Eicon Introduces Aviva Family - Next Generation Host Access Solutions.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 1998--EICON (TSE:EIC) (ME:EIC.) NETWORLD + INTEROP (Booth no 5063)--

New Family of Emulation Products with Unique Hot

Technology(TM) Provides Comprehensive IBM Host Access Solutions

for Desktops and Web Environments

Eicon Technology, a global leader in remote access solutions, today introduced its Aviva(R) Family - Next Generation Host Access(TM) software suite, the most comprehensive range of SNA connectivity products for delivering host applications to your desktop or Web browser via SNA or TCP/IP centric networks.

The Aviva Family, which consists of Aviva for Desktops(TM), Aviva for Java(TM), Aviva Web-to-Host Server(TM), Aviva for Terminal Servers(TM) and Aviva HostPrint Server(TM), offers a choice of flexible, Inter/intranet thin-client, browser-based and traditional desktop solutions for secure host access for any connectivity model. Eicon's innovative Aviva Enterprise License provides large corporations the flexibility of deploying the Aviva Family products under a single license. The Aviva Family integrates unique Hot Technology features, such as Aviva HotConnect(TM), a patent-pending technology that provides secure SNA-to-TCP/IP migration and failsafe connectivity.

The variety and flexibility of the host access solutions that make up the Aviva Family respond to the growing trend of corporations migrating their networks to TCP/IP, while still needing to access their SNA-based applications. The increasing number of remote users who need to access mainframe applications has created a rapidly growing market for browser-based access solutions, either via HTML or Java(TM) applets. In addition, the recent introduction of Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) Server, Terminal Server Edition, has reinforced the concept of centralized server-based computing and the need for secure thin-client applications for accessing SNA networks.

"The proliferation of the remote user within the enterprise is a major catalyst for the delivery of host data beyond the corporate intranet," said Stephen Drake, Research Analyst for IDC's Intranet Networking Architecture program. "Solutions such as Eicon's Aviva suite provide enterprises the opportunity to address current host access needs and deliver a migration path for these next generation deployments."

"With the exponential growth in the number of users accessing host data over an intranet or the Internet, organizations face the dual challenge of continuing to provide the same level of access that traditional internal users have grown to expect, while extending access to an entirely new set of users over the corporate intranet and the Internet," commented Jean-Francois Levesque, Business Unit Manager at Eicon Technology.

"Eicon's Aviva Family dramatically simplifies the deployment, configuration, support and maintenance of host access solutions, while greatly reducing the high costs normally associated with enterprise migration strategies."

The AVIVA Family

The Aviva Family provides the most comprehensive set of host access products so that customers can choose from a range of thin-client, browser-based and traditional desktop solutions. Eicon's Aviva Family features Aviva HotConnect(TM), a patent-pending "configure once - detect automatically" technology that provides secure, automatic migration from SNA-to-TCP/IP networks, and ensures failsafe connectivity.

- Aviva Web-to-Host Server automatically Web-enables SNA applications via on-the-fly 3270-to-HTML conversion, providing host access through Web browsers over intranets and the Internet. Tightly integrated with Microsoft Internet Information Server and Active Server Pages technology, its powerful ActiveX(R)-based tools enable traditional "green screen" applications to be "rejuvenated" and viewed as contemporary Web pages.

- Aviva for Java is a true "thin-client", browser-based TN3270(E) emulator, providing full-function SNA host access to any application across intranets and the Internet. Easily deployed from a central location, customized configurations can be centrally defined and administered. It features Aviva HotCache, which eliminates the need for repeated applet downloads.

- Aviva for Terminal Servers provides legacy desktops with the full functionality of a 32-bit emulator, as a true "thin-client" solution, for Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) Terminal Server. Centralized deployment eliminates the need to install, maintain and manage a full-function emulation client on each desktop, greatly lowering the cost of ownership.

- Aviva for Desktops is a next generation host access 3270/5250 emulator, providing complete host access over SNA and IP networks, for Windows(R) 95, Windows(R) 98 and Windows NT(R). Aviva for Desktops includes a rich set of connectivity, user productivity and automation features that set the pace for the industry.

- Aviva HostPrint Server offers powerful 3270/5250 print services for Microsoft Windows NT(R), providing a reliable and effective printing solution for entire departments. It eliminates dedicated printer sessions at every user desktop and provides greater flexibility and ease-of-use than regular gateway-based printing.

- Aviva Developer Assist Program includes a comprehensive range of technical support that allows corporations to build custom PC-to- Host and Web-to-Host applications. Aviva Developer Assist provides assistance in developing communications programs that Web-enable host applications, automate repetitive tasks, and more. Providing support from an expert team of professional developers and trainers this program can help reduce project costs through shorter development and training schedules.

Eicon Technology Corporation

Eicon Technology Corporation is a worldwide provider of remote access products for personal computers. The company develops, markets and supports hardware and software products for connecting PC-based servers and desktop and notebook PCs to corporate networks, host computers and the Internet. The products are sold in more than 70 countries through an extensive distribution network and original equipment manufacturers. Eicon Technology shares are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange and the Montreal Exchange under the symbol EIC. Information about Eicon and its products are available at http://www.eicon.com.

Aviva and Eicon are registered trademarks of Eicon Technology Corporation. Aviva HotConnect is a trademark of Eicon Technology Corporation. Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.