Quatech Introduces Key Product Enhancements to Industry-Leading ThinQ Serial Device Servers; New Features Further Widen Performance Gap between Quatech and Its Competitors

HUDSON, Ohio--Feb. 4, 2004--Quatech Inc., a leading manufacturer of reliable serial connectivity solutions, today announced several new enhancements for its ThinQ(TM) line of serial device servers. A direct result of customer surveys and requests, these features significantly improve the flexibility and power of the overall product line.

These new enhancements include serial tunneling, Raw TCP (socket) mode, custom RJ-45 adapters for the DB-9 serial port models, driver improvements and AutoTCP, Quatech's exclusive way of configuring a serial device server to function simultaneously as a TCP Client and Server.

"Quatech continuously strives to offer the best value in the industry," said Steve Runkel, Quatech President and CEO. "And to prove that, we've maintained competitive prices while we've continued to update and improve the product line. This ensures that ThinQ remains the performance leader as well."

New Serial Tunneling, AutoTCP, and Raw TCP Modes Add Value and Flexibility

Quatech's new serial tunneling feature offers a solution for those users who have two serial devices communicating directly with each other through a short serial cable, but who want to take advantage of the distances possible with Ethernet technology. Quatech's implementation of serial tunneling is unique in that the user is required to configure only the master unit, which will automatically locate and configure the remote unit.

For remote service and monitoring applications, ThinQ now includes an AutoTCP feature which will enable a single unit to function both as a TCP Client and a TCP Server; switching modes automatically as specified by user configurations and in response to remote PC requests.

Virtual "COM" port driver support for ThinQ is supplied for Windows 2000/XP and Linux. It can also be deployed successfully in almost any O/S environment, including Unix and Solaris, via the new Raw TCP (socket) mode or Quatech's exclusive new IntelliSock(TM) mode. IntelliSock is a flexible and powerful TCP socket service for custom applications that provides capabilities beyond that of Raw TCP mode.

New Driver Features and Modular Adapters Increase Flexibility and Robustness

Updated firmware and device drivers now eliminate the need for physical intervention when disconnected cables or power outages interrupt data lines. ThinQ units will now automatically recover and resume communication without resetting either the software or hardware.

ThinQ RS-232 serial device servers are offered in one, two, four and eight port versions, as well as a single-port RS-422/485 version. DB-9 connectors are standard but custom adapters for 8 or 10-pin RJ-45 connections are now available. A surge suppression option is available, as are DIN rail and rack mount kits. Pricing for ThinQ starts at $250 for 1-port units, $375 for 2-ports, $575 for 4-ports and $775 for 8-ports.

For more information and detailed product specifications, call 800-553-1170, email sales@quatech.com, or visit http://www.quatech.com.

About Quatech

Quatech supplies the industry's most reliable data connectivity solutions. It achieves this high level of reliability by virtue of quality design and manufacturing, and service and support that exceed expectations. Its customers include Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and small and mid-size system integrators and VARs in a variety of markets including banking, retail, industrial process control, security, and hospitality. Founded in 1983, and headquartered in Hudson, Ohio, the company sells and supports its solutions through a network of distributors in over 30 countries. Website: www.quatech.com.