Asante to Market FriendlyNet Product Line Through Comp USA in Push for Strong Retail Presence.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 1998--In concert with the company's new business plan, announced in July 1998, Asante's recent action to market FriendlyNet(TM) products through one of the nation's largest retailers, Comp USA, reinforces Asante's commitment to deliver high-performance low-cost networking solutions to the growing SOHO (small-office/home-office) market.

With the Internet and graphic intensive applications inundating small businesses and home offices, the demand for Fast Ethernet products at a consumer level has grown. In reaction to this demand, "Asante is bringing its FriendlyNet technology to the retail channel in an effort to reach a larger market and better support our customers with broader geographic availability," explains Ron Volkmar, Vice President of Asante's sales and distribution.

The new line of Asante's FriendlyNet products includes 10/100 switches, hubs and adapters with a low price per port achieved in part through the Company's advanced ASIC technology. In addition to competitive pricing, the FriendlyNet line offers easy to use features bearing the already established FriendlyNet name. Ron Gill, Director of Asante's retail and distribution channel, sees the FriendlyNet brand awareness as a "key" element of Asante's retail success.

Asante FriendlyNet line of 10/100 switches, hubs and adapters are currently available nationwide through Comp USA.

Founded in 1988, Asante Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASNT) is a leading provider of high-performance networking solutions. The company offers LAN switches, hubs and adapter cards as well as web-based 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.