New Wireless PortServer Connects to Any 802.11b Access Point

(Minnetonka, MN, 2001-05-08) - Digi International® (Nasdaq: DGII), the leader in Connectware, today announced it is shipping the industry's first wireless multiport terminal server product. The new product combines the benefits of 802.11b wireless technology with proven asynchronous connectivity, making it the ideal choice for a wide variety of applications in the retail, industrial automation, healthcare and transportation markets.

The Digi wireless PortServer, the most recent product to emerge from DigiLabs - Digi's customer-focused technology group - allows customers to connect clusters of up to eight high-speed serial ports to existing wireless 802.11b networks, instantly network-enabling essential devices such as bar-code scanners, card swipe readers, printers, modems and terminals.

An important facet of Digi's wireless PortServer is that it offers 40 bit encryption technology, also known as Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP), to provide wireless network connections with security equivalent to wired solutions on the market today. Such encryption prevents eavesdropping on data sent and received over the wireless network link. When required, the wireless PortServer can provide additional security for an even higher level of data protection.

Another valuable attribute of the wireless PortServer product is found in Digi's patented RealPort software that gives system administrators a new level of control over networked resources. The RealPort software, included with the wireless PortServer, can be installed on each server to provide local serial port functionality over wireless LAN networks. In short, any system utility or user application that works with a locally attached serial port works immediately and seamlessly with the wireless PortServer, allowing users to simply attach serial devices and transparently use them as if they were directly connected to the server.

"Once again, Digi is the first to market with a unique, innovative solution; in this case, a wireless terminal server with multiport connectivity," said Burk Murray, vice president of product management. "Our RealPort software creates a significant advantage for all Digi customers seeking to extend communications, enhance performance and dramatically expand their core business capabilities."

The wireless PortServer is the latest wireless Connectware product to be introduced by Digi since the launch of the new Connectware industry category and wireless adapter product in February. Connectware encompasses wired and wireless, hardware and software connectivity solutions that businesses use to create, customize and control retail operations, industrial automation, and other applications. It is comprised of multi-line serial I/O products, terminal servers, thin device servers, USB connectivity products and wireless solutions such as Digi's wireless adapter and the new wireless PortServer.

"The introduction of the wireless PortServer provides further evidence of how Digi continually strives to drive competitive advantage for our customers," said Joe Dunsmore, CEO of Digi International. "It reinforces our company's leadership in Connectware, and our ongoing commitment to always meet customer needs."

About Digi International

Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII), based in Minneapolis, is the leader in Connectware, wired and wireless, hardware and software connectivity solutions that businesses use to create, customize and control retail operations, industrial automation and other applications. Connectware network-enables the essential devices that build business. Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

For more information, visit Digi's Web site at www.digi.com, or call 800-344-4273 (U.S.) or (612) 912-3444 (International).

Financial Contacts
S. (Kris) Krishnan, Digi International Inc.
(952) 912-3125 or s_krishnan@digi.com

Don De Laria, Digi International Inc.
(952) 912-3126 or don_delaria@digi.com

Press Contacts
Mary Jo Gentry, Digi International Inc.
(952) 912-3361 or maryjo_gentry@digi.com

Adam Gaber or Suzanne Sullivan, PepperCom, PR for Digi (212) 931-6100