TROY Wireless Launches New EtherWind and EtherSync, Industry's First 802.11b Commercial-Grade Printing and Connectivity Solution

November 13, 2001

TROY Wireless, a division of TROY Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TROY), today released two new 802.11b wireless products for immediate volume shipments through a variety of mass-market channels. The EtherWind(TM) product is a full-featured print server that allows multiple users to share a printer without the need for physical cable connections. EtherSync(TM) is a PC card that provides general-purpose 802.11b connectivity for laptop computers. TROY Wireless will be showcasing EtherWind and EtherSync at booth L3843-06WF in the Wi-Fi Pavilion at COMDEX 2001.

EtherWind is primarily aimed at applications where the printer must be moved around, or where it is difficult to run cables. Because of its low cost, however, it is also practical as a replacement for hard-wired print servers, particularly if the cost of the cable and installation is considered. EtherSync can be used in almost any application where a laptop computer needs wireless network connectivity, including printing, Internet access, file sharing, etc.

TROY Wireless has focused on high compatibility and versatility to allow seamless integration with the existing network infrastructure, protocols, and software environments. Both products are Wi-Fi certified by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) to ensure proper operation with devices made by other companies. Based on proven TROY print server technology, EtherWind works with virtually all popular network operating systems, including Windows(TM) NT/2000/XP, AppleTalk(R), Novell(R) NetWare(R), as well as UNIX, Linux, and other TCP/IP-based systems. It is also compatible with Hewlett-Packard's popular JetDirect(TM) print server and JetAdmin(TM) software. In addition to supporting Windows computers, EtherWind provides excellent Macintosh(R) compatibility, including the ability to work with complex binary PostScript(R) graphics files.

Ease of use is another key advantage of both EtherWind and EtherSync. In particular, EtherWind features a simple-to-use Java-based setup utility that works on Windows, Macintosh, and Linux computers. EtherSync is compatible with Microsoft's Plug and Play standard to greatly simplify the installation procedure. Once installed, both products work transparently with standard Windows application programs such as Word(TM) and Excel(TM).

EtherWind and EtherSync are being sold through a number of OEMs, Value-Added Resellers (VARS), and retail distribution outlets. TROY will also aggressively pursue turnkey bundling opportunities with OEMs of complementary Wi-Fi products.

Chairman and CEO of TROY Group Patrick Dirk said, "Shipments of EtherWind and EtherSync mark TROY's entry as a serious contender in the high-volume wireless market. We believe that we can make a significant impact on this growing market, and this is the first of a number of wireless product announcements that we plan to make in the coming year."

Vane Clayton, TROY Wireless' President, added, "Although there have been a large number of 802.11b PC cards and access point products, very few vendors have provided the capability to integrate printers into the wireless network. TROY Wireless is now closing this gap, providing a complete end-to-end wireless printing solution. We believe that EtherWind is the first product of its type that is designed to meet the demanding multi-vendor printing requirements of enterprise customers. But because of its low price, it is also well-suited for SMB and SOHO applications."

802.11b is an IEEE standard for 11 megabits-per-second wireless LAN communications. It has gained rapid acceptance in the industry due to its excellent throughput and compatibility with the widely used Ethernet standard. Originally embraced as a wireless extension to corporate backbones, it is now becoming increasingly popular for wired network replacements in small and medium offices as well. The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), a consortium of more than 120 companies, has created a rigorous set of standards known as Wi-Fi Certification to ensure compatibility among various vendors. According to International Data Corporation, wireless LAN sales are expected to grow from 3,940,600 units in 2000 to 10,243,100 units in 2002.

EtherWind's suggested end-user price is $299, while EtherSync is priced at $129.


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