KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 21, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Neoware Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:NWRE), the leading supplier of software, services and thin client appliances, today announced that Federated Department Stores, Inc., the nation's largest department store retailer, has deployed Neoware's thin client appliances with Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) Windows XP Embedded operating systems in stores across the Southeast.
Federated, with annual sales of $15.4 billion and more than 450 stores nationally, is now in the process of deploying Neoware thin client appliances in retail outlets in the company's Rich's-Macy's/Lazarus/Goldsmith's division, based in Atlanta. The company also operates stores under the Macy's, Bloomingdale's, The Bon Marche, Burdines, Lazarus and Goldsmith's nameplates in 34 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.
Neoware's thin client appliances give Federated's retail employees the ability to access and manage their employee benefits from the workplace, allowing them to review commission reports, adjust their savings plans, enroll in elective programs or sign up for training programs without having to call or visit a human resources office. Job applicants can also use the Neoware thin client appliances to automate the screening process by instantly delivering completed electronic forms to hiring staff.
"Neoware's thin client appliances provide an easy-to-use solution for our retail specialists to access their employee information right from the store," said Larry Lewark, president of Federated Systems Group. "Because Neoware thin client appliances are centrally managed, we can keep our operating costs down and provide greater value to our operating divisions."
Neoware's thin clients are easy to install and inexpensive to maintain since applications can be enhanced and updated by upgrading servers, rather than replacing desktop PCs. In addition, network administrators remotely manage software, eliminating the need for sending IT staff into the field to install or update applications. Federated acquired Neoware's thin client appliances from IBM under the Neoware-IBM alliance.
"Neoware's centrally-managed thin clients are perfect for Federated's retail stores because they deliver secure computing to any remote location with complete central management," said Michael Kantrowitz, Chairman and CEO of Neoware Systems. "Federated is quickly realizing the savings of thin client appliance computing because our thin client appliances costs less than PCs up-front and provide significant savings over time as a result of much longer life, central management, greater security and higher reliability."
Neoware's thin client appliances, which are powered by Microsoft Windows XP Embedded, offer Federated increased security and virus protection since applications run on servers, and Internet access is restricted to the corporate Website.
"Windows XP Embedded-based thin clients from Neoware provide customers in the retail industry with powerful and easy-to-manage solutions," said Scott Horn, director of the Embedded Devices Group at Microsoft Corp. "Windows XP Embedded enables Neoware's thin clients to deliver low-cost Windows Powered solutions with key functionalities such as Web browsing, Windows Media Player and support for both server-based and local applications."
About Federated
Federated, with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation's leading department store retailers, with annual sales of more than $15.4 billion. Federated currently operates approximately 450 stores in 34 states, Guam and Puerto Rico, under the names of Macy's, Bloomingdale's, The Bon Marche, Burdines, Goldsmith's, Lazarus and Rich's-Macy's. The company also operates macys.com and Bloomingdale's By Mail.
About Neoware
Neoware provides software, services, and solutions to enable Appliance Computing, a proven Internet-based computing architecture targeted at business customers that is designed to be simpler and easier than traditional PC-based computing. Neoware's software and management tools power and manage a new generation of smart computing appliances that utilize the benefits of open, industry-standard technologies to create new alternatives to personal computers used in business and a wide variety of proprietary business devices.
Neoware's products are designed to run local applications for specific vertical markets, plus allow access across a network to multi-user Windows servers, Linux servers, mainframes, minicomputers, and the Internet. Computing appliances that run and are managed by Neoware's software offer the cost benefits of industry-standard hardware and software, easier installation, and have lower up-front, maintenance, and administrative costs than proprietary or PC-based alternatives. More information about Neoware can be found on the Web at http://www.neoware.com or via email at invest@neoware.com. Neoware is based in King of Prussia, PA.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding: Federated's continued deployment of our thin client appliances; our position as the leading supplier of software, products, services and solutions for the Appliance Computing market; and the benefits of our software-focused business model allowing customers to preserve capital investment and lower ongoing costs of ownership. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any such forward-looking statement include the timing and receipt of customer orders, including future orders from Federated, our ability to continue to lower our costs, our timely development and customers' acceptance of our Appliance Computing products, pricing pressures, rapid technological changes in the industry, growth of the Appliance Computing market, increased competition, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, our ability to identify and successfully consummate and integrate future acquisitions, adverse changes in customer order patterns, adverse changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally, risks associated with foreign operations and political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events. These and other risks are detailed from time to time in Neoware's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Neoware is a registered trademark of Neoware Systems, Inc. All other names products and services are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
From: For: Gregory FCA Communications, Inc. Neoware Systems, Inc. 27 W. Athens Ave. 400 Feheley Drive Ardmore, PA 19003 King of Prussia, PA 19406 Contact: Contact: Tim Cifelli Sharon O'Shea (610) 642-8253 (610) 277-8300, ext. 1743 email: tim@gregoryfca.com email: sharon.oshea@neoware.com