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CONNECTRONICS TO DISTRIBUTE CLARINET SYSTEMS WIRELESS LAN

SAN JOSE, CA, May 4, 1999---Clarinet Systems provider of high-speed, wireless LANs for portable PCs, has signed an agreement with Connectronics, Inc., (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) for distribution of the company's EthIR LAN.

Connectronics is a distributor of computer and networking products to VARs and system integrators in the U.S. and Canada. The company was chosen because of its complementary product line and expertise in wireless networking and portable computing.

EthIR LAN, based on the IrDA standard and targeted at any mobile computer user who requires network access, provides each user with a dedicated 4Mbps connection. EthIR LAN consists of the EthIR Switch(TM), an IR and 10/100BaseT Switch and EthIR Beam(TM), a desktop infrared, LAN access point. The EthIR Switch automatically detects and handles IR and hardwired 10/100BaseT inputs and provides power to the EthIR Beam over the existing wired infrastructure.

Clarinet Systems' EthIR LAN is available now in two versions, "dedicated" IR mode" and "pass through mode". Both are available in 8- and 16-port configurations. "We expect an immediate impact on sales within our reseller and systems integrator contacts with Clarinet System’s networking products," said Rob Timm, president of Connectronics. "We look forward to a long relationship including distribution of their upcoming wide area networking products as well."

"Working with Connectronics adds strategic value to our national and international efforts of developing awareness and adoption of IR as a viable solution for portable connectivity," said Colin Petty, VP of marketing at Clarinet.

MICROSOFT WHITE PAPER

The obvious value of IrDA connectivity is that it is wireless, but there are other equally important qualities to consider. IrDA makes it possible for several server
applications to be quietly waiting for incoming connections from clients without interfering with each other. This feature alone makes IrDA a better choice than the traditional RS-232 serial cables and associated COM ports. IrDA enables customers to install server applications and have them work together without answering even a single configuration question. IrDA is uniquely suited for public access applications because the connector can be completely sealed and because the IrDA connectivity model does not require that connected devices be treated as PC-peripherals. This means that there is no persistent relationship between IrDA devices, nor are there any device drivers to install to enable connectivity.

Microsoft has prepared a white paper

(http://www.microsoft.com/homenet/download/win-nonwin-irda.zip)

that provides a technical overview of the IrDA protocols supported under the Windows 2000 and Windows 98 operating systems, and explains how these protocols are exposed through the Winsock API.

Also, please see www.irda.org for more information on the Infrared Data Association.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

List pricing for an 8-port EthIR LAN (which includes EthIR Switch and EthIR Beam) is $1,700 and $3,200 for a 16-port system. Resellers and integrators should call Connectronics for specific pricing.

EthIR LAN is available now from Connectronics.

Connectronics, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, specializes in the distribution of a broad range of connectivity products and WindowsCE devices. Products vary from wired and wireless networking to custom cable products. The Connectronics web site is www.connectronics.com.

Clarinet Systems, Inc. was founded in 1997 to develop and market wireless networking products for all portable computers. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and is privately held.

© 2004 Clarinet Systems, Inc

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