InnoMedia Announces Wireless Internet Sharing Related Items
January 8, 1999 -- Home offices, home computing users, and families with children can now network their computers without unsightly and annoying cables -- and save money! InnoMedia, Inc. a leading supplier of Internet telephony and wireless communication products, announces InfoAccess™. Using state-of-the-art digital spread spectrum technology, InfoAccess provides secure and reliable wireless network capabilities between two desktop and/or portable computers and permits two users to simultaneously access the Internet, using one Internet account, one phone line, and only one modem, cable modem, ADSL or ISDN Terminal Adapter. InfoAccess also allows users to play games in a network environment. Families can now engage in interactive game playing for hours of entertainment, without having to run the wiring typical of a local area network (LAN).
InfoAccess is perfect for families involved in home computing, or home office environments, which need to share resources between two computers. Using InfoAccess, one computer is designated as the host (server) PC, providing such resources as a printer, modem, and Internet access. A second InfoAccess-equipped computer, can share all of the host computer's resources. InfoAccess is especially simple and easy to install because it does not require that a PC be opened for installation. It connects through any available COM port within a PC. InfoAccess is so flexible that even a portable computer with internal or external modem (and printer, if desired) can be designated as the host server.
"By eliminating the need for wiring, multiple modems, multiple printers, multiple phone lines, multiple Internet accounts and multiple IP addresses, InfoAccess can save users a significant amount of money, while providing the convenience of a flexible cordless network,'' commented Mr. Kai-Wa Ng, CEO of InnoMedia. "InfoAccess' use of digital spread spectrum (DSS) technology ensures users will have secure, reliable communications.''
In addition to the home computing and home office markets, InfoAccess is ideal for permanent installations where running wires is impractical or expensive, such as in older buildings, and for easy-to-setup temporary installations. The wireless solution is flexible, allowing users to locate and move their PCs without being tied down by wiring.
WinProxy
InfoAccess is bundled with WinProxy™ by Ostitis Software, a secure firewall proxy server software which acts as the InfoAccess network's intelligent Internet "gateway.'' Optimizing the management and routing of Internet traffic, WinProxy enables both computers to simultaneously access the Internet through a single TCP/IP connection. This simultaneous access eliminates the need to have multiple phone lines, modems and user accounts. WinProxy provides DNS and HTTP caching, dramatically reducing access time to frequently visited sites.
WinProxy significantly increases computer security. It establishes a secure firewall that prevents unauthorized access from the Internet to the connected computers. In addition, WinProxy manages and monitors Internet usage with such features as site blacklisting, allowing home-users to block unwanted websites from being accessible within their network, activity logging, time of day access and services authorization. This is especially valuable for families with children using the Internet. All of these value-added features, assist a home user in placing parameters for their Internet environment. WinProxy has an estimated MSRP of $60, however it is included as a free bundle with the InfoAccess package.
Digital Spread Spectrum
The 900 MHz digital spread spectrum technology used in InfoAccess provides higher quality communications, with longer range, less noise, and higher security, than conventional wireless solutions. Using auto-scan and auto-channel change, InfoAccess automatically determines and moves to the clearest available channel; these features ensure the best communication between the two networked computers. Advanced users can take advantage of the adjustable packet size and automatic retransmission features to guarantee maximum performance. InfoAccess operates to a distance of 300 feet in a typical indoor environment and up to 800 feet in open space. The 85 Kbps transfer rate provides efficient data transmission for Internet sharing or network game-playing.
For maximum convenience, InfoAccess connects to the PC using the computer's serial port, and supports a host interface data rate of up to 115.2 kbps. In addition to the provided AC power adapters that simplify hook up and increase flexibility, InfoAccess can also use the supplementary power cable to draw power from the PC or notebook PC.
Price and Availability
InfoAccess is available through InnoMedia's distributors, InnoMedia's Electronic Store at innomedia.com and at various retail stores with an MSRP of $199/pair. InfoAccess is scheduled for release January, 1999. For more InnoMedia product information, call 408-562-3535 or visit the company's Web site at www.innomedia.com.
About InnoMedia
Founded in 1995, InnoMedia is a privately-held company with operations in Santa Clara, Calif., Hsinchu, Taiwan and Singapore. InnoMedia is a leading supplier of Internet telephony, video conferencing and wireless data communication products for the home and office. The company employs its patent pending technology in the development of intelligent communications devices that are designed to save cost and enrich the user's experience. The Company specializes in communication products that are innovative, easy-to-use and bring a new level of value to consumers, making the practicality and efficiency of InnoMedia's products available to households around the world. |