Shiva announces NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups

Cambridge, MA--October 27, 1992--Today Shiva Corporation announced the
first remote networking server for the Microsoft Windows for Workgroups
operating system version 3.1. Based on Shiva's award-winning technology,
NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups enables Windows for Workgroups-based
users to more easily access their workgroup resources from any standard
telephone line. 

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is a dedicated hardware device that
plugs into the workgroup's Ethernet cable and a telephone line. Remote
users connect to it using a standard modem; once connected they can use
all the capabilities of the Windows for Workgroups operating system,
including file sharing, Microsoft Mail, and Microsoft Schedule+, just as
if the remote computer were connected directly to the Ethernet. 

According to Shiva President Dan Schwinn, "Shiva and Microsoft worked
closely during the development of NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups to
ensure reliable, high performance connections. We're extending the Windows
for Workgroups-based environment out to remote users whether they're
traveling with a laptop, working from home, or working in a remote
office." 

Microsoft Vice President of Personal Systems Brad Silverberg commented,
"Microsoft is pleased to see third party products such as Shiva
Corporation's NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups provide great remote
access solutions to Windows for Workgroups networks. The product's easy to
use Windows user interface and seamless integration with Windows for
Workgroups, combined with impressive throughput performance, make this an
ideal solution for accessing the Windows for Workgroups network when on
the road or from home."

Dedicated Communications Server

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is a standalone, secure device that
can be easily installed in a central location, away from potential
tampering. It requires no attached PC, keyboard or display screen.
NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups uses the same hardware as Shiva's
award-winning NetModem/E. That product, introduced in August 1991,
provides remote networking for NetWare and Macintosh users.

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups sends standard NetBEUI packets, the
protocol used by Windows for Workgroups, over the telephone line using the
Point to Point Protocol (PPP). The device can be connected to thin, thick
or 10BaseT Ethernet cabling using Shiva's EtherModules. A built-in
high-speed modem implements the V.32 and V.32bis standards to provide base
modulation rates to 14,400 bits per second (bps). It also implements the
V.42 error correction standard for added reliability, and the V.42bis data
compression standard for effective throughput up to 57,600 bps.

Central Management & Control

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is configured and monitored using a
simple Microsoft Windows operating system application that runs on any
Windows for Workgroups workstation. Shiva Net Manager configures and
monitors the device over the network, even over a remote networking
connection.

Security features include individual user names, passwords, and dial-back
phone numbers. Using Shiva Net Manager, user lists and security
information can be updated in multiple devices simultaneously ova the
network without powering them down, opening them up, or even knowing where
they are physically located.

Availability

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups will be available in the fourth
quarter of 1992 directly from Shiva Corporation and from U.S. distributors
and resellers. The U.S. List price is $1699.

Shiva Corporation

Shiva Corporation, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, is the leader in remote
networking products for individuals and workgroups. Shiva products have
won critical acclaim for their ease of use and for their innovative
approach to remote networking and internetworking.

Shiva Corp, One Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
617-252-6300,  fax: 617-252-6852
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Fact Sheet: The Shiva NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups

Product Name: NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups

Description:

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is the first dial-in remote
networking server that supports Microsoft Windows for Workgroups. It is
designed to give individuals easy access to their workgroup resources from
anywhere using standard phone lines.

A stand-alone device, the NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups connects
directly to the workgroup's Ethernet cable. It is configured and monitored
using Shiva Net Manager, a Windows application that runs on any Windows
for Workgroups workstation.

To make a dial-in network connection, the user opens a connection file
containing the phone number to call and the login information to use. The
NetModem/E answers the call and asks the user for a password. Once
connected, the user works just as if the remote computer were attached
directly to the Ethernet, using Windows for Workgroups file sharing,
Workgroup Mail, and Schedule+.

Shiva's client software for the remote PC, included with the product, has
three components: an application for creating and editing connection files
and managing connections; a control panel for configuring the serial port
and modem; and a 32-bit Windows device driver that redirects Windows for
Workgroups network traffic through the serial port and modem.

The NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups uses the same hardware as Shiva's
award-winning NetModem/E, which provides dial-in remote network access for
NetWare and Macintosh users.

Features and Benefits:

Windows for Workgroups compatibility: The NetModem/E for Windows for
Workgroups sends standard NetBEUI packets over the telephone line. Shiva
and Microsoft worked closely during its development to ensure
compatibility.

Dedicated hardware: The NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is a
standalone, secure device that can be easily installed in a central
location, away from potential tampering. It requires no attached PC,
keyboard or display screen.

High-performance modem: The NetModem/E hardware contains a high-speed modem
that implements the V.32 and V.32bis standards to provide base modulation
rates to 14,400 bits per second (bps). It also implements the V.42 error
correction standard, for added reliability, and the V.42bis data
compression standard for effective throughput up to 57,600 bps.

Simple management: Shiva Net Manager, a Windows application, configures and
monitors the NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups over the network, even
over a remote networking connection. Network administrators can maintain
user lists with passwords and dial-back security information and update
the software in multiple devices without powering them down, opening them
up, or even knowing where they are located.

Security: The NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups lets the network
administrator give each user an individual name and password and an
individual dialback phone number. The device itself is secured by an
administrator password to prevent unauthorized re-configuration.

Customers:

Workgroups using Microsoft Windows for Workgroups. The NetModem/E for
Windows for Workgroups is the ideal way to give portable and home PC users
access to network resources so they can share files, messages, and
schedules even when they are not in the office.

Applications:

Mail, Schedule+, File Sharing: The NetModem/E is completely compatible with
all of the applications included with Windows for Workgroups. Remote users
can send and receive mail, schedule meetings, and share files.

Traveling Workers: People who travel can remain in touch with their
workgroup by dialing into the NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups from
anywhere there is a phone line.

Working at Home: Telecommuting has been adopted in some communities as a
way to reduce pollution from automobile commuting and to let people
optimize time spent working and with their families. Remote networking
with the NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups ensures productivity for
telecommuters by giving them access to the same resources as their
counterparts in the office.

Remote Offices: Small remote offices are often isolated from the corporate
network. Using Windows for Workgroups and the NetModem/E for Windows for
Workgroups, workers at these offices can share information with each other
and with workers at the home office.

Technical Specifications:

10MHz 68000 processor 
512KB battery-backed SRAM 
64KB ROM 
Fujitsu MB 86950 Ethernet controller 
EtherModule Ethernet interfaces for Thick (10Base5), 
            Thin (10Base2), or twisted pair (10BaseT) cabling 
Maximum power consumption: 25 watts 
Size: 1.5"h x 5.5"w x 9.5"d 
Weight: 3 lbs.

Product Includes:

NetModem/E hardware with integrated high-speed modem; Shiva's client
software with rights to use it on as many remote PCs as required; Shiva
Net Manager for configuration and maintanence; User Guide and Hardware
Installation Guide.

Availability:

The NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups will be available in the fourth
quarter of 1992 directly from Shiva Corporation and from distributors and
resellers worldwide.

Future Plans:

Shiva's plans for products supporting Windows for Workgroups include:

* Multiple ports
* Simultaneous support of multiple protocols including 
  IPX (NetWare) and AppleTalk Remote Access Protocol (Macintosh)
* Shared modem dial-out
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Questions and Answers About Shiva's NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups

What are the features of NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups?

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups provides remote networking for
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, a new operating system that integrates
networking capabilities into the familiar Microsoft Windows environment.
It allows remote users of Microsoft Windows for Workgroups to connect to
the local area network (LAN) over standard phone lines in order to access
shared files, send and receive electronic mail, and use group scheduling
software.

How do these features benefit PC users?

Because Microsoft Windows for Workgroups provides networking that is
inexpensive and easy to set up, learn and use, many more PC users can take
advantage of LAN resources. NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups extends
the reach of the Windows for Workgroups network, allowing them to enjoy
the benefits of connecting to their corporate LAN from home, while
traveling, or from satellite offices. Remote users make connections to the
NetModem by using a Windows application to open a special file containing
the phone number and login information. Once connected, they work just as
they do when using a PC directly connected to the network.

How do they benefit network managers?

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is also easy to set up and manage.
The person who manages it need not be a networking or MIS professional. It
is designed to be managed by anyone familiar with Windows for Workgroups.
The administrator uses a Windows application called Shiva Net Manager to
configure the device and to add, maintain, and delete user and security
information.

What are the primary differences between the original NetModem/E and the
new NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups?

The original NetModem/E provides dial-in remote networking for Novell
NetWare and for Apple Macintosh network environments. In contrast, the
NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups provides remote networking only for
the Windows for Workgroups environment.

In addition, the original NetModem/E provides shared dial-out and remote
routing between two networks. The NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is
dedicated to dial-in remote networking.

How does using NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups compare to using
remote control software?

With the NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups, the user works in exactly
the same way whether connected directly to the network or remotely over a
phone line. Applications run on the user's own PC; only the data the user
needs is transferred over the network connection. Graphical applications
such as spreadsheets and presentation packages operate at full speed. And
the user is always certain about where the c: drive really is. To transfer
files, the user simply uses the File Manager to drag and drop the file
just as when working in the office.

In contrast, remote control software transfers screen, keyboard, and mouse
information over the network connection. When that network connection is a
telephone line, the performance of typical Windows applications degrades
seriously because of the massive quantity of graphical data moving over
the phone line connection. Scrolling and repainting graphical images can
take so long as to be unusable. Further, the user must always keep in mind
that the c: drive is located on the distant machine that is being remotely
controlled. To copy a file to the user's own machine requires a special
command instead of a simple drag-and-drop operation in the File Manager.

How does NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups compare to Microsoft's
Remote Access Server?

Shiva's NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is specifically designed to
serve the needs of Windows for Workgroups users. It is a stand-alone
device that is designed for use with Windows for Workgroups and requires
no dedicated PC, display, or keyboard.

In contrast, Microsoft's Remote Access Server provides remote networking
capability for Microsoft LAN Manager network operating systems, not for
Windows for Workgroups. It requires a dedicated PC running OS/2 plus the
Remote Access Server software.

What steps does the user take to connect to a network using NetModem/E for
Windows for Workgroups?

1. Create a connection file using the included 
   Windows application. 
2. Push the connect button in the file or open the 
   file from the File Manager. 
3. Enter a password when prompted by the NetModem 
   that answers the call.

A Windows application included with the NetModem/E for Windows for
Workgroups is used to create and edit connection files and to manage
connections. Connection files contain information about the connection to
be made, such as the phone number to call and the user name to use. The
user can set up the file to automatically place a specific call (for
instance, to a NetModem/E on their corporate LAN) when the file is opened.
The software can be installed on as many remote PCs as needed.

What steps does an administrator take to set up a NetModem/E for Windows
for Workgroups?

1. Connect it directly to an Ethernet network and telephone line.
2. Add user names and passwords with Shiva Net Manager. 
3. Install SeriaLink software and modems on the remote PCs.

How is NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups managed?

A new version of Shiva Net Manager is included with NetModem/E for Windows
for Workgroups. This Windows application can be used on any Windows for
Workgroups PC to manage all the NetModem/Es on the Windows for Workgroups
network. It can also be used over a remote networking connection.

Shiva Net Manager allows the administrator to add, delete, and edit user
names and security information and to set the few configuration options.
Access to the network can be enabled and disabled for each user, as can
the dial-back feature. Access to the NetModem is controlled by an
administrator's password to prevent unauthorized changes.

Does NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups support Microsoft's Workgroup
Connection or the NetWare connectivity within Windows for Workgroups?

NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups is designed for Windows for
Workgroups in 386 enhanced mode. It does not support either the Workgroup
Connection for DOS or the Novell NetWare connectivity feature of Windows
for Workgroups. Shiva plans support for both of these in a future software
release. DOS and Windows users can connect to NetWare networks using
Shiva's original NetModem/E.

Does NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups support Microsoft LAN Manager
networks?

It provides access to Windows for Workgroups resources and won't initially
support LAN Manager. While LAN Manager and Windows for Workgroups use the
same basic protocol, NetBEUI, the implementation in LAN Manager has not
yet been updated to support Shiva's remote networking.

How does NetModem/E for Windows for Workgroups fit into Shiva's product
strategy?

Shiva's strategy is to provide remote networking products that support the
most popular business desktop computing platforms and network environments
in configurations that are cost effective for workgroup and enterprise
customers.

Because it is powerful yet inexepensive and easy to use, Microsoft Windows
for Workgroups will quickly become one of the most popular network
environments, both in small businesses that need to connect just a few PCs
and in large businesses that need to augment their centralized file
servers with workgroup connectivity. The NetModem/E for Windows for
Workgroups is the first remote networking server for Windows for
Workgroups, giving users the remote access they need.

Shiva's future plans include combining support for Windows for Workgroups
with support for NetWare and Macintosh network environments in a single
multi-port remote networking server. This will give enterprise customers
with multiple platforms and environments a manageable, secure remote
networking solution.

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