IBM will integrate Network Telesystems' TCP/IP software with OS/2 Warp Server; NTS software provides complete connectivity among all PC operating systems, including interoperability with Microsoft WINS.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 1996--IBM and Network TeleSystems, Inc. (NTS), have completed a multi-year licensing agreement for NTS to supply IBM with its current TCP Pro(TM) line of TCP/IP protocol software, as well as product enhancements tailored to future IBM requirements.

Elements of the TCP Pro software will be released initially for use with IBM's OS/2 Warp Server 4.0, enabling DOS and Windows clients to access the server through LAN or dial-up networks. Use of TCP Pro will yield improved performance and provide additional functions for OS/2 Warp Server as well as complete interoperability among OS/2, Windows and DOS client platforms.

Both real- and protected-mode (VxD) TCP drivers will be included in the OS/2 Warp Server package, replacing IBM's internally developed versions. The drivers allow connectivity from any NetBIOS- or Windows Sockets-based application program to another, and to the OS/2 Warp Server. By using an IBM or Microsoft client redirector, the NTS software can also provide file and print sharing between DOS and Windows clients and an OS/2 Warp Server.

Because TCP Pro implements the full standard for NetBIOS over TCP, clients using the software are compatible with other conforming implementations, including the Microsoft TCP software bundled with Windows 95 and Windows NT. Network TeleSystems has provided its NetBIOS-over-TCP code to IBM and has performed the integration into TCPBEUI, ensuring OS/2 Warp Server compatibility with all commercial PC operating systems. The code enables P-node and H-node operation of client and server systems through the NTS NetBIOS Name Server, a superset of the Microsoft WINS name server.

Steven King, IBM product manager for OS/2 Warp Server, said, "The full 32-bit virtual driver implementation of the TCP Pro software has performance superior to all other TCP/IP software we tested. In selecting NTS, we picked the fastest implementation of NetBIOS over TCP available in the market and the only implementation offering full H-node support for NetBIOS name servers. This is key to our strategy for OS/2 in the enterprise which currently exploits NetBIOS over TCP/IP for client-server connectivity."

John Davidson, Network TeleSystems' president, said, "We have built a business to service the needs of OEMs, Internet service providers and other organizations that add value to our products. This strategy of channeling our software through product manufacturers such as IBM was an important factor in IBM's choice. IBM's endorsement of TCP Pro for use in its customers' networks gives new testimony to the quality of our connectivity software."

Network TeleSystems' TCP Pro recently became the first TCP/IP software awarded the "Tested and Approved for OS/2 Warp LAN Systems" mark following extensive compatibility and interoperability testing by IBM's Integration Test Lab in Austin, Texas. The tests employ customer-like environments with IBM and non-IBM hardware and operating system software, Ethernet and Token Ring networks, and market-leading PC applications.

Network TeleSystems, Inc. (NTS), headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., markets and supports an integrated set of data communication protocol driver software, utilities and applications based on the industry-standard TCP/IP networking protocols. NTS products, designed for OEM suppliers and large enterprise networks, provide connectivity among personal computers, and between PCs and other systems. The firm's products operate with all popular PC operating systems, including DOS, Microsoft Windows, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, IBM OS/2 and Apple Mac OS. Network TeleSystems is privately held.

CONTACT: Network TeleSystems

Peter Manzo, 408/523-8100

or

Ulevich & Orrange, Inc.

William Orrange or Janis Ulevich, 415/329-1590