Slide 1: HP Windows Client Model 425SX The Windows Client Model 425SX is the first in a whole new family of products from HP. Designed to complement HP's terminal, Unix, and DOS desktop offerings, the Windows Client family will fill a strongly emerging need combining the attributes of many of today's desktop alternatives. In the next 30 minutes, we'll examine the demands that led to the development of the Windows Client, the Windows Client product attributes, and examples of the benefits of the Windows Client from both a user and system perspective. ************************************************************* Slide 2: The Merging of Two Worlds As you may know, Hewlett Packard is one of the leading terminal manufacturers in the world. From this perspective, we have seen many customers wanting to add a Windows type of graphical user interface (GUI) and PC applications to their mission critical environment. These customers are typically running a traditional host/terminal environment. Our experience has been that many of these customers have been reluctant to move to PCs to meet this need because of the inherent cost or because of concerns over potential loss a control and manageability that typically comes with PCs. Still others have paid the expense of a fully functional PC when they didn't really need all of the capability and expandability. At the same time, we have observed an increasing demand from the MIS community for the ability to more effectively manage their PC environments. ************************************************************* Slide 3: The Best of Both Worlds The HP Windows Client solution brings the best of these two worlds together into one client platform. The best of the terminal world gives access to the host based application while providing centralized systems management, high data integrity, and security all at a cost per seat that the PC can't match. The best of the PC world adds the advantages of Windows functionality. With this users can run multiple applications all with the same look and feel. It also brings the advantages of LAN connectivity, including the ability to access applications distributed across multiple hosts. Add to this access to PC software and the power to run client/server applications and you've got set of capabilities not possible with a terminal. The new Windows Client from HP takes the best of each of these worlds and combines them into a totally new class of client for client/server systems. ************************************************************* Slide 4: Introducing the HP Windows Client Model 425SX The HP Windows Client is a powerful Intel based DOS/Windows PC designed to function in a LAN environment with a server- based hard disk. This slide shows an overview of the hardware and software characteristics. The heart of the Windows Client is 25 MHz 486 and 4Mb of RAM to provide the foundation for Windows environment. The RAM is expandable up to 36 Mb. The integrated local bus video supports up to 1024 X 768 resolution at 70 Hz refresh rate. Other resolutions allow even higher 72 Hz refresh rate. Text acceleration is built into the video subsystem through the implementation of color expansion. By controlling text color with one bit instead of sending eight bits for each text pixel, text processing can be improved by up to 8X. In some cases, text acceleration can out perform graphics acceleration which is more expensive to implement. Another integrated performance feature is the bus mastering 16-bit LAN interface. This allows the network to communicate directly with the Windows Client memory without performing a CPU interrupt. This keeps the CPU efficiency at a maximum. Additional features and components of the Windows Client package include a serial and parallel interface, keyboard, and mouse. The software licenses included with each Windows Client really enhance the total solution value. Each Windows Client ships with a license to use Microsoft DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1, and a full suite of software from Walker Richer & Quinn. Reflection Network Series (RNS) provides support for a wide variety of network protocols while Reflection 1 for Windows and Reflection 2 for Windows provide terminal emulation for HP block mode and DEC VT220 and VT320 mode. Combined, the total list price value of the software comes to over $1,000. There are five monitor choices available to fit a range of application and video needs including monochrome VGA, color VGA, Super VGA, Ergonomic Super VGA, and Ergonomic Ultra VGA with a 15 inch screen. There is also one configuration with no monitor in the event that different video solution is required. The six Windows Client configurations available start from just $895 list price up to $1,675. This is up to 40% lower than comparably configured networked PCs and represents true breakthrough pricing for a fully configured DOS/Windows client solution including software. The Windows Client employs a low cost focused design targeted for transaction oriented environments moving up from a terminal platform. All required interfaces, including video and LAN, are integrated, so there are no additional I/O slots provided. Since the Windows Client uses server-based disks, there is no integrated mass storage capability. ************************************************************* Slide 5: Powerful Windowing Environment All of these attributes of the Windows Client combine to create a powerful window into the network. Users can run multiple terminal emulations on different hosts while simultaneously running PC and client/server applications. Bundled in with the Windows Client are block mode and VT terminal emulators from WRQ. Others are available through third parties, including 3270 and X emulators. The network connectivity of the Windows Client also provides the user access to a full range of network resources. ************************************************************* Slide 6: Trends Some customers have asked me "if the Windows Client's architecture solves such significant problems, why isn't this technology pervasive?" There have been a number of factors, primarily technology related, that have represented barriers to implementing this kind of solution in the past. Only recently have there been the technology changes necessary to support this kind of implementation. From the network perspective, performance has improved steadily to the point where disk I/O over the LAN is now fast enough for a diskless client to be feasible. Some of the networking technology improvements include implementation of 16 bit bus mastering LAN interfaces and performance improvements to the network operating system. Additionally, network utilization and penetration has increased dramatically making a network focused product possible. Applications have also changed to better support this technology. They are now more network aware making management of PC applications easier. Most applications can now be installed in a shared directory on a server where they can be accessed by many users, thereby creating economies and management efficiencies. Applications also have begun to integrate network smart installation and upgrade procedures. Finally, the client hardware platform has also evolved to better support this kind of solution. The ability to fully integrate LAN, video, and other I/O subsystems has made it possible to implement a single board design. These hardware advances have given the Windows Client performance advantages as well as a very low price point. The real bottom line here is that the time for the HP Windows Client is now. ************************************************************* Slide 7: Networking Environment We've established that the Windows Client is network focused with many network performance features built in. Since the Windows Client requires a LAN environment, let's take a look at some of the requirements and attributes of such an environment and how the Windows Client fits in. Slide 8: Network Environment The Windows Client has been designed to work with Ethernet LANs. The network operating systems (N.O.S.) we are supporting initially are Novell NetWare and LAN Manager. NetWare is supported running on either the HP 3000 platform under MPE/iX or HP 9000 platform under HP/UX. It is also supported running as the native operating system on the Intel platform. OS/2 LAN Manager will be supported in October '93 as a boot server as well as file server. An HP 9000 running LM/X in such a network will be supported for file server and application server functions at that time. Diskless boot from an LM/X server will be supported in second quarter '94. The final components of the operating environment for the Windows Client are MS-DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1. HP is investigating future support of other networking environments. We would value your feedback regarding your needs and priorities. ************************************************************* Slide 9: Diskless Operation While some PCs are available with no hard disk, this structure has been primarily to facilitate adding in third party drives. There are no other major PC vendors with products specifically designed and streamlined to function in a diskless mode, as the Windows Client has been. Let's take a look, for a minute, at the basis of how diskless operation works. When a disk based PC is powered up, something called a "boot- ROM" looks to a specific sector and track of a local disk starting with logical drive "A" then "B" then "C" and so forth until it finds the operating system files. These are simply program files that are loaded into memory and begin to execute. In the Windows Client the boot-ROM is network smart. Instead of looking for a local mass storage device, it formats a request and puts it out on the network interface. Any server configured to respond can provide the necessary files through something called a boot image. These files are passed through the network and loaded into memory in exactly the same way as in the case of the disked PC. The best way to understand the server based storage utilized by the Windows Client is to think of it in the same way as a disked PC with the disk physically located externally across the LAN. Any time a local application makes a call to disk, the network operating system intercepts the call and routes it to the appropriate network disk. This function is completely transparent to applications and the user. ************************************************************* Slide 10: Software Installation Process Because the Windows Client loads DOS, Windows, and PC applications from the server disk, a software installation process such as the one pictured in this graphic is used. Software comes in the traditional floppy disk format and is loaded onto the server through a disked PC, typically in the system administration area. The Server Kit is a key part of this process. Each Windows Client comes with licenses to use DOS, Windows, and Reflection Software. The Server Kit provides an additional license for each of these packages for use on a disked PC. Bundled with the Server Kit is the media (5 1/4" and 3 1/2: floppies) for loading the software onto the network, the full software documentation, as well as a Basic Support Service. Also included within the Server Kit are installation instructions, pre-defined boot images, and all of the drivers necessary to support HP supplied monitors. Customers using a third-party monitor, keyboard, or mouse may require specialized drivers from the third-party supplier. Note, also, that the value of the Server Kit is further enhanced by the fact that only one is required per site regardless of the number of Windows Clients. "Shrink Wrapped" PC applications, or applications purchased separately through retailers or other channels, would be loaded onto the server via the same mechanism as the Windows Client bundled applications. ************************************************************* Slide 11: Single Server Configuration Depending on the attributes of the environment, users will be implementing either a single server or multiple server configuration. In a single server environment, one machine will be serving a variety of functions. The standard server functions include providing server application access and file/database access. Incremental functions the server will provide include the boot function for the Windows Client as well as the source for application loading. In a Windows environment, if there isn't enough memory to hold all of the program information, the Windows memory manager will swap blocks of information back and forth to disk. In this single server environment, the server disk would serve that function. NOTE: it is best to configure the Windows Client with sufficient memory to avoid swapping. This can significantly improve performance. Once the Windows Client has booted and loaded applications, it will perform in the same way as a disked PC on a network when accessing server-based applications and databases. File and database activity related to PC applications will go across the network to the server as well. An example of this kind of environment might be an HP 9000 or HP 3000 running a database application with portable NetWare to boot the Windows Clients and acting as the PC file server. ************************************************************* Slide 12: Multiple Server Configuration A multiple server configuration allows specialization of the server functions. Here, you can add a focused server, typically an Intel based server running native NetWare, to provide the boot and PC file functions. This example could extend to having several application servers for large or complex environments. Isolating applications and functions creates a modularity that can enhance manageability and optimize performance. ************************************************************* Slide 13: Key Benefits So far, we've reviewed the business and technology trends, looked at the Windows Client attributes, and the networking requirements of the Windows Client. Now, we'll examine the ways that the product and environment attributes of the Windows Client translate into a better solution. As we go through this, we'll look at the Windows Client from both the user's perspective and from the viewpoint of system management. ************************************************************* Slide 14: Superior Terminal Environment For terminal users, Windows Client is a superior solution. By bringing Microsoft Windows into the terminal environment, users can begin to use the most widely adopted graphical user interface available. This will add the advantages of a common look and feel across all of the applications on a users desktop. Training will be easier and productivity will improve. Because the terminal functionality is implemented in software, multiple emulation modes are available on a single hardware platform. The Windows Client allows users to run several concurrent sessions on the same host as well as provides simultaneous access to multiple hosts. The ability for users to go beyond the standard terminal functions and run PC based personal productivity applications gives the Windows Client a real edge over a traditional terminal solution. Most terminal users can take immediate advantage of the additional functionality and there's plenty of room for growth. The combination of network access to multiple information sources and windowing capability between them adds a new degree of information integration. Now, users can look at information from two different sources simultaneously and even cut and paste between them. Unlike terminals which typically come in only one display size and resolution, the Windows Client offers a wide range of monitor choices from monochrome to several different color solutions. Users can have their choice of screen size and resolution without sacrificing ergonomics. Finally, the Windows Client's single board, low power design allow it to be convection cooled so there is no fan. This allows users who are used to the silent operation of terminals to retain that benefit as they move to a DOS/Windows environment. ************************************************************* Slide 15: Worry-Free PC Environment Looking at the Windows Client from the PC users perspective, it is more worry-free than a traditional PC solution. Built into the Windows Client is the power and performance required to meet users needs. The 25 MHz 486 processor is the mainstream processor platform for the desktop today. The integrated local-bus video subsystem provides a faster and wider data path for improved video performance. Terminal applications as well as word processing and spreadsheet applications will be able to take advantage of the text acceleration implemented through color expansion. Network performance is enhanced through the implementation of the integrated 16-bit bus mastering LAN interface. Since the mass storage is server based, the user no longer has to worry about local hard disk failure and the corresponding productivity loss. Disk growth needs are managed at the system level so there is never a need to worry about upgrading the local disk. Finally, the demand on the user to perform regular back-ups, something few users do anyway, is completely eliminated since the server disk is backed up by the system administrator. Centralizing the applications on the server actually makes access easier while providing for control and management. When a user needs access to a PC application that already resides on the server, system administration can easily provide access eliminating the need to first install the software on a local hard disk. The same advantages carry over to software upgrades. Another software worry that users will be free from is the problem of incompatible software revisions. Version changes of software can be pretested by MIS to insure new applications and upgrades are compatible with the overall environment. Because it is network based, the Windows Client has the network advantages of easy file sharing among users, especially through shared directories. ************************************************************* Slide 16: Simpler Software Management Now, let's look at the benefits from a system management perspective. By centralizing the PC software onto the server, a consistent software environment can be created. Whenever an application upgrade is implemented, all of the users get it at the same time. By facilitating information exchange between users and making the environment more easy to manage, support costs go down and productivity goes up. With server based disks, software installation and upgrade is managed by the system administrator rather than the user. This allows software to be installed once for the benefit of many users creating time efficiencies. It also insures that applications are installed and configured properly for maximum performance and usability. Central software license management is a significant benefit of the Windows Client environment. Site license solutions are much easier to manage and license records are more easily maintained making software upgrades easier to execute. Auditing becomes a simple matter since the number of actual copies of the code is reduced and controlled. The absence of a local floppy drive also prevents users from installing unauthorized copies of software on the server. ************************************************************* Slide 17: Data Integrity and Security Server based disks allow for data center disk management. This greatly increases the integrity of the data and applications. Local hard disks represent a leading source of failure in PC environments, yet most PCs contain critical information. When a PC disk fails, valuable data gets lost and time is wasted rebuilding the environment. Server based disks allow for fast and reliable back up. Disk mirroring, RAID technologies, and other high availability strategies can also be employed where extra data integrity or data availability is required. The Windows Client offers numerous benefits from a security perspective. In fact, this is where the absence of a floppy drive becomes a real asset. Users are unable to introduce viruses through floppy disks, which are a leading source of viruses, and are also unable to download sensitive data for unauthorized removal. Additional security is provided by the ability to physically disable the parallel and serial ports. Password protection is possible at the client and network level. At the client level, the set-up screen can be password protected. From a network perspective, a network login password can be used to prevent access to applications, data, or network resources until the correct password is entered. Access permission to applications and data may also be defined by the system administrator. Finally, physical security of the Windows Client is provided through a locking ring on the chassis which prohibits internal access to the Windows Client as well as allows it to be secured to a desk or wall. ************************************************************* Slide 18: Disk Space Savings Server disks employed by the Windows Client result in significant disk space savings over a traditional disked PC solution. Most disk space in PCs is consumed by applications which are growing bigger and bigger as they become more sophisticated. In a disked PC environment, each user must have their own copy of the software code. In our 20 user example, we are assuming that the average user will consume roughly 80 Mb of disk space for DOS, Windows, and applications. This results in disk space consumption of 1,600 Mb just for the operating system and applications programs. The same 20 users will only consume 80 Mb in a server based disk environment since they will all access the same copy of the code through shared directories. The amount of data should stay roughly the same in each scenario, in this case 400 Mb. Finally, most PCs are purchased with significantly more disk space that originally required. We refer to this as "buffer" space. This is done because upgrading local hard disks that run out of room is expensive and complex for the average user. This is really a "buy more than you think you'll need" kind of mentality. Buffer space is not required when using a server based disk since disk growth can be managed and new disk space can be planned for and implemented on an organizational basis. This allows disk space to be purchased only when it is needed. The total benefit of implementing a server based disk strategy is a 5X reduction in the amount of disk space required to support the 20 users described in this example. ************************************************************* Slide 19: Low Cost, Reliable Design The Windows Client employs a single board design that integrates the video and LAN interface. The VLSI construction yields a lower parts count and there are no connectors for I/O boards or disks so the only connectors internal to the Windows Client are the two SIMM slots for memory expansion. By moving the disk out of the Windows Client and onto the server, there are no moving parts, the most common cause of failure. The Windows Client is convection cooled so it doesn't even need a fan. Without a disk drive and with the absence of power consuming interface cards, the Windows Client is a very low power device. It is rated at only 25 Watts maximum which meets EPA Energy Star requirements. Typical operation is actually only about 18 Watts for the system, leading to a measurable savings in operation cost. The simplicity of the Windows Client design extends to the engineering of the chassis and cover. The cover can be removed in just a few seconds with no tools at all. The power supply must be disconnected to remove the cover for an extra measure of safety and the use of the same power module as the Deskjet printers means there is no high voltage inside the case. The simplicity of the design makes the Windows Client a very low cost solution compared with a disked PC. By eliminating moving parts, connectors, additional boards, and the heat of high power devices, reliability is very high. In fact, reliability is expected to be much better than PCs and similar to our terminals, which lead the industry in reliability. ************************************************************* Slide 20: Model 425SX List Price Comparison This comparison looks at the list price of a Windows Client with an entry level color VGA monitor versus several PCs from reputable manufacturers including HP, Compaq, IBM, DELL and Northgate. The desktop configurations are equally configured to include all of the same components: 4 Mb RAM Local-bus Ultra VGA video 16-bit LAN interface DOS/Windows Color VGA monitor Mouse and keyboard It is assumed that networking software and a terminal emulator will be required. Reflection 2 for Windows and Reflection Network Series from WRQ come standard with the Windows Client and have been added in to the cost of the other PCs. If Reflection 1 for Windows were required (as in the case of 3000 block-mode applications) $100 would need to be added to all the numbers shown except for the Windows Client making the price gap even wider. The Windows Client comes in 40 percent lower than comparably configured PCs. When you take into account discounting practices, all of the prices drop but the same basic relationship remains. NOTE: IF ASKED... The cost of server resources on a per user basis ($50-$200) incurred by the Windows Client is easily offset by the value of the software licenses for the system administrator and other cost savings of the environment. ************************************************************* Slide 21: Model 425SX U.S. List Prices ************************************************************* Slide 22: Model 425SX U.S.. List Prices (continued)