SOHOware's Broadband Networking Capabilities Enable Company to Efficiently Downsize to Accommodate Home Office.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2000

Simple-To-Use Home Networking Solution Increases Cost-Efficiency While

Maintaining Work Productivity

Like many small businesses around the country, KMH Associates Inc. was continually searching for a more efficient manner in which to run its operations and make the most of its personnel and computer resources.

KMH, a channel consulting company based out of East Setauket, N.Y., had already made great strides in increasing its productivity by downsizing and streamlining the responsibilities of its staff.

But with less personnel to accommodate, KMH soon realized that it could eliminate the exorbitant overhead it spent every month for office space and still maintain its productivity by enabling its personnel to work from a centrally located home office. Its only remaining concern was to ensure that its computer resources were supported by reliable, cutting-edge networking technology.

Howard Blumberg, president of KMH Associates, took on the responsibility of finding the networking solution that could efficiently support the business and keep it running smoothly in the dedicated office located in his home. With multiple computers, printers, a Centrex phone system and a secure high-speed DSL connection to manage, making the right choice was critical.

But with more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Blumberg was more than equipped to select the best solution to accommodate his company's networking needs. He researched and evaluated numerous products before deciding to purchase SOHOware's broadband wired and wireless network solutions.

"Making the final decision was easy once I evaluated SOHOware's performance, reliability and most importantly, its ease of use," said Blumberg. "When compared head-to-head with other networking solutions, it was by far the easiest to install and simplest to use. That's a critical factor when you consider that we lose money the longer it takes for us to get up, running and serving our clients."

Blumberg selected SOHOware's Broadband Internet Gateway (BIG) as the primary networking solution for KMH because it provides him the capability to connect all his computers into one secure DSL Internet connection, both wired and wirelessly.

Using this residential gateway to share his home's secure DSL line, he was easily able to self-install the network and connect the company's multiple computers, laser and ink jet printers.

Using SOHOware's CableFREE NetBlaster product as a wireless bridge to the network, he also was able to use his laptop to simultaneously access the Internet, freeing him and his co-worker to work anywhere in the house that they liked.

"Installing SOHOware's BIG was virtually a matter of plug and play. Once everything was connected, setting up the system was just a matter of following the solution's software prompts that guided me step-by-step. I was quite impressed that the product was actually as easy to install as it promised to be. Never in my 30 plus years have I ever installed anything that was as easy or went as smoothly," said Blumberg.

SOHOware's BIG and NetBlaster products provide a dependable networking solution with operations that are transparent to the user. The system capitalizes on its broadband capabilities and includes built-in security benefits that are most critical for secure home office use.

BIG enables co-workers at KMH to share a single Internet address among its multiple PCs, as well as to share peripherals, files and applications for work.

According to Blumberg, on an average day one PC may be connected to a big screen TV in order to watch a PowerPoint presentation, another computer may be downloading a large file from the Internet, a co-worker may be researching information on the Internet, while Blumberg's oldest son could be upstairs surfing the Web.

Regardless if the PC connection is wired or wireless, those using the system haven't experienced any degradation in speed.

"SOHOware is committed to providing its customers with a single source for their networking solution," said Andy Chang, vice president of marketing at SOHOware. "Designed to be both simple to self-install and use, SOHOware's broadband products are a perfect solution for small companies like KMH Associates who need a reliable networking solution to keep their businesses running profitably.

"SOHOware makes networking as easy as possible for families and small businesses by giving them a simple, uncomplicated solution. We completely eliminate the frustration most people experience trying to figure out which products are compatible, how to make things work, or getting caught in the finger pointing between manufacturers when systems don't operate.

"In addition to providing the hardware and software solution itself, we offer everything from basic education on broadband benefits and home networking to comprehensive service and technical support. It's the way home networking should be," said Chang.

About SOHOware Inc.

SOHOware Inc., with headquarters in Santa Clara, develops and markets the industry's most complete line of broadband-centric home networking products and self-installation programs, providing the most consumer-friendly networking experience backed by excellent customer service and support for home and small office computer users.

SOHOware's broadband-centric home networking family includes the CableStar DOCSIS cable modem, Broadband Internet Gateway, broadband-sharing wired and CableFREE wireless home networking products. The company also plans to launch phone line broadband solutions.

SOHOware-branded products are available at retail outlets including CompUSA, Fry's, Micro Center, THE WIZ and CompuSmart Canada, as well as through MSO/SOHOware co-branded e-commerce sites.

SOHOware is a member of BlueTooth, HomePNA, the Wireless Ethernet Compliance Association (WECA), Universal Plug and Play Forum (UpnP) as well as the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) and the California Cable Television Association (CCTA).

For more information on SOHOware products, call 800/632-1118 or visit the company's Web site at http://www.sohoware.com. SOHOware products are available for online purchase from the company's e-commerce Web site, http://www.buysohoware.com.