From: SHUTTERS_WC@TOTO.LAAFB.AF.MIL
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Question on Hayes ad in Network World magazine
Date: 2 Sep 92 16:18:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.9209030703.AA17256
Organization: The Internet

I have some questions regarding an advertisement by Hayes that I recently saw
on the back of Network World, 17 Aug 92.  If this ad has been discussed before,
I apologize, but I just began receiving INFO-MODEM.

The text of the ad in question goes as follows (all typos, etc, are mine):

"Tick,Tick,Tick. Boom!
     You're Dead."     [at top of page in 6x size letters]

"A time bomb may be lurking inside your modem.  A fatal flaw that can paralyze
the data your transmitting, causing untold chaos to the flow of accurate data
you need.
   "You see, some modem manufacturers decided to turn their backs on proven
modem technology, and on you.  They haven't told you about the dangers because
the only solution for this crisis is to replace their modems.  Fortunately,
Hayes can give you the knowlege to locate the bomb and prevent the purchase of
another one.
   "HOW TO UNCOVER THE BOMB.  We've developed a FREE test that's extremely easy
to run on you PC or Mac.  The kit spells out the dangers completely and
accurately tracks down their fatally flawed component.  To order your FREE kit,
just call 800-846-8388, FAX your request to 404-729-6650, or download the test
files from the Hayes BBS.
   "THE ONLY WAY TO BE COMPLETELY PROTECTED.  you can protect your data, your
company, and even your job by purchasing modems that incorporate licensed
technology.  Modems using complete solution Rockwell chip sets are licensed as
well as most modems of direct licensees of Hayes U.S. Patent 4,549,302.  So
look for the symbol.  It means your modem uses the industry-standard escape
sequence technology that has established its reliability for over a decade.  Of
course all modems and ISDN products manufactured by Hayes use this technology
as well.
   "The bomb is armed,  The clock is ticking.  Where will you be after the bomb
goes off?  Contact Hayes today for your FREE test kit and stop data 
transmission disaster before it strikes."

The picture on the top 2/3 of the page is of a generic modem-looking device
with 8 sticks of dynamite and a battery sitting next to it, and a LCD digital
clock sitting on top of it.  There is also a small symbol next to the text
titled "IMPROVED ESCAPE SEQUENCE" with the Hayes patent # in small print at the
bottom of the symbol.

<FLAME ON>

This is exactly the type of ad that really makes me angry.  It is an ad in a
professional publication that basically says "If you didn't/don't buy your
modems from us [Hayes], you could easily lose your job, or worse!"  No specific
information on the "time bomb," just intimations that it could be fatal to your
career.  Pretty reprehensible advertising, IMHO.

<FLAME OFF>

Now, on to my questions:

1.  What is the "time bomb" that the ad talks about?

2.  Is it a "fatally flawed" chip that will actually fail, or is it just a chip
that isn't licensed by Hayes?

3.  What does the Hayes Patent 4,549,302 cover?

4.  Is this ad actually an intimation that Hayes intends to initiate legal
action against other modem manufacturers who don't or haven't licensed Hayes
technology?

I know that some of these questions may only be answerable by Hayes, but I know
Hayes personnel participate here and I hope that one of them may be able to
answer these questions.


Please mail your replies to me and I will summarize and post.

Thanks for your time,

Capt Chris Shutters, Air Force Space    | shutters_wc@toto.laafb.af.mil
Command, Falcon AFB, CO (719)-550-2618  | shutterswc@space.laafb.af.mil
All opinions are my own - nobody else likes them!
Two bits, four bits, six bits, a buck; come on cheerleaders, give us a cheer!
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems