Network Computers Validated as Cost-Efficient Alternative to Personal Computers

Independent Market Research Firm Estimates Total Cost of Ownership Savings of Java Network Computers Over Windows 95 PCs At Nearly Forty Percent

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., January 22, 1997 -- Oracle's wholly-owned subsidiary, NCI (Network Computer, Inc.), today announced support for research findings by independent market analyst firm Gartner Group., Stamford, CT, that provide an important validation of the immediate market opportunities for network computers. According to a Gartner Group news release issued yesterday, Java-based network computers are expected to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of PCs by 39 percent.

According to Gartner's news release, a company implementing 250 industry-standard Java-based network computers can save up to $1.12 million annually. NCI provides the software to enable these network computers in powerful networks such as corporate intranets and the World Wide Web.

"Gartner's findings validate our cost/benefit predictions and clearly demonstrate the cost saving potential of network computers," said Bonnie Crater, vice president of strategic marketing at NCI. "As more corporations continue to implement network computing solutions, we believe the total cost of ownership savings will be more than 39 percent."

Gartner Group compared three different types of thin client devices that provide significant cost savings over traditional Microsoft Windows '95 desktop environments: Java-based network computers provide an estimated 39 percent cost savings; Windows imitator terminals were estimated to provide a 31 percent savings and Microsoft's hybrid NetPC concept an estimated 26 percent savings.

The network computer concept this week received a further boost from independent sources as officials of Fortune 100 companies-including Federal Express Corp., Southwestern Bell Corp. and Sears, Roebuck & Co.-revealed to PC Week On Line their plans to deploy network computers. The publication quoted Dennis Jones, CIO at Federal Express as saying: "We're migrating out of the mainframe and are not satisfied with the PC option because of cost, support and control."

To facilitate widespread adoption of network computers in consumer and corporate markets, NCI will deliver four key of technology products: The NC System Software, which powers the network computer, the NC Card which provides individual access to network computers, the NC Server which administers network computers, and NC Applications.

NCI is currently working with several hardware manufacturers to manufacture the network computer including Acorn Computer Group, Akai Electric Co., ltd, Funai Electric Co., ltd., IDEA, NChannel, Proton, RCA/Thomson, Uniden and Zenith.

Network Computer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oracle Corp., develops, licenses and markets all software and support services for network computers, including the NC System Software and other NC applications. For more information about NCI call (415) 631-4600. NCI's World Wide Web address is http://www.nc.com. Oracle Corp. is the world's largest supplier of software for information management and the world's second largest software company. The company offers its database, tools and applications products along with related consulting, education and support services in more than 90 countries around the world. For more information about Oracle call (415) 506-7000. Oracle's World Wide Web address is http://www.oracle.com.

Contact: Randy Brasche, NCI, (415) 631-4650 or Christine Kerst, Applied Communications, (415) 375-8881

Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. NCI and NC are trademarks of Network Computer, Inc. All other products or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks of their respective owners.