Agilent Technologies Introduces Sample-Centric Data System for Chemical QA/QC; First Member of the Agilent Cerity Family of Networked Data Systems.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1999--

Agilent Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard Company, today introduced the Agilent Cerity networked data system for chemical QA/QC. The sample-centric software is designed for laboratory personnel involved in routine quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) testing in a variety of laboratory environments, such as those in the natural gas, petroleum refining, petrochemical, chemical, foods, flavors and consumer products industries. The data system provides efficient instrument control and data handling through industry-standard local area network (LAN) communication for up to eight Agilent 6850 Series gas chromatographs (GCs), with dynamic access up to 32. It is the first software application in the new Agilent Cerity family of networked data systems. The Cerity family is based completely on the Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) 32-bit architecture.

Designed around the Sample

Most traditional GC software centers on the instrument. Customers performing QA and QC analyses have said that their work centers on the sample. That is, the sample dictates the GC method they must use, which then dictates the instrument they may use. The new sample-centric software does this by providing an interface that models the natural workflow in a routine QA/QC testing laboratory.

All GC control and status is accomplished through the same software screen. Multiple-instrument sessions are not needed, so navigation is fast and straightforward. Using a single screen improves laboratory efficiency and reduces errors by minimizing the number of software tasks the user must perform.

Designed to Provide Fast, Easy Access to Information

The sample-centric software communicates with and controls as many as eight 6850 GCs through an industry-standard LAN connection. Up to 32 instruments can be configured and stored in the software with dynamic, real-time access to as many as eight from any personal computer (PC) on the network -- without the need for interface boxes or additional software. Compared to other data-handling software, this approach may be less expensive and save valuable bench space.

The software also allows reports to be exported in Web-ready hypertext markup language (HTML) format. These reports can then be placed on an internal server for others in the company to view virtually instantaneously, or the reports can be e-mailed to customers who need only a standard Web browser to access the information.

Efficiency is further improved through the use of a relational database that contains analysis information for every sample. Operators can scroll through the list of sample names to find the information they need. The database also ensures data integrity and system reliability because nothing is ever overwritten.

The sample-centric data system can interface to the customer's existing laboratory information management system and can accept methods and data from the multitechnique Agilent ChemStation.

Designed for Global Use

Because not everyone in the world speaks fluent English, the sample-centric software is available in multiple languages. This may reduce errors caused by misinterpretation or misunderstanding.

Initially, in addition to English, all screens will be localized in Korean, Chinese and Japanese. On-line help will be available in those languages as well as Spanish, German, French, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese. Shortly thereafter, the software will include complete versions in all eight localized languages.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent Cerity networked data system for chemical QA/QC is now available worldwide. Prices range from approximately $2,500 to $6,500 for control of up to one, four, or eight 6850 Series GCs. Additional software drivers to control Agilent 6890 GCs, micro GCs and 5890 Series II GCs will be available in the near future.

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.

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