NetStream's Powerful SoftDock -- Software Docking Utility Now Shipping

Remote and mobile network users get seamless, transparent access to network
files or applications even when not connected to the network.

(April 2, 1996 -- Carnegie, PA) -- NetStream Inc. today began shipping
SoftDock?, a data management software utility for mobile and remote
Windows network users.

SoftDock is a software docking station that provides seamless transparent
access to network files and applications even when users aren't connected
to the network. No matter where SoftDock users are -- at home, in a hotel,
even in an airplane -- they can take their corporate LAN with them.

SoftDock is protocol independent, and works with all major network
operating systems, include Novell NetWare, Banyan Vines, LANtastic,
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT, as well as Windows
clients operating with UNIX servers. The software began shipping to
resellers worldwide today at a suggested street price of $124.95. Quantity
discounts and site licenses are available.

"SoftDock works very simply - in effect it turns your PC into a personal
file server," says Bruce DaCosta, president of NetStream. "While you're
docked to the network, SoftDock replicates all your frequently accessed
network files and applications to your hard drive. When you click on the
"Undocked" button, SoftDock starts using your hard drive as your file
server. You keep accessing your network files just as if you were still
docked."

SoftDock users can dock and undock with a click of the mouse. If a user
modifies any network files while undocked, SoftDock automatically
synchronizes the client and the server when they re-dock. While users are
docked, SoftDock checks the server to make sure that replicated files are
current. SoftDock never gets in the way of the user because it copies
files to the client hard drive only while the system is idle.

"When I demonstrate SoftDock, I'll undock and then simply pull out the
Ethernet cable connecting the server to the client running SoftDock. It's
a dramatic and effective way of showing SoftDock's main benefit," says
DaCosta. He adds "SoftDock gives mobile and remote users a new level of
independence while at the same time completely automating what has up
until now been the tedious chore of reconciling their files with the
network."

SoftDock addresses one of the major concerns of LAN administrators - how to
maintain data consistency across the network with a rapidly growing
population of mobile and remote users. When applications are upgraded many
organizations are forced to send stacks of diskettes to remote users, who
have neither the time nor the expertise to install often complex software.
But with SoftDock, new application versions are automatically copied to
the local hard disk when the user docks.

SoftDock is also a big win for companies that want to increase network
reliability. During periods of server unavailability, desktop PC users
will be able to remain productive by undocking from the LAN and working
from their SoftDock personal file server. When the server is available
again, users can simply redock and have their files synchronized.

SoftDock requires no server side installation, is network protocol
independent and supports TCP/IP, NFS, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI and others. Like
its sister product NETGAIN, SoftDock is also a breakthrough in boosting
network productivity. "Even when SoftDock users are docked to the network,
they'll generate far less network traffic," says DaCosta. He explains
"That's because all their network files and applications will beloaded
from the local hard drive unless SoftDock detects a newer version on the
server. This also helps to eliminate server overload."

Besides cutting network traffic, SoftDock also improves server response.
Loading network files from the local drive is nearly always far faster
than loading from a server. This is particularly true for those who
connect to the network via PC Card, wireless or parallel port adapters.

Early users report big performance gains. "It allows me to fit Word 6.0 on
my laptop. When I disconnect from the network, my software runs just as if
I am still connected," enthuses Marty McCafferty the LAN Administrator for
Harper College in Illinois.

"It really reduces network traffic and improves server response, especially
on heavily used LANs. I like its reliability too - you don't even know
when the network has gone down - you just keep right on working! And it s
so simple, even a child could use it." says Wouter Haring, Network
Administrator with LVB.

SoftDock is a product of NetStream, Inc. of Carnegie, PA. Founded in 1993,
the company develops and markets Distributed File System Utilities
products targeting corporate and remote network users.
 
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