Computer Network Technology Corporation Announces Release 3.0 of the Brixton 3270 Open Client for Windows 3.1; On-line help, graphics support, revamped toolbar bring user-friendly SNA access to the desktop.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 1995--Computer Network Technology Corporation (CNT) today announced Release 3.0 of the Brixton 3270 Open Client for Windows 3.1, a feature-rich 3270 terminal emulator for the desktop. Windows users requiring access to mission-critical applications on the IBM mainframe will benefit from tighter SNA-to-TCP/IP integration, an enhanced graphical interface and better automation.

The latest version of the Brixton Open Client for Windows is being announced in conjunction with Release 3.0 of the Brixton PU2.1 SNA Server. The Open Client supports the full functionality of a 3270 terminal and 3287 printer and provides file transfer support, allowing the interactive query of mainframe applications such as TSO, CICS, IMS and NetView. Further, Release 3.0 has TN3270E support, which enables users to print locally at their PCs via telnet.

With Release 3.0, several features have been added to the Client's graphical user interface to improve ease-of-use and user productivity:

o Floating and docked toolbars--Multiple toolbars can be either floating or docked on any of the four window sides and can be programmed to invoke either menu items or macros. This integrates several functions into one for a smaller learning curve and ease of use.

o Full host graphics support (GDDM)--IBM mainframe graphics are fully supported, along with window resizing and zoom in/out capabilities.

o On-line help--A comprehensive on-line help function provides Windows users with quick answers and reduces the learning curve.

o Hotspots--Multiple hotspot configurations, switchable enablement and switchable defaults allow any function to be assigned to a hotspot.

Additionally, extensive enhancements have been made to the Client in the areas of automation and connectivity, including:

o TN3270E Support--RFC-1647 is now supported, including printer support, specific LU access and bind support.

o Macros--Users can record and automate the steps necessary to execute a particular function, assigning the process to a customized button. The macro language is Brixton Basic, a full-featured Basic language with Brixton 3270 extensions that is compatible with Visual Basic and Visual Basic for Applications.

o Application Programming Interfaces--Brixton supports three APIs: WHLLAPI, the WOSA-compliant version of IBM's EHLLAPI; BrxAPI, which allows all of the functionality of the 3270 emulator to be controlled programmatically from languages such as Visual Basic and Visual C++; and Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE), whereby the Brixton Client acts as a DDE server so that shared memory can be used to exchange data between applications.

o Object Linking and Embedding 2 (OLE2)--Brixton supports OLE2 automation and provides access to OLE2 IDispatch servers.

o Microsoft SNA Server and NetWare for SAA Server Support--Windows users can access the IBM host through both Microsoft's and Novell's SNA Servers, via TCP/IP and SPX/IPX.

All of these features are standard in the Brixton Open Client for Windows 3.1; customers do not pay extra for any of the functions listed above. This gives both IS managers and end-users robust connectivity with low cost of ownership.

"The Brixton Open Client for Windows sets a new standard for host terminal emulation and makes legacy access easier than ever," said Herb Rush, vice president of engineering at CNT. "The new functionality of Release 3.0 allows the most PC-oriented employee in the enterprise to quickly and easily connect to the corporate mainframe and leverage its data. With the Open Client on the desktop, an IBM mainframe is no longer a closed computing architecture -- it becomes a part of the open systems environment."

Pricing and Availability

Release 3.0 of the Brixton 3270 Open Client for Windows 3.1 is available immediately and is priced at $99 per seat. A TCP/IP edition of the Client, which has the same features as the Open Client but with TN3270E, Microsoft SNA Server and SPX/IPX support disabled, will be bundled with the Brixton PU2.1 SNA Server 3.0 at no additional cost. Customers purchasing the Server will receive free TCP/IP Clients equal to the number of Server sessions licensed. Through December 31, 1995, upgrades to the Open Client will cost $49 per seat.

Computer Network Technology Corporation develops high-performance networking products for the enterprise. Designed for mid-to large-sized organizations with IBM host-based networks, the company's Brixton and Channelink product lines provide open systems connectivity, data center consolidation and disaster recovery, and network-based storage solutions. Together, these software and hardware products integrate the traditional legacy system with today's open systems users. CNT's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol CMNT.

CNT Sales can be reached at either 1-800-BRIXTON or 1-800-NET-TECH. -0-

Channelink and Brixton are registered trademarks of Computer Network Technology Corporation. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Frantz Corneille Ilyssa Greene

Vice President of Marketing Public Relations Specialist

612/797-6710 617/498-2351

[e-mail] [e-mail]