Advanced Computer Communications Unveils Complete POP Solution; Entry-Level Tigris Model Aimed at ISP POP and Enterprise Applications.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1997--Advanced Computer Communications (ACC), a leading provider of network access solutions, Tuesday unveiled its second Tigris Integrated Access Platform -- a stackable, three-slot remote access solution that provides Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and corporations with a single solution for delivering information to a large number of remote sites and users.

The company also introduced the only complete, entry-level Point-of-Presence (POP) solution which doesn't require an additional router to connect the remote POP to a central backbone.

The Tigris T1/E1 POP bundle, based on the new three-slot chassis, includes a control card with four PRIs and two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, and a 48- or 62-port modem card at an attractive price. The additional two T1/E1 lines can support routing back to a central site, eliminating the need for additional hardware investment. The solution also leaves one slot open for an additional 48- or 62-port modem, universal WAN, or T1/E1 PRI card.

"ACC is the only vendor to offer a low-end POP-in-a-box solution," said President Bert Whyte. "This solution augments our Tigris strategy because it addresses stackability and scalability issues that concern companies with rapid remote access growth."

According to Michael Howard, president of Infonetics Research Inc.: "The Tigris POP bundle is a good solution, well-suited for growing ISPs and corporate remote access uses. The open expansion slot, dual Ethernet, and quad PRI connections set the three-slot Tigris apart from fixed configuration products."

Simplifying Manageability with a Flexible Architecture

Through a modular architecture, Tigris allows both dial-in and dedicated access to TCP/IP, IPX, SNA, and AppleTalk networks, including the Internet and private intranets. Analog modem users dialing in at speeds up to 56 Kbps can access the network without the need for separate analog lines. Tigris terminates both switched analog and ISDN calls on a single line.

For those sites requiring dedicated access to the network, Tigris provides access via frame relay, X.25, SMDS, or leased lines through a series of optional LAN/WAN modules and T1/E1 interface cards. The Tigris three-slot chassis provides a maximum capacity of 124 modem connections, 12 T1/E1 or PRI lines, or 360 ISDN B channel links.

"Tigris consolidates equipment and access lines, maximizes network flexibility, and simplifies management and maintenance," said ACC Product Manager Lisa Aviani. "By combining dedicated and switched access on a single, cost-effective platform, Tigris allows ISPs and enterprises to offer more flexible access options without the need for separate equipment to support each access type."

Tigris interface cards are hot-swappable, permitting new ports to be added, updated, or replaced without interrupting service to other users. Redundant software loads and power supplies are optional components which enhance the reliability of the system.

Delivering Comprehensive Quality of Service Features

Through innovative dynamic queuing methods, Tigris maximizes wide-area networking performance and ensures secure access to critical information.

To maximize traffic throughput under congested link conditions, Tigris uses ACC's Express Queuing feature to assign priority levels to traffic according to Layer 3 protocol type, source, and destination address.

The product speeds up modem training by comparing user dial-in with modem specifications. Tigris also guarantees access by managing data flows, even when frame relay lines have been oversubscribed.

Providing End-to-End Management, Authentication, and Accounting

ACC delivers comprehensive end-to-end network management for the complete virtual private network. By using any popular browser, a user can access Tigris from anywhere on the network through a simple and intuitive point-and-click interface which controls all system parameters.

ACC's RiverView for UNIX provides SNMP-based configuration and management for the Tigris and other ACC router platforms. RiverView for UNIX runs on HP OpenView and can be scaled to manage the largest networks.

Tigris also allows network administrators to easily manage a variety of security and service options for large communities of users. User authentication is provided by PAP, CHAP, and RADIUS. Accounting records containing information such as call duration, throughput, and user identification are also available through RADIUS.

Optimizing WAN Bandwidth

Tigris' sophisticated WAN routing stack optimizes remote access bandwidth. ACC's exclusive Bandwidth Optimization features include Data Compression, Express Queuing, and advanced dialing techniques. Data Compression reduces the amount of data sent on WAN links by a factor of 4:1. This not only reduces WAN charges, but in some cases eliminates the need to upgrade to faster, more expensive LAN links.

ACC's exclusive Express Queuing automatically allocates available bandwidth to all active sessions, providing predictable network response times to file transfers and interactive users alike. Dial-up routing features, such as Dial on Demand, Dial on Congestion, and Dial Backup, allow less expensive switched digital services to be used where leased lines are not cost effective.

Pricing and Availability

The three-slot Tigris chassis is scheduled to begin shipping in mid-September. Prices start at $19,000. The four T1/48-port modem POP bundle is priced under $30,000. For a complete list of options and interface cards, contact ACC at 1-800-444-7854.

About ACC

ACC is a leading manufacturer of integrated remote access and internetworking 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 channel partners which serve corporate and business customers, educational institutions, health care, retail establishments, governments, carriers, and Internet Service Providers. ACC is an affiliate of Newbridge Networks Corp.

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

NOTE: Tigris and Express Queuing are trademarks of Advanced

Computer Communications. All trademarks are the property of their

respective owners. Electronic images are available upon request.

CONTACT: Advanced Computer Communications

Andrew Chase, 805/685-4455

or

Precision Communications

Marianne McCarthy, 805/565-7782