MGE First to Achieve Truly Seamless Integration of UPS Power Protection with Windows 2000; Use of HID Protocol Provides Vast Improvements in Functionality and Compatibility.

     Business Editors
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    COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2000--MGE UPS
SYSTEMS, the technology leader in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
is the first manufacturer to offer power management software based on
the new Microsoft's HID (Human Interface Device) protocol that is
slated to become the standard for any device interfaced with Windows
2000.
    The combination of HID and USB (Universal Serial Bus) available
on MGE's latest generation of UPS models -- will allow a complete Plug
and Play installation while providing a robust feature set to optimize
power usage and maximize data security. The upcoming Windows 2000 CD
will include a dedicated power panel for MGE's newest UPS models that
automatically installs drivers which enable the UPS to function as
seamlessly as the batteries in a laptop.
    Until now, all UPSs used their own proprietary communication
protocol to exchange data with PCs and servers. This resulted in
multiple, proprietary UPS drivers that have typically been
incompatible with each other. Most were initially developed in the
early 90s, at the peak of popularity for the ASCII protocol. Although
simple, ASCII has limitations in terms of speed and quantity of data
that can be exchanged.
    As a technology leader, MGE had made the R& investment to
provide its customers with the first products compliant with a new,
open protocol that will alleviate all the past incompatibility and
performance issues while assuring the highest level of integration
with the most popular operating systems. To this end, MGE has selected
the HID protocol that was designed primarily for input devices like
mice, keyboards and joysticks, but is also ideally suited to managing
power devices such as laptop batteries or UPSs. Working in conjunction
with Microsoft, MGE has co-developed the Power Class of HID and will
implement it in all new products, starting with Pulsar Ellipse.

    Implementation of the HID protocol provides numerous
technological advantages for UPS users. These include:

    --   Faster communications, as data bits are no longer
          transmitted one at a time but as a description page

    --   More reliable communications, because it is based on an
          industry standard

    --   Easier installation, because no conversion protocol between
          the UPS and the PC is needed

    In addition, users will find that enhanced integration with the
operating system provides functional advantages that assure maximum
backup time and data security. Users will now be able to:


    --   Access the UPS panel from the standard Windows Control Panel

    --   Set power schemes to turn off hard disks or the monitor in
          case of an extended power failure

    --   Create as many schemes as desired to respond to various
          conditions

    --   View UPS icon displayed on the Windows toolbar at the bottom
          right of the screen

    --   Click on the toolbar icon to instantly access power and
          battery status information

    MGE's USB-equipped Pulsar Ellipse models rated at 300, 500 and
800VA will be the first UPS systems to comply with the new HID device
driver protocol. These UPSs will be introduced in January of 2000 just
in time for the February release of Windows 2000.
    MGE UPS SYSTEMS, a $500 million UPS manufacturer, provides a
complete line of power management tools and solutions. MGE offers the
widest range of power protection products for PC's, servers,
enterprise systems and large Internet datacenters. MGE's power
management products boast superior protection and reliability that
customers have come to expect from the world's leading power
protection company. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., MGE has
achieved worldwide recognition for backing up at least 90% of the
Fortune 500.

     --30--jm/sd*  sf/sd

     CONTACT: MGE UPS SYSTEMS
              Roxanne Beat, 714/513-7384
                                                  760.431.7466
              [e-mail]
              or
              Jennings &Associates
              P.J. Jennings, 760/431-7466
                                                                            For
Immediate Release
              [e-mail]

     KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PHOTO PHOTOWIRE SOFTWARE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORKING COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS PRODUCT
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