The attached message is a News Advisory which is HP's position regarding this PC NS/ARPA. HP has NOT obsoleted the product and has NOT announced a date in which we will be doing that. We HAVE announced that the product is functionally stable and that we are working with a number of 3rd parties to provide equivalent solutions and choices to connect to the HP9000 and HP3000 systems. Until there are a number of equivalent solutions which are meeting our customers needs, we will not obsolete J2246A. There is an article in the February 15 edition of Computer News which lists the 3rd parties we have worked and our position. (this is also on the Network Hotline) If your customer needs the functionality provided by J2246A, then they should continue to use it as it will continue to be supported by HP. The one thing you need to make clear to your customer is that HP will NOT be making major enhancements to the product, but WILL support the product and fix any defects. ....................................................................... Item Subject: PCARPA Advisory ** News Advisory ** February 22, 1993 Editor's note: The following announcement clarifies Hewlett- Packard's plans for HP's ARPA(1) Services and Network Services for the PC product line. HP's Plans for PC ARPA and PC NS Products: o Currently, HP provides a networking product that allows MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows-based PCs to connect into ARPA services and HP NS (Network Services) environments. This product is the HP PC ARPA and Network Services for MS-DOS, Microsoft LAN Manager, and NetWare (J2246A). The J2246A product replaces the following products available from HP: HP Network Services 2.1/MS-DOS (D1811B), HP ARPA Services 2.1/MS- DOS (D1812B), HP Network Services 2.1 for NetWare (D1819A), and HP ARPA Services 2.1 for NetWare (D1823A). o HP's strategy is to encourage third-party PC ARPA and NS client connectivity to HP computer systems. HP is targeting several third-party vendor alternatives to provide customers with increased flexibility in choosing PC networking solutions. In addition, HP is working with these third-party vendors to ensure equivalent functionality exists and to establish upgrade programs to aid in a transition. o HP will continue to sell and support the present J2246A product until there are equivalent solutions available from third-parties, however, no new major functionality enhancements are planned. HP will also continue to sell and support application solutions (such as AdvanceLink) which utilize this underlying networking capability. o At the time that third-party vendors can provide a complete PC NS and PC ARPA solution addressing all of our customers' needs, HP will discontinue this product. HP will provide sufficient notice to all PC NS and PC ARPA customers prior to discontinuance. EDITORIAL CONTACT(S): Kelly Emo (408) 447-5334 (1) ARPA stands for Advanced Research Projects Agency