CAMBRIDGE, MA, May 18, 1992 -- Shiva today announced it will ship rack-mounted versions of the FastPath 5, the leading AppleTalk-to-Ethernet gateway. Available in single or dual unit configurations, the new FastPath SR can be installed in 19-inch racks in the corporate wiring closet. The rack-mount configuration makes it easier for network managers to install and monitor routers in a central location. FastPath SR will be demonstrated at Shiva's Interop booth #222 in the Washington D.C Convention Center. Targeted to network managers of large corporations, the FastPath 5R is one of several new product and service enhancements announced by Shiva to help users maximize their investment in the FastPath router line. For users of the FastPath, Shiva offers a number of trade-in options that let network managers upgrade smoothly and easily. Shiva also introduced a new service offering for all North American FastPath users, the FastPath On-Site Service Program. Users who purchase this optional program receive on-site consultation and training. With an estimated 50,000 installations worldwide, the FastPath router, with its AppleTalk-to-Ethernet routing capability, is viewed as a mission-critical part of enterprise networks. The growth of AppleTalk networks has driven the need for central control of FastPaths, along with other network devices, and increased ownership by MIS professionals. "Multi-unit, rack mountable solutions are an important part of Shiva's strategy as internetworks continue to grow in size and complexity," said Paul Gustafson, Shiva senior product manager. "We're also offering a complete suite of services and tools that help FastPath users manage their internetworks easily and quickly." FastPath 5R: Rack-Mount Capability FastPath SR rack mounts one or two FastPath 5's in a single enclosure that can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack, on the wall, or stacked on a table. The unit can be mounted with either the status lights or the cabling in front. In addition to the rack-mount feature, FastPath 5R's slim design--the unit is only 1.72 inches tall--enables four FastPaths to fit into the space of one competitive gateway. When purchased in the two-unit configuration, FastPath SR is less expensive than other leading AppleTalk-to-Ethernet routers. The enclosure provides very cool operation for one or two FastPath 5s. The FastPath 5's CMOS logic and surface-mount technology make it the most advanced and reliable AppleTalk router available. Battery backed up SRAM remembers configuration information if the power goes out. Shiva's FastPath 5 is the standard for LocalTalk-Ethernet networking. It is the fastest, most reliable LocalTalk-Ethernet gateway, and routes multiple protocols, including TCP/IP, DECnet AppleTalk Phase 1 and 2, and IPTalk. It includes Shiva Net Manager, network management software that lets users easily configure and centrally manage the FastPath 5, FastPath SR, NetModem/E and LanRover/L. Investment Protection Current FastPath users in the U.S. and Canada can choose from several upgrade options that help protect the investment they have already made. Since FastPath SR supports the standard FastPath 5 product, it can be easily upgraded in the field or by returning the product to Shiva. No additional training is required to configure and manage a FastPath SR. For users of the FastPath 4, trade-ins are available directly from Shiva. FastPath 4 upgrade: Users can trade in their FastPath 4 for a substantial discount on either a one- or two-unit FastPath SR. The U.S. retail price for the trade-in is $999 for a one-unit FastPath SR and $1999 for a two-unit FastPath 5R. FastPath 5 field upgrade kit: Users can purchase a field upgrade kit that allows them to take their current FastPath 5 unit and simply install the motherboard into the FastPath SR form factor. A FastPath 5 upgrade kit includes the enclosure, a 2-unit power supply and installation documentation. Installation into the rack mount is quite simple. The U.S. retail price for the upgrade kit is $599 per unit. FastPath 5 factory upgrade: Users who do not want to perform field upgrades themselves may send their FastPath 5s back to Shiva for upgrading. The U.S. retail price for the upgrade is $799 per unit which can hold two FastPath 5's. Pricing and Availability FastPath SR may be purchased with one or two FastPath units in the rack-mount enclosure. The FastPath SR will be available in June 1992 at a suggested U.S. retail price of $2799 for the one unit configuration and $5399 for the two-unit configuration. The product will be sold by dealers and distributors. New Service Program In addition to addressing the need for centralized management with FastPath SR, Shiva also introduced today expanded service programs for FastPath 5 users in North America. The new FastPath On-Site Service Program gives customers hands-on product training, network consulting and installation of Shiva products--all at the customer site. Additional consulting services will include customized software tools and scripts that allow users to configure and maintain large numbers of FastPaths. Targeted to Shiva's Fortune 500 customers, universities and government installations, the program is driven by customer requests for on-site training and support. It is chartered to begin in June 1992. Contact Shiva Corporation at 617/252-6500 or 800/458-3550 for details. Shiva Corporation Founded in 1985, Shiva Corporation is a leading supplier of dial-in communications servers and internetworking products. Shiva Corporation is located at One Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142; telephone 617/252-6300; 800/458-3550 +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | From the America Online New Product Information Services | +===============================================================+ | This information was processed with OmniPage Professional OCR | | software (from Caere Corp) & a Canon IX-30 scanner from data | | provided by the above mentioned company. For additional info, | | contact the company at the address or phone# indicated above. | | All submissions for this service should be addressed to | | BAKER ENTERPRISES, 20 Ferro Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080 U.S.A. | +---------------------------------------------------------------+