Diamond Multimedia bundles Mindspring's Internet software with its line of SupraExpress 56 modems

Business Wire, June 30, 1997

VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 1997--

Diamond Multimedia's SupraExpress 56 modems for PC

and Macintosh now include MindSpring's Internet service

Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc., (Nasdaq: DIMD), a leader in Internet multimedia acceleration, today announced that the SupraExpress 56 line of modems for both Windows and Macintosh computers will be bundled with Internet software from MindSpring (Nasdaq/NM: MSPG), a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP).

MindSpring's software is an Internet starter kit that provides everything personal computer users need for high-speed, direct access to the Internet, including Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer(TM) for web browsing.

Diamond Multimedia's SupraExpress 56 modems are capable of data download speeds of up to 56,000 bits per second (bps) and are engineered with flash memory, making upgrades to the latest firmware improvements virtually effortless. Designed with 56K interoperability in mind, SupraExpress 56 modems incorporate Rockwell and Lucent's new K56flex technology, which is endorsed by central site providers such as Ascend Communications and Cisco Systems. In addition, MindSpring is joining the growing list of more than 1,500 technology providers dedicated to support the revolutionary K56flex technology.

"Diamond Multimedia's Internet-savvy customers are demanding faster and easier Internet connectivity solutions right out of the box," said James Cutburth, vice president of marketing for Diamond Multimedia's Communications Division. "The addition of MindSpring's support to our SupraExpress 56 modems provides Diamond customers with yet another integrated communications solution for fast and easy Internet access."

"MindSpring intends to provide support for Diamond Multimedia's K56flex modems when the technology becomes available across our third party networks," said Mike McQuary, MindSpring president and COO. "Diamond Multimedia's SupraExpress 56 modems deliver a high-caliber solution that not only meets our customers' need to access the web at the fastest analog speed available, but also provides them with the latest in ongoing firmware improvements."

Value-Added Software

In addition to MindSpring's software, each SupraExpress 56 ships with a CD-ROM that contains advanced fax, data and a variety of other Internet access software. PC models feature Thought Communications'(R) FaxTalk(TM) fax software, COMit(R) data software and VDONet(R) video conferencing software. The Macintosh modems include MicroPhone(R) LT data communications software and Diamond Multimedia's Supra FAXcilitate(TM) software (including Supra VoiceMail(TM) on select models).

All SupraExpress 56 modems include Microsoft's Internet Explorer and NetCom's NetComplete(R) with Netscape's Navigator(R), as well as a BackWeb(R) client for automatic downloading of firmware updates, and a trial version of Blizzard's Warcraft II(R) for head-to-head modem gameplay.

Diamond Multimedia

Diamond Multimedia is driving the Internet multimedia market by providing interactivity and connectivity solutions for home, business and professional desktop computer users, enabling them to create, access and experience compelling new media content from their desktops and through the Internet. Diamond accelerates multimedia from the Internet to the hard drive with products that include the Stealth series of media accelerators, the Monster series of entertainment 3D and sound accelerators, the Fire series of professional 3D and SCSI accelerators, and the Supra(R) series of modems. Diamond also markets DVD and video phone kits. Diamond's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol DIMD, and its web site address is www.diamondmm.com .

How to Contact Diamond Multimedia

There are many ways to reach Diamond for sales support, technical assistance, driver updates and general information:

Internet Web Site: http://www.diamondmm.com

Diamond Multimedia's Headquarters and Audio-Visual Systems Division: 408-325-7000; Fax: 408-325-7070

Communications Division (Supra brand modems) Main Phone Number: 360-604-1400; Fax: 360-604-1401

European Division (Germany): +49-8151-266-0; (UK): +44-1189-444400; (France) +33-1-47561157

Korean Office (Seoul): +82-2-551-2700; Fax: +82-2-551-2710

Japanese Office (Tokyo): +81-3-5695-8401; Fax: +81-3-5695-8403

ASEAN Office (Singapore): +65-353-9511; Fax: +65-353-9510

Hong Kong Office: +852-2375-9023; Fax: +852-2375-9021

Support Information Line for Communications: 1-800-774-4965

Product Support (Voice), Audio-Visual Systems: 408-325-7100; Communications: 541-967-2450; Europe (Germany) +49- 8151-266-330; Europe (UK) +44-1189-444444; ISDN Support Center 408-325-7110; Fire GL Support Center 408-325-7120; TDD/TTY Support 541-967-2451

Product Support (Fax), Audio-Visual Systems: 408-325-7171; Communications: 541-967-2401; Europe (Germany) +49- 8151-266-331; Europe (UK): +44-1189-444445; (France) +33-1-47561139