Xyplex announces FocalPoint, the networking market's first suite of graphical configurators for unsurpassed set-up ease.

LITTLETON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 1995--Xyplex Inc. today announced FocalPoint, a family of Windows-based utility tools that enable network managers to graphically and intuitively configure Xyplex networking products.

The first product in the FocalPoint family is FocalPoint for Routers, available in July with Xyplex Network 3000 branch office routers. FocalPoint for Routers takes the complexity out of ISDN configuration by offering intelligent defaults based on the ISDN switch type selected. Subsequent FocalPoint versions supporting additional Xyplex product lines will soon be announced.

"FocalPoint is a revolutionary new tool that makes configuring geographically-dispersed wide area networks so easy that network managers will no longer need cumbersome hard-copy documentation sets or command line interfaces -- even when configuring new WAN services like ISDN," said Greg Pisano, senior product manager, internetworking. "FocalPoint is another Xyplex solution reflecting our core philosophy that networks should be easy to configure and manage," he concluded.

FocalPoint intelligently guides the network manager through a logical progression of set-up choices complete with context sensitive on-line help. Once configured on the diskette, network managers or branch office personnel easily load the FocalPoint configuration locally to the Xyplex network device.

To use FocalPoint, network manager simply load the diskette on a 386 or above IBM-compatible PC and follow the standard Windows set- up process. A list of configuration items are first presented in a Checklist Summary window that is automatically updated as the items are completed. Pre-set defaults also greatly enhance simplification, especially when configuring new WAN services like ISDN. For example, standard ISDN counters and timers, Q.921 and Q.931, are automatically enabled based on the ISDN carrier selected.

FocalPoint for Routers walks the user through the following Network 3000 configuration windows:

o Physical Connection graphically displays a router model allowing the user to select and enable the hardware configuration, including WAN module type, such as V.35 or RS-232;

o Basic Set-up assigns a configuration password and enters the router's IP addresses and system names;

o Serial Link Set-up selects the WAN link speed, the link protocol, such as Frame Relay or X.25, as well as link names, poll timers, and call answering choices;

o ISDN Set-up will configure the router based on the ISDN access arrangement, including selecting the carrier ISDN switch type, enabling ISDN channels, and entering Service Provider Identifiers (SPID) and local numbers;

o Interface Configuration configures bridging and routing protocols and related link association as well as the assignment of RIP, OSPF and routing address information, and;

o Circuit Set-up configures data compression, defines the association between the configured links and interfaces via defining circuit protocols such as PPP, V.25bis, DTR dial settings, as well as default settings for call timers, counters and priorities.

FocalPoint for Routers is priced at $295. However, Xyplex is bundling it free-of-charge for its Network 3000 branch office customers, making the Network 3000 family the industry's lowest-priced end-to-end ISDN router solution at the U.S. list price beginning at $1,995. FocalPoint for Routers will support router modules in the Network 9000 in Q4'95.

Priced from $1,995 - $5,195, Network 3000 routers and integrated hub routers support a broad array of standard routing protocols and switched WAN services, including ISDN BRI, Frame Relay, X.25 and Switched 56. Each Network 3000 product comes standard with TCP/IP, IPX, AppleTalk, concurrent Spanning Tree Bridging, Frame Relay and Switched 56, with optional software downloadable protocols including X.25, DECnet and OSI. All models also support PPP, Multilink PPP, data compression, IPX Spoofing, and IP routing protocols including OSPF, MOSPF, EGP and RIP. Fully-integrated ISDN BRI in either single or multiple connections comes either pre-packaged or as an option. Also available is an optional 10BaseT media concentration module.

Interested parties should contact the Xyplex toll-free sales line 800-338-5316.

Xyplex Inc. is a Raytheon Co. headquartered in Boxborough, Mass., that designs, manufactures, markets and supports networks based on the Network 9000 switching and routing hubs, the Network 3000 family of branch office solutions, and the market-leading MAXserver remote access servers. Organizations rely on Xyplex to build cost-effective solutions for worldwide distributed client server networks. Distributed to over 50 countries, the company's products are sold through its direct sales force and sales partners. Xyplex's company-wide processes are ISO 9001 certified for quality and continuous improvement.

Raytheon Co. is an international high technology company operating in four business areas: commercial and defense electronics, engineering and construction, aviation and major appliances. Headquartered in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) completed its tenth consecutive year of record earnings ($759.2 million) on sales of $10 billion in 1994. The company employs more than 60,000 people in 24 countries.

CONTACT: Xyplex Inc., Littleton

Karin Bakis, 508/952-4936

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or

Rachel Winett, 508/952-5702

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