Digital Introduces The Ultimate Client, Providing Simultaneous Access To
Multivendor PC, UNIX, And Legacy Applications From A Single Desktop
Device

Multia MultiClient Desktop Combines High-Performance Access With
Unprecedented Desktop Configuration Management Capabilities

MAYNARD, Mass. -- November 7, 1994 -- Digital Equipment Corporation today
introduced the Multia MultiClient Desktop -- a revolutionary combination
of Digital's Alpha AXP technology with Microsoft Windows NT and a highly
optimized X11.R6 server. The power of these industry leading technologies
has been integrated with superior desktop management software and captured
in a single low-cost device. The result is the ultimate client, delivering
easy, high-performance access to Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows NT,
UNIX, and existing host-based applications across the network all
simultaneously.

The Multia MultiClient Desktop addresses the rapidly changing needs of
users and MIS managers operating in multi-vendor, client/ server
environments. It boosts user and workgroup productivity by providing easy
point-and-click access to any networked data source and allows MIS
managers to centrally configure the Multia Desktop environment to meet
individual and workgroup requirements. In addition, Multia Desktops help
business managers contain the rapidly escalating cost of owning and
operating their desktop computing resources.

"Every day, new data emerges from customers worldwide that illustrates the
pressing need for a next-generation solution for the problems facing
today's end users, MIS organizations, and business managers," said Larry
Cabrinety, Vice President of Digital's Components and Peripherals Business
Unit. "By drawing upon the most fundamental requirements of emerging
client/server architectures, Digital has developed the world's first
MultiClient desktop and has redefined the 'client' in client/server
computing."

Software Leads The Way

The Multia Desktop's unique software -- the key to the device's superior
interoperability -- provides unparalleled configuration and application
management features. The configuration manager enables system
administrators to centrally customize and manage the Multia Desktop
end-user environment. Each desktop can be customized to automatically
start the required applications. Users do not need to know where
applications are located or how to reach them. The system administrator
defines all hardware, software, and network settings for seamless access
and integration.

The Multia Desktop application manager is the user's primary interface for
accessing local and remote applications. Application icons are displayed
in a customizable control panel. End users simply click on an icon to
initiate an application session. Applications also can be automatically
started with the device's Autostart feature.

Many Options Are Standard

The Multia MultiClient Desktop is based on a 166 MHz Alpha AXP CPU and the
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation Version 3.5 operating system. Many
components that are sold as options on PCs are integrated as standard
equipment on Multia Desktops, such as ThinWire, thickwire, and twisted
pair Ethernet connections, PCI-based high-performance graphics
accelerator, and built-in audio hardware with 16 bit CD-quality sound.

Additional hardware features include 24 MByte standard memory expandable to
256 MByte; and industry standard PCMCIA and PCI option slots that enable
customers to add multimedia capability, FDDI, and various network
connections.

The Multia MultiClient Desktop is Internet-ready, with simplified access to
the "information superhighway" provided by a 32-bit Mosaic graphical Web
browsing program. Multia Desktops support major networking protocols,
including IPX/SPX, LAN Manager, NetBEUI, NetBIOS, PATHWORKS, TCP/IP, and
DECnet.

Industry-Leading Interoperability

The Multia Desktop further demonstrates Digital's position as the world's
leading provider of Windows NT solutions. The product adds significant
value to Windows NT Workstation Version 3.5 by enabling users to integrate
it with heterogeneous application types over any network protocol. With
Windows NT as the device's operating system, Win16 and Win32 applications
can be run locally when loaded from network file servers such as PCs,
Novell NetWare and Alpha AXP systems. A built-in X11.R6 server option,
optimized for the Multia Desktop hardware, provides high performance
display of X applications from any system based on UNIX or OpenVMS. The
integrated Attachmate KEA!340 high performance VT emulator provides access
to legacy applications.

"The Multia MultiClient Desktop is an innovative implementation of Windows
NT Workstation for cost-sensitive client/server desktops," said Jim
Allchin, Vice President, Microsoft Business Systems Division. "It builds
on the inherent interoperability features of Windows NT Workstation to
seamlessly integrate Windows and UNIX applications."

The Ideal "Power Desktop" For Client/Server Computing

With superior performance and integrated networking, Multia MultiClient
Desktops are ideally suited to the emerging "power desktop" segment of the
client/server computing market. Many industry analysts agree that this
segment will be dominated by performance-oriented RISC-based PCs and UNIX
workstations. For organizations expecting to incorporate Windows NT into
existing UNIX, PC, and legacy environments, the device provides the
flexibility to integrate the applications from one high-performance
desktop.

"It is becoming increasingly impossible to build satisfactory strategic
information systems using traditional PC architectures, hardware, and
software," said Michael Goulde, Editor-in-Chief, Patricia Seybold Group.
"It is time for a new-generation desktop computing platform to emerge in
order to support a new generation of applications. The multiclient
desktop, as defined by Digital's Multia Desktop, is that new platform."

Multia Distribution & Availability

Multia Desktops are available for delivery in four standard system
configurations supporting a wide variety of monitors and keyboards.
Products will be sold through commercial distributors and their value
added resellers, industrial distributors, and the Digital direct sales
force. The suggested manufacturer's list price is between $3,495 and
$6,000, depending on configuration.

The Multia Desktop X server, optimized for the Multia hardware, and
integrated IBM terminal emulation option will be available within 90 days
of Multia's first commercial shipment. In the meantime, users can access
3270 and X applications via a Windows based 3270 terminal emulator or
generic PC X server software.

Digital Equipment Corporation is the world's leader in open client/ server
solutions from personal computing to integrated worldwide information
systems. Digital's scalable Alpha AXP platforms, storage, networking,
software and services, together with industry focused solutions from
business partners, help organizations compete and win in today's global
marketplace.

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