Kestrelink and Ubicom Partner to Introduce Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) Server Design with Unparalled Ease of Use Features.

BOISE, Id. -- Reference Design for OEMs Enables Networked Print Serving and Scan Features Using Low Cost USB Printers and MFPs, with Advanced Automated Setup Capabilities that Drive Lower Support Costs

Kestrelink Corporation, a leading provider of middleware solutions for network printing and streaming multimedia solutions, has partnered with Ubicom, Inc., a major provider of network CPUs, to offer networked printing and MFP solutions for OEMs targeting small office/home office (SOHO) users. KestrelPrint(TM) introduces features that automate the initial setup of configuring low cost printers to be connected wirelessly in a SOHO network, including streamlining the network connect and driver installation processes. The solution has been built on top of Ubicom's IP3000 Series network CPUs and network SDK, and takes advantage of numerous features to provide best-in-class performance and low BOM cost. The technology is applicable for use in both standalone server and integrated solutions (in router or in printer/MFP).

The KestrelPrint technology differentiates itself in three main areas:

--Scanning functionality over Wi-Fi or Ethernet networks in a true multi-user environment

--Simplifies connecting server to Wi-Fi networks via Windows Connect Now (WCN) v2.0 support

--Automates printer driver installation for the user

For network scan support, the end user simply starts up their Web browser and types in the name of the server into the address bar to get to the main Web page of the server. The network scan function is presented on a web page as a familiar 'twain-like' scanning application interface, allowing the user to make use of common scanning functions for one or more MFP device(s) connected to the server. Scanning can be used without any printer/MFP driver installation. While using a scan function is a single user process, the KestrelPrint methodology allows for graceful handling via status messages of additional users attempting to use the scan feature at the same time.

This is in contrast to recent alternatives for MFP servers based on a 'virtual' or tunneling USB technology. While essentially extending USB over 802.11 WiFi is interesting in concept, the time sensitive nature of USB and the fact that it is a non-shared bus introduces a number of user drawbacks in a networked, multi-user environment. These include messages to users indicating that their USB link is not working, and compatibility issues due to unpredictable timing in Ethernet, WiFi, and/or TCP/IP networking. The KestrelPrint technology avoids these pitfalls.

According to Mark Throndson, VP of Marketing for Kestrelink, "print servers have historically been a high support cost product line for OEMs. These support costs have been driven by difficulty for the end user to set up the device on a WiFi network, printer driver installation because the USB printer is now remotely connected elsewhere on the network, and general printer compatibility issues. Kestrelink has addressed each of these areas with very easy to use solutions."

For the initial setup to connect to a WiFi network, WCN 2.0 support simplifies the process down to inserting a configured USB thumb drive into one of the USB ports on the KestrelPrint server, after which it's connected. And for printer installation, the KestrelPrint server intelligently senses what printer(s) are connected to it, and uses this information to instruct the user's PC on what driver to install. If the driver is not already available somewhere on the PC's hard drive, the user is prompted to insert the printer's CD, and the server's software discerns and installs the file it needs from the contents of the CD.

The technology is available on the Ubicom IP3023 is a multithreaded network processor. This process is ideal for applications such as MFP server due to it's small memory footprint requirements, integrated Ethernet, and performance tuned for latest and greatest WiFi radios. "For MFP server use, the IP3000 series CPUs only need 16Mbits of Flash memory and no DRAM, creating a very small and cost effective footprint," says Keith Morris, VP of Marketing for Ubicom. "Our CPUs are multi-threaded, providing large performance advantages over MIPS and ARM based SoCs at equivalent frequencies. This provides a lot of 'future-proofing' of our customer's designs, because the same processor from Ubicom can scale in performance to support the higher bandwidth radio technologies expected later this year."

Other Design Features

The design can support single USB port via on-chip USB port on the IP3000 series, or multi-port USB implementations through the addition of a low cost USB hub IC. The Ethernet port can act as either a wired connection or, unlike competing solutions, can also act as a bridge for another nearby Ethernet device to be connected through the wireless network. This can be used for an Ethernet-based MFP/printer, or any other Ethernet device that is desired to be connected via Wi-Fi.

Pricing and Availability

KestrelPrint evaluation units are available immediately. Interested customers should contact Kestrelink or Ubicom sales channels for further information. Evaluation units include standalone MFP servers supporting 1 port or 4 port USB configurations with Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity or StreamEngine(TM)-based routers with integrated USB port and Kestrelprint technology. All evaluation units include power supply, cables, schematics and user documentation.

About Kestrelink Corporation

Kestrelink Corporation develops high-performance software platforms for integrating wireless networking into print and media-centric devices. Based in Boise, Idaho, Kestrelink serves customers in Asia, North America and across Europe. The Company's networked print and networked media software platforms, KestrelPrint and KestrelMedia respectively, are in production with major customers in the printer, networking, and consumer A/V electronics markets. Learn more about Kestrelink at www.kestrelink.com.

About Ubicom, Inc.

Ubicom, Inc. is a leading supplier of communication processor and software platforms that address the needs of the rapidly evolving digital home and small office. Ubicom's StreamEngine technology enables innovative, high quality, high performance wired & wireless networking products & services for broadband applications.

The company provides optimized system-level solutions to OEMs for a wide range of products that deliver consistent quality for real time interactive applications such as VoIP, video, audio & online gaming combined with exceptional coverage in wireless applications. The company's technology is deployed in a variety of areas including wireless routers, access points, VoIP gateways, streaming media devices, print servers and other network devices.

Ubicom's unique multithreaded processor design, real-time operating system, and application-level solutions combine to ensure a high-quality user experience with fast time to market for our customers. Ubicom is a venture-backed, privately held company with corporate headquarters in Mountain View, California. For more information, visit www.ubicom.com.

Kestrelink and KestrelPrint are trademarks of Kestrelink Corporation

Ubicom, IP3023, and StreamEngine are trademarks of Ubicom, Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.