FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joe Stunkard, PR Specialist Voice: 602/690-3231 Fax: 602/293-8065 MCI Mail: 532-6657 ARTISOFT SIGNS SOLECTEK, NCR TO DEVELOP LANTASTIC(R)- COMPATIBLE DRIVERS FOR WIRELESS NETWORK ADAPTERS Joint Agreement Sealed Through Artisoft's Driver Development Program (TUCSON, AZ -- October 12, 1992) -- Artisoft, Inc. announced today that Solectek Corp. and NCR, an AT&T company, have signed joint agreements with Artisoft to develop software drivers that will connect Solectek's parallel port AirLAN(TM) wireless network adapter and NCR's wireless WaveLAN(TM) card to a LANtastic network. Solectek and NCR have recently signed on with Artisoft's Driver Development Program and are the first wireless adapter manufacturers to develop drivers for Artisoft's LANtastic Local Area Network. "These partnerships with Solectek and NCR demonstrate Artisoft's vision to give users flexibility in platform and application compatibility," commented Ken Davis, Artisoft's Director of Business Analysis and Alliance. "These wireless LAN adapters can be used to augment existing LANtastic networks or to temporarily run a network at a remote location." Solectek's AirLAN is the first wireless network adapter that attaches externally to IBM(R)-compatible computers and is ideal for adding network nodes in difficult-to-wire areas. AirLAN's plug-and-play installation requires less than 10 minutes and is particularly well-suited for peer- to-peer network applications. "Ease of use is the key element of our partnership with Artisoft," commented James DeBello, President of Solectek. "Combining AirLAN and LANtastic simplifies installation and network operation, and should greatly expand the use of networks among large and small businesses, particularly those which were reluctant to install a LAN due to complicated installations and cabling costs." Solectek's AirLAN adapter uses NCR's WaveLAN security- enhanced, spread spectrum technology. WaveLAN technology in the 915 MHz band can penetrate walls, ceilings and floors and does not require a radio license. Typical coverage is 50,000 square feet. NCR's WaveLAN card -- which is being used to network offices, stores, banks, manufacturing sites and hospitals - - provides users the freedom to place, as well as to move, a workstation to wherever they want and still be linked to their network. The WaveLAN system, which operates as a true LAN, can easily be interconnected to Token Ring and Ethernet wired LANs. "LANtastic and WaveLAN are a powerful combination for customers who want a simple, cost- effective way to create and manage an information network in their workplace," said Khaled Marrei, vice president of NCR's Wireless Communications and Networking Division. "Network-ready PCs that require no wiring means that a move or change in a network is as simple as picking a PC and placing it at the new location." The WaveLAN card is designed to provide network-ready systems, where the LAN operating system and WaveLAN card are pre-installed. Users simply take the network-ready PC out of the box, plug it in, attach a small, external omni- directional antenna with velcro to any nearby surface -- and the PC is on the network. The LANtastic-compatible drivers will be included at no extra cost with each unit of AirLAN and WaveLAN. Pricing is $699 for the AirLAN adapter and $799 for the WaveLAN card. (The WaveLAN card, under a special promotion, is now available for $695). Solectek and NCR join the ranks of other manufacturers that are signed under Artisoft's Driver Development Program, a division of Artisoft's Compatibility Certification Program. Vendors whose products test LANtastic compatible under this program reap such important benefits as increased sales and market exposure, front-line technical support and added promotional support and materials. Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions including the LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows(TM) environments, the LANtastic network now offers multiplatform connectivity solutions for TCP/IP, NetWare(R) and Macintosh(R). It allows up to 300 users of IBM- compatible computers to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD- ROMs, and has won numerous industry awards for its cost- effective features, performance and ease of use. Artisoft distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide and maintains international offices in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, Australia and Japan. For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800-TINYRAM. Corporate 602/293-6363. Fax 602/293-8065. James DeBello Solectek Corp. 619/450-1220 Xenia Moore (Solectek) Franson, Hagerty & Assoc. 619/457-4490 Ho. 619/272-7050 Susana Thompson NCR 617/574-6260 Ho. 508/526-4650