ActionTec Announces DataLink; PC Card Fax/Modem Supports V.90 and K56flex

Business Wire, July 10, 1998

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 1998--ActionTec Electronics, Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications and wireless products, announced today the DataLink(TM) V.90/K56flex PC Card Fax/Modem. Supporting both the recently ratified V.90 and popular K56flex standard, the Internet phone-ready PC Card modem gives mobile users the best opportunity to connect to 56K ISPs. The modem is software upgradeable to take advantage of the latest standards as they become available.

"The ratification of the V.90 standard by the ITU has ended the competition between the x2 and K56flex standards," stated Elliot Hadaegh, VP of Sales and Marketing for ActionTec. "By providing simultaneous support of both the new V.90 and the still-popular K56flex standards, ActionTec is ensuring mobile computer users the maximum flexibility for high speed connection to the Internet."

The DataLink is the latest in the award-winning DataLink PC Card modem family. Compatible with DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT, the fax/modem includes plug-and-play automatic installation to get users on-line right away. Based on the Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group chip set, the modem delivers powerful advantages in performance, innovation, and upward compatibility.

The DataLink requires no external power and features battery-saving power management capabilities. Automatic rate adaptation technology adjusts speeds, depending on line conditions, to operate at the optimum speeds with the fewest errors.

The modem includes ActionTec's award-winning, easy-to-use fax and data communications software and trial Internet phone software. The Internet phone software allows users to place voice and video calls from their home computers to others around the world for just the cost of an Internet connection. Also included is a bonus CD catalog with free trial subscriptions and software from leading Internet service providers, virtual office software, speed reading software and much more.

Supporting even the most sophisticated high speed data communication needs, the modem operates at up to 56 Kbps, and combines MNP5 and V.42bis data compression with MNP2-4, V.42, and LAPM error correction to provide full duplex operation with throughput up to 115,200 bps. The modem is fully compatible with all common modem standards to ensure reliable connections when lower speeds are needed. Speed is automatically negotiated on connection. In the FAX mode, the modem offers send/receive fax capability up to 14,400 bps and provides Group 3 fax support.

Purchasers of the new modems will be able to download future software updates directly from the ActionTec Internet site at www.actiontec.com.

The DataLink will be available mid-July through ActionTec national distributors and retail outlets at an estimated street price of $149.00. The modem is backed by an aggressive five-year limited warranty and comes with free technical support.

ActionTec Electronics, Inc. is a significant global player in the PC Card and internal fax modem marketplace. ActionTec's technically sophisticated products meet the needs of computer users in both mobile and desktop environments. ActionTec's product line includes a complete line of mobile communication and storage PC Cards (PCMCIA), and internal and external desktop fax/modems. The company has a track record of growth, attributed primarily to strong relationships in the data communications product marketplace. Additionally, ActionTec Electronics, Inc. delivers a range of connectivity and storage products, allowing desktop computer users to increase productivity and portable computer users to communicate effectively from non-traditional locations. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA and maintains branch offices in Philadelphia, PA, Government Sales in Arlington, VA, and International Sales in Irvine, CA.

ActionTec products are available through national distribution and retail outlets as well as through private label and OEM relationships. ActionTec can be reached via the Internet at http://www.actiontec.com, or by phone at (408) 752-7700 or fax (408) 541-9003.

ActionTec and the ActionTec logo are trademarks of ActionTec Electronics, Inc. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: ActionTec Electronics Inc.

Elizabeth Briggs, 408/752-7700

elizabethb@actiontec.com

or

S&S Public Relations, Inc.

Lauren Finkelman, 800/287-2279

lauren@sspr.com