[ATARI] ATARI USERS UNITE!

[Hector Facundo Arena]

Atari community goes international with new organization to promote Atari
computers

October 4, 2001 -- A group of users and programmers from around the world
have collected their skills and resources to create Atari International, a
global, Internet based organization dedicated to supporting the users and
developers of Atari hardware and software, as well as to promote the
platform.

The new organization seeks to show the world that its perception of the
Atari as "The bygone days of" or as "outdated" or "retro", is a
misconception. Thousands of people across the globe regularly use Atari
machines, emulators, or modernized clones for everyday computer uses, and
even some business ones. They see that, while most of the hardware may be
outdated by today's specifications, Atari machines where built so well, and
the programs written so efficiently, that you don't need today's
super-powerful machines to get the same work done.

Atari International (A.I.) exists to serve several needs. One is that
existing Atari users are frequently at a loss when it came to getting
answers, parts, or programs for their Atari computers or game systems.
Another is that computer companies like Milan Computers and Medusa do not
make it easy for people outside their respective countries (Germany and
Switzerland) to obtain their Atari related products, which is of concern to
Atari users everywhere since these companies make the most advanced
Atari-clone computers available today.

The third need, and possibly the most important, is Atari's public image.
Most people see the Atari world as being nothing more than some fond
memories of Pac Man or Pong. In truth, not only do people use these
computers for modern uses (Internet, business, etc), but that there are also
companies (like the ones previously mentioned) that are continuing to
develop the Atari architecture and operating systems, or clones thereof. The
members of A.I. believe that with sufficient support, these companies could
produce exceptional machines that could satisfy most if not all the needs of
most home computer users, and many business ones as well.

A.I. seeks to perform many tasks to these ends. They will provide
informative articles directed at the common computer user telling them about
the current state of Atari computer systems, what they are capable of, and
how to get them. There will be information connecting existing Atari users
to the resources they require to use and update their systems. Also,
dialogues will be established with Atari related companies (including the
current owner of the Atari name, Infogrammes), encouraging them to continue
to develop and support their products, and to broaden their marketing to
outside their native counties, if that appears to be a problem with them.
There will also be workshops and tutorials for those wishing to learn how
use Atari computers, or even program for them.

The primary contact point for Atari International is their web page:
www.atari-international.org

They can be reached via e-mail at ai at atari-international.org.

"Atari International is a non-profit organization working to educate the
public about the Atari platform as a feasible alternative for many computer
needs, as well as be a resource for those interested in acquiring Atari
hardware, software, and support."