HP Endorses Web-Based Management Standards Effort; Contributes Technology to Industrywide Internet Management Initiative.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 17, 1996--Hewlett-Packard Company today announced its endorsement of an effort by BMC, Cisco, Compaq, Intel and Microsoft(R) to develop broad Web-based management standards. HP and Microsoft Corporation together have contributed technology for Web-based network, system, application and database management to industry standards bodies for consideration as part of this effort. (See today's release titled, "Industry Leaders Propose Web-based Enterprise Management Standards Effort.")

This technology, known as the Hypermedia Management Schema (HMMS), specifies a standard set of object classes for developers to use when instrumenting network devices, systems or applications. Taking advantage of these object classes makes it easier for management applications to share data providing users with higher-quality information.

"HP applauds the cooperation exhibited by this industry effort in proposing technologies for Web-based management to the standards process," said Olivier Helleboid, general manager of HP's Network and System Management Division. "Emerging technologies that become new standards ultimately benefit both the providers and users of management products."

By deploying network devices, systems and applications that adhere to Web-based management standards and are integrated with the HP OpenView Solution Framework, customers can expect to integrate management data seamlessly across their entire enterprise. Not only will they gain a complete end-to-end integrated view, but, because they can use their favorite Web browser, customers will be able to access management information more easily, without being tied to a single location.

"This announcement validates the use of object-based modeling in networked systems management, which HP has delivered in HP IT/Administration," said Helleboid. "We are pleased to have been able to contribute our ideas, experience and technology, together with Microsoft, to this effort."

ABOUT HP OPENVIEW

HP is the largest producer of enterprise network- and system-management platforms, with HP OpenView installed in more than 100,000 networks around the world. There are more than 220 complementary HP OpenView-based management solutions available on a variety of platforms, including HP 9000 systems, Sun Microsystems Solaris and SunOS workstations and Microsoft Windows and NT systems. HP OpenView is licensed to NCR, Data General, Hitachi, Groupe Bull, Alcatel, Siemens and Stratus.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications, and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 108,300 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year. -0-

Note to Editors: Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Kristina Moustakas

408/447-6363

fax: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]