Below, please find answers to the most commonly asked questions about
becoming an external HMI developer.  If you have any questions not
answered below, please contact CompuServe Customer Service through the
GO FEEDBACK area.

*  What is HMI?

CompuServe's Host Micro Interface (HMI) is a set of protocols that allow
a microcomputer based application to communicate with the CompuServe
Information Service.  HMI allows the power of the micro to be used to
create a sophisticated user application to access many of CompuServe's
host applications.  Some of the advantages that using HMI bring to the
developer are:

   -  Alleviation of the "pattern-matching" as a method of accessing
      CompuServe,
   -  The inclusion of an application-level error-correcting transport
      layer protocol,
   -  Data can be transmitted from the host while the subscriber is
      acting on data sent in a previous transmission,
   -  The utilization of HMI can reduce the amount of data transmitted
      to/from the host.

*  How do I become an external developer?

This depends on the type of development you wish to do.  If you are
interested in incorporating B Protocol support in your program, you can
download specs and even sample code from Library 10, Protocols, of the
IBM Communications Forum, GO IBMCOM.

If your interest is in working with GIF and developing a GIF viewer, you
can obtain information in Library 16, Standards and Specs, of the
Graphics Support Forum, GO GRAPHSUP.
 
If you are interested in becoming an external developer using HMI, you
should contact CompuServe's Customer Service department through
electronic feedback (GO FEEDBACK).  Please make sure to include your
name, address and phone number as well as to state that you are
interested in developing with HMI.  Customer Service will forward your
request to the Marketing Manager in charge of external developers.  That
person will supply you with an overview of HMI, details of the steps to
becoming a developer and a request for proposal.  Once you receive this
information, we ask that you submit a proposal outlining your interest
in HMI.  We select developers with whom to work based on a variety of
criteria addressed in your proposal.

*  How are external HMI developers selected?

There are a number of criteria for selecting an external HMI developer. 
We review the developer's history (previous products and their position
within the industry) and commitment (what marketing will be done, how
will the developer handle support).  We review the proposed product,
it's installed base if applicable, as well as how it fits in the current
product mix.  All this information should be included in your proposal
outlined above.

*  If selected, what can I expect from CompuServe?

After the necessary Non-Disclosure and License Agreement are executed,
CompuServe will release a toolbox and associated documentation for your
development efforts.  We provide support through a private forum for
developers on the information service.  We ask that the developer
maintain communications with CompuServe throughout the development
effort to ensure that the product meets CompuServe's minimal
requirements.

*  Are there any costs associated with being an external developer?

No, the license to the HMI toolbox is free.  In addition, there are no
royalties owed to CompuServe as a result of the use of HMI.  However, we
do ask that the developer perform some marketing to ensure the users of
the developer's product can become members of CompuServe.

*  What marketing am I required to do?

As your product will be used to access CompuServe, we require developers
to aggressively market their product.  In most cases, we will provide
Introductory Memberships for inclusion in the product to allow users to
join and access the service.  We also require that the developer make
mention of the CompuServe capabilities on the product's packaging as
well as in other advertising the developer may do.

*  Can I expect marketing assistance from CompuServe?

In order to maintain an objective, neutral position with regards to
developer relations,  CompuServe typically does not offer any marketing
assistance other than the free Introductory Memberships.

*  Will CompuServe ever release the protocol spec or source code to the
   public?

CompuServe will not release the spec or source to the public because of
its confidentiality and concerns for supporting multiple modified
versions of the libraries.

*  Will HMI be available for other platforms?

HMI is currently available in DOS, Windows and Macintosh.  Other
platforms are already under development.  In addition, we are exploring
additional platforms and environments.

*  Can non-US developers use HMI?

Currently, there are no restrictions on providing HMI to developers
abroad.  However, we need to ensure, because of language and time
differences, that CompuServe and the developer can effectively manage
the communication aspects of the relationship.