Lucent's New Inferno 2.0 Software Supports Personal Java Applications On New Consumer Products

Business Wire, Nov 17, 1997

MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1997--Lucent Technologies today unveiled the Inferno (TM) 2.0 network operating system, a significant new version that enables small, inexpensive consumer devices, like screen phones and intelligent set-top boxes, to perform sophisticated tasks, assisted by computers and databases in a network.

One key feature of Inferno Release 2.0 is full support for Sun Microsystem's PersonalJava (TM) programming language, a subset of the Java (TM) programming language designed specifically for network-connectable products people use in homes, while mobile, or in the office. These devices have displays but might not include a keyboard or a mouse.

Inferno 2.0 runs applications written in the PersonalJava programming language as well as in Limbo, Inferno's own portable, high-performance programming language. These applications run unchanged on a wide variety of consumer devices and computers, such as wireless phones, intelligent set-top boxes, smart phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Packaged with Inferno Release 2.0 is an integrated suite of general-purpose productivity applications for small consumer devices, including the industry's first distributed Internet browser for small devices, an e-mail application, a phone directory/address book and a notepad.

Also included are a graphical user interface for managing applications and a unique software download application that regularly updates Inferno applications and system software via the network.

The Inferno group recently completed work with selected licensees to support smart phones that integrate telephony and advanced data capabilities, for example, browsing for information on the Internet in the middle of a phone conversation.

"The market has quickly accepted Inferno, as evidenced by our more than 60 OEM and ISV customers," said Mike Skarzynski, president of Lucent Technologies' Inferno Network Software Solutions Group. "Inferno 2.0 will accelerate the deployment of Inferno in emerging network appliances, screen phones, intelligent set-top boxes and network elements."

Inferno 2.0 builds upon the key features of the Inferno Release 1.1 distributed operating system. Designed to require minimal hardware, the entire native Inferno software solution, including basic applications, can run in as little as 512K of RAM and 256K of ROM. Inferno 2.0 also is compatible with "software modem" technology, eliminating the need for modem hardware and thereby reducing the cost of a device.

Customers interested in obtaining an Inferno 2.0 Development Kit should call 1-888-LUCENT8. Evaluation copies of the product and application demonstrations are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.lucent.com/inferno/.

Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., designs, builds and delivers a wide range of public and private networks, communications systems and software, data networking systems, business telephone systems and microelectronic components. Bell Labs is the research and development arm for the company. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit our web site at http://www.lucent.com/.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, PersonalJava, and Java are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

CONTACT: Inferno Public Relations

Jason Ripper, 908/582-5910 (work)

908/575-1651 (home)

jripper@lucent.com

or

Bell Labs Public Relations

Dick Muldoon, 908/582-5330 (work)