HDS Network Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:HDSX) is demonstrating the first Network Computer integration of Java(TM) technology, the Navigator web browser, 32 terminal emulators and the ICA(TM) "thin-client" Windows(R) protocol at Networld+Interop '97 in Citrix Systems' booth number 5863.

HDS is demonstrating its @workStation(TM) Network Computer connected via the ICA protocol to a multi-user Windows NT operating environment provided by the Citrix WinFrame operating system. In addition, the HDS demonstration will show Java applications using the @workStation's Java Virtual Machine, connect with legacy systems using the @workStation's 32 terminal emulators, and access the Internet using the built-in Navigator Web browser. HDS believes that it is the first company to offer this combination of Internet, Java, legacy and Windows connectivity in a low-cost, easy-to-manage desktop, effectively bridging the new breed of Internet-based thin-client desktops with the world of Windows and legacy applications.

"HDS is pleased to be the first company to integrate Citrix's leading ICA protocol for remote Windows access into a desktop that also offers Java, 32 terminal emulators and the Navigator browser," said Lou Anzalone, director of marketing at HDS Network Systems. "This unique combination of technologies allows customers to integrate Windows and legacy systems for the first time with new thin-client technologies such as Java and the Navigator browser. The @workStation NC is the first Network Computer to allow people to reap the benefits of thin-client, Java-based intranet computing while still maintaining complete compatibility with existing Windows and legacy applications."

The HDS @workStation NC is designed as an easy-to-install and easy-to-administer PC-alternative for business environments. According to the Gartner Group, a Network Computer like the HDS @workstation can save up to 39% of the cost of ownership of a PC, or approximately $17,000 over five years. For a company with just 100 desktops, using @workstations instead of PC's can result in savings of almost $1.7 million.

HDS has been first-to-market with virtually every new technology in the Network Computer industry because of the standards-based, open design of the HDS netOS operating system. HDS was first to add Java, the Navigator web browser, email, video-conferencing, the ICA protocol and a full suite of terminal emulators. Many of these capabilities were added to the HDS @workstation in a matter of weeks, while competitors have yet to offer them. HDS considers the ability to quickly add capabilities to its products a major competitive advantage in the fast-moving Internet market, and HDS plans to use this advantage to continue to maintain its lead in the NC market.

"No other network computer can provide immediate access to the latest technologies like Navigator, Java and ICA, plus ease my migration from legacy systems," said Michael Prince, chief information officer at Burlington Coat Factory Corp., which announced this week that it is deploying HDS @workStation across its enterprise. "Quick access to the latest technologies is how we use information services to keep Burlington Coat Factory ahead of its competition."

HDS netOS, the operating system in the @workStation NC, is offered under license to OEMs for quick and easy deployment of application-specific Network Computers for a variety of markets.

About HDS

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 netOS operating system 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. (Telephone: 610-277-8300; fax: 610-275-5739; Web site: http://www.hds.com. Email: info@hds.com.)

Source: HDS Systems