Intel Debuts `Network-In-A-Box' Products to Help Small Businesses Join Internet Economy; New Multifunction Appliances - Intel's InBusiness Small Office Network products - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, March 6, 2000

Intel Corporation Wednesday unveiled an innovative family of appliances that help small businesses launch or enhance their e-Business and communication efforts. The Intel InBusiness Small Office Network products help small businesses connect their personal computers to share access to the Internet, e-mail, electronic files and printers.

These products are also the first to incorporate Microsoft Corporation's Windows for Express Networks(1) operating system for small business appliance products.

"Intel is committed to providing a full range of easy-to-use, affordable appliances that help bring small businesses into the Internet economy," said John Miner, vice president and general manager of Intel's Communications Product Group. "We are teaming up with our reseller and service provider community to deliver new products and services that help small businesses adapt to the rapidly changing e-Business environment."

"Microsoft is excited that Intel selected Windows for Express Networks as the operating system for its InBusiness Small Office Network products," said Deborah Willingham, vice president, Windows Marketing, Microsoft. "These solutions are going to enable a new level of easy-to-use, robust solutions for small businesses that are not networked or are only running peer-to-peer based networks today."

Wednesday's announcement follows the February introduction of the Intel NetStructure products and services, which help e-Businesses and service providers improve online communications and e-Commerce capabilities within an established networking infrastructure. Together, the NetStructure and InBusiness product lines bring a broad set of Internet-ready communication solutions to a wide range of businesses.

Intel is introducing two versions of the Intel InBusiness Small Office Network to help VARs (value added resellers) and ISPs (Internet service providers) address the growing number of small businesses that will be connecting to the Internet over the next few years. The sealed, multifunction appliances provide user-friendly tools, installation, trouble-free maintenance and management, and are affordably priced at $1,499 and $1,999 (U.S. suggested list), and $1,299 and $1,799 (U.S. estimated street), respectively. The "Plus" version offers data mirroring capabilities, faster processors, and the option to add DSL or ISDN capabilities later this year.

The products will be available in the United States beginning March 15 and offered through Intel's growing network of resellers and its recently announced Internet Service Provider (ISP) Program. Small companies are increasingly turning to their service providers for help in deploying and managing their e-Business solutions.

The remote, Web-based tools of the Intel InBusiness Small Office Network enable service providers to assist customers with real-time support, management and product health monitoring, all via an Internet connection. The proactive Appliance Monitor feature of the Small Office Network is capable of automatically sending product health e-mail updates to a service provider according to individual company preferences.

All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or (503) 264-7354 for other international customers.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com.

(1) Third party marks and brands are property of their respective holders.