Inside Out Networks Introduces the First Line of Multi-Port Universal Serial Bus Products for the Microsoft Windows NT Embedded Operating System

Business Wire, March 27, 2000

Business Editors & Technology Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2000

Cementing its place as the first USB connectivity company to support all of the major PC operating systems (OS), Inside Out Networks(TM) today announced support for the Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) Windows NT Embedded operating system.

"This announcement significantly broadens the applications for our Edgeport, Rapidport and Hubport series of products," said Stephen Popovich, president and chief executive officer of Inside Out Networks. "Windows NT Embedded platforms can now take advantage of almost limitless I/O port expandability offered by the benefits of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Inside Out Networks solutions."

"Embedded System developers are using Windows NT Embedded to accelerate time to market for highly reliable, dedicated function system products," said Vince Mendillo, lead product manager, Windows NT Embedded, Microsoft Corp. "Windows NT Embedded enables designers to utilize existing software components inherent to Windows NT, which means there are far fewer software components to create, leading to lower reoccurring hardware costs."

Windows NT Embedded is emerging as an ideal platform for dedicated function devices involved in communications, industrial control and feature rich information appliances. Dallas-based Netier(TM) Technologies is a leading embedded software developer leveraging the benefits of Windows NT Embedded, having recently signed a licensing agreement with Microsoft Corp. Jim Crocco, chief operating officer at Netier, explains, "Netier's NetXpress(TM) with Windows NT Embedded represent our top selling information appliance products, and they use USB as a primary expansion method. Inside Out Networks USB products provide virtually unlimited peripheral expansion capability for Netier's solid-state NetXpress product family."

Inside Out is now shipping products that support the Windows NT Embedded operating system.

Inside Out Networks Product User Benefits

Inside Out Networks Edgeport(TM), Rapidport(TM), and Hubport(TM) products offer simple, cost-effective plug-and-play installation: users can plug Inside Out Networks converters into the USB port, insert a diskette or CD-ROM and attach additional devices within three minutes -- without having to reload software drivers, or shut down, reconfigure or re-boot the system.

Inside Out Networks also eliminates costly technical and warranty issues typically associated with removing PC covers or sending equipment to a manufacturer for service or upgrades. Inside Out Networks products range in price from $99 to $1,399 and are available worldwide via direct sales channels, authorized distributors, and the Inside Out Networks web site, http://www.ionetworks.com.

About Inside Out Networks

Based in Austin, Texas, Inside Out Networks is the leading provider of simple-to-install, high-performance connectivity products for attaching serial, parallel, and modem devices to PC platforms utilizing Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology. Inside Out Networks' comprehensive family of products simplifies connecting both legacy and USB peripherals to today's USB-equipped desktops, laptops, and servers. In addition to supporting the Microsoft platforms, Inside Out Networks also supports Power Mac(TM)(R) G3 and the iMac(R) platforms running Mac(TM) OS 8.5. Since its inception in 1997, the company has sold more than 10,000 units for use in point of sale (POS), remote access, mobile connectivity and industrial control applications. Inside Out Networks has developed solid relationships with many customers, including technology leaders such as NCR, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft. Current end user customers include Mail Boxes Etc., Starbucks, Bose, VingCard, QuikTrip, Alitalia, Air Canada and many others.

For more information on products and solutions from Inside Out Networks, visit http://www.ionetworks.com or call 512/306-0600.

Note: Inside Out Networks, Inside Out, the Inside Out logo, Edgeport, Rapidport, and Hubport are trademarks of Inside Out Networks. Netier and NetXpress are trademarks of Netier Technologies. iMac is a registered trademark, and Power Mac and Mac are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.