TUXIA Announces U.S. Launch of its Embedded Linux-Based Technology for Internet Appliances and Thin Clients.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

BLOOMFIELD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2001

Using the power of Linux(R) to transform the Internet experience and thin client computing, TUXIA today announced the launch of TASTE - a suite of embedded Linux software for Internet appliances and network computing devices, such as WebPADs(TM), TV set-top boxes, thin clients and screen phones.

TASTE, which stands for TUXIA Appliance Synthesis Technology, is based on the new Linux kernel version 2.4 and features a Mozilla browser, middleware and a full complement of plug-ins and other enhancements. Unique features include a comprehensive terminal emulation suite, remote administration and configuration management, "crash-proof" RAM-based software design, short boot-up time and a robust field upgrade mechanism. By using block compression technology, TUXIA has engineered TASTE to fit in the smallest memory footprint of any embedded Linux kernel available today, which yields dramatic savings for device manufacturers.

To help speed time-to-market for original equipment manufacturers and vertical solution providers, TUXIA provides TASTE software reference designs that can be individually optimized for virtually all information and Internet appliances.

"TASTE promises a revolutionary new Internet appliance and thin-client computing experience with the most comprehensive and cost-effective embedded Linux system in the smallest and fastest package," said Mike Finckh, managing director, TUXIA U.S.A. Our approach is to provide the best platform for middleware of 3rd party application vendors like behavior tracking and client management solutions.

TUXIA is expanding into the U.S. market with the launch of TASTE, backed by an $18 million investment from funds managed by Apax Partners & Co. In addition to development teams in Germany and Australia, TUXIA also has operations in Asia, Australia and Japan, comprising some 60 Linux software specialists.

TASTE Technical Specifications

Core features of TASTE:

      --  Linux kernel version 2.4 for unparalleled modularity and
        robustness

      --  Standard LibC6 libraries

      --  Environment-optimized, architecture-specific boot loader

      --  Special initialization procedures

      --  Unique Setup Tool featuring a central, single-parameter file

      --  Extremely robust, "fail proof" field upgrade ability

      --  Secure file system providing up to 3:1 compression for
        minimized footprint

      --  Full complement of standard Linux tools

    Optional TASTE features:

      --  Embedded Mozilla or Netscape Navigator 4.7x with e-mail
        functionality

      --  PersonalJava(TM)

      --  Full Java(TM) Virtual Machine implementation for maximum
        Java(TM) Applet compatibility

      --  HTML 4.0 and CSS support

      --  Secure Socket Layer for secure e-commerce

      --  SmartCard reader support

      --  Support for popular plug ins (such as Acrobat(R) Flash(R) and
        RealPlayer(R))

      --  Stand-alone streaming MP player

      --  Simple to use set-top box graphical user interface with full
        screen browsing

      --  Drivers for TV-out and TV-in (with special TV encoder chips)
        with Zoom mode

      --  Touchscreen support including an easy-to-use virtual keyboard

      --  Standard networking and routing support

      --  Support for all leading network adapters like Ethernet token
        ring and wireless LAN

      --  Centralized configuration file management by BOOTP

      --  Dial-in and dial-out support via PPP

      --  High-speed Internet connectivity via xDSL, cable modems
        (DOCSIS) and satellite connections

      --  Support for analog and ISDN modems and DECT connectivity

      --  Field strength meter (wireless connection)

      --  Multi protocol support including ICA

      --  Microsoft RDP(R) and printing

      --  Citrix(R) Device Services (CDS) and ICA

      --  Multi client and multiple server session support

      --  Native X Windows(R) Support for full UNIX(TM) application
        compatibility

      --  Terminal Emulation including DEC VT IBM x/Wyse /SCO ANSI and
        others

      --  Support for many Western, Chinese and Japanese languages, with
        additional languages available on request

About TUXIA

TUXIA is blazing a new path in the field of embedded Linux systems by delivering the full Internet experience to network computing and Internet appliances, such as thin clients, WebPADs(TM), set-top boxes and screen phones. Leveraging more than five years of experience in pioneering turn-key Linux compression devices, TUXIA has engineered a new generation of Linux embedded systems with TASTE (TUXIA Appliance Synthesis Technology). TASTE features a Linux Kernel 2.4 operating system and embedded browser (Mozilla or Netscape) that utilizes block compression technology for seamless integration with diverse applications. Unlike other embedded Linux products, TASTE provides OEMs, VARs and system integrators with the smallest, fastest and most stable platform. With TUXIA's development kit TSE (TUXIA Synthesis Environment), the appliance software can be easily adapted and extended to customers' needs. With global operations spanning four continents, the growing 120-member TUXIA staff includes one of the largest teams working with Netscape on the Mozilla project. TUXIA's strategic partnerships include National Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics and M-Systems. Additional information about TUXIA may be found in the Internet at www.tuxia.com.

Apax Partners Overview

Apax Partners is one of the world's largest and most experienced private equity companies. Apax Partners is dedicated to high-performance entrepreneurial businesses and pursues a balanced equity portfolio strategy investing in companies from the start-up to buy-out phase. Founded in the United States and in Europe in 1972, Apax Partners has more than 13 offices worldwide and manages funds in excess of $7 billion. Apax Partners Funds have invested in notable IT and telecommunications firms such as Autonomy Corporation, Dialog Semiconductors, CenterBeam, Systemonic and Webraska. Apax Partners has invested in more than 250 companies worldwide.