SOHOware Distribution Agreement With National Datacomm Corp. Signals Global Expansion for Home Networking Solutions Provider

Business Wire, August 30, 2000

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2000

Taiwan-Based Partner Will Also Import SOHOware's Proven

Consumer-Oriented Business Model And Strategy of Alliances with

Broadband Service Providers

SOHOware Inc. Wednesday announced that National Datacomm Corp., based in Hsin-Chu Science Park, Taiwan, will distribute SOHOware-branded products in Asia and, in addition, will adopt a successful U.S. business model for capitalizing on the growth of broadband communications technology through partnerships with broadband service providers (BSPs).

Dr. C.T. Wu, SOHOware CEO, said the agreement is the first step in a global expansion for SOHOware that will "follow the broadband revolution wherever it goes."

"The Asian market is currently on a very fast track for consumer acceptance of broadband technology, which enables high-speed Internet access through cable television, telephone and satellite service providers," Wu added.

The other major pre-requisite for a lucrative consumer networking market -- growth of residences and small offices with multiple PCs -- is also gaining momentum in Asia, according to Changhua Chiang, National Datacomm CEO. "The SOHOware product line, which includes both wired and wireless solutions for PC and mobile computer users to share resources and Internet access, will be marketed in Asia via retail stores, eCommerce and OEM agreements with BSPs," she said.

In addition to ensuring widespread product availability, National Datacomm will emulate SOHOware's North American business model of alliances with BSPs. This includes providing online broadband and home networking educational content via the Web, co-marketing strategies, a cultural orientation to simplifying network installation for do-it-yourself consumers, brand recognition campaigns, and around-the-clock customer telephone service.

SOHOware's BSP-oriented business model, which was launched in January of this year, has proven effective in North American alliances with AT&T Road Runner, Time Warner, Cablevision, Rogers (Canada), and others.

SOHOware was strongly motivated by unique opportunities in broadband deployment for a company that could dedicate itself exclusively to making home network installation a "simple, friendly and low maintenance" experience for consumers, according to Wu. "Our consumer orientation has proven to be of immense value to BSPs that have willing customers but no infrastructure for delivering turnkey home network solutions," he said. "The circumstances and opportunities are similar throughout the world."

About SOHOware Inc.

SOHOware, with headquarters in Santa Clara, develops and markets the industry's most complete line of broadband-centric home networking products and self-installation programs, providing the most consumer-friendly networking experience backed by excellent customer service and support for home and small office computer users. SOHOware's broadband-centric home networking family includes the CableStar DOCSIS cable modem, Broadband Internet Gateway, broadband-sharing wired and CableFREE wireless home networking products. The company also plans to launch phoneline broadband solutions.

SOHOware-branded products are available at retail outlets including Fry's, Micro Center, THE WIZ and CompuSmart Canada, as well as through MSO/SOHOware co-branded e-commerce sites. SOHOware is a member of BlueTooth, HomePNA, the Wireless Ethernet Compliance Association (WECA), Universal Plug and Play Forum (UpnP) as well as the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) and the California Cable Television Association (CCTA).

For more information, call 800/632-1118 or visit the company's Web site at http://www.sohoware.com.