Intel Developing Guidelines For Lean Client And Network Server; To Support Variety Of Operating Environments

New End-to-End Intel Platform Will Expand Range of Business Computing Systems

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 3, 1997 – Intel Corporation is developing design guidelines for a lean client and optimized network server that support a variety of operating environments. Given the potential range of network-optimized devices – from terminals to servers – Intel believes OEMs will utilize Intel's guidelines to design a number of different products where they see market opportunity, with one initial focus being the terminal upgrade market. Intel's Lean Client System Design Guidelines and Network Server Configuration Guidelines for Lean Clients will enable OEMs to deliver an integrated, end-to-end solution with a common computing foundation and management technologies based on Intel Architecture.

Several leading vendors producing operating system software -- including Microsoft, IBM, Citrix, Network Computer Inc. (NCI), Novell and Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) -- are working with Intel on the guidelines and intend to support the lean client with their software. Microsoft is targeting a Windows* CE-based operating system to support the upgrade of dedicated terminal devices; IBM will support the lean client with its WorkSpace On- Demand* operating system; Citrix is providing its WinFrame* product; Novell is supporting the specification through NetWare*; NCI's NC Desktop and NC Server Suite* will be ported to the lean client and network server, respectively; SCO OpenServer*, Tarantella* (SCO's new Application Broker*), and the SCO Network Client* O/S support the lean client and network server guidelines. These vendors are in various stages of review of the network server guidelines.

In addition to these companies, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Fujitsu, NEC, Network Computing Devices, Packard Bell-NEC, Siemens-Nixdorf, Unisys and Wyse are currently reviewing the lean client and network server guidelines. Intel expects to complete the guidelines by early next year.

Lean clients and their supporting servers represent an incremental market opportunity for Intel and OEMs, complementing the Wired for Management-enabled PCs and servers that provide the performance, flexibility and control needed for effective business computing. According to analysts, there is a market for replacing "green screen" and other aging terminal products with lean clients running modern operating environments as well as with managed PCs.

Early adopters of lean clients could be "task-oriented" users such as bank tellers, loan operators and purchasing agents. By using Intel building blocks on the client and server ends, system vendors can offer a familiar, compatible solution for companies seeking to upgrade or add lean clients within their existing environment.

With lean clients, the server plays a larger role in application processing and system management. Among the features Intel is now defining with software and firmware vendors are standard network boot, power management, asset management and optional remote wake-up, all of which would be managed by the server. The reference design for the lean client calls for embedded Pentium® processors at a minimum; memory requirements vary, depending on customer requirements and system vendor designs. Intel estimates that some lean clients based on the guidelines will be priced below $500 per unit.

Lean clients can be managed from a variety of servers. But servers configured in accordance with this configuration guide will provide optimal service for Intel Architecture-based lean clients. These guidelines include provisions for the additional loads in processing, memory, I/O and storage that lean clients require. The guidelines recommend Pentium II and Pentium Pro processors. As with all servers, selling prices will vary widely depending on configuration. When implementing network servers for lean clients in a Microsoft Windows NT Server* environment, OEMs will utilize the existing Hardware Design Guide Version 1.0 for Windows NT Server, co-authored by Intel and Microsoft.

"The lean client and network server are an opportunity to extend Intel's platform to new markets beyond the PC space, covering both the high and low ends of business computing," said Patrick Gelsinger, vice president and general manager of Intel's Business Platform Group. "Our goal is to have a breadth of operating system support available for this platform, since a common hardware foundation is what customers have been waiting for."

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