Proxim Introduces First Novell-compatible Wireless LAN for New Notepad Computers
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — June 3, 1991 — Proxim Inc., the leading supplier of spread spectrum wireless products to the OEM market, Monday announced the availability of ProxNet, the first Novell-compatible wireless network for the pen-based portable computers, also known as ''notepads.''
ProxNet will allow notepad computer users to communicate to each other and existing LANs without wires over distances of 500'. Using license-free spread spectrum RF communications, ProxNet provides a highly reliable wireless communication link — even through walls and other obstructions. Its Novell compatibility gives mobile users the full services of existing desktop networks.
Until now, the power of portable computers had been restricted to stationary applications because of their keyboards and wires. A notepad computer with ProxNet gives warehouse, medical, factory and retail users the power of a desktop machine in their hands — with complete access to their central computer system. ProxNet also makes notepad computers practical for numerous in-office mobile applications.
Rapid sales of notepad computers is not expected until manufacturers include wireless connectivity to standard networks. According to Proxim's Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Gordon Mayer: ''The situation with notepads is very similar to that of the desktop PC. Desktop PCs only really took off when they could be effectively networked.''
GRID Systems Corp. of Fremont, Calif., the first to market with a pen-based computer, is integrating ProxNet with GRiDPAD. According to Alan Lefkof, president of GRiD Systems: ''ProxNet will help expand the market for pen-based computing by providing wireless connectivity. With GRiDPAD we have already cut the keyboard cable; now we will be able to cut the telephone cable also.''
ProxNet consists of miniaturized communication modules in each notepad computer, a PC/AT Network Interface Card (NIC) in a new or existing Novell file server or client, and Novell drivers. Proxim's high-performance spread spectrum RF communications module, which the computer manufacturer integrates into their notepad, makes the system possible. ProxNet's NIC installs like standard server interface cards and provides complete access to all of Novell's services.
Because it must be tightly integrated into the notepad, Proxnet is available only to OEMs. End users who are interested in ProxNet should contact their portable computer manufacturers directly. According to Mayer, ''The notepad suppliers we are working with are excited because they realize that wireless communication is a key enabling technology which will allow their market to grow substantially.''
Proxim Inc. headquartered in Mountain View, is the primary supplier of spread spectrum wireless communication products for OEMs. The company's family of spread spectrum RF products allow Proxim's OEM partners to provide high-quality data communication without installation expense and upset of a hard-wired network.
CONTACT:
Proxim Inc., Mountain View
Gordon Mayer, 415/960-1630