Telesat, Novell, Helius, Team Up To Bring DirecPC™ Satellite Technology To Canadian Schools Through Novell Reseller Channel

TORONTO – July 28, 1997 – Telesat Canada, Novell Canada, and Helius, Inc. today announced a partnership to offer economical, high-speed Internet access and data delivery to schools across Canada through the Novell authorized reseller channel. For the first time, schools will be able to obtain powerful satellite-based DirecPC service exclusively through Novell resellers, giving them the advantage of high-caliber installation, support and assistance with their future network needs.

"Our partnership with Telesat enables our Gold and Platinum resellers the exclusive opportunity to offer Telesat's DirecPC, Internet satellite-based solutions to our existing and potential educational customers," said Jamey Simzer, director of channel sales for Novell Canada. "DirecPC allows Novell resellers the exclusive opportunity to sell a comprehensive Internet solution to their existing K-12 educational customer base, as well as upgrading NetWare customers to IntranetWare."

"This partnership highlights Telesat's continuing commitment to help bring 21st century communications into every Canadian school," said Brad Poulos, Telesat's Director of Business and Government Services. "DirecPC's amazing speed and ease-of-use make it an ideal choice for all educational environments."

Network Edition for DirecPC, developed by Helius, allows NetWare and IntranetWare local area networks (LANs) to connect to the Internet using Telesat's DirecPC satellite link. The system uses a 21-inch (53 cm) mini-satellite dish, connected to an interface card inside the Novell server, to deliver Internet data to an entire school. Using Helius' Network Edition for DirecPC, LAN users can receive high-speed Internet access through the server-satellite link. Outbound data is sent over a land line, typically through a modem and phone line. DirecPC provides users with a connection up to 400 Kbps for downloading files or viewing graphics-rich Web pages. "Novell has the LAN, Telesat has the satellite service offering, and Helius put them together," said Myron Mosbarger, president of Helius, Inc. "This presents powerful options for LAN administrators all over Canada."

With this announcement, Helius is actively recruiting qualified Gold or Platinum Novell Resellers throughout Canada. Helius is looking for resellers who are familiar with Internet and e-mail configurations, and have the ability to install or subcontract the installation of satellite dishes and run cable. Interested resellers may apply for Helius' self-authorization program on the Helius web site located at http://www.helius.com or call 888-764-9020 for more information. The self-authorization program consists of a computer-based training kit, training manual and installation guide, as well as a demonstration system including a mini satellite dish, mount, and interface card. The self-authorization program also has a unique testing component to ensure the accurracy and quality of the reseller installation procedure.

  Through a partnership between the Stentor member companies, Industry Canada, and Telesat, Canadian schools benefit from Telesat's DirecPC at very attractive prices. DirecPC, including the installation kit, is available for CDN $1,600. A complete DirecPC Network Edition access kit costs CDN $1,100 (for a 5-user LAN and $368 for each additional 5 users) and is available through select Novell Gold and Platinum resellers. Included in each DirecPC package is the 51 cm antenna, ISA card, software, manuals and a do-it-yourself installation kit. Under a special program made available through the Stentor/Telesat partnership, a special monthly service cost for unlimited access is CDN $30 per month paid annually (per 20 concurrent users). This program runs until October 1998. Schools interested in DirecPC may contact their local Gold and Platinum authorized Novell reseller or call 1-888-DirecPC (1-888-347- 3272). Further information is also available in the school section of Telesat's DirecPC Web site (www.telesat.ca/direcpc/).

Helius, Inc.- Founded in 1995, Helius, Inc. is a privately owned company based in Orem, Utah. Helius developed the first software to manage Internet transmissions from a satellite to local area networks. Its business focus is developing software that facilitates the delivery and access of data to LANs. Information about Helius and its products is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.helius.com.

Novell Canada, Inc.- Founded in 1983, Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL) is the world's leading provider of network software. The company offers a wide range of network solutions for distributed network, Internet, Intranet and small-business markets. Novell education and technical support programs are the most comprehensive in the network computing industry. Information about Novell's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com/canada.

Telesat - Telesat is Canada's satellite communications company, providing telecommunications services to businesses, broadcasters and institutions in Canada through its fleet of Anik Satellites. DirecPC is a high speed information service providing super fast Internet access, data and video distribution to businesses and schools across Canada. Information about Telesat is available at http://www.telesat.ca.