Desktop Hardware Certification Schemes

Compaq PC Card Solutions Program
IBM PC Server Program

Compaq PC Card Solutions

Madge is one of only two Token Ring companies to be selected as a Premier PC Card vendor, as part of Compaq's PC Card Solutions, announced in 1995 as an extension to the existing Compaq PCMCIA Tested Solutions program. Under this latest program, Madge PC Cards, such as the Smart 16/4 PCMCIA Ringnode, are jointly tested and supported by both Compaq and Madge. This testing encompasses all Compaq PCs equipped with PCMCIA/PC Card slots and the standard operating systems, pre-installed by Compaq.

As a supplier of a tested and approved Premier PC Card, Madge products are also used as test tools as part of the development of new PCs. Madge development and quality engineers having direct links to their counterparts in Compaq. This means that customers can be assured of compatibility between Madge and Compaq PC Card products and that new PC Card products from either company are designed for compatibility and ease of use from the outset.

For further information on this program please refer to the Compaq WWW site (http://www.compaq.com).

IBM PC Server Group

On 18th June 1996, the relationship between Madge Networks (NASDAQ: MADGF) and IBM was strengthened as IBM announced their decision to choose Madge to be a select network adapter vendor for its new line of IBM PC Servers, as part of a new IBM PC Server Compatibility Program. For further information please refer to the IBM WWW site (http://www.pc.ibm.com/compat).

Customers who use Madge's Smart Ringnode server adapters will benefit from an added level of interoperability testing for new products from IBM, thereby decreasing possible downtime and increasing efficiency. To achieve these ends, both companies have aligned their R teams, and have dedicated marketing and service staff to identify and address interoperability issues.

Madge joins a select group of desktop vendors who can submit their products to IBM for testing on new and pre-released IBM Servers. This program also allows Madge to submit new adapter products for testing in IBM server environments, prior to their launch, thus ensuring maximum robustness and compatibility on their release to market.

The program includes Madge's Smart Ringnode family of Token Ring server adapters for EISA, PCI, MC and AT architectures. The partnership provides forward and backward compatibility for future adapter products, and is expected to support ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) in the future.

All testing will be carried out by IBM at Raleigh ,NC, USA. This new program covers the United States (including Puerto Rico), European Nations, South America, Cental America, Canada, Asia and Australia.