Dell Brings Gigabit Networking, Simplified Systems Management to Desktop Computers; OptiPlex GX260 Makes More Server, Switch Bandwidth Available to Users.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2002

Dell (Nasdaq:DELL) today introduced the OptiPlex(tm) GX260, the first desktop computer system to integrate an Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet controller on the motherboard.

In concert with Gigabit connectivity on Dell PowerConnect(tm) switches and Gigabit controllers on Dell PowerEdge(tm) servers, the GX260 enables an end-to-end Gigabit network, all from a single vendor.

The worldwide launch also marks the introduction of new systems management capabilities in OpenManage Client Administrator v1.0, OpenManage Client Instrumentation v7.0 and support for the Alert Standard Format (ASF) specification.

"Gigabit networking on a client product has major implications to both the end user and system administrator," said Jeff Clarke, vice president and general manager of Dell's Client Products Group. "System administrators can deploy images or applications over the wire at several times the speed of fast Ethernet, and users can enjoy network access speeds comparable to a local hard drive. Integrating Gigabit on the motherboard helps prepare desktops for increased bandwidth requirements for the next several years, and at an outstanding value."

OpenManage Client Administrator (OMCA) v1.0, developed in partnership with Altiris(tm), provides Dell customers with an integrated, easy-to-use management tool that can assist with software deployment, system migration, and hardware/software inventory. OMCA is available on a 30-day trial basis(a) through Dell's Web site. OpenManage Client Instrumentation (OMCI) v7.0 is the latest version of Dell's client instrumentation agent software and comes standard on the OptiPlex GX260. OMCI 7.0 utilizes Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Management Instrumentation to simplify client management and take advantage of capabilities built into Windows 2000 and XP.

The GX260 features Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 or Celeron(R) processors with low-cost, high-performance DDR-SDRAM system memory and six integrated USB 2.0 ports, two in front and four in the back. Flexible graphics options include an embedded 4X AGP chip that shares up to 48MB of system memory, or a selection of higher performance graphics cards. The OptiPlex GX260 also includes ASF support, an industry-standard technology that monitors system health and can notify a system administrator about potential problems or security compromises regardless of whether an operating system is installed or functioning.

OptiPlex desktops are designed for networked business environments, with long product lifecycles, standards-based technology and a full suite of user-friendly management tools, making them easy to deploy and maintain. Complete product details can be found at www.dell.com/optiplex.

The OptiPlex product line is supported by Dell Services, which can help lower customers' cost of computing with award-winning computing service and support including deployment and after-sale support. Complete information on Dell Services is available at www.dell.com/services.

Technical Features of the OptiPlex GX260 include:

-- Intel(R)Pentium(tm)4 (400&533MHz FSB) and Intel(R)Celeron(R)processors (400MHz FSB)

-- Intel(R)PRO/1000 MT Network Connection

-- 266MHz Shared(b) DDR SDRAM

-- Integrated Intel(R)Extreme graphics & 4X AGP Slot

-- 845G Chipset with ICH4

-- 6 2.0 USB ports, 2 front & 4 rear Integrated ATA/100 with SMART II

-- Integrated AC '97 Audio with F&R jacks

-- LegacySelect 2.0 & S3/4 Ready

-- Windows(R)XP and 2000

-- PCI Slots -- 1 to 4

-- Three chassis options (Small Form Factor, Small Desktop, Small Mini-Tower)

About Dell

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL), the world's most preferred computer systems company, is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. The company's revenue for the past four quarters totaled $31.2 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

Dell is a trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.

Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

(a) Full licenses of OMCA are available through Dell Software and Peripherals after expiration of 30-day trial.

(b) Up to 48MB of system memory may be allocated to support DVMT Graphics.