Zoom Announces Free Software Upgrade to 56K ITU Standard

Business Wire, Sept 9, 1997

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1997--

Guarantees Future 56K ITU Compatibility

Zoom Telephonics (NASDAQ:ZOOM) today announced that it will offer a free software upgrade to the ITU 56K standard for all its internal, external, and PC Card 56K modems currently shipping. The offer applies to customers in the USA and Canada, and is in effect for modems purchased through June 30, 1998.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is expected to set the 56K standard some time in 1998.

All currently-shipping Zoom 56K modems have software-loadable Flash memory, programmable Digital Signal Processors, and programmable Controllers to enable them to be software upgradeable to the ITU standard. The software upgrade will be placed on Zoom's Web site and bulletin board (BBS) for Zoom's customers to download free at their convenience.

As a further guarantee, in the unlikely event that a software upgrade to the ITU standard is not possible, Zoom will rework or replace any qualifying modem sent to Zoom for a maximum charge of $19. This charge covers all costs for the ITU upgrade, including delivery to the customer.

"Zoom continues to deliver on its promise of high performance per dollar and its commitment to truth and clarity in its advertising and customer relations," said Frank Manning, Zoom's President. "We believe that Zoom is the first major K56flex(tm) modem manufacturer to announce a definitive, customer-friendly, easy-to-understand 56K upgrade policy. Motorola and Diamond say that a shipping and handling charge may be necessary, but don't state a maximum charge. Many other modem manufacturers mislead potential customers into thinking that a software upgrade will definitely work. Because the ITU standard is still to be determined, it's important to have an upgrade program that is clear about any potential upgrade cost if a software upgrade is not possible."

All currently shipping North American Zoom 56K faxmodems are covered by this program, including Models 2818, 2819, 2822, 2845, 2848, 2849, 2875, and 2876.

"Zoom offers great K56flex products at low prices, with an upgrade path that is clear and reasonably priced," said Manning. "We believe that when all factors are considered, including original purchase price, customers will appreciate that Zoom's program actually offers a significantly lower cost for guaranteed future ITU compatibility than US Robotics. This, our strong 56K reviews including 'Buy It' from CNET in September and 'Tester's Choice' in the August issue of Data Communications, and our superb warranty -- 7 years for internals and externals, and 2 years for PC Card -- make Zoom 56K modems a great buy and a great value."

For more information about Zoom's 56K products or other products manufactured by Zoom, please call Zoom toll-free at 1-800-631-3116 or visit the Zoom Web site at http://www.zoomtel.com

Zoom Telephonics designs, produces, and markets products that link people and their personal computers through the world's largest network, the international telephone network, and connected networks including the Internet and corporate local area networks. Zoom products are produced in Boston, Massachusetts and sold worldwide.

CONTACT: Zoom Telephonics

Terry Manning/Leonard A. Phillips

617-423-1072