Zoom®Announces Free Software Upgrade to 56K ITU Standard
Guarantees
future 56K ITU compatibility Boston,
MA, September 9, 1997 - Zoom Telephonics (NASDAQ: ZOOM)
today announced that it will offer a free software upgrade
to the ITU 56K standard for all its internal,external, and
PC Card 56K modems currently shipping. The offer applies to
customers in the USA and Canada, and is in effect for modems
purchased through June 30, 1998. The International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) is expected to set the 56K
standard some time in 1998. All currently-shipping Zoom 56K
modems have software-loadable Flash memory, programmable Digital
Signal Processors, and programmable Controllers to enable
them to be software upgradeable to the ITU standard. The software
upgrade will be placed on Zoom's Web site and bulletin board
(BBS) for Zoom's customers to download free at their convenience.
As a further guarantee, in the unlikely event that a software
upgrade to the ITU standard is not possible, Zoom will rework
or replace any qualifying modem sent to Zoom for a maximum
charge of $19. This charge covers all costs for the ITU upgrade,
including delivery to the customer. "Zoom continues
to deliver on its promise of high performance per dollar and
its commitment to truth and clarity in its advertising and
customer relations," said Frank Manning,Zoom's President.
"We believe that Zoom is the first major K56flex™
modem manufacturer to announce a definitive, customer-friendly,
easy-to-understand 56K upgrade policy. Motorola and Diamond
say that a shipping and handling charge may be necessary,
but don't state a maximum charge. Many other modem manufacturers
mislead potential customers into thinking that a software
upgrade will definitely work. Because the ITU standard is
still to be determined, it's important to have an upgrade
program that is clear about any potential upgrade cost if
a software upgrade is not possible." All currently
shipping North American Zoom 56K faxmodems are covered by
this program, including Models 2818, 2819, 2822, 2845, 2848,
2849, 2875, and 2876. "Zoom offers great K56flex products
at low prices, with an upgrade path that is clear and reasonably
priced," said Manning. "We believe that when all
factors are considered, including original purchase price,customers
will appreciate that Zoom's program actually offers a significantly
lower cost for guaranteed future ITU compatibility than US
Robotics. This, our strong 56K reviews including 'BuyIt' from
CNET in September and 'Tester's Choice' in the August issue
of Data Communications, and our superb warranty-7 years for
internals and externals, and 2 years for PC Card - make Zoom
56K modems a great buy and a great value. For more
information about Zoom's 56K products or other products manufactured
by Zoom, please call Zoom toll-free at 1-800-631-3116 or visit
the Zoom Web site at www.zoomtel.com
Zoom Telephonics designs, produces, and markets products that
link people and their personal computers through the world's
largest network, the international telephone network, and
connected networks including the Internet and corporate local
area networks. Zoom products are produced in Boston, Massachusetts
and sold worldwide. |