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Tadpole Computer Takes Sun Microsystems Java(Tm) Desktop System to the Mobile Workforce

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 January 2004, 06:00 CST

NEW YORK, LINUXWORLD 2004, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Tadpole Computer, the world's leading UNIX(R) platform notebook vendor, today announced that the Sun Java(TM) Desktop System from Sun Microsystems, Inc. is now available on Tadpole's latest notebook family, TALIN(R). The Java Desktop System is an affordable, comprehensive, secure enterprise-class desktop solution that is simple to use and works well with most existing infrastructure. TALIN is the first fully supported Linux platform notebook family running the Java Desktop System and offers enterprises a tightly integrated and tuned environment that will lower business costs, deliver on mobility with security, and has the software and support breadth to scale to an enterprise's mobile needs.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030307/TADPOLELOGO )

The introduction of the TALIN notebooks running the Java Desktop System comes at a time when customers are evaluating and moving from expensive, proprietary Microsoft solutions to alternative desktops that are affordable, open and interoperable. With Tadpole notebooks running the Java Desktop System, users can benefit from the ease of migration, the integrated security mechanisms, and the ability to leverage existing UNIX, Java, and Linux applications plus the ability to interoperate with Office documents and backend services. With several large-scale trials to begin with Fortune 100 corporations, the introduction of the joint TALIN/Java Desktop System solution offers a general purpose productivity computer as an alternative to Microsoft-based desktops and notebooks.

"Tadpole has been the leading vendor of UNIX platform notebooks for more than twelve years and a large number of customers have been demanding Linux platform-based notebooks. With the Sun Java Desktop System we can now offer a competitive Linux platform-based notebook family, TALIN, that includes a world class desktop solution," said Mark Johnston, CEO of Tadpole Computer, Inc. "The TALIN family complements Tadpole's portfolio of UNIX platform-based notebooks with another open source alternative for users. We expect this type of solution to make a significant impact on the growing notebook market and extend Tadpole's already extensive user base."

"Sun's Java Desktop System is breaking new ground by providing the market with the first viable alternative to Windows in 15 years with one of the most affordable, comprehensive, simple to use, secure enterprise-grade desktop solution on the market," said Peder Ulander, director of marketing, Desktop Solutions, Sun Microsystems. "Sun and Tadpole are directly addressing the increasing need for a mobile workforce with an open-standards based desktop environment that provides enterprises with virtually the functionality they need at a fraction of the cost of a traditional Windows system."

"We've introduced Tadpole's TALIN notebook running the Java Desktop System to our top customers in higher education," said Marc Hamilton, director of technology for Global Education and Research for Sun Microsystems, Inc. "The dual power of the TALIN notebook running Java Desktop System delivers not only Linux platform workstation performance required by educational institutions, but it also does so cost effectively at a time when the education market is particularly faced with tightening budgets."

Java Desktop System Goes Mobile

Sun's Java Desktop System is a comprehensive, secure, highly-affordable enterprise desktop solution that consists of a fully integrated client environment based on open source components and industry standards, including a GNOME desktop environment, StarOffice(TM) productivity suite, Mozilla(TM) browser, Evolution mail and calendar, Java(TM) 2 Platform, Standard Edition technology and a Linux operating system. The Java Desktop System is the first viable Microsoft Windows alternative with a more affordable, secure desktop that is designed to thrive in a Windows-centric world. The Java Desktop System includes fully integrated Java technology, making this "out-of-the-box" desktop ready to run thousands of Java technology-based applications with a consistent look and feel. With the Java Desktop System now readily available to the mobile workforce, software developers, engineers, and systems administrators have a cost effective alternative to Windows.

TALIN Delivers Mobility with Linux Platform Workstation Performance

The TALIN notebook offers full notebook productivity and provides technical users and engineers an Operating System (OS) platform of choice. The TALIN notebook family is the first to fully support Sun's Java Desktop System, including a fully supported Linux OS.

TALIN 15 is the first model to ship of the TALIN family which includes three notebook products. TALIN 15 is ideal for power users, like engineers and technical users, who need the highest CPU and graphics performance. It utilizes the latest Pentium P4 with processor speeds of up to 3.0GHz, a high resolution 15-inch SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) with 3D graphics support and fully integrated Wi-Fi. The release of TALIN 15 will be quickly followed by TALIN 100X, an ultra-portable notebook weighing 3.5lbs, that is ideal for general productivity users seeking the optimum in lightweight, portable computing with a fully integrated suite of office productivity tools. The last of the TALIN notebooks, a 17-inch model, is planned for release later this year.

The TALIN notebook family has a starting price of $1,195 for TALIN 100X models. TALIN 15 models are available now and full product information and specifications are available on-line at http://www.tadpolecomputer.com/ or email sales@tadpole.com or call 1-800-734-5483.

About Tadpole Computer

Headquartered in Cupertino, CA., Tadpole Computer is the leading provider of Linux and 64-bit UNIX notebooks to the federal government, enterprises and end-users in technical markets. In the mobile computing market Tadpole works closely with Sun Microsystems as a Sun iForceSM OEM Technology Partner to design, manufacture and customize products and services that are complementary and compatible with solutions from Sun Microsystems. Information on Tadpole and its products can be obtained at http://www.tadpolecomputer.com/.

NOTE: Sun, Sun Microsystems, StarOffice, Solaris, the Sun logo, iForce and Java are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, exclusively licensed through x/OPEN company, Ltd. Tadpole Computer, Inc is independent of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mozilla is a trademark or registered trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries.

CONTACT: Kindra Loy of Alexander Ogilvy, +1-415-677-2731, or kloy@alexanderogilvy.com, for Tadpole Computer

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Tadpole Computer, Inc.

CONTACT: Kindra Loy of Alexander Ogilvy, +1-415-677-2731, orkloy@alexanderogilvy.com, for Tadpole Computer

Web site: http://www.tadpolecomputer.com/

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