TEMPE, Ariz. — Motorola Computer Group (MCG), the world's leading supplier of embedded computing platforms for telecommunication original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), today introduced the SLX Series, the first in a new family of Linux-based embedded platforms for Internet networking applications such as web access, web security, web caching, and virtual private networks (VPNs). This product was developed as a result of MCG's unified strategy, also announced today, which will provide MCG's telecom OEM customers with a broad selection of Linux-based platforms, open source software, service and support, training and integration services.

This series is targeted at telecom OEMs building networking solutions for the growing number of Internet service providers (ISPs), government and business organizations, workgroups and telecommuters requiring cost-effective access to the Internet. It enables OEMs who are providing these networking solutions to deliver low-cost, easy-to-use, reliable and secure Internet connectivity. With the configuration flexibility of the SLX, MCG can provide OEM-specific configurations of the platform to meet OEMs unique product and market needs.

“The rapid growth of electronic commerce and World Wide Web usage is not only transforming the telecommunications industry, but has created an explosive demand for connectivity to Internet applications,” said Wayne Sennett, corporate vice president and general manager, MCG. “One of the dynamic components fueling this growth consists of small businesses and other enterprises that are leveraging the Internet to reach customers who were previously inaccessible. OEM customers can leverage the combination of MCG's new Linux-based platforms and our integration services to rapidly meet this growing market demand.”

The SLX Series will be showcased at LinuxWorld Expo, Booth 844, demonstrating a live satellite Internet link using access software from Helius, a developer of data-over-satellite solutions for local area networks (LANs). Another demonstration will feature the “Instant network-out of the box” capability of Network Concierge's software.

“Using a standard browser and our built-in configuration wizard, Network Concierge software allows the MCG platform to be deployed in less than 15 minutes-eliminating the complexity of integrating a stack of networking and server equipment from multiple vendors,” said Network Concierge President and CEO Shawn Nagar. “By partnering with MCG and leveraging the power of Linux, we will continue to offer industry leading features that will help enable MCG's OEM customers to build the best price/performance solutions.”

Commenting on the announcement, Helius Inc. President Myron Mosbarger said, “This relationship with Motorola Computer Group creates opportunities for satellite data services in the telecommunications industry. Satellites are unbeatable for applications like IP multicast and remote Internet access. MCG's rugged, reliable and rackmountable SLX platform combined with Helius' satellite access software helps satisfy the demanding needs of Helius' customers.”

Analysts predict near exponential growth in the Internet access market-for which the Motorola product is intended-over the next four years. Market analyst firm Dataquest, predicts this market will grow from $2 billion in 1999 to $16 billion in 2002, with revenue growth of 70 percent per year. Financial analyst firm Merrill Lynch also predicts that server appliance sales will reach $16 billion in 2002.

This new series of products is in a rugged, 2U-sized, rack-mount chassis which includes a motherboard based on Intel's architecture, integrated 10/100base-T Ethernet interface, two I/O slots, floppy, CD-ROM drive and a 6.8GB IDE disk. The Model SLX-2010 includes a 333 MHz Intel Celeron microprocessor with 128 KB of cache memory, and the Model SLX-2020 provides a 450MHz Pentium III with 512KB of cache memory. The SLX Series may be ordered with Caldera Systems' OpenLinux software installed.

About Motorola Computer Group (MCG) (www.motorola.com/linux)

Motorola Computer Group (MCG), headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., is the world's leading supplier of embedded computing platforms to OEMs for use in telecommunications, imaging and industrial automation applications worldwide. MCG provides best-in-class solutions by combining its advanced design engineering capability with responsive, world-class manufacturing operations.

MCG is part of Motorola's Integrated Electronics Systems Sector (IESS), a division of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT). IESS is a leading provider of electronic systems for customers who integrate them into their products. The five businesses of IESS deliver high value embedded electronic solutions that enable customers to differentiate their products and lead their markets.

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion.

 
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