Cisco planning new micro servers to complement IBM Network Computer Reference Design; "Thin server" concept to complement "thin client" model

Business Wire, June 11, 1997

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 1997--Cisco Systems, Inc. said today that it is planning a new class of "thin servers" that will work with the emerging category of network computers (NCs) or "thin clients," which are based on IBM's PowerPC microprocessor technology.

This new family of products will be optimized to work with NCs, like those based on IBM's new Network Computer Reference Design.

The concept of Cisco's Micro NC Server is to support localized services in order to reduce network traffic congestion and provide fast access to routine applets used for many database and spreadsheet programs. This type of server would address concerns about how NCs in a workgroup will initially "boot" and download information from large back-end servers without creating traffic jams at the workgroup or creating long wait times at the desktop.

"Cisco believes that the network computing model put forth by IBM and others will spawn new applications for distributed computing and intelligent networks for large and small businesses and individuals," said Christine Hemrick, Vice President & General Manager, Internet Appliances & Applications Business Unit at Cisco Systems. "Cisco is uniquely able to foster the growth of network computing by providing secure, reliable information networks that deliver end-to-end network services."

Cisco's announcement comes at the same time as IBM Microelectronic's news that it is making available a new NC development kit for manufacturers based on its PowerPC family of microprocessors.

According to Zona Research, worldwide demand for network computers and thin clients could reach 7.7 million units by 2000 -- up from 1.8 million in 1997. Growth of this scale would increase requirements for cost-effective support of NCs with "thin servers."

"With IBM Microelectronics' development kit on the client side and thin servers like those provided by Cisco, system developers and integrators will have two key elements they need to broaden market acceptance of network computers," said Jesse Parker, marketing director at IBM Microelectronics.

Cisco intends to make a formal product announcement by the end of 1997 as one outcome of the work on its "Micro NC Server" concept. Elements of the product line will focus on specific vertical applications based on distributed-object environments enabled by the Java Virtual Machine. Plans call for the products to be powered by IBM's PowerPC 403GCX microprocessor.

The Micro NC Server will join the Cisco Micro Webserver in Cisco's line of "micro servers" that provide cost-effective "plug-and-play" support for network-based services and applications.

The Micro Webserver, which has been available since February, provides an easy way to host an Internet Web page or provide intranet-based, intra-office communications.

Cisco's line of internet appliances can benefit both NCs and traditional desktop PCs. They also will serve as a model technology solution for other network computer system designs offered by numerous computer manufacturers.

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CONTACT: Cisco Systems, Inc.

Bob Michelet, 408/526-6636

bmichele@cisco.com