Cray Communications announces complete remote site access solution; Available immediately, new low-cost ACCESSmate products include all hardware, software, and cabling from router to telco demarcation point for 56Kbps, ISDN BRI, or T-1 service.

ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, MD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 1996--Cray Communications today introduced ACCESSmate(TM), a remote site access solution that gives branch offices and Internet providers a high-speed router and Wide Area Network access for a price most companies charge for a router alone.

The ACCESSmate tightly couples two of Cray Communications' most popular products, the MatchBox Router(TM) and the ROUTERmate(Tm) family of CSU/DSUs and ISDN(TM) terminal adapters. ACCESSmate gives users a complete solution from the router to the telco demarcation point.

"Remote sites have both local- and wide-area network requirements" said Edwin Durham, product marketing manager. "The standard approach is to link a router from one manufacturer to a CSU/DSU or ISDN(TM) terminal adapter from another manufacturer. The problems with this approach are cost, manageability, and complexity," he said. "Although most products can be made to work together eventually, simple things like misconfigurations or incorrectly ordered cables can mar the best project rollout schedule," Durham said. "ACCESSmate eliminates these problems."

Low cost

The ACCESSmate's low cost -- combined prices range from $2,220 to $2,620 depending on the carrier service and internal LAN concentrator options -- is about what other manufacturers charge for comparable high-end routers alone. ACCESSmate products include everything a user needs to connect a remote site, including all router hardware and software, CSU or ISDN(TM) terminal adaptor, and all interconnecting cables from router to telco demarcation point.

Telnet/SNMP managed

Network administrators can manage both MatchBox Router and ROUTERmate(tm) products by using Telnet to bring up simple, menu-driven configuration, status, and diagnostic screens from anywhere in the network. Both products also support full SNMP MIBs, so they can be managed by popular SNMP management platforms such as Castle Rock Computing's SNMPc for Windows or HP Open View.

"Redefines routing"

The MatchBox Router is extremely easy to install and configure. In one industry trade publication's evaluation the reviewer noted, "With a low price point, rich feature set, and simple menu-driven interface, the MatchBox Router redefines low-end routing. . . . it took less than 15 minutes to configure IP routing between two MatchBox Routers. This is a refreshing change from other routers, such as the Cisco Systems Inc. 2500 and Xyplex 3000, which have taken us hours to install."

Intelligent defaults simplify installation

Intelligent defaults and automatic configuration also simplify installation. Once the router is plugged into a wall socket and the LAN and WAN cables are connected, it automatically detects line speed and cable type, and begins routing data. On powerup, the MatchBox Router's RISC processor initializes the router, and a default IP address links it to the central site, where any additional configuring can be done via Telnet or SNMP.

Configuring called "A Treat"

The MatchBox Router includes a menu-driven management interface that speeds configuration by letting a user select options from pop-up menus, rather than command lines. One product reviewer, discussing this feature, said "Configuring the MatchBox with the menu-driven interface was a treat. We could easily scroll through menus of router options with the cursor, instead of cryptic line commands."*

On-Line "Test Drive"

Cray Communications offers a free on-line test drive of a live MatchBox Router's management interface. The test drive is available by phoning 1-800-FOR-CRAY to receive a password and instructions.

Prices and availability

ACCESSmate products are available for 56Kbps, ISDN(TM) BRI, or T-1 access. All products are available immediately. Pricing for ACCESSmate products, including all cabling, is:

o ACCESSmate for 56Kbps: $2,220

o ACCESSmate for ISDN(TM) Basic Rate: $2,220

o ACCESSmate for T-1: $2,620.

Company background

Cray Communications designs, manufactures, sells, and services customer premises equipment that provides end users with intelligent access to intelligent network services. Cray Communications' product family includes routers, bridges, gateways, concentrators, hubs, switches, terminal servers, CSU/DSUs, T-1/E-1 access devices, frame relay, ISDN(TM), and encryption products, and network management systems. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. Cray Communications is a division of Cray Electronics Holdings PLC, a worldwide communications and electronics company based in England, with sales of more than $424 million and more than 2,900 employees worldwide. Cray Electronics Holdings PLC is a publicly held company traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol CYEL. Neither Cray Communications nor Cray Electronics Holdings is affiliated with Cray Research Inc. or Cray Computer Corporation.

CONTACT: Edwin Durham Edgar OR E. Geithner

Cray Communications g.m marketing communications

301/317-7336 508/875-3821

[e-mail] [e-mail]

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Web site: http:\\www.craycom.com