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Novell Announces NEST Embedded onto Z80 8-bit Processor -- Network Connectivity to Smaller, Lower-Cost Devices Novell and HBM Provide Cost-effective NEST-enabled Processor to New Markets for Embedded Network Systems OREM, Utah -- November 11, 1996 -- Novell, Inc., and H. Bollmann Manufacturers Limited (HBM) today announced HBM has ported NEST™ onto the Z80 8-bit processor. This new embedded solution represents the smallest and lowest-cost implementation of NEST yet available and opens up new markets for networked, intelligent devices such as energy control systems, security systems, industrial controls and communications systems. Previously, NEST required a 16-bit processor to perform networking functions. The Z80 NEST-enabled processor requires less memory and can reduce the overall cost and time of implementing network connectivity into embedded systems while still retaining the ability to access Novell® Directory Services™ (NDS™). NDS is Novell's industry-standard, universal directory service for secure access and management of network resources and information. For example, energy control systems distributed throughout an industrial plant could be securely accessed and managed from a remote, central location using NDS. Novell and HBM expect the NEST-embedded Z80 8-bit processor to create new market opportunities for intelligent devices. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will gain an easy and cost-effective way to provide network-independent connectivity, including connectivity to Novell's IntranetWare™ and NetWare®, intranets and the Internet. "The Z80 processor is a fully developed, well-established product with a major share of the embedded market," said Rob Hicks, vice president and general manager for Novell's NEST division. "Working with HBM to embed NEST on the Z80 and other industry-standard processors such as the 8086 and 68000 will create broader embedded networking opportunities for NEST, and significantly increase the number and types of NEST-enabled devices available to users." HBM manufactures network print servers and fax/scan solutions to HBM's large established OEM base worldwide and will offer the NEST-embedded Z80 processors to leading suppliers like Brother, Epson, Kyocera, NEC, Ricoh, Tally and Texas Instruments. Initially, HBM will only offer the Z80 processor on print server and fax/scan products. Future plans involve the development of new peripheral network products that will be managed from the network, including home and office appliances, industrial controls, telecommunications equipment and vending machines. HBM also plans to develop the AB-1 processor, an 8-bit RISC processor with a Z80-compatible instruction set. According to Klaus Bollmann, managing director of HBM and CEO of Network Technology, one of the key features of the Z80 processor is the cost savings it provides to OEMs. "In working with our OEMs and with Novell, we realized we must keep the price of our product low relative to the overall price of the final product," Bollmann said. "The implementation of NEST on the Z80 processor ensures we will deliver a more cost-effective solution to a variety of OEMs seeking to provide their users with connectivity to Novell's market-leading networking and directory capabilities as well as other established networks." Currently, Novell is working with many of the world's leading manufacturers such as Andover Controls, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Ricoh and Xerox to ship NEST-enabled products that include building automation systems, fax machines, printers and scan servers. Novell's NEST division is also working with various companies to develop more than 200 NEST-enabled products for office automation, peripheral storage and Powerline technology industries. By the end of 1996, Novell estimates more than one million NEST-enabled devices will be in use.
About NEST Novell's NEST division was formed to develop technologies that facilitate the connection of intelligent devices in networked environments. Using NEST, OEMs have embedded network connectivity into intelligent devices such as building automation systems, energy control systems and office automation appliances. These devices are then able to participate in Novell business networks and intranets, enabling OEMs to leverage Novell's installed base of more than 55 million users. NEST also enables users to take advantage of NDS, the leading directory for naming, finding, managing and securing network devices, people and information across private networks, intranets and the Internet. NDS provides network administrators with a central view of the entire network, offering an efficient way to manage network resources, including NEST-enabled devices distributed across multiple sites and remote locations.
Pricing and Availability HBM will ship the NEST-enabled Z80 processor in early 1997. Pricing information and details will be announced at that time. Initially, HBM will target the print server market; however, future plans involve designing new embedded products for additional markets. HBM is a leading international supplier of network print server technology from large- to medium-size printer manufacturers supplying products which encompass network print, fax and scanner interface servers. HBM is a member of the Network Technology PLC and an Alternative Investment Market- (AIM) quoted company on the London Stock Exchange. Founded in 1983, Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL) is the world's leading provider of network software. The company offers a wide range of network solutions for distributed network, Internet, intranet and small-business markets. Novell education and technical support programs are the most comprehensive in the network computing industry. Information about Novell's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com. NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks and IntranetWare, NDS, NEST and Novell Directory Services are registered service marks or trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Press Contacts:
Amy Rasbach
Kevin Donnelly |
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