Männedorf, Switzerland, 09 February 2004: - Tecan, a leading player in the Life Sciences supply industry, is opening the next chapter in the history of liquid handling automation. Freedom EVOware brings a new dimension to controlling robotic platforms. The software provides unmatched combination of flexibility and ease-of-use for beginners with no experience and automation experts setting up complex multi-device schedules. The new control software for automation platforms was recently presented at the LabAutomation exhibition in San Jose, California, USA.

From lab technicians running protocols to system integrators extending the system with new devices, Freedom EVOware offers a superior working experience through its ease-of-use. A completely new, consistent and intuitive graphical user interface truly simplifies the control of the Freedom EVO, from basic pipetting protocols on a Freedom EVO 100, to multi-plate scheduled runs on a fully configured Freedom EVO 200. Freedom EVOware is the first liquid handling and robotic control software to provide pipetting and dynamic scheduling in one package. Therefore, Freedom EVOware opens the door of advanced assay control to a whole new group of users. In addition, Freedom EVOware supports laboratories working under the FDA's 21 CFR part 11 regulation that need multilevel user management, full audit trail, electronic records and electronic signatures.

"We were very proud to introduce Freedom EVOware among a range of new Tecan products at this year's LabAutomation in San Jose and the large number of visitors at our booth and their enthusiastic response showed that Tecan really started the year out with very exciting news," comments Christoph Kaufmann, Marketing Manager Liquid Handling and Robotics at Tecan. "The software is ideal for all levels of experience, as it guides users through the program and is capable of managing the most complex scheduling and operative tasks. Freedom EVOware is the ideal software to complement our Freedom EVO series of liquid handling platforms as it is designed to fully utilize the platforms' powerful features for all biopharmaceutical and research applications."

Freedom EVOware's intuitive graphical user interface sets new standards in user friendliness. Worktable definition is simplified through drag and drop robotic moves, and protocols creation is accelerated through application templates. 3D simulation allows the user to see the process before running it on the Freedom EVO, thus saving valuable time optimizing protocols.

Freedom EVOware offers system integrators an extendable library of over 75 drivers for detection, separation, robotics and plate handling and storage devices from Tecan and 3rd party vendors. System customization is supported through a variety of open interfaces for device drivers, automation, worklisting and messaging delivering flexibility at all levels.

For more information, please contact :

Product information:

Tecan Group Ltd.
Cornelia Kegele
Manager Marketing Communications and Branding
Tel.: +41 (0)44 922 81 11
Fax: +41 (0)44 922 82 81
e-mail: cornelia.kegele@tecan.com
Internet: www.tecan.com

Editorial contact:

Northbank Communications
Stefan Platz
Account Manager
Tel.: +49 (0)89 1895 7057
e-mail: s.platz@northbankcommunications.com