HP Unveils Network-Attached SureStore CD-ROM Solutions for Fast Ethernet Environments; Workgroup Users Get Fast, Easy, Reliable Access to Critical CD-ROM Data.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 1998--Hewlett-Packard Company today announced the HP SureStore CD-ROM Server/Tower 7 and 7Plus, which both allow multiple users to cost-effectively share libraries of CD-ROM content across the network. Based on "thin-server" technology, the HP SureStore CD-ROM Servers operate independently of the file server. This technology simplifies installation and management for network administrators and ensures that users have fast and easy access to their data even when the file server is down. By including the option to migrate to 100Base-TX connectivity, the HP SureStore CD-ROM Servers allow network administrators to "future-proof" their current network investment, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.

"HP is extending its leadership in network peripheral solutions by delivering a simpler way to share and manage information in the workplace," said Gary Gubitz, marketing manager for HP's Network Peripheral Solutions Division. "The HP SureStore CD-ROM Servers empower users with easy access to digital libraries, reduces the time network administrators spend managing CD-ROMs and saves the cost of purchasing multiple copies of expensive content."

With a standard file manager or Web-browser, users can easily access CD-ROM- or DVD-ROM-based information across the network, eliminating the need for costly individual desktop storage. Additionally, network administrators can limit access to data whenever licensing requirements demand it.

Network administrators can install, diagnose and manage the HP SureStore CD-ROM Servers remotely with HP's Web JetAdmin 3.0 and future generations of the peripheral-management software. With the HP SureStore CD-ROM Servers' auto-discovery feature, Web JetAdmin also can be used to map the server to the network in minutes.

Key features of the HP SureStore CD-ROM Server/Tower 7 and 7Plus include the following: -0-

     --   Support for 10BaseT/100Base-TX network environments -- The
          HP SureStore CD-ROM Servers facilitate the migration to a
          Fast Ethernet environment by providing 10Base-T and
          100Base-TX network solutions.

     --   Easy device installation and configuration -- The HP
          SureStore CD-ROM Servers can be configured in minutes using
          a familiar Web-browser interface. The servers support
          multiple protocols and serve clients using most major
          network operating systems. Valuable information is protected
          via configuring passwords at three separate levels: the
          tower, the server and the network.

     --   Scalability -- The HP SureStore CD-ROM Servers, drives and
          tower can be purchased as an integrated solution or as
          separate units. With built-in support for CD-changers, the
          HP SureStore CD-ROM Server/Tower 7Plus can provide access
          for up to 70 CDs. Both servers provide support for SCSI-2
          CD-ROMs, CD-changers and DVD-ROMs.

     --   Simple peripheral management -- The HP SureStore CD-ROM
          Servers are easy to manage using HP's Web JetAdmin 3.0 and
          future generations of the peripheral-management software,
          which provides the capability to auto-discover and diagnose
          and manage multiple peripherals and CD-ROM servers remotely
          from a single console.
-0-
U.S. PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

     All products are expected to be available June 1 from
HP-authorized distributors and resellers worldwide at the following
estimated U.S. street prices. The HP SureStore CD-ROM Server/Tower
products come with a two-year limited warranty and are backed by HP's
service and support.
-0-
     HP SureStore CD-ROM Server/Tower (J3276A)          $1,200

     HP SureStore CD-ROM Server/Tower 7 (J3277A),        2,800
       including CD-ROM Server and 7 x 32X CD-ROM drives

     HP SureStore CD-ROM Server/Tower 7Plus (J3278A),    3,000
       including CD-ROM Server, 7 x 32X CD-ROM drives
       and external SCSI connection to attach up to
       seven additional SCSI drives

     HP SureStore 32X CD-ROM drive (C2807A)                225

     HP Web JetAdmin 3.0 is available from HP at
www.hp.com/go/webjetadmin.

-0-

HP provides cost-effective, reliable and simple network connectivity and management for users of other peripheral devices, such as HP and non-HP printers, HP CD-ROM servers and HP ScanJet scanners, making it the world's leading supplier of network peripheral solutions.

ABOUT HP

HP is the official information-technology hardware and maintenance supplier to the 1998 World Cup soccer tournament.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 123,300 employees and had revenue of $42.9 billion in its 1997 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com. -0-

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

CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard Company

Emily Hart, 916/785-1552

[e-mail]

or

Copithorne & Bellows for HP

Amber Rensen, 408/988-2100

[e-mail]