Global Leader TDK Continues Innovation With Release of V.90 ISDN PC Card.

NEVADA CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 27, 1999--

TDK Systems releases V.90 version of Global Pro ISDN 3600

Combo ISDN and Modem Data/Fax/Voice PC Card;

supports Windows NT 4.0 and more global certifications,

including European equipment standard, CTR21

TDK Systems, the first PC Card company to market an international combination ISDN and modem card that supported both fax and voice features, has announced the release of a 128K ISDN/V.90 version of its popular card.

The V.90 Global Pro ISDN 3600 now supports Windows NT 4.0, and the new European CTR21 telecommunications standard. Four European countries (Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece) have been added to TDK's Country Selector software bringing to nearly 90 the number of countries supported by TDK Global Class modems.

"The V.90 Global Pro is the first multifunction PC Card to support 128Kbps ISDN, V.90 56Kbps international modem, global cellular support and full-duplex speakerphone," said Bill Harris, Manager, Product Marketing. "For the international business traveler dependent on a notebook computer, it is the ultimate global ISDN/Modem solution."

Harris noted that the Global Pro ISDN 3600 will now support the Windows NT 4.0 environment. "TDK has long been committed to supporting the corporate large system/server market. With the addition of the Windows NT 4.0 environment to those operating systems we previously supported, this commitment continues."

TDK Systems recently announced support of the new European CTR21 standard for its Global Class PC Card modems. As part of that support, TDK will add four European countries to its Country Selector software bringing the total to nearly 90 countries on five continents supported by its superior performing modems, including the Global Pro ISDN 3600.

"With the addition of Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece to our Country Selector software, our modems are now certified and legal for use in 88 countries," said Harris. "No other PC Card company can guarantee that their modems are legal and certified for use in more countries."

TDK Systems begins shipping the V.90 Global Pro ISDN 3600 January 27, 1999. Available through retail channels, the Global Pro ISDN 3600 has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $429.

About CTR21

CTR21 is a new European standard for approving PTT equipment (like modems) in compliant countries. According to Erik Vlugt, Product Marketing Manager for TDK Systems, "CTR21 exists only on paper -- no changes were made to the actual phone systems in the CTR21 compliant countries. CTR21 defines a minimal set of requirements common to those countries but does not guarantee that the modem will achieve optimal performance. Equipment needs only to be approved by a CTR21-authorized approval body for it to be legal for operation in the compliant European countries."

CTR21 will make it easier for competitors that produce lesser quality modems to gain broad certification within 17 specific European countries, noted Vlugt. "At TDK, we've developed our modems to work optimally for each of the supported countries differing phone systems, and have gained regulatory approval for each, including those countries that now accept CTR21 as a basis for approval. With the adoption of CTR21, other companies can now be approved solely on the basis of a least common denominator standard, without regard to individual differences, and therefore without modifying their PC Cards to perform to TDK's quality level."

Global Pro ISDN 3600 Product Features

ISDN Interface

Through ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), information is transmitted digitally which offers faster communications, quicker connections, and greater reliability. The Global Pro ISDN 3600 supports both types of ISDN interfaces in a single interface module: `U' which is commonly used in North America, and `S/T' which is used in Europe and Asia. This single interface allows the traveler to use the product around the world.

Analog over ISDN

The Global Pro ISDN 3600 is designed to maximize ease of use and compatibility. Analog over ISDN means that users can use all the modem and voice features while connected to an ISDN line.

Full-Duplex Speakerphone

A wide variety of voice features including speakerphone, telephone answering machine, caller ID, and ASVD. With the built-in full-duplex speakerphone, the two callers can speak simultaneously and have a natural conversation (certified for use in US and Canada).

Nokia and Ericsson Digital Mobile Phone Support

The Global Pro ISDN 3600 was the first PC Card to support the digital mobile PCS network in the US and the digital mobile GSM network available throughout Europe and other international areas. Currently, TDK fully supports both Nokia and Ericsson mobile phones, and will soon add Motorola to this list. With an optional TDK PCS/GSM cable accessory to a supported PCS/GSM digital mobile phone, users have access to a full range of wireless data services and capabilities such as Internet, fax, bulletin board, and remote access to the corporate LAN. In some areas, SMS (Short Messaging Services) is also available.

DirectConnect Cellular

Global Pro ISDN 3600 connects directly to most US-based cellular phones such as the Motorola Flip Phone. The modem maintains high performance regardless of common interruptions during cellular transmissions.

About TDK Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Nevada City, California, TDK Systems designs, manufactures, markets and supports a full line of PC Card communications and networking products for the domestic and global mobile computing markets. Instrumental in creating the PC Card industry and the key technology associated with it, TDK Systems holds numerous patents and is attributed with multiple industry firsts in the category. TDK Systems' products provide the highest level of performance, quality and value in the PC Card segment and are available through major distribution, retail, and VAR channels.

TDK Systems is part of the $5 billion plus (revenue) TDK Corporation. TDK was established in 1935 to pioneer the mass production of ferrite, and since then has continuously succeeded at the challenge of creating solutions for the electronics industry. This unwavering commitment to creativity has supported TDK's evolution into a global leader in magnetic materials, electronic components and recording media.

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