ZoomAir Wireless LAN Now Shipping With Installation Wizard and Improved Ease-of-Use

Boston--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 23, 1999 - Zoom Telephonics Inc., (NASDAQ: ZOOM), has announced that the software accompanying ZoomAir Wireless Network Interface Cards (NICs) now includes automated installation and enhanced configuration utilities. The ZoomAir product line is based on the 802.11 DSSS standard.

The latest software released with the ZoomAir Wireless NICs simplifies the often challenging task of installing network protocols and "binding" the protocols to wireless network hardware. An Installation Wizard asks the user a series of simply-worded questions about the individual's network installation and recommends default selections. From the answers an installation parameter file is created for use with other PCs installed on the network. This ensures consistent settings across a multi-user LAN.

Zoom's new software includes a configuration utility that allows mobile users to easily change the wireless network with which they are communicating. By selecting a re-scan option in the software, a user can initialize new network settings without rebooting the computer. In addition, a graphic representation of link quality and signal strength helps the user set up and monitor performance when ZoomAir Wireless NICs are used in conjunction with ZoomAir Access Point Software.

"We believe that ZoomAir 802.11 DSSS standard products are the right local area networking choice for a very large number of users. ZoomAir provides ease of installation, mobility, and flexibility," said Terry Manning, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Zoom Telephonics. "Our new installation software supports our push to move wireless LANs from the lower-volume vertical application markets into large horizontal markets."

Zoom's 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) compliant products can turn any Windows 95/98 or NT4 notebook, laptop, or desktop PC into a wireless networked station. Configuration options include a wireless network bridged to a wired 10BaseT or 100BaseT Ethernet LAN, or a standalone peer-to-peer Wireless LAN. ZoomAir products enable peer-to-peer and Ethernet network access at up to 2 Mbps over a range of up to 300 feet indoors and over 1000 feet in outdoor settings.

The ZoomAir PC Card Wireless NIC Model 4000, ZoomAir ISA Wireless NIC Model 4005, and ZoomAir Access Point Software Model 4010 comprise the current ZoomAir product line. The Network Interface Cards (NICs) sell at an estimated retail price of $299. The ZoomAir Access Point Software, which runs in the background of a Windows 95/98 or NT computer, is priced at $199 estimated retail.

A communications leader since 1977, Zoom designs, produces and markets faxmodems for both PC and Mac platforms, Wireless LAN products, Home Phoneline Networking devices, ISDN products and other products that link people and their personal computers through the world's largest network, the international telephone network, and connected networks including the Internet and corporate local area networks. Zoom Telephonics is publicly traded on NASDAQ (NASDAQ:ZOOM - news). Zoom products are produced in Boston, Massachusetts and sold worldwide.

Press Contact:
Zoom Telephonics, Inc.
Dan Brunelle, (617) 753-0060
brunelle@zoom.com

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking information relating to Zoom's plans, expectations and intentions. Actual results may be materially different than those expectations as a result of known and unknown risks, including those set forth below. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of operations and products of acquired businesses, the ability to manage geographically remote units, and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired companies. In addition, the technologies and businesses being acquired by Zoom are subject to the significant risks and uncertainties generally applicable to modem and data communications products, including rapid technological change and intense competition, uncertainty of new product development, uncertainty of component availability, early stage of development of certain data communications markets, uncertainty of market growth, as well as other risks set forth in Zoom's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Zoom cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Zoom expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Zoom's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstance on which any such statement is based.