Omnitron Ships Intelligent Media Converters; The iConverter Targets Enterprise LAN and Metro Applications Featuring Advanced Solutions in Connectivity and Network Management.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 1, 2001

Omnitron Systems Technology Inc., a quality manufacturer of fiber media converters for Enterprise and Metropolitan networking, is shipping today the iConverter(TM), managed media converter product line.

With its SNMP based NetOutlook(TM) network management software, fault-tolerance and physical layer remote fault detection and monitoring features, the iConverter product family provides a robust fiber transport tool for enterprise LAN and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) applications.

In its first release, the iConverter line includes a 19-unit, a 2-unit or a 1-unit chassis, fiber to copper and multimode to single-mode fiber converters for Gigabit Ethernet, Fast (100 Mbps) Ethernet, 10/100 Ethernet, Standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), and ATM OC-3 and OC-12. Omnitron will be showcasing this product at the BICSI Conference, Booth No. 12, in New Orleans on Aug. 20-24, 2001.

Utilizing the iConverter configuration options, an enterprise LAN manager, telecommunication carrier, ISP, CLEC, ILEC, or IXC can use the different chassis types to optimize their network design. The 19-unit 2-U (3.5-inch) high, triple-power-redundant managed chassis provides the most density in the smallest form factor for the data center or central office (CO) where rack space is at a premium.

The 2-unit managed chassis provides the network's edge or customer premises (CP) with a cost-effective managed connectivity solution. The 1-unit unmanaged converter chassis provides connectivity where management is not required or when cost is critical.

AC and DC power options make the iConverter versatile in commercial enterprise systems as well as in central office applications where DC power is often the standard. Its 19-unit chassis with three hot swappable triple-redundant power supplies can simultaneously use AC and DC power thus providing the ultimate in power, flexibility and reliability.

The iConverter line supports In-Band or Out-of-Band network management, through NetOutlook, Omnitron's network management software. The In-Band management feature allows the service provider to diagnose technical issues without making unnecessary customer premise service calls. The Out-of-Band management feature provides an option for a secondary secure and intruder-free managed network.

Steve Mood, Omnitron's vice president of engineering said: "The combination of the Link connectivity options, network management options, power features and form factor of the iConverter make it the most advanced in its class.

"With its physical layer linking options and Remote-Fault-Detection, the iConverter is easy to install and makes managing both the central office and remote customer premises simple."

Mood continued, "At the central office or the data center, the iConverter's triple-power-redundancy and In-Band management offers a service provider or end-user with an extremely reliable solution for their mission critical fiber network."

The NetOutlook SNMP management software provides the network manager with the power to monitor and configure the iConverter as well as the ability to monitor and trigger alarms on different network events, thus providing real-time monitoring of the network and triggering intervention as needed.

The NetOutlook software can be used stand-alone under Windows 9x/NT/2000 or integrated with other applications such as HP Openview(TM) under Windows 9x/NT/2000, Sun Solaris, HP-UX or IBM-AIX.

The iConverter product family meets the needs of a wide range of LAN and MAN users, and is available with ST, SC, MT-RJ, LC and Opti-Jack (FJ) fiber connector types. A single IP address can link and manage up to 16 19-Unit Chassis. All three chassis options allow hot swapping of the iConverter modules.

Availability

Available now, all iConverter products carry a lifetime warranty and free 24/7 technical support. The iConverter family is available through Omnitron's worldwide network of resellers and distributors.

About Omnitron Systems

Omnitron Systems Technology is the premier manufacturing source for fiber media conversion and data communications hardware for Enterprise and Metropolitan network applications.

Omnitron manufactures managed and unmanaged media and fiber converters, switches, star-concentrators, multiplexers, repeaters, and transceivers for 10, 100, 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, T1/E1, RS-232, Token Ring and AS/400 networks.

Omnitron's product lines provide flexible and powerful networking solutions with quality 24/7 customer support. Products are available through resellers, VARs, system integrators and distributors worldwide. For product and reseller information, contact the sales department at Omnitron Systems at 800/675-8410 or 949/250-6510, or e-mail [e-mail]. Omnitron Systems has headquarters in Irvine.

Artwork:

To obtain a high-resolution image of the iConverter line, download from Omnitron's Web site at http://www.omnitron-systems.com/Releases/pr8000.htm

For image guidelines or questions, contact Kelly Haggard at Omnitron's marketing communications department. Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail].

Note to Editors: iConverter and NetOutlook are trademarks of Omnitron Systems Technology Inc. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.