Microcom, Rockwell Expand Joint Development Partnership for K56 Technology; Microcom develops MNP 56 and enhanced MODEMWARE for K56flex.

NORWOOD, Mass. and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 1997--Microcom Inc. (NASDAQ:MNPI) and Rockwell Semiconductor (NYSE:ROK) Tuesday announced expansion of their technology partnership and further defined their plans for deployment of 56Kbps technology.

Both companies are committed to securing a leadership position in the central site market and proliferating the predominant K56 technology. In support of this goal, Rockwell recognizes the unique technical capabilities that Microcom offers with their proven central site modem technology, MODEMWARE(tm) and their presence as a leading supplier of central site solutions through their own products and OEM partnerships, and is moving forward to support their efforts.

The expanded terms of the agreement are as follows. In addition to the establishment of Rockwell's east coast development center that is initially located at Microcom's facilities in Norwood, Mass., Microcom is developing MNP(r) 56, an innovative communications protocol optimizing throughput and performance for 56Kbps applications.

Both companies will drive MNP 56 as a standard and Rockwell will offer MNP 56 to other central site and remote modem customers to be include at no additional cost in all Rockwell K56 controller-based products. To facilitate Microcom's development of MNP 56 MODEMWARE and the customization of the 56Kbps technology to meet the demands of Microcom's central site products and those of its OEM partners, Rockwell is providing Microcom with access to additional intellectual properties.

In addition, while Rockwell is responsible for the development of a family of K56 and K56flex(tm) DSP products, Microcom will contribute to the DSP development as well as develop MODEMWARE and DSP enhancements for the same technology offerings. Likewise, while Microcom is responsible for the MNP 56 development, Rockwell will contribute to the development.

In recognition of the unique value that Microcom provides, Rockwell is reference selling Microcom's MODEMWARE and integration services for interoperability with their large installed base.

Armando Geday, vice president and general manager of Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, said: "Central site market share is critical in propagating K56 technology. For this reason, it is important for us to have close development ties and partnerships with key central site providers."

Geday added: "Microcom has historically provided technology innovation and enhanced modem software for central site solutions through Microcom MODEMWARE. Because we see the end-user benefits of this technology, Rockwell and Microcom are committed to a tighter integration between Rockwell's K56 technology and Microcom's MODEMWARE technology."

Lewis Bergins, president and chief executive officer of Microcom, added: "Through Microcom's partnerships with Cisco Systems, 3Com, Bay Networks, Digital, and Gandalf, and others to be announced, and working with Microcom, Rockwell is addressing a large percent of the central site market. We are actively working with our OEM partners and central site customers to deploy 56Kbps solutions with Microcom MODEMWARE to our central site installed base.

"For Microcom, this expanded relationship provides us with an opportunity to tightly integrate Rockwell's industry leading DSP code with Microcom's industry-leading modem and central site software, enhancing Microcom's position as a leading supplier of central site solutions."

About Microcom

Microcom is a worldwide leader in providing central site and remote access solutions to OEMs, Internet service providers, regional bell operating companies, corporations, universities and individual mobile PC users. The Company's products enable users to access and communicate with corporate LANs, the Internet, intranets, and online services from remote locations. Products and technologies offered by Microcom include modems, central site systems, OEM solutions, and network security, network management, remote access and remote control software.

Microcom can be reached on the World Wide Web at http://www.microcom.com or via our toll free number at 800/822-8224. Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, headquartered in Newport Beach, comprises the Multimedia Communications Division and the Wireless Communications Division, and the newly acquired Brooktree Division.

The Multimedia Communications Division is the world leader in facsimile and PC modem devices for personal communications electronics. The Wireless Communications Division offers total system solutions for advanced cordless telephony and global positioning system (GPS) receiver engines and is developing products and technologies to address the Personal Communications Services (PCS) and wireless packet data markets. The Brooktree Division is a leading producer of high-performance digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits for multimedia, graphics, communications, and imaging applications. Visit Rockwell Semiconductor Systems' Web site at http:www.nb.rockwell.com .

Rockwell's industrial automation, semiconductor systems, avionics and communications systems and automotive component systems businesses are leading providers of technology solutions to customers worldwide. The company has annual revenues in excess of $10 billion and employs more than 60,000 people. -0-

Microcom and MNP are registered trademarks and MODEMWARE and Microcom Networking Protocol, are trademarks of Microcom Systems Inc. K56flex is a trademark of Lucent Technologies and Rockwell International. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Rockwell Semiconductor Systems

Eileen Algaze, 714/221-6849

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Microcom Inc.

Amy Novakoff, 617/551-1695

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