OPEN Networks in the News Press Releases July 2006

Melbourne, 11 July, 2006 - iConnectWLAN helps ISPs tap into the high growth wireless networking market and reduce technical support costs while delivering an even better connection experience for the customer.

OPEN Networks, a leading provider of hardware and software solutions for the home and office, today launches iConnectWLAN - an innovative software tool that dramatically simplifies the process of setting up a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) in the home or office by fully automating the installation process.

"Wireless networking in the home is becoming extremely popular, however for the average user, setting up a wireless network can be highly complex and difficult to understand, often resulting in several calls to the ISP for technical support and a frustrated customer," said Derek Campbell, Managing Director, OPEN Networks.

"For this reason many ISPs have been reluctant to support wireless modems for fear of being stung by rapidly escalating help desk support costs."

With iConnectWLAN, customers can now enjoy the full benefits of wireless networking without the installation and configuration hassles. In built troubleshooting functionality also helps customers resolve common installation problems such as PC configuration issues, without having to call the ISP for technical support.

"For the ISP, iConnectWLAN reduces customer support calls for the installation and maintenance of a WirelessLAN by 50-70% and in doing so, provides a platform for ISPs to build sustained profitability through cost reduction, improved customer satisfaction and customer loyalty," said Mr Campbell.

One of Australia’s leading telecommunications carriers, Primus Telecom, has adopted OPEN Networks iConnect software across a number of its offerings as a way of simplifying installation and configuration, and making the customer experience smoother and simpler.

"Because of the success of the iConnect software such as WirelessLAN, we have been able to market our products to new customer segments with the confidence that they will be up and running with a minimum of fuss and with improved customer support," said Andrew Sims, Product Development Manager, Primus Telecom.

iConnectWLAN supports wireless networking using OPEN iConnectAccess624W Wireless ADSL 2/2+ router.

To set up a WLAN using iConnectWLAN install, the customer simply inserts the iConnect disc into their computer and the software automatically starts. iConnectWLAN examines the operating system, customer settings, hardware components and IP addressing and then proceeds to complete the broadband installation, which includes setting up the customer"s email, browser and desktop shortcuts. iConnectWLAN then establishes the security on the wireless network and generates SSID and other security settings. All this is done without any customer involvement.

Key features of iConnectWLAN include:

• Supports wireless hardware already installed in the user‘s computer (such as wireless cards, adapters or mobile technology).
• Configuration of Wireless router and the computer for internet connection.
• Set-up of security on Wireless network (customer specific SSID and encryption).
• Support for the 303W Wireless Adaptor (automated installation of drivers).
• Supports third party hardware from other manufacturers.

iConnectWLAN is part of OPEN Networks extensive family of iConnect products. Click here to view the iConnect suite.