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Telecommunications equipment industry

Zoom Telephonics' Data/Fax Modem Earns Microsoft WHQL Approval

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Zoom Telephonics' innovative data/fax modem, Model 1123, has successfully passed the stringent Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) tests administered by Microsoft, earning the company unqualified approval under the Windows Logo Program for Hardware. This achievement allows the Zoom modem to be integrated into PCs by manufacturers seeking the coveted "Designed for Windows" logo for their overall systems. The Model 1123 boasts impressive features, including voice mail/answering device capabilities and videophone readiness, making it a reliable and consumer-oriented solution for PC users.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Zoom Model 1123 data/fax modem has achieved unqualified Microsoft WHQL approval, making it eligible for integration into PCs with the "Designed for Windows" logo.
  • The modem passed the WHQL tests for compliance with Windows 95/PC99, Windows 98/PC99, Windows NT4 x86/PC99, and Windows 2000 x86 standards.
  • The Model 1123 is nearly identical to the Zoom/FaxModem 56K PCI model 2925, with the added feature of "D3 cold start," a WHQL requirement.
  • The modem features an industry-leading ZoomGuard sidactor lightning protection system, which has been proven to be more effective than Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) protection devices in preventing electrical surge-induced modem failure.
  • Model 1123's lower rate of failures and returns reduces the per-modem cost to PC manufacturers and assemblers, making it a cost-effective solution for system integration.
  • The modem's consumer-oriented features include voice mail/answering device capabilities and videophone readiness, making it a reliable and user-friendly solution for PC users.
  • Zoom Telephonics' President, Frank Manning, stated that the Model 1123's WHQL certification and quality reliability saves PC manufacturers and assemblers money and simplifies system integration.
  • Zoom Telephonics has a long history of designing, producing, and marketing fax modems, cable modems, wireless LAN products, Home Phoneline Networking devices, ISDN products, and other telecommunications equipment.

Statistics:

  • The Zoom Modem Model 1123 has been certified for compliance with multiple Windows standards, including Windows 95/PC99, Windows 98/PC99, Windows NT4 x86/PC99, and Windows 2000 x86 standards.
  • The modem has been shipped in high volume to major retailers, including Best Buy, Fry's, Future Shop, MEI, Office Depot, Staples, and others.
  • The industry-leading ZoomGuard lightning protection system has been proven to reduce modem failure rates and returns.
  • The per-modem cost savings for PC manufacturers and assemblers integrating Zoom modems into their systems is a significant benefit of the Model 1123's WHQL certification and quality reliability.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "Zoom Telephonics' Data/Fax Modem Earns Microsoft WHQL Approval," January 27, 2000.
  • Zoom Telephonics press release, "Zoom Telephonics' Data/Fax Modem Earns Microsoft WHQL Approval."

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