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1992-10-13
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Sysops Modem Sale Programs -- SYSMOD16.ZIP -- 13-OCT-92
[INTRODUCTION]
You may have heard that various modem manufacturers offer
discounts on high-speed modems to qualified sysops. However, you will
soon find yourself chasing down every BBS in the country trying to get
all the details. When you get the details, you still have to sort
through and find out who really has the best deal. Since I've spent a
couple years doing this for myself, I figured other people would like
to save the time and trouble as well. I've been a Sysop since 1988
and would like to help anyone else along that I can!
[DISCLAIMER]
But first, an important disclaimer: I am not a modem reseller
nor do I have employment or compensation of any kind from any modem
manfacturer. I don't own stock in any of these manufacturers nor do
any of my relatives.
Every attempt has been made to insure the accuracy of this
document. However, information does not age gracefully. So if this
document is older than 90 days, please delete it and download the
latest copy from me. I am currently claiming no copyrights on any
material and hereby acknowledge that all trademarks belong to their
respective owners.
[HISTORY]
SYSMOD01.ZIP is the first ever release and created on 02-DEC-91.
It contained information on Hayes, Intel, and USRobotics offers.
:
.
SYSMOD13.ZIP was created on 17-JUN-92. Special thanks to Aubrey
Barnett, Sysop of Barney's Workshop, Clovis CA for pointing out the
updated information for Practical Peripherals contacts. Here it is:
Practical Peripherals, Sysop Dept.
375 Conejo Ridge Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Voice # 805-497-4774
BBS # 805-496-4445
Also, special thanks to Richard Parson of Delta, B.C., Canada for
providing me with brand new information on the Zyxel Sysops Discount.
To avoid confusion, I have renamed their file from SYSOPS.TXT to
ZYXEL.TXT. You can call the Zyxel BBS at 714-693-0762 for more details.
SYSMOD14.ZIP was created on 16-AUG-92. Special thanks to James
Jones of the 2/3 Board (Decatur, IL) for pointing out the new, lower
USR Dual Standard price. USR has cut $50 from the Dual Standard and
$100 from the Courier v.32bis.
Also special thanks to Richard Parson (Delta, B.C.) for pointing
out the exciting new Intel deal. Intel has cut a whopping $130 off the
Sysops price.
The CompuCom deal is no more, so it has been deleted from the
lists. Also, still waiting imminent word from Hayes on an upgrade deal
for v.32bis+FAX modem.
SYSMOD15.ZIP was created on 19-AUG-92. Hayes makes an aggressive
push to take back the Sysops market with drastic price reductions. The
high-end Ultra 144 is cut $100 and the Optima 144+FAX comes in at a
very low $299. Hayes offers many choices, but the Optima 144+FAX is by
far their best ever.
SYSMOD16.ZIP was created on 13-OCT-92. Introducing Aceex and a
great deal for Canadian sysops. They even have a referral program
where you can earn $15 for each modem sold. Unfortunately, they don't
take credit cards. Thanks to Ken Spence (Toronto, Ontario) for info!
[HELP ME STAY UP TO DATE]
If you have information about discounts offered by a manufacturer
not already on this list or you have an update for an existing
manufacturer, the please contact me through one of the ways listed
below:
HAL 9000 BBS: (313)663-4173 1200/2400/9600 v.32
(313)663-3959 1200/2400/9600/14400 v.32bis
Fax: (313)761-6551
Internet: vrv@cimage.com
U.S. Mail: Victor R. Volkman
P.O. Box 683
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-0683
[MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTED]
I have compiled these files mainly from the various manufacturer's
BBSs. The filenames are often silly, but I have carefully insured they
are unmodified and direct from the manufacturer to you. Here is a
summary of the files contained in this ZIP file:
Manufacturer Filename Date of Issue Notes
=========== ============ ============= ======
Aceex ACEEX.ZIP 01-OCT-92
ATI SYSOPLAN.ZIP 16-JAN-92 #1
Forval FORVAL.ZIP 1-JAN-92 #2
Hayes Corp. H96SYSOP.TXT 16-AUG-92
Intel Corp. OFFER.TXT 15-AUG-92
Multi-Tech MULTI.DOC 18-FEB-91 #3
Okidata N/A No offer
Practical Per. SYSBBS.TXT 03-MAR-92
Supra Corp SUPRA.ZIP 26-FEB-92
Telebit N/A No offer
USRobotics SYSDEAL.TXT 27-APR-92
Ven-Tel VTSYSOP.ZIP 27-AUG-91
Zyxel ZYXEL.TXT 06-JUN-92
[NOTES ON MANUFACTURERS]
[1] The ATI offer has some highly unusual conditions in the sysop
contract including control of your tagline, your user records, and
certain vague marketing rights. You must also supply a phone bill
listing the number of telephone lines you have.
[2] The Forval offer is available for sysops and end-users alike.
Unlike all other offers, this is not direct from the manufacturer but
it is from a factory-authorized dealer (Mikro-Tek Repair). Forval is
claiming that their v.32bis modem will be upgradable to 19,200 carrier
without an EEPROM change. Currently, only certified-checks and
money-orders are accepted.
To order, call The Flying Dutchman BBS at
408-294-3065 or 408-286-5702, both are v.32bis
or contact:
Mikro-Tek Repair Voice 408-294-0526
619 North 4th Street 408-286-5701 Days 8AM-5PM
San Jose, CA 95112
[3] The Multi-Tech sysop discount program offers you 50% off the
base list price. So, keep this in mind when you read MULTI.DOC or you
might get sticker-shock. This one is unusual in that there are no
forms to fill out, rather you must write a formal business letter
including all the necessary information.
See MODEMS.DIR, a PROCOMM+ dialing directory with the BBS numbers of
all manufacturers offering sysop discounts.
[SUMMARY CHART]
Here's where the SysMod report really becomes useful. I've boiled
down the data from the manufacturers into this simple chart that you
can use to pick the price/performance modem of your choice. The
minimum criterion is v.32 performance, since this is the worldwide
standard. All modems must have v.42bis for error correction and data
compression as well. Your users won't settle for less and neither
should you.
TABLE I --- SYSOPS HIGH-SPEED MODEM DISCOUNTS BY VENDOR AND MODEL TYPE
=============|==============|==============|================|=================|
Vendor/ | 9600 v.32 | 9600 v.32 | 14400 v.32bis | 14400 v.32bis |
Product | Internal | External | Internal | External |
=============|==============|==============|================|=================|
Aceex | N/A | N/A | 1496VP* | 1496V+* |
| | | $290 | $320 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
ATI | N/A | 9600 ETC/E | N/A | N/A |
Technologies | | $275 | | |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Forval | N/A | N/A | 14400 (Int.) | 14400 (Ext.) |
| | | $425 | $455 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Hayes Corp. | N/A | Ultra 96 | N/A | Ultra 144 |
| | $399 | | $499 |
| | Refurb. | | Optima 144+FAX* |
| | $250 | | $299 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Intel | N/A | N/A | SatisFax/400 | 14.4 EX |
| | | $249 | $269 |
| | | | SatisFAX/400e* |
| | | | $279 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Multi-Tech | MT932ECB | MT932EAB | N/A | N/A |
| $450 | $450 | | |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Practical | N/A | N/A | PM14400FXSA* | PM14400FXSA* |
Peripherals | | | $249 | $249 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Supra |SupraFaxModem*|SupraFAXModem*|SupraFAXModem* | SupraFAXModem* |
Corp. | $199 | $199 | $249 | $249 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
USRobotics | | | | HST Dual Stand. |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | $449 |
| | | | Courier v.32bis |
| | | | $349 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Ven-Tel |PCM9600-96/NS | 9600+ EC-96 | N/A | N/A |
| $439 | $439 | | |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Zyxel | | | U1496B* | U1496E* |
| | | $289 | $299 |
| | | | U1498* |
| | | | $450 |
-------------|--------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
* Modems with an asterisk include FAX send (and possibly receive) at
no extra charge!
Consult manufacturer for details on availability of Caller ID
or voice-mail processing options (any of above).
TABLE II --- SYSOP BUYERS RESTRICTIONS - IMPORTANT!
=============|===============|==============|================|=================|
Vendor | BBS must have | After buying | Maximum number | Credit Cards |
Contract | been up and | it, you must | of modems you | Accepted for |
| working for...| use it for...| may buy... | Purchase |
=============|===============|==============|================|=================|
Aceex | currently | 6 months | 1 per phone. | none |
| | | No Maximum | |
| | | | |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
ATI | currently | 6 months | 1 per phone. | none |
Technologies | | | No Maximum | |
| | | | |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Hayes Corp. | 6 months | unspecified | 1 per phone. | VISA |
| (may be | time | Max. 4, may | MasterCard |
| waived) | | be negotiated | |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Intel | currently | 12 months | 1 per phone. | VISA |
| | | Max. 4. | MasterCard |
| | | | American Ex. * |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Multi-Tech | currently | unspecified | 1 per phone. | none, must have |
| or plan to | time | No Maximum | Cashier's Check |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Practical | currently | unspecified | 1 per phone. | VISA |
Peripherals | | time | No Maximum | Mastercard |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Supra | currently | unspecified | 1 per phone. | VISA |
Corp. | | time | No Maximum | Mastercard |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
USRobotics | 6 months | 6 months | 1 per phone. | none |
| | | No Maximum | |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Ven-Tel | 6 months | 6 months | 1 per phone. | VISA |
| | | No Maximum | MasterCard |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
Zyxel | 3 months | 6 months | 1 per phone. | VISA |
| | | No Maximum | MasterCard |
-------------|---------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------|
* Indicates no personal checks accepted.
[ANALYSIS]
VIC'S TOP GUNS: Is now tied between Practical Peripherals
PM14400FXSA and Supra Corporation's SupraFAXModem v.32bis for the
outrageously low price of $249. Both include FAX at no extra charge,
wow! Intel is now the second-place leader with 14.4EX at a very close
$269.
VIC'S GOLDEN TURKEYS: Now goes to Forval Corporation for the most
expensive v.32bis deal available, nearly twice the cost of the
lowest-priced competitors!
[CAVEATS]
One restriction, which goes for all vendors, is that they
generally expect at least a one-line advertisement somewhere in your
welcoming screens. For example: "Using the finest Model YYZ modem
from Acme Modem Co.", would be perfectly acceptable in all cases.
If you are a modem reseller, check the contract carefully. Many
vendors exclude modem resellers from sysop discounts.
Most vendors will expect you to create a special account on your
BBS for them to verify at least one of your phone numbers. They don't
like to have to sign on without a pre-existing account.
Delivery times and schedules vary radically, so your mileage may
vary. My own experience with Hayes Corporation is that they will
generally ship Sysop orders within 48 hours. I have also ordered from
Practical Peripherals and they have a mandatory three week waiting
period before they ship. Remember, the manufacturers are doing you a
favor by offering discounts below retail. Please observe courtesy.
These prices NEVER include shipping and handling, which is always
extra.
Read all of the fine print before you sign anything or commit
money.
[WHERE TO FIND REVIEWS]
Of course, I have neither the time nor resources to review every
single modem that comes out of the factory. However, I have compiled a
short list of product reviews that may help you make the right choice.
There are three main topic groups: modem technology, v.32bis modems,
and v.32 modems. Naturally, there will be some overlap between them.
Since the general public doesn't understand anything more than 2400
baud, each of them usually has an explanation of v.32 for the
non-technical user. The "winner" of each comparision has been
spotlighted, where applicable.
Learn About High Speed Modem Technoloy
(listed in reverse chronological order)
"Highlights: V.32/V.42bis Modems", PC Magazine, Vol. 11, No. 5,
03/17/92, p. 286 Feature
"An XT can support 9,600 bps high speed communications" PC Magazine,
Vol. 11, No. 5, 03/17/92, p.395 Salemi, J. PC Advisor
"How to Buy a High-Speed Modem -navigate standards lingo", PC Computing
Vol. 5, No. 1, 01/01/92, p. 206 Lewallen, D Feature
"Brief explanation of V.42/V.42bis modems", PC World Vol. 9, No. 10
10/01/91, p. 269 Heim, J. Info Edge
"What to Ask When Buying a 9,600-bps Modem", PC Computing Vol. 4, No. 7,
07/01/91, p. 210 Smith, G. Connectivity Watch
"9,600-BPS Modems: Breaking the Speed Barrier", PC Magazine Vol. 9, No.
21, 12/11/90, p. 307 Byrd, M. Feature
"9600 bps works fine over ordinary phone lines", PC Computing Vol. 2 No.
9, 09/01/89, p. 229 Help
"9600-bps modems that incorporate V.32 & V.22bis standards", PC Magazine
Vol. 8, No. 14, 08/01/89, p. 425 Connectivity Clinic.
14,400 baud v.32bis modems
(listed in reverse chronological order)
"Maximum Modems: 14,400 bps and Rising", PC Magazine, Vol. 11, No. 5,
03/17/92, p. 285 Feature
COMPANY PRODUCT RATING SPECIAL
--------------------------------------------------------------
Intel 14.4 EX Editor's Choice
Hayes Micro. Prod. VSeriesUltraSmrtm14400
U.S. Robotics Courier V.32bis
GVC SM144V
Digicom Systems 9624LE+
Micro Integrated Co MiCC 14410/SA
Motorola Codex 3260V.32bis
Microcom QX/4232bis
AT&T Paradyne Comsphere 3810 Editor's Choice
CXR Telcom AJ 9632-MM2
"Telebit Modem QBlazes Through On-Line Space", BYTE, Vol. 17, No. 3,
03/01/92, p. 259 Notebook
"High Speed Modems", PC World, Vol. 9, No. 12, 12/01/91, p. 236, Buyers
Gd
"High-Speed Modems: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet", InfoWorld, Vol. 13,
No. 26, 07/01/91, p. 51. Prod Comp
COMPANY PRODUCT RATING
-----------------------------------------------------
Motorola Codex 3260 8.5
Practical Periph. Practical Modem 9600SA 7.8
Universal Data Sys. FasTalk V.32/V42b 7.1
Prometheus Products ProModem Ultima 5.8
NEC Technologies N9635E 7.0
Hayes Micro. Prod. VSeries UltraSmrtm9600 7.1
Microcom QX/4232hs 7.2
U.S. Robotics Courier V.32bis 8.8 <-- Top Score
Intel 9600EX 7.4
"10 Best 9,600-bps Modems", PC Computing Vol. 4, No. 9, 09/01/91, p. 143
Feature
COMPANY PRODUCT RATING
-----------------------------------------------------
Universal Data Sys. Fastalk FAX32
Practical Periph. Pract Modem PM9600SA
Hayes Micro. Prod. VSeries UltraSmrtm9600
Intel 9600EX <-- Best Value
Touchbase Systems WorldPort 9600
ATI Technologies 9600etc/e
Prometheus Products ProModem Ultima
Ven-Tel 9600 Plus
U.S. Robotics Courier HSTDual Stand.
U.S. Robotics Courier V.32bis
"Digicom's V.32bis Modem Leads Pack" PC Week Vol. 8, No. 17, 04/29/91,
p. 83 Reviews
COMPANY PRODUCT RATING
----------------------------------------------------
Digicom Systems 9624LE+ <-- Analyst's Choice
Forval America IM14400
Codex 3260
U.S. Robotics Courier V.32bis
"V.32/42bis Modems Making Their Mark", PC Week, Vol. 8, No. 15.,
04/15/91, p. 113. Buyers Gd
"High Speed Redefined: Two V.32bis Modems" PC Magazine, Vol. 10, No. 6,
03/26/91, p. 36. First-Looks, Main
COMPANY PRODUCT
------------------------------------------
U.S. Robotics Courier V.32bis
Forval America IM14400
9,600 baud v.32 modems
(listed in reverse chronological order)
"Modems That Squeeze the Most Out of V.32", BYTE Vol. 16, No. 10,
10/01/91, p. 214 Reviews
COMPANY PRODUCT
-------------------------------------------
Computer Peripher. Viva 9642e
ATI Technologies 9600etc/e
Cardinal Technol. 9600V42
Practical Periph. Practical Modem 9600SA
American Mitac Series 9610
Everex Systems Evercom 96E+
Intel 9600EX
Maya Computer Maya Modem 9600
Digicom Systems 9624LE
Universal Data Sys. FasTalk V.32/V42b
Zoom Telephonics Zoom Modem V.32 Turbo
Supra SupraModem 9600
"10 Best 9,600-bps Modems", PC Computing, Vol. 4, No. 9, 09/01/91, p.
143 Feature
COMPANY PRODUCT RATING
-----------------------------------------------------
Universal Data Sys. Fastalk FAX32
Practical Periph. Pract Modem PM9600SA
Hayes Micro. Prod. VSeries UltraSmrtm9600
Intel 9600EX <-- Best Value
Touchbase Systems WorldPort 9600
ATI Technologies 9600etc/e
Prometheus Products ProModem Ultima
Ven-Tel 9600 Plus
U.S. Robotics Courier HSTDual Stand.
U.S. Robotics Courier V.32bis
"Communicate in the Fast Lane With a 9,600-bps Modem", PC Computing,
Vol. 4, No. 2, 02/01/91, p. 254 PrimeTime
COMPANY PRODUCT
----------------------------------------------
Hayes Micro. Prod. VSeries UltraSmrtm9600
"First in a New Class of Data-Plus-Fax Modems", PC Magazine, Vol. 10,
No. 16 09/24/91, p. 49 First Looks, Main
COMPANY PRODUCT VERSION RATING SPECIAL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Universal Data Sys. Fastalk FAX32