Thrust SSC (supersonic car) will be shown to the public for the first time at this year's Motor Show, Earls Court, 19-29 October on stand number 86. Digital will simultaneously be launching the Thrust SSC Cyberstore. This will enable users to shop on the Internet for the full range of highly desirable official Thrust SSC merchandise, which to date has provided the Thrust SSC project with around 40% of its funding.
As the Internet is a truly international medium, the new Cyberstore will help generate further finance for the Thrust SSC project. Digital also sponsored the Thrust Project stand earlier this year at the British Grand Prix.
The Thrust SSC project has been pioneered by world record holder Richard Noble. He is planning a further attempt at the land speed record with RAF Tornado pilot, Andy Green, at the wheel. Funding for the project will be crucial as development by other contenders is also taking place abroad.
Three special Internet kiosks, designed by Digital, will be positioned next to Thrust SSC at the Motor Show, creating a heady mix of powerful cars and powerful computing. Visitors to the exhibition will have the first chance ever to experience supersonic shopping. Special cards, which can be purchased from the stand, will enable access to the Internet. From there, users will be able to make their merchandise purchases should they so wish.
The Thrust SSC World Wide Web server operates from an AlphaServer running Digital UNIX and NetScape's NetSite commercial software. The provision of the server has enabled access to extensive information about the project.
"Digital has been involved in the Thrust SSC project for six months," explained Clive Watts, European product manager for the Digital Internet Group. "Already over 250,000 accesses from across the world have been registered. This is an indication of interest in this exciting venture as a direct result of being able to follow its every stage of development via the Internet. The opening of Thrust SSC's own Cyberstore will not only pioneer the commercial use of the Internet at the motor show but will also enable Internet users to purchase merchandise without having to leave their desks."
"SSC may stand for supersonic car," he jested, "but with the Alpha based WWW server we are already providing supersonic computing."
Using the Internet for shopping will be easy. With the use of special encryption software, vital to ensure personal security, Internet users across the world will be able to use their credit cards to purchase goods and subscribe to the Mach 1 Club. Membership of this club allows direct on-line access to the Thrust SSC team, including to Richard Noble himself Information about the car's development is added continuously. When the attempt at the sound barrier is made it is planned that this should be seen and heard live on the Internet WWW Thrust SSC server.
The range of goods is extensive and includes models, posters etc. The Internet address for information on the project and to purchase goods is: http://thrustssc.digital.co.uk. The Cyberstore opens for business on Wednesday 18 October, 1995 at the Motor Show.
Digital Equipment Corporation, headquartered in Maynard, Massachusetts, is one of the world's largest computer companies. With operations in 100 countries, the Corporation reported revenues of $13.8 billion in financial year 1995, and now employs some 61,700 people. Established in the UK in 1964, the local sales and service subsidiary employs approximately 4,000 people and generated revenues of £810 million during the last fiscal year. Digital is a major UK manufacturer with two plants in Scotland, 1,700 people work at Ayr producing workstations and servers and 450 people are located in Irvine manufacturing personal computers.
Digital has a pedigree as a world leader in networking and on-line communications. Digital itself has over 200 world wide web sites within the company and extensively uses Internet technology to promote its business and reduce costs.
Richard Noble's land speed record currently stands at 633 mph, but he is determined to produce a car that will not only keep the record for Britain but also exceed the sound barrier. Low speed trials will be undertaken next year - low speed being 250mph. Competing attempts are being made abroad, so the additional revenue generated by this project will help to retain the leading edge for the Thrust SSC team.
The Thrust SSC World Wide Web server operates from an AlphaServer running Digital UNIX and NetScape's NetSite commercial software.
Digital's Internet servers have obviated the need for a UNIX expert to build, install and integrate Internet systems. Digital offers three systems with varying price/performance criteria. Designed for expansion, Digital's Internet servers satisfy the immediate needs of small to medium sized businesses. Initial investment is deliberately kept low so that users can scale up power and facilities as neeessary.
For further information please contact:
Lucy Saunders or Claire Thompson, Arrow Public Relations
Tel: +44 (0)1344 779000
Fax: +44 (0)1344 779555
CompuServe: 100432,2433
Email: 100432.2433@compuserve.com
Digital Press Office
Tel: +44 (0)1734 202180
Email: press.office®reo.mts.dec.com
Reference: UKPR752
Digital Equipment Co. Ltd
UK Public Relations
Digital Park
Imperial Way
Reading
RG2 0TE
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