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U.S. Robotics and Texas Instruments Join on x2/DSL Hybrid Modem Programx2/DSL Modems Planned for Commercial Channels in 1998SKOKIE, Ill. -- (May 12, 1997) -- U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ:USRX) and Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) announced a strategic initiative to deliver a family of affordable and upgradeable "hybrid" modems supporting both dial-up access, including U.S. Robotics' x2 56 Kbps analog, and rate adaptive Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). The product family will be called x2/DSL and will run on Texas Instruments' industry performance leading TMS320C6x digital signal processing (DSP) platform. Capable of processing 1.6 billion instructions per second, the 'C6x has the processing power to implement the x2/DSL. U.S. Robotics plans to introduce x2/DSL modems in the first half of 1998.U.S. Robotics' Advanced Development Group will develop DSP software for x2/DSL and incorporate DMT algorithms for ADSL modulation recently licensed from Aware, Inc. as well x2 56K algorithms developed by U.S. Robotics. Microsoft Views x2/DSL as Key Enablerx2/DSL modems will contain software to operate either as analog dial-up or with ADSL lines, so that users can migrate to ADSL wherever they're ready. U.S. Robotics will provide downloadable software upgrades for these modems, a crucial capability since 56K and ADSL standards are still evolving. Craig Mundie, Senior VP of the Consumer Platforms Division at Microsoft Corporation said, "Delivering the Internet, data services and connectivity through the Public Network infrastructure is a major challenge. Microsoft is working with various hardware and software partners to deliver an end-to-end solution enabling Public Network Operators to offer these services through the Public Networks infrastructure. ADSL running over the existing telephony network is a key piece of the solution. U.S. Robotics' unique approach to combining 56 kilobit analog and ADSL into a single modem will make the transition easier and help realize our common vision."
Technology and Market Leadership Leverage: Reprogrammable DSP SolutionsThe TI 'C6x architecture is supported by a powerful software development environment based on common tools and platform. There are currently 20,000 software developers supporting TI DSP Solutions. The performance of the 'C6x will enable the convergence of voiceband and ADSL modems. The programmability of this DSP solution will allow downloadable software from companies like U.S. Robotics to provide enhanced features, performance options and interoperability to anyone who invests in this platform. The TI 'C6x platform and x2/DSL will revolutionize the way remote access networks are built and provisioned.Benefits for Telecom Service ProvidersTelecom service providers are poised to offer ADSL widely. However, since the current generation of ADSL modems are not interoperable, telecom service providers have had to take responsibility for provisioning specific modems to their users for their ADSL trials. The combination of TI's programmable 'C6x and U.S. Robotics software and modem position will let them rely on broad retail distribution for modems that are standards compliant and adaptable.
Benefits for End CustomersWith the introduction of x2/DSL, customers will have the freedom to choose when to upgrade to xDSL without having to throw away their investment in their modem or applications. Customers will be able to operate the modem in analog mode for telephony services such as fax and voice mail or take advantage of ADSL for higher bandwidth starved applications. This "evergreen" approach insures protection of their investment. As standards evolve in x2 and xDSL, users can have the confidence that US Robotics will provide easy software upgrades.x2/DSL is a trademark of U.S. Robotics Corporation.
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