New Compaq Netelligent Hardware and Software Products Feature Manageability, Reduced Network Cost and Complexity; New Network Management Software and High Performance Products Enhance End-to-End Systems Management Solutions.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 1996--Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ), the world's leading supplier of PCs and servers, today introduced new networking products, including network management software, network interface controllers (NICs), and repeaters-offering enhanced network management functionality.

Compaq Netelligent Management Software, Version 1.0 is an easy-to-use, SNMP-based network management application bundled at no additional charge with all manageable Netelligent products. It simplifies the installation and configuration of Netelligent products and reduces support and maintenance costs by monitoring the networking devices and alerting network administrators of a network fault or performance problem.

Consisting of more than 100 individual networking products, the Compaq Netelligent product line is designed specifically to deliver a complete solution, offering industry-leading price/performance and ease-of-use in industry-standard networked environments. To enhance this price/performance leadership and to further extend the broad line of networking solutions, the Compaq Networking Products Division is also announcing management enhancements for its Netelligent 2000 stackable 10Base-T repeaters, additional capabilities for its Netelligent 5000 10/100 switches, and the introduction of the Netelligent 10T ISA UTP and 10T/2 ISA UTP/Coax NICs.

"With this announcement, Compaq dramatically expands network manageability for all customers," said Doug Pushard, vice president, Networking Products Division. "Using Netelligent Management Software by itself or in unison with Compaq's bundled server management tool, Compaq Insight Manager, customers can easily manage all Compaq Netelligent repeaters and switches deployed on the network while simultaneously monitoring all connections, thus reducing the cost of ownership by delivering the effective control needed to ensure maximum network availability."

Netelligent Management Software 1.0

Compaq Netelligent Management Software 1.0 is an easy-to-use and powerful SNMP-based network management application that supports all manageable Netelligent repeater and switch products. It can be easily installed along Compaq Insight Manager to provide complete end-to-end network and systems management from one console. Compaq Insight Manager 3.0 offers network administrators with unparalleled fault, configuration, performance, asset and remote management capabilities for Compaq desktop PCs, servers and networking products.

Installation and configuration of network devices are simplified by Netelligent Management Software's intuitive graphics interface. This interface also permits users to quickly access management information. Network administrators can rely on the quality and speed of the information they receive from the management software to prevent network and system shutdown. Guided configuration screens with extensive context-sensitive help provide step-by-step assistance for new administrators, thus decreasing the need and time for on-line service and support. The software also includes a Management Information Base browser (MIB) to check performance data and record and graph historical data. The 32-bit Netelligent Management Software runs on Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT operating systems.

Netelligent Repeaters

The Compaq Netelligent 2000 series of stackable repeaters now offers the enhanced network management functionality necessary to be managed on a network without a dedicated SNMP console. Netelligent 2000 10Base-T Stackable Repeaters are designed to be stacked up to ten units high and offer increased port density of up to 160, thus meeting customers growing demands for additional bandwidth. Compaq Extended Repeater Architecture (ERA) enables stacks to be spread out over multiple floors or offices over distances of up to 250 feet without adding delays or requiring additional equipment.

The 2008/2016 10Base-T Stackable Repeater is manageable from anywhere on the network without the need for an SNMP console; firmware upgrades to the repeater provide industry-standard Telnet capabilities for in-band or out-of-band repeater management via a VT100 interface. The new 2116 10Base-T Repeater offers superior network management capability by supporting industry-standard 4-group RMON (remote monitoring) for advanced management in workgroup, departmental and enterprise-wide environments.

Netelligent 5000 10/100 Switch

To link workgroups and departments together over a Fast Ethernet connection, Compaq Netelligent 5000 10/100 switching products provide cost-effective, reliable, high-performance solutions for increased bandwidth and desktop-to-backbone integration. The Compaq Netelligent 5000 10/100 Switch now offers VLAN (virtual LAN) and 100Base-FX connectivity enhancements which provide greater traffic control and additional security mechanisms, improving overall system manageability. VLAN technology ships with all four Netelligent switch models and is offered as a no-charge firmware upgrade to existing customers. The 100Base-FX uplink module, which is used to connect existing fiber backbones or in electrically-noisy environments, is an option for each of the four Netelligent 5000 10/100 Switches. This optional 100Base-FX High Speed Switch Port module allows connections of up to 412 meters, providing the distance needed in networks spanning, multiple floors, or buildings.

New Netelligent NICs

Tested and supported on all popular platforms, Netelligent 10Base-T and 10Base-2 ISA network interface controllers are low-cost, high-performance NICs designed and tested for mixed-client environments. The ISA design in these standards-based Netelligent Ethernet controllers assures the flexibility and scalability necessary for constantly changing networked environments by allowing for the widest range of Ethernet implementations.

The Netelligent 10Base-T and 10Base-2 ISA controllers utilize 32-bit bus mastering technology to maximize system performance. In addition, they support full duplex capability, allowing two-way transmission between nodes and providing increased bandwidth of up to 20Mb/s. All Netelligent NICs support the major network operating systems including Novell NetWare, IBM LAN Server, Microsoft LAN Manager, Windows for Workgroups, Vines, and UNIX. Plug-and-Play properties allow for simple system configuration and installation, while bracket-mounted LEDs enable easy installation and visual troubleshooting.

Service, Warranty and Distribution

Netelligent products can be purchased from resellers and VARs and are supported by a three-year, limited warranty. Technical support is provided through Compaq Technical Support Centers worldwide. Service is provided through resellers and VARs on a local, regional, or global basis.

Pricing and Availability

Netelligent 2000 and Netelligent 5000 firmware upgrades are available now, free of charge. Other products announced today will be available in August. Netelligent Management Software and upgrades will be available on Compaq's website. The Netelligent 2008 and 2016 10Base-T stackable repeaters are priced at $670 and $958 respectively.(a)

The Netelligent 2116 10Base-T stackable repeater is priced at $1,243. The 100Base-FX uplink module is priced at $1,481. The Netelligent 10Base-T and 10Base-2 ISA controllers are priced at $71 and $92 respectively. Product information and reseller locations for Compaq Netelligent products can be obtained by calling 1-800-544-5255.

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune 100 company and the world's largest supplier of personal computers, delivers useful innovation through products that network people with information. Compaq is strategically organized to meet the current and future needs of its customers, offering enterprise computing solutions, networking products, commercial PC products and consumer PCs. In 1995, the company reported worldwide sales of $14.8 billion. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products can be found at http://www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518.

a) All prices are estimated street prices. Reseller prices will vary. -0-

Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Netelligent is a trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation. Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation

David Anderson, 713-927-8945

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Miller/Shandwick Technologies

Eric Grodziski, 617/536/0470

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