IBM Announces ISDN International PC Card Modem and 56K Modem Internet Kit
Fast and Versatile Communications Options
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (June 29, 1998) – -IBM today announced two new modems — the ISDN International PC Card Modem and the new V.90-ready 56K Modem Internet Kit(1). The ISDN International Modem is ideal for mobile professionals who frequently travel abroad and need a fast and versatile modem, and the 56K Modem Internet Kit, the perfect companion to desktop PCs, enables users to access the Internet, e-mail, or network databases whether in the office or at home.
”The new V.90-ready 56K Modem Internet Kit joins IBM’s award-winning family of modems and is one of the best values on the market today,” said Bob Galush, director, Options Business Line Management, Personal Systems Group. ”It provides consumers a broad variety of software applications, and the latest in modem technology at a very attractive price. The ISDN International Modem provides today’s mobile professionals a high performance solution while offering optimum flexibility in the way they communicate.”
The Ultimate Internet Kit
The IBM 56K Modem Internet Kit boasts one of the broadest offerings of communications and Internet software available on the market today. This modem is V.90 compliant right out of the box, and includes a 56K ISA modem with data/fax/voice capabilities including full-duplex speakerphone for hands-free conversations, voice mail, DSVD (Digital Simultaneous Voice-over-Data), and V.80 video conferencing support.
This new modem features fast 56Kbps(1) Internet access enabling users to surf the Web, send and receive faxes, manage voice mail and messages with Caller ID, and create their own home page with IBM’s Home Page Creator. Users can take advantage of a60-day trial(2) on IBM’s Internet Connection and connect through IBM’s V.90-compliant Global Network in more than 500 cities in the U.S.
The 56K Modem Internet Kit includes a convenient lapel microphone for use with voice functions, and the following powerful suite of communications and Internet software tools(3):
Communication Center for fax and voice messaging management
IBM Internet Connection
Antivirus Software
IBM Home Page Creator
IBM Internet Connection Phone
NetNanny Lite
Netscape Browser
PointCast
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Its Plug and Play operation makes installation quick and easy with support for Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0.
Versatility with ISDN International PC Card Modem
With support in over 40 countries(4), the ISDN International PC Card Modem offers international travelers the choice of analog, cellular or ISDN connections. It detects the type of connection being made and automatically configures itself for operation. Additionally, it enables customers traveling internationally to conveniently use the same modem from country to country without having to add additional hardware — users simply click on the country through which they are traveling to configure their systems. It also features a resettable digital line protection circuit that protects the modem from damage by digital phone systems, alleviating the fear of ”frying” the modem if the user is unsure if the line connection is analog or digital.
The ISDN modem achieves high-speed ISDN dial connections of up to 128Kbps and analog connections of up to 56Kbps(5) for downloading data and up to 33.6Kbps for data transmissions. It employs the K56flex-based protocol and can be upgraded to the newly ratified 56K ITU V.90 standard when upgrade software becomes available(6). This modem also supports Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) / Personal Communications Systems (PCS) 1900 digital wireless attachment, with optional connection kits(7).
The ISDN International modem is compatible with the PCMCIA 2.1 standard and plugs conveniently into a notebook PC’s Type II PC Card slot. It supports Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 operating systems.
Pricing and Availability
The 56K Modem Internet Kit is available now for an estimated reseller price(8) of $99. The ISDN International PC Card Modem with GSM capability will be available June 26 for an estimated reseller price(8) of $299. The two modems offer IBM’s outstanding service and support available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week(9). They also include installation diskettes, a quick start installation guide, on-line manual, and appropriate connectors and cables.
The Options by IBM Commitment
Options by IBM is committed to providing tested, quality and affordable PC solutions that enhance and protect its customers’ computing investment. The Options by IBM portfolio includes storage, communications/networking, memory, multimedia, and accessory products for desktop, workstation, server and mobile IBM and non-IBM systems. The Options by IBM Group distributes its products to channel customers including resellers, value-added resellers and retail superstores.
Source: IBM