From: "metrolink" <bobzinn@metrolink.com>
To: <pr@metrolink.com>
Subject: Metro Link Announces New Connectivity SDKs
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 11:14:31 -0500



      Metro Link Announces New Connectivity SDKs
      – adds Universal Plug-n-Play (UPnP) Capability To Home Automation
Systems

      Fort Lauderdale, FL, January 5, 2000-Metro Link, Inc.,
(http://www.metrolink.com/), will demonstrate a new software solutions,
which provides residential gateway and appliance connectivity functions and
supports the Universal Plug 'n Play (UPnP) standard, at the Consumer
Electronics Show (January 6-9, Las Vegas).

      The new Metro Link EnableWorks connectivity software includes the UPnP
SDK for Java (a gateway and protocol stack for device control), UPnP Control
Point SDK for Java (the control point software and required protocol stack)
and ML Services for UPnP (the programmatic timer, script engine, other
software 'devices', etc. This includes the script engine configuration GUI).

      The Metro EnableWorks demo will be featured at the CEA (Consumer
Electronics Association) booth as well as the Transmeta and Home Systems
Plus (HSP) booths. Metro Link's software enables connectivity between an
Embedded Linux based Transmeta Residential Gateway system and HSP’s Aegis
high-end electronic Home Management System (HMS), and provides UPnP support.

      The CES demos will show how Metro-EnableWorks, using the new industry
standard UPnP protocol, connects the Aegis HMS to a Transmeta residential
gateway, running the new Transmeta's Crusoe microprocessor and embedded
Linux.

       "UPnP (Universal Plug 'n Play) is the newest and most universally
promising standard for connecting appliances with multiple networking
technologies," said Rob Lembree, Metro Link's Technical Director of
Metro-EnableWorks. "Metro Link actively supports this new standard and is
excited to be working with Aegis to provide UPnP compatibility to existing
devices that utilize other standards."

      Metro Link, in cooperation with the Universal Plug and Play Forum, is
hosting the second UPnP PlugFest, on January 17 and 18 in Fort Lauderdale,
FL. The engineers-only event provides companies with the unique opportunity
to test with the very latest hardware and software in the industry, the vast
majority of which is unavailable to test with under any other circumstances.

      Metro Link's Metro-EnableWorks software is intended for use in
residential gateways, set-top boxes, and other next generation Internet
appliance designs. In addition to offering support for UPnP, the product
also provides interconnectivity between UPnP and a number of other popular
device connectivity standards, including OSGi, HAVi, and VHN. Support will
also be included for legacy technologies like X-10 and RS232 (serial). These
popular but divergent standards were developed independently by various
industry groups to support the connectivity requirements of numerous devices
throughout the home, including intelligent appliances, computers,
audio/video, heating/air conditioning, etc. Each has its own unique
protocol, however, resulting in barriers to interoperability.
Metro-EnableWorks uses multi-protocol translation to enable communication
among devices with differing protocols.

      ABOUT METRO LINK
      Metro Link, Inc. provides graphics for embedded Linux and real-time
operating systems; and enables UPnP devices to connect with appliances such
as set-top boxes, Internet appliances and consumer electronics. Metro Link's
middleware products include a full suite of X Window System software used by
business-critical and mission-critical clients. X.Org, the worldwide X
Window System consortium, has contracted with Metro Link to maintain and
enhance the X Window System source code. To learn more, visit
www.metrolink.com.


Robert G. Zinn, Vice President Marketing
METRO LINK, INC.
5807 North Andrews Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Direct Dial 954-660-2440
Main # 954-660-2500  fax 954-938-1982
mailto:bobzinn@metrolink.com