ATLANTA, GA, 20 January 1992 -- Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. today announced immediate availability of Smartmodem OPTIMA 2400 (OPTIMA 24), a cost effective solution for business and personal communications that provides CCITT V.42 error-control and V.42 bis data compression for data throughput up to 9600 bps. Hayes also lowered the price of Smartmodem OPTIMA 9600 (OPTIMA 96), a CCITT V.32 modem, by approximately 20 percent. OPTIMA 24 supports CCITT V.22 bis (2400 bps), CCITT V.22 (1200 bps), as well as industry standards 103 (300 bps) and 212A (1200 bps). OPTIMA 24 communicates asynchronously and synchronously, as well as supports Hayes AutoSync, a standard Smartmodem feature that allows the modem to communicate both asynchronously and synchronously, without using an SDLC card. While Hayes does not publish an estimated retail price for OPTIMA products, both OPTIMA 24 and OPTIMA 96 are available to the distribution channel at an aggressive price that encourages a market price well below that of competitive products. The current advertised price range of OPTIMA 24 is $149 to $199, while the current advertised price range of OPTIMA 96 is $349 to $429. Prices may vary based on the level of value-added service a reseller provides to their customers. "At Hayes, we believe we should be our own best competitor. With OPTIMA 24, we reinforce our commitment to providing the latest technology to all sectors of the communications market," said Hayes President Dennis C. Hayes. "If you liked the price of OPTIMA 96 in 1991, you'll love the price of both OPTIMA 96 and OPTIMA 24 in 1992. OPTIMA 24 offers a perfect migration for companies that have standardized on Smartmodem 2400 and now want data compression and error-control." OPTIMA 24 and OPTIMA 96 come bundled with Smartcom EZ communications software and a special $35 upgrade offer for Smartcom Exec as well as valuable information services coupons. Smartcom EZ is a simple-to-use communications software program that enables users to access PCs and on-line or BBS services. Smartcom EZ provides easy-to-follow menus and phone book entries to store frequently called numbers, keyboard macros, extensive on-line help screens and Autotype, which enables users to transfer text files effortlessly. Furthermore, the XMODEM protocol allows users to send or receive data files error-free between locations. Both OPTIMA 24 and OPTIMA 96 are available in the U.S. and Canada, and carry a two year limited performance warranty. While OPTIMA 96 is currently available throughout Latin America, Hayes anticipates the approval and availability of OPTIMA 24 in Latin America over the next few months. Best known as the leader in microcomputer modems, Hayes develops, supplies and supports computer communications equipment and software for personal computer and computer communications networks. The company distributes its products through an international network of authorized distributors, dealers, mass merchants and original equipment manufacturers. Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc PO Box 105203, Atlanta, GA 30348 404-441-1617 +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | From the America On-Line & PC-Link New Product Info Services | +===============================================================+ | This information was processed with OmniPage Professional OCR | | software (from Caere Corp) & a Canon IX-30 scanner from data | | provided by the above mentioned company. For additional info, | | contact the company at the address or phone# indicated above. | | All submissions for this service should be addressed to | | BAKER ENTERPRISES, 20 Ferro Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080 U.S.A. | +---------------------------------------------------------------+