Hypercom offers entry-level FRAD for remote sites; Value-added 0B+D ISDN support cuts services costs; Versatile two-port FRAD supports new cost-saving use of ISDN D-channels

Business Wire, Jan 29, 1996

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 1996--Hypercom Network Systems, a manufacturer of hybrid routers that integrate legacy systems and high-speed LANs in frame relay-based multiprotocol networks, Monday announced its Integrated Enterprise Network (IEN) 500, a versatile entry-level frame relay access device (FRAD) offering multiple value-added functionalities and support for cost-saving usage of ISDN D-channels.

Low-end Device Rounds Out IEN Line

"A low-cost solution for companies that must protect their investment in mission-critical SNA applications, the IEN 500 accommodates branch sites with simpler needs than those addressed by other members of the IEN family," said Hypercom's Senior Vice President, Paul Wallner. "Like all of our products, the IEN 500 provides more functionality than competitive solutions."

The IEN 500 may contain up to two serial ports and two WAN ports, or one serial and one Ethernet LAN port, as well as two WAN ports. It performs additional value-added functions by eliminating the need for external CSU/DSUs, V.32bis/V.34 dial back-up modems or ISDN interfaces. IEN 500 provides legacy protocol support for SNA/SDLC, SDLC to LLC2 conversion, BSC 3270 and other bisynchronous protocols.

Another value-add of the IEN 500 is data compression and encryption. Encryption is key to ensuring adequate security as information travels from remote branches over public network services.

"Security is a key strength of the IEN 500," Wallner said. "The market for this product includes small remote branches in large banking and retail corporations so the data being transmitted is often highly sensitive."

IEN 500: A New Way to Save With ISDN

Wallner said the IEN 500 represents Hypercom's on-going commitment to helping users reduce the largest cost components of branch networking, the carrier costs, by expanding users options for integrating ISDN into their cost-cutting strategies. The IEN 500 lets users capitalize on low-cost 0B D ISDN channel capacity.

"Carriers have just introduced tariffs on ISDN offering up to 9.6 kbits/second on D-channels at very low flat rates," Wallner said. "The D-channel can provide an extremely cost-efficient connection by being mapped to X.25 networks. These connections are ideal for low volume traffic such as data coming from automatic teller machines (ATMs).

"In large networks, strategic use of the most cost-effective WAN technology (Frame Relay, ISDN, etc.) and our IEN family of products can help save millions of dollars per year."

Pricing, Availability and Management

The IEN 500 will be available during the second quarter of this year. Pricing varies according to the mix of protocols supported with quantity pricing under $1,000 per unit. Easy to install and operate, the IEN 500 can be managed remotely by the industry-standard simple network management protocol, or SNMP-based managers, including the widely used HP OpenView or IBM's NetView for AIX.

About Hypercom

Hypercom Network Systems, a division of Hypercom Inc., provides advanced technology data communications systems and components to Fortune 1000 industries. Hypercom Network Systems' primary mission is to allow customers to integrate legacy SNA networks and PC/LAN networks into a manageable single resource.

Founded in 1978, Hypercom Inc. is a multinational company headquartered in Phoenix. Its products are sold in more than 30 countries and produce annual revenues in excess of $260 million.

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