Compatible Systems and PSINet join forces with channel offering; Ingram Micro to make Internet service/hardware bundle available through resellers nationwide.

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1996--In a move that confirms the growth of Internet connectivity as a mainstream technology product, router manufacturer Compatible Systems Corporation and PSINet, Inc. (Nasdaq:PSIX), one of the world's largest Internet service providers, have reached an agreement to offer an Internet service/hardware bundle through a two-tier distribution agreement.

"Internet access is a competitive requirement for every single corporation in America," says Greg Alden, manager of Internet and Telecommunications at Compatible Systems. "This agreement between Compatible Systems and PSINet means that you'll be able to get everything you need with one phone call to your usual computer equipment reseller. Basically, it provides greater access to Internet access."

Under the agreement, PSINet will make four Internet connection services available through Ingram Micro: LAN-Dial, a 28.8 Kbps asynchronous modem connection for small networks; and InterFrame 56 Kbps, 256 Kbps, and T1 (1.544 Mbps) Frame Relay services.

"PSINet has connection services to suit businesses of all sizes," says Wayne Myers, director of channel sales at PSINet. "With more than 360 points-of-presence (POPs) throughout the U.S., we can offer complete coverage. So it makes sense to offer these services through nationwide distribution. Compatible Systems is a long-time PSINet partner and an experienced channel player. We feel that this is a great opportunity for both resellers and end users."

The hardware/Internet access bundle will be distributed by Ingram Micro of Santa Ana, CA. "We are excited about our agreement with Compatible Systems and PSINet," says Lori Snow, senior director of the technical products division of Ingram Micro. "This new product bundle complements Ingram's strategy in providing the products and training to our Internet/Intranet VARs."

How It Works

Service payment is deferred to the end user, and resellers ordering the package through Ingram Micro pay only for the selected router. Once the customer has signed a one-year agreement for Internet access, PSINet will pay a commission to the reseller.

"The program allows the partners to focus on their individual areas of expertise to deliver a product that has minimal up-front costs for the customer," says Compatible Systems' Alden.

Compatible Systems Internet Access Routers

Buyers of the PSINet services will have their choice of two Compatible Systems MicroRouter Internet access routers.

MicroRouter 900i: LAN Magazine's 1995 departmental router of the year. The 900i features one Ethernet port and one RS-232C sync/async WAN port supporting speeds from 28.8 Kbps to 128 Kbps.

MicroRouter 1220i Firewall: Dual Ethernet ports provide physical firewall security. Two WAN ports (one V.35 sync and one RS-232C sync/async) support connection speeds from 28.8 Kbps to full T1.

PSINet

PSINet is a leading provider of Internet access, services and products throughout the U.S. and abroad. The PSINet infrastructure, the world's largest fast-packet network, is comprised of more than 360 points-of-presence (POPs) worldwide. Internet access options range from high-speed modem dial-up and ISDN for telecommuters and small office LANs to dedicated high-speed circuits for corporate connectivity. Network Computing magazine recently named PSINet a winner of its Well-Connected Award as "Best Internet Service Provider."

The company is headquartered in Herndon, VA, with offices across the U.S., subsidiaries in the U.K., Canada, and Japan and joint-venture partners in the Netherlands and South Korea. Further product and pricing information can be obtained by calling 703/904-4100, through PSINet's Web site at http://www.psi.net or by sending an e-mail request to [e-mail].

Ingram Micro

Ingram Micro, Inc., headquartered in Santa Ana, CA, is the world's largest wholesale distributor of microcomputer products, with 1995 sales of $8.617 billion. The company's inventory includes 36,000 products from more than 1,000 of the world's leading hardware and software companies. Affiliates in 15 countries sell to over 100,000 resellers in 120 countries. Ingram Micro is the leading provider of advanced value-added services including technical support, field services, configuration, and fulfillment.

Compatible Systems

Compatible Systems designs, manufactures, and markets products for Internet access, small enterprise WANs and local Ethernet interconnection. With more than a decade of internetworking experience, Compatible Systems products play vital roles in thousands of networks worldwide.

All Compatible Systems routers include a premium service policy. The company recently announced that it has converted its hardware warranty to a lifetime warranty. Compatible Systems customers also receive unlimited toll-free phone support and software upgrades for the life of the product. Compatible Systems is a two-time member of the INC. 500 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S.

For more information, contact Compatible Systems Corporation at P.O. Box 17220, Boulder, Colorado 80308 or by phone at 800/356-0283 or 303/444-9532. The company's FAX number is 303/444-9595. You can also send e-mail to [e-mail] or reach the company's World Wide Web server at http://www.compatible.com. -0-

All brands, products and service names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

EDITOR'S NOTE: There is an "at" symbol following "info" in the E-mail addresses referenced in this release. This same symbol appears after "tferrell", "media-relations" and "sssmith" in the E-mail addresses below. This symbol may not appear properly in some systems.

CONTACT: Compatible Systems Corporation

Tom Ferrell, 800/356-0283 or 303/444-9532

[e-mail]

or

PSINet

Brian Muys, 703/904-4285

[e-mail]

or

SSSmith & Associates

Public Relations 

Sally Smith, 513/897-0654

[e-mail]