Networking: Intel Makes High-Speed Network Connectivity More Affordable for Small Businesses; Introduces Intel InBusiness 8-Port 10/100 Switch for Less Than $60 per Port - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Feb 15, 1999

Intel Corp. Tuesday announced that it is helping small business customers affordably increase network performance and protect their network investments with the introduction of the Intel InBusiness 8-Port 10/100 Switch. For small businesses not already networked, or businesses planning to expand their network, the switch offers a high-speed solution for sharing e-mail, increased Internet access, printers, files and applications.

With the option of connecting at either 10 Mbps (megabits per second) or 100 Mbps, small businesses can connect their existing network at 10 Mbps today with the option to upgrade to 100 Mbps tomorrow. At less than $60 per port (U.S. suggested list), the new Intel InBusiness switch is one of the most affordable switching products available on the market today. In keeping with the entire line of Intel InBusiness products, designed for small business connectivity, the new switch is easily installed in a matter of minutes and features the Intel InBusiness SureStack design, allowing vertical or horizontal stacking with other Intel InBusiness products to help save office space. "Small businesses want to grow into bigger and more successful businesses," said Brad Romney, business unit manager of Intel's Small Business Networking Group. "Intel's small business networking charter is to help businesses realize their goals by providing solutions that help them get connected and increase productivity." Network switches provide a dedicated network connection to each user, group of users, servers, printers or other network devices. This dedicated connectivity helps enable high-speed,100 Mbps access for employees who need robust access to software applications, such as imaging or publishing, while also connecting to older PCs and other equipment which may be capable of linking to the network at only 10 Mbps. The Intel InBusiness 8-Port 10/100 Switch also contains an additional "crossover" port, enabling it to connect to virtually any other network hub or switch. It supports nearly all network platforms including Windows(1) 95, Windows 98(2), Windows(1) NT, Netware(1) and MAC OS(1)(2). Pricing and Availability The Intel InBusiness 8-Port 10/100 Switch is available at a suggested list price of $449 (U.S.). All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; at (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or at 503/264-7354 for other international customers. Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com.