HP INTEGRATES REMOTE ACCESS INTO STACKABLE HUB; AdvanceStack LANs now Accessible from any Location Serviced by a Telephone.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 1995--Integrating remote access directly into the stackable hub, Hewlett-Packard Company today introduced the AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN modules, remote-access modules that plug into the expansion slot of HP's full-featured AdvanceStack 10Base-T hubs. These modules connect users to an AdvanceStack workgroup from anywhere in the world serviced by a telephone.

The new Dial-A-LAN modules let telecommuters and business travelers dial into their AdvanceStack workgroup; they let AdvanceStack workgroups share dial-out connection to on-line services and the Internet, and they provide LAN-to-LAN connection for AdvanceStack workgroups.

Integrated remote-access modules offer several advantages over external products because they are more convenient and efficient. The Dial-A-LAN module's plug-in design eliminates the clutter of additional boxes and provides seamless operation and management of the hub and remote-access module. Dial-A-LAN modules are more efficient than external remote-access solutions because they use the power supply of the hub rather than a separate power supply. Additionally, they do not have an external plastic case, and they require fewer cables.

"HP has provided network managers with the unprecedented flexibility to add features directly into the hub and manage it as one seamless entity," said Gary L. McAnally, general manager of HP's Roseville (Calif.) Networks Division. "No other networking company provides network managers with so many options for the stackable hub. AdvanceStack hubs are the foundation for building an increasingly sophisticated network, simply by adding modules."

Reliability of the AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN modules is ensured by HP's industry-leading limited lifetime warranty. It provides next-day on-site service for the first five years. After that, the module may be returned to the factory for repair for its lifetime. No other remote-access vendors provide on-site warranty service for their products.

Available in two- or four-port versions, the HP AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN modules are the perfect size for small- to medium-sized workgroups and remote sites. While many other remote-access vendors focus on larger central sites and headquarters, HP is concentrating on the often overlooked smaller sites. The two-port version -- the Dial-A-LAN 2A/Plus module -- comes with V.34/V.42bis (28.8 Kbps) modems built into the module for a ready-to-go remote-access solution. The four-port version -- the Dial-A-LAN 4/A module -- connects to four external modems or ISDN terminal adapters, preserving existing modem investment.

For added convenience, HP provides the option of bundling Dial-A-LAN modules with the AdvanceStack SNMP(1) management module.

AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN modules were jointly developed by HP and Shiva Corporation and are fully compatible with Shiva's industry-leading, award-winning LanRover 3.5 technology.

ADVANCESTACK SLOT BENEFITS

HP's line of full-featured 10Base-T hubs -- the AdvanceStack Hub-12, Hub-24 and Hub-48 -- incorporate the manageability and functionality of chassis hubs while retaining the flexibility and economy of stackable hubs. The Dial-A-LAN module joins the HP AdvanceStack SNMP module and the Router 210 module in letting network managers add functionality such as management, security, routing and remote access as it is needed, rather than forcing them to pay for features before they are necessary. An RMON Probe module is scheduled to be added later this year with other modules following.

The HP AdvanceStack Hub-12, -24 and -48 full-featured hubs and the AdvanceStack add-in modules provide customers with a complete line of workgroup-connectivity solutions for the entire range of network needs.

U.S. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

HP AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN modules are expected to be available in July through HP's worldwide network of authorized computer dealers, resellers and distributors. -0-

MODEL          NAME                                      PRICE
HP J2623A      AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN 2A/Plus module    $2,999
HP J2624A      AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN 4A module          2,399
HP J2633A      AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN 2A/Plus module and
HP J2603B           SNMP module bundle                    3,099
HP J2634A      AdvanceStack Dial-A-LAN 4A module and
HP J2603B           SNMP module bundle                    2,499-0-

A leading supplier of 10Base-T stackable hubs, HP's Roseville Networks Division developed 10Base-T and network printing and co-developed 100VG-AnyLAN. HP's full line of networking products includes AdvanceStack routers, AdvanceStack 100VG hubs, AdvanceStack 10Base-T hubs, OpenView network management applications, JetDirect print servers, 10Base-T and 100VG LAN Adapters.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 98,200 employees and had revenue of $25 billion in its 1994 fiscal year. -0- (1) SNMP stands for Simple Network Management Protocol. -0-

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