Echelon Introduces Free Developer's Kit for the Java Platform, Providing
Enhanced Internet Access for Millions of Everyday Devices

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 17, 2000--Echelon Corporation (Nasdaq:ELON - news) announced today that it has released new software that will improve the way we work and live. The new LNS(TM) HMI Developer's Kit for the Java(TM) platform enables developers to easily create stand-alone Java technology-based applications, browser-based Java applets, and server-based Java servlets that interact with networks of everyday devices in homes and businesses. Effectively, this makes everyday devices such as light switches, appliances, thermostats, air conditioners, pumps, motors, and valves Internet-enabled and available to an HMI (human machine interface) running on any Java platform, from mainframe computers to handheld consumer devices.

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For consumers, the new software enables the creation of dynamic, web-based user interfaces and new web-delivered services. For businesses, it enables new enterprise applications that integrate information from smart LonWorks® devices embedded in their buildings and plants to lower cost, improve quality, and increase productivity. Available now, the LNS HMI Developer's Kit for the Java platform is provided free of charge and can be downloaded from http://www.echelon.com/lns.

``Java technology-based applications created with this new LNS developer's kit essentially cut the tethers to where devices, servers, and service centers are located,'' said Damian Inglin, Echelon product marketing manager. ``The opportunities it creates for businesses, and the conveniences it can bring to consumers, are extraordinary. For example, by using LonWorks enabled home appliances available today, it is possible to create applications that will allow a Paris homeowner to check the status of his or her appliances while traveling on business to New York, as well as to purchase monitoring services for the appliances offered by a service center in Milan.''

``Echelon's HMI Developer's Kit for the Java platform exemplifies the power that comes from building on open industry standards such as the LonWorks platform, the Java platform, and the Internet,'' said Richard Green, vice president Java software, Software Systems Group at Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq:SUNW - news). ``The Java platform allows code to move between different computing devices and to run without modification. The LonWorks platform enables all of the everyday devices around us to become smart, networked devices. The combined result is an end-to-end solution which enables any device with a Java virtual machine--from a PC to a PDA to a digital cell phone--to become a window into everyday devices, extending our reach, our vision, and our control.''

``As deregulation sweeps across industries and across the world, utilities, telephone companies, ISPs, and cable providers alike are moving towards network-delivered services as the means to retain existing customers, attract new customers, and generate additional revenues,'' said Ethan Cohen, senior analyst, energy and communications at Aberdeen Group. ``By extending the reach of networks to everyday devices with a standards-based solution, Echelon is establishing itself as a key part of these companies' value-added services infrastructure. The LNS HMI Developer's Kit for the Java platform extends Echelon's leadership position in this space and enables service providers to develop new services more quickly and to reduce the cost of serving their customers.''

For more information about the LNS network operating system, LNS plug-ins, LNS-enabled applications developed by third parties, and LNS developer's kits, please visit http://www.echelon.com/lns.

About Echelon Corporation

Echelon Corporation is the world leader in networking everyday devices. The company offers a comprehensive line of hardware and software products for automating building, home, industrial, transportation, and utility applications using LonWorks networks, an international, cross-industry, open standard for interoperable device networks. Echelon is Bringing the Internet to Life(TM) by linking the millions of everyday devices connected with LonWorks networks to the Internet.

Echelon is based in Sunnyvale, California with international offices in China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Further information can be found at http://www.echelon.com.

Echelon's LonWorld2000(TM) Conference and Exhibition is designed to help end-users, integrators, service providers, and manufacturers learn how to use the LonWorks system in their business. Taking place October 18-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, LonWorld2000 features a series of forums, classes and presentations along with an exhibition of products and services covering the home/utility, building, industrial, and transportation markets. Information about LonWorld2000 can be found at http://www.lonworld2000.com/.

This press release may contain statements relating to future plans, events or performance. Such statements may involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties pertaining to demand for products and services, development of markets for Echelon's products and services, development of the market for open, interoperable everyday devices and other risks identified in Echelon's SEC filings. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Echelon undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.