Paul, Intel has a new product that will compete with both "classic" 3COM product, and acquired last year (US Robotics) product: the "High Speed Managed Mobile Adapter."
biz.yahoo.com
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Intel Ships Industry's First High-Speed Managed Mobile
Adapter
HILLSBORO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 1998--Intel Corporation [Nasdaq:INTC -
news] today introduced the industry's first managed combination CardBus mobile adapter,
designed to help businesses lower the costs associated with mobile computing by providing a
combination adapter with built-in management capabilities.
The Intel(R) PRO/100 LAN+Modem56 CardBus mobile adapter integrates a 10/100-Mpbs
(Megabits-per-second) Ethernet adapter and a 56-Kbps (Kilobits-per-second) modem in a single
adapter delivering the fastest speeds available for both technologies.
The new CardBus adapter is based on 32-bit bus-mastering technology similar to PCI. CardBus is
critical for Fast Ethernet performance to help optimize 100Mbps connections while traditional
16-bit PC Cards are limited to a maximum of approximately 25Mbps. Intel's new adapter
provides the bandwidth for true Fast Ethernet LAN performance and modem access that
complements the capabilities of new Pentium(R) II processor-based mobile PCs. Combining
high-speed LAN and modem technologies into one PC Card helps simplify flexible connections
for mobile PC users who need access to information from their homes, office or remote locations.
''As notebook computers continue to replace desktop PCs, it has become vital for companies to
build management into their mobile solutions,'' said Mark Christensen, vice president and general
manager of Intel's Network Products Division. ''Intel's PRO/100 LAN+Modem56 CardBus is the
industry's first combination mobile adapter to do this with support for Intel's Wired for
Management specification.''
According to a recent International Data Corporation(a) report, the LAN+Modem combo card
market segment grew by 48% in 1997, compared to an overall 39% growth in total PC Card
shipments.
''Intel recognizes the increasing popularity and greater management burden of portable PCs,'' said
Justin Smith, senior analyst with IDC. ''Efforts aimed at making portable PCs more manageable
will serve to bring portables in line with desktops relative to important system management
capabilities. It will take time for these emerging capabilities to evolve and deploy widely, but
Intel and the industry at large are laying the groundwork for future manageability now.''
The PRO/100 LAN+Modem56 CardBus mobile adapter is designed to help save network
administrators time and money through built-in management capabilities. Support for the Wired
for Management v1.1a specification for mobile PCs helps network administrators resolve
problems by providing status reports via DMI 2.0, and helps extend battery life through ACPI
power management.
Additional benefits of the Intel PRO/100 LAN+Modem56 CardBus include:
-- HotSwap(b) support that helps enable easy removal and
reinsertion of the card, increasing up time
-- K56flex(b) modem that supports flash upgrades
-- Worldwide telco compatibility that allows connections
anywhere in the world
-- Wireless connectivity when needed with cellular and GSM
support
-- Driver support for Windows(b) 98, Windows 95 and Windows
NT(b) 4.0
The Intel family of server, client and mobile adapters provides a broad range of solutions
designed to help network administrators deliver cost-effective, balanced computing across their
networks. The new Intel mobile adapter is a key element in Intel's strategy of enabling the
transition to higher-bandwidth networking and reducing the total cost of ownership.
Pricing and Availability
The PRO/100 LAN+Modem56 CardBus Mobile Adapter will be available June 26 in packages
of one, five or 20 units. Purchased in multiunits, the U.S. suggested retail price of each adapter is
$369 (20-pack pricing). An update to the V.90 ITU 56K modem standard will be available on
Intel's Web site, free of charge to customers.
All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors and
value-added resellers. Additional product information is available at 800/538-3373 for U.S. and
Canadian customers; at (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or at 503/264-7354 for
other international customers.
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