For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Naomi Pearce
Pearce Communications
510/528-0824
mailto:naomi@well.com

SOPHISTICATED CIRCUITS DEMONSTRATES KICK-OFF! AT MACWORLD

-- First Macintosh USB Auto-Restart Device Ensures Server Availability --

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., January 5, 1999 -- at Macworld Expo Booth
#3446 -- Sophisticated Circuits today gave the first demonstration of
Kick-off!, the first USB member of its PowerKey family of server
availability and automation products for the Macintosh platform. A
highly integrated hardware/software solution, Kick-off! provides a
fully automated system for easing management of machines and ensuring
optimal up-time for USB Macintoshes worldwide. Expected to ship in
April, Kick-off! is list priced at US$199. Macworld Expo attendees
can see Kick-off! demonstrated at Booth #3446 today through the end
of the Macworld trade show.

Kick-off! continuously monitors unattended computers for problems
and, if necessary, automatically relaunches applications, relaunches
the Finder, or reboots the system by briefly switching off its AC
power. Kick-off! sports a similar feature set and application
monitoring as Rebound! 2.0, also announced today (see related release
dated 01/05/99). Kick-off!, however, is different than Rebound! in
that it utilizes a USB interface instead of ADB and resets the CPU by
cycling its power rather than by sending the keyboard reset sequence.

Pricing and Availability

Kick-off! will be list priced at US$199, with significant quantity
discounts available for bulk buyers. Kick-off! is expected to be
available directly from Sophisticated Circuits, Inc. in April of
1999. Information about Kick-off! and other Sophisticated Circuits'
products can be found at (http://www.sophisticated.com/).

About Sophisticated Circuits

Founded in 1984, Sophisticated Circuits, Inc. is a privately held
corporation located in Woodinville, WA. Sophisticated Circuits, Inc.
develops elegant, highly integrated hardware/software tools which
make the lives of computer professionals easier by enhancing the
reliability, remote access and automation capabilities of servers and
personal computers. Further information on Sophisticated Circuits may
be obtained by accessing www.sophisticated.com, calling 800/769-3773,
or sending mailto:info@sophisticated.com. International inquiries can
also reach Sophisticated Circuits by calling +425/485-7979, or by
sending a fax to +425/485-7172.