External Fiber-Optic and TokenRing Connectivity

SEH announces latest members of its third generation of external print servers

Brighton, UK, February 20, 2001.

- At this year's CeBIT, print server manufacturer SEH will be presenting three new members of its third generation of external print server solutions. IC124-FASTBOX-FX and IC144-ETHERBOX-FL support multiple protocols and can be used in copper and fiber-optic networks. Each box features multiple ports to connect up to three parallel printers. New IC165-TOKENPOCKET, however, connects one parallel printer to TokenRing networks.

For the first time since the foundation of the company, the connectivity specialist will not be exhibiting in the show's network computing hall, but in CeBIT's printer hall (Hall 7, Stand A55). The focus, however, will remain unchanged. With a new pocket print server for TokenRing networks and new family of print server boxes, three innovative connectivity solutions will be awaiting visitors to the SEH stand.

IC165-TOKENPOCKET
IC165-TOKENPOCKET is a single-port pocket print server allowing users to connect printers with parallel ports to 4/16Mbps TokenRing networks. IC165 is based on the K3 HSTR RINGRUNNER chip set by British TokenRing specialist Madge. IC165 comes in a compact and lightweight plastic case with external power supply.

From the SEH point of view, the TokenRing market share still remaining relatively constant at just above 10% against all predictions, was sufficient reason to relaunch the TOKENPOCKET.

IC124-FASTBOX-FX and IC144-ETHERBOX-FL
IC124-FASTBOX-FX and IC144-ETHERBOX-FL are the latest members of SEH's new, third-generation box family launched in November 2000.

All third-generation boxes feature three parallel ports to connect printers or plotters with parallel ports to local area networks. In addition to that, each box provides a serial port on the back panel that lets users connect one serial printer per box.

While IC124-FASTBOX-FX allows users to connect printers to 10BaseT/100BaseTX or 100BaseFX networks, IC144-ETHERBOX-FL offers the same functionality for 10BaseT/100BaseTX or 10BaseFL networks. Both boxes come in solid metal cases with built-in, wide-range power supply (110-240V).

Enhanced Protocol Support and new Admin Tool
In addition to its third generation of external print servers, SEH launch a new firmware version with enhanced protocol support and extended features, and the new administration software InterCon-NetTool.

Newly implemented protocols are IPP V1.1 and Novell's NetWare Pure IP. PureIP, or NativeIP, has replaced IPX/SPX used by former Novell versions and become Novell's default protocol under Netware 5.x. With the implementation of PureIP, the full functionality in pure TCP/IP-based Novell networks available from IPX/SPX times will be achieved.

SEH´s new InterCon-NetTool replaces the current InterCon administration software. It comes with an entirely re-designed look and feel, supports six languages and for the first time provides an IP/NetWare installer which simplifies the entire installation process in Novell environments. Also new are a Japanese version of the print server homepage and a log-function implemented as hidden feature.

General Features
Like all InterCon print servers, IC124-FASTBOX-FX, IC144-ETHERBOX-FL and IC165-TOKENPOCKET support multiple protocols and all common network operating systems, including Novell NetWare, UNIX, BS2000, AppleMacOS, Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000. The boxes auto-identify the individual protocols used during operation (IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, DHCP, WINS, BCP/TBCP, NetBIOS/SMB, IPP, DNS, SLP, SNMP, SMTP, EtherTalk Phase 2, TokenTalk Phase 2, HTTP/HTML and NetWare Pure IP), and convert the data accordingly. Certain models support multiple networking speeds (e. g. 10/100Mbps). The integrated auto-sensing feature allows these print servers to automatically adjust themselves to the speed used.

IC124, IC144 and IC165 are based on SEH's highly integrated S5 ASIC and equipped with 1Mbyte flash and 2 or 4Mbyte DRAM. This enables them to achieve data throughput rates up to 1Mbyte/sec, therefore, allowing optimal use of the performance of the Centronics ports on parallel printers.

Configuration and administration are either via a specially designed administration tool, SNMP, FTP or standard web browser. However, SEH's print servers also support JetAdmin, WebJetAdmin and Epson NetTools. Each print server features a status button allowing status information and configuration settings to be printed directly via the connected printer. To facilitate administration and prevent unnecessary printer downtimes, all models also feature automatic error notification: In the event of possible errors (paper jam, toner low, etc.) the system will send notification via SNMP traps or email to administrators or service personnel within or outside the LAN.

All InterCon print servers support Protected IP Printing to prevent unauthorised access to the connected printers, and allow Internet printing via IPP.

IC124, IC144 and IC165 are shipped including the admin tool, and will be available through authorised InterCon dealers at € 365 (IC165), € 620 (IC124) and € 569 (IC144) excluding VAT. SEH grants two years' warranty and offers comprehensive hotline support as well as user-orientated training schemes.

About SEH:
Since the beginning of the nineties, SEH has been among Europe's leading manufacturers of network printing solutions. The company's product portfolio comprises internal print server solutions and a range of external models suitable for use with all common network topologies and cabling types. All products are developed and produced in the company's headquarters in Bielefeld, Germany. World wide distribution is via SEH's UK subsidiary SEH Technology UK Ltd, and an extensive network of partners, distributors and resellers.

With the OEM business being one of the company's most important cornerstones, SEH currently has OEM contracts with KYOCERA, KYOCERA, FUJITSU-SIEMENS, ROLAND and PSi. In addition to that, SEH has contracts as independent third-party developer with HP, EPSON, KYOCERA, KYOCERA, LEXMARK, OKI, FUJITSU-SIEMENS, ROLAND, TALLY and PSi.

The SEH solutions are used in both, typical office and AS/400 environments as well as large format printing applications.