Fast modems target business

Hayes Microcomputer today announced a new line of 56-kbps modems specifically targeted at business users.

The new Optima modems use include voice mail, fax, and various security features.

Encryption will help eliminate the threat of unauthorized access to sensitive data, the company said. "Pass-through" security allows a caller immediate access after password verification, and "dial-back" security verifies a caller's password and calls back a predetermined number.

The new modems will ship this week to resellers and should be available to consumers a few days later. No pricing was given.

The new products are based on Rockwell's and Lucent's K56flex technology. The standard established by Rockwell and Lucent competes with, and is incompatible with, 56-kbps technology from U.S. Robotics.