Webtronics announces new WebBox, an inexpensive standalone World Wide Web server; industry's first "Firmware" Web Server is easy to use and fully programmable

Business Wire, Nov 7, 1995

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 1995--Webtronics, K.K., a Japanese venture development firm, has introduced WebBox, a standalone World Wide Web server (httpd) for Ethernet networks priced under $1,000.

Corporate Source, an international marketing company located in Laguna Hills, Calif., will exclusively represent Webtronics K.K., developing and managing the company's sales, marketing and distribution programs for the North American market.

Developed for both business Internet users and Internet service providers, the WebBox is the industry's first firmware-based World Wide Web Server. The standalone unit contains a high-speed 32-bit microprocessor, an Ethernet interface and 2 MB (expandable to 8 MB) Flash RAM on a single board.

This unique combination makes it plug-and-play ready as well as easy-to-program for customized Internet environments. Unlike traditional Web servers which include a hard drive, monitor and keyboard, WebBox processes data through a streamlined firmware design which is much less expensive to manufacture. This allows Webtronics to incorporate the same advanced features for establishing, maintaining and updating a Web site at much a lower price.

Retail priced at $990, WebBox is among the industry's lowest priced standalone Web servers. It is scheduled to ship in limited quantities Dec. 20, 1995, and can be purchased from Corporate Source and its network of authorized resellers.

WebBox Designed For Corporate Applications And Service Providers

Designed for easy operation, WebBox is ready to set up and install directly out of the box. Users simply connect the unit to the Ethernet hub, set an IP address/netmask on the product's built-in LCD panel and the WebBox is already configured to serve Web pages to a network. The WebBox requires that the network is equipped with a router to provide Internet access through high-speed T1, ISDN or dedicated lines.

Each of these steps is explained in the product manual, which has been condensed into a single page of easy-to-follow instructions. System software can be updated quickly and easily via the Internet by clicking on the appropriate hot button on the system administration web page, served by the WebBox. The WebBox will download the appropriate updates from Webtronics' Internet host.

Tcl Interpreter Allows Programmers To Customize Server For Many Uses

The WebBox is fully programmable through a built-in Tcl interpreter in ROM. Webtronics' original WebBox server (httpd) itself is based on Tcl and uses Tcl as its source code. Webtronics' httpd can be modified and expanded to meet the demands of volume users such as VARs and Internet service providers.

The WebBox comes with password support, Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts for Web page authoring, text/binary file downloading and file system manipulation. Note Pad groupware application and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (smtp) source codes are included as sample Tcl CGI scripts.

Tamper Proof Hardware Firewall For Network Security

To ensure security of a company's network, the WebBox can be placed outside of the hardware firewall to serve as a standalone Web server. As an extra precaution, a user can set a hardware switch to make the Flash RAM read-only.

Other hardware specifications include one high-speed serial port for future expansion, 512 KB main memory with battery backup, a real time clock and LCD console panel. Optional hardware upgrades include Flash RAM expansion via PCMCIA type slot; DRAM main memory expansion with SIMMs; and other expansion options for the daughter board that will be available with future WebBox versions.

Webtronics K.K.

With headquarters in Tokyo, Webtronics K.K. is a leading edge developer of hardware/software solutions for the Internet market. For further technical or product information, send e-mail to Webtronics at info@wtnx.com, or visit the Webtronics Home Page at http://www.wtnx.com. All sales inquiries for North America should be directed to Corporate Source.

Corporate Source

Located in Laguna Hills, Calif., Corporate Source is an international marketing company serving OEMs, VARs, dealers and systems integrators. For more information on how to purchase the WebBox, contact Sonny Burkett, General Manager, by telephone at 714/582-1946, by fax at 714/582-3706, or by e-mail at cs@ix.netcom.com.

CONTACT: Corporate Source

Sonny Burkett, 714/582-1946

or

Fisher Business Communications Inc.

Laurie Weller/William L. Prichard, 714/556-1313