New Ibm Netvista Desktop Pcs Tackle Manageability

NEW IBM NETVISTA DESKTOP PCS TACKLE MANAGEABILITY ISSUES AFFORDABLE NETVISTA A21 LINE SIMPLIFIES SUPPORT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES Submitted by: Pleon Thursday, 30 August 2001

IBM today announced new NetVista* A21 desktop systems, built in response to the customer's need for simple, competitively priced IT management. With models starting at 514 UK Pounds (1) through www.ibm.com, customers get a highly manageable desktop to meet fundamental computing needs. The new IBM NetVista A21 desktop models tackle critical IT issues that affect companies of all sizes, such as product obsolescence, changing technologies, and inconsistent systems across the network. Small businesses with limited or no IT staff benefit from a series of automated data protection and network management tools that reduce the need for outsourced IT support. "IT executives realise the importance of being able to deliver and implement new technology quickly, efficiently, and accurately. In addition, they want to be prepared for constantly changing technology requirements with a hassle-free system for support, upgrades, and maintenance," said Maria DeGiglio, Principal Analyst with The Robert Frances Group. "The NetVista A21series incorporates a comprehensive set of systems management tools that protect the value of PC investments, deliver system stability, and improve overall productivity for both end users and the IT professionals responsible for managing enterprise computer resources." Designed to reduce hardware and software conflicts, new NetVista models share one common motherboard across three form factors - a slim desktop, standard desktop and microtower - making it easy for customers to deploy a single software image to multiple systems while allowing customers to choose different designs appropriate for their office settings (2). To help maintain company-wide hardware and software standards in multi-platform environments, IBM will also offer Legacy Light systems to select customers with the common motherboard to fit into networks supporting other NetVista A21 mechanical designs. To simplify deployment of systems over time, IBM now offers a commitment on select entry models to make no changes in the system that would affect the software image. The configuration, which will be available internationally in the key form factors, will provide software image stability for up to nine months, even as building blocks such as storage capacity or processor speed change. This program was previously not available in entry models. In addition to standardised software drivers and images, NetVista A21 computers give IT administrators greater control over their networks with industry-leading manageability resources. IBM Universal Manageability tools such as LAN Client Control Manager (LCCM) and Wake-On-LAN enable customers to cost-effectively add or update computers, manage them remotely during off-hours, monitor resource use, help protect system data and provide configuration and diagnostic support. IBM's comprehensive suite of manageability tools also includes:

Page 1 IBM's Software Delivery Assistant (SDA) helps manage the diverse needs of multiple groups within an organisation by creating a single corporate-standard set of applications that may be selectively or automatically installed. IBM Disk-to-Disk Recovery allows the PC to be booted to a hidden drive partition to recover a functioning software image. Relying on the Alternate Boot Sequence, an IT administrator can recover a client from a remote location to perform a large file transfer, without disrupting the network. IBM Backup and Restore function is an easy-to-use, one-button automatic backup and recovery solution that helps protect system data in the event of software glitches or crashes. IBM Data Transfer quickly and easily switches a user's settings, files and folders from an old PC to a new system. NetVista A21i Models Appeal To Consumers, Small Businesses IBM is also introducing NetVista A21i models for small businesses and productive individuals working from home, complete with a set of PC management tools created for this specialised market. Users may realise lower costs and less frustration throughout the PC's lifecycle, from initial setup to ongoing system support and upgrades. Managing common IT problems and routine maintenance in the small office or home environment is also faster and easier with Access IBM, a button built-into the keyboard that instantly calls up IBM online support to guide users through service and support information, diagnostic tools, systems updates, and PC options and upgrades. Product Specifications The NetVista A21 lineup features an Intel* 810E2 core chipset, Intel Pentium III* and Celeron* processors up to speeds of 1.0 GHz, SDRAM of 64 or 128 megabytes of memory expandable to 512 megabytes (3), and 20 GB (4) hard drives. New models now feature integrated graphics and Ethernet with Wake on LAN for convenient remote network management. The NetVista A21 business models include a comprehensive IBM 3-years parts/ and labour carry in warranty (5) in addition to one-click access to online service and support via Access IBM (6) and a worldwide HelpCenter technical staff available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 160 countries and 21 languages (7). Pricing and Availability IBM NetVista A21 models are available for order from 28th August and start at 514 UK Pounds (1). All can be purchased direct through www.ibm.com or by calling 0800 0965287. The NetVista line is also available through select IBM business partners. For more information, see http://www.ibm.com/netvista - IBM, NetVista, Wake on LAN, and LAN Client Control Manager are trademark or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Lotus and

Page 2 SmartSuite are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation, an IBM company. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. -ends- About IBM IBM is a world leader in providing end-to-end business solutions for small and medium sized businesses. Through its Global Small and Medium business organisation, IBM offers a host of cross-industry and industry-specific solutions designed to meet the real-world needs of growing businesses. IBM is also the leading provider of electronic business solutions and is dedicated to helping customers, Business Partners and developers exploit the potential of network computing across a wide range of businesses and industries. For further information on IBM please visit http://www.ibm.com/smallbusiness/uk * IBM, NetVista, Wake on LAN, and LAN Client Control Manager are trademark or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Lotus and SmartSuite are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation, an IBM company. Other company, product and servicenames may be trademarks or service marks of others. (1) IBM price; does not include tax or shipping and is subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary. (2) Not all form factors may be available in all countries. (3) Maximum memory varies depending on model, and may require replacement of standard memory with optional memory module. Memory supports both system and video. Accessible system memory may be up to 8 MB less than the amount stated, depending on video mode. (4) GB equals one billion bytes when referring to storage capacity. Accessible capacity is less. (5) For a copy of IBM's Statement of Limited Warranty, call 0800 0965287. Telephone support may be subject to additional charges. For onsite labour, customer may be asked certain diagnostic questions before a technician is sent. (6) Requires separate Internet access account. (7) Response times may vary. May exclude some holidays.

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