| NEWS RELEASE |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
| Marketing, FacetCorp (972) 985-9901 |
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October 18, 1999
FacetCorp (Plano, TX, USA) has released FacetWin Version 3, which includes a new Internet
Modem Server and PC Backup utility. Both features can be configured through the PC Agent,
a new graphical interface for the user.
The Internet Modem Server allows PC users to share a bank of UNIX modems in order to access
the World Wide Web and for use with other Windows 95/98 applications. Many smaller to
medium-sized companies are still looking for an economically efficient way to get Internet
access for their employees. FacetWin’s Internet Modem Server provides an exciting new
option for businesses with a UNIX server(s). FacetWin Version 3 offers both increased user
productivity by providing immediate Internet access from the PC, and reduced hardware and
telephony costs by not requiring the purchase, installation and maintenance of a separate
modem and phone line for each PC.
The PC Backup/Restore feature provides the UNIX system administrator and individual PC user
with the capability of backing up PC files to a UNIX system disk or tape. This completely
new PC Backup includes such functionality as full or incremental backup, data compression,
backup of multiple PCs (in one operation) to multiple tapes and multiple tape drives, large
file support (over 2GB), and automated/scheduled operation. The user may select PC files for
backup through the easy-to-use, Explorer-type interface. Most companies today are still not
doing an adequate job of backing up files on employee PCs. With the PC Backup feature in
FacetWin Version 3, companies can easily and cost-effectively reduce the risk of data loss.
FacetWin Version 3 also comes with a new PC Agent component that runs on the Windows PC. In
addition to allowing the user to manage their modem access configuration and PC Backup settings,
the PC Agent allows coherent messages to be sent to the user from the FacetWin file/print servers,
as well as providing a means for the system administrator to send direct messages to the user(s).
After an extensive testing program the feedback from the beta-sites was extremely positive:
"FacetCorp has always provided an excellent software product and superior technical support,"
says Charles Redding, VP of Information Systems with Budget Group, Inc. "And with FacetWin
Version 3, it seems they have done it again!"
"FacetCorp has, once again, succeeded in their efforts to bring unparalleled functionality to
the UNIX market," comments Todd Robinson, MIS Director with Flowers Direct. "The new Internet
Modem Server feature in FacetWin Version 3 will enable our PC users to access the UNIX modems
from their PC applications. This functionality will give each of our individual PC users
Internet access without adding another phone line to every desk!"
"The new PC Backup/Restore feature in FacetWin Version 3 represents an important step in PC to
UNIX integration and especially the data protection of our 250 PC clients running FacetWin,"
says Mark Pemberton, Senior Programmer/Analyst with Management Directions of North Carolina.
"This feature gives us a flexible solution for backing up the individual PCs to UNIX disk or
tape, which has not been possible until now."
"The FacetWin Version 3 beta software loaded smoothly and performed flawlessly," commented Geoff
Bleau with SCO reseller Florida Software and Data. "We look forward to presenting the Internet
Modem Server and PC Backup/Restore features to our customers."
"The Internet Modem Server in FacetWin Version 3 fills a significant void in today's UNIX market,"
said Bill Demers, Marketing Manager with FacetCorp. "The PC Backup/Restore function is a powerful
addition that completes FacetWin as an all-in-one Windows to UNIX integration software solution,"
Demers explained. "FacetWin Version 3 is in a class above other connectivity tools because it is
a complete solution, but packaged and priced like a single feature product."
FacetWin provides a complete solution for Windows-to-UNIX integration, including transparent file
and print services, terminal emulation, Internet modem server, PC backup/restore, POP 3 email server,
Simple Sign-On (SSO) and graphical administration. FacetWin includes an all-in-one feature set
that allows users of Windows and Windows NT PCs to transparently access and use the UNIX network
resources (such as files, disks, Windows applications, and printers).
FacetWin differs from existing connectivity alternatives in three important ways. 1) At a
technology level, 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. Many other connectivity products use the UNIX-oriented Network File System
(NFS) method of loading NFS software on each PC to enable it as a UNIX NFS client. Instead,
FacetWin provides a UNIX CIFS server (that requires no additional software to be loaded on the PC)
to get transparent file and print services. CIFS was chosen for FacetWin because it is extremely
easy to install and administer (since FacetWin administration can take place from the UNIX server),
and because of its good performance. 2) From a product packaging and customer value standpoint,
FacetCorp has bucked the trend to unbundle and sell individual components separately. Instead,
FacetWin provides a complete all-in-one PC/UNIX integration software package. By continuing to
price it as a single feature product (even when adding new features!), FacetWin competes very well
when the customer is looking for only a single integration component (i.e. file/print services),
and any additional features simply become a strong differentiator. Of course, the FacetWin value
becomes even more apparent, when more than one feature is needed (i.e. terminal emulation and file
services, or terminal emulation and Internet modem services). 3) From a technical support perspective,
FacetCorp is unmatched in the industry. Whether for a presale evaluation or an existing customer,
FacetCorp provides free technical support for their products. Customers continue to be amazed when
they call with technical questions, and they are readily able to talk to a real person who has
detailed knowledge of FacetWin and networking in general.
FacetWin Version 3 pricing is based on the number of users, and remains unchanged from FacetWin
Version 2. U.S. Pricing begins at $195 for a single user with significant discounts for multi-user
licenses. FacetWin Version 3 will be automatically shipped to all Version 2 customers who are
currently under maintenance. For existing FacetWin customers not under maintenance, upgrades
to Version 3 are available at approximately 65% off from recommended list pricing - contact
FacetCorp for specific pricing. FacetCorp offers 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.