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Sybergen Announces SyAccess, the First Secure Internet Access Management Software for Small- to Medium-Sized Networks

Integrated Features Include Internet Connection Management, Bandwidth Allocation, Dynamic Optimization, VPN Support, Modem Pooling and a Secure Firewall

Fremont, CALIF. -- Oct. 18, 1999 -- Sybergen Networks, a leading provider of secure Internet access management solutions, today announced SyAccess(tm) 3.1, the first, easy to use software solution that offers integrated management tools to maximize Internet access performance in small- to medium-sized networking environments. SyAccess’ feature set extends well beyond current Internet access management solutions to improve throughput, performance and security while being compatible with all access technologies, from analog modem to xDSL to T1.

SyAccess is targeted at small- to medium-sized networks including small businesses and enterprise satellite offices that want to provide Internet access to their employees transparently, securely and with maximum bandwidth. SyAccess’ features include: an integrated gateway for shared Internet access, automated bandwidth allocation and dynamic optimization for improved traffic throughput and performance for business-critical communications and modem pooling that combines multiple modems into one "fat pipe." SyAccess also features a secure firewall to protect the gateway against the hacker attacks associated with "always on" technologies, such as cable modem and xDSL. Sybergen will partner with resellers to market and support its software.

"SyAccess 3.1 is ideal for companies that are steadily expanding use of the Internet in their daily operations, either at a small- to medium-sized business or at remote locations. Its powerful software tools help address the performance issues that inevitably result from increasing Internet traffic," said Chris Guo, founder and president, Sybergen Networks. "As a company migrates to faster access technologies, such as xDSL or T1, SyAccess can be easily reconfigured, avoiding the cost and hassles of reinvesting in its IT infrastructure."

SyAccess turns a PC or server into a shared access gateway, eliminating the need to add devices such as routers, traffic shapers and firewalls into a network. The dynamic optimization feature regulates traffic flows, eliminating the slowdowns caused by large file transfers. The bandwidth allocation feature enables users, groups and Internet applications to be given priority, ensuring expedient handling of business-critical communications. A modem pooling feature aggregates the bandwidth of multiple modems for faster throughput and response.

Unlike hardware solutions, the SyAccess management server adapts to the changing needs of growing network environments. SyAccess supports all Internet access media including dial-up, cable modem, xDSL, ISDN, DirecPC and T1. As a business migrates to new access media, no upgrade or replacement of SyAccess is required. SyAccess’ unlimited user license means businesses do not need to purchase additional licenses as its employee base grows.

SyAccess is built on Sybergen’s proven secure Internet access foundation technology, which is also used by its popular SyGate^® software, licensed by more than 100,000 users worldwide. Initially released in 1997, SyGate was the first implementation of Network Address Translation (NAT) technology; it is now in its third generation. SyAccess supports popular TCP/IP clients, including MS Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Unix. Clients automatically access the Internet through the SyAccess gateway without any additional configuration or software installation.

"Most small- to medium-sized networking environments do not have an army of IT professionals to maintain their networks. SyAccess makes automatic secure Internet access management easy to implement," said Guo. "SyAccess automatically optimizes performance, such as when one user steals all of the Internet bandwidth to do a large file transfer or other high throughput activity. SyAccess ensures that other users aren’t significantly affected by the file transfer."

SyAccess’ key features include:

• Internet Connection Management: SyAccess provides scalable Internet access sharing (as a software router) across various connection types, such as xDSL, T1, ISDN, analog modems, cable modems, DirecPC, and network set-ups, including Ethernet, HomePNA, HomeRF, USB and Ethernet over power lines.

• Modem Pooling: SyAccess combines the bandwidth of several analog modems together to create a fat pipe for faster Internet access.

• Dynamic Bandwidth Optimization: SyAccess automatically ensures bandwidth-hungry applications, including large file transfers, do not degrade network performance by dynamically allocating bandwidth.

• Configurable Bandwidth Allocation: Applications (email, Web browsing, FTP, etc.) and users/groups can be designated as top priorities to ensure that Internet performance is available as needed for business-critical communications.

• Built-in Firewall: SyAccess’ built-in firewall delivers enterprise-quality security to both the network and the gateway computer using its packet filtering and dynamic tunneling technology. Enhanced security features ensure that the gateway system itself is protected.

• Application Support: Unlike proxy-based products, SyAccess is based on Network Address Translation (NAT) technology. Internet applications like email, Web browsers, news, chat and instant messaging work automatically.

• VPN Support: SyAccess supports most PPTP and IPSec VPN solutions such as Microsoft PPTP, Shiva VPN Client and Bay Networks VPN.

• Site Filtering: Black and white list features enable an IT administrators to predefine which sites are off limits or available to users.

• Automatic Diagnostics: This diagnostic tool ensures that the existing network is operational and configured properly prior to installation. If necessary, it recommends changes and modifies parameters before it installs.

Pricing and Availability

SyAccess is priced at $699, and will be available Nov. 1. A free 30-day trial can be downloaded from http://www.sybergen.com/. It runs on MS Windows 95/98, MS Windows NT 4.0 (SP3 or higher) and MS Windows 2000. SyAccess supports heterogeneous desktop clients, including Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Unix. The software will be available through resellers or directly from www.sybergen.com.

About Sybergen Networks

Sybergen Networks is a leading provider of secure Internet access management solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses, enterprise satellite offices, telecommuters and mobile users. Sybergen launched its first product, SyGate, in 1995, which quickly became a "stealth" favorite. More than 100,000 licenses have been purchased worldwide to date. Sybergen partners with market leaders to bundle secure access capabilities with various networking solutions and with resellers to sell and support Sybergen products worldwide. Sybergen’s products are also available directly, via its Web site, http://www.sybergen.com/. For more information, contact Sybergen at 510-651-1889 or email info@sybergen.com.

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For more information:

Shelley Dougery Goldberg
Sybergen Networks
(510) 651-1889 X212
shelleyg@sybergen.com

Mary Hain
Hain Communications/PR
(925) 926-0326
hainpr@aol.com

Editor’s Note: SyAccess is a trademark and SyGate is a registered trademark of Sybergen Networks. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.