Msg#:16712 *HST* 11-23-92 21:13:52 From: BILL WILKES To: ALL Subj: PRESS RELEASE (COMDEX) COMDEX: US Robotics: Future Products Revealed 11/18/92 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, U.S.A., 1992 NOV 18 (NB) -- US Robotics has revealed to Newsbytes its plans for the product range over the coming year. As well as the Shared Access network connectivity products and data over cellular modem technology reported by Newsbytes, the company has plans to expand its modem portfolio. At COMDEX, US Robotics was showing an enhanced version of its Worldport pocket modem. The unit has been enhanced to support V.32Bis (14,400 bits per second or bps), and plans are in hand to shrink the size of the Worldport's casing by around a third. Also in the pipeline for a first/second quarter introduction is a fax facility on the unit. A PCMCIA version of the Courier HST modem is also on the way. The modem, which will be unveiled in the second quarter of next year, will feature enhanced driver software developed specifically for data over cellular. Chris Coffin, vice president of strategic planning with USR, confirmed to Newsbytes that the software allows a 9,600 bps data throughput, rather than 4,800 bps available using existing technology. Rounding off the new products at COMDEX Fall was a V.32 version of the budget Sportster range of modems. According to Marshall Toplansky, vice president of marketing, the high-speed Sportster should be out in the US by the end of the year, to be followed by the launch of the complete Sportster range in the UK during the first quarter of next year. Toplansky has been working with his research and development division on the development of the Worldport series of portable modems, which the company began selling when it acquired Touchbase Systems of New York 18 months ago. The shift to high-speed modems is not without its problems, as modem users have discovered this past few years. Toplansky is aware of this problem and, with the cooperation of his R&D division, quietly released an $87 advanced PC serial port card known as the Powerport card four months ago in the US. The card, which will shortly appear in the UK, contains a high- speed UART that is found in many of the latest PCs. This UART allows the serial port to handle large quantities of data without placing a heavy load on the PC's microprocessor. This is important, particularly on 286 and slower 386SX-based PCs, or machines running Microsoft Windows, since Windows places a heavy load on system resources owing to its graphical nature. On conventional serial ports, the finite limit for data transmissions is around the 9,600 bps mark -- if a modem transmits data faster than this, the benefit is lost, since data to and from the PC's serial port is slowed down. The Powerport is similar to Hayes' Enhanced Serial Port (ESP) unit which sells in the UK for UKP 199. According to Toplansky, there is not that much difference between the Hayes ESP and the Powerport -- except in terms of price. "Dennis [Hayes] is a little upset with us about this, but that's business," he said, when talking about the chairman of Hayes MIcrocomputer Products. Toplansky added that, on the near horizon, probably with a first quarter '83 release date from US Robotics is a modem known as the Macinfax, an Apple Mac-specific version of the Sportster series of modems. "The Macinfax will be a Sportster modem, suitably modified for use with Mac's serial port, and with Mac communications software. We think it will sell well," he said. (Steve Gold/19921118/Press & Public Contact: US Robotics - Tel: 708-982-5264; Fax: 708-982-5235) (NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00027) Msg#:16711 *HST* 11-23-92 21:13:25 From: BILL WILKES To: ALL Subj: PRESS RELEASE (COMDEX) COMDEX: US Robotics Unveils Network Access Line 11/17/92 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, U.S.A., 1992 NOV 17 (NB) -- As expected, and confirming pre-Comdex announcements by the company, US Robotics has moved into the network connectivity market with a LAN (local area network) modem and a communications server, both of which have been designed for use on Ethernet networks. The entry-level Network Access unit is NetBIOS- and IPX- compatible, as well as offering dial-back security plus Novell Syscon-compatible control software. The unit, which includes a V32Bis modem, will costs $1,695 when it ships towards the tail end of this year in the US. The Communications Server costs $1,995 and adds an internal 80386SX-based PC with four megabytes (MB) of RAM to the basic specification. The PC option is designed for enhanced PC, as well as non-PC, remote access to a network. This unit will also ship towards the end of the year. So why add an 80386SX-based PC innards to the Communications Server? According to Gordon Reichard, product manager with US Robotics, this feature allows users of older PC networks, particularly those with 80286-based machines, to gain access to a 386 environment. "This could be useful for 286-based PC users who wanted to run Windows applications," Reichard cited as an example. Another example cited was one of an Apple Mac user wanting to access Windows applications over the distant network. Jonathan Zakin, US Robotics executive vice president of sales and marketing, said that more Shared Access units will be launched in the near future. "Expanding our position is consistent with our strategy of integrating our modem technology into communication systems for added value. The LAN/WAN (wide area network) market is a key target," he said. US Robotics claims that the target market for both units are those network users who want more than simply being able to dial out of the LAN. The Communications Server, for example, is claimed to be the most flexible standalone single port comms server on the market. Typical users will, the company claims, be those who want to be able to dial out of the LAN at high-speed, remote users who want to dial into the LAN, and for administrators who want to link two LANs together. (Steve Gold/19921117/Press & Public Contact: US Robotics - Tel: 708-982-5002; Fax: 708-982-5235) (NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00007) Msg#:16710 *HST* 11-23-92 21:12:46 From: BILL WILKES To: ALL Subj: PRESS RELEASE (COMDEX) COMDEX: US Robotics Announces Cellular Modem Plans 11/17/92 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, U.S.A., 1992 NOV 17 (NB) -- Amidst a welter of new products and announcements, US Robotics has wheeled out a new set of driver software for its Courier HST high-speed modems here at Comdex Fall. Initially, the software will allow a Courier HST modem, using either standard CCITT standards or its own proprietary asymmetric (18,000/450 bits-per-second - bps) system, to place, and hold, a modem call over a cellular phone link. "By the second quarter of next year we will have a portable version of the Courier HST, packed into a unit with a PCMCIA plug, as well as a standard portable casing, for use over cellular links. The PCMCIA version is something that is unique in the market," explained Chris Coffin, vice president of strategic planning with the company. What's also unique about the Courier HST for cellular project is that Coffin claims it is possible to achieve 9,600 bps data transmissions in the real world. "That is what we've achieved in the field. It compares well with the 4,800 bps speeds we've achieved using conventional CCITT modem technology," he explained, adding that the speed increase is made possible by the use of a number of new features to the Courier HST's internal software. "These include a robust data transfer protocol, a transmit level control, the use of adaptive transmissions, and a fast training sequence," he said. The fast training sequence between two Courier HSTs -- now down to six seconds -- contrasts with the 20/25 seconds taken by most V.32 modems. The fast training sequence, Coffin claims, neatly counters the problems of cellular hand-off when a cellular mobile moves between two cells. "Typically, you're looking at an interruption to the data flow of around 400 milliseconds due to the cellular hand-off," he said. Surprisingly, US Robotics has not opted for adaptive packet sizing in the new cellular HST protocol. Instead, the company has gone for a small packet size (typically 128 bytes) to ensure that the volume of retransmitted data over a cellular HST link is kept to a minimum. The cellular HST protocol will be available to Courier HST users within a few weeks in the US, although Coffin concedes that the protocol will only really come into its own when US Robotics releases the standard and PCMCIA portable versions of the Courier HST family of modems in the second quarter of next year. In a mock-up of the PCMCIA modem shown to Newsbytes, US Robotics has chosen to incorporate the modem electronics on a hump on an extended PCMCIA card. The entire ensemble is finished in a neat gray color. Pricing on the PCMCIA and standalone portable versions of the Courier HST range of modems will be announced closer to shipment date, which will be in the second quarter of next year. (Steve Gold/19921117/Press & Public Contact: US Robotics - Tel: 708-982-5002; Fax: 708-982-5235) (NEWS)(TELECOM)(LON)(00006) U.S. ROBOTICS SYSOP PRICING PRODUCT PRICE COURIER HST (U.S. AND CANADA) $ 349 COURIER V.32bis (U.S. AND CANADA) $ 349 COURIER HST DUAL STANDARD (U.S. AND CANADA) $ 449 INTERNATIONAL HST* $ 339 INTERNATIONAL V.32bis* $ 339 INTERNATIONAL COURIER HST DUAL STANDARD* $ 439 DOMESTIC POWER SUPPLY (INT'L USERS)* $ 10 INTERNATIONAL POWER SUPPLY (INT'L USERS)* $ 50 *International version and a separate power supply must be ordered if the modem is used outside the U.S. or Canada. International power supply is 220 volts; Domestic power supply is 110 volts. At least one (1) power supply must be ordered with each international modem. For detailed information and technical specifications on the above products, call the U.S. Robotics Technical Support Department at (800) 982-5151 in the U.S. or (800) 553-3560 in Canada. From outside the the U.S. or Canada, call (708) 982-5151. U.S. ROBOTICS SYSOP SUPPORT PROGRAM General: This section describes the rules of the U.S. Robotics SYSOP Program. U.S. Robotics reserves the right to modify or change these rules at any time. Scope: The U.S. Robotics SYSOP Program permits QUALIFIED SYSOPs to purchase current U.S. Robotics modem products at a reduced price. The purpose of this program is to continue the close relationship established many years ago. Participants should recognize that our ability to continue the program is dependent upon the strong position U.S. Robotics enjoys in the reseller channel with the distributors and dealers, VARs, etc. that continue to buy and resell our products to home and business users around the world. It is our intent to maintain the integrity of our channel relationships by closely scrutinizing each SYSOP sale to ensure that we only sell modems to qualified SYSOPs. Qualifications: 1. The SYSOP states that he/she is NOT in the business of reselling computer products and/or related peripherals, including modems. Qualified resellers may take advantage of other programs offered by U.S. Robotics by calling (800) 342-5877 and asking for the dealer sales representative for your area. 2. The SYSOP has been operating the bulletin board system for at least six (6) months. 3. The SYSOP understands that the number of modems that may be obtained under this program is limited to the number of working, VERIFIABLE data lines. Data lines MUST be dedicated for modem use only and MUST be available 24 hours a day for modem access. Modems purchased under this program MUST be used on one of the stated lines. 4. The SYSOP agrees to post an appropriate logon notice, visible to users of the bulletin board, which states that said bulletin board uses and supports U.S. Robotics brand modems. 5. The SYSOP agrees that he/she intends to operate the bulletin board, for which these modems are purchased, for at least six (6) months post purchase. The U.S. Robotics logon must remain in effect for six (6) months to allow verification that the bulletin board is in place and that the U.S. Robotics promotional message is being displayed. 6. The SYSOP agrees that, in order to avoid conflict with the U.S. Robotics reseller channel, modems purchased under this program cannot be re-sold without the expressed written consent of U.S. Robotics. Violation of this policy will result in the SYSOP's being ineligible for future participation in the U.S. Robotics SYSOP program. In addition, any warranties on modems re-sold without U.S. Robotics authorization will be null and void. 7. The SYSOP understands that verification of an order will take from four (4) to eight (8) weeks depending on the number of orders being processed by the SYSOP Support Department, difficulty in verifying your bulletin board and the availability of the particular modem ordered. U.S. Robotics will ship modem(s) to QUALIFIED SYSOPs as soon as possible after, typically two (2) to five (5) weeks after verification: A. The SYSOP completes the order form and questionnaire found on the US Robotics BBS. These must be filled-out online as no mail-in orders will be accepted. PREPAID ORDERS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED UNTIL PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY U.S. ROBOTICS. After placing an order on the board, a SYSOP wishing to prepay his/her order should send a money order or cashier's check to: U.S. Robotics SYSOP Support Program 8100 McCormick Blvd. Skokie, IL 60076 It is imperative that the SYSOP name, voice phone number and BBS phone number be indicated for identi- fication purposes. A personal or company check is acceptable, but shipping will be delayed ten (10) working days to ensure that the check clears our bank. NO CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS WILL BE DEPOSITED BY U.S. ROBOTICS UNTIL THE SYSOP's BBS HAS BEEN VERIFIED. B. The SYSOP understands that once an order is placed, it cannot be changed. If you are uncertain as to the modem you want to purchase, you may consult the Information & Text Files file area of this bulletin board for product information. Or, you may call the U.S. Robotics Technical Support Department at (800) 982-5151 in the U.S. or (800) 553-3560 in Canada. Outside the U.S and Canada, call (708) 982-5151. C. Your board will be verified by a U.S. Robotics Co-SYSOP. We MUST be able to connect with your bulletin board to verify board status. In the event that we are uncertain of your board status, you will be notified either by the Co-SYSOP via your board or by mail. We will advise you as best we can as to what you need to provide in order to have your board verified (appropriate logon, copy of phone bill, soft- ware registration, etc). In no case will we verify a board until we are certain that it meets the require- ments of the program. D. U.S. Robotics will not accept phone-in orders. E. U. S. Robotics reserves the right to modify, change or cancel this program at any time. F. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call (800) 342-5877 for clarification. In Canada, call (800) 553-3560. Outside the U.S. and Canada, call (708) 982-5001. *** THANK YOU *** ADDENDUM We realize that all Bulletin Boards are not the same and we are not always able to ascertain their validity during our normal verification process. In order not to exclude those Bulletin Boards from our program, we may request additional information such as copies of telephone bills, proof of software purchase and/or registration and network and association membership. U.S. Robotics is determined to provide a SYSOP Program which is fair and equitable to everyone. Any requests made of SYSOPs in order to verify Bulletin Boards are made in order to ensure that the program serves the entire SYSOP community and protect the USR distribution channel as well. We will make every effort to process each and every order in a professional and courteous manner. Please help us to provide the type of service you want and deserve by filling-out the order form as completely and accurately as possible and responding to our requests for additional information in a prompt manner. *** THANK YOU *** YOUNG GIRLS ... WE SAY --->>> SCREW'EM <<<--- __ __ _____ __ THEN CALL .... THE //_/ th | |__/ -->> (412) 695-3647 / / | RAC |__\ BS ------------- Now Stepping up to : 68030/68882/25mhz/AMIGA-3000 NOW ONLINE! U.S. ROBOTICS .. DUAL STANDARD 16.8 NOW ONLINE! NEW AMI-EXPRESS Ver 2.xx (Always Upgrading) ONLINE! ALL FILES UPLOADED ARE THOROUGHLY CHECKED OFFLINE! P.D. / BBS ADS / CODING CORNER / AMIGA ELITE / CONSOLE ELITE ________________________ DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND JUST .. CALL US !!! ( AMIGA ## ) |..3000..................| 79th TRAC BBS .. EST: MARCH 25,1990 | - - ======= ......| |................-.......| WE ARE THE ORIGINAL G.O.D. usa GROUP! \------------------------/ (======================) G.O.D. IS MORE POWERFUL THEN EVER !!