95 was a communications software suite of products launched by the Canadian software company Delrina in late 1995.

History

Beta testing started in August 1995 with an expected release in November 1995. CommSuite 95 was a collection of 32-bit programs created specifically for use with Windows 95. It included WinFax PRO 7.0 (computer fax software), along with WinComm PRO 7.0 (online communications), TalkWorks (a voice mail application), and the Cyberjack suite of Internet components.[1] A beta of Cyberjack 7.0 web browser was available since early October 1995 for free trial download.[2]

This would be the last official program issued under the Delrina name, the company having been bought out by Symantec the month before its release in November 1995.

Features and reception

Suite offered plenty of features like 32 bit components compatible with Windows 95 and MS Office, support for OLE 2.0, messaging API and Telephony Application Programming Interface. WinComm Pro provided virus protection. There was also CommBar module for status reporting and easy access to all components.[1] Although the software was well received,[3][4] with PC/Computing preview highlighting CommSuite 95 as the first package to integrate fax, e-mail, voice mail and web browsing seamlessly under Windows 95,[5] there were still some deficiencies. PC Magazine first looks article reported performance problems on systems with less than 16 MB RAM and issues with the included web browser Cyberjack, which was not able to display many pages right.[4] InfoWorld review lauded features like 32 bit access, multitasking, multithreading and OLE 2.0 support, but criticized high disk space requirements and problems during installation (reviewer was forced to install applications separately).[3] There was also question of target market, as many people would be content with services provided by the basic OS.[1]

References
  1. De Voe, Deborah (14 August 1995). "Delrina assembles apps for CommSuite 95". InfoWorld. Vol. 17 no. 33. IDG. p. 12. ISSN 0199-6649.
  2. "Product Spotlight Delrina adds internet to suite". InfoWorld. Vol. 17 no. 42. IDG. 16 October 1995. p. 64. ISSN 0199-6649.
  3. Millman, Howard (5 February 1996). "CommSuite 95: One size fits all". InfoWorld. Vol. 18 no. 6. IDG. p. 96. ISSN 0199-6649.
  4. Olsen, J. W. (12 March 1996). "Delrina CommSuite 95: The First All-in-One Windows 95 Telecommunications Solution". PC Magazine. Vol. 15 no. 5. Ziff Davis. p. 56. ISSN 0888-8507.
  5. Schwerin, Rich (November 1995). "CommSuite 95 One-Click Internet, E-mail, and Fax". PC/Computing. Vol. 8 no. 11. Ziff Davis. p. 83. ISSN 0899-1847.
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