New Class of Network Servers and Desktop PCs Extend HP's Leadership in Business-critical Computing Environments; HP Product Family Now Delivers Unmatched Combination of Performance and Manageability for Local-area to Enterprisewide Environments

Business Wire, June 12, 1995

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 12, 1995--Extending its leadership in business-critical computing, Hewlett-Packard today introduced a class of network servers and desktop PCs that deliver an optimal combination of performance, network manageability and security features for today's complex corporate networks.

Today's introduction includes the HP NetServer LS line of high-speed single and multiprocessor servers, the industry's first Pentium(tm)-class PCI servers that offer unmatched ease of network configuration and manageability.

HP also launched the HP Vectra XM Series 3 PCs, the industry's first desktop PCs to deliver industry-standard(1) remote-management capabilities combined with the latest network-readiness and security features. The new PCs extend the market leadership HP has maintained since it introduced the Vectra N PCs -- the industry's first network-ready PC line -- in 1991.

"HP is already delivering the enterprise solutions competitors have been talking about bringing to market sometime this year," said Richard C. Watts, HP vice president and general manager of the Personal Information Products Group. "These new products show customers that they can continue to look to HP for leading-edge solutions."

These new PCs and network servers -- coupled with HP's UNIX(R) system-based servers, high-speed local area networks, routers, hubs and HP OpenView network- and system-management software -- give HP the unique ability to address every aspect of a business customer's needs -- from stand-alone to client-server systems and remote access.

REDEFINING "NETWORK-READY" FOR TODAY'S PC USER

Since it introduced the concept of "network-ready" to users four years ago, HP has continually enhanced its product design for easy integration into today's multivendor networks. The new HP Vectra XM3 PCs have been engineered to deliver a new level of performance, manageability and ease of use, and include a streamlined network-installation process that's two to three times faster than that of competitive systems.

In contrast to proprietary, brand-specific management solutions recently announced by some PC vendors, HP's implementation of DMI(1) (HP DMI250) in the HP Vectra XM3 PCs enables a network manager to measure more than 250 attributes of the PC, from serial number, disk space, processor and BIOS information to security and more -- at no additional cost to the user.

"HP's implementation of DMI on the HP Vectra XM3 PC and the entire Vectra PC family is one of the richest and most extensive versions currently available on any desktop," said Ed Arrington, chairman, Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF). "HP's DMI-enabled systems are a powerful example of how DMI increases the manageability of desktops and servers, and HP customers will immediately recognize the benefit of an industry-standard approach.

HP Vectra XM3 PCs start at an estimated selling price of $1,550 (U.S.) and are available in 75-, 90- and 120-MHz Pentium processor configurations.

NEW NETSERVER LS DELIVERS BREAKTHROUGH SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

The industry's first complete line of PCI servers for the LAN environment, the NetServer LS Series gives users next-generation I/O performance in a system that's scaleable from a single 75MHz Pentium processor to four 100MHz or 133MHz Pentium processors.

To ensure maximum uptime in business-critical applications, the NetServer LS series is deployed with a host of fault-tolerant features, including a new hot-swap subsystem that lets the server continue to work while failed hard drives are being replaced.

The HP NetServer LS family has an estimated price range of $7,000 to $18,000 (U.S.) with initial availability through distributors and resellers starting Aug. 1.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 98,600 employees and had revenues of $25 billion in its 1994 fiscal year. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Pentium is a U.S. trademark of Intel Corp. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open(tm) Company Limited. X/Open is a trademark of X/Open Company Limited in the UK and other countries.

(1) The HP Vectra PCs support the industry standard Desktop Management Interface, or "DMI."

CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard Co.

Larry Sennett, 408/553-2916

or

Copithorne & Bellows for HP

David Bailey, 408/553-2922