Asante Ships Internet Connection Devices Allowing Simultaneous Internet Access for Multiple Users.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 1999--Asante Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:ASNT) today announced shipment of a new line of FriendlyNET Multi-user Internet Connectivity products. Designed to take advantage of the exploding demand for multi-user Internet access in homes, schools and offices, Asante's new FriendlyNET units combine networking connections, phone, fax and shared Internet access for multiple SOHO users into a simple "all in one" connectivity solution.

Multi-user Internet Connectivity for SOHO Market

Asante's new products address the growing requirement to provide fast, simple, cost-effective Internet connectivity to multiple users in homes, schools and small offices without requiring separate Internet accounts and phone lines for each user. These multi-user Internet connectivity solutions typically allow from 2 to 50 users to share Internet access, with a maximum capability of up to 254 users.

Available models include a Dual 56k(v.90) analog model, plus ISDN versions for the U.S. and Europe. The Dual 56k model includes two built-in modems, with provision to support a third (optional) modem externally via a serial connector. Unlike some competing products, Asante's Dual 56k model does not require special hardware or software at the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP) to take advantage of the combined bandwidth of two or three modems simultaneously. Both analog and ISDN models offer the option to use the phone lines or ISDN channels for phone calls or faxes when not in use for Internet access. Customers can also use the "data priority or voice priority" setup option to independently define for each line whether phone or fax calls will be allowed to temporarily interrupt Internet access.

Designed to serve as a simple, "all in one" Internet and network connectivity centers, Asante's Multi-user Internet products combine high speed analog or digital ISDN Internet connections with a built in router and Ethernet hub, plus phone and fax connections, and an IP "firewall" with filtering and security options. These Internet devices are provided at prices that home, small office and classroom users can afford with a list price for the FriendlyNET Dual Analog Model 2214a at $799, and list for the FriendlyNET ISDN Model 2104i at $738.

According to Bill Fenley, Vice President of Product Marketing at Asante, "The exploding demand for faster Internet and network access is driving customer requirements for simpler, more affordable connectivity solutions all across our product lines. Our multi-user Internet Connectivity products combine many of the most commonly requested Internet, network, phone, and fax functions into a single, easy to use connectivity center that's small enough to fit in almost any home, office or school environment."

About Asante

Founded in 1988, Asante Technologies Inc. is widely recognized as a leader in providing high-performance LAN networking and Internet solutions for SOHO, education, pre-press and other small-to-medium enterprise markets. The company's Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit products include switches, hubs and adapter cards, as well as network management software. Asante's products are sold through an international network of distributors, value-added resellers (VARs), system integrators, and retail channels. For additional information, contact Asante at 800-662-9686 or 408-435-8388, or browse the company's web site at www.asante.com.