Network Computing Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:NCDI) has announced a new family of thin client desktop devices that range in capability from a simple terminal replacement to the flexible power of a UNIX workstation alternative.

The Explora family incorporates the power to efficiently execute Java applets as well as video and stereo audio applications, 100BaseT networking and exciting ergonomic packaging, all at a price that offers a new standard in desktop price performance. The Explora 400 Series and the Explora 700 also include a local ICA client for Windows access over low bandwidth, making the Explora family the most flexible thin clients in the industry.

These systems replace the current Explora, Explora Pro, HMX and HMX Pro thin clients, and are completely compatible with the existing systems.

``With aggressive prices starting at less than $700, the Explora family of thin clients is positioned to meet the most demanding application requirements of our customers at a very affordable price, while protecting all existing desktop investments,'' said Lorraine Hariton, senior vice president of marketing for NCD. ``NCD's highly reliable hardware and software architecture, based on our decade of thin client experience also allows us to offer a three year warranty on bases.''

Explora 400 Series -- Affordable, High-Performance Applications Access

The Explora 400 Series is designed to be high performance, low cost upgrades from character-based terminals.

The entry level Explora 400 is optimized for Windows access and, with screen resolution of up to 1152x900, it exceeds industry standards. Beyond Windows, it also accesses UNIX, legacy and Java applications and provides support for wireless connection to the network. With higher performance than the Explora system it replaces, the Explora 400 driven by a 33MHz PowerPC processor is delivered at virtually the same price.

The Explora 450 includes a 66 MHz PowerPC processor, delivering twice the performance of the ExploraPro it replaces at the same price. The standard auto-sensing/auto-switching 10/100BaseT Ethernet provides unprecedented network connectivity, and its 1280x1024 resolution makes it suitable for complex graphic applications.

``The Explora 400 Series from NCD allows us fast and cost effective access to UNIX, NT, AS/400 and other systems,'' said Kari Suvila, head of the IT department of the Finnish National Board of Customs. ``We have used NCD products for many years and have been very satisfied. With the new Explora 400 Series, we can run all our existing applications without changes and we are prepared, with high performance Java, for the future.''

Explora 400 Series devices come in a small vertical space-saving case or in a package on which a monitor can be supported at a comfortable viewing height.

Explora 700 -- Performance Leader for the Power User

Using the 64-bit MIPS R4700 RICS processor, the Explora 700 is the highest performance thin client in the industry. It is designed as an alternative to the bulky, high cost UNIX workstation and as the ideal high-performance platform to execute Java and multimedia applications.

Besides raw performance advantages over the HMX and HMX Pro desktops it replaces, the Explora 700 includes 100BaseT connectivity, 1600x1200 resolution, and new desktop packaging, designed to support a wide range of NCD monitors.

Included with the new Explora family is version 5.0 of NCDware, the most stable desktop operating system. Version 5.0 delivers the local ICA client, local Java virtual machine, local browser, wireless connectivity and light pen support.

The new Explora 400 Series is aggressively priced starting under $700. The high-performance Explora 700's list price of $1695 offers substantial savings, of $400 and $800, compared with the HMX and HMXpro products it is replacing. In addition to lower list prices, the overall price-performance ratios of the new Explora family is at least 50% higher than its predecessors, and leads the industry.

First customer shipments of the Explora 400 Series will begin in October; the Explora 700 will start shipping in November. Current Explora and HMX models can be ordered until Dec. 31, 1997.

About Network Computing Devices Inc.

Founded in 1988, Network Computing Devices Inc. provides thin client hardware and software that delivers simultaneous, high-performance, easy-to-manage access to any application from thin client, UNIX and PC desktops. NCD's products include the Explora family of thin clients, WinCenter multi-user Windows NT server software and PC-Xware software that delivers PC access to UNIX and multi-user Windows NT. Over 400,000 NCD thin clients are installed with over 2 billion hours of operation. NCD's technology is incorporated into products sold by companies such as IBM, Sun and Novell.