DIGICOM SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES SoftModem 
A Low-Cost "Modem on a Disk" Communications Technology

MILPITAS, Calif.--June 23,1992 -- Digicom Systems, Inc. announced today a
new "SoftModem" communications technology that provides all of the
necessary modulation and compression algorithms for a V.32bis and Group 3
fax modem as a software product. The company will license this
revolutionary SoftModem as part of the MDK-200 modem design kit to
manufacturers as a lowcost, off-the-shelf solution for multimedia
communications when integrated with Analog Devices Inc.'s Signal Computing
open systems architecture. As opposed to traditional modem chipsets, the
SoftModem technology allows field upgrades and enhancements to be
downloaded over phone lines, which means faster upgrades to the customer
and lower support costs to the manufacturer.

"SoftModem users ultimately benefit by being able to upgrade an existing
hardware architecture with tomorrow's software," says Jay Blazensky,
Digicom Systems' vice president of marketing and business development.

By allowing multiple algorithms to run on the same multipurpose signal
processor, Signal Computing makes possible a low-cost multimedia platform
that, in addition to the SoftModem, can support such functions as audio
and video compression and speech recognition. "IDC expects that this
technology will change the way end users think of modems and multimedia,"
says Doug Gold, analyst of International Data Corp. "In fact, this
technology will allow true multimedia workstations to be economically
feasible within a year.

"No longer will customers have to be stuck with proprietary software
limiting outside access to a single-line speed and application. From a
modem perspective, this SoftModem device delivers increased flexibility by
allowing the access of any line speed available to modems."

In addition, IDC predicts the SoftModem will initially be a motherboard
solution within the portable segment of the PC market. As the technology
becomes more ubiquitous, according to IDC, this approach could
dramatically expand the market to include remote sites with dial-up or
ISDN applications with the SoftModem included on the motherboard of more
powerful desktop devices.

SoftModem Technology Hardware Requirements

Two key components define the SoftModem architecture: Analog Devices' 2100
series RAM-based DSP chip and a PSTN signal I/O chip.

Digicom Systems' ability to integrate the AT Commands and V.42bis data
compression into the DSP chip greatly reduces board space, power and cost.
"Eliminating traditional controller hardware makes this an exciting
product not just for its flexibility but also for its low-cost and
low-power requirements," says Jay Blazensky.

The SoftModem technology operates by downloading data, fax or voice
algorithms into the DSP's RAM-based memory. These algorithms can reside on
a hard drive, floppy disk or PCMCIA card.

SoftModem Technology Features

The SoftModem technology features CCITT V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, Bell
212A and Bell 103 data modulation standards and CCITT V.17, V.29, V.27ter
and V.21 Group 3 facsimile standards for worldwide communications
compatibility.

The SoftModem technology supports V.42bis, MNP 5 data compression and error
control, and extended AT and Class 1 fax commands. Additionally, the
proposed AT+V command set for voice messaging and caller ID detection is
supported. Using data compression, coupled with transmission speeds up to
14,400 bps, SoftModem technology can achieve up to 57,600 bps throughput
over standard dial-up telephone lines.

Availability and Pricing

The first board manufacturers to use the MDK-200 SoftModem design kit from
Digicom Systems plan to announce products this summer and begin shipping
in the fall. Products are expected to be priced below $250.

Digicom Systems, Inc., founded in 1987, designs, manufactures and markets a
complete line of high-speed communication products for individual and
network needs.

With fiscal 1991 revenues of $538 million, Analog Devices is a Fortune 500
manufacturer of precision, high-performance integrated circuits used in
analog and digital signal processing applications.

Digicom Systems Inc, 188 Topaz St, Milpitas, CA 95035
408-262-1277

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