HP To Ship 100VG And 100Base-T Switch Modules

New Modules Offer Flexibility and Investment Protection

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA. FEBRUARY 20, 1996 -- Hewlett-Packard Company, the
leader in network systems for workgroups, today announced it expects to
begin shipping two high-speed modules for its AdvanceStack 10/100 LAN
Switch-16 in March.  The modules offer customers the flexibility to
integrate 100Mbps networks as necessary for improving network performance,
while protecting their investment in existing equipment.

The two-port 100VG Module and one-port 100Base-TX Module slide into
"garage" slots in the LAN Switch-16 for connecting 10Base-T and 100Mbps
workgroup networks or for a high-speed connection to the file server.

The 100VG module supports three different transceivers to provide end users
with flexibility and choice of media options, including UTP, STP and Fiber
Optic.

"HP is offering both of these technologies in a switch because doing so
provides customers with a flexible and expandable solution for their
bandwidth and bottleneck problems," said Gary McAnally, general manager of
HP's Roseville (Calif.) Networks Division.  "No one should assume that our
support of 100Base-T means we won't continue to support 100VG.  Our
commitment to 100VG is unwavering.  100VG is the preferred choice for
'future-proofing' networks for new applications -- customer demand has
shown that.  To further enforce this commitment, over the next several
months HP is announcing two 100Base-T products to interconnect workgroups
and is announcing a comprehensive suite of 15 second-generation 100VG
products from print servers to high-speed switches."

HP offers switches that support 100VG and 100Base-T simultaneously. This
enables customers to interconnect workgroups mixing 100VG and 100Base-T
products, thereby protecting customers' investments.

For switch-to-switch or switch-to-server connections, 100Base-T is a
suitable choice.  However, the combination of switching technology with
100VG Demand Priority Protocol makes switched 100VG the optimal choice for
emerging multimedia and time-sensitive applications.

For high-performance shared environments, 100VG is HP's recommendation.
100VG's cabling, topology and traffic-capacity characteristics make it the
optimal choice.  100VG supports multimedia and other time-sensitive
applications without interference, making 100VG the preferred choice for
running new and emerging applications.

The strong customer demand for HP's 100VG hubs and adapters surprised the
industry.  HP will continue to meet those demands and continue its
technological innovations to meet emerging requirements.  Since
introducing the products in late 1994, HP has shipped more than 200,000
100VG hub ports and more than 200,000 10/100VG adapters.

AdvanceStack 10/100 LAN Switch-16

The LAN Switch-16, introduced in July 1995, is a department switch
providing "top-of-stack" functionality for switching between 10Base-T and
100Mbps workgroups, as well as providing dedicated bandwidth for the
server and selected clients.  It has half- and full-duplex transmission,
which increases total bandwidth capability by allowing data to be sent and
received simultaneously.

The LAN Switch-16 also provides error-free cut-through and
store-and-forward switching.  It is compliant with the 802.1d Spanning
Tree Protocol.  It has 16 10Base-T ports in addition to its two garage
slots for high-speed modules.

U.S. Prices and Availability

The two-port 100VG Module and one-port 100Base-TX Module are expected to be
available in March through HP's worldwide network of authorized computer
dealers, resellers and distributors.  HP switches and modules offer a
three-year limited warranty.

  HP J2981A    Two-port 100VG Module                  $1,999
  HP J2984A    One-port 100Base-TX Module              1,399
  HP J2980A    AdvanceStack 10/100 LAN Switch-16       6,495

HP's Roseville (Calif.) Networks Division and HP's Network Server Division
deliver a complete line of network workgroup solutions. The Network Server
Division makes the NetServer line of file servers and is one of the
fastest-growing file-server suppliers.  Roseville Networks Division is a
leading supplier of stackable hubs, print servers and high-speed network
products. Its products include AdvanceStack 10Base-T and 100VG hubs,
AdvanceStack 10/100 switches, AdvanceStack routers and remote-access
products, OpenView network-management applications, JetDirect print
servers, 10Base-T and 10/100VG LAN Adapters and the NetBeamIR infrared LAN
access point.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing,
communications and measurement products and services recognized for
excellence in quality and support.  HP has 102,300 employees and had
revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.hp.com.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in
the United States.  Product availability and specifications may vary in
non-U.S. markets.
 
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