News from Acorn Computers PR97/19.4.95 Acorn Multimedia Computers Endorsed By Scottish Advisory Centre The Dumfries Advisors' Centre has standardised on multimedia computers from Acorn, the leading supplier of computers to UK schools, by purchasing CD-ROM drives for 116 primary and one special school in the area. The Centre has bought the Acorn compatible CD-ROM drives from manufacturer Cumana to accompany a new multimedia Robert Burns CD-ROM, produced to mark the bi-centennial of the death of Scotland's national poet. The CD-ROM, entitled 'The World of Robert Burns', has been produced by the Cambridgeshire Software House in association with the Dumfries and Galloway Education Authority for the Acorn platform. The multimedia proficiency of Acorn's computers is exploited by the CD-ROM which contains all of Burns' poems, extracts from many of his letters and hundreds of pictures. The CD-ROM also features moving image video clips stored in both Acorn Replay and MPEG formats. Kevin Roddis, one of Acorn's Education Sales Managers, comments: "We are delighted that the decision was made to produce this significant CD-ROM in the Acorn format. Equally pleasing is the fact that the Advisors Centre in Dumfries has chosen to buy Acorn compatible CD-ROM drives for over 100 schools. Both facts demonstrate the stature Acorn has in the educational establishment and the ability of Acorn to produce immensely capable multimedia computer systems." Tom Gilmour, Regional Advisor for Dumfries and Galloway Education Authority, adds: "The multimedia capability of Acorn's computers means that we can maximise the educational benefits of the new CD-ROM and we feel fully justified in purchasing CD-ROM drives for 117 schools in the area. With the vast majority of our schools being equipped with Acorn computers, the CD-ROM is able to reach the widest possible audience and, therefore, achieve the greatest benefits." Founded in 1978, with 1994 revenues in excess of 50m, Acorn Computers is a leading provider of IT to UK education and was the first supplier of low-cost 32-bit RISC based personal computers in 1987. Acorn works closely with a strong community of industry partners, users and software developers to provide innovative technology solutions for the education, consumer, publishing and international markets. 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 mission to design world class, interactive multimedia products.