SBE Announces New PTMC Intelligent CompactPCI Core Processing Platform

SAN RAMON, CA, March 1, 2001-SBE Inc., (NASDAQ: SBEI), a leading supplier of specialized communications and networking processing solutions, today announced the HighWire HW400c/M, an intelligent CompactPCI (cPCI) core platform with dual PCI Telecom Mezzanine Card (PTMC) sites and a Dual Node CompactPCI Packet Switched Backplane (cPSB) interface. This newest addition to SBE's carrier class HighWire product family integrates emerging PTMC and cPSB technologies with the H.110 Computer Telephony and 64?bit/66MHz PCI Buses.

The HW400c/M PTMC sites provide Computer Telephony Bus connectivity for Computer Mezzanine Card form factor modules used in VoIP, VoATM, VPN, and AIN applications. Dual Node cPSB technology overlays the cPCI backplane with a high availability packet switching fabric. Both PTMC and cPSB are currently undergoing standardization by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufactures Group (PICMG). PTMC and cPSB functionality allows integrators to build flexible, standards?based telephony solutions from off-the-shelf components.

"The HW400c/M was designed to bring the latest emerging technologies to telecommunications server and embedded solution markets," said William B. Heye, Jr., president and CEO of SBE. "Offering both interface flexibility and onboard protocol processing, the HW400c/M is tailor made for use in next-generation networks."

The PTMC modularity of the HW400c/M provides a core platform enabling a wide range of communications solutions. The dual PTMC mezzanine sites provide full support for both the new PTMC and existing PMC modules. The HW400c/M may be integrated with SBE's soon-to-be-announced wanPTMC modules for T1/E1/J1 and channelized T3 connectivity, the existing SBE wanPMC family of modules, and a wide range of standards-compliant third party modules.

Software selectable support for dual 10/100 Ethernet or Dual Node cPSB, combined with full CompactPCI Hot Swap capability, make the HW400c/M an ideal solution for both existing and future carrier-class high-availability systems. Support for both front and rear I/O access positions the HW400c/M as a solution for today's global telecommunications market.

About SBE
Based in San Ramon, California, SBE designs and sells products to meet the needs of traditional and converged telecommunication markets. SBE products are designed for incorporation within carrier-grade computer systems and integrated into signaling, switching and routing networks. They include SS7/AIN controllers for switch manufacturers, WAN interface adapters for workstations and servers, and high-speed communications controllers for wireless and data messaging applications.

SBE is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: SBEI) with products sold worldwide through direct sales, OEM and System Integration partners. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.sbei.com.