I> Madge Networks, a worldwide provider of networking solutions, has launched the Smart DeskStream Token Ring workgroup switch to deliver the most cost-effective and flexible means of switching at the desktop. This latest generation technology offers Token Ring users the power of 16Mbps full duplex (32 Mbps) to connected PCs at a suggested list price of $169 per port - up to one third less than the price per port of competing products and at similar levels to Fast Ethernet per port prices.
Designed for easy installation into any Token Ring environment, the Smart DeskStream switch provides improved network productivity, manageability and security. The switch also offers investment protection with support for High Speed Token Ring (HSTR) and forthcoming multi-services technology.
Rod Morris, computer systems programmer of Montgomery County Government, Maryland, USA, said: "Our tests of Madge`s new Smart DeskStream switch have proven highly successful. The low-cost switch is very simple to configure and use, and easily integrates into our existing network. Switching to the desktop will give our users much higher performance and more reliable connections without the need for significant changes to the network."
Ed Guizar, network configuration manager of the US-based charitable organisation Focus on the Family, added: "We fully rely on our Token Ring network to help us communicate effectively with our global audiences. Madge`s desktop switching solution is an ideal way to help us improve the productivity and manageability of our current infrastructure. And all this extra bandwidth at the desktop, at a very attractive price, is great news for us."
Madge Networks has launched the Smart DeskStream switch to help meet the anticipated overall three-fold increase in demand by the year 2000 for high bandwidth switching in Token Ring networks, as forecast by Dell`Oro Group.
In addition to offering secure, dedicated 16Mbps full duplex bandwidth to connected PCs, the Smart DeskStream switch provides up to 200 Mbps full duplex (400Mbps) to the backbone when used with the soon to be announced HSTR uplink option - enabling users to cope with increasing volumes of traffic within LAN workgroups.
The Smart DeskStream HSTR modules will complement Madge`s comprehensive range of HSTR products announced 14 September, which include the Madge Smart 100/16/4 PCI-HS Ringnode adapter and 2-port fiber and 4-port copper HSTR Modules for the Smart Ringswitch family of Token Ring switches.
Simon Jones, Token Ring product marketing manager at Madge Networks, said: "With the additional bandwidth provided by the Smart DeskStream switch to the desktop and backbone, end users will see sharp performance improvements when using networked applications. Network managers can rely on the switch to help them manage and evolve their Token Ring networks more easily and effectively into the future."
He added: "By bringing high bandwidth per port switching technology dramatically down in price, Madge is making desktop Token Ring switching truly affordable. While other Token Ring switches cost around $250 per port list price, the Smart DeskStream switch`s $169 per port price is close to that of a Token Ring shared media hub."
The switch`s modular stacking architecture and full auto-configuration features allow network managers to provide wire speed bandwidth to additional connections easily, and as quickly or gradually as required. With the ability to stack up to eight switches, each with 24 ports, the Smart DeskStream switch can support up to 192 connected devices in a single stack, improving ease of management and minimizing rack space requirements.
The Smart DeskStream switch is a key component of the Madge Perspective strategy, which encompasses plans to provide Token Ring users with increased scalability, affordability and the means to take full advantage of networked applications of the future. The Madge Perspective roadmap is the industry`s most comprehensive framework for taking Token Ring forward into the 21st century.
Pricing and Availability
The first shipments of the Smart DeskStream Token Ring switch are scheduled for October 1998 with a suggested list price starting from US$ 4049.
Editors Note
About Madge Networks
Founded in 1986, Madge Networks (NASDAQ: MADGF) is a worldwide supplier of advanced networking solutions. A manufacturer of award-winning adapter cards, workgroup switching and backbone products, Madge has pioneered advances in Token Ring, ISDN, video networking and ATM technologies. The company is also at the forefront of developments in High Speed Token Ring (HSTR) technology, and is a founding member of the HSTR Alliance. Madge is committed to providing key components of converged networks - networks which handle simultaneous data, video and voice traffic. Madge`s main business centres are located at Wexham Springs, United Kingdom and Eatontown, New Jersey. The company serves its international customer base through a global network of distributors and resellers. Information about Madge`s complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.madge.com.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Statement
Investors should take note that certain statements in this press release are forward-looking and may not give full weight to all of the potential risks (e.g., difficulty of developing high technology products, changing industry standards, competition, and manufacturing changed priorities and resource allocation resulting from these and other factors). Forward-looking statements included in this press release include statements which refer to suggested pricing for the Smart DeskStream Token Ring workgroup switch, investment protection, HSTR and forthcoming multi-services technology, increase in bandwidth demand, High Speed Token Ring products announced 14 September 1998, scheduled first availability of the Smart DeskStream Token Ring workgroup switch in October 1998, soon to be announced HSTR uplink option and other statements which are not completely historical. Actual results, actions or events could differ materially. For more information on risks, please refer to Madge`s SEC filings, including Madge`s SEC filings on Form 6-K and Form 20F.
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