REDMOND, Wash., March 2, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of Windows® based Terminal (WBT) Standard 1.5 to WBT original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. This new version of the Windows CE-based WBT Standard delivers improved performance and functionality in a client platform for task-based workers that traditionally utilize
“dumb” terminals. In addition, Microsoft will deliver a local Microsoft® Internet Explorer 4.0 for WBT Standard 1.5 to OEMs in the first half of 2000.
WBT Standard 1.5 includes an updated Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client for Windows 2000 Terminal Services and built-in Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) manageability. The updated RDP client provides native connectivity to applications deployed via the Terminal Services functionality in Windows 2000 Server, as well as backward compatibility with Windows NT® Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition. When connected to Windows 2000 Terminal Services, this client delivers improved on-the-wire performance, support for locally attached printers and remote control of sessions. The new SNMP stack provides a consistent, standards-based management platform across all WBT Standard devices.
“Windows-based terminals are ideal for businesses with task-based workers who are currently using dumb terminals but require access to Windows applications,”
said John Frederiksen, director of Windows Marketing at Microsoft.
“WBT Standard, in conjunction with Windows 2000 Terminal Services, provides Windows customers with an easy-to-use and easy-to-deploy thin-client solution.”
Industry Support
Numerous OEMs in the server-based computing industry support the Windows-based Terminal platform, including Acer America Corp., Boundless Technologies Inc., Compaq Computer Corp., IBM Corp., Neoware Systems Inc., Network Computing Devices Inc. (NCD), TeleVideo Inc. and Wyse Technology Inc.
“IBM is looking forward to extending our support for multi-user Windows by adding Windows-based Terminal Standard 1.5 to our award-winning IBM Network Station Series 2200 thin-client hardware platform,”
said Howie Hunger, director, Thin Clients, IBM Personal Systems Group.
“IBM intends to ship Windows-based Terminal Standard 1.5 on the Series 2200 early in the second quarter of 2000 and will ship Internet Explorer shortly after its availability in mid-2000. Microsoft’s support of server- and browser-based computing will spur significant customer thin-client interest.”
“NCD is pleased to incorporate Microsoft WBT Standard 1.5 into our entire NCD ThinSTAR family of Windows-based terminals. Our new NCD ThinSTAR 400 line was designed specifically to take full advantage of version 1.5 and its upcoming Web-browser technology,”
said Jim Fulton, chief technical officer at NCD.
“Furthermore, our NCD ThinPATH access and manageability software for Windows 2000-based servers enhances WBT Standard 1.5 (and PCs) so that together, these products give our customers the most full-featured, cost-effective, end-to-end thin-client solution for delivering Windows 2000-based applications.”
“With the improved RDP functionality, Wyse’s outstanding connectivity and peripherals options, and the plug-and-play simplicity of Windows 2000 Terminal Services, Windows-based terminals are truly an outstanding option for task-based workers,”
said Jeff McNaught, vice president of Marketing for Wyse Technology.
“WBT Standard 1.5 provides an excellent base to innovate upon. Our best-selling Winterm WBTs improve desktop manageability, deployment and reliability on this base.”
Microsoft’s Thin-Client Strategy
Microsoft WBT platforms include the following:
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Windows-based Terminal Professional, based on Windows NT Embedded 4.0, will offer the highest levels of performance and functionality for thin clients and includes support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 browser software and streaming media. WBT Professional will be available in mid-year 2000.
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Windows-based Terminal Standard, based on Windows CE, is the lowest-cost Windows-based thin client and is targeted toward customers who need a simple and easy-to-manage thin-client solution. WBT Standard is available through original equipment manufacturers such as Boundless Technologies, Compaq, Neoware Systems, Network Computing Devices, Televideo and Wyse Technology.
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Windows-based Mobile Terminals, based on Windows CE-based Handheld PC Professional Edition, enable access to 32-bit Windows-based applications when connected to a Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition, over either wired or wireless LAN or dial-up connections. When a Mobile Terminal is disconnected, users can continue to access local data and Windows CE-based applications.
Availability
Customer shipments of updated thin clients based on WBT Standard 1.5 are expected in the second quarter of 2000. Microsoft plans to deliver an add-on kit with an optional local Internet Explorer 4.0 to OEMs in the first half of 2000.
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