Asante Ships IntraStack Fast Ethernet Stackable Switch; Offers Cost-Effective, Scaleable High-Speed Solution And Integrated Web-based Management For High-performance Users.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--September 16, 1997--Asante Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASNT), a leading provider of high-performance, intranetworking solutions, today announced the availability of the IntraStack 10/100 stackable Fast Ethernet switch, the first truly stackable switch on the market. Designed for growing high-speed networks that require the flexibility of a stackable solution -- the IntraStack switch helps to minimize network congestion caused by corporate intranets and other bandwidth-intensive applications, such as graphics and publishing.

IntraStack also features built-in web server support and a free bundle with Asante's award-winning web-based network management software, IntraSpection. IntraStack is Asante's latest entry in the $3.7 billion switched Ethernet LAN market (International Data Corp., year-end 1996).

With support for up to three units and 46 dual-speed connections, IntraStack uses Asante's patented Goldcard Connector technology to offer a cost-effective stackable switch with the high-speed throughput of a chassis-based system. The Goldcard eliminates the cost and bottlenecks associated with cascade cabling and "pileable" configurations typically employed in current "stackable" switches.

As a stackable, IntraStack features a base unit, the IntraStack 6014DSB, along with multiple expansion options for flexible network configuration support. The 6014DSB, for example, includes two extra ports in which MII (Media Independent Interface) modules can be added interchangeably for 10/100TX, 100BASE-FX or 10BASE-FL networking. The fiber Ethernet and Fast Ethernet MII modules are ideal for longer-distance campus installations.

"IntraStack is the only stackable switch that allowed us to start small, and gave us the option of easily expanding as our network needs grow," said Craig Wolley, director of technical services and resources at the University of Southern Florida. "Other high-speed stackable switching solutions offered too much switch at a high up front cost. IntraStack combines ease of use with affordability, which makes it unique in the stackable switch market."

In addition to the MII modules, stackable expansion modules are also available. The IntraStack 6016DSE, for example, is stacked on top of the base unit to increase port density by 16 ports in each expander (max. two), for a total of 46 10/100 dual-speed ports in a single stack.

Alternatively, the IntraStack 6008FXE, an eight-port 100BASE-FX (fiber) expansion module, can be used as a high-bandwidth segmentation switch for connecting remote 10BASE-T switches, 100BASE-T hubs or other IntraStack switches.

"The configuration flexibility of IntraStack makes the product ideal for mixed environments," said Chris Tomlinson, senior director of product marketing at Asante. "Unlike 10+100 configurations, used in networks where users do not need the power of 100Mbps dedicated to the desktop, IntraStack's 10/100 dual-speed configuration offers the flexibility to put as many segments on Fast Ethernet as necessary. A workstation running a digital video application such as Adobe Premiere, for example, can be allocated an entire 100Mbps segment. For email, printers, legacy networking equipment and other low-bandwidth resources, a 10Mbps switched segment may be enough."

Unique Stackable Architecture

Using Asante's patented Goldcard Connector technology, network managers can stack network devices together via a cableless PCI expansion bus -- making installation quick and easy, while guaranteeing signal clarity as the network is expanded to its maximum capacity.

The Goldcard is a credit card-sized part that snaps into a slot on top of one device and a second slot on the bottom of another device, thus providing a secure fit for signal transmission between units. This unique design eliminates the need for cables -- cutting the noise and signal delay -- or the need to sacrifice multiple ports for a cascade type cable uplink.

It also allows the switch to make maximum use of a two Gigabit (2.1 Gbps) PCI internal bus, in which network signals are repeated throughout the stack via the Goldcard.

Integrated Web-based Management

IntraStack includes a built-in HTTP server for easy device configuration and management from anywhere in the intranet via a standard web browser. This allows device-level management locally or remotely without any other management software. The HTTP server offers a webstyle user interface and a graphical view of the entire stack and port configurations.

The IntraStack switch also includes Asante's IntraSpection software for network-wide management control. IntraSpection is the only shipping web-based network management platform available to provide support for other SNMP-based devices on the market. This is achieved via add-on, device-specific "personality modules," which provide private MIB information and a comprehensive graphical user interface for each specific network device.

Winner of Data Communications magazine's "Hot Product" award, the free IntraSpection software included with IntraStack is easily customizable using HTML and Java and features a comprehensive network map manager, trap manager, Java-enabled network status reports, ODBC-based network event logging, and security mechanisms. IntraSpection is also available as a free download from Asante's web site at www.intraspection.com .

With IntraSpection, the network administrator can manage the network using any workstation equipped with a Java-enabled web browser, such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, that can access the IntraSpection proxy server. This allows network managers to identify, isolate and resolve problems quickly from any system on any platform (Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Windows NT, UNIX or Mac) with access to the web, without being confined to the management console.

Pricing and Availability

The IntraStack 6014DSB base unit is available now for a list price of $3,350. IntraStack expansion modules are list priced at $6,295 for the 6016DSE 16 port unit and $6,799 for the 6008FXE eight port fiber unit. The MII units are priced at $295 for 10 FL, $365 for 10/100 TX, and $695 for the 100 FX module. IntraStack MII and expansion modules will be available later this month. In addition, an IntraSpection personality module will be available for IntraStack in October at a list price of $299.

IntraStack is shipping through Asante's normal distribution channels and is also available to OEM partners in "customized-to order" configurations with attractive OEM discounts.

About Asante

Founded in 1988, Asante Technologies is a leading provider of high-performance, end-to-end intranetworking solutions for graphics and image-intensive applications. The company offers LAN switches, hubs and adapter cards, as well as web-based network management software and network acceleration tools. Asante products are available through a worldwide network of VARs, system integrators and distributors. For additional information, contact Asante at 800-662-9686 or browse the company's web site at www.asante.com .

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