New eIeI/O Software Suite Introduces eFarming

AUSTIN, Texas -- April 1, 2002 -- National Instruments announced today a new software suite that simplifies the PC-based automation and control of farms via the Internet. The National Instruments eIeI/O suite is comprised of an electronic Input (eI) module and an electronic Input/Output (eI/O) module, which are compatible with the company's analog input and multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) boards, respectively. The products are compatible with industry-standard software vendors as Microsoft and Apple; and with hardware from leading vendors such as John Deere and Caterpillar.

"Anyone who has been on a farm or ranch realizes the opportunities that the eIeI/O suite presents," said Jack Barber, eIeI/O Product Manager. "There's always some sort of viscous, quasi-solid animal byproduct flowing one way or another. To use the Internet and DAQ to measure that flow, or possibly channel it; to have the capability to open an overflow valve, or automate when wash-down systems are engaged -- this is a tremendous advance in eFarming technology."

Texas Beta Site Realizes eFarming Benefits
According to Barber, a farm in Liberty Hill, Texas was a beta site for the new software suite, and is already realizing the benefits of PC-based automation.

"One of our beta users, Olga MacDonald, has a farm," said Barber. "She uses eIeI/O."

Touring the farm with Barber, MacDonald quickly agreed.

"On my farm, I have some DAQ," MacDonald said. "It's eIeI/O."

"There's some DAQ, Jack, here," MacDonald pointed out, "and some DAQ, Jack, there."

Barber was incredulous.

"Here's some DAQ and there's some DAQ?" he asked.

MacDonald shrugged.

"Everywhere there's DAQ, Jack," she answered.

"Olga MacDonald, you have a farm," Barber replied, "that's using eIeI/O -- quite successfully!"

About National Instruments
NI (Nasdaq: NATI) leverages commercial technologies, such as industry-standard computers and the Internet, to deliver customer-defined measurement and automation solutions. The company is run by people with a well-developed sense of humor who would not punish the Web team for a once-per-year bit of tomfoolery -- April Fools!! Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 2,800 employees and direct operations in 37 countries. NI increases the productivity of engineers and scientists worldwide by delivering easy-to-integrate software and modular hardware. In 2001, the company sold products to more than 24,000 different companies in more than 60 countries around the world. For the past three consecutive years, FORTUNE magazine has named NI one of the 100 best companies to work for in America.

National Instruments stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol NATI. Investment information may be obtained from the company's Investor Relations Department by visiting the company's Web site at www.ni.com/nati, sending e-mail to nati@ni.com or by calling (512) 349-5090.

Pricing, Availability, and For More Information
Pricing for the National Instruments eIeI/O suite is available online. For more information, contact:
National Instruments
11500 N Mopac Expwy
Austin, Texas 78759-3504

Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 258-7022, fax (512)683-8411, e-mail info@ni.com. Readers can also access information through the company's Web site at www.ni.com

Editor Contacts:
Kathleen Fisher
Reader Contact:
Ernest Martinez
National Instruments
(800) 258-7022

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