Wyse Technology Supports Microsoft .NET Framework with New Winterm Thin Clients Powered by Windows XP Embedded

New Windows Powered Custom-Application Terminals Deliver Advanced Web Browsing, Security and Management; More Than 10,000 New Peripherals Supported

San Jose, CA – 19/08/2002 - Wyse Technology, the worldwide leader in secure, managed thin clients, today launched two new members of the Winterm 9000 Series thin-client family that support the Microsoft .NET Framework. The new Wyse Winterm 9235LE and 9440XL thin clients deliver the benefits of the Microsoft Windows XP Embedded operating system, including access to more than 10,000 drivers and services and advanced Web browsing capabilities. The support of the Microsoft .NET Framework enables customers to connect to a broad range of personal and business services, through Microsoft .NET-connected applications.

The new Winterm 9000 series thin clients help CIOs maximize IT budgets and investments, minimize business risk due to unauthorized access to mission-critical information and drive down the overall costs of deploying enterprise-class computing systems. The Winterm 9235LE and 9440XL are flexible thin clients that are powered by Windows XP Embedded, offering binary compatibility with the Windows XP operating system. This means customers gain the rich capabilities, security and device compatibility associated with the Windows XP platform combined with the cost effectiveness, reliability and manageability benefits of a Windows Powered thin client. With an embedded Internet Explorer 6.0 browser, these Winterm thin-client devices provide users with the richest Internet and intranet access experience, including full plug-in support for multimedia, Java applets and security enhancements. The new Winterm thin clients also support the ability to embed Windows line-of-business applications directly onto the device.

"Security, manageability, affordability and reliability - nothing in the enterprise computing environment is more important than delivering these core benefits," said Brad Rowland, director of product management for Wyse Technology. "Whether a customer is trying to ensure the continuous operation of a business by establishing a bullet-proof disaster recovery plan, prevent unauthorized internal and external users from accessing sensitive data, or simply trying to deliver a rich computing environment and user experience on increasingly tight budgets, thin clients from Wyse are helping customers overcome their challenges."

Thin Clients and the Microsoft .NET Initiative

IIn a recent report on the enterprise thin-client market (IDC Document #02C3435), IDC analyst Bob O'Donnell commented on the positive relationship between the Microsoft .NET initiative and thin clients, "The entire .NET initiative could provide a very significant boost to thin clients over the next several years. Microsoft .NET essentially sets the stage for computing and digital data retrieval anytime, anywhere on many different devices. It appears, in fact, to be a direct affirmation of the server-based computing/distributed-computing model of which thin clients are such a critical part."

Wyse's vision for helping people communicate and access information affordably is complementary to the goal of the Microsoft .NET strategy to connect information, people, systems and devices. Microsoft .NET is integrated across the Microsoft Windows platform, providing the ability to quickly build and deploy connected, secure solutions with XML Web services. Wyse's Windows Powered Winterm thin clients can be instantly and securely deployed to tap into the utility of these Web services.

"Windows XP Embedded provides a compelling platform for the deployment of Windows line-of-business applications on hardened, purpose-optimized devices such as Windows Powered thin clients," said Keith White, senior director of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "Support for the Microsoft .NET Framework in Windows XP Embedded enables Wyse Winterm thin clients to be innovative sockets for Microsoft .NET-connected applications and services in the enterprise."

Securing and Managing the Desktop - It's Money in the Bank

Securing and managing the desktop can translate directly into cost savings that can be immediately realized by an enterprise. Management tools are core to protecting business investments in desktop technologies, and simplify tasks that would otherwise place a significant strain on IT staffs while ensuring maximum benefit from thin-client installations. Higher security, whether preventing unauthorized access or preventing widespread virus outbreaks, clearly reduces hard costs such as replacing damaged systems or soft costs from the loss of data.

Wyse is the only company delivering an enterprise-class management solution for the thin-client market, and bundles every Winterm thin-client model with the industry standard in thin-client management software, Wyse Rapport . With Wyse's Rapport Workgroup Edition, businesses are armed with a comprehensive management tool that manages users in a campus installation, and with the purchase of an optional enterprise upgrade, up to tens of thousands of users across worldwide multiple branch office and management locations.

Wyse Winterm thin clients deliver the key elements of security - authorization, authentication, integrity and confidentiality - through four levels of security that complement server-based software. Security is provided through an enhanced user-name and password security shield built directly into the thin client, support for smart cards and biometric authentication devices, and the use of Citrix's Secure ICA protocol, providing up to 128-bit end-to-end encryption of an ICA data-stream.

Pricing and Availability

The new Winterm thin clients will be available in September through Authorized Winterm Partners or direct from Wyse Technology. The Winterm 9235LE starts at $649 for a Flash/RAM memory configuration of 128/256MB, and the Winterm 9440XL starts at $799 for a Flash/RAM configuration of 192/256MB. The Winterm 9440XL is available in custom configurations with many unique peripheral options, including internal hard drive, CD-ROM drive, or floppy drive, plus a modem. Additional product specifications are available at http://www.wyse.com/products/winterm or by calling Wyse at 800-GET-WYSE.

About Wyse Technology

Wyse is the #1 vendor the world's largest businesses and institutions trust for scalable thin-client computing solutions. Wyse provides the hardware, software, and services that shift computing complexity to the network, reducing cost, liberating IT departments from unnecessary support and maintenance functions, empowering users to be more productive in their jobs, and protecting and improving access to critical information and business applications. Headquartered in San Jose, California with offices worldwide, Wyse has been #1 in thin-client market share for the last eight years, enjoys a close partnership with Citrix Systems, and has been named Microsoft "Embedded Partner of the Year" for three years. Wyse customers include FedEx, Best Buy (Canada), Quaker Foods, and Gold's Gym.

For more information, visit the Wyse website at http://www.wyse.com or call 1-800-GET-WYSE