Africa Data Holdings fuels growth of small businesses with ISDN router

Africa Data Holdings, SA`s leading supplier of ISDN technologies and solutions and the sole distributor of the DIVA 1830 ISDN Router, has received an exceptional response from the local channel for the Eicon Technologies` product.

"Specialising in ISDN technology and solutions, we were extremely pleased with Eicon`s introduction of the DIVA 1830 ISDN Router. The South African entrepreneurial market is growing year by year, and it is imperative that we are able to provide the SOHO or branch offices with a cost-effective product that will help streamline their business operations.

"The DIVA 1830 multiplies the benefits of PCs, connected to an existing small local area network, by connecting them to the Internet, ISDN voice devices, such as ISDN phones and ISDN PBXs, and corporate networks via a single ISDN line. This one line can be shared by up to 50 users simply by linking additional inexpensive networking hubs," says Graham Perry, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Data Holdings.

"Less than a week ago, we released a product announcement to vendors which provided costing details. Since then Africa Connect, our hardware division that provides solutions to the SOHO, SME and large enterprise markets, has received an impressive level of demand for the product. Although we were confident the DIVA 1830 router would do well in the South African market, we did not project the high level of interest it has actually received. I am very pleased with this demand as I believe it`s an indication of the increased level of use and understanding of ISDN and related products in the country."

Eicon`s DIVA 1830 ISDN Router is compatible with all industry standard compliant access servers and routers. It can maintain an active ISDN connection without the user incurring costs for a continual multi-channel connection by making optimal use of a low-bandwidth ISDN channel. When greater bandwidth is required, additional channels are automatically accessed, reducing end-user costs, while allowing telcos and ISPs to use their networks more efficiently. This allows users to remain actively connected to a remote corporate network or the Internet without wasting capacity and provides immediate access to expanded bandwidth when data activity increases.

"We believe we are bringing a very much needed product to the local ISDN market. Demand for this kind of product is being fuelled by the growth in small businesses and entrepreneurial spirits. The DIVA 1830 ISDN Router fits this demand perfectly," says Ken Gingrich, Eicon`s Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Marketing Operations.

Eicon`s DIVA 1830 ISDN Router has one Ethernet port and one ISDN port and works with all operating systems. Eicon has designed the DIVA 1830 ISDN Router with the non-technical user in mind. Installation Wizards for Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000 and Windows NT 4.0 make for a highly intuitive and easy setup. Software updates and unit configurations are easily performed via the integrated Web-based interface.

Eicon`s DIVA 1830 ISDN Router also transparently supports secure corporate host connections over the Internet using Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology, eliminating long-distance telephone charges. The DIVA 1830 ISDN Router provides virtual firewall protection by keeping local network addresses hidden from the outside world. Passwords are also implemented to prevent tampering.