RAScom launches open systems, ISDN remote access servers; Well-Funded start-up managed by ISDN experts introduces its first products; Standards-based, scaleable Servers Optimized for High-Speed Digital Connectivity Complete with ISDN Provisioning Services.

SALEM, N.H--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 1996--RAScom, Incorporated today introduced the RAServer Series 2000 family of open systems, remote access servers. The company also introduced its first two products: the RAServer 2000 and the RAServer 2500.

According to Mark Galvin, founder and President of RAScom, "We have a unique opportunity to exploit a shortcoming in today's rapidly growing remote access server market. Existing products are proprietary and aren't optimized for high-speed connections, so we've developed a product line of open systems, remote access servers that support high-bandwidth services such as ISDN. The RAServer Series 2000 allow organizations to deploy high-speed connections to remote workers while simultaneously taking advantage of the declining price curves of the PC marketplace."

Galvin added, "Traditional remote access methods force Information Systems executives to buy proprietary solutions. These methods apply a `vendor-lock' and restrict scaleability, forcing the network manager to wait for the supplier to deliver interfaces for emerging technologies. But our standards-based approach and optimization for high-speed digital services offer network managers a flexible and scaleable solution that not only provides more options at a lower cost, but also provides a more cost-effective solution."

RAScom Product Family

The RAServer Series 2000 open systems remote access servers address the need for low-cost, highly reliable and scaleable remote access servers for the enterprise network. RAScom Series 2000 products allow network managers to successfully deploy network access to telecommuters, contractors, remote office workers, remote sales forces, and small branch offices by providing cost-effective consolidation of high-speed digital circuits. The family is highly scaleable and provides support from as few as eight to as many as 600 concurrent remote users.

Products in the RAServer Series 2000 family support standard ISA and PCI-based network adapter cards installed into the RAScom server to rapidly -- and economically -- provide interfaces to LAN technologies, such as Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, 4- and 16-Mbps Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). As new LAN technology emerges, the RAScom servers can be configured with off-the-shelf adapter cards to support cost-effective network migration. This open systems strategy allows IS departments to migrate to new LAN technologies at their own convenience while immediately receiving the benefits of remote LAN access.

Allen Hauf, Vice President of Marketing for RAScom, said, "We will be adding analog remote access connectivity later in the year through a strategic partnership. Customers who purchase the RAServer 2000 or RAServer 2500 now can easily add remote analog connectivity to support those users who are either unable to get ISDN circuits or who do not have the need for the higher bandwidth and manageability provided by ISDN."

RAServer 2000

The RAServer 2000 is an entry-level, standards-based server that includes a Pentium computer running the Windows NT operating system. It consolidates either two primary rate ISDN (PRI) spans or eight BRI spans to provide high-speed access to corporate LAN environments for up to 60 concurrent remote users. The RAServer 2000 is an extremely cost-effective, entry-level, remote access server.

RAServer 2500

The RAServer 2500 is a ruggedized, rack-mounted ISDN server that provides high-speed, open systems remote access to the Enterprise backbone. It is also based on a Pentium-based computer running the Windows NT operating system. The RAServer 2500 addresses the requirements of organizations that need a flexible and scaleable ISDN remote access solution. A single RAServer 2500 chassis supports up to four PRI spans or 32 BRI spans, allowing the network manager to consolidate up to 120 concurrent remote users onto the Enterprise backbone. Up to five RAServer 2500 chassis can be mounted in a single rack, providing support for up to 600 concurrent remote users.

RAServices Offered to Ease Installation of ISDN Circuits

RAScom provides extensive support for provisioning circuits from carriers nationwide. This family of RAServices are available at no extra charge beyond the purchase price of the product. RAScom will serve as the customers' agent in acquiring ISDN lines to connect the RAServers to the public network. The RAServices also include a support kit to assist network managers in provisioning ISDN circuits for remote clients, which includes ordering specifications, telco contacts, escalation information, and recommendations for the appropriate client terminal adapters or cards for the application requirements of the remote workers.

Betas, Pricing, and Availability

Both the RAServer 2000 and RAServer 2500 have been through extensive beta testing in real-world field trials. Bob Leone, Manager, EWN Administration and Operations of Pioneering Services Corporation, said, "We have been successfully using the RAServer 2500 for consolidating calls from remote workers using ISDN. The open systems architecture allows us to easily scale the solution and order only the LAN and WAN interfaces that we require." Wes Kussmaul, Chairman and Vice President of Product Development for The Village Group, said, "The RAServer Series 2000 is a cost-effective, customized solution that allows us to take advantage of ISDN to provide our remote clients and their subscribers with high-speed, reliable connectivity."

The RAServer Series 2000 list prices range from $8,500 to $50,500, depending on configuration. Both products are generally available in October through the RAScom direct sales organization.

About RAScom

RAScom is the first company to deliver remote access solutions based on open platforms. The company is dedicated to providing customers with the best in ISDN remote access solutions together with the best service and support. In March, RAScom completed its first round of venture financing for $2.7 million, which was led by Pioneer Capital and Charles River Ventures. RAScom allows organizations to implement secure, flexible, and scaleable remote access solutions that leverage the rapidly declining price curves and dramatically increasing power of the PC market. For more information on RAScom or its products, please visit the company's World Wide Web site at http://www.RAScom.com.

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Note to Editors: RAServices, RAServer Series 2000, RAServer 2000, and RAServer 2500 are trademarks of RAScom. All other brand and product names are properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Chris Carroll, Carroll & Associates

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