Providing customers with the ability to use the world's most popular Web browser on the industry's first Network Computer (NC), HDS Network Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: HDSX) today announced its @workStation(TM) series of NCs are available with Navio Navigator NC, a version of Netscape Navigator(TM) designed for thin clients.

HDS is demonstrating Navigator on the @workStation at the Java(TM) Pavilion, Booth 3304 Stand 43, at Fall Internet World '96 this week. HDS has licensed the browser from Navio Communications Inc., an affiliate of Netscape Communications Corp. Navio Navigator NC is optimized for Network Computers to meet the requirements of low cost-of-ownership and reduced memory, but has all of the functionality of Netscape Navigator.

Navio Navigator is integrated into HDS's netOS(TM) NC operating system, which is the core for the @workStation Network Computer. The advanced open design of netOS has allowed HDS to quickly and easily integrate third party technologies such as Java, Navigator and a full suite of terminal emulators into its products. Because of this, HDS has been first to market with these technologies and plans to use this advantage to continue to maintain its lead in the NC market. HDS netOS is offered under license to OEMs for quick and easy deployment of NC type devices.

"We are pleased to partner with HDS," said Wei Yen, CEO of Navio Communications. "HDS is taking the lead with its @workStation NC in providing a universal desktop solution for the Internet and intranets that allows access to all existing and future computing technologies, while drastically reducing the cost-of-ownership associated with traditional personal computers."

The HDS @workStation is the first Network Computer to ship with the Navigator browser. Providing Navigator is consistent with HDS's strategy of offering the best-of-breed technology in an inexpensive, intuitive and easy-to-manage desktop.

"We are very pleased that HDS has decided to license the Navigator browser," said Michael Prince, chief information officer of Burlington Coat Factory. "This announcement shows that HDS is committed to providing users with the best technology available. The @workStation is the most complete corporate desktop solution, capable of accessing Windows(R) and legacy systems, as well as the Internet, Java and UNIX(R) applications."

With Navigator and a new suite of terminal emulators also announced today added to netOS's existing local Java Virtual Machine, ICA(R) and X protocols, the HDS @workStation offers customers the most flexibility in connecting to the Internet, corporate intranets and other computing systems.

The HDS @workStation line of Network Computers, starting at $699, can run Windows applications, Java applications, access the Internet or corporate intranets, as well as access UNIX and legacy systems. A true universal desktop, the @workStation allows the user to integrate information from virtually any system at the desktop. In addition to its networking functions, the system offers full multimedia and videoconferencing capabilities.

Navigator is shipping with the @workStation series of Network Computers immediately. HDS will continue to offer its @work Explorer browser, which can be tailored for specific applications needs.

HDS Network Systems, of King of Prussia, PA, is a leading international supplier of Network Computers and related software, which are cost-effective solutions for the integration and delivery of information and applications to the desktop. The company's @workStation is based on an open architecture, incorporating industry standards to enable seamless access to multiple forms of information, including text, graphics, audio, and video, on any type of network.