Press Release

Visara International and North Carolina A&T State University Team to Produce Multi-Byte Character Support for Thin Client Desktops

Visara Sponsors Research Program at North Carolina A&T State University to Deliver Asian Double-Byte Character Set Support for Thin Client Devices

Raleigh, N.C. - [November 5, 2003] - Visara International, a world leader in the innovation, development and delivery of Network Computing solutions, today announced the successful testing results of their partnership with North Carolina A&T State University to produce multi-byte character set support for thin client technology.

In an effort to expedite the development of multi-byte based language support on thin client devices, Visara entered into a Sponsored Research Program with North Carolina A&T State University . The university campus is located in Greensboro , North Carolina and is a member of the North Carolina University system. The university has attracted a number of Asian students and highly qualified Chinese staff members, making it an ideal partner for the Visara research program.

The research program has resulted in full multi-byte character set support in the Visara 1883 Linux Thin Client. The specific initial language supported is Chinese, with additional Asian languages to follow. To facilitate the specific needs of Visara customers, the 1883 multi-byte language support will include the use of language specific "input methods," a technique used to input international languages in a Romanized format. For the initial Chinese language support, the solution will utilize the Chinput method working in the Pinyin mode.

Xiaohong Yuan, Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at North Carolina A&T State University heads the research program. She has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering. "This research program strengthens the ties between academics and the industry," said Yuan. "It provides practical learning and research opportunities for students in a real industrial environment."

"We are very pleased to be able to work closely with talented individuals at North Carolina A&T State University ," said David Turner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Visara International. "They have exceeded both their commitments and our expectations." Turner added, "This research is the result of Visara's commitment to our customers to solve their real world business challenges."

About Visara

Visara International is delivering the power of Network Computing today. Headquartered near Research Triangle Park , NC , Visara is a global leader in the innovation and development of network computing solutions. With over 25 years in the industry, Visara has an installed base of over 2 million networked desktop devices worldwide. Combining innovation and experience makes Visara a leading designer and manufacturer of inter-network solutions. With offices throughout North America and internationally, Visara designs, delivers and services its products through a worldwide network of direct and indirect sales. For additional information about Visara's products and solutions, please visit our website at www.visara.com or email us at marketing@visara.com .

About North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is located in Greensboro , North Carolina and is a campus of the University of North Carolina System . Established in 1891, North Carolina A&T State University is a public, comprehensive, land-grant university committed to fulfilling its fundamental purposes through exemplary undergraduate and graduate instruction, scholarly and creative research, and effective public service. The university offers degree programs at baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels with emphasis on engineering, science, technology, literature and other academic areas.

Media Contact:
Wendy Woodall
Marketing Communications Manager
Visara International
woodall@visara.com
919-882-5414