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Bolton Institute takes immediate advantage of new release of Citrix MetaFrame on Sun Microsystems Solaris.

Esteem Computers supports client to enhance interactive graphics performance by 200% for advanced distance learning.

The Windows NT Division of Esteem Computers Plc is a Platinum Solutions Provider for Citrix Systems and has established a leading UK position for the supply of thin-client server-based solutions based on Microsoft Windows NT. At the same time, the Sun Microsystems Division of Esteem is a major supplier to educational establishments of Unix (Solaris) based solutions and maintains a close relationship with customers such as Bolton Institute. The release of Citrix Systems MetaFrame for the Sun Solaris operating system is therefore an exciting synergistic product and the close, collaborative relationship between Esteem Computers and Bolton Institute has enabled them to take advantage immediately of the new capability.

"It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of this development. It rewrites the rules for teaching advanced Unix-based CAD packages (such as those used in all branches of engineering) at a distance. For the first time it is now feasible and economic to operate such software across continents so it extends the student base for such practical distance learning courses world-wide. It also opens up new opportunities for research students to work remotely from home. Bolton Institute is among the first in Europe to recognise the potential of this technology." said Roy Attwood, Principal Lecturer.

The reason for the enthusiasm is clear. Tests have shown that the interactive graphics performance for remote connections is improved by 200%; very significant when providing remote learning on the most sophisticated CAD systems to busy engineers. Further advantages mean that the system can be enhanced 'overnight' without the need to upgrade or adapt the remote devices, which can take weeks or months.

Bolton Institute is designated by the UK Government and the European Commission as the Microelectronics Business Centre for the North of England. It is also the Technology Transfer Node for advising industry on the use of the latest electronic technology. Building on this strength, and in conjunction with the Northumbria University (UNN), it has established a three year, distance learning course over the Internet called Advanced Microelectronics for Industrialists (AMI). The course leads to the award of MSc and is designed to provide busy industrial designers and managers with an understanding of how the latest microelectronics can be used in products and product development.

Phil Knowles is Project Manager for the introduction of the Citrix Systems MetaFrame Software. "Our experience in running Advanced Microelectronics for Industrialists is that many part time students have to work away from home during the week. Until now methods of remote access have been unsuitable for working from a hotel because an ISDN line was required for integrity. MetaFrame works perfectly well using a modem and a relatively low bandwidth, low quality connection. Students will be able to study CAD from anywhere using a lap-top PC and a modem connection; potentially they will have complete freedom soon by connecting via one of the new GPRS networks"  he commented.

About Esteem

Formed in 1985 by Richard Doyle, the Managing Director, Esteem Computers Plc is a 'Pure Play' Server Based Solutions specialist and has grown every year to become one of the UK leaders in this arena. The company is enjoying sustained growth, which means more staff, more office space and more customers. The opportunity for rapid expansion arises from the excellent position that each of the three Divisions currently has in their respective, high growth market sectors all fuelled by the growth in the use of Internet technologies

• The Sun Microsystems Division is the accredited Academic Business Centre for the North of England and has a significant position in the public sector throughout the UK. The growth of the Internet, where Sun is the leading supplier of systems, represents a major opportunity.
  
• The Windows NT Division holds the highest level of accreditation with key partners; Microsoft, Citrix Systems, Wyse Technology, Symbol Technologies, Compaq and Dell. It is one of the UK's leading installers of thin-client/server-based solutions, a market sector that is forecast to grow rapidly in the coming years.
  
• The Electronic Document Management Division was one of the first such specialist groups to be established in the UK and is now reaping the reward for its pioneering work. The new e-pository™ internet based 'Information Banking' solution from Esteem is emerging as a leader in this field.

All these interrelated Divisions are supported by a total service approach that provides consultancy, systems integration, training, telephone support, and project management.

The significant growth of Esteem Computers was recently recognised by a Deloitte & Touche Northern Technology Fast 50 Award, the second year running that the company has received this award.

Esteem have recently announced a strategy to establish an Application Service Provider (ASP) offering.

About Citrix Systems

Founded in 1989, Citrix Systems is a world leader in system software for server-based computing. The MetaFrame ™ and WinFrame® product lines and Independent Computing Architecture(ICA®) technology give organisations the independence, speed and flexibility needed to extend any application to anyone, anywhere. The company's server-based computing solutions are marketed through a worldwide business alliance of value-added resellers, systems integrators, OEM licensees and industry associates. Citrix is based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and is traded on the Nasdaq National market under the symbol CTXS. For more information, please visit the Citrix website at http://www.citrix.com

For further information relating to this Press Release:

Prepared by Nick Willard of Esteem Computers and published here with permission.
Published by the CET Postgraduate Programmes Office, Bolton Institute. 10.08.00 PA