Rockwell First to License Microcom's V.34 Technology
PR Newswire - April 03, 1997 11:54
Rockwell joins Cisco Systems, Bay Networks to license Microcom's
ISDN technology
NORWOOD, Mass., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Microcom, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNPI)
today announced that Rockwell Semiconductor Systems (NYSE: ROK), a major chip
supplier claiming 70% of the V.34 remote modem market, is the first to license
Microcom's two V.34 technology patents. As part of the worldwide V.34
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) V.34 modem standard, these
patents are a requirement in the V.34 modem implementation. The patents also
apply to V.34-style return paths which will be incorporated into next-
generation 56Kbps modems. Overall, this agreement marks the beginning of
Microcom's strategic initiative to actively enforce its patents and pursue
licensing agreements with worldwide customers.
In addition to licensing the V.34-associated patents, Rockwell, along with
industry giants Cisco Systems and Bay Networks, has also licensed one of
Microcom's ISDN patents, U.S. patent number 5,134,611, which provides the
flexible and cost-effective capability to automatically detect whether an
incoming or outgoing dial-up connection is to a digital (ISDN) or analog
destination. This is a key technology offering for combination modem/ISDN
devices, a growing market segment.
Lewis Bergins, president and CEO of Microcom commented, "Microcom
continues to aggressively invest in innovative technology -- as exemplified
by MODEMWARE, MNP 2-5, MNP 10, MNP 10EC, V.34 and our central site
technology -- and is committed to having that technology available to a
worldwide clientele. As we continue to develop and enhance our communication
technology, we will aggressively pursue new revenue and market share
opportunities through licensing agreements from our strategic partners and
from those who are using technology covered by our patents."
As a major chip supplier, Rockwell has agreed to license the V.34
technology patents, thereby continuing to supply their modem customers with
leading intellectual properties. The licensing agreement includes all
Rockwell modems currently shipping with V.34 and K56flex, and is retroactive
to the initial V.34 product release. Microcom also intends to actively pursue
licensing agreements with other non-Rockwell based modem and remote access
suppliers, and PC manufacturers. The specific financial terms of the Rockwell
agreement are undisclosed.
Specifically, the two essential V.34-related patents are U.S. patent
number 4,680,781 and U.S. patent number 5,241,565. Patent number '781
describes a modem technology through which modems select operating speeds upon
initial connection establishment; patent number '565 is related to the
adjustment of modem transmit power.
Availability
Manufacturers interested in our V.34 and/or ISDN patents can license the
technology from Microcom. For further information about Microcom's licensing
agreements, manufacturers may call Gregory Pearson, Microcom's senior vice
president, technology management, at 818-366-1052.
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
microcom.com or via our toll free number at 800-822-8224.
NOTE: Microcom and MNP are registered trademarks and MODEMWARE and
Microcom Networking Protocol are trademarks of Microcom Systems, Inc. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
SOURCE Microcom, Inc.
CONTACT: Amy Novakoff of Microcom, Inc., 617-551-1695 |
