Acorn Group Announces World-first With $199 Thin-client Terminal Technology; Acorn Group Has Technology for Client with Citrix ICA Architecture.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 1998--Acorn Group today announced plans to offer a new thin-client terminal reference design, DeskLite(tm), aimed at the extreme low-cost end of the market. DeskLite provides full access to the range of Microsoft applications in a $199 terminal and is specifically designed to support Citrix Systems, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: CTXS) new MetaFrame(tm) and established WinFrame thin-client/server software for Windows NT(tm).

"The future of computing belongs to the Information Appliance," said Ed Iacobucci, founder, chairman and CTO of Citrix Systems. "The Acorn reference design is making that future a reality today and at under $200 will help redefine the market for thin-client/server computing. In business, community and consumer computing the emphasis must be on reducing both the complexity and price while providing users with the applications and data they require. Acorn's DeskLite provides all of the elements required to be a success."

Acorn provides its customers with rapid time-to-market solutions for thin client terminal designs based upon the ARM(tm) processor architecture. Acorn provides consultancy, feasibility studies, design services, proof-of-concept demonstrators and management of mass production of Citrix ICA-compliant thin-client devices, on behalf of their customers. Acorn already has the ICA client software available as part of the licensable range of technologies and has developed the basic electronics using Cirrus Logic's ARM-licensed technology for the DeskLite terminal.

"Our estimates show that a manufacturer could take this design, add their style of case and achieve a `mass market volume' end-user price of under $200," said Steve France, senior marketing manager for Information Appliances at Acorn. "We see applications both in commerce and the home, and Acorn plans to offer DeskLite reference designs addressing both of these areas. The ICA architecture also opens up new possibilities, for example, someone working at home could dial into the office and access both the application and data."

Andy Mee, Acorn vice president of marketing added, "Acorn has been involved in thin client solutions since we developed the first network computer for Oracle in 1996. Out of all the changes we have seen, the Citrix ICA concept is the most significant development in giving low cost, widespread access to computing facilities. With the announcement of DeskLite, we intend to further the concept."

Citrix MetaFrame thin-client/server software is transforming the way organizations deploy, manage and access business applications across the extended enterprise - regardless of client hardware, operating platform, network connection or available bandwidth providing improved application manageability, access, performance and security. MetaFrame software works in conjunction with Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Terminal Server Edition, to deliver a comprehensive thin-client/server solution for the entire enterprise, including support for heterogeneous computing environments, enterprise-scale management and seamless desktop integration. About Acorn

Acorn Group, plc, based in Cambridge, UK, was founded in 1978, and since then has been widely recognized as a leader in developing advanced technologies in the PC, microprocessor, networking, interactive TV and broadband market.

The company provides end products, technology licensing and /or design services for system hardware design and system integration. Acorn's convergence technologies provide the foundation for a new generation of consumer and office-based interactive [e-mail]

WORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED PRODUCT

Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet

with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com