BinTec Communications to Use Mapletree Networks UniPorte Voice and Data Architecture.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

NORWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2000

German Router Vendor Will Use Technology Across Several Platforms

To Bolster Voice And Data Functionality

Mapletree Networks, the leading provider of universal port voice, data, and fax network access products, today announced a technology partnership with BinTec Communications AG, a specialist in high-function routers for the personal, workgroup and enterprise markets.

BinTec will use Mapletree's UniPorte Architecture(TM) to provide voice and data network access in several router products, starting with the X4000 workgroup multi-protocol router. The X4000 is a flexible router and WAN access solution for small and medium-sized companies that can be used as a remote access server, fax gateway, remote CAPI server, or router for local area networks.

"Mapletree's UniPorte architecture will allow us to dramatically increase port densities," said Mark Rosche, product manager (Partnerships & Acquisitions) of BinTec. "It will also make our router products more flexible by providing a dynamic port allocation capability that enables them to efficiently accommodate changing subscriber and network requirements. The UniPorte architecture furthers our goal of providing complete, scaleable telecommunications solutions that provide seamless network access for Fax, ISDN and data transmission."

"We are very pleased to have BinTec join our growing list of partners," said Sean Aruda, Mapletree Networks president and chief executive officer. "The UniPorte architecture is a perfect fit for companies like BinTec who want to get to market fast with advanced, high-density network access products that integrate voice, data, fax, and ISDN capability, can adjust on the fly to changing subscriber demographics and traffic patterns, and can be readily upgraded to support new access technologies."

The UniPorte architecture gives OEMs targeting telcos, carriers, large enterprises and service providers a flexible, high-density, low-power platform for quickly building network access equipment with integrated voice, fax and data capability. The UniPorte architecture provides four times the port density of its nearest competitor while consuming less than half the power. UniPorte is also the only universal port architecture that can process any dial-up call type (data, voice, ISDN or fax) dynamically on a call-by-call basis. This capability is essential for building scaleable, upgradeable network access servers and gateways that can cost effectively handle constantly changing call patterns and diverse subscriber bases.

About BinTec Communications AG

Based in Nuremberg, Germany, BinTec Communications, a technology leader in the field of service integrated networking solutions, is a manufacturer of service integrated remote access solutions for all network environments. The company offers a complete range of hardware and software communications solutions for corporate access, workgroup access and personal access. Applications including LAN-LAN and LAN-WAN coupling, Intranet/Internet access, fax-gateway, computer telephony integration (CTI), integration of service providers and the linking of branch offices and teleworking stations to the headquarters.

About Mapletree Networks

Mapletree Networks (http://www.mapletree.com), founded in 1997 by former executives of Microcom Inc., designs and manufactures voice, data and fax dial-up access technology for OEMs based on Mapletree Networks' UniPorte Architecture. This award-winning technology allows Mapletree and its customers to offer products that process any dial-up call type -- data, voice, ISDN or fax -- on any port. It also enables Mapletree to deliver network access products that provide four times the port density of competitive products at one half the power per port.

Mapletree Networks is headquartered in Norwood, and has an International office in the U.K. For more information about Mapletree Networks, please contact Mapletree Networks Inc., at 315 Norwood Park South, Norwood, MA 02062. Phone [phone]. Fax [phone].