LOS ANGELES, April 30, 1996 — Today at Cable ’96, Microsoft Corp. announced it is collaborating with leading hardware and software companies to provide integrated solutions for the public networks’ challenge of deploying high-speed, video-enriched Internet services and content. The industry effort will focus on a Microsoft® Windows NT®
Server-based public networks platform that will be deployed on existing and future network infrastructures.
The Microsoft public networks platform allows network operators the flexibility to choose open, interoperable software and hardware for their network infrastructures in meeting their business and residential customers’ needs. Microsoft is working with industry leaders in the areas of cable modems, ADSL modems, systems management, network equipment, systems integration and network backbone providers. The platform builds on the Windows NT Server network operating system with Microsoft Internet Information Server;
“Catapult,”
a proxy and caching server; and the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. Future capabilities and applications include network quality of service, subscriber management, systems and network management, media streaming, authoring tools, and news and e-mail services.
“Here at Cable ’96, we are pleased to announce relationships that will enable network operators to provide users with the high-speed Internet connectivity they want today,”
said Craig Mundie, senior vice president of the consumer platforms division at Microsoft.
“Our goal is to remove the complexities confronting both cable and telephone companies in delivering rich Internet services.”
The following participating companies are developing hardware, software and services to integrate with the Microsoft public networks platform: 3Com Corp., Andersen Consulting, Ascend Communications Inc., Axime, Bay Networks Inc., BGS Systems Inc., Cabletron Systems Inc., Cascade Communications Corp., Cisco Systems Inc., Com21 Corp., Digital Equipment Corp., FORE Systems Inc., General Instrument, Hewlett-Packard Co., Landmark Systems Corp., Livingston Enterprises Inc., MCI, Metron Technology Ltd., Motorola Inc., Scientific Atlanta Inc., U.S. Robotics, UUNET Technologies Inc., WesTell Technologies Inc. and Zenith Network Systems.
“General Instrument welcomes Microsoft in bringing our high-speed broadband network solution to network operators,”
said Mike Ozburn, vice president and general manager of General Instrument’s Telecommunications SBU.
“The integration of Microsoft’s Windows NT Server-based software with General Instrument cable modems opens new possibilities in broadband communications and services. We look forward to offering cable companies a complete, end-to-end solution to expand the much desired choice and flexibility in the range of services they can offer to their customers.”
“Motorola, the leading cable modem supplier, is excited to work with network operators to offer Internet access and services through our participation in Microsoft’s public networks platform,”
said James M. Phillips, corporate vice president of Motorola Inc.
“Network operators expect multiple suppliers to come together with open systems that provide end-to-end solutions. We are committed to making this happen and bringing new broadband services to consumers.”
“Working with Microsoft, we will be able to offer a complete end-to-end high-speed data network solution to our customers,”
said Tom Steipp, vice president and general manager of Scientific-Atlanta’s broadband data networks division.
“Microsoft’s proxy servers, caching servers and related technologies will eliminate bottlenecks and bring a richer world of content to users of Scientific-Atlanta networks.”
“The Microsoft platform complements Zenith’s cable modem technology, giving the market a seamless solution for high-speed data services on broadband networks,”
said Kathy Wolfe, division vice president and general manager, data products, Zenith Network Systems.
“ADSL will be a great enabler for future interactive, multimedia Internet services,”
said Gary Seamans, chairman of WesTell Technologies Inc.
“ADSL modems can transmit data up to 5,000 percent faster than 28,800 bit-per-second modems used for today’s Internet applications. With this announcement, Microsoft again is building on its reputation as a developer of solutions that enable people around the world to easily enjoy the benefits of the Information Age.”
“Just as network operators will want to select optimal modem links, they will also want choices in the software framework delivering high-speed data services,”
said William R. Hahn, operations manager, HP’s interactive broadband products.
“We plan to offer our customers software alternatives for the HP QuickBurst cable modem, and we will be pleased to include Microsoft’s public network platform.”
With a number of participating companies, Microsoft is demonstrating a range of products and services for network operators at the Microsoft booth at Cable ’96, the National Cable and Television Association show, April 29-May 1 in Los Angeles.
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.
Microsoft and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
