Netier Signs NAPA Deal Worth Up to $70M
1 March 2000
Netier Signs NAPA Deal Worth Up to $70M; NetXpress Eliminates Configuration Problems Across 6,200-store Chain
DALLAS--March 1, 2000--Netier Technologies today signed a potential $70 million deal with Genuine Parts Company , the parent of National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), for up to 60,000 point of sale (POS) computer terminals throughout NAPA's 6,200-store chain."Netier's engineers developed a way to pre-configure our NetXpress(TM) thin workstations so they require no onsite configuration when they arrive at a NAPA store," says Philip Ellett, Netier's president and chief executive officer. "We think the same solution can be adapted to meet the needs of any retailer that is trying to network geographically and technically diverse storefronts and outlets."
In NAPA's case, POS terminals across the country connect to the corporate network in a variety of ways. Some stores have no Ethernet, so they must connect asynchronously. Other stores have Ethernet, but some connect using a DynaComm(R) session, while others rely on a Java(TM) interface. In each store, the servers that terminals connect to have different names and IP addresses.
Netier is providing NAPA with NetXpress XL2000 workstations that can automatically detect the type of connectivity used in the store and initiate the proper session. Each terminal can reconfigure itself automatically if it is moved to a different store. All store employees have to do is plug the machine in, eliminating the need for in-store visits by IT support personnel.
"Upgrading our POS system with Netier's equipment will allow NAPA's IT staff to cost effectively equip service associates at individual stores with computers using the familiar Windows(R)-based desktop," said Jay C. Burnworth, Vice President TAMS Information Systems of Genuine Parts Company. "Adopting this industry-standard software platform will boost customer service, make training easier and help us provide better information and customer detail for the next decade."
By distributing processing between a network server and powerful access devices, Netier achieves performance rivaling that of PC-based client/server networks. Unlike ordinary thin-client terminals, Netier workstations contain powerful CPUs and enough system and flash memory to store and run local embedded applications. The ability to provide this optimal mix of server-based and local embedded application support is a primary reason NAPA chose to begin standardizing on NetXpress access devices.
Netier's NetXpress access devices are the only network workstations to offer Microsoft(R) Windows(R) NT Embedded operating system. This 32-bit embedded version of the prolific desktop operating system, combined with Netier's application embedding technologies, allows NetXpress workstations to support a wide range of local applications and peripheral devices. System administrators and resellers can customize any workstation, adding memory, internal storage media and faster processors as needed. NetXpress devices also support internal wireless LAN, DSL, ISDN or 56K modem connectivity, as well as complete high-performance videoconferencing options.
Netier's Rapport(TM) administrative software allows system administrators to centrally manage NetXpress software and settings over LAN and WAN. Embedded operating systems and applications can be installed within minutes from any point on the network.
About Genuine Parts Company
Genuine Parts Company, founded in 1928, is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products and electrical/electronic materials. The Company serves numerous customers from more than 1,700 operations and has approximately 32,000 employees. Genuine Parts Company had 1999 revenues of $7.98 billion and net income of $378 million.
About Netier
Netier is the world's leading developer of customer-driven networked computing devices and centralized network management software. Based in Carrollton, Texas, Netier markets its end-to-end server-based computing solutions to businesses and organizations of all kinds. The first and only manufacturer to offer Microsoft(R) Windows(R) NT Embedded in solid-state access devices, Netier designs its products to excel in a wide variety of worldwide computing environments. Netier's address on the World Wide Web is http://www.netier.com.