Boca Research, Inc. (Nasdaq:BOCI) and Acorn Group, an international leader in network computing and set-top device technology, today announced they have signed an agreement which allows Boca to incorporate Acorn's technology into Boca's set-top products. These technologies will include Acorn's hardware and software designs, TVCentric display, Operating System (OS) and Internet browser. In addition, Acorn will introduce Boca to potential customers as a preferred set-top hardware manufacturer, and Boca will refer its set-top customers to Acorn as its OS and browser software provider of choice.

Kevin Coleman, Acorn's Head of Corporate Communications, commented, "This partnership melds the core competencies of both companies: Acorn is a leading provider of set-top technology, and Boca is a world-class manufacturer. Together, both companies will be able to offer customers the most technologically advanced, well-designed and manufactured set-top products available, while significantly reducing the time it takes our clients to deliver products to market. In addition, the referral program will offer the opportunity for each company to increase its presence in a relatively new and rapidly expanding market."

The Boca set-top device allows consumers to use their home televisions and local standard telephone lines to access and surf the Internet and send and receive e-mail. It has a remote control, a modem and supports peripheral attachments, such as a printer. Additionally, the product incorporates a smart card, a credit-card-sized accessory, that has a built-in memory chip to store Internet Service Provider (ISP) and user information.

Tony Zalenski, Boca's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, " Other set-top devices require the consumer to connect with dedicated TV ISPs such as WebTV™ and NetChannel™. Acorn's TVCentric open-architecture technology allows Boca's customers to choose from over 4,000 ISPs who support direct web access, including the most popular ISPs such as EarthLink, MindSpring, and NetChannel. Acorn has enabled Boca to offer its OEM customers and distributors an end-to-end, set-top solution that is specifically tailored to meet the individual consumer's needs.

"We are also introducing these products to vertical markets such as Internet Service Providers, home shopping companies and banks," Mr. Zalenski continued. "We anticipate that demand for this technology will drive the banking industry, for example, to consider supplying their customers with set-top boxes to support at-home banking. Two New York banks recently launched smart-card programs designed to eliminate the need for cash and ATM cards in the marketplace. If the customers have set-top boxes at home which were linked to their banking facility, they can reload money onto their smart cards from the convenience of their family rooms."

Boca plans to ship its first set-top product based upon Acorn's technology at the end of the fourth quarter 1997. The product will be available to both US and international markets with pricing to be announced upon product availability.

About Boca Research

Founded in 1985, Boca Research designs, manufactures, markets and supports quality, cost-effective data communications, videoconferencing, multimedia and networking products to facilitate the transmission of information on personal computers and computer networks.

The Company sells its products worldwide through distributors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and retailers. Boca Research is a U.S. corporation headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida with international operations and ventures worldwide.

About Acorn Group

Acorn Group plc, headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is one of the world's leading developers and suppliers of innovative technology designs and consultancy. Acorn is at the core of some of the world's best digital technology products.

Customized versions of Acorn's award winning technologies have already been licensed to Net Products, Olivetti, Proton, RCA/Thomson, Semi-Tech Corporation (AKAI), Uniden America Corporation, Wongs Electronics Co. Limited, Zenith, NTT, Samsung, Curtis Mathes, Funai, Casio, Raytheon, ETRI and IDEA and other confidential clients.

Acorn has strategic partners in the hardware server market, such as Sun, nCube, Digital and ICL and telecommunications infrastructure suppliers such as: Alcatel, Ericcson, Siemens and Orange.