Bay Networks launches new 20-user version of Instant Internet; Entry-level Internet connectivity with sophisticated management tools and 32-bit WINSOCK.

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 1996--Bay Networks (NYSE:BAY) today introduced its new 20-user version of Instant Internet(tm) LAN-to-Internet access server.

Instant Internet, an established leader for connecting NetWare LANs to the Internet, is now available for small businesses providing secure access to the Internet while offering full management control -- all at a lower price point. The new product offers a base configuration of 20-users with optional 10-user add-on software packs. Networks can add users as needed for support of up to 50 concurrent users, giving businesses the ability to expand as their Internet connectivity needs grow. If more than 50 concurrent users are required, multiple Instant Internet units can be connected to the network. Scheduled to ship in early September, Instant Internet features Bay Networks' new cabinet design and standard enclosures. As in its previous versions, key features include: an array of user management tools including sophisticated access control for users and groups, logging and monitoring facilities and SNMP support; complete firewall security; 32-bit WINSOCK support for Windows 95; and, full Intranet access capability.

"Bay Networks has lowered the barrier for entry-level Internet access without sacrificing security, flexibility or user access management," said Paul Finke, vice president and general manager of Bay Networks' Performance Technology business unit. "The same sophisticated technology that has made us the leader in the enterprise market is now available for smaller businesses at a more affordable price point. It requires no reconfiguration of the network, it is secure, and has comprehensive management capabilities."

Supports Leading-Edge Internet Technologies

With the inclusion of the 32-bit WINSOCK for Windows 95, Instant Internet supports the latest versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Netscape's Navigator. Additionally, all of the leading edge 32-bit Internet technologies are supported including Java, ActiveX, voice technology and others.

Advanced Internet Access Management

Instant Internet provides sophisticated management tools for easy administration and user access control. Administrators can assign user access privileges by time of day, day of week, IP address, domain name and port number. Newsgroup filtering is included to provide tighter control for sensitive environments. Additionally, all user activity is logged and time-stamped for each destination accessed and client usage can be metered for bill-back cost accounting.

Hardware Firewall Security

Due to its internal architecture, Instant Internet also functions as a secure hardware firewall. In an Instant Internet installation, TCP/IP, the native protocol of the Internet, travels only between the Internet and the Instant Internet unit. Clients on the LAN communicate with Instant Internet exclusively over the LAN's native protocol, IPX. Since all incoming TCP/IP packets stop at the Instant Internet box, potential perpetrators are locked out.

Intranet Ready

Instant Internet provides full support for Intranet environments where LAN workstations require access to an internal TCP host, even those using illegal IP addresses. In addition, Instant Internet also supports environments where access to both Intranet and Internet servers is required. Users can access internal TCP/IP servers while also having complete, secure access to the Internet. At all times, Instant Internet protects the Intranet from outside users on the Internet.

The Most Comprehensive Internet Connectivity Solution

Instant Internet is a complete hardware/software solution designed to connect an entire local area network to the Internet through a single IP address. Target LANs include any version of NetWare, as well as other networks such as NT that can run IPX as the primary or secondary protocol. Up to 50 simultaneous user sessions are supported per box. Multiple boxes can be connected to the network supporting additional users, load balancing and fault tolerance. Software setup for the unit is normally accomplished in 15 minutes from any workstation; client installation takes about two minutes and can be done without leaving windows.

Instant Internet bundled software includes LAN licenses for Internet e-mail, browser, ftp and newsreader applications.

An account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is needed. Instant provides a wide-range of Internet connectivity options supporting v3.4 or ISDN dial-up facilities as well as external IP routers on dedicated, digital circuits. The plug-and-play product supports Ethernet, ARCNET or Token Ring networks.

Price and Availability

With a base price of less than $2,500, the Instant Internet is expected to be available in September through Performance Technology and Bay Networks' reseller and channel partners, including two-tier distributors Gates-Arrow, Ingram Micro, Tech Data and Westcon.

The product and bundled Internet applications are licensed for all users on the LAN. The analog modem version is priced at $2,495 for the single Ethernet unit, $2,745 for the dual Ethernet, and $3,395 for Token Ring. ISDN versions are also available: $2,895 for the single Ethernet, $3,245 for the dual Ethernet and $3,795 for Token Ring. 10-user add-on packs are available for $500.

For more information on Instant Internet, please contact Performance Technology at (800) PT-IINET or [phone] or via email at [e-mail]. The company's World Wide Web address is http://www.instant.net.

Performance Technology, a Bay Networks Company

Performance Technology, founded in 1985, became a Bay Networks company in March 1996. Recognized as a prominent vendor of software and hardware products for networked environments, PT has consistently introduced commercial-grade, innovative LAN-based products such as Instant Internet, a leading LAN-to-Internet connectivity solution. The company is based in San Antonio, Texas; its World Wide Web address is http://www.instant.net.

Bay Networks Inc. is a worldwide leader in the internetworking market, providing a full line of products that serve enterprises, workgroups, small offices and mobile workers. The company offers LAN and ATM switches, hubs, routers, remote and Internet access solutions and network management applications, all unified by the BaySIS architecture. With revenue of $2.1 billion over the past four fiscal quarters, Bay Networks markets and supports its products around the world, providing 7x24 support coverage. Bay Networks' World Wide Web address is http://www.baynetworks.com.

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Availability: September 1996. Base Price $2,495

CONTACT: Bay Networks

Rhonda Grimm, 210/979-2147

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Theresa Vu, 714/556-1313

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