Datability

Penril DataComm Networks, Inc.

Company type	Public (assumed, not specified)
Industry	Telecommunications hardware and software
Founded	1968 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
Defunct	1996
Fate	Division; part acquired by Bay Networks, remainder became Access Beyond
Successor	Bay Networks, Access Beyond
Headquarters	Gaithersburg , United States
Key people	Ron Howard (CEO of Access Beyond after spin-off)
Products	Networking hardware and software solutions, "Network in a Box"

Penril DataComm Networks, Inc. was established in 1968 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as a company specializing in computer telecommunications hardware. Its primary focus was on developing networking hardware and software solutions that facilitated comprehensive data transmission. Over the years, Penril expanded through multiple acquisitions and eventually underwent a division in 1996: one segment was purchased by Bay Networks, while the remaining portion formed the independent entity known as Access Beyond. By the mid-1990s, the emergence of the internet diminished the significance of Penril’s traditional market segments.

History

Throughout the 1990s, Penril’s financial results and profitability were consistently monitored by leading industry publications. The company experienced growth both through internal development and strategic acquisitions, including the takeover of Datability, which led to its rebranding as Penril Datability Networks. Having been founded in 1968, Penril had completed a total of 14 acquisitions within a span of 12 years by 1985 and gained a reputation for rigorous quality control practices.

To enhance its market appeal, Penril implemented innovative packaging methods by combining software, cabling, user guides, and telephone support into a single offering called "Network in a Box," aimed at customers with limited technical expertise. By the time Bay Networks acquired part of Penril in 1996, the company had established itself as a recognized name in the telecommunications networking hardware and software industries.

Datability

Datability Software Systems Inc., which began operations in 1977 and rebranded to Datability, Inc. by 1991, specialized in hardware designed to interconnect computer networks. Originally functioning as a software consultancy with an emphasis on database systems, Datability developed Control 10/20—a program generator tailored for Digital Equipment Corporation's DECsystem-10 and DECSYSTEM-20 platforms. Moving away from time-sharing services, the company shifted focus to manufacturing hardware that linked these systems with DEC’s VAX computers. Their efforts centered on Digital’s LAT protocol by providing more affordable protocol interface devices than those offered by DEC. Subsequently, Datability broadened its scope to include various telecommunications hardware products, relocated to a larger production facility in 1991, and was ultimately acquired by Penril in 1993.

Access Beyond

Access Beyond originated as an internal division within Penril before becoming an independent company free of debt obligations. It subsequently merged with Hayes Corporation, facilitated by Penril’s divestiture of two business units that generated around $8 million to finance the merger.

Ron Howard

Ron Howard founded Datability in 1977 and became part of Penril following its acquisition. After Access Beyond spun off from Penril, Howard took on the role of CEO. When Access merged with Hayes Microcomputer Products—later renamed Hayes Corp—Howard assumed executive positions including executive vice president of business development and corporate vice chairman.

People

In an industry heavily dependent on immigrant workers and subcontracted labor, approximately 25% of Penril’s assembly workforce were immigrants—a figure notably lower than the average at comparable companies. Recruitment efforts were conducted under government supervision.

Controversy

In 1990, Penril entered into a joint development agreement with a subsidiary of Standard Microsystems Corporation (SMSC), which eventually resulted in legal conflict. In 1996, Penril secured a settlement award amounting to $3.5 million.