News from Acorn Computers Acorn Changes To Shape The Future Of Educational IT - New Product, Pricing and Channel Structures - Acorn Computers, one of the world's leading suppliers of information technology to schools, is recognising and responding to the changing educational market by introducing a new product line-up, new pricing structure and improved channel and distribution strategy. Acorn is expanding its existing product range by launching the A7000, a new series of high-powered, network-ready, multimedia computers, and the second generation Risc PC, together with an aggressive new pricing strategy, allowing educational purchasers to buy Acorn computers at a 'recommended education price' (REP). The Acorn desktop range, which starts with the A3010 from #299 inc VAT, includes the A3020 at #449 and the A4000 at #599, and now features the new A7000 starting from #749, with the award-winning Risc PC available for the first time for under #1000. Acorn has introduced a new channel structure of specialist Acorn Authorised Education Agents, operating from its existing dealer base, who will represent Acorn at a local level to provide schools with the value-added service and support they require. Acorn will supply educational establishments directly, taking orders from the new Agents or from schools. Consumer, enthusiast, international and professional customers will still be supported by existing channels with take-up of the new product range also expected to be strong in these markets. Sam Wauchope, Managing Director of Acorn Computer Group plc, said: 'Changes in educational funding, the National Curriculum and the impact of emerging technologies on learning mean educational IT suppliers have to rethink how they serve this market. At Acorn, we've led the market for over 16 years because we have the vision to recognise and respond positively to change and we have the market knowledge and technological expertise to deliver what education wants. "The product and channel changes we are announcing today will allow us to concentrate on identifying and delivering world class solutions to support and enhance learning, ahead of the competition. We will also be better able to address the practical issues schools are facing by making the selection, purchase and installation of total IT solutions much easier. More importantly though, Acorn can now offer educational establishments great value for money with more powerful products at a lower price." Notes to Editors: Acorn Computer Group plc: Acorn Computer Group plc is the holding company for Acorn Computers Limited, Acorn Australia, Acorn New Zealand, Acorn GmbH and Online Media. Acorn Computer Group owns 43% of Advanced RISC Machines Ltd. Online Media, a division of the Acorn Computer Group, was launched in 1994 with the objective to design interactive multimedia products. Acorn Computers Limited: Founded in 1978, Acorn Computers Limited designs, develops and markets appropriate technologies to identified markets and is one of the world's leading suppliers of information technology to education. The first supplier of low-cost 32-bit RISC based personal computers in 1987, Acorn remains one of the most cost-effective research and development organisations in the industry, renowned for technology innovation which has led to the formation of Advanced RISC Machines Ltd and Online Media. Acorn has a community of over 400 specialist hardware and software developers and has technological and commercial agreements with: AB Dick ITEK, Blue Micro - IBM Microelectronic Division distributor, Colourgen, D2D, Future Technology Devices International, Granada Microcare, IBM Personal Software Division, Kodak, Psion and Tesco. Online Media, a division of Acorn has partnerships with: Advanced RISC Machines Ltd, Advanced Telecommunications Modules Ltd, Anglia Television, BNP DDB Needham, BNR/NorTel, Cambridge Cable, DEC, ICL, ITN, Macromedia, Microsoft, NatWest, NOP, Omnicom, Oracle and SJ Research.