Esker Announces Major Upgrade to Leading Interoperability Software Suite.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 1996--

Tun PLUS 8.5 Introduces New NIS Resource Browser, ODBC-Based Revamping Tool, Comprehensive Enhancements to Internet E-Mail and NT Support

Esker Inc., a leading developer of interoperability solutions for heterogeneous environments, today announced a significant upgrade to its award-winning Tun PLUS product line. Tun PLUS 8.5 is ideal for corporations looking for a complete 32-bit TCP/IP solution which tightly integrates DOS, WindowsR 3.X, Windows 95 and NTR clients with heterogeneous servers.

Tun PLUS combines three distinct modules: Tun NET (a full set of TCP/IP and Internet/intranet applications), Tun SQL (SQL middleware) and Tun EMUL (completely dynamic terminal emulation tool for UNIX, DEC, HP and IBM hosts). Key features to Tun PLUS 8.5 include a NIS (Network Information Service) resource browser, a virtual ODBC driver and an extensive upgrade to its Internet-based electronic messaging package.

The First NIS Resource Browser Integrated into a TCP/IP Suite

The new NIS resource browser provides an immediate, single point of contact for administering all network resources including applications, databases, e-mail addresses, http servers, printers, backup devices, etc. Each network resource can be preconfigured according to individual needs. The information can then be saved in tables based on NIS standards which are located on the server.

Administrators and users can quickly access the stored network information via the NIS resource browser. This centralized administration tool benefits administrators by providing a time- and cost-effective solution which can simplify tasks such as updating clients in an enterprise-wide network. Users accessing saved configurations can have an instant connection to a particular network resource with the click of an icon.

ODBC Middleware Dedicated to End-User Needs

Continuing to offer non-proprietary solutions, Esker is the only TCP/IP applications provider to include a SQL middleware module - Tun SQL - in its software suite. The module allows access to multiple RDBMSs - thereby eliminating the need to purchase and integrate several SQL proprietary components from major different RDBMS vendors. It includes a complete client and server set of ODBC-compatible middleware tools for multidatabase access.

With the latest version of Tun SQL, Esker strengthens its position in client/server middleware offerings by including a database revamper based on ODBC. The complexity of data tables in corporate databases make it very difficult for users to interpret the information. A virtual ODBC driver enables the administrator to create a subset of the corporate database and present the data in an easy-to-understand format for users to access with standard office automation applications like MS Query, MS Excel, etc. Also, Tun SQL now supports DB2/RS6000 and Progress 6 databases in addition to Informix, Oracle and Sybase.

Complete Internet/Intranet Solution Based on Open Standards

Another key enhancement to Tun PLUS 8.5 is a robust Internet/intranet solution, Tun NET. Developed entirely by Esker, Tun NET's 32-bit, MAPI-compliant messaging system is 100% enabled for MIME and supports SMTP and POP3 server-level protocols. Electronic messages in version 8.5 can be created and read offline via message spooling, contain URL and OLE2 object links, and display stylized fonts, colors, file attachments, images, etc.

In addition to a complete FTP client and server, Tun NET's NFS client and server has been upgraded to support version 3 which optimizes speed and security via Kerberos. Tun NET also includes the latest version of the state-of-the-art Internet browser, Netscape Navigator.

The Most Complete Terminal Emulation Package

Also notable is Tun EMUL's support for IBM5250 and 3270 synchronous emulations, the addition of the INS$FILE transfer, as well as graphical enhancements tools for all legacy applications. Tun EMUL continues to boast emulations for an extensive list of UNIX, DEC, HP and IBM hosts, as well as fully customizable escape sequences, function keys and character tables. Like all other Tun modules, it integrates seamlessly with the NIS resource browser.

"Tun PLUS 8.5 is the ultimate solution for administrators and users who demand instant information at their fingertips," commented Denis Fuster, president of Esker Inc. "Esker goes beyond Microsoft's NT server approach by offering complete Windows interoperability in heterogeneous environments. By doing so, our product offers a more cost-effective and flexible solution to the user."

Tun PLUS 8.5 is available immediately, 30 days ARO. Pricing is US$395 for one license and US$3,155 for ten licenses.

About Tun PLUS

Tun PLUS 8.5's advanced features include: Tun EMUL - 21 terminal emulation types; Tun SQL - SQL middleware for access to multiple RDBMSs; and Tun NET - complete Internet/intranet suite for TCP/IP including resource sharing, e-mail and fax. Esker Inc. maintains offices throughout North America and Europe. Corporate headquarters are located at 350 Sansome Street, Suite 210, San Francisco, CA 94104. Telephone: [phone]. Facsimile: 415/675-7775. Internet: [e-mail]. Web site: http://www.esker.com. -0-

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