Agilent Technologies Introduces Cerity Networked Data System for Analytical Laboratories.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 1999--

Agilent Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard Company, today introduced its new Cerity family of networked data systems for analytical laboratories.

The Agilent Cerity networked data system family consists of 32-bit software applications that model the way laboratory professionals work within their particular environment.

"It was imperative to create software applications that fit particular laboratory needs like a glove," said Jonathan Gray, product marketing manager for Agilent's Chemical Analysis Group Software and Services Business Unit. "Our goals were to eliminate one-size-fits-all applications and to focus on developing software that aligns with the way chemists, analysts, and technicians perform their daily tasks. We anticipate that the Cerity family of applications will help our customers easily complete their routine laboratory responsibilities."

With large enterprise systems taking over many of the data processing and evaluation capabilities of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), Agilent decided to concentrate on providing efficient and convenient ways to process samples and send data to enterprise systems in a form that is easy to process and analyze. Other goals for the new software platform were to help laboratory professionals complete tasks quickly and efficiently, with fewer mouse clicks for any given step.

Building on Industry-Standard Software

Cerity sets a new direction for Agilent's laboratory data-handling software. Cerity uses the best attributes of current Agilent chemical analysis software products such as graphical user interfaces for instrument control and direct LAN connection to instruments. It also incorporates the strengths of industry-standard software. The system uses the Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) operating system, database storage, and web-ready reporting for distributing results. Laboratory professionals do not have to learn new ways of creating reports, and the need for special training is minimal, as most application users are already familiar with Microsoft programs and user interfaces.

Availability and Training

Cerity's application for chemical QA/QC laboratories using gas chromatography is available now. A full-range of Agilent support services and training helps to ensure maximum system uptime and improve laboratory productivity. Training will be offered in a curriculum-based structure that logically organizes courses from basic to advanced. This allows laboratory professionals to utilize the curriculum according to their skill or interest levels.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies, as a subsidiary of HP, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent had net revenues of nearly $8 billion in fiscal year 1998.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at http://www.agilent.com.

Note to Editors: Microsoft and Windows NT are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.