Digi International Selected by Microsoft for Remote Management of new MSN Search Server Farm

Business Wire, Dec 8, 2004

MINNETONKA, Minn. -- Digi CM console server with patented RealPort and SAC support will enable MSN administrators to tackle problems at remote data centers

Digi International (NASDAQ:DGII), the leader in Connectware(TM), today announced Microsoft Corp. selected the Digi CM console server, with patented RealPort software, to provide remote out-of-band access via serial port to the servers that power Microsoft's recently introduced MSN Search engine. The Digi CM supports Microsoft's Special Administration Console (SAC), a function that provides out-of-band, remote emergency management for Windows Server 2003. Using the Digi CM and SAC, MSN administrators can make administrative or configuration changes to the services or devices that are running, change network settings or accomplish other tasks necessary to make the server operational again. The Digi CM is the industry's first intelligent, secure console server with COM Port redirector technology, enabling MSN administrators to easily and more securely troubleshoot their remote data centers.

"We needed remote serial port concentrator out-of-band access to our servers," said Justin Osmer, product manager for MSN Search at Microsoft Corp. "The Digi CM helps automate the process for remote centralized access, minimizing the cost of on-site technical support."

The new MSN Search service is designed to reduce the time and effort required by consumers to find information online by offering one of the largest, most up-to-date selections of information and a new class of powerful, customizable search tools. The global beta version of MSN Search is available for public use worldwide in 26 markets and 11 languages from local MSN Web sites and in the United States at http://beta.search.msn.com.

A longtime Digi customer, Microsoft tasked Digi to add an efficient method for remote kernel debugging to the Digi CM. Digi accomplished this by adding the Digi-patented RealPort technology to the Digi CM console server. Digi's patented RealPort technology is designed to quickly and easily turn any non-networked device with a serial port to a fully collaborative part of a network. Requiring minimal network overhead, the low latency RealPort allows users to locate serial devices anywhere on an IP network without having to change applications that are expecting locally host-connected COM or TTY ports. The RealPort technology and Microsoft SAC support enabled MSN to use one box for all of its remote server management functions.

"The Digi CM with Realport allows MSN Search personnel to work smarter rather than harder," said Larry Kraft, vice president of America's sales and global marketing, Digi International. "It minimizes the need for costly on-site server farm debugging, troubleshooting and daily server management."

The Digi CM provides intelligent, secure and easy access to any network equipment with a serial port. It features out-of-band management for industry-leading servers, routers and other network equipment. The Digi CM connects to serial console ports using standard CAT5 cables, eliminating the hassles of custom cabling. Digi CM console servers are available in eight, 16, 32 and 48-port models in a 1U rack-mount form factor. Test drive the Digi CM demo today at www.digi.com/msdemo.> About Digi International

Digi International, based in Minneapolis, is the leader in Connectware and makes device networking easy by developing products and technologies that are cost effective and easy to use. Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

For more information, visit Digi's Web site at www.digi.com, or call 877-912-3444.

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