Intel Delivers On Strategy To Provide Trusted, Managed Network Connections For The New Millennium

Launches Next Generation Family of Fast Ethernet Network Adapters

HILLSBORO, Ore., Feb. 1, 1999 – Intel Corporation today announced a new family of 10/100 Fast Ethernet adapters and LOM (LAN-on-Motherboard) solutions designed to provide secure remote management, boost network performance, and drive down the cost and complexity associated with supporting networks. The new adapter family is based on Intel's Intelligent Interface Technology – an integrated solution that delivers advanced management and bandwidth control for today's networks. The new family of interface products provides IT Managers with an unprecedented level of manageability, compatibility and performance, allowing them to control vital network services across desktop, server and mobile environments from a single console.

"Communications has become an integral part of the computing platform," said Greg Lang, vice president and general manager of Intel's Network Interface Division. "This announcement marks the next step toward our strategy to provide secure, managed network connections for the next generation of Intel-based systems."

Advanced Manageability
Intel's new family of adapters is the first to support the Wired for Management (WfM) baseline 2.0 specification, including support for new features such as Boot Integrity Services (BIS). BIS provides LAN administrators with a more secure way to manage systems remotely by providing authentication services when the system is accessed. To address the rapidly growing mobile PC market, Intel's new PRO/100 CardBus Adapters extend the benefits of Intel's WfM initiative, allowing mobile systems to be remotely managed like desktop systems, with features such as remote software installation and remote repair.

In addition, Intel is making management immediately accessible by including Client Manager, a desktop application and console to manage the entire desktop environment, including Wake on LAN*, Alert on LAN* and system alerts. LANDesk Client Manager can also be easily integrated into enterprise management tools such as HP Openview*, Tivoli TME 10* and CA Unicenter*.

"A common, open network interface across multiple platforms will bring the benefits of advanced management technology, such as Wake on LAN, to more networked desktop, server and mobile platforms,"said Jan Janick, vice president of IBM Desktop Development. "This new architecture demonstrates how the IBM/Intel Advanced Manageability Alliance is advancing the capabilities of systems management and driving them to industry specifications."

Widespread Compatibility
Intel is the first vendor to deliver a stable, compatible solution, including hardware, software, and management tools, for desktop, server and mobile platforms, whether based on Intel's PRO/100 Adapters or network connections from PC OEMs that include Intel technology. Manufacturers shipping Intel-based Fast Ethernet technology in their product lines include Acer, Asustek, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, NEC, NCR, Olivetti, Pionex, Quantex, Siemens, Toshiba and Unisys. In addition, Intel's new adapters and LOM solutions are backward compatible with this large installed base.

"Compaq Deskpro* PCs configured with Intel-based Fast Ethernet NICs are part of a complete, standards-based solution for customers interested in remote control and management of their networked PCs," said Jeri Callaway, vice president of Commercial Desktop Modules, Compaq Computer Corporation. "New management capabilities integrated into Intel's next generation silicon and Compaq's Intelligent Manageability solution will lay the foundation for our continued successful networking alliance with Intel."

Leading Performance
The new adapters are based on Intel's 82559 Fast Ethernet Controller; the industry's most advanced Fast Ethernet controller. The 82559 is the first 3.3V single-chip controller, designed to combine the performance features needed to meet the demands of servers with the power saving, small form factor requirements of mobile users.

According to a recent study conducted by Key Labs**, Intel is the first vendor to deliver best-in-class performance across all market segments. New features, such as TCP offload and Adaptive Performance Tuning, improve data throughput and lower CPU utilization, resulting in performance that is up to 30 percent faster than the nearest competitor. Intel's new Priority Packet technology provides IT Managers with a tool to control bandwidth-hungry applications, such as network backups and Internet access, while providing them with a foundation for implementing standards-based Quality-of-Service (QoS) solutions in the future.

"As the power of our high-performance NetServer* systems rapidly increases, we look for increased performance and scalability in the network interface," said Eileen O'Brien, worldwide marketing manager for HP's Network Server Division. "Intel Fast Ethernet technology offers our customers a range of choices – all of which deliver reliable, scalable, high-speed data throughput."

All new Intel networking products meet Intel's definition of "Year 2000 capable," helping to provide LAN administrators with a smooth transition to the new millennium. In addition, the new adapter family is Window2000* ready and is designed to meet the latest industry standards.

Pricing and Availability

All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; at (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or at (503) 264-7354 for other international customers.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.