PRESS RELEASE Contact: Lindy Dragstra Public Relations Manager Phone: +31 20 6060606 Fax: +3120 6869291 Amsterdam, May 16 1994 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARTISOFT ANNOUNCES CORSTREAM(TM) DEDICATED SERVER Offers High Performance, Fault Tolerance & Mission-Critical Reliability for LANtastic(R) Network Users Artisoft, Inc. announced today the CorStream server, a dedicated server for its LANtastic network operating system. The server is a high-performance, 32-bit LANtastic network NetWare Loadable Module(TM) (NLM) combined with a runtime version of the Novell(R) NetWare(R) 4 32-bit operating system. The CorStream server is expected to begin shipping during June 1994. "The CorStream server combines in one offering the recognized industry leaders of client and server technologies, resulting in an ideal networking solution for users who wish to have familiar peer-to-peer functionality along with the performance and expandability of a dedicated server," said Artisoft Vice President of Engineering Sunil Padiyar. "The CorStream server brings users the power of the Novell NetWare platform while maintaining the LANtastic network's ease of use. Incorporating power, performance, fault tolerance and mission-critical features, we tailored this product as an easy-to-use network server," he added. Significant Features The CorStream dedicated server provides substantially increased performance to LANtastic v5.0 and v6.0 networks without adding complexity or changing the way workstation users work. Seamlessly integrated into the LANtastic environment, the CorStream server appears as another LANtastic server to LANtastic v5.0 and v6.0 network clients. It provides the familiar look and feel of the LANtastic network system while providing additional features and increased performance capabilities, including fault tolerance, file system/media management, mission-critical reliability and applications compatibility. Performance The CorStream server is able to provide high performance because it is built on a 32-bit multi-tasking, multi-threaded operating system. It incorporates features such as concurrent drive seeks and data spanning to take advantage of the 32-bit platform. The CorStream server will have the ability to simultaneously seek data across multiple disk drives. Another benefit of the 32-bit operating system is that users are not limited to file caching of 16 MB. The CorStream dedicated server allows users to install as much memory as they wish for optimal throughput. A result of these combined features will be faster access to network data and increased user productivity. Fault Tolerance The CorStream server also supports System Fault Tolerance (SFT) Level 1 ("Hot Fix") and SFT Level 2 for LANtastic network users. In SFT Level 1, the system automatically recognizes bad sectors on the drive and forwards the data to undamaged areas. The Artisoft CorStream server also complies with SFT Level 2 functionality by providing disk mirroring and disk duplexing capabilities. Disk mirroring delivers fault tolerance through one hard drive controller card and two hard drives, with one drive mirroring the other. Disk duplexing adds to the fault tolerance capability by providing a second hard drive controller. Should one drive or controller fail, the second will assume all server functions without downtime. File System / Media Management The CorStream dedicated server also features background file compression that is configurable by the system administrator as a background task on the server. This enables the server to almost double its disk capacity in terms of data storage. When this feature is activated, files that are not in use are automatically compressed by the dedicated server. The files are decompressed on demand when they are accessed and read by the user. In addition, the CorStream server supports many types of storage devices, including CD ROM drives, WORMs (write once read many), and jukeboxes. Mission-Critical Reliability Artisoft's CorStream server will also provide the mission-critical reliability that users expect in a server environment. In addition to the Hot Fix and disk duplicating features, supported drivers can perform read after write verification to provide a high level of confidence in data integrity. Further reliability comes with the system's redundant file structures, which makes two copies of file allocation tables and directory entries and puts them on different disk sections. This feature also places copies of each file's directory entry on separate areas of the disk. "The CorStream server was developed based upon customer demand. Many of our current customers are already dedicating a PC for server use. Now they have an easy upgrade path to a more powerful, centrally managed server platform," said Artisoft's Vice President and Managing Director Europe Edgard Taureau. "We believe the CorStream server is an excellent choice for branch offices, departmental networks and those in small-to-medium network installations, who want the benefits that come from dedicating a PC to act as a server. Users will have power for transaction-intensive functions such as databases, compatibility with existing hardware and software, and scalability options to add clients, servers and applications as needs change and their networks grow," he said. Pricing and Availability The CorStream dedicated server will be offered as a standalone server for use within existing LANtastic networks, or as a network solution kit including the server and the LANtastic v6.0 client software. Both offerings will be sold in 5-, 10-, 25-, 50- and 100-user kits. Pricing for these user kits will start at $949 (MSRP) for the 5-user standalone version, and $1149 (MSRP) for the 5-user network bundle. For a limited time, all kits sold internationally will include an Eagle Technology NE3210 EISA adapter. The server will be available through Artisoft sales channels. When the CorStream server begins shipping, Artisoft will provide technical support with representatives specially trained for dedicated server queries. Artisoft (NASDAQ "ASFT") is one of the world's leading suppliers of scalable, cost-effective networking solutions to departmental workgroups and small- and medium-sized businesses. The company offers the award-winning LANtastic network operating system as well as network management, backup and multiplatform connectivity systems. Under the combined Artisoft(R) and Eagle Technology brand names, the company is also one of the world's leading providers of Ethernet adapters. Artisoft maintains 12 international offices and distributes its connectivity products in over 90 countries. Artisoft CorStream Dedicated Server Features & Benefits Feature Benefit Based on a 32-bit operating system Our 32-bit multi-tasking, multi- threading operating system takes full advantage of today's hardware to deliver faster performance, greater productivity and stability Peer-to-peer clients included Artisoft CorStream bundle includes LANtastic 6.0 clients. Each client can both connect the CorStream Server as well as share its own resources with others Windows clients included Each LANtastic 6.0 client comes complete with our award-winning, easy to use Microsoft Windows user interface. This intuitive interface eliminates networking complexities. E-mail included Included with LANtastic 6.0 clients is the Artisoft Exchange(TM), a comprehensive groupware package which includes E-mail, scheduler, fax and pager capabilities. The Artisoft CorStream dedicated server is a complete package that provides solutions, not just functions. Data compression/uncompression On-the-fly data compression/de- compression saves disk space and maximises your current investment by compressing less frequently used files. Data migration Data migration, a method of saving disk space by moving less frequently accessed files to less expensive media, is available. This feature stores your data cost effectively while retaining file availability. Disk mirroring Keeps an exact, up-to-date duplicate of your primary hard disk on a different disk drive. If the primary disk fails, the duplicate takes over preventing the network down time and loss of critical data. Disk duplexing Takes disk-mirroring a step further by placing the duplicate disk drive on a separate controller. If the primary disk or controller fails, the other can continue to service the network. Adds an additional level of confidence. Elevator seeking Optimises disk reads by prioritising read operations to take advantage of hard disk head location. Results in substantially faster disk access times and throughput. Hot fix feature Prevents data corruption by moving information from potentially damaged areas of the hard disk to safe areas. Automatically marks the trouble area as unusable. Read after write data verification Guarantees that data written to the server's disk is stored safely and is retrievable. Duplicate directory structures CorStream maintains two identical copies of the File Allocation Tables (FAT) and directory entries, and stored them in two different locations on the hard disk. If one structure becomes corrupted, the other is used to store and retrieve files safely. Remote server management LANtastic's award-winning network management facilities extend easy-to-use management to the CorStream server. Remote boot support Allows for secure, diskless network workstations Remote performance monitor By monitoring network performance from a remote workstation, administrators can quickly spot trouble and take action to ensure a quick reliable network. Remote server disk usage monitor Eliminate potential problems of suddenly running out of server disk space by notifying administrators when available disk space falls below preset thresholds. Remote server CPU usage monitor Monitor the server's CPU usage from any remote workstation. This information can be helpful in determining how user activities impact the server's performance. Remote operator notification Notify specific users responsible for maintaining the network if trouble occurs. Administrators can then take immediate corrective action to eliminate or minimise down time. Auditing Quickly track network problems and security violations with CorStream's comprehensive event auditing system. Prevent local machine usage The CorStream server ensures maximum performance by preventing users from running applications on the server itself. As a true "dedicated server", only network functions can occur on the server. NetBIOS router included Handle network traffic efficiently by segmenting it and controlling the flow of data with this software router. Allows CorStream to connect LANtastic networks on multiple network segments. MHS services Attach to any widely available MHS mail system using this version of Novell's Mail Handling Service. Compatible with hundreds of mail applications. ARTISOFT CORSTREAM DEDICATED SERVER POSITIONING Within the Artisoft product family, this product is positioned as a high- performance, scalable network solution. For our current users, they'll want to know how this product fits in with their existing network: Positioning within the Artisoft product line: The CorStream dedicated server fills out "the scalable family of NOS strategy" at the high end. It provides a true "Peer-to-Server" networking environment. The CorStream dedicated server brings additional performance to LANtastic v5.0 and 6.0 networks without adding complexity or changing the way workstation users work. The full family of hardware, utility and interoperable products support the dedicated server in the market's demand for broad network flexibility and functionality. CorStream is built on an underlying, industry standard NetWare platform and therefore adds new high performance network options to the Artisoft product family. CorStream is value priced to encourage current LANtastic users needing more network performance to remain with a complete Artisoft solution. Positioning external to the Artisoft product line: The CorStream dedicated server provides increased performance in the proven LANtastic network solution. The addition of the CorStream dedicated server to the Artisoft product line provides a new "Peer-to-Server"-concept: the advantages of "peer- to-peer" networking with the performance and speed of a "client-server" network. CorStream is value priced to give network users a complete solution at affordable prices. CorStream is a robust, easy to use network server providing an easy to use interface without sacrificing product speed, industry standards or functionality. The market can be further broken down among new and existing LAN users discussed in the section above: Central Site The Artisoft CorStream dedicated server will be well received where LANtastic has penetrated these larger businesses. This segment needs security, manageability, performance and system availability. The CorStream dedicated server, built on the NetWare 4.01 platform is designed to address these needs. The NetWare name is an asset in this market; it is well known and trusted. The continued trend in computer down-sizing encourages growth in the PC-based local area market. Application specific servers are the fastest growing trend in this group. The need for database, communication, accounting, e-mail and fax servers is driving increased sales in this market. The CorStream dedicated server leverages the NetWare file system providing performance increases over a typical LANtastic server. Remote site According to IDC, the remote site is one of the hottest segments for server growth. The CorStream dedicated server addresses the issues of remote management, ease of use and price sensitivity. The NetWare name and broad base of product support combined with LANtastic's ease of use provide credibility in this market. Corporate Workgroup The corporate workgroup is searching for productivity gains while maximizing departmental resources. Department heads act with considerable autonomy in selecting computer hardware and software but may be required to adhere to a corporate product standards list. CorStream's ease of use, management and value price appeals to this market. Medium and Small Business The medium and small business market, defined as companies with 100 to 1000 employees is largely LAN saturated. The fact that CorStream is built on the NetWare platform provides credibility in this market and should provide additional growth. The value price point of the server and ease of integration makes this easy to sell into an existing LANtastic network. The largest potential for growth within this market is from application specific servers. CorStream provides increased performance for transaction intensive applications. Very Small Business Small businesses running databases or other transaction intensive applications benefit from the performance and power that CorStream provides.