Inside Out Networks Launches AnywhereUSB

Inside Out Networks, a subsidiary of Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII), and a leading provider of enterprise Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity solutions, today announced the launch of AnywhereUSB which is the first remote networking solution to allow the connection of USB devices on an existing wired or wireless LAN - without having to use a locally attached host PC on each remote peripheral device.

The AnywhereUSB Remote I/O Concentrator is the first remote networking solution to utilize USB-Over-IPÔ technology which allows this flexibility. This Ethernet-attached solution utilizes the inherent performance and reliability of plug-and-play USB connectivity, providing five USB ports to connect peripheral devices like cameras or printers, which can be controlled from a remote server or PC via an IP address. AnywhereUSB increases network security and allows systems to be deployed in harsh environments, making it an ideal solution for enterprise applications such as surveillance, indoor/outdoor kiosks and industrial automation.

"Anywhere/USB utilizes USB-Over-IP technology to achieve several valuable company mandates that no other product in the USB connectivity realm has been able to accomplish," said Stephen Popovich, COO and co-founder of Inside Out Networks. "First, it eliminates the previous 5 metre USB distance limitation. This added deployment flexibility enables networked peripherals to share a remote host PC on the Ethernet network, meaning that the PC can now be placed in a secured location, which protects costly network assets like PCs, thin clients and laptops without compromising connectivity or performance. AnywhereUSB also simplifies processes for enterprise IT professionals, by allowing for centralised control, less user intervention and installation overhead and fewer hassles since no local PC is required."

Joseph Dunsmore, president and CEO of Digi International, summed up the benefits by saying, "By extending the reach of USB over Ethernet, AnywhereUSB further substantiates USB plug-and-play I/O expansion as a connectivity standard for enterprise-level networking. It is an exciting enabler, as organisations can now explore new applications and configurations that were previously unavailable."

The AnywhereUSB Concentrator utilises standard Category 5 cabling or wireless networks, and supports WindowsÒ NTÒ 4.0, NT Embedded, 2000, XP and XP Embedded. The product begins beta testing this month.