New product line to meet demand for multidevice USB port technology

30 January 2002 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

The increasing frequency of devices utilising the universal serial bus port connector has created an upsurge in the demand for multidevice USB port technology, as reflected in US-based Digi's recent acquisition of Inside Out Networks. Digi, represented by SPS South Africa, a value-added distributor of networking solutions, acquired Inside Out Networks in the USA at the end of last year to broaden its range of USB products.

"This parallels the increasing use of USB devices such as digital cameras, videos, scanners and other peripherals," says Gawie Basson, Senior Pre-Sales Engineer, Digi Products at SPS. "The acquisition adds a new range of USB-based products to Digi's line which is fully compatible with Windows 2000, Windows95/98 and Windows NT operating systems," Basson says. "Inside Out Networks' products are also compatible with all plug-and-play drivers, and they are developing Linux drivers as well.

"This opens up a new operating system and support line for Digi, including USB repeater cables and cards for machines which otherwise would not have USB availability, and a range of products for Apple Macintosh systems."

The advantage of USB ports over conventional serial and parallel ports is space: "Most people do not want to have to plug in a new card into their machine for every device they acquire," Basson says. "This has led to market demand for multi-user, multidevice USB port compatibility.

"This feature is particularly helpful with laptop and palmtop devices, where it is difficult, if not impossible, to connect a large number of cradles to one device. USB serial port adapters provide extra parallel and serial ports, avoiding the need to slot in new cards all the time," he says.

USB ports also support docking and undocking - if a user wants to be mobile, it is a simple matter to unplug the USB extension, go away, and later reconnect.

"USB port technology represents the future path of device interoperability," concludes Basson.

For further information contact Gawie Basson, SPS, (011) 315 6892, [email protected]

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