Newbury, Berkshire-based Dowty Information Systems Ltd has,as reported briefly (CI No 1,150), added to its range of modems for dial up and leased line network managed applications, with the release of its Quattro product line. In an attempt to meet demand for improved security, the Quattro Plus line features the Secmo Smart Card option which enables companies to operate closed user groups: Secmo facilitates information to be exchanged once access to the user group has been authorised, while continuing to encrypt data for as long as a transaction takes place. The five model Quattro range gives speeds of 2,400bps, 1,200bps, 1,200/75bps and 300bps over dial-up or leased lines, features MNP error correction up to Class 5 and data compression: it includes the low-end Quattro 422, the multimode 522 modem, the multimode 526 with V26 options, and the 529 which incorporates V29 options. The range offers V26bis and V29 operation either as standard or as a Smart Card operation; V26bis supports 2,400bps links between remote terminals and synchronous mainframe systems over the public network, while V29 supplies communications over dial-up or leased lines with data throughput of up to 19.2kbps. Prices start at UKP700, with Smart Cards ranging from UKP100 to UKP250. Dowty’s Information Systems unit – which now accounts for over 25% of group turnover – has also set up a European development centre in Swindon, Wiltshire responsible for research, product development and planning; future product opportunities will focus on V42bis data compression, and V42 error correction based on CCITT standards, which the company predicts will eventually prevail. Dowty is also taking further steps to integrate modems from Mayze Systems, bought in January (CI No 1,091), and may look to acquire more modem firms to fuel expansion in 1989.
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