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.
Katie Cotton
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-7269
email: katiec@apple.com
Steve Ruddock
Claris Corporation
(408) 987-7202
email: steve_ruddock@claris.com