Microsoft Announces Windows-Based Terminal Professional, Based on Windows NT Embedded 4.0

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 28, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that it is extending its Windows® based terminal (WBT) family with support for the Windows NT ® Embedded 4.0 operating system. Microsoft and Compaq Computer Corp. also today announced that Compaq plans to ship a line of Windows-based terminals starting in October 1999.

Today, the Microsoft® Windows CE operating system powers WBT Standard, a popular terminal upgrade platform for task-based workers that represents 50 percent of all thin-client shipments worldwide, according to a June 1999 report by International Data Corp. (IDC). WBT Professional is a new Windows thin-client platform that will extend WBT capabilities to even higher levels of performance and functionality with Windows NT Embedded 4.0.

“By extending the range of WBT capabilities, Microsoft continues to empower its customers to select the right Windows-based client platform to meet their business needs,”
said Deborah Willingham, vice president of Marketing, Business and Enterprise Division at Microsoft.
“We are very excited to expand our relationship with Compaq in delivering a range of innovative hardware solutions based on Windows to our customers.”

“Customer choice is a vital component of Compaq solutions, so we’re glad to be able to offer both Windows CE and Windows NT Embedded 4.0 on our soon-to-be-announced thin clients,”
said J Tempesta, vice president and general manager, Displays and Peripherals Division at Compaq.
“With WBT Standard and WBT Professional, our new Windows-based terminals will offer our customers seamless, high-performance access to their valuable network resources.”

Windows-based terminals are recognized as an excellent client platform for educational institutions, retail/POS operations, and other environments where the flexibility and power of a PC may not be warranted. They are also good alternatives for task-based workers and those who utilize traditional
“green-screen”
terminals. In combination with Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition, Windows-based terminals are a powerful tool for rapidly deploying centrally managed Windows-based line-of-business or productivity applications across an organization.

Microsoft WBT platforms include the following:

  • Windows-based Terminal Professional, based on Windows NT Embedded 4.0, offers the highest levels of performance and functionality for thin clients and includes support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 browser software and streaming media. Windows-based Terminal Professional is scheduled to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2000.

  • 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 Hewlett-Packard Co., Wyse Technology Inc., Network Computing Devices Inc., Neoware Systems Inc., Televideo Inc. and Boundless Technologies Inc.

  • 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.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

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