HP to ship Internet router with Cisco IOS software; HP AdvanceStack Internet Router provides effortless Internet/Intranet connections

Business Wire, April 14, 1997

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 1997--Hewlett- Packard Company, the leader in networked systems for workgroups, today announced new remote-connectivity products designed to provide effortless Internet, Intranet and WAN connectivity for remote and central offices that have standardized on Cisco IOS (Interconnected Operating System) software.

The HP AdvanceStack Internet Router ships with Cisco IOS Desktop software and includes free software updates for the entire five-year on-site limited warranty. It integrates into HP AdvanceStack hubs and switches or works with the new HP AdvanceStack Remote 2C. The AdvanceStack Remote 2C is an expansion-slot cabinet designed for use with the AdvanceStack Internet Router in any network environment.

"Many companies maintain a significant number of replicated remote offices," said Jan Bell, worldwide marketing manager of HP's Workgroup Networks Division. "Putting Cisco IOS software onto a convenient expansion module reduces network complexity and provides an economical approach for those companies by delivering Internet, Intranet and WAN connectivity from an AdvanceStack hub or switch."

For companies with central-office Cisco routers, the HP AdvanceStack Internet Router eliminates the learning-curve for branch- and remote-office connectivity. The router software provides protocol and routing support for all major internetworking protocols, including IP, Novell, IPX and AppleTalk.

The AdvanceStack Internet Router is flexible and scaleable. Multiple customer environments and remote-connectivity applications can be supported using HP's expansion-slot technology. The AdvanceStack Internet Router is designed for Internet and office-to-office connectivity and has a total of five connectors, including two high-speed synchronous WAN ports (with DB60 connectors), one ISDN BRI, one auxiliary port and one console (as shielded RJ45).

"As use of the Internet continues to drive the need for remote-connectivity tools, corporations are networking remote locations and looking for ways to provide remote connectivity for the field force," said Virginia Brooks of the Aberdeen Group, a Boston-based market-research firm. "HP's latest remote-connectivity offering maps to this industry trend by providing easy-to-use products that support multiple environments."

U.S. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

The HP AdvanceStack Internet Router with Cisco IOS software (J3138A) is $3,199. The HP AdvanceStack Remote 2C and AdvanceStack Internet Router bundle (J3231A) is $3,599. All products are expected to begin shipping May 1.

HP's Workgroup Networks Division delivers a complete line of network workgroup solutions. It is a leading supplier of stackable hubs, switches, network-management applications, remote-connectivity products and high-speed networking products.

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 112,800 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com . -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Sales information may be obtained by calling 800/533-1333 or at http://www.hp.com on the World Wide Web or visit HP's Network_City at http://www.hp.com/go/network_city . For information and support by FAX, users may dial FAX HP FIRST (800/333-1917).

Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information. Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specification may vary in non-U.S. markets.

If you choose to review this item, your readers will receive the quickest response by mailing inquiries to Hewlett-Packard Company, Direct Marketing Organization, P.O. Box 58059, MS511L-SJ, Santa Clara, Calif. 95051-8059.

CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard Company

Ken Robb, 916/785-1545

ken_robb@hp.com

or

Copithorne & Bellows for HP

Maureen Grijalva, 415/975-2212

maureen.grijalva@cbpr.com