FastComm Opens the World of the Internet to Legacy IBM Mainframes.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2001

Today Fastcomm Communications Corporation (OTC BB: FSCX) affirmed its commitment to the mainframe communications market by announcing enhancements to the ChanlComm(R) 7790 Communications Controller that will allow IBM mainframes to share information with the IP (Internet) world.

Two new features, the TN3270e Server and the FTP Server, are now being offered with the 7790.

By taking advantage of the TN3270e Server feature, users at remote sites can now directly access mainframe applications over a routed IP network. The FTP Server feature further allows the transfer of large files to and from the mainframe. With these new features, the ChanlComm(R) 7790 provides a combination of legacy and IP communications solutions not readily available from other manufacturers today.

"The addition of the IP capability to the ChanlComm(R) 7790 is just another step in our roadmap to providing a complete multi-functional communications platform and migration solution for our customers," said Peter Madsen, FastComm's President and Chief Executive Officer.

The problem of how to achieve a cost-effective transition to mainframe IP communications without the wholesale replacement of hardware has plagued the IT community for years. By incorporating the IP technology into the ChanlComm(R) 7790, FastComm is providing an economic solution that includes both legacy and IP capabilities in the same box.

The TN3270e Server uses "offload" technology that eliminates the need to "steal" CPU cycles from the mainframe. The TCP/IP stack and TN3270e/FTP Server operates entirely within the ChanlComm(R) 7790, using high speed network cards that improve performance and reduce the impact on the mainframe.

TN3270e Server Features:

--Provides network connectivity via a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface

--Includes a high-end server gateway capable of connecting thousands of TCP/IP user to the mainframe simultaneously, either via parallel or ESCON channels, or both

--Supports both TN3270 and TN3270e

--Reduces IBM mainframe CPU resource usage

--Easy to configure and monitor

FTP Server Features:

--Provides remote client FTP access

--Provides FTP mainframe access via RJE 3770

--Allows for remote transfer of large files at speeds up to 10/100 Mbps

According to Dr. Kenneth A. Bloom, Vice President of FastComm's Mainframe Networking Division, "The ChanlComm(R) 7790's TN3270e and FTP Server features allow us to offer a complete single box solution for legacy and IP communications between remote users and the mainframe."

Product Release and Pricing for the TN3270e and FTP Servers in Q2 2001:

CC7790TF (TN3270e/FTP) Server, feature No.7350                 $14,950
CC7790TN (TN3270e) Server, feature No.7351                      $9,500
CC7790F (FTP) Server, feature No.7352                           $7,500

FastComm will feature its ChanlComm(R)7790 at COMNET 2001, in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Booth No. 326.

About ChanlComm

The ChanlComm(R) 7790 is a Multi-protocol Communications Controller that attaches directly to IBM and IBM-compatible mainframes via parallel or ESCON channels to provide full communications capability between mainframe and remote networks. The 7790 main chassis provides 8 to 256 T1/E1 communications lines and four direct mainframe channel connections. The ChanlComm(R) 7790 requires no licensed IBM software to provide SNA, Bisync, and PU4/SNI/CTCA communications, thus reducing the cost of ownership for both small and large networks. With the addition of the TN3270e Server, the 7790 becomes the only real channel-attached solution for migrating from legacy communications to IP Routing, or for any mixture of multi-protocol functionality. Another attractive feature of the 7790 is its capability to be configured during operation, avoiding the need to shut down the entire network during maintenance. The 7790 also provides real-time status and graphical performance monitoring. All configurations are performed via a menu-driven interface with online help, reducing the complexity of making changes.

About FastComm

FastComm Communications (www.fastcomm.com) is a complete signaling, voice and data system solution provider, offering innovative signaling interoperability solutions that include support for SS7, C7, ISDN, C5, R1, R2, and DTMF. FastComm also provides advanced IP and data solutions over Frame Relay and xDSL such as voice/data Integrated Access Devices (IADs), IBM data center products and protocol converters specifically designed for Unisys environments.

Forward looking with a corporate goal to provide customers with leading edge technology and cost-effective means of incorporating these technologies into existing or new networks, FastComm is positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving converged networks.

Forward-looking statements are made in this release pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the timing of new announcements or introductions by the company and its competitors, the hiring and retention of key employees, competitive pricing pressure, dependence on third parties for components and products, and general economic conditions in the United States and international markets, and the risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. To request a data sheet of any FastComm product, please contact the Company via phone [phone]; Fax [phone]; e-mail [e-mail]; or visit FastComm on the world wide web at www.fastcomm.com.

ChanlComm(R) 7790 is a registered trademark of FastComm Communications.