AST GIVES NEW MEANING TO TECHNICAL SUPPORT WITH AST-LIFELINE FOR BUSINESS
USERS

REMOTE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL ENABLES ACCURATE TRACKING AND ESCALATION OF PC
SYSTEM PROBLEMS

IRVINE, Calif., January 8, 1996 -- Spiraling technical service to new
heights, AST Computer today announced the availability of AST-LifeLine
support for its business desktop users. Conveniently packaged as an option
kit for its AST Bravo and Premmia systems, AST-LifeLine delivers the
ultimate in customer support through the use of VoiceView TALK SHOP from
Radish Communications Systems, Inc. An integrated voice and data protocol,
VoiceView TALK SHOP allows for remote diagnosis and repair of business
system problems.

Using an ordinary phone line, voice and data communications can be
exchanged between the business customer and PC support technician to
quickly evaluate the situation and implement a "real time" solution or
"fix," often during a single call.

"AST-LifeLine is a superior customer support solution for business users,"
said Laura Raybin, director of business desktop marketing for AST. "Users
are looking to adopt cutting-edge technology to gain a competitive edge
over rivals. AST-LifeLine provides users that edge through dynamic,
interactive, real-time customer support that in effect reduces the amount
of time needed to resolve technical problems," she added. AST-LifeLine is
an interactive technical support system that provides a new and
comprehensive standard for business desktop service. By allowing help desk
personnel to remotely gather technical information and configuration
details in real time, AST-LifeLine helps reduce overall expenses
associated with technical service and support.

AST-LifeLine incorporates Radish Communications System's VoiceView
integrated voice and data protocol with custom AST technical support
software.

TIME-SAVING SOLUTION

In keeping with the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model proposed by the
Gartner Group, a high-tech marketing research firm in Stamford, Conn., AST
has designed AST-LifeLine to address the critical issue of help desk
automation.

"We know that approximately 30 percent of calls to help desks are
repetitive problems," Raybin noted.

AST-LifeLine empowers a user to quickly solve the most common PC problems
through the use of an automated agent. If a solution is not obvious, the
user will then be connected to a technical support person who has the
capability to look at the user's system files.

"By utilizing a single phone line and our new AST-LifeLine software, a PC
support technician can remotely diagnose and repair a user's hardware and
software problems -- one call often does it all! With AST-LifeLine, there
is no waiting for the time-absorbing scenario of phone calls repeatedly
made and returned," she added.

COMPREHENSIVE TOOL KITS

AST-LifeLine consists of two option kits designed for the needs of users as
well as service providers and the IS Help Desk.

End-User Kit

Encompassing a comprehensive package of tools that makes remote diagnosis
and technical support possible, the end-user AST-LifeLine package allows
the user to interact with either the IS Help Desk, an automated service
center or AST Technical Support. Contained within the AST- LifeLine
end-user package is:

 Boca Research 14.4kbps Data/Fax/Voice Modem
 VoiceView TALK SHOP
 InsideLine Adapter

Service Provider and IS Help Desk Kit

The service provider and IS Help Desk AST-LifeLine kit allows service
providers and IS Help Desk technicians to diagnose a customer's system in
the same manner provided by AST Technical Support. Additionally,
information gathered by the service provider or IS Help Desk can be
transmitted directly to AST Technical Support should additional assistance
be needed in resolving the customer's problem. The kit contains:

 Boca Research 14.4kbps Data/Fax/Voice Modem
 VoiceView HelpDesk
 VoiceView TALK SHOP
 InsideLine Adapter

Named "Editor's Choice" and "Product of the Year" in the September, 1995
issue of Telephony magazine, the Boca Research 14.4kbps modem offers
business users high quality at a salient price.

VOICEVIEW TALK SHOP

With TALK SHOP, a user can electronically send and receive virtually any
file currently loaded on the system via a standard telephone line. No
longer are separate lines for voice and data transmission necessary.
Program files, word processing, graphics and spreadsheets can all be
easily transported.

Using the VoiceView HelpDesk piece of AST-LifeLine, the technician can
view, launch, forward, save, edit or simply delete a file.

VOICEVIEW HELPDESK

HelpDesk is a Windows operating system-based application with specific
features for technical support call centers that work with users running
VoiceView TALK SHOP. Technicians can streamline the support process thanks
to integrated voice and data transmission. HelpDesk allows a service
technician to look at the troubled system remotely while interacting with
the customer over the same phone line.

INSIDELINE ADAPTER

Understanding that most business phone lines often go through some type of
digital, PBX or multi-line telephone system, AST has incorporated a method
of connecting analog devices such as a standard modem, fax/modem, fax
machine or audio teleconferencing. With AST's InsideLine adapter, analog
and digital signals are converted as necessary to allow data transmission
over a business phone line.

DESIGNED FOR THE AWARD-WINNING BRAVO FAMILY

Designed for use with AST Bravo and Premmia business systems, AST- LifeLine
is available as an option with prices starting at $210 for the end-user's
kit and $640 for the reseller's package. Most recently named to PC World's
December list of "Top 20 Power Desktops," the Intel&#174
Pentium&#174-based AST business PC family members have garnered praise
from the likes of Computer Reseller News and Windows Magazine for
producing a "powerhouse" machine that "packs plenty of punch."

WORLDWIDE SERVICE AND SUPPORT

AST backs all of its products with a host of multi-source support programs
including a toll-free "hot" line for users in the U.S., AST InfoLine, an
interactive voice-response system with fax-response diagnostics and
instructions, and Info-FAX, a 24-hour local and international
voice-automated fax-response product information source. Additionally, AST
OnLine!, AST's own bulletin board service and CompuServe&#174 and
Prodigy&#174 online forums are available. CompuServe can be reached at
GO:ASTFORUM and Prodigy can be reached via JUMP:AST SUPPORT.

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

AST Research Inc., a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest
industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal
computer manufacturers. The $2.468 billion company develops a broad
spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more
than 100 countries worldwide. AST systems meet a wide range of customer
needs, ranging from corporate business applications to advanced home and
home office use. Corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway,
P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone (714) 727-4141 or
(800) 876-4278. Fax (714) 727-9355. Information about AST and its products
can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ast.com.
 
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