IBM Accelerates ATM Juggernaut with Simple-To-Use Products; Industry's
Lowest Workgroup Prices

New Offerings Drive Switched Virtual Networking to Desktop Market

ComNet, Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 1996...IBM today is simplifying
high-speed networking and aggressively driving down prices by announcing a
low-cost 25Mbps switch and adapter combining ATM power with LAN simplicity
and a packaged solution for implementing 25Mbps ATM for $495 per user.

Today's announcement puts ATM pricing in line with other LAN technologies
and removes cost barriers to installing ATM now.

"Our Switched Virtual Networking strategy outlined the means for enabling
the IBM network-centric' vision of access to any data, anytime, anywhere,"
said Rick McGee, vice president, Switching Systems, Networking Hardware
Division. "Today that vision comes to the desktop. For those who are
ready, our new 25Mbps switch and launch kit leave no reason not to install
ATM." ATM is now economical, easy

The new IBM 25Mbps ATM 8285 Nways* Workgroup Switch gives budget- conscious
customers an entry to high-speed computing that's simple to use, cuts
training time and saves management resources. Geared for small
configurations of up to 48 ATM workstations, the 8285 is an ideal base for
building independent workgroups. For customers who want the benefits of
ATM in a smaller configuration and without necessarily linking to a
backbone, the 8285 provides a fully autonomous switch with all of ATM's
capabilities for handling multimedia traffic at a much lower price. It
also features high-speed ATM link capabilities, and so can function as
part of a larger meshed network, including other IBM 8285 or 8260
switches. The 8285 switch functions as an ATM Forum-compliant LAN
Emulation Server.

The 8285 Base model has twelve, 25Mbps ATM ports, a feature slot on the
front panel which can be used as a 155Mbps ATM port and comes with a
25Mbps ATM adapter. An optional three-slot expansion unit enables users to
add any IBM 8260 ATM module.

Because the 8285 eliminates the need for separate connection management or
configuration servers, it is as easy to install as traditional Ethernet
and Token Ring networks. It automatically bypasses failed nodes and learns
machine resources, port speeds and network topologies and so requires less
training to install and operate.

The 8285 is based on the same underlying technology as the 8260 Nways
Multiprotocol Intelligent Hub, IBM's backbone switch that focuses on
higher-speed ATM connections. This gives a common look and feel from
workgroups to campus networks; lets customers use the interface they are
familiar with; and provides scalability from single ATM switches to
subnetworks of clusters without major configuration changes.

Additionally, the 8285 implements an SNMP ATM agent which combines
industry-standard objects and IBM-specific extensions for superior
manageability of ATM networks. The agent features built-in troubleshooting
tools and a command-line interface for performing management operations
and displaying online help. It also can be used with IBM's Nways Campus
Manager products to provide a graphical management interface.

The 8285 supports up to two virtual LANs and protects investments by giving
existing devices transparent access to the ATM network and allowing
current applications to run without modification under ATM. This saves
hardware costs by eliminating the need for external workstations to
perform these functions. Instant ATM

Getting up and running with ATM is now easier than ever with IBM's new ATM
Launch Kit. This simple, packaged solution saves time and worry by
providing a complete working ATM network that is fully tested and easy to
install and integrate into existing networks. Ideal for users who need a
bandwidth boost that won't break the budget, the convenient kit comes with
everything needed to install and begin using ATM. Included are an 8260 hub
and an 8281 Nways ATM LAN Bridge with a 100Mbps ATM feature module and
client PC300. The 8281 links traditional LANs to ATM networks by finding
ATM destinations, making connections, and switching LAN traffic to the
proper destination. An 8282 Nways ATM Concentrator and client PC500 let
devices using 25Mbps TURBOWAYS adapters connect to higher-speed ATM
switches. For further cost savings, the kit's IBM PC500 Server component
comes preconfigured as both a LAN Emulation Server and a NetWare
application file server. Other kit components include four additional
Turboways 25Mbps adapters which enable users to connect their own PCS to
the ATM network.

The launch kit comes preconfigured with Token Ring and Ethernet LAN types
and includes NetBIOS and IPX stack protocols. New 8260 features, wireless
product enhancements

IBM is announcing new features for the 8260 including a redundant switch
processor; a 25Mbps concentration module for integrated ATM workgroup
support; and support for 155Mbps ATM over Unshielded Twisted Pair and
Shielded Twisted Pair cabling. A twelve port, 25Mbps module for the 8260
also is being announced.

IBM also has enhanced its Wireless LAN product with new features that
enable roaming' between different base stations. This further increases
mobility and eliminates dropped connections for users such as hospital
workers, sales people, and others who frequently move between base
stations. Much like a cellular phone, the new features automatically
connect the IBM Wireless LAN to the closest base station, increasing the
range of usability.

For more information on these products and others being announced today
consult the IBM home page on the Internet at http://www.raleigh.ibm.com or
call 1(800)IBM-CALL.

IBM Networking Hardware Division (NHD) develops and manufactures
leading-edge networking technologies and products. Headquartered in
Research Triangle Park, N.C. NHD also provides consultation, education,
service and support worldwide to help customers achieve business
objectives.

Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release
should be directed to your local IBM representative.
 
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