Lantronix Device Server Technology Brings the Power of Internet Connectivity to Millions of Devices.

Business/High-Tech Editors

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2000

Post PC Computing Platform Brings Zero Latency Information Access and

Remote Device Management to Multiple Industries

Lantronix today unveiled its Device Server(TM) Technology, the ideal Post PC computing platform for OEMs and Integrators who are facing increasing demand to put Internet connectivity into their devices and applications. Device Servers provide turnkey, fully integrated Internet connectivity, including the hardware, firmware and applications expertise, that allows users to gain real-time access to vital information that is presently trapped in unconnected devices. With Device Servers, devices like vending machines, elevators, bar code scanners, thermostats, factory machines, blood analyzers and more now have the power and freedom to share information over the Internet without the need for a bulky, expensive PC.

The rapid adoption of the Internet, Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) networking technologies has resulted in a global communications channel that makes it possible and practical to share information and conduct business in real-time. Today's competitive business environment is driving the demand for zero latency access to information. Zero latency or real-time access is defined as the ability to see, hear and know the state and status of any device or system on demand, whenever and wherever needed. Better information access is enabling business efficiencies, huge cost savings, improved customer service and the creation of new business models and revenue streams.

"Device Server Technology gives devices the power and freedom to share information directly over the Internet without the need for bulky, expensive PCs," said Fred Thiel, president and CEO, Lantronix. "Using Device Server Technology, organizations can gain access to critical information, manage devices in real-time, and create Internet-enabled applications that were never before possible. Device Servers go beyond mere network connectivity, providing devices with an intelligent Post PC computing platform that is capable of replacing device microprocessors to perform core functionality in addition to web communications and control."

Device Server Technology has been successfully deployed in millions of devices ranging from bar code scanners and factory equipment to blood analyzers, retail POS terminals and security systems. The technology is opening up new business opportunities for system integrators, allowing them to create Internet enabled applications for their customers. Manufacturers are also taking advantage of Device Servers to bring Internet enabled products to market in weeks instead of years.

Device Server Technology Gains Momentum in Key Industries

Lantronix Device Server Technology has been adopted in a number of devices and entire systems into the network:

    --  Enterprise IT Management
        Device Servers allow multinational organizations to manage
        reserved console functions for mission-critical networking
        equipment in corporate data centers around the world from a
        single workstation.

    --  Industrial Control and Remote Management
        A leading energy company is using Wireless Device Server
        Technology to remotely manage their power grid in real time
        through a web browser application.

    --  Hospital Information Access
        A manufacturer of handheld blood analyzers uses Device
        Servers to speed vital patient data from the bedside to the
        hospital information system without using PCs.

    --  Internet Enabled Security Systems
        Access card readers and door locks can be controlled and
        reprogrammed over the building network, instead of using
        local control panels.

    --  Remote Building HVAC Control
        Building administrators can access and control up to 8000
        thermostats from a single PC to keep tabs on heating and
        cooling in massive apartment complexes.

    --  Cost-effective Retail POS Connectivity
        A major retailer dramatically reduced the operating costs of
        event ticket sales kiosks in their stores by using Device
        Servers to eliminate expensive dial-up lines.

About Device Servers

Device Servers range from rackmount multiport units down to single port servers that are smaller than a deck of playing cards. Board-level Device Servers come as small as a book of matches, allowing users to embed the Internet into nearly any device regardless of size. Device Servers are easy to manage using any standard web browser, thanks to a built-in HTTP server and Java management program. Device Servers also allow users to write their own customized web-enabled software using Lantronix's Software Developer's Kit.

The driving force behind Device Server Technology is highly optimized applications firmware that has been refined and proven in the field to provide access, management and control of nearly any device over the Internet. Device Servers are complete computing platforms with fully integrated hardware, firmware, protocols and real-time operating system (RTOS) to ensure applications work the first time and every time. Unlike other communications technologies, Lantronix Device Server technology is based on proven, widely accepted industry standards to ensure compatibility today and in the future.

Post PC Connectivity for the Past, Present and Future

For more than ten years, Lantronix has provided powerful, flexible and cost effective connectivity solutions that have helped streamline network access and management for hundreds of companies. With its Device Server technology, Lantronix has created an ideal Post PC computing platform that can be designed into practically any device, giving it the power and freedom to communicate directly over the Internet. Unlike other solutions that require external server gateways, Lantronix's Device Server Technology is a completely integrated platform that includes hardware, firmware and real time operating system.

For currently installed devices and applications, Lantronix's stand-alone single and multiport Device Servers can be quickly deployed to bring the benefits of information access and remote management. For manufacturers who need to add Internet capabilities to their current products, Lantronix's board-level products can be easily embedded, allowing them to bring Internet-enabled devices to market in weeks instead of years. For future products, Lantronix can license its Device Server Technology to save OEMs years of development and integration costs.

About Lantronix

Lantronix is the leading provider of Device Server(TM) Technology. Lantronix's Device Servers bring the advantages of high-speed networking and remote management to thousands of unconnected devices that today can only communicate through local serial ports. For manufacturers who need to network-enable their current products, Lantronix provides embedded board-level solutions that accelerate time-to-market, in addition to technology licensing for network enabling tomorrow's products. From factory and building automation to remote data collection to security systems and beyond, Lantronix allows system integrators and designers to create networked applications that were never before possible. Lantronix is a privately held company established in 1989 with headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Over 2 million Lantronix products have been installed worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at www.lantronix.com.