Data Communications Technologies Announces 56K Upgrade Program.MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1997-- All DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) An algorithm that is widely used for data compression. Similar to Fast Fourier Transform, DCT converts data (pixels, waveforms, etc.) into sets of frequencies. The first frequencies in the set are the most meaningful; the latter, the least. Customers to Receive New Technology at Lowest Possible Cost Data Communications data communications, application of telecommunications technology to the problem of transmitting data, especially to, from, or between computers. In popular usage, it is said that data communications make it possible for one computer to "talk" with another. Technologies (DCT) on Monday announced the 56Kbps Upgrade Program for all customers of its UltraLink V.34 voice/data/fax modem. This upgrade provides maximum download data rates of 56Kbps from digital telephone host sites, such as Internet Service Providers Internet service provider (ISP) Company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations. For a monthly fee, ISPs provide computer users with a connection to their site (see data transmission), as well as a log-in name and password. (ISPs) or Corporate Intranet Servers, to K56Plus (TM) enabled modems. Based on Rockwell Semiconductor Systems' projected availability of 56Kbps chips, DCT anticipates shipping product with this technology in the first quarter of 1997. To allow every UltraLink user access to this new and exciting technology, DCT is providing an upgrade path. Versions of UltraLink built prior to the release of 56K products will require a hardware upgrade to enable the 56Kbps technology. To upgrade, users will simply need to send their UltraLink modems back to the factory. At a price yet to be disclosed, a new 56Kbps capable UltraLink modem will be mailed back. The modems sent back will not only include the new enabling 56Kbps chip, but also flash ROM Another term for flash memory. Since flash chips can be updated over and over, the ROM (read only) designation is somewhat misleading. "ROM" is used more to mean not volatile than not changeable. See flash memory. Flash ROM - Flash Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory . Flash ROM will allow users the ability to download the latest 56Kbps codes from DCT's Web or BBS (1) (Bulletin Board System) A computer system used as an information source and forum for a particular interest group. They were widely used in the U.S. sites as enhancements or Standards are released. DCT will soon be releasing several other V.34 modems, featuring Rockwell Semiconductor Systems' most advanced state-of-the-art technology, to its product offering. These will include WebLink (TM), ThinLink (TM) and K56Link (TM). DCT's decision to support Rockwell Semiconductor Systems' technology was based on Rockwell's current position as world leader in the PC modem device market. Richard Bisset, Director of Marketing for DCT states, "DCT elected to go with Rockwell because, by going with the world's leading modem manufacturer, interoperability The capability of two or more hardware devices or two or more software routines to work harmoniously together. For example, in an Ethernet network, display adapters, hubs, switches and routers from different vendors must conform to the Ethernet standard and interoperate with each other. amongst users, products and services would be more likely. This was further strengthened by Rockwell's recent announcement to work with Lucent Technologies to establish interoperability between their respective V.flex2 and K56Plus 56Kbps modem technologies. This interoperable 56Kbps modem protocol will be called K56flex (TM). Because the majority of the leading manufacturers of Internet remote access server (RAS (1) See network access server. (2) (Remote Access Service) A Windows NT/2000 Server feature that allows remote users access to the network from their Windows laptops or desktops via modem. See RRAS and network access server. ) equipment will supply K56flex equipment to ISP's, users of DCT's modems will have even a higher probability of connecting to the ISPs of their choice." DCT does want to offer a word of caution to the uninformed consumer. Users must recognize that the benefits of a 56Kbps modem may not be fully realizable in the near future. In fact, to achieve the maximum data rate, a user must connect to an ISP (1) See in-system programmable. (2) (Internet Service Provider) An organization that provides access to the Internet. Connection to the user is provided via dial-up, ISDN, cable, DSL and T1/T3 lines. in their area with a call that passes through only a single analog-to-digital converter device. If multiple converters are passed, the rate will automatically fall back to 33.6 or 28.8Kbps. DCT has assumed a firm position on its 56Kbps strategy. Eric Edwards, Product Manager of Modems for DCT states, "DCT is not in the business to either contribute to or make money off of the 56K induced confusion in the modem marketplace. Our goal is to protect our customer's investment and provide them with the most compatible, upgradable and best performing product available." Data Communications Technologies (DCT), is an emerging company that develops wireline, wireless and video-teleconferencing products for the consumer, business, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and and industrial markets. The company's first consumer product, introduced in September 1996, was the UltraLink V.34 Voice/Data/Fax modem. DCT will soon release a stand-alone and PC-based videophone (1) (VideoPhone) A line of videophones (definition #1 below) from AT&T that were introduced in the early 1990s and later pulled off the market due to poor sales. The first models came with a price tag above $1,000, and a pair were needed. See Picturephone. product for use over Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) and International Standard Digital Network (ISDN ISDN in full Integrated Services Digital Network Digital telecommunications network that operates over standard copper telephone wires or other media. ) services. Additional products include VirtuaLink40 (TM) and MarketLink2020 (TM). VirtuaLink40 is a wireless modem A modem and antenna that transmits and receives over the air. Wireless modems support several technologies, including 802.11, Bluetooth, CDPD, DataTAC, Mobitex and Ricochet. There are wireless modems for laptops, handhelds and cellphones. capable of transmitting data up to 10 miles at a data rate of 9.6Kbps. MarketLink2020 is an interactive, multi-user, RF wireless data collection system for interactive focus groups, marketing surveys, or any other situation that requires instantaneous data collection and feedback. For additional information on Data Communications Technologies, this article, or its products, please contact Eric Edwards at (919) 462-6545 or visit the DCT web site at http://www.rti.org/dct/dct.html -0- K56Plus is a trademark of Rockwell Semiconductor Systems V.flex2 is a registered trademark of Lucent Technologies K56flex is a trademark of Lucent Technologies and Rockwell CONTACT: Data Communications Technologies Eric Edwards, 919/462-6545, eee@dct.rti.org |
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