Citrix and Metricom Speed Application Access over Wireless WANs to Mobile and Desktop Devices

Business Wire, Jan 30, 2001

Business Editors

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2001

Citrix Solutions Summit(TM) 2001 to Feature Demos of Wireless Access

to Full-function, Server-based Applications on National

Semiconductor's Geode Technology and Compaq Devices

Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CTXS), a global leader in application serving software and services, and Metricom, Inc. (Nasdaq:MCOM), a leading high-speed wireless data company and Premier member of the Citrix Business Alliance(TM) (CBA), today announced demonstrations of their solution to wirelessly extend the reach of server-based applications at Citrix Solutions Summit(TM) 2001, the company's annual worldwide partner conference. The combination of Citrix software and Metricom's Ricochet(TM) network allows applications running on Citrix(R) MetaFrame(TM) servers to be accessed by mobile professionals via the high-speed Ricochet network, which delivers mobile access wirelessly on a wide-area basis.

On-site demonstrations feature the Geode(TM) Metro wireless thin client, the reference design for a handheld tablet from thin-client technology leader, National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM), as well as Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE-based devices such as the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC from Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ). These devices will be running Citrix Independent Computing Architecture (ICA(R)) Client software, providing high-performance wireless access to business-critical applications including Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, SAP, Lotus Notes and Vantive.

The Ricochet-Ready(TM) Geode Metro, a production-ready solution for OEMs, offers the smallest form factor for wireless thin clients, as well as enhanced Web browsing, a familiar graphical interface and longer battery life. It is enabled by National Semiconductor's industry-leading Geode technology. National Semiconductor is a Premier member of the CBA.

"The combination of Citrix application serving software and Ricochet gives mobile and remote users a `virtual' office from which they can quickly access full-function applications that allow decision-making with real-time information," said Jeanne Moreno, Citrix CIO. "Users can access the information they need, when they need it, and with a familiar interface. This solution strengthens Citrix's strategy of providing application access to users on any device, over any network connection - including wireless."

"Taking the network and staying connected to vital applications and information from outside the office is essential for today's mobile workforce," said John Cornwell, vice president of Business Development for Metricom. "By teaming up with Citrix, a leader in application serving, we can leverage the high-performance, wide-area wireless networking of Ricochet over multiple types of devices to provide anytime access to the kinds of business-critical functions required to remain productive."

"This wireless solution, enabled by National's silicon technology, addresses the concerns of today's mobile professionals," said Ziv Azmanov, director of the thin-client business unit at National Semiconductor. "Rapid delivery of Citrix-based applications over the Ricochet wireless network on thin devices powered by our Geode technology gives mobile workers the flexibility and functionality they require to access information any time and from any location."

About the Citrix Business Alliance

The Citrix Business Alliance (CBA) is a growing coalition of industry-leading companies from across the technology spectrum that are working closely with Citrix solutions to broaden the scope and effectiveness of server-based enterprise computing solutions. The program provides members with new business opportunities, technical support, access to joint marketing programs, and software to perform compatibility testing of their products with Citrix software.

Citrix Systems, Inc. is a global leader in application server software and services that offer "Digital Independence(TM)" - the ability to run any application on any device over any connection, wireless to Web. Citrix solutions enable organizations of all types, from major enterprises to emerging application service providers (ASPs), to reach more users, with more applications, in more locations - and achieve this with greater speed and predictability, and lower costs. Citrix offerings, including MetaFrame(TM) application server software, NFuse(TM) application portal software, Management Services products and Independent Computing Architecture (ICA(R)), a core application-server technology, have been widely adopted by the corporate mainstream to achieve key business goals. The firm, which markets its solutions through value-added resellers, system integrators and OEM licensees, is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Citrix is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(SM) under the symbol CTXS and is part of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information, please visit the Citrix Web site at http://www.citrix.com.

About Metricom

Metricom, Inc. is a leading high-speed wireless data company. With its high-speed Ricochet mobile access, Metricom is making "information anytime" possible-at home, at the office, on the road, and on many devices. Founded in 1985, Metricom has spent more than 15 years on the development of its distinctive MicroCellular Data Network (MCDN) technology. That experience enables Metricom to develop the fastest wireless mobile data networking and technology available today. Ricochet has operated a 28.8 kbps service since 1995. The new Ricochet, delivering user speeds of 128 kbps, is currently available in twelve markets and is connected to two 28.8 kbps service areas to increase coverage for mobile professionals. Coverage will continue expanding, and is targeted to reach 46 markets.