Xircom announces industry's first combination PC Card with 100Mbps Ethernet and 56K Modem

Business Wire, April 21, 1997

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 1997--

Today's Highest Performing 10/33.6 Combo PC Card with the latest

100/56 Technologies at Virtually No Additional Cost

Xircom Inc. (NASDAQ:XIRC), the leader in connectivity solutions for mobile computing professionals, Friday announced the industry's first combination adapter with leading-edge 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and next-generation 56K modem technologies in a single PC Card.

The CreditCard Ethernet 10/100 Modem 56 is the latest member of Xircom's award-winning family of affordable Fast Ethernet solutions for portable PCs. It is the only adapter that provides seamless connections to both 10Mbps and 100Mbps networks, as well as modem speeds up to 56Kbps.

"The demand for connecting notebook users to information from remote locations continues to grow, and the need for flexible, cost-effective solutions has become more critical than ever," said Dirk Gates, Xircom president and chief executive officer.

"This innovative PC Card supports 10 and 100Mbps networks and delivers the fastest modem technologies available, enabling network administrators to deploy solutions that protect their companies' current and future mobile networking investments."

Explosive Growth in Mobile Connectivity

International Data Corp. estimates that by the year 2000, worldwide notebook shipments will reach 2 million annually. High-performance notebooks are increasingly replacing desktop systems as the primary PC. This transition is due to technology advancements that are bridging the performance gap between desktops and notebooks, like high-resolution screens, multi-gigabyte hard drives, and the ability to connect to 100Mbps networks.

As a result, notebook users are demanding connectivity solutions that are flexible, scalable and cost-effective.

Investment Protection

The Xircom CreditCard Ethernet 10/100 Modem 56 offers the ideal solution that grows with users' mobile networking and communications needs. It enables mobile professionals to take advantage of performance benefits today and tomorrow at a value.

"Xircom's CreditCard Ethernet 10/100 Modem 56 provides users with real price and performance value by delivering more functionality for the same price as a 10Mbps/33.6 combo card," said Renee Bader, senior director of worldwide product marketing for Xircom.

"It's flash-upgradeable to the new 56K ITU standard, further evidence of Xircom's commitment to providing our customers with products that offer investment protection in an industry that is continuously evolving."

Key features include:

--Auto-sensing of 10Mbps and 100Mbps networks, providing seamless operation on either standard Ethernet and Fast Ethernet networks

--Supports new K56flex technology for modem speeds up to 56Kbps (a)

--Flash ROM-upgradeable to new 56K ITU standard

--Amps cellular and GSM upgradeable

--Unique MiniDock connector, combining both LAN and modem connectors in a single, durable device

--GlobalACCESS, featuring unique enhancements for easy and reliable connections worldwide

--Digital Shield, safeguards modem from high-current digital phone lines and PBX's

--LAN and modem LEDs, providing status information at a glance

--Windows-based installation program that automatically configures both PC and NOS

--SNMP agent, allowing notebook to be managed using SNMP-based network management software

Connecting Internationally

To meet the demanding needs of multi-national corporations and the increasing number of notebook users traveling internationally, Xircom GlobalACCESS solutions provide special modem features for easy and reliable connections worldwide.

A member of Xircom's GlobalACCESS family, the CreditCard Ethernet 10/100 Modem 56 features Country Select software that automatically configures the modem to a country's local dialing conventions. Xircom has also made a significant investment in obtaining country approvals in the major business centers around the world, ensuring the most reliable communications abroad.

Modem Xccessories

Xircom provides a full line of Modem Xccesories that allow users to enhance the CreditCard Ethernet 10/100 Modem 56 as needs grow. The unique MiniDock combines both LAN and modem connectors in a single, durable device and includes easy-to-read LEDs for status information at a glance.

Xircom's Cellular Connection Kit gives notebook users dial-up access with a variety of Motorola cellular telephones. The International Modem Kit includes 12 telephone adapters that enable users to connect to more than 160 phone systems worldwide.

Availability

The Xircom CreditCard Ethernet 10/100 Modem 56 will be available in June for $379 (SRP), through Xircom's worldwide network of distributors, value-added resellers and system integrators.

About Xircom

Xircom is the leading manufacturer of PC Card and CardBus communications products for connecting mobile and remote portable PC users to corporate networks, the Internet and other on-line services from a wide variety of locations. More information about Xircom's products may be found at www.xircom.com .