# # # For Immediate Release # # #
Century Software Powers Next Generation Thin Clients
PIXIL Thin Client Delivers Production-Ready Software Solution for Internet
Appliances Powered by Embedded Linux
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, October 8, 2001 - Century Embedded Technologies, a leader in
graphical application technologies for embedded Linux, today announced the immediate
availability of PIXIL™ Thin Client. Targeting rapidly growing needs in the thin client market,
PIXIL delivers a flexible Linux-based architecture that leverages the benefits of server-based
computing, provides Windows and Linux access, and offers powerful PC-like capabilities in a
small footprint, low-resource thin appliance.
Businesses are demanding solutions that provide cost-effective ways to deliver and manage
information across the enterprise. Advantages of adopting PIXIL Thin Client include centralized
application management and maintenance, access to new and existing applications, greater
interoperability, and improved security.
"Embedded application developers are increasingly looking to Linux for reduced development
costs and the shortest path to market for Internet Appliances," explained Gregory Haerr, CEO
of Century Software and open source leader, "PIXIL delivers a powerful Linux alternative to
the Windows-based thin client. By incorporating advantages of embedded Linux along with
the significant benefits of deploying thin clients enterprise-wide, Century lowers the total cost
of ownership."
Linux-based thin clients offer increased reliability and security in a server-based environment.
PIXIL, by allowing the client to take advantage of local Linux code for browsing, can ease
network congestion by offloading browser-based tasks directly to the client. Running Linux
rather than Windows on the thin client allows combining local Linux applications with desktop
Windows access, all in a small footprint.
PIXIL Thin Client Features
Thin appliances targeting end user needs and centralized management capabilities are
introducing a shift in the network-computing paradigm and replacing the PC. The availability
of powerful embedded Linux-based computing devices feature increased functionality available
in a reduced footprint. PIXIL Thin Client provides a complete solution for companies that want
to take advantage of server-based computing.
PIXIL offers a central Network Login Manager utility that enable thin clients to access
Windows-based applications and support connectivity through Microsoft® Terminal Server's
RDP and Citrix® Systems Inc.'s ICA technology. These protocols empower thin clients to
access Windows-based servers across a network or the Internet. PIXIL utilizes these protocols
to minimize the bandwidth thin clients require by transmitting only changes over the network.
Browser-based connectivity is available through the PIXIL Thin Client Browser and features
small footprint adapted versions of Mozilla and Netscape. Advanced internet technologies
currently available include: HTML 4.0, JavaScript 1.4, Real Networks, Adobe PDF, and
Shockwave. These features run in a 32Mb footprint and include local browser support client-
side. For smaller footprint devices, PIXIL Thin Client can be configured to run in 16Mb without
local browser support.
OEMs and manufacturers can easily scale and customize the client environment using PIXIL's
flexible architecture. Components can be fine tuned according to the desired end user
environment. PIXIL's Software Development Kit (SDK) offers developers' tools to streamline
the customization process, incorporate essential services, and add enhanced functionality. The
SDK provides customers with a framework for accelerated development, offering higher
performance, rapid deployment, and faster time-to-market for connected thin clients and
smart devices. Generic configurations are available to jump-start device bring-up and
application development. Specific features, protocols, and technology support details are
available at: http://embedded.censoft.com/pixil/thin.php.
Availability Now
PIXIL is available now, directly from Century Embedded Technologies. Each component of the
PIXIL Operating Environment can be sold or licensed separately, offering a unique
configuration for any platform or product. Bundled component collections are also available,
already integrated and customized ready for use in a target device.
Century offers custom engineering services, maintenance and support for PIXIL. Pricing is
hardware dependent. For additional information, contact cetsales@centurysoftware.com.
About PIXIL™ Technology
PIXIL provides a complete suite of embedded solutions for advanced Internet appliances such as
PDAs, WebPAD™ devices, cellular phones, smart handhelds, and thin clients. Developed for multiple
form factor flat panel devices with requirements for wireless communications, networking, web
browsing, power management and GUIs, PIXIL offers a fully integrated architecture leveraging the
open standards of embedded Linux. PIXIL's modular framework, with fully optimized pre-defined
components offers ready-to-use and easily customized applications.
About Century Embedded Technologies
Century Software Embedded Technologies, a newly created division of Century Software, Inc., is a
leading developer of core applications technologies for the worldwide embedded Linux applications
market. These technologies include: graphical windowing system development and runtime
environments; customized Internet browsers and HTML viewers; embedded and Internet appliance
multimedia technologies, including MP3 audio and MPEG video players and recorders; PDA/WebPAD
runtime and development suites, PIM suites; and set-top boxes. Complete solutions These core
technologies are designed specifically to allow chip manufacturers, hardware board vendors, and
their customers to build embedded applications on x86, PowerPC, StrongARM, MIPS, SH and other
microprocessor architectures running on either the Nano-X or the X Window System. Based in
Salt Lake City, Century Software was founded in 1985 and is privately held. Century Software's
CEO, Gregory Haerr, is the founder and chief maintainer of the Nano-X Project, and founder
of the ViewML Project.
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Century Software, Century Embedded Technologies, and PIXIL are trademarks of Century Software, Inc. Linux is
a registered trademark owned by Linus Torvalds. WebPAD is a registered trademark of National Semiconductor
Corporation. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their
respective owners.
Contacts:
Jill Ratkevic
1 (408) 209-5181
jillr@centurysoftware.com
Jon Beutler
1 (801) 268-3088 X145
jonb@centurysoftware.com
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