DT Research and National Semiconductor Deliver Wireless Thin-Client System for Students in Ohio School District

Santa Clara, CA -- 3/14/2002 -- DT Research, Inc., an industry-leading provider of information access devices, today announced that Nordonia Hills City School District in Ohio has deployed, district-wide, the WebDT 325 wireless digital tablets for students and teachers. The wireless thin client tablets, powered by National Semiconductor's (NYSE: NSM) high-performance Geode™ processor technology, were chosen because of their mobility, efficiency, low maintenance-cost and ease of management within a thin-client network.

The Nordonia Hills City School District is located in a Northeast Ohio suburb between Cleveland and Akron. It consists of six facilities (three elementary schools, one intermediate school, a middle school and high school). In order to communicate and access the Internet wirelessly and efficiently, the district has started to implement server-based computing in a variety of areas to provide single log-in access to applications and content. The DT Research WebDT 325, providing a larger display than a handheld and more reliability than a laptop, fits the needs of the district's elementary lab perfectly.

"We wanted to give our students the ability to work in a comfortable environment with software that stimulated creativity, and a computing environment that was consistent, robust and portable," said Doug Jones, District Technology Supervisor of Nordonia Hills City School District. "The combination of the WebDT 325 and Citrix Metaframe was ideal for this implementation. We see many uses for the WebDT 325 beyond our wireless labs. In the classroom, teachers can use the devices on our district's intranet to access ad-hoc groups, work-order and purchasing systems as well as gradebook and lesson planning systems."

The WebDT 325 is an ideal tool for schools because it is designed for network connectivity, accessing information, and ease of use. It features the processing power of National Semiconductor's industry-leading Geode Processor, the rich functionality of the Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 operating system, together with the wireless LAN support and Citrix ICA and Microsoft RDP client/server computing protocols. The WebDT 325 offers mobile access to server- and Web-based applications, email and full-feature Web page displays. It enables students and teachers to access the Internet and the school Intranet anywhere in the school. With high bandwidth connectivity, the WebDT 325 can also deploy applications rapidly, and deliver a full range of applications for students and teachers to use.

The WebDT 325 is also easy to install, integrate and maintain. Since all data, storage and applications are centralized on the server and there is no need for a hard drive, CD-ROM drive or other moving components, the WebDT 325 not only helps to reduce the support and hardware costs, but also enhances the efficiency, flexibility and simplicity of managing information.

"Nordonia Hills City School District provides further proof that thin-client technologies are ideal for schools that want to use Internet- and information-access devices to achieve their educational goals," said Leslie Bane, Thin Client @ School Program Manager at National Semiconductor. "As the leading provider of thin-client technology, National is working with DT Research to provide K-12 schools with thin-client systems that make learning and teaching experiences more exciting and meaningful."

DT Research, Inc.
DT Research, Inc. (www.dtresearch.com) based in Milpitas, California, develops and delivers solutions for thin client/server computing and for Internet/Information appliances. DTR provides the WebDT line of Web-based digital tablet/terminal systems based on the thin-platform concept for cost effective, time-to-market advantages. These systems emphasize mobility, wireless connectivity, and high quality displays. Leveraging the expertise and technology underlying the WebDT product family, DTR offers solutions in varying form factors and configuration to OEM/ODM partners. DTR also supports a select group of clients in offering custom design and engineering services. DTR and its partners enjoy superior engineering and industrialization support distributed between DTR's Silicon Valley headquarters and its Japan and Taiwan offices.

Nordonia Hills City School District (Ohio)
Nordonia Hills City School District (Ohio) (www.nordonia.summit.k12.oh.us/) is a community of lifelong learners preparing for the challenges of today and tomorrow. For more information about Nordonia Hills City School Districts implementation you can e-mail or call Doug Jones, District Technology Supervisor, doug.jones@mynordonia.net or (330) 467-0580

National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; displays; information appliances; and information infrastructure. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for its last fiscal year and has about 9,800 employees worldwide.