Microcom

Microcom, Inc.

Company type	Public (from 1987)
Industry	Telecommunications equipment, Computer hardware, Software
Founded	1980 (1980)
Founder	James M. Dow
Defunct	1997 (1997)
Fate	Acquired by Compaq
Successor	Compaq
Headquarters	Boston , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	James M. Dow (founder)
Products	Modems, Networking protocols (MNP), Remote control software (Carbon Copy), PC management software (LANlord), Bridge routers, Fax modems
Parent	Compaq (from 1997)

Microcom, Inc. emerged as a key modem manufacturer during the 1980s, distinguished by its development of the Microcom Networking Protocol (MNP), a suite of error-correction and compression technologies that became widely adopted by modem producers throughout the 1990s. Established in 1980 by James M. Dow, formerly of Data General, Microcom went public in 1987 before being acquired by Compaq in 1997.

History and products

Rather than concentrating exclusively on increasing raw modem speeds, Microcom prioritized software innovations that enhanced communication reliability and efficiency. The company created the MNP protocols, which allowed for error-free data transfer and compression while requiring minimal additional hardware. Their early modem offerings, the AX/1200 and AX/2400, incorporated MNP 4 for error correction at the standard rates of 1200 and 2400 bits per second. The subsequent introduction of MNP 5 brought data compression capabilities, improving effective throughput on models such as the AX/1200c and AX/2400c.

To enter the growing market for 9600 bit/s modems, Microcom launched the AX/9624c, which utilized V.29 modulation combined with MNP 6 compression to deliver full-duplex communication at a cost advantage compared to competitors relying on proprietary technologies. Later models included the QX/V32c, built around the V.32 standard, followed by the QX/4232 and the faster 14,400 bit/s QX/4232bis, both supporting V.42bis compression alongside V.32bis protocols. Collaborations with Rockwell Semiconductor enabled Microcom to incorporate advanced chipsets and introduce new protocols such as MNP 10.

Microcom broadened its product range to serve diverse customer needs through lines like the DeskPorte desktop modems, fax-capable OfficePorte devices, and portable solutions including the TravelPorte and TravelCard PC Card modems. These units featured parallel port connectivity enhanced by proprietary redirector software to optimize data transfer rates.

In addition to hardware, Microcom developed software products that complemented their networking solutions. These included Carbon Copy, an acclaimed remote control and file transfer application; LANlord PC management utilities; the Microcom Bridge Router (MBR); High Density Modem System (HDMS) designed for service providers’ dial-in infrastructures; and LANexpress for corporate remote access—together reinforcing their position in network connectivity markets.

Command sets

To accommodate new functionalities, Microcom introduced command options beginning with a backslash (), while continuing to support Hayes Smartmodem 2400’s extended commands prefixed by an ampersand () for features such as carrier detection and speed adjustment. As MNP protocols gained traction, many manufacturers adopted Microcom’s original command scheme—this included early 1990s chipsets like AT&T Paragon’s popular designs. Meanwhile, Hayes developed its own incompatible command sets using a dash () prefix, and Telebit expanded its complex configuration registers. It was only after Rockwell chipsets became prevalent that Hayes-based commands became widely standardized across the market.

Patent settlement

In 1993, Microcom settled a patent infringement dispute with Spectrum Information Technologies through a consent decree that established mutual cross-licensing rights for their respective patents.