ACC introduces Congo for easy-to-use, high-speed ISDN network access from your home or small office.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 1995--Advanced Computer Communications Inc. (ACC), the leading provider of network- access solutions for the home, office and enterprise, Monday introduced Congo, a powerful ISDN bridge/router that enables home and small-office professionals to increase productivity and dramatically decrease configuration time.

Congo is designed to provide the telecommuter, small office or Internet ``surfer'' with the bandwidth and features required to support remote network access. Best of all, Congo is priced at less than $1,000, making it the most attractive small-office/home-office access router on the market today.

With its compact enclosure and front-mounted LEDs, Congo is perfect for desktop operation and ease of use. It supports 802.1D bridging and Static IP (or an optional IP/IPX model supports IPX/SPX Spoofing and Demand IPX RIP/SAP) routing plus a suite of features including PAP or CHAP authentication and standards-based PPP multilink operation.

Congo has a 10BaseT Ethernet and a Basic Rate ISDN connection and can be configured to connect up to 10 different remote sites.

By supporting 128-Kbps data rates, Express Queuing and 4:1 Data Compression, Congo speeds information down the line at up to 512 Kbps. It is ideal for telecommuting and Internet surfing, providing end users with high-speed connectivity previously available only to corporate MIS departments.

``The single biggest issues with ISDN are the horror stories involved with connecting products to the service, and the delays and complications associated with ordering it,'' explained Bert Whyte, president of ACC.

``ACC has taken the issue head-on with our new ISDN router, Congo, and especially with Express Access, a simple user interface designed to get even the `unsophisticated' user up and running on the Web within minutes.''

Express Access Eliminates Complex Configuration Requirements

The key to expanding ISDN access past the branch office and into the home or small office is ease of use. And with ACC's unique configuration interface, Express Access, it has never been easier. Users of all levels -- from the home Internet surfer to the sophisticated small-office professional -- can easily configure the Congo in a matter of minutes for fast ISDN access.

Express Access actually leads the user through the configuration process. By responding to a series of simple questions, the user can set up the bridge/router without having to work with complex commands or menu interfaces.

ACC meets the challenge of bringing high-speed ISDN internetworking into the home or small office by simplifying the configuration process to a point where even those not familiar with networking can connect to the Internet in minutes.

Bandwidth Optimization Provides Maximum Performance

Congo supports ACC's exclusive Bandwidth Optimization features at no additional charge. These features include Data Compression, Express Queuing and advanced dialing techniques.

Data Compression increases the amount of information sent over the ISDN link by a factor of 4:1. This means faster data transfers and faster Internet Web access, all resulting in less connect time. Express Queuing provides automatic dynamic allocation of available bandwidth on a per-session basis, yielding predictable network response times.

Dial on Demand initiates calls only when there is actual data to be transferred. And Dial on Congestion allows the second ISDN B channel to be used dynamically to handle peaks in demand. Most important, these Bandwidth Optimization features can be used together to provide maximum performance when accessing corporate databases or surfing the Internet while achieving maximum savings.

``With more than 10 million Americans doing at least part of their jobs at home, easy-to-use, affordable, technically superior products need to be available which are catered to the specific needs of the telecommuter,'' continued Whyte. ``ACC has developed the perfect balance in Congo by providing a high-performance device that's simple to operate for under $1,000.''

Designed for the Small or Home Office

The smallest unit in ACC's line of internetworking products, Congo measures only 8-1/2 by 6 inches and weighs only 1.3 pounds. Designed specifically for the home or small office where physical space is at a premium, Congo is made for the desktop. It is also fully compatible with other ACC bridge/routers and those from other vendors, making it a true multivendor internetwork solution.

Pricing and Availability

Congo IP ISDN with S/T Interface begins shipping in December for $995. Congo IP ISDN with U Interface sells for $1,195. Congo IP/IPX ISDN will also be available in December, with single-unit pricing starting at $1,395.

About ACC

ACC is a leading manufacturer of network-access products that provide cost-effective solutions for the home, office and enterprise. ACC leads the industry in the development of Bandwidth Optimization technologies to maximize the utilization of leased lines and switched services.

ACC's products are sold worldwide through 80 leading international VARs and OEMs serving corporate and business customers, educational institutions, health care, retail establishments, governments and PTTs.

Advanced Computer Communications has headquarters at 340 Storke Road, Santa Barbara, Calif. 93117; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; Internet [e-mail]; World Wide Web http://www.acc.com. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Congo is a trademark of Advanced Computer Communications. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Advanced Computer Communications Inc., Santa Barbara

Andrew Chase or Jessica Glick, 805/685-4455