FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macworld NY, Booth #1637
Farallon Announces SkyLINE(tm) Wireless PC Card for Cross-Platform
Networking; 802.11 Wireless Connectivity for Macintosh PowerBooks &
PC Notebooks
Macworld NY, Booth #1637, July 21st, 1999 – Farallon Communications,
Inc., developer of reliable, plug-and-play networking solutions for
Macs and PCs, introduces SkyLINE Wireless PC Card for portable
computers. Farallon’s SkyLINE Wireless PC Card provides both
Macintosh PowerBook and PC notebook users 2Mbps access to network
resources such as file servers, email, printers and the Internet.
“SkyLINE eliminates the requirement to deploy structured wiring
everywhere,” states Ken Haase, Director of Marketing, Farallon.
“Additionally, for roaming computer users such as on college campuses
where students go from building to building, wireless connectivity
means anytime, anywhere access to network resources.”
Through IEEE 802.11 DSSS compatible access points from manufactures
such as Nokia (formerly InTalk), Lucent, Maxtech and Zoom, SkyLINE
users can connect to a wired Ethernet network. Additionally, SkyLINE
users can create an ad-hoc network between two or more portable
computers. A robust Control Panel provides a real-time signal
strength meter (Macintosh version), network statistics as well as
dynamic configuration, omitting the need to restart.
“I’m thrilled to see Farallon’s entry into the wireless networking
market with both Apple PowerBook and Windows Notebook compatibility,”
exclaims Jason O’Grady of O’Grady’s PowerPage. “As PowerBook users
are especially passionate and like to use them everywhere they go, I
expect wireless connectivity will revolutionize mobile computing.”
SkyLINE Features & Specifications
– Type II PC Card (PCMCIA) with the Harris PRISM chip set for advanced
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology in the 2.4GHz radio
frequency band
– IEEE 802.11 standard, including translation and encapsulation
addressing modes, for seamless integration with any Ethernet network
– Compatibility with 802.11 DSSS access points from manufactures such as
Nokia (formerly InTalk), Lucent, Maxtech & Zoom
– Robust Control Panel with real-time signal strength meter (Macintosh
version), statistics & dynamic configuration
– Multi-platform drivers for use in Macintosh PowerBooks & Windows
95/98, NT notebooks
– Range is approximately 1000ft in open air; 300-500ft indoors to an
access point or other wireless device
– Farallon test utilities & at-a-glance status LEDs simplify
troubleshooting
– Support for peer-to-peer ad hoc networking
– Free Dr. Farallon technical support & 3 year warranty
“SkyLINE brings the industry one step closer to the vision of having
comprehensive cross-platform support for 802.11 wireless LANs, and
we’re certain that Mac users will rejoice with this news,” said Ron
Van Dell, vice president and general manager of Harris
Semiconductor’s Communications Products Business. “We’re delighted
that Farallon has chosen the PRISM chip set and we look forward to
working on next-generation products to address the high rate standard
now being developed by the 802.11 committee.”
System Requirements & Availability
SkyLINE works in Macintosh PowerBook, Windows95/98 or NT notebooks
with an available Type II PC card (PCMCIA) slot. NOTE: SkyLINE is
certified for use in North America, Australia and Europe except
France and Spain. Future certifications to include France, Spain and
Japan.
Shipping by the end-of-August, Farallon’s SkyLINE Wireless PC Card
[PN472] will be available through major distributors and resellers.
International availability is dependent on individual country
certification requirements.
Dr. Farallon Offers Free Cross-Platform Technical Support
Only a phone call or an email away, Farallon’s 12 plus years of
experience providing technical support to both Mac and PC users is
available prior to, during or after installing a network. For a
personal consultation, visit http://www.farallon.com/dr.farallon or
call toll free 800-613-4954.
About Farallon Communications, Inc.
Founded in 1986, Farallon develops and markets reliable,
plug-and-play networking products designed to simplify networking
through innovation. With over 8 million customers worldwide, Farallon
is dedicated to providing complete, easy-to-use networking solutions
and world-class technical support to the Home, Small Business,
Publishing and Education communities. Farallon offers a complete line
of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet cards, adapters, hubs and switches.
Further information can be obtained via phone 510.346.8000, web
(http://www.farallon.com) or email (mailto:info@farallon.com).
Farallon is an affiliate of Gores Technology Group, a worldwide high
technology business management company. The Farallon headquarters are
in San Leandro, California, with a European office in the UK.