FTP Software's new OnNet delivers advanced mobile communications; Industry leader offers TCP/IP networking applications for all Windows platforms

Business Wire, March 13, 1996

ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 1996--FTP Software, Inc. today announced OnNet Version 2.1 for Windows, a new version of its PC-based TCP/IP networking solution for enterprise and workgroup users.

OnNet Version 2.1 features advanced mobile connectivity for network access from any location. FTP Software, the TCP/IP market leader for 1995 according to an upcoming report entitled "Outlook for TCP/IP from Transport to Architecture" recently completed by International Data Corporation, offers the only enterprise networking solution to support all Windows platforms.

"As the acknowledged leader in TCP/IP solutions, we used our complete understanding and dedication to the technology to take OnNet to the next level by providing advanced features like mobile connectivity and adding value with exciting applications such as InterDrive," according to Bob Hathaway, vice president of engineering and general manager of the Networking Products Business Unit at FTP Software. "These applications add value not only by connecting people but also by leveraging those connections for more cost effective collaboration."

The new mobile connectivity of OnNet 2.1 includes an enhanced dialer that provides mobile access via serial line, wireless modems and worldwide ISDN, including support for WinISDN as well as the European CAPI 2.0 standard. In addition to CAPI, support for PPP Multilink is also provided. OnNet's automatic dialer combined with Kernel IP switching capability provide users with the flexibility to change from office to mobile connections without reconfiguring their PC.

Cindy Borovick, research manager for International Data Corporation's Networking Architectures program, stated that "FTP Software continues to add value to OnNet's functionality by enhancing its existing applications. OnNet's new features appeal to corporate customers' needs for mobile connectivity."

"OnNet provides our company with a variety of essential tools in support of our network connectivity," said Roy Turpin, a PC/Lab engineer at Genentech, Inc., an OnNet 2.1 beta site and an FTP Software customer for over 8 years. "With OnNet, FTP Software offers us the kind of solutions unmatched for their breadth and scope of connectivity features."

Comprehensive Mobile Connectivity and Enhanced Security

OnNet's comprehensive mobile connectivity has an intelligent dialer with an improved user interface including simplified configuration screens for set-up and use. OnNet 2.1 provides WinISDN support, CAPI 2.0 and PPP Multilink Protocol which now covers international standards. Wireless modem support includes Cellular, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), GSM (European cellular standard) and "Star data" modem pools. OnNet 2.1 also contains easy to use embedded modem scripts for quick start up, as well as an advanced mode for customizing modem scripts to a particular networking environment.

Security in OnNet 2.1 has been extended to include support for ANS firewalls, allowing for a single login to both the firewall and the host as well as providing additional interoperability with existing security environments. Additional security built in OnNet includes the SOCKS firewall standard. OnNet also includes an enhanced version of its Web Browser that provides secure transactions utilizing the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption.

Integrated NFS Clients and OnNet Server 2.0 (available only on CD ROM version) also contain integrated network file sharing (NFS) clients including InterDrive 95 and InterDrive NT that allow users to connect to a server to share hardware, applications or entire directories of information from UNIX or NT workstations as though they were resident on the user's PC.

Pricing and Availability

OnNet Version 2.1 for Windows will be available within 30 days with a US list price of $450. OnNet is available both on diskette and CD ROM. The CD ROM version includes integrated copies of PC/TCP Network Software for DOS Version 4.1 and OnNet Server Version 2.0, a 32-bit VxD-based NFS server and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server for file and printer sharing and enterprise-wide configuration services.

About FTP Software, Inc.

FTP Software, Inc. is the leading independent supplier of Internet software solutions that enable millions of PC users worldwide to access resources across LANs, enterprise networks and the global Internet. The publicly held company (Nasdaq: FTPS) is a pioneering developer of TCP/IP and interconnectivity applications and is committed to providing technically superior products for sharing information across disparate computing platforms and networks. Both its Networking Business Unit and New Ventures Business Unit are targeting and investing in emerging markets and developing new technologies that will carry the company's vision into the 21st century. FTP Software markets its products and services worldwide through an international distributor network, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and direct sales. -0-