ON Technology's Software Management Solution Now Available from Dell as Factory-Installed Option or Downloadable Trial

Business Wire, June 21, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 2000

ON Command CCM Simplifies IT with Full Lifecycle PC Management

ON Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:ONTC), a leading supplier of advanced solutions for deploying software across corporate networks and the Internet, today announced that its best-of-breed software management solution is now available from Dell Computer Corp. (Nasdaq:DELL) as a factory-installed option or downloadable trial from the Dell web site.

As a result of this agreement, Dell customers can now obtain a complete manageability solution - including hardware, software and services - that reduces costs, allows IT to deliver a higher quality of service to end-users, and accelerates strategic IT initiatives such as Windows 2000 migrations.

"To meet customer needs and offer competitive solutions, PC manufacturers are enhancing their product lines by offering management software that takes advantage of the manageability features built into their hardware," said Kevin Knox, Research Director, Gartner Group. "Customers can immediately leverage the total solution and automate PC management tasks to lower their support and administration costs."

ON Technology's agreement with Dell, coupled with its Application Service Provider (ASP) alliances, now allows the company to offer small and medium size businesses a turnkey IT management solution. ON is working closely with leading service providers to meet the needs of small and medium businesses as well as enterprises. These partners include 2nd Century Communications - a leading open network ASP - as well as companies such as Unisys and Getronics.

"Our goal is to simplify IT for both enterprise organizations and service providers," said Robert Doretti, President and CEO, ON Technology. "The combination of ON's remote management software with Dell's built-in manageability hardware delivers a powerful solution for our customers and partners."

Downloadable Trial Version Deploys 12 Standard Applications

Including Office 2000

Dell customers can now download a free 30-day trial version of the ON Command CCM(TM) console - called "ON Command Special Edition" - from www.dell.com/imagemanagement. The console is an intuitive and easy-to-use Windows application that provides point-and-click deployment and configuration for desktop and mobile PCs connected via LANs, WANs, and dial-up networks.

ON Command Special Edition can be used out-of-the-box to remotely deploy 12 standard applications and configuration programs to multiple PCs simultaneously. The applications include: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Office 2000, Office 97, and Windows NT Service Pack 6a; Netscape Navigator; Lotus Notes; Adobe Acrobat; WinZip; Dell OpenManage Client; ON Command Remote; Configuration Settings for NT; and System Utilities.

ON Agent Provides "Instant Manageability(TM)" for Both New &

Existing PCs

Dell customers can also request factory installation of the ON Desktop Agent on all of their new Dell business PCs, through Dell Plus(TM). The enhanced version of the Desktop Agent (also available in a 30-day trial version via www.dell.com/imagemanagement) provides "Instant Manageability" for both new and existing PCs - which starts as soon as the PCs are plugged into the network, without requiring any intervention by administrators or end-users.

Here's how it works: First, the ON Agent uses a network broadcast to automatically discover the nearest ON Command CCM management server. Next, the agent communicates all relevant configuration information to the server such as PC name, MAC address, installed OS type, and installed applications. Finally, the ON server uses this information to automatically incorporate the client into its client database -- so that it can be immediately managed by the IT administrator using the ON centralized console.

About ON Command CCM

ON Command CCM delivers unattended remote management of desktop and mobile PCs across their entire lifecycle, including new PC builds, application deployment, ongoing software updates, and one-touch emergency rebuilds in case of corruption or misconfiguration. ON Technology's solution uses a unique push-based technology to automatically deliver operating systems such as Windows 98 & Windows 2000; applications such as Office 2000, Lotus Notes R5, & SAP; and updates such as Service Packs and new virus settings. ON Command CCM is an open and scalable system that integrates with existing enterprise frameworks and leverages the latest standards in operating systems, networking and PC manageability hardware.

About ON Technology Corporation

ON Technology is a leading provider of advanced solutions for deploying software across corporate networks and the Internet. Global 2000 organizations such as MCI WorldCom, Deutsche Telekom, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, 2nd Century Communications and ZapMe! are using ON Command CCM to reduce costs, deliver a higher quality of service, and expedite technology initiatives for increased competitive advantage. ON Technology has formed business and technology alliances with major technology suppliers and outsourcing companies including Dell Computer Corporation, Microsoft Corp., Intel Corporation, IBM Global Services, and Unisys. Additional information about ON Technology Corporation can be found at www.on.com.