Acotec Announces Remote Access Manager Version 2.1; Next Generation RAS -Remote Access Service- Manager Offers Optimized User Interface, Improved Reporting and Event Management.

SAN FRANCISCO and BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 1999--

Acotec, the leading developer of remote access management software, today announced Acotec Remote Access Manager(TM) (RAM) 2.1. The latest version of the world's best-selling software solution for managing RAS (Remote Access Service) on Microsoft Windows(R) NT Server, Acotec RAM manages hardware resources, access control, event definition/notification, and usage reporting.

Acotec RAM 2.1 offers many new features designed to save system administration time and effort, and to make remote access easier, more reliable and cost effective. Among these are:

-    The new optional ISDN Call Management module (ICM) reduces the
     cost of remote access via ISDN to the absolute minimum while it
     maximizes security. The system can now automatically screen
     incoming calls based on the calling number, keeping lines free
     for authorized callers and preventing unwanted calls. Acotec RAM
     ICM allows administrators to define actions such as call
     acceptance, rejection, or D-channel call back before the call
     even reaches the NT authentication stage, eliminating charges for
     authorized remote users (Charge One Side Only), centralizing
     billing and enhancing security. Charge logging data can be sent
     to accounting software.

-    Increasing user convenience, system administrators can now
     configure RAS settings, including granting or denying user remote
     access, from within Acotec RAM 2.1.

-    Improved RAS Event Management alerts administrators to potential
     problems on any RAS server in the enterprise before they result
     in downtime. Administrators can define a flexible range of
     "actions" that can be automatically invoked if certain events
     occur. Actions include launching external programs, receiving and
     generating SNMP traps, and detecting and reacting to policy
     violations.

-    Improved reporting and predefined reports provide accurate
     billing and facilitate creating usage forecasts. Report templates
     include usage detail of all call sessions, user summary, port
     summary, port utilization, and policy violations. All templates
     can be easily modified. Reports can be viewed through Acotec RAM,
     e-mailed, output to HTML, or printed at user-defined intervals.
     An optimized user interface offers a Windows Explorer-like tree
     view with pop-up dialogs to make operation more intuitive and to
     speed learning by new users.

-    Fault tolerant storage of policies on the RAS server.

-    Popups notify remote users before disconnect.

-    HTML-based context-sensitive online help system is even more
     powerful than before.

"Acotec RAM has clearly established itself as the RAS management solution of choice, and is now used by the leading vendors of open systems Remote Access Servers" commented Thomas Schroeter, CEO of Acotec. "The new features in Acotec RAM 2.1 extend the product's position as the most advanced and comprehensive remote access management solution for NT Server-based mission-critical dial-up networks."

Acotec RAM

Acotec's RAM 2.1 is the most advanced and comprehensive remote access management solution for mission-critical, dial-up networks based on the Microsoft Windows (R) NT Server. It enables both local and remote management of any number of RAS servers. Acotec RAM 2.1 sits on top of Windows NT RAS (Remote Access Service) or RRAS (Routing and Remote Access Service), providing comprehensive, policy-based resource management, access control, and usage reporting. Java-based for maximum flexibility, Acotec RAM 2.1 can be managed from any hardware platform. The easy to use GUI lets system administrators view an immediate, real-time picture of the remote access connectivity resources on

a network.

Acotec RAM 2.1 concentrates the data from all RAS servers throughout the enterprise into a single report, and administrators can easily manage multiple RAS servers with a single set of policies. The scalable server architecture and web-based remote management permit the administration of an unlimited number of RAS servers -- even in different locations -- over a LAN or over the Internet.

Fault-tolerant logging ensures no loss of data even if communication between the RAM server and any of the RAS servers is lost. Acotec RAM 2.1's RAS port management component automatically takes over the function of backup database server.

Acotec RAM has been selected as the RAS management solution of choice by the leading vendors of open systems Remote Access servers - 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS), Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ), Dell Computer Corporation (NASDAQ: DELL), IBM (NYSE: IBM), and Siemens Nixdorf. The software is also bundled by prominent RAS card vendors including Ariel Corporation (NASDAQ: ADSP), Brooktrout Technology (NASDAQ: BRKT), Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII), Eicon Technology Corporation (TSE: EIC; ME: EIC), Interphase Corporation (NASDAQ: INPH), and RAScom Inc.

For further information, please contact Acotec Inc. at [phone] or visit Acotec on the Internet at http://www.acotec.com.

About Acotec

Acotec - Advanced Communication Technologies is the leading developer of Microsoft-based Remote Access Server and Client management software. The Acotec RAM series of Remote Access Management products reduces costs by enabling strict control of how remote computers connect to local networks, Internet Service Providers, and Virtual Private Networks. Acotec also provides standardized hardware drivers for operation in Microsoft environments to vendors of RAS communications hardware. The company is based in Berlin and San Francisco and is well positioned to address the needs of global telecommunications markets through its OEM and Value Added Reseller channels.