Tandem Provides Clustered Server Complex for Creative Artists Agency/Intel Media Lab; Also contributes technology for digital asset and content rights management and secure electronic payments

Business Wire, Dec 12, 1996

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 1996--Tandem(R) Computers Incorporated announced today it is providing the clustered server computing and communications infostructure as well as digital asset and content rights management technology for the Creative Artists Agency/Intel Media Lab.

"The Media Lab is a perfect collaboration of the best of the entertainment business with the best that our technology community has to offer, and Tandem is honored to be included in this breakthrough partnership," said Roel Pieper, chief executive officer and vice chairman of Tandem. "Our contribution will be to provide the most secure, reliable environment for digital content commerce on public networks such as the Internet.

"To accomplish this will require quantum leaps in both data throughput for media-rich, next-generation applications; scalability for rapid, unpredictable growth demands of the consumer market; reliable, intelligent means of digital asset and content rights management; and secure electronic payments. We can deliver this by exploiting the synergy across our S-series line of servers featuring Tandem ServerNet(TM) technology, a massively scalable clustering architecture, and by leveraging our heritage in reliability, continuous availability, secure transactions and data integrity."

"In Hollywood, we are seeing a fundamental shift in how we use computers and technology. We will continue to use technology to enrich contents through special effects and editing. But, now that we've amassed libraries of our entertainment properties in digital form, we need to look to computing and communications technology as a reliable, secure infrastructure for the distribution of these valuable assets. Tandem is uniquely positioned to provide this expertise and counsel to the Media Lab."

Based on Tandem's ServerNet clustering architecture, the massively scalable server complex will feature the new S-series line of Himalaya(R), UNIX(R) and Windows NT(R) Server-based systems. Initially, Tandem will provide Microsoft(R) Windows NT Server-based systems. They will feature one- to four-way SMP Pentium(R) Pro 200-megahertz processors, but will be upgraded to six- and eight-way configurations as they come to market. Starting small, they can scale up quickly and automatically to meet the massive data throughput requirements of multimedia applications and media-rich Internet transactions.

As the new multimedia entertainment and information programming developed at the Media Lab becomes ready for the consumer market, Tandem also will contribute technology that addresses the main impediment to digital content commerce, namely copyright and payment issues. Based on an alliance between Tandem and Interval, Inc., this technology will deliver a product architecture enabling metered consumption of information, software, and any other form of digital content, while ensuring appropriate payment for its use. In addition, Silicon Artists, a Tandem joint venture based in Madrid, Spain, will provide digital production services.

About Tandem

Founded in 1974, Tandem Computers Incorporated (NYSE:TDM) designs and delivers technology solutions that companies rely on to compete in a business that runs 24 hours a day. A US$2.3 billion company headquartered in Cupertino, California, Tandem has offices, strategic partners, and providers in more than 50 countries around the world. Tandem press materials are also available on NEWSdesk International on the World Wide Web at http://www.newsdesk.com .

About Intel

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computers, networking, and communications products. Through innovative technologies, Intel is committed to improving the Internet experience for PC consumers. Additional information is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom .

About CAA

CAA is a literary and talent agency in Los Angeles, which represents many of the entertainment industry's most creative and successful actors, directors, writers and musicians. Information about CAA is available from CAAs site on the World Wide Web at http://www.caa.com . -0-

Note to Editors: Tandem, ServerNet, Himalaya, and the Tandem logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tandem Computers Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Ltd. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies

CONTACT: Tandem

Eileen Quinn Smith, 408/285-6722