HDS Network Systems, the first company to ship a true Network Computer, today praised Microsoft's decision to endorse Citrix's ICA protocol to allow non-Windows based devices like the HDS @workStation to connect to future multi-user versions of Windows NT from Microsoft.

"Although they can't bring themselves to use the term `NC,' Microsoft is finally admitting that customers want Network Computers," said Michael Kantrowitz, executive vice president of HDS Network Systems. "This announcement validates everything HDS and the NC market is doing -- allowing access to applications from a simple, low-cost device."

Now customers can buy standard Windows NT from Microsoft, and access it from HDS's @workStation via the ICA protocol. HDS is the only company shipping the ICA protocol in a true NC today. With this important announcement, HDS customers can now purchase the @workStation, confident that their purchase is consistent with industry standards and Microsoft's future product direction.

"Unfortunately, Microsoft still doesn't quite get it. Unlike HDS's products, Microsoft's `Windows Terminal' lacks the Internet technologies that people need, such as Java, email and Netscape," Kantrowitz said. "Although Windows applications are critical to an NC's success, people want to run more than just Windows applications on NCs."

On May 12, Microsoft and Citrix announced that Microsoft will base its future multi-user Windows NT products on Citrix technologies. This is a significant positive announcement for HDS @workStation customers because it validates the Windows connectivity technologies included in HDS's netOS operating system and the @workStation NC.

HDS offers the ICA protocol in netOS and supplies Insignia Solutions' NTRIGUE, a customized version of Citrix's WinFrame product, that offers all of the capability of WinFrame, plus faster performance and better scalability on a local area network.

HDS is currently the only NC vendor offering an NC solution that supports Java, 32 terminal emulators, a full-featured Web browser, and full Windows connectivity via ICA, Microsoft's endorsed technology.

For more information on HDS Network Systems, please contact Michael Kantrowitz at 610-277-8300 ext. 103 or Scott Friedman at Manning, Selvage & Lee at 212-213-7172. HDS Network Systems is a sponsor of NC News.