Cayman and Siemens Join Forces to Deliver First HomeRF-Based Cordless Voice Over-Broadband Solution; Cayman and Siemens to Demonstrate Concept at Supercomm 2000.

Business/Technology Editors

SUPERCOMM 2000

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2000

Cayman Systems, Inc., a pioneer in providing intelligent gateway solutions for secure, multi-user access to broadband services, today announced it will integrate HomeRF(TM) voice technology into its gateway solutions to deliver Voice over DSL (digital subscriber line). Siemens' leadership and experience in cordless voice technology enables Cayman to develop an integrated broadband gateway that will support cordless data and voice over ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) and HFC (hybrid fiber coaxial) based networks.

The two companies will present a live demonstration of the concept at Supercomm on June 6, 7 and 8 at the Cayman booth # 8669 and at Siemens booth #5915.

The cooperative effort between Cayman and Siemens heralds the next step toward fulfilling the promise of a unified cordless voice and data network in the home. Earlier this year, Siemens announced it would deliver the voice communications element of the HomeRF networking specification - an integral component in delivering high quality voice and telephony features, together with data, in wireless networks for homes and small offices. To catapult the HomeRF standard to the forefront of home networking technologies, Siemens recently partnered with Proxim, Inc., the world's leading supplier of spread spectrum wirefree LAN products, to jointly develop integrated wireless voice and data network technology for home and small office users. Cayman also partnered with Proxim to integrate HomeRF specifications into Cayman's intelligent broadband gateway, 3220HW, for the home and small office.

"Cordless phone usage is growing exponentially over corded phones, so a natural evolution in cordless voice is the development of cordless voice over broadband solutions. Siemens is enabling Cayman to develop an integrated broadband gateway that will support cordless data and voice over ADSL and HFC based networks. Integrating this technology will provide a multitude of opportunities for both service providers and residential and small office customers. An integrated broadband gateway will eliminate the addition of new wires and cabling while providing cordless access to multiple lines that can be turned on immediately," said Kevin Duffy, director of product management at Siemens.

Integrating cordless telephony with Voice over DSL will have tremendous advantages for both service providers and consumers. For service providers including both ISPs and telcos, Voice over DSL offers a substantially larger revenue base. Providers will be able to deploy and distribute multiple lines over a single line without adding extra telephone cable. Voice over DSL applications for the consumer include an integrated voice and data network that will allow consumers cordless access to broadband voice and data services, shared Internet access without tying up phone lines and mobility while surfing or gaming.

VoDSL applications will provide consumers with entirely new levels of independence and convenience in the home. Integrated broadband gateways will enable users to roam freely throughout the home using untethered devices such as laptops, personal digital assistants, cordless phones and Internet appliances, all without cumbersome wiring and additional phone lines.

"We believe that DSL service providers will look to value added services such as voice to add additional value to their broadband pipes," said Mike Wolf, home networking analyst at Cahners In-Stat Group. "To deliver these integrated services effectively and at affordable prices, service providers are under pressure to implement technologies that can address the challenge of deploying multiple voice over DSL lines to cordless handsets in the home."

This cooperative effort brings together two leading-edge technology companies. Siemens' extensive experience and leadership in DECT (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) allowed the company to provide the voice component for products based on the HomeRF SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol) specification. Cayman, the first company to announce an integrated cordless data network with broadband access, is amplifying the value of high-speed connections by adding cordless voice and VoDSL technologies in its broadband gateways. Under the HomeRF umbrella, the two companies will work closely together to drive development efforts towards the effective distribution of VoDSL to multiple cordless devices in the home and small office.

"Siemens has led the market in multiple-line, multiple-handset cordless voice technology," said Peter N. Vicars, CEO and president of Cayman. "By combining Siemens technology expertise with Cayman's widely-deployed broadband gateway, we will be able to bring the reality of wire-free, high-performance voice and data over DSL to the home."

Cayman's 3220HW supports access for multiple PCs and electronic devices with one IP address. The product's plug and play installation facilitates ease of installation and eliminates complicated set up or configuration by the end-user. Further, Cayman addresses the key issue of security through enhanced firewall and hardened routing software. Cayman's available technology provides a strong foundation for the future delivery of VoDSL over cordless handsets.

The HomeRF standard is an open specification to deliver a broad spectrum of affordable, interoperable consumer devices capable of both toll-quality voice and high-speed data networking. The specification supports applications that include cordless voice telephony, in-home distribution and sharing of broadband data services and file and print sharing. HomeRF is the only standard that accommodates wireless high-quality voice components. The HomeRF standard is supported by approximately 100 member companies, including Cayman Systems, Compaq, IBM, Intel, MobileStar Network, Motorola, Proxim and Siemens.

About Siemens

For more than 150 years, Siemens has been well-known in Europe and around the world for high quality and finely engineered telecommunications products. Siemens Communication Devices Digital Products, a division of Siemens Information and Communication Mobile LLC, develops, manufactures and markets the feature-rich Gigaset(TM) digital cordless systems for the North American market. Siemens is the leading provider of cordless phones based on the DECT standard, having shipped more than 20 million DECT phones in more than 50 countries. Taking the cordless market as a whole, Siemens ranks second in the world.

Siemens is a principal member of the HomeRF Working Group's technical standards committee and has a leading role in the marketing committee. Gigaset is a trademark of Siemens AG.

For more information about Siemens Communication Devices, visit Siemens on the Web at www.siemenscordless.com.

About Cayman Systems

Cayman Systems, Inc., based in Billerica, Massachusetts, is a pioneer developing and delivering intelligent broadband gateway solutions for broadband service providers that target the small office/home office and residential markets. Cayman offers easy-to-use, reliable, and affordable broadband gateway solutions for small offices and homeowners to access high-speed broadband services - and a world of unexplored opportunities, such as online home videoconferencing, interactive gaming, home automation and much more. By working closely with leading international telecommunications service providers and manufacturers, Cayman is helping millions of customers experience true digital freedom. Cayman's web site is www.cayman.com.

Cayman Systems and the Cayman logo are trademarks of Cayman Systems, Inc. HomeRF is a trademark of the Home Radio Frequency Working Group. All other trademarks, brand and product names are the property of their respective holders. For more HomeRF press information, please contact Aaron Dun, Lois Paul & Partners, 781-238-5784, [e-mail]. For all other HomeRF information, please visit www.homerf.org.