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DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY / JULY 21, 2003; VOL. 2 NO. 29

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Breaking News - Networking:

Procom Deploys Wireless Multi-Function Networking Appliance

Procom Technology, Inc., a global leader in data storage solutions, introduced Taurus, an ultra-compact, all-in-one networking appliance that can deploy complete wireless hot spots just about anywhere, such as small businesses, schools, hotels, libraries, malls, airports, convention centers, and at home. Units are shipping now.

Taurus provides shared high-speed Internet access, data storage, a built-in security firewall, file and printer sharing, Web site hosting, an e-mail server, scheduled back-up, VPN support, network routing, and many ease-of-use features. Moreover, it is one of the first wireless access points to offer hundreds of gigabytes of built-in storage, making it ideal for storing electronic maps, directories, pictures, videos, etc.; because the data no longer needs to be stored on remote sites, it can remain available to local users even if Internet connections go down.

With base models retailing for under $1,700, Taurus is plug-and-play convenient; works with Windows, Macintosh, UNIX and Linux based clients; and supports hundreds of users, with no per-user software licenses or hidden costs.

"We think the Procom Taurus is an attractive product that will be appealing in the small to medium business space," said Evangeline Simones, an analyst with Evaluator Group, an independent industry analysis organization specializing in disk storage. "It will be interesting to see all of the applications this product will service."

Taurus combines a powerful processor, a built-in hard disk drive with up to 250 gigabytes of storage capacity, and state-of-the-art networking capabilities in a single unit small enough (4.4"W x 9.8"D x 9.3"H) to fit on a bookshelf. Usable right out of the box, this fully functional server can be ready to run in less than 15 minutes, thanks to pre-installed, pre-configured hardware and software that eliminates time-consuming setup and installation procedures. Taurus includes a high-powered antenna with an open-space range of up to 600 feet, is Wi-Fi certified, and can be managed remotely via its intuitive Web-based configuration utility. It also supports WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and smartcard-based user authentication to ensure a secure network connection.

"Very little networking knowledge is required to set up and use Taurus," said William A. Long, Procom's vice president of product planning. "Its self- administration features and remote management capabilities keep it simple and intuitive to operate."

The Procom Taurus multi-function networking appliance comes with a one- year limited warranty and is available through authorized Procom distributors and resellers.

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