Prod Update- Extol

This new release of the Extol ISDN PC Card (previously called X.TOLL) includes several enhancements geared at promoting its use in the Internet and Remote LAN access environments:

Yes, this package will be available at a lower price than the previous version ;

A recent study of returned registration cards, has shown that Extol cards have been extensively used for connection to the Internet (over 70%), while 41% of users apply them to remote LAN access. This latter application is often the key driver for the installation of ISDN in the home, providing the throughput and reliability which is required if homeworking and telecommuting is going to be effective.

Extol is also being used for video-conferencing, application conferencing and simple traditional file transfer. Again with ISDN offering the speed and the flexibility for cost effective and reliable communications to different destinations.

The new enhanced feature set provides functionality that will enable Extol to replace modems in the SOHO market, providing the power of ISDN, yet provide the Com Port interface for legacy applications and the ability to transmit standard group 3 faxes.

Extol has obtained a name for being a reliable and simple to install product. It’s existing key features are:

Key Feature	Benefit
PCMCIA and ISA Versions	Dealing with a single vendor, a single manual, and a single software set to satisfy the requirements of both notebook and desktop users.
Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Windows 95, Windows NT (3.51 +4.0) support	Extol will operate under the operating systems which are exhibiting the greatest growth worldwide. All driver software is supplied with the product on floppy discs hence any update is easily obtained by the user, either by down line loading or new floppy discs.
Plug and Play (PCMCIA)	Easy to install; Up and running in minutes. Windows will recognise the card being inserted and request user input as and when required.
Extol Configuration (ISA and PCMCIA)	Easy to install; Up and running in minutes. Once installed, the IRQ can be modified without internal access being required to the PC.
RAS/DUN Support	Remote Access Services (NT) and Dial Up Networking (95) are fully supported by Extol enabling it to interoperate with the Windows environment in an efficient manner for Internet and Remote LAN Access.
PPP Async to Sync PPP Conversion	Extol will convert Asynch PPP packets into Sync format to communicate with remote third party Routers.
PAP, CHAP, Security support	PAP and CHAP the key authentication protocols for PPP are transmitted via Extol when generated by the DUN/RAS or third party stack. This enables the Extol to be used for connections to third party routers and other central site servers which require this authentication process for access.
Monitor Utility - monitor and log all data transmissions from call establishment through call completion	This tool, the best available on the market today, offers an excellent way to assist your ISP or network administrator in diagnosing any problems, by examining the on-line protocol and handshakes.
Call Charge Optimisation allows calls to be automatically dropped following a user-programmable period of inactivity	Saves money. Why pay for the connection when you’re not using it? Extol automatically detects that no data is being transmitted and drops the connection, saving you money.

In addition to the above features the following new functionality is now included as standard with the product:

Extol provides support for Revision 2.0 of the Common ISDN Application Programming Interface (CAPI). CAPI lets communication applications talk to ISDN boards, enabling programmers to develop applications without being concerned about the hardware that lies on the other side of the interface. Hence, the Extol user can keep pace with advances in communications software without having to reinvest in new hardware.

Via the CAPI interface the application negotiates the channel protocol on a per call basis. The CAPI implementation in Extol includes T.30 for fax support, ISO 8208 for Eurofile transfer in addition to transparent mode. Application packages tested via this interface include Acotec ISDN for Windows 95, Targo, RVS.COM, Winfax, and Procom.

The Bandwidth Allocation Control Protocol (BACP) provides control over the number of concurrent active channels. This feature allows the user to minimize usage charges and to add channels when traffic density warrants the higher throughput. BACP can automatically reduce the bandwidth of the data connection, from 128kbit/s to 64kbit/s, to allow an incoming or outgoing voice, fax or modem call, and then increase the bandwidth as and when available.

SNMP provides support personnel the tool to monitor and diagnose the Extol ISDN card. An attractive feature for organizations which are implementing telecommuting programs with centralised support resource.

This release of Extol incorporates both NDIS WAN and Com Port emulation under Windows 95 and Windows NT, thus enabling both TAPI compliant applications e.g. Hyperterminal and legacy applications e.g. Procom, PC anywhere to be supported. This is in addition to the CAPI driver available under Windows 95. Under Windows for Workgroups 3.11 only the Com Port interface is supported.

This Extol release includes configurations that are bundled with a leading communications software suite designed especially for ISDN - Acotec’s ISDN for Windows 95. Acotec is a leading German software house who produced the CAPI interface utilised by Microsoft in German language Windows 95.

ISDN for Windows 95 is a software package which provides fax, voice and data communications for Extol. Acotec has succeeded in integrating all of the telecommunications services to take advantage of Microsoft Windows 95 and Microsoft Exchange to create a universal information center. This software, combined with ISDN technology, can be used to:

To utilise the fax, voice mail and internet access on a PC it is required that an ISDN line with at least 3 MSN’S is installed.

An upgrade kit is available to upgrade existing Extol installations. If only new software is required then this will be downloadable from the bulletin board and web page. If a full upgrade is required including the ISDN for Windows 95 application this will be chargeable.

All configurations are English Language versions and are to be released and available for shipment from Harrison Park on March 21st, 1997. EDC availability is approximately 7 days later.

6 page English brochures are available from your Account Manager. The complete RAMP pack including slides, full announcement document will be available by the end of March.