News ReleaseVIA Eden Platform Powers New Line of High Performance IGEL Clever Clients

New IGEL 332 Compact, first model of new family of VIA Eden Platform based IGEL Clever Clients™, combines space saving modern design with enhanced performance and functionality for the corporate environment

Taipei, Taiwan, 18 November 2003 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, and IGEL Technology, a distinguished German developer and manufacturer of thin clients, today announced the IGEL 332 Compact, the first in a new series of next generation thin clients based on the fanless VIA Eden Platform.

"The highly efficient VIA Eden Platform is the logical choice for thin client makers who are looking to upgrade to higher performance platforms, without having to deal with higher levels of power consumption," commented Tim Handley, Marketing Manager Processor Platforms, VIA Technologies, Inc. "We are excited about IGEL's new line of Clever Clients and look forward to future innovations in this product line."

The IGEL 332 Compact measures only 240mm (9½") x 43mm (1¾") x 225mm (8½") and is available in standard black, grey or a classy two-tone metallic casing that is designed to take up minimal desk real estate. Market leading performance for today's business environment is delivered through the VIA Eden ESP4000 processor, 64MB of DRAM memory and integrated low power AGP 2X/4X graphics with 3D acceleration. Additional solid-state storage includes an internal PC/SC SmartCard reader and a 32MB Compact Flash module that offers enough storage memory for both current firmware and future updates and upgrades.

"This new family of Clever Clients raise the performance bar for server-based computing solutions," said Dirk Dördelmann, Product Manager, IGEL Technology. "By using the VIA Eden Platform, we are able to add real value to our products with a striking new space saving design and major improvements in functionality and performance that qualifies these systems for years to come."

The Linux-based operating system of the IGEL 332 Compact contains not only the current version of the Citrix 7.0 client but also the Linux-based RDP 5.1 client and ThinPrint Client for bandwidth-optimised local printing. Enhancing its ease of use, the system comes with the new IGEL Remote Manager administration software as part of the standard package.

About the VIA Eden Platform in the IGEL 332 Compact Thin Client

The VIA Eden Platform in the IGEL 332 Compact features a low power, high performance processor combined with the VIA Apollo PLE133 North Bridge featuring integrated AGP 2X/4X support, 2D/3D graphics and video acceleration. Also included is the highly integrated VT8231 South Bridge, with a full set of built-in networking, Super I/O, connectivity, and audio features, as well as a wide range of companion chips that enable the convenient and low cost integration of additional USB and Ethernet functions.

The VIA Eden ESP4000 processor features a powerful native x86 processor core, 192KB full speed L1/L2 cache, and MMX™ and 3DNow!™ support delivering leading edge PC application and Internet performance on an embedded platform and is fully compatible with a complete range of Microsoft® Windows® and Linux operating systems.

With overall system power consumption levels of around six watts, the VIA Eden Platform is the industry's most efficient ultra low power native x86 platform. These market-leading thermal characteristics make the VIA Eden Platform the ideal solution for ergonomic fanless system designs for a variety of innovative low profile, small form factors, which translate into lower energy costs and reliable long term operation.

The VIA Eden Platform is covered by a five year product life cycle program, and is supported on a global basis through VIA's worldwide operations. For more information, please visit the VIA website at: www.via.com.tw/en/Products/eden.jsp.

About IGEL Technology

IGEL Technology GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bremen-based C. Melchers GmbH & Co. Formerly the NETwork COMponents division (established 1988) of Melchers, IGEL Technology was hived off as a separate company in 2001. Bremen-based IGEL Technology GmbH has offices in Augsburg and Fort Lauderdale (USA). With its inhouse-developed, Linux and Windows-based thin clients, it ranks among the most innovative of producers. According to the 2003 IDC report, IGEL ranks fifth among the most successful thin-client producers in Europe. Further information about IGEL and its products is available at www.igel.com.

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