FacetCorp Introduces FacetWin Software provides complete Windows 95/NT to UNIX Connectivity.

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1996--FacetCorp, a provider of UNIX(r) productivity software solutions since 1987, has announced FacetWin(tm) for immediate worldwide availability. FacetWin is a comprehensive software product that enables the seamless integration of Windows(r)95 and Windows NT(tm) clients with UNIX-based servers.

FacetWin includes an all-in-one feature set that allows users of Windows 95 and Windows NT clients to transparently access and use any UNIX-based network resources (such as files, disks, applications, and printers). FacetWin features include transparent file and print services, terminal emulation, and the ability to automatically back-up networked PCs to a UNIX tape drive. Other features include networked modem access for PC users, an email POP3 server, and remote computing support which provides complete network functionality to users connected via modem.

FacetWin is immediately available for ordering and shipment. A single user license is priced at $195 in the U.S., with discounts for multi-user licenses. FacetCorp is offering free 30-day evaluation copies of the product through their established channel of worldwide distributors.

FacetWin differs from existing connectivity applications in several ways. First, FacetCorp based the transparent file and print services in FacetWin upon Microsoft's Server Message Block (SMB) technology for transferring data. Most existing connectivity products use the Network File System (NFS) method of loading NFS software on the PC to enable it as a UNIX NFS client. Instead, FacetWin provides a UNIX SMB server, that requires no additional software to be loaded on the PC to get completely transparent file and print services.

SMB technology was also chosen for FacetWin because of its high throughput for file and print services, and because it is easy to install and administer (since FacetWin administration can take place from the UNIX server). The only part of FacetWin to run on the PC is the terminal emulator, which was designed as a native Windows 95 32-bit application. In creating the terminal emulator, FacetCorp was able to leverage the terminal emulation technology in FacetTerm, the company's award winning multi-session product.

Both resellers and end users of the beta software were already excited about the simplicity and power of FacetWin. "FacetWin is the easiest and most natural facility I have ever seen for accessing UNIX resources from the desktop environment," said Gino Leone, Director of Information Systems with S.B. International in Nashville, TN. "The concept of establishing a `Windows Share' of your UNIX resources is incredibly simple. No Windows/UNIX mixed shop should be without it!" Michael Cross, President of MCS Systems, a value added reseller of accounting systems, added "FacetWin is a very impressive product. The installation was smooth and came with good documentation. The terminal emulator came up without any issues, and in fact immediately resolved several problems we were having with other terminal emulation products."

FacetWin only includes features and technology that are not already available from Microsoft, or found within the UNIX operating system. "As a product differentiator and as a way to keep the price down, we decided not to bundle any duplicate technologies," said Jim Bryant, President of FacetCorp. "Most connectivity products available today bundle their own TCP/IP stacks, email clients, web browser, or other third party applications as a way to add value. Our position is not to provide another copy of something Microsoft already includes or the user already has, especially if it would add cost to FacetWin!"

"We also decided to develop FacetWin because in our own company we were frustrated users of other connectivity products," added Paul Vance, FacetCorp Vice President and General Manager. "None of the available alternatives did all the things that were most important to us as users. Like many of the potential customers we spoke with while working on the product definition, our biggest requirements were to do terminal emulation (so we could run our existing UNIX applications) and to be able to transparently access the UNIX files and printers from the PCs. Today's alternatives require you to install several modules including Network File System (NFS) which needs to be loaded on each of the PCs, an approach which adds considerably to system overhead, expense, and administration. By implementing the SMB technology, and providing an all-in-one product, FacetWin significantly raises the standard for simplicity, ease of use, and administration for Windows to UNIX networking."

Originally founded in 1979 as Structured Software Solutions, Inc. (SSSI), FacetCorp is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the privately held company. Located in Plano, Texas, USA, FacetCorp develops software productivity applications that enable users of personal computers and low cost character terminals to take full advantage of powerful UNIX-based host/server systems.

FacetWin Feature Summary

Transparent File Services: FacetWin enables users to view, access and save files, as well as launch Windows applications located on a UNIX server, without the hassle of copying files back and forth. UNIX disks simply appear in the "Network Neighborhood."

Transparent Print Services: FacetWin allows Windows users to access any UNIX printer directly from their Windows application. The product also lets UNIX users print to the PC printers.

Terminal Emulation: FacetWin includes support for the most widely used terminal emulation families including Digital's VT series, SCO/ANSI color console, Wyse, and IBM. Terminal emulation allows PC users to work with UNIX-based applications by emulating a UNIX work environment. The terminal emulation in FacetWin also includes the unique Window Watch(tm) and QuickLaunch(tm) features.

PC Backup: FacetWin allows system administrators to schedule and perform routine backups of networked PCs to a UNIX tape drive.

Modem Server: FacetWin allows PC users to access a pool of modems connected to a UNIX host from anywhere on the network. The server effectively provides modem access to users without requiring them to be physically wired to a modem and phone line.

Email Server: FacetWin includes a POP3 server which allows email to be moved between UNIX and Windows mail systems. This means users can use any POP3 compliant mail client they prefer.

Remote Computing Support: All features included in FacetWin may also be utilized from a PC connected over a dial-in modem. This makes it possible for a user working at home or on the road to access and/or print files located anywhere on the network.

CONTACT: FacetCorp, Plano

Paul Vance, 972/985-9901

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