Melville, NY, March 17, 2005 - The recently introduced Olympus MicroSuite™ FIVE imaging software, which offers enhanced solutions for both monochrome and color image acquisition and processing, now has an exciting Internet camera feature. The NetCam feature is ideal for clinical applications and education.

MicroSuite FIVE is a newly upgraded version of the popular microscope imaging software produced by Olympus and its affiliate Soft Imaging System Corp., Muenster, Germany and Lakewood, CO. The software is fully integrated with Olympus microscopes, including the BX61, IX81 and AX70 motorized microscopes, as well as third party stages and other devices. With its wide range of functionality, MicroSuite FIVE supports numerous CCD and video cameras and TWAIN devices.

In addition to microscope control, the Special Edition introductory level package features image acquisition, simple image processing, interactive measurements, and report and database integration. The Basic Edition builds upon these features with additional functionality, including multi-channel fluorescence acquisition, image stitching based on pattern recognition, extended focal imaging, macro-recording, and remote visualization of an image via an IP-addressable camera. Biological Suite and Analytical Suite provide further functionality, including automated particle analysis and stage navigation to acquire overview images. The Advanced Suite offers multidimensional time-lapse analysis, 3-D rendering, slide- or multi-well processing, and simple deconvolution. Modules can be added to increase the functionality of each package.

NetCam is an exciting new feature included in MicroSuite FIVE Basic Edition and higher level packages. Designed for use with the Olympus DP70 and DP30 cameras and the Soft Imaging System FireWire cameras (FVII, CC12, CVII, and CVIII), NetCam uses TCP/IP to broadcast a live image over the Internet via an assigned static IP address. Up to 50 remote "client" computers can simultaneously log on and view a live or captured image from a camera placed on a microscope in another physical or geographical location using a standard web browser and the IP address of the microscope imaging system that is running MicroSuite FIVE with NetCam. The primary user can manually or automatically adjust the microscope and camera parameters; capture, annotate, and send images; and control access by remote users. Remote users can view live images at 800 x 600 pixel resolution, and captured images at full resolution or compressed, for faster transmission. Remote users cannot control the camera or the microscope.

For more information on MicroSuite imaging software and NetCam, contact Karen Gustashaw at Olympus America Inc., Two Corporate Center Drive, P.O. Box 9058, Melville, NY 11747-9058; http://www.olympusamerica.com/microscopes; Email: olympusseg@econnextions.com; or phone 1-800-455-8236.

About Olympus Scientific Equipment Group
Olympus Scientific Equipment Group provides innovative microscope imaging solutions for researchers, doctors, clinicians and educators. Olympus microscope systems offer unsurpassed optics, superior construction and system versatility to meet the ever-changing needs of microscopists, paving the way for future advances in life science.

About Olympus
Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in healthcare and consumer electronics worldwide.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Tokyo-based Olympus Corporation, to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus serves healthcare, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers efficiently, reliably, safely, and easily achieve superior results.Olympus is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company's market-leading consumer electronics business spans North and South America. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.