Digi's DataFire Products Also to Support Microsoft Web-Based Integrated Voice Response (IVR) and Other Computer Telephony Services

MINNEAPOLIS, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Digi International (Nasdaq: DGII), the leading provider of server-based communications solutions, announced today at Computer Telephony Expo Spring '99 its intention to expand its support of Microsoft's upcoming Windows 2000 operating system to include computer telephony platform support for Microsoft's Web-based Integrated Voice Response (IVR) technology.

The Web-based IVR technology is being previewed in the Microsoft Partner Pavilion at CT Expo, March 2-4, in Los Angeles.

The commitment ensures that Digi customers will be able to take advantage of the converged data and voice applications emerging in open systems solutions as well as a host of third party, best-of-breed software applications. With data and voice features converging in the operating system, Digi will also emerge as a premier provider of server-based computer telephony applications.

"To date, the computer telephony industry has been dominated by proprietary solutions that typically do not interoperate, are prohibitively expensive, and require special training to use," said John Gaylord, director of Corporate Strategy at Digi International. "Microsoft's Web-based IVR technology and Digi's DataFire products highlight the benefits of server-based solutions, and these types of benefits will drive this industry to adopt open systems hardware and software platforms."

Microsoft Web-based IVR technology is a new run-time engine that enables vendors a new way of creating and deploying voice applications, such as interactive voice response, using Web technologies. Web-based IVR enables Web site access via a browser or telephone set using voice commands or the telephone dial pad. It lets vendors cost-effectively build scalable IVR and voice processing solutions using Web authoring tools and further enables the convergence of IP and traditional telephony.

"Digi provides critical components today for use in Microsoft Windows NT server-based routing and remote access applications," said Mark Lee, product manager for Windows Communications at Microsoft Corp. "Windows 2000 will build on the communications strengths available in Windows NT 4.0, and we are pleased that Digi is expanding its communications feature support to include fax and telephony for our mutual customers."

"Businesses of all sizes are increasingly housing their networking functions on open applications servers," said Gaylord. "These servers can already perform solid routing and remote access applications today and will become the platform of choice for computer telephony applications as well."

Server-based communications offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative to proprietary systems by utilizing the strengths of existing server hardware, software and standard operating systems for applications such as routing and remote access. The server-based model provides users the flexibility to use off-the-shelf components; the scalability to support new users as needed; consistent administration and management across all applications; and interoperability with other open systems network elements.

Digi International has the leading portfolio of server-based routing and remote access adapter cards and concentrators in the industry. The DataFire RAS Family of remote access concentrators supports up to 60 simultaneous users per PCI slot and supports ISDN, T1 and E1 connections. The DataFire SYNC 2000 line of server-based WAN adapter cards performs high-speed internetworking for applications such as routing and SNA connectivity. Both products are currently shipping and are price and performance leaders in their respective market segments.

About Digi International

Digi International, based in Minneapolis, is a leading worldwide provider of data communications hardware and software that delivers seamless connectivity solutions for open systems, server-based remote access, Internet telephony, and LAN markets. The company markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, system integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For more information, visit Digi's Web site at http://www.dgii.com or call 800-344-4273 (U.S.) or 612-912-3444 (International).

Digi, Digi International, the Digi logo, and DataFire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Digi International, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE  Digi International
    -0-                             3/2/99
    /CONTACT:  Rob Clark of Digi International, 612-912-3093,
rob_clark@dgii.com, or Aaron Pearson of Shandwick Public Relations,
612-841-6217, apearson@shandwick.com, for Digi/
    /Web site:  http://www.dgii.com/
    (DGII)

CO:  Digi International
ST:  Minnesota
IN:  CPR
SU:


KZ-JW
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8645 03/02/99 10:00 EST http://www.prnewswire.com