FacetCorp Press Release: April 30, 1997

NEWS RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marketing, FacetCorp (972) 985-9901

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E

FacetCorp's FacetWin Supports MIPS ABI

June 30, 1997
FacetCorp, (Plano, TX USA), has announced that FacetWin now enables the seamless integration of Windows95 and Windows NT clients with MIPS ABI 1.1 based servers. MIPS ABI is a consortium of hardware vendors that support a common binary for the UNIX platform. MIPS ABI members include Silicon Graphics Inc., Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme, NEC Corporation, Control Data Systems Inc., SONY Corporation, Tandem Computers, Siemens Pyramid Information Systems, and Dansk Data Elektronik. FacetWin includes an all-in-one feature set that allows users of Windows 95 and Windows NT clients to transparently access and use the MIPS ABI UNIX based network resources (such as files, disks, applications, and printers). FacetWin features include file and print services, terminal emulation, and the ability to automatically back-up networked PCs to a MIPS ABI UNIX tape drive. Other features include networked modem access for PC users, an email POP3 server, and remote computing support which provides complete network functionality to users connected via modem.

"By porting their FacetWin PC-to-UNIX connectivity tool to the MIPS ABI, FacetCorp has gained access to the world's third largest UNIX market, " said Lynne Larson, Marketing Manager for the MIPS ABI Group, Inc. "The MIPS ABI is always looking for innovative software solutions and is pleased to welcome FacetCorp's FacetWin into our ISV co-marketing program."

FacetWin differs from existing connectivity alternatives in several ways. First, FacetCorp based the file and print services in FacetWin upon the Common Internet File System (CIFS) formerly known as SMB. This is the primary system that Microsoft Windows uses for networking PCs. Most other connectivity products use the UNIX-oriented Network File System (NFS) method of loading NFS software on the PC to enable it as a UNIX NFS client. Instead, FacetWin provides a MIPS ABI UNIX CIFS server, that requires no additional software to be loaded on the PC to get completely transparent file and print services. CIFS was chosen for FacetWin because it is very easy to install and administer (since FacetWin administration can take place from the MIPS ABI UNIX server), and because of its good performance. The only part of FacetWin to run on the PC is the terminal emulator, which was designed as a native 32-bit application for Windows 95 or NT 4.0. In creating the terminal emulator, FacetCorp was able to leverage the immense terminal technology base built into FacetTerm (the company's award winning multi-session product).

Angela Stenberg, AsianAlliance Program Manager for NEC said "FacetWin represents a significant opportunity for NEC customers because it allows users to access the MIPS ABI UNIX resources from a windows environment. Because we are always looking for new ways to add value to the customers' computing environment, NEC is pleased to co-market new software products like FacetWin from FacetCorp." NEC is a member of the MIPS ABI Group.

Pricing for FacetWin for MIPS ABI UNIX starts at $195 with discounts for multi-user licenses. FacetCorp is offering free 30-day evaluation copies of the product from their World Wide Web site (www.facetcorp.com) and through their established channel of worldwide distributors.

Originally founded in 1979 as Structured Software Solutions, Inc. (SSSI), FacetCorp is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the privately held company. Located in Plano, Texas, USA, FacetCorp develops software productivity applications that enable users of personal computers and low cost character terminals to take full advantage of powerful UNIX-based host/server systems.

NEW FacetWin FEATURE SUMMARY

File Services: FacetWin enables users to view, access and save files, as well as launch Windows applications located on a UNIX server, without the hassle of copying files back and forth. UNIX resources simply appear as local resources to the PC and are ready to use!

Print Services: FacetWin allows Windows users to access any UNIX printer directly from their Windows application. The product also lets UNIX users print to the PC printers.

Terminal Emulation: FacetWin includes support for the most widely used terminal emulation families including Digital's VT series, SCO/ANSI color console, Wyse, and IBM. Terminal emulation allows PC users to work with UNIX-based applications by emulating a UNIX work environment. The terminal emulation in FacetWin also includes the unique Window Watch™ and QuickLaunch™ features.

PC Backup: FacetWin allows system administrators to schedule and perform routine backups of networked PCs to a UNIX tape drive.

Modem Server: FacetWin Windows terminal emulation users have access to a pool of modems connected to a UNIX host from anywhere on the network. The server effectively provides modem access to users without requiring them to be physically wired to a modem and phone line.

Email Server: FacetWin includes a POP3 server which allows email to be moved between UNIX and Windows mail systems. This means users can use any POP3 compliant mail client they prefer.

Remote Computing Support: All features included in FacetWin may also be utilized from a PC connected over a dial-in modem. This makes it possible for a user working at home or on the road to access and/or print files located anywhere on the network.

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