KONTRON INTRODUCES HORIZON104 RUGGED, INDUSTRIAL 1U RACK CHASSIS

Unique Design Combines Popular 1U Rack Chassis Industrial Computer

BOSTON, September 15, 2003 - Kontron, a leading embedded computer technology company, today announced the HORIZON104 -- a rugged, industrial embedded rack chassis combining the popular 1U rack chassis industrial computer with the embedded advantages of the PC/104 form factor.

As opposed to a traditional PC/104 chassis that stacks PC/104 CPU and I/O boards together, the HORIZON104 moves PC/104 in a horizontal plane. With its horizontal PC/104 backplane, the HORIZON104 is the only 1U rack chassis capable of integrating five separate COTS industrial I/O boards (two for PCI or ISA and three for ISA only). The backplane also provides one plug-in location for a CPU board. It enables deployment of full data acquisition, monitoring, control, and communications boards in a single, shallow 1U x 19-inch rack mount, saving valuable rack space.

Each HORIZON104 board is hard-mounted to either the chassis or the backplane, using one screw at each of the board´ s four corners. This results in a stronger design, capable of withstanding a greater degree of shock and vibration than the traditional PC/104 stack or single rear-bracket secured PCI/ISA board designs. This horizontal design takes full advantage of the more secure PC/104 connectors. By placing low-power PC/104 boards in a horizontal plane, more efficient cooling is possible than in cramped stacked designs or traditional 1U PCI/ISA systems.

Ideal for applications in harsh environments such as in-vehicles, aircraft, ships and industrial, the HORIZON104 also features a wide temperature range and low power use.

Kontron anticipates that the HORIZON104 will be available for purchase beginning Q4 2003, with production units starting at $399 in small quantities (actual pricing may vary).

ABOUT KONTRON:
A leading global embedded computer technology company, Kontron supplies a diversified customer base of OEMs, system integrators and application providers in the communications, automation, transportation, medical, military, aerospace, and test and measurement markets. The company helps its customers to considerably reduce their time-to-market and to gain a competitive advantage with products including high-performance open computer platforms and systems, single board computers, man-machine interfaces and mobile computers. Kontron employs more than 1,100 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. The company is listed on the German TecDAX 30 stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". For additional information on Kontron, please visit: .

READER SERVICE INQUIRIES:
Please forward all reader inquiries to Jennifer Hanson, Marketing Communications Manager, Kontron America. Tel: 858-677-0877; e-mail: sales@us.kontron.com.

KONTRON MEDIA CONTACTS:

Media Relations
Bruce Boyer
Kontron America
Director of Press Relations
Phone: 510-732-6900 x103
bruce.boyer@kontron.com

Technical Information
Kontron America
Stephen Newbegin
Product Manager
Phone: 858-677-0877
stephen.newbegin@kontron.com