Apple Computer Inc and Fore Systems Inc have signed an agreement to develop a common application programming interface for high-speed Asynchronous Transfer Mode technology. The agreement will enable Fore to develop an implementation of an ATM application programming interface, enabling applications to take advantage of native ATM services on both Macintosh and Unix machines. Cinebase Software Inc, provider of a digital asset management system for the video production industry, is expected to be the first developer to adapt its software to this application programming interface. The application programming interface will be written to the X-Open XTI specification, and would provide all the interfaces, network and operating system integration for Apple’s new ATM Middleware technology. Any application written to this application programming interface would work with Fore Systems’ ForeRunner ATM switches and adapter boards using Middleware. Apple says that it is working with adapter and applications developers to refine the middleware and application programming interfaces.
