From: David Todd 
To: "'lwn@lwn.net'" 
Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 10:38:06 -0800


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
David Todd, (510) 683-6687
dtodd@ambient.com, http://www.ambient.com


New Host Accelerated Modem Technology 
Now Available to Linux Users

OEM's can now target the Linux market with low-cost, high-performance 
PCI / Mini-PCI solutions that are reliable and easy to configure

 
FREMONT, California, November 11, 1999 - Ambient Technologies, Inc.
announced today that it has developed Linux drivers for its Host
Accelerated Modem (HaM) PCI and Mini-PCI chipsets.  Now Linux users will
be able to enjoy the advantages that Ambient's HaM PCI modems offer --
low cost, high throughput and ease of use. 

Today's fastest growing operating system is Linux. It grew from less
than 2 million users in 1994 to over 12 million users in 1998. Ambient's
goal is to provide reliable high-performance modem chipset solutions to
OEMs and manufacturers targeting this fast growing market. This growth
will continue as more and more corporations put their stamp of approval
on it (like Compaq, Dell, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and many others already
have) and as more end-users demand alternative computing platforms.
Providing OEMs and modem makers with chipsets and drivers designed for
Linux will help them penetrate this growing market. The new modem
products will cost less, install easily, work reliably, and deliver 56K
V.90 functionality without affecting host CPU performance.

Ambient will be showcasing its new ADSL, V.90 and Power Line Home
Networking products at Comdex Fall '99 in Las Vegas. Visit
www.ambient.com for more details.

Ambient's Host Accelerated Modem (HaM) Technology
Host Accelerated Modem (HaM) technology from Ambient is a leap forward
in performance and savings. To prevent a noticeable decrease in CPU and
modem performance HaM chipsets include a special DSP. Unlike software
and other host-based modems, HaM solutions don't degrade performance
because functions have been strategically optimized for accelerated
performance by the CPU or DSP depending on which can perform them most
efficiently. This optimization eliminates the need for a controller,
decreases the size of the DSP and reduces part count, board size, and
cost. 

Linux supported HaM chipsets offer OEM's a low-cost integrated PCI
interface, ITU-V.90 compliance and a complete set of industry-standard
data, fax, and voice features -- including echo-cancelled speakerphone.
They also support all industry-standard AT commands for data, IS-101
voice, and Class 1 fax. 

About Ambient Technologies
Headquartered in Fremont, California, Ambient Technologies is a
privately held technology company that develops integrated circuits
(ICs) for leading-edge communications products. In 1998 Cirrus Logic
decided to spin-off their profitable PC Modem Business Unit. Employees
purchased this division in January of 1999 and formed Ambient
Technologies Incorporated. Ambient has continued to market its V.90
product line and is expanding into DSL and home networking markets.
Ambient's Engineering Design Center is located in Raleigh, North
Carolina. Ambient has also opened sales and support offices in Taiwan
and Germany.

Ambient is a trademark of Ambient Technologies, Inc. 41752 Christy St.,
Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: 510-683-6600, Fax: 510-683-6611, http://www.ambient.com
All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their
respective owners.


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