ASANTE NETSTACKER REDEFINES STACKABLE HUB MARKET

At $79 per managed port the new Ethernet hub combines best features of
stackable and chassis-based designs.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Asante Technologies, Inc. introduced the NetStacker, a
two-slot stackable chassis Ethernet hub offering modular growth
capabilities, manageability and cabling flexibility normally associated
with chassis-based hubs.

Combined Advantages of Stackable and Chassis-Based Hubs Asante's unique
approach combines the best of both worlds by providing the major
capabilities of both stackable and chassis-based Ethernet hubs. This new
class of hub, the stackable chassis, delivers a low price solution that
provides modular expansion, support for multiple, mixed media types,
multiple segments, integrated internetworking and SNMP (Simple Network
Management Protocol) -based network management.

Collectively these capabilities make the NetStacker extremely attractive to
customers looking for a single solution that scales economically from 24
to 72 ports. At $79 per port, a fully loaded 72-port NetStacker is one of
the lowest-priced managed stackable hubs available.

"The NetStacker offers a cost-effective solution for rapidly growing
small-to-medium sized networks," said Asante director of product marketing
Tony Spielman. "It is particularly well suited for branch offices, where
it can easily handle the needs of several dozen users, with the ability to
expand as networking needs grow."

"This is a sound marketing strategy for Asante," said Tam Dell'Oro, senior
industry analyst for Dataquest. "The product addresses the fastest growing
segment of the networking market, and targets the user who needs a higher
level of functionality in a distributed or workgroup environment. The
NetStacker will leverage Asante's hub line into corporate accounts and
inject margin into their business."

Expansion Is A Snap The NetStacker offers true "plug-and-play"
expandability, with base and expansion units that "snap" directly into
each other to build 24-, 48- and 72-port stacking hubs. The backplane
architecture supports two segments and provides both the physical and
logical connection between units, eliminating the requirement for external
cabling between hub modules and increasing reliability by reducing
potential points of failure.

Flexible Cabling Options

Another advantage of the NetStacker is the system's ability to support
multiple, mixed media types in the same unit. The NetStacker's modular
design uses the same, hot-swappable modules as Asante's chassis-based
AsanteHub 2072 and provides connection to 10BaseT (unshielded twisted-pair
), 10Base2 (thin coax) and 10BaseF (fiber-optic). Customers currently
using or planning to install networks based on the AsanteHub 2072 and the
NetStacker will be able to move modules from one environment to another
protecting their investment and adding flexibility to the Asante based
solution.

Integrated Internetworking Improves Performance 

The NetStacker meets users requirements for enhanced throughput in heavily
loaded networks with support for both an integrated internetworking
solution and multiple segments. The NetConnect bridge, a high-performance,
RISC-based module provides for the connection of the NetStacker's two
internal Ethernet segments or to an external local Ethernet network. The
NetConnect operates at wire speed, supports 802.1d Spanning Tree and is
managed via SNMP.

Management Flexibility

The NetStacker base and expansion units operate with or without an optional
SNMP network management module. This allows users who start with a
low-cost, non-managed solution to easily add management "intelligence"
when their network grows.

The NetStacker can be managed, monitored and controlled by AsanteView
version 2.3 or by AsanteView Lite, Asante's recently announced version of
their SNMP-based network management application. These easy-to-use
management applications allow monitoring and control of network resources
in-band and out-of-band from a Macintosh or Windows PC.

AsanteView Lite supports Asante's NetStacker, NetConnect Remote Access
Server and Asante's stand alone AsanteHub 1012 and AsanteBridge 1012
bridge hub. AsanteView 2.3 provides monitoring and control of the
AsanteHub 2072 and NetConnect bridge in addition to the NetStacker,
NetConnect Remote Access Server and Asante's stand alone AsanteHub 1012
and AsanteBridge 1012 bridge hub.

Pricing and Availability

All NetStacker components will be available through Asante's Distributors
worldwide. List#005# pricing (U.S.) for the NetStacker product family and
repeater modules is:

Item                                          Price    Avail

NetStacker Family components:

NetStacker Base (unmanaged,24-ports)          $1,699   March
NetStacker Base (managed,24-ports)            $2,399   March
24- Port Expansion Unit                       $1,649   March
SNMP network management module                $  950   March

AsanteHub 2072/NetStacker Repeater Modules:

10BaseT host MRM with 12 RJ-45 connectors     $  819    Now
10BaseT host MRM with 24 RJ-45 connectors     $1,399    Now
10BaseT host MRM with 12 connections (RJ-21)  $  819    Now
10BaseT host MRM with 24 connections (RJ-21)  $1,399    Now
10Base2 host MRM with 10 BNC connectors       $  999    Now
10BaseF host MRM with 6 ST connections        $1,499    Now
10BaseF host MRM with 12 ST connections       $2,849    Now

Asante NetConnect 2-port bridge module:

with AUI/RJ-45/BNC                            $2,299    Now
with AUI/Fiber                                $2,599    Now

AsanteView Network Management software:

AsanteView Lite                               $  399   April
AsanteView 2.3                                $1,299   March
                                            
About Asante

Founded in 1988, Asante Technologies Inc. manufacturers a full line of
high-performance networking products for Ethernet networks, including
adapter cards for both PCs and Macs, intelligent and non-intelligent
Ethernet hubs, remote access communication servers, and network management
software.

According to a 1993 InfoCorp report, Asante leads the industry in Macintosh
Ethernet adapter sales, accounting for 46 percent of worldwide shipments
in 1992. Asante is also a worldwide leader in unmanaged workgroup hub
sales with 11% market share (IDC, 1993). Asante products are distributed
in North America by Ingram Micro Inc. and Merisel Inc. and in the United
States by Tech Data Corp. and Gates F/A. Asante products are also
available worldwide through a network of international distributors.
Asante is located at 821 Fox Lane, San Jose, CA 95131. Phone 800-662-9686
or 408-435-8388.

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