Press release

ProCurve Networking by HP Introduces Wireless Access Point for Enterprises

New Wireless Connectivity Device Provides Secure Mobility in Mid- to Large-sized Deployments

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 27, 2003 — ProCurve Networking by HP today introduced a wireless access point for mid- to large-sized wireless local area network (WLAN) deployments. The ProCurve Networking by HP Wireless Enterprise Access Point 520wl enhances HP Procurve's offering of enterprise-ready mobility solutions designed to securely extend Ethernet connectivity beyond the wire.

"The ProCurve Networking by HP product line has always provided a broad range of price and performance options that support complete LAN solutions," said John Barker, president and chief executive officer, Versatile Communications, an ProCurve Networking by HP Elite Partner. "With the addition of the new wireless product charter, ProCurve Networking by HP now offers comprehensive solutions providing secure and reliable mobile access to the network. Our customers appreciate the simplicity of getting an end-to-end solution from a single vendor and feel confident that they will get the same level of support and quality they have come to expect from ProCurve Networking by HP solutions."

A high-capacity device that can simultaneously support two radio technologies, the ProCurve Networking by HP Wireless Enterprise Access Point 520wl can accommodate future wireless LAN standards as well as enhancements to current standards, protecting technology investments by allowing upgrades within customers' existing infrastructures.

• IEEE 802.1x port-based access control technology that thoroughly authenticates users before allowing access to network information.

• Dynamically generated WEP keys and rapid re-keying, in which data is encrypted via a rotating encryption key and sent securely to authenticate users in the system. This enhances the security of the wireless network while simplifying secure network access by eliminating the need for end users to memorize a lengthy password.

• Two VLANs extending logical LANs at the switch level across the wireless LAN network providing additional access control to network resources.

Accessories that complement the ProCurve Networking by HP Wireless Enterprise Access Point 520wl include the HP ProCurve Wireless 802.11b Access Point Card 150wl and the Range Extender Antenna 100wl.

The introduction of the ProCurve Networking by HP 520wl also extends support for the ProCurve Networking by HP Adaptive EDGE Architecture into the wireless domain. Also announced today (see press release, "New ProCurve Networking by HP Architecture Provides for Secure, Mobile, Multi-service Enterprise Networks"), the Adaptive EDGE Architecture enables companies to more affordably manage complex applications -- including mobility, security and convergence -- more effectively, through the use of intelligent technology at the edge of the network. It is the only design that recognizes the necessary addition of functionality to the network edge and gives customers a cost-effective, easy-to-manage solution to achieve command from the center with control to the edge of the network.

"ProCurve Networking by HP is committed to changing the way that people think about their networks," said Brice Clark, worldwide director of Strategy and Business Planning, ProCurve Networking by HP Business. "Tomorrow's networks will require an integrated solutions approach to workforce mobility that offers seamless and continuous service, network access and control. Intelligent, edge-enabled ProCurve Networking by HP solutions enable this new view of network access."

Pricing and Availability

Available now, the ProCurve Networking by HP 520wl and associated accessories are priced as follows⁽¹⁾:

The ProCurve Networking by HP 520wl is configured to support online software upgrades and comes with complimentary phone support plus a 1-year hardware warranty with optional extensions available.

ProCurve Networking by HP products, services and solutions -- including Ethernet switches, routing switches, wireless access points and network-management applications -- allow customers to build networks that meet current and future needs for security, performance and reliability. More information about ProCurve Networking by HP solutions and products is available at ProCurve Networking by HP Site.

About HP

HP (NYSE:HPQ) is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its merger transaction involving Compaq Computer Corporation on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at HP Site.

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⁽¹⁾ Actual prices may vary.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development and performance of these products and services may not proceed as planned; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 21, 2003, and subsequently filed reports. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, HP's results could differ materially from HP's expectations in these statements. HP assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.