Test Results Prove Digi's DataFire Provides Reliable, High-Performance Fax Platform at a Fraction of the Cost of Dedicated Fax Boards

MINNEAPOLIS, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Digi International (Nasdaq: DGII), the leader in server-based communications, and Tobit Software North America today announced the compatibility of Digi's industry-leading DataFire products and Tobit's award-winning FaxWare 5.2 software.

By combining the two products, IT managers can create a high-density, server-based fax solution that intelligently sends, receives, stores and manages fax and email messages for a fraction of the cost of dedicated fax boards. By selecting the DataFire RAS product in lieu of a dedicated fax board, IT managers also can utilize the same hardware platform for multiple applications, such as remote access. The DataFire products also deliver higher throughput with less CPU overhead than most dedicated fax boards.

The high-density nature of the DataFire RAS concentrators allows users to scale fax usage to hundreds of users and thousands of faxed pages. In recent testing, the combined solution performed a non-stop, 48-hour fax broadcast using all 24 channels on a DataFire RAS 24. More than 40,000 single page faxes were sent from both Microsoft Windows NT and Novell NetWare operating systems.

Both the DataFire RAS concentrators and Tobit FaxWare 5.2 are currently available for shipment. In addition, a Tobit software driver that supports the DataFire products is available for download at http://www.tobitsoftware.com

"The performance was outstanding and ranks as the highest density fax solution we've ever tested," said Charles Taite, chief technology officer for Tobit Software North America. "The Digi DataFire RAS and Tobit FaxWare software combination offers an excellent platform for businesses with high-volume fax requirements."

"The performance generated in this server-based solution illustrates the strong capabilities and powerful third-party applications available in an open-systems solution," said Joe Toste, director of Product Management and Marketing for Digi International. "By adopting open, server-based systems, users can take advantage of best-of-breed products like those from Tobit Software, without sacrificing quality or performance."

Tobit Software's FaxWare 5.2 is a fax solution which integrates fax and email to provide a low cost, efficient network system for generating, receiving, forwarding and responding to faxes. The software is compatible with Windows NT, Windows 3.x/95/98, Office 97, Novell NetWare and Novell IntranetWare. The FaxWare 5.2 software is priced starting at US$695.

Digi International's DataFire RAS concentrators are the highest-density, server-based remote access cards available on the market today. The products support up to 60 modem channels per PCI slot and use state-of-the-art Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). The products support K56Flex and V.90 specifications for 56Kbps analog modems and are available for Microsoft Windows NT, Novell NetWare and Unix operating systems. The products come in 4-, 24-, 30-, 48-, and 60-port versions. The DataFire RAS 24 US list price is $6,995, making it the price/performance leader in its market segment.

About Tobit Software

Tobit Software is a leading developer of network-based business communication software. Tobit delivers Fax, Voice, Email, and Web server solutions that are easy to install, intuitive to use and extremely robust. Tobit's mission is to deliver "best of breed" products that enhance their customers' competitive edge. Tobit's award-winning communication products are installed on over 75,000 servers worldwide.

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, DataFire, and DataFire RAS 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-                             3/1/99
    /CONTACT:  Rob Clark of Digi International, 612-912-3093,
rob_clark@dgii.com, or Charles Nguyen-Huu of Tobit Software N. America,
514-392-9220 x215, charlesn@tobitsoftware.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.tobitsoftware.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.dgii.com/
    (DGII)

CO:  Digi International; Tobit Software North America
ST:  Minnesota
IN:  CPR
SU:  PDT


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5593 03/01/99 10:00 EST http://www.prnewswire.com