IBM Introduces International PC Card Modem with GSM Capability
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (April 27, 1997) – IBM today unveiled a powerful PC card modem that will allow computer users to stay connected in more than 70 countries around the world. The new International 56K PC Card Modem with GSM cellular capability is an ideal tool for mobile professionals who frequently travel to international destinations and need a fast and versatile modem.
The International PC Card Modem with GSM and PCS 1900 support enables customers traveling internationally to conveniently use the same modem from country to country to send and receive e-mail, access a network or databases or access the Internet. GSM is a digital cellular wireless mobile phone standard in Europe and PCS 1900 is a North American protocol. The new modem is compliant with international standards, enabling users to avoid the hassle of changing hardware to accommodate the communications needs of a particular geography.
Intuitive software allows customers to connect to the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN) signal in more than 70 countries(1) worldwide without having to change additional hardware — users simply click on the country through which they are traveling to configure their systems. The modem is currently compatible with selected models of popular brands of cellular phones including Alcatel, AEG, Hagenuk, Nokia, Nortel, NEC and Panasonic(2). Others will be added in the future.
“As businesses expand their international reach, mobile professionals are traveling across the globe with increasing regularity,” said Kevin R. Barry, general manager, Options by IBM, IBM Personal Systems Group. “The new IBM international PC card modem allows mobile workers to stay connected to customers or their home office without changing their modem when they arrive at a new international destination.”
The new V.34 modem achieves high-speed dial connections of up to 56Kbps(3) for downloading data and up to 33.6Kbps for data transmissions. It employs the K56flex-based protocol and can be upgraded to the newly ratified 56K ITU V.90 standard when upgrade software becomes available(4).
The International PC Card Modem with GSM capability is compatible with the PCMCIA 2.1 standard and plugs conveniently into a notebook PC’s Type II PC Card slot. It supports Windows 3.11, Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0. The product is bundled with Ring Central data-fax software with support for multiple languages, in addition to the IBM Internet Connection, which offers Internet access through IBM’s Global Network.
Pricing and Availability
The IBM International PC Card Modem with GSM capability is now available for notebook computer users for an estimated reseller price(5) of $255. The new modem is protected by a five-year limited warranty(6) with IBM’s service and support available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week(7).
The Options by IBM Commitment
Options by IBM, a brand within the IBM Personal Systems Group, is committed to providing tested, quality and affordable PC solutions that enhance and protect its customers’ computing investment. The Options by IBM portfolio includes storage, communications/networking, memory, multimedia, and accessory products for desktop, workstation, server and mobile IBM and non-IBM systems. The Options by IBM Group distributes its products to channel customers including resellers, value-added resellers and retail superstores.
Source: IBM