Network Computer, Inc. (NCI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oracle Corp., today announced the "Network-In-a-Box" program which delivers a complete, out-of-the-box network computer system for corporations, schools, government institutions and small offices to trial. "Network-in-a-Box" will be available worldwide through NCI's value-added reseller channel. Propeller Portable Computer Products, a leading portable computer VAR, is NCI's first VAR to bundle NCI's network computer software and the necessary hardware to create an easy to install and manage network.

"Demand for the network computer has been phenomenal," said Bonnie Crater, vice president of strategic marketing at NCI. "Corporations and organizations around the world can now call Propeller to try their very own NC network. After experiencing the ease of use and simple installation and support, everyone will be sold on the network computer."

The "Network in a Box" requires a minimal amount of set up and installation. It consists of NCI's software and NCI hardware partners' products including:

-- One Intel-based NC Server appliance which includes all software including NC Server software for managing network computers, applications such as electronic mail and productivity software, and NC Desktop, the software for the network computer

-- Two network computer devices based on the Intel microprocessor from Accton or Funai

-- Two NC Cards, manufactured by Schlumberger, a credit-card sized smart card that allows the user to privately access network-based information and services such as electronic mail, Internet applications, and electronic commerce; One administrator NC Card will also be included for smart card administration.

-- Network hardware including a 4-port hub and all cabling

"Our relationship with NCI and its hardware partners enables us to deliver a complete software and hardware turnkey solution to customers who are demanding an economical, easy to-use computing environment," said Earl Christensen, President Propeller Computer Products. "We've found NCI to be the best vendor to assist us in expanding our business into the network computing market."

Propeller Portable Computer Products, Inc., the leading portable computer VAR in the western United States, will distribute NCI's family of network computer software products immediately in the United States as well as major European and Asian countries. In addition, Propeller is working with Accton, one of the largest manufacturers of network products in Taiwan; and Funai, a world leader in video and audio visual and multimedia products.

Availability

The "Network in a Box" will be available mid July, 1997 for $4,995. Corporations and organizations can order their "Network in a Box" through Propeller at 1-800-788-8689 or visit their Website at http://www.propellerinc.com/ for more information.

NCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oracle Corp., develops, licenses and markets all software, technology and support services for the NC including NC Desktop, NC Server and NC Card. With strategic alliances worldwide, NCI's mission is to bring network computing to the corporate, consumer and educational marketplaces. NCI's World Wide Web address is http://www.nc.com. For more information about NCI, please call 415/631-4600.