BACKGROUNDER REPORT

Intergraph's Dual-Platform Strategy for UNIX and Windows NT
Interoperability

Seamless interoperability between UNIX and Windows NT systems is a
necessity for the technical desktop user. Seamless interoperability
enables an application to operate smoothly in a networked environment,
while shielding the user from the complexity of the network and operating
system. With the advent of Windows NT on Intel- and Intergraph Clipper
reduced instruction set computer (RISC)-based systems, Intergraph ensures
that data is easily exchanged among operating systems.

Support for industry-standard file formats and network protocols means that
data and design files flow effortlessly from source to destination,
whether the information is traveling down the hall or around the world.
Various tools let users share printers and plotters and manage data across
the network. Plus, investments in existing hardware, software and
databases are preserved as new Windows NT systems are added. 

Standard File Formats

Whether data is created on an Intergraph Clipper R[SC-based system, an
Intel-based system, or workstations based on other supported operating
systems, users can share text and design files without translation.
Intergraph supports standard file formats such as the Intergraph Graphics
Design System (IGDS), Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES),
Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM), AutoCAD's Drawing (DWG) and Drawing
Exchange Format (DXF), PostScript and Windows Bitmap (bmp) files.

Standard Networking Protocols

Support for industry standards makes it possible for dissimilar systems to
participate in network-wide communication. Windows NT provides
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), including file
transfer protocol (ftp) and telnet. In addition, Windows NT systems can
connect to other network devices through a variety of methods, including
LAN Manager, network file system (NFS), Novell and many more. 

Data management

Interoperability means much more than the ability to move or share files
among disparate systems. Users must also manage data in multivendor
environments. Data management entails backing up and archiving files,
providing history and audit trails, controlling data access across
multiple platforms, monitoring the location of files in the network and
tracking file versions.

Standard networking protocols facilitate these critical tasks. The
relational interface system (RIS) creates a window to the industry's most
widely used relational databases: Ingres, Oracle, Informix, DB2 and
Sybase. Intergraph client/server data management products, such as Network
File Manager (NFM) and Document Management and Distribution System
(DMANDS) provide tools to effectively manage files and other data
throughout local and wide area networks. 

Printing and plotting

Intergraph is widely respected for its printing and plotting product,
InterPlot. Based on a client/server architecture, InterPlot provides
network-wide access to thousands of devices. For Windows NT systems,
Intergraph has added the network queuing system (NQS) to its Print Manager
product for print spooling to networked printers and plotters. The
combination of InterPlot and NQS provides true interoperability among
diverse systems. Users can attach plotters and printers to Clipper
RISC-based Windows NT systems, Sun UNIX systems and Intel-based Windows NT
systems. Plus, users have network-wide access to these systems from other
systems.

Worldwide solutions for technical desktop users

Intergraph's commitment to the Windows NT operating system opens new
avenues of communication to UNIX and Windows NT users alike. Intergraph
supports the industry's foremost communication protocols and file formats;
offers access to the industry's most popular relational databases; and
lets users manage, print and plot data across the network. Thus, UNIX and
Windows NT users share common resources and enjoy a communications
environment that provides smooth interoperability between UNIX and Windows
NT systems.

Intergraph Corp, Huntsville, AL 35894-0014
800-345-4856,  205-730-8302,  fax: 205-730-8300

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