Netier Technologies signs Windows NT Embedded 4.0 Agreement with Microsoft Corp.; NAPA Selects Netier's NetXpress Access Devices for Point of Sale.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 29, 2000

Netier Technologies, Inc. announced a license agreement with Microsoft(R) (Nasdaq:MSFT) for its Windows(R) NT Embedded 4.0 operating system that provides for vastly increased capabilities in the exploding server-based computing market.

The agreement allows Netier to further its achievements in designing and developing innovative server-based computing solutions based on the Windows NT Embedded 4.0 operating system. Windows NT Embedded 4.0 offers server-based computing users PC-like utility with thin-client manageability and security. Enabling a true Windows-based desktop, Windows NT Embedded 4.0 and its wide variety of supported embedded applications and drivers are centrally manageable using Netier's Rapport(TM) Administrative Software.

Offered in Netier's NetXpress(TM) solid-state access devices, the Windows NT Embedded 4.0 operating system delivers a highly reliable, high performance and secure thin client solution. Combined with a Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Netier's NetXpress is a powerful client for Microsoft Windows NT(R) Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition and Windows 2000(R) Terminal Services server-based computing solutions.

"Microsoft and Netier are both committed to empowering computer users in server-based computing environments," said Dave Pollon, product manager for Windows 2000 Terminal Services at Microsoft Corp. "The combination of Microsoft Windows NT Embedded 4.0 and Netier's NetXpress appliances provides customers with powerful new choices in deploying reliable, secure client devices to access line-of-business applications."

Netier developed and has offered an embedded version of Windows NT Workstation 4.0 in its NetXpress line since October 1998. Netier's NetXpress workstations deliver potent functionality in a computing appliance form factor, with powerful CPUs and enough system and flash memory to store and deploy remote application sessions, Internet browsers, media players, document viewers, enhanced emulators, Java(TM) consoles and ActiveX applications.

By distributing processing between a network server and these powerful access devices, Netier networks achieve desktop performance rivaling that of traditional PC-based client/server networks.

Netier's ability to provide this optimal mix of server-based and embedded support for Microsoft Windows environments is a primary reason that auto parts retailer NAPA recently chose to use Netier's NetXpress access devices as point-of-sale computer terminals throughout its 6,200-store chain. The $70-million NAPA project represents one of the largest solid-state access device deployments ever.

Designed for use with NAPA's Total Automotive Management System (TAMS), each NetXpress thin workstation is configured with the Windows NT Embedded 4.0 operating system and embedded Internet browser. TAMS facilitates point-of-sale transactions, report generation and access to NAPA's Internet-based online parts catalog. Each NetXpress thin workstation is managed centrally using Netier's Rapport Administrative Software, which allows system administrators to remotely update and upgrade embedded application and network settings.

"Upgrading our POS system with Netier's equipment will allow NAPA's IT staff to cost-effectively equip service associates at individual stores with computers using the familiar Windows-based desktop," said Jay C. Burnworth, Vice President TAMS Information Systems of Genuine Parts Company. "Adopting this industry-standard software platform will boost customer service, make training easier and help us provide better information and customer detail for the next decade."

About Netier

Netier is the world's leading developer of customer-driven networked computing devices and centralized network management software. Based in Carrollton, Texas, Netier markets its end-to-end server-based computing solutions to businesses and organizations of all kinds. The first and only manufacturer to offer Microsoft Windows NT Embedded 4.0 in solid-state access devices, Netier designs its products to excel in a wide variety of worldwide computing environments. Netier's address on the World Wide Web is http://www.netier.com.