Intel Press Release

Windows Sockets Version 2 Software Now Available for Windows*95

New Features Include Quality of Service Interface, Multipoint And Multicast Capabilities, Protocol Independence

HILLSBORO, Ore, June 10, 1997 -- Intel announced today the availability of redistributable run time components that allow existing Windows* 95 systems to be upgraded to support Windows Sockets version 2 (WinSock 2). WinSock 2 provides advanced capabilities for Internet applications; including quality of service for multimedia applications, multipoint and multicast features, and protocol independence. The developers kit was jointly developed by Microsoft and Intel.

The availability of WinSock 2 for Windows 95 extends WinSock 2 capability to all of Microsoft's 32-bit Windows operating systems. New key features of WinSock 2:

  • Quality of Service -- Provides an interface for applications to query and request performance attributes such as bandwidth and latency from the underlying network to create and optimize capabilities such as real-time media communications.
  • Multipoint and multicast features -- Enables end user capabilities like multiplayer games, conferencing, and distance learning.
  • 100 percent compatibility -- Ensures that Windows Sockets 2-compliant systems will have immediate compatibility with the hundreds of existing WinSock applications that incorporate the current WinSock 1.1 specification.
  • Protocol Independence -- The original Windows Sockets specification supported only the TCP/IP protocol. With WinSock 2 developers can create applications that are independent of underlying networks, including traditional LAN stacks (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, OSI), ATM networks, wireless networks and telephony networks.
  • Layered Service Provider Architecture -- Windows Sockets 2 includes provisions for inserting layers between the WinSock 2 DLL and the underlying protocol stack. A layered protocol could be used to implement security or proxy services, provide access control, or extend the capabilities of an underlying base protocol.

"The entire line of Windows 32-bit operating systems is now poised to take advantage of next-generation networking capabilities," said David Andersen, editor of the WinSock 2 specification and principal engineer for Intel's Architecture Lab. "This release of WinSock 2 will greatly accelerate the emergence of Internet applications that leverage features such as quality of service, IP multicast and privacy."

"Architectural advancements, such as protocol independence and the Layered Service Provider model, mean multiple WinSock 2 protocol stacks and networking "middleware" services can be installed on the same PC without fear of configuration headaches," said Chris Steck, Microsoft's WinSock 2 Program Manager. "And enhanced API support for QoS, IP multicast, and multimedia-friendly queuing will make developing real-time networked multimedia applications a reality."

The WinSock 2 for Windows 95 SDK is being distributed to software developers as part of the Win32 SDK included in the Microsoft Developer's Network (MSDN) level 2 subscription and is also available on http://www.microsoft.com.

The SDK contains all the components necessary for software developers to create data communications applications necessary to upgrade legacy Windows 95 systems to WinSock 2. Also included is Microsoft's WinSock 2 service provider for the TCP/IP and IPX protocols, and an updated version of Microsoft's TCP/IP protocol stack.

ISV's may execute a no-cost license agreement with Microsoft that allows them to bundle the WinSock 2 upgrade for Windows 95 with their applications. WinSock 2 is already shipping on the Windows NT* 4.0 operating system and will be incorporated in the upcoming Memphis release of Windows 95.

WinSock 2 originated as a specification created by the Windows Sockets Group, an informal coalition of leading PC industry companies working together to further enhance the network communications capabilities of the MS Windows PC. The group is led by Intel, Microsoft, Novell, Stardust Technologies and SunSoft. Other companies involved include Adaptec*, AT&T*, Banyan*, Cisco*, Digital*, Distinct Software*, Eicon Technology*, Ericsson*, First Virtual*, FTP Software*, IBM*, ICL*, Lotus*, Motorola*, NetManage*, Netscape*, Precept*, Wall Data*, Wollongong*, and WRQ*. Visit the above-referenced Web sites for more information on the Windows Sockets Group or contact Karen Milne at Stardust Technologies* at (408) 879-8080.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.