The folks at MeterNet sent in this news item:

LINEO AND METERNET ANNOUNCE INDUSTRY'S FIRST LINUX-BASED INTERNET SET-TOP DEVICE
New Mid-Class Internet Access Device will Deliver the Power and Benefits of Linux to Home Offices, Hotel Rooms and Living Rooms

Lindon, UT - Sept. 27, 1999 - LineoT, Inc. and MeterNet Corporation today announced an agreement that will produce the industry's first Internet set-top device based on embedded Linux. The new MeterNet wb8680LT will run EmbrowserT, Lineo's embedded micro Web browser, on a full- featured Internet set-top designed for OEMs and affinity marketing groups. This new mid-range set- top utilizes a powerful Cyrix processor and broadband ethernet connection for access via cable, DSL or satellite. A standard model with Lineo Embrowser for DR DOS is available immediately, a Smart Card version will be available next month and the Linux-based version will be available during first quarter 2000.

Lineo's embedded browser and embedded OS platforms provide MeterNet's OEM customers with a software solution that is easy to customize and faster to execute than alternative solutions. Lineo works with MeterNet to optimize the interface for television display while tailoring the branding and content of the Internet set-top portal. Companies building a customer loyalty base, like on-line banking, multi-level marketers and apartment management organizations, will use the mid-range device to increase Internet-based interaction and secure ecommerce transactions.

"Lineo and MeterNet have defined a new product category - one that eases development, increases brand and content freedom, decreases the overall system cost and expands the capabilities of serving and maintaining loyal customers," said Bryan Sparks, CEO of Lineo, Inc.

Greg Wible, CEO of MeterNet, added, "This mid-range, customizable set-top was designed by our customer's collective demands. The new Linux version will enable us to leverage many standard technologies, including media streaming, into applications that demand scalability and increased set- top performance."

LineoT, Inc. (formerly known as Caldera Thin Clients, Inc.) develops, markets and sells embedded operating systems and applications that provide consumers with simple, low-cost software for interacting with the Internet via embedded devices. Lineo's products include EmbedixT (embedded Linux OS), EmbrowserT (embedded web browser), DR DOSŪ (component-based embedded OS) and other technologies designed to improve connectivity while reducing system requirements and per-unit costs. Contact Lineo, Inc. at www.lineo.com, via email "info@lineo.com" or telephone (801) 426-5001. Caldera, Inc., the parent company of Lineo, Inc., was founded by Bryan Sparks in October 1994 as a start-up venture funded by The Canopy Group - the family trust of Raymond J. Noorda, former Chairman and CEO of NovellŪ, Inc.

Formed in 1996, privately held MeterNet Corporation specializes in technology integration and direct marketing programs via the Internet. Satisfied clients include Ziff-Davis, America Online, IBM and AltaVista. With its new Consumer Internet Set Top Program, MeterNet offers a series of entry level, easy-to-use, low cost Internet access products combined with value-add programs that include direct fulfillment, leasing, support and ecommerce management. MeterNet services affinity group and other vertical channels with private branded outsource solutions.

Lineo, Embedix, and Embrowser are trademarks of Lineo, Inc. Caldera and DR DOS are registered trademarks of Caldera, Inc. OpenLinux is a registered trademark of Caldera Systems, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark owned by Linus Torvalds. MeterNet and wb8680L are trademarks of MeterNet Corp. All other products, services, companies and publications are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

PRESS ONLY Contacts:
Lineo, Inc.: Lyle Ball, lyle@lineo.com, Tel: (801) 426-5001 x305
MeterNet Corp.: Greg Wible, press@MeterNet.com, Tel: (562) 989-8976

Return to Ruel.Net Set-Top Page
Return to Interactive TV Top.Box.News

Ruel.Net
Copyright
© 1999