California Microwave Launches a Satellite-Based Broadband Solution for Wide-Area Connectivity.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1998--California Microwave, Inc. (Nasdaq National Market: CMIC) today announced the launch of its latest generation, satellite-based, bandwidth-on-demand solution for wide-area connectivity.

The Multimedia Integrated Digital Access System (MIDAS) is a flexible, cost-effective solution for organizations seeking seamless global connectivity. MIDAS is targeted towards public and private enterprise networks, carriers and service providers. It is based on field-proven Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) technology, which is coupled with sophisticated network management software to provide network operators maximum flexibility in managing scarce satellite resources such as power and bandwidth.

"I am pleased to announce this innovative broadband satellite platform. It is a first of its kind to target the rapidly expanding high bandwidth-over-satellite marketplace. The MIDAS platform distinguishes once again California Microwave's Satellite Division's EF Data unit as the innovative provider of complete and integrated solutions for high bandwidth satellite networks," commented Andrew Lombard, vice president and general manager of Broadband Networks for California Microwave's Satellite Division.

MIDAS strengthens California Microwaves global strategy and product portfolio by complementing the technologies from all divisions. The Adaptive Broadband division, through utilization of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology, uniquely combines ATM bandwidth management techniques, allowing users to simultaneously and efficiently support all types of multimedia network traffic. Additionally, Microwave Data Systems' (MDS) wideband and broadband point-to-multipoint technology enables global cross-functional broadband network access. The divisions of California Microwave provide a technologically advanced portfolio of products that seamlessly provides the end user with cost effective solutions to broadband network management.

Applications supported by MIDAS include automatic circuit restoral; overflow/congestion reduction, switched Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN), on-demand data multi-cast and broadcast, group video conferencing, video distribution, Internet access/backbone networking, and LAN/WAN interconnect.

MIDAS Optimizes Price for Performance

A typical MIDAS network is controlled through the MIDAS Network Management System (NMS), a powerful, Windows(tm)-based platform that allows users to manage satellite resources and remote sites or 'nodes'. MIDAS provides flexibility through management of the data, video or ISDN channels. MIDAS is based on field proven SCPC technology, a cost effective, proven and reliable technology.

The MIDAS architecture enables optimization of network price/performance on a site-by-site basis. It incorporates an integrated ISDN interface and is designed to interface with industry-standard equipment. Additionally, this architecture supports asymmetric satellite links. MIDAS offers users numerous performance/cost advantages. The system's high reliability results from the use of robust, field-proven DAMA technology.

Customer's enterprise network investments are protected with MIDAS; the MIDAS architecture is flexible and scaleable, and is designed to easily accommodate changing network requirements and emerging technologies. Moreover, MIDAS ensures low total cost of ownership through efficient space segment utilization and inexpensive hub and remote equipment.

Company Information

California Microwave's Satellite Communications Division, comprised of EF Data, specializes in producing data communications and signal processing equipment, including satellite modems, RF transceivers, a full line of up and down converters, protection switches, digital video products, and bandwidth management solutions. Building from a base as the premier provider of satellite communications product solutions, EF Data endeavors to maintain an outstanding ERROR FREE reputation through its superior manufacturing, quality and test processes. All EF Data products are designed and manufactured under a quality system certified to ISO 9001 as well as MIL- I-45208 quality specifications, and the satellite modems are built to INTELSAT IESS-308, -309, and -310 standards.

California Microwave, Inc. (http://www.calmike.com) is a leading U.S. supplier of satellite earth station and microwave radio infrastructure products and information and collection systems. Its focus is on transmission of high-speed data, especially for Internet traffic, via satellite and terrestrial wireless communications.

Note to Editors: Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation