Embedded Modules accommodate wired and wireless networking.
Press Release Summary:
Digi Connect Wi-ME(TM) and Digi Connect Wi-EM(TM) are customizable and secure 802.11b wireless embedded modules based on 32-bit NET+ARM processor technology. They are pin-compatible and interchangeable with wired embedded modules, and provide instant wireless functionality. Offering WEP/WPA compliant software encryption and authentication, modules are suited for access control systems, POS systems, RFID readers, medical devices, and industrial automation systems.
Original Press Release:
Digi Introduces Industry's First Wi-Fi and Wired Interchangeable Embedded Modules
-One product design can now support wired and wireless networking-
MINNETONKA, Minn. (March 16, 2004) - Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII), the leader in Connectware, today announced the introduction of the Digi Connect Wi-ME(TM) and Digi Connect Wi-EM(TM) - the industry's first fully customizable and secure 32-bit 802.11b wireless embedded modules. Based on 32-bit NET+ARM processor technology, the modules add wireless connectivity solutions to the industry-leading Digi Connect(TM) family of products. The new wireless modules are pin-compatible and interchangeable with the Digi Connect wired embedded modules and provide manufacturers instant wireless functionality. The modules can be utilized in a variety of products, including access control systems, point-of-sale systems, RFID readers, medical devices, industrial automation systems and many more.
"The wireless modules enable manufacturers to add Wi-Fi functionality to their products simply by exchanging the Digi Connect wired module with a Digi Connect wireless module," said Joel Young, vice president of engineering, Digi International. "This eliminates the need for separate development efforts and speeds the time to market for device manufacturers."
The Digi Connect Wi-ME and Digi Connect Wi-EM embedded modules minimize design risk and reduce time to market by allowing customers to easily accommodate both wired and wireless functionality in one product design. The modules are also software compatible with existing Digi Connect products and NET+ARM processors. The entire Digi Connect family of products offers a straightforward migration to a chip-based solution as production volumes grow. This further reduces design cost by allowing customers to leverage previous software investment across multiple products.
"Our complete line of secure Digi Connect products helps companies to easily future proof their devices by combining wired or wireless network technology with a seamless migration path from a box to module to chip," said Joe Dunsmore, CEO, Digi International. "The future for many device manufacturers is wireless. Our new innovative wireless modules make it easier and more cost effective for manufacturers to keep pace with the growing demands of customers seeking wireless solutions."
The Digi Connect Wi-ME and Digi Connect Wi-EM embedded modules will ship with FCC module approval eliminating the need to perform time consuming and costly product certifications. The modules also include state-of-the-art security features like WEP/WPA compliant software encryption and authentication which address today's stringent security requirements for wireless network environments. These ultra compact and powerful single-component solutions offer true device server plug-and-play firmware functionality as well as the freedom and flexibility of complete custom application development based on the proven NET+Works® development platform. The Digi Connect Wi-ME is a pin-compatible replacement for the Digi Connect ME(TM) in an enclosed RJ-45 based module form factor. The Digi Connect Wi-EM is a pin-compatible replacement for the Digi Connect(TM) EM in an embedded board form factor. Limited first sample quantities will be available in April with initial production quantities available in June.
The Digi Connect family is comprised of the external Digi Connect(TM) SP and ultra compact embedded wired and wireless device networking solutions, including the Digi Connect ME, Digi Connect EM, Digi Connect Wi-ME, and Digi Connect Wi-EM. All Digi Connect products are available with Digi plug-and-play device server firmware, which eliminates the need for any embedded software development. For manufacturers that want to customize functionality, the royalty-free NetSilicon NET+Works development kit delivers the integrated building blocks and tools necessary to quickly and cost effectively create secure and fully network-enabled embedded applications.
About Digi International
Digi International, based in Minneapolis, is the leader in Connectware and makes device networking easy by developing products and technologies that are cost effective and easy to use. Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
