DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC
10-K, 1999-12-29
COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
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<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

(X)  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the fiscal year ended: September 30, 1999

                                       OR

( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  For the transition period from ____ to ____.

                         Commission file number: 0-17972

                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Delaware                                       41-1532464
   (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)                    Identification Number)

                              11001 Bren Road East
                           Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                                 (612) 912-3444
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                          COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE
                              (Title of each class)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
                                  Yes  X    No
                                      ---      ----

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [  ]

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant, based on a closing price of $10.94 per share as reported on the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System-National
Market System on December 17, 1999 was $147,485,017.

Shares of common stock outstanding as of December 10, 1999: 15,008,190.
<PAGE>   2

                                      INDEX

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following table shows, except as otherwise noted, the location of
information required in this Form 10-K, in the Registrant's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended September 30, 1999 and Proxy Statement for the
Registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled for January 26, 2000, a
definitive copy of which will be filed on or about December 31, 1999. All such
information set forth below under the heading "Page/Reference" is incorporated
herein by reference, or included in this Form 10-K on the pages indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART I.       ITEM IN FORM 10-K                                              PAGE/REFERENCE
- -------       -----------------                                              --------------
<C>           <S>                                                         <C>

ITEM 1.       Business                                                              4

ITEM 2.       Properties                                                            8

ITEM 3.       Legal Proceedings                                                     8

ITEM 4.       Submission of Matters to a
              Vote of Security Holders                                              9
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART II.
- --------
<C>           <S>                                                  <C>
ITEM 5.       Market for Registrant's Common                       Stock Listing;  Dividend
              Equity and Related Stockholder                       Policy, page 9 Annual
              Matters                                              Report to Stockholders

ITEM 6.       Selected Financial Data:
              Financial Highlights                                 Page 1, Annual Report to
                                                                   Stockholders

              Selected Financial Information                                10

ITEM 7.       Management's Discussion and
              Analysis of Financial Condition and
              Results of Operations                                         11

ITEM 7A.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
              About Market Risk                                             24

ITEM 8.       Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                   25

ITEM 9.       Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
              On Accounting and Financial Disclosure                        57
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
PART III.     ITEM IN FORM 10-K                                       PAGE/REFERENCE
- ---------     -----------------                                       --------------
<C>           <S>                                                  <C>
ITEM 10.      Directors of the Registrant                          Election of Directors, Proxy
                                                                   Statement

              Executive Officers of the Registrant                          58

              Compliance with Section 16(a) of the                 Section 16(a) Beneficial
              Exchange Act                                         Ownership Reporting
                                                                   Compliance, Proxy Statement.

ITEM 11.      Executive Compensation                               Executive Compensation;

                                                                   Election of Directors; Summary
                                                                   Compensation Table; Option
                                                                   Grants in Last Fiscal Year;
                                                                   Aggregated Option Exercises in
                                                                   the Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal
                                                                   Year-end Option Values;
                                                                   Employment Contracts;
                                                                   Severance, Termination of
                                                                   Employment and Change-in-Control
                                                                   Arrangements; Performance Evaluation,
                                                                   Proxy Statement

ITEM 12.      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial             Security Ownership of Principal
              Stockholders and Management,                         Stockholders and Management,
              Owners and  Management                               Proxy Statement

ITEM 13.      Certain Relationships and Related                    Not Applicable
              Transactions Not applicable
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
PART IV.
- --------
<C>           <S>                                                  <C>
ITEM 14.      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
              Reports on Form 8-K                                           59

</TABLE>

                                                    3
<PAGE>   4

PART I

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

Digi International Inc. ("Digi" or the "Company") was formed in 1985 as a
Minnesota corporation and reorganized as a Delaware corporation in 1989 in
conjunction with its initial public offering. The Company is a worldwide
provider of communications adapters that enable open systems, server-based
applications. In addition, the Company produces local area networking (LAN)
products.

The Company operates exclusively in a single business segment and sells its
products through a global network of distributors, systems integrators, value
added resellers (VARs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Company
also sells direct to select accounts and the government.

Digi International Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
DGII. The Company has its worldwide headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with
regional and sales offices throughout the U.S. and worldwide, including Germany,
Paris, London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Tokyo.

PRODUCTS

Digi products enable a virtually unlimited number of users to be connected
locally or remotely to a LAN, the Internet or to multi-user computer systems.
The Company's products provide asynchronous and synchronous data transmissions
for analog modems, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), X.25, Frame Relay
or T1/E1 connections. The application markets where these products are most
prominently used are POS (Point-of-Sales Systems), Industrial Automation,
routing, remote access, and network fax.

The Company's two primary communication adapter product lines are its DataFire
digital and AccelePort multi-port serial communications adapters. These adapters
integrate unique and powerful (Digital Signal Processing) DSP-based technology
that allows them to support a broad array of communications functions
simultaneously. It collaborates with partners to ensure that its boards are
among the industry's most widely supported. This includes working closely with
leading makers of PCs, workstations and other computer hardware, to offer the
highest levels of compatibility. The Company also conforms to the standards
necessary to enable built-in support for its products in many major operating
systems, and writes its own drivers to expand that support where necessary. The
Company also works closely with software application partners, to pre-test and
certify their applications to run on Digi boards.

The Company's server-based communication adapter products constituted
approximately 90%, 80% and 76% of net sales in fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

The Company entered the LAN market with its acquisition of MiLAN Technology
Corporation in November 1993. The Company's LAN business, formerly the MiLAN
Technology Division, provides cost-effective and power-efficient Ethernet, Fast
and Giga Ethernet networking connectivity products that are installed on a LAN
to increase its productivity.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS (CONTINUED)

SERVER-BASED COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MARKET

Server-based communications is based on a open systems where the PC server and
operating system serve as standardized components. The components of a
server-based communications solution include:

         A computer hardware platform and operating system, such as a PC or RISC
         server running Windows NT, Novell NetWare, UNIX, LINUX or an IBM AS/400
         midrange computer;

         One or more communications adapters, like Digi's DataFire and
         AccelePort products;

         Specialized communications application software, available from a wide
         range of companies.

Server-based communications solutions are a major growth area. As the middleware
functions of operating systems are improved and enhanced, the Company believes
this market will expand dramatically over the next few years. It has already
begun to grow from something more suitable for small- to medium-sized businesses
to technology with the reliability, performance and scalability to meet the
needs of large enterprises. The Company believes that in the future,
server-based solutions will continue to grow market share against proprietary
boxes for remote access, network fax, and, computer telephony

The Company believes that the key benefits for server-based solutions include
low cost of ownership, increased flexibility and scalability, dependability,
simplified training and support, and the ability for channel partners to add
value and increase profits.

VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL

The Company entered the Internet telephony market with the acquisition of ITK
International, Inc. ("ITK International" or "ITK") in July of 1998 and its Voice
over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") technology. ITK provides VoIP technology with
the NetBlazer 8500 gateway, a "proof of concept" product that converts voice
signals to TCP/IP packets and routes them over IP networks such as the Internet
and company Intranets. This capability combines voice and data onto one
cost-effective network. Although the VoIP technology acquired from ITK continues
to be under development, the Company believes that this technology will be
successful once a functioning finished product is complete and can be marketed
to "Carrier Class" telephone companies. The current version of the NetBlazer
8500, which includes a sub-set of its ultimate feature set, provided revenues of
$3.0 million during fiscal 1999; total fiscal 1999 net revenue for ITK was $25.7
million. Digi acquired ITK International for approximately $29.6 million in
cash, stock, replacement stock options and the assumption of $39.8 million of
liabilities and restructuring/integration costs.

UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS AND TERMINAL SERVER

The Company expanded its product lines with its acquisition of Central Data
Corporation ("Central Data" or "CDC") in July 1998. The Company also acquired
in-process research and development from Central Data related to Universal
Serial Bus (USB) technology. This in-process technology will give customers the
ability to maintain existing non-USB peripheral equipment and connect with new
PCs, which contain advanced USB interfaces. The Company introduced USB products
in fiscal 1999, which provided $266,000 of net revenue; total net revenue
contributed by CDC product lines during fiscal 1999 was $16.9 million. The
EtherLite product line, a family of terminal servers used in multiuser and
communications applications, provided 70% of these net revenues. The Company
acquired Central Data for approximately $21.3 million in cash, stock,
replacement stock options and the assumption of $4.4 million of liabilities and
restructuring/integration costs.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS (CONTINUED)

DISTRIBUTION AND PARTNERSHIPS

The Company sells and markets its products through a global network of
distributors, systems integrators, value added resellers (VARs) and original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Company also sells direct to select accounts
and the government. Internationally, Digi sells and markets its products through
180 distributors in more than 65 countries. More than 300 VARs participate in
the DigiVAR Program.

U.S. distributors include: Ameriquest/Robec, Access Graphics, Anixter,
Avnet/Hallmark, Gates/Arrow Distributing, Graybar, Ingram Micro, Jones Business
Systems, Kent, Merisel, Pinacor, Tech Data Corporation, Westcon and Savior
Technologies. Canadian distributors include Gates/Arrow Electronics, EMJ Data
Systems, Ingram Micro Canada, Merisel Canada and Tech Data Canada.

European distributors include Miel, Arecta, International Computer Products,
Connect Service Riedlbauer, Mitrol, Euroline and Data Solutions. Latin American
and Asia Pacific distributors include Tech Pacific, Sumisho Datacom, Lantech,
Sealcorp Computer Products, Ingram Dicom and Unisel.

Digi maintains strategic partnerships with other industry leaders to develop and
market technology solutions. These include most major communications software
vendors, operating system suppliers and computer hardware manufacturers.

Key Company partners include: Citrix Systems, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM,
Intel, Lotus, Micron, Microsoft, Motorola, Novell, Red Hat, Santa Cruz Operation
(SCO), Sun Microsystems, and Fundacao CPqD (the Brazilian R&D Center for
Telecommunications).

CUSTOMERS

The Company's customer base includes many of the world's largest companies. IBM
made the Company's adapter boards the first integrated communications offering
for the AS/400 in 1999. Red Hat has made the Company a development partner. The
Company has OEM relationships with leading vendors, allowing them to ship the
Company's boards with their systems. These vendors include NCR, Sun
Microsystems, Silicon Graphics, AT&T, Siemens and many others. Many of the
world's leading telecommunications companies and ISPs also rely on the Company's
products.

During the year ended September 30, 1999, two customers comprised more than 10%
of net sales each: Tech Data at 15.4% and Ingram Micro at 13.4%. During the year
ended September 30, 1998, two customers comprised more than 10% of net sales
each: Ingram Micro at 15.5% and Tech Data at 13.7%. During the year ended
September 30, 1997, two customers comprised more than 10% of net sales each:
Ingram Micro at 15.1%, and Tech Data at 10.5%.

COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS

The computer industry is characterized by rapid technological advances and
evolving industry standards. The market can be significantly affected by new
product introductions and marketing activities of industry participants. The
Company competes for customers on the basis of product performance in relation
to compatibility, support, quality and reliability, product development
capabilities, price and availability. The Company believes that it is the market
leader in serial port boards for server-based communications in the computer
industry. With respect to the LAN business, the Company believes it commands
less than a 5% market share. The Company is currently establishing its position
in the remote access market for the Company's DSP-based RAS product lines. The
Company will enter the Internet telephony market upon full development of its
VoIP technology.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS (CONTINUED)

Many of the Company's competitors and potential competitors have greater
financial, technological, manufacturing, marketing and personnel resources than
the Company. Present and future competitors may be able to identify new markets
and develop products more quickly and which are superior to those developed by
the Company. They may also adapt new technologies faster, devote greater
resources to research and development, promote products more aggressively and
price products more competitively than the Company. There are no assurances that
competition will not intensify or that the Company will be able to compete
effectively in the markets in which the Company competes.

The major competition for open system server-based communications solutions
offered by the Company are proprietary boxes from companies like Cisco, Ascend,
3Com, Shiva and others. Today, these proprietary boxes represent the majority of
the market for networked communications solutions.

AETHERWORKS CORPORATION

In May 1998, the Company exchanged its previously purchased $13,796,525 of
convertible notes from AetherWorks Corporation, a development stage company
engaged in the development of wireless and dial-up remote access technology, for
a non-interest bearing $8,000,000 non-convertible note. As a part of the
exchange, the Company relinquished its rights to any future technology or claims
on any of AetherWorks' intellectual properties. In exchange, the Company has
been released from all of its guarantees of certain lease obligations of
AetherWorks.

OPERATIONS

The Company's manufacturing operations procure all parts and certain services
involved in the production of products and subcontracts most of its product
manufacturing to outside firms that specialize in such services. The Company
believes that this approach is beneficial because the Company can reduce its
fixed costs, maintain production flexibility and maximize its profit margins.

The Company's products are manufactured to its designs with standard and
semi-custom components. Most of these components are available from multiple
vendors. The Company does have several single-sourced supplier relationships,
either because alternative sources are not available or because the relationship
is advantageous to the Company. If these suppliers are unable to provide timely
and reliable supply of components, the Company could experience manufacturing
delays adversely affecting its results of operations.

During fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999, the Company's research and development
expenditures were $18.0, $17.0, and $24.7 million, respectively.

Due to rapidly changing technology in the computer industry, the Company
believes that its success depends primarily upon the engineering, marketing,
manufacturing and support skills of its personnel, rather than upon patent
protection. Although the Company may seek patents where appropriate and has
certain patent applications pending for proprietary technology, the Company's
proprietary technology or products are generally not patented. The Company
relies primarily on the copyright, trademark and trade secret laws to protect
its proprietary rights in its products. The Company has established common law
and registered trademark rights on a family of marks for a number of its
products.

As of September 30, 1999, the Company had backlog orders which management
believed to be firm in the amount of $5.0 million. All of these orders are
expected to be filled in the current fiscal year. Backlog as of September 30,
1998 was $2.9 million.

Total employees at September 30, 1999 were 583.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company's headquarters and research facilities are located in a 130,000
square foot office building in Minnetonka, Minnesota which the Company acquired
in August 1995 and has occupied since March 1996. The Company's primary
manufacturing facility is located in a 58,000 square foot building in Eden
Prairie, Minnesota, which the Company purchased in May 1993 and has occupied
since August 1993. Additional office and research facilities include a 63,000
square foot facility in Dortmund, Germany, a 46,170 square foot facility in
Sunnyvale, California, the lease for which expires in April 2002, and a 5,000
square foot facility in Champaign, Illinois, the lease for which expires in
January 2002.

Management believes that the Company's facilities are suitable and adequate for
current office, research and warehouse requirements, and that its manufacturing
facilities provide sufficient production capacity to meet the Company's
currently anticipated needs.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Between January 3, 1997 and March 7, 1997, the Company and certain of its
previous officers were named as defendants in putative securities class action
lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
by 21 lead plaintiffs on behalf of an alleged class of purchasers of the
Company's common stock during the period January 25, 1996 through December 23,
1996. The putative class actions were thereafter consolidated (Master File No.
97-5 DWF/RLE). The Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint ("Consolidated
Amended Complaint") alleges that the Company and certain of its previous
officers violated the federal securities laws by, among other things,
misrepresenting and/or omitting material information concerning the Company's
operations and financial results.

On February 25, 1997, the Company and certain of its previous officers also were
named as defendants in a securities lawsuit filed in the United States District
Court for the District of Minnesota by the Louisiana State Employees Retirement
System (Civil File No. 97-440, Master File No. 97-5 DWF/RLE) (the "Louisiana
Amended Complaint"). The Louisiana Amended Complaint alleges that the Company
and certain of its previous officers violated the federal securities laws and
state common law by, among other things, misrepresenting and/or omitting
material information concerning the Company's operations and financial results.

In a decision issued on May 22, 1998, the Court dismissed without leave to
replead all claims asserted in both cases, except for certain federal securities
law claims based upon alleged misrepresentations and/or omissions relating to
the accounting treatment applied to the Company's AetherWorks investment. The
Court also limited the claims asserted in the Louisiana Amended Complaint to the
11,000 shares of the Company's stock held subsequent to November 14, 1996, for
which the Louisiana Amended Complaint claims damages of $184,276.40 and seeks an
award of attorneys' fees, disbursements and costs. The Consolidated Amended
Complaint seeks compensatory damages of approximately $43.1 million plus
interest against all defendants, jointly and severally, and an award of
attorneys' fees, experts' fees and costs. The claims in the two actions remain
pending against the Company and its former officers Ervin F. Kamm, Jr. and
Gerald A. Wall.

The 21 lead plaintiffs have moved for class certification with respect to the
claims asserted in the Consolidated Amended Complaint. The Company and its
former officers intend to oppose the motion. No date has been set for a hearing
on the class certification motion. With the possible exception of additional
depositions of certain lead plaintiffs, discovery in all of the actions has been
completed.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (CONTINUED)

The Company and its former officers served motions for summary judgment in all
actions on November 19, 1999. Briefing on the motions is scheduled to be
completed by February 4, 2000, and a hearing is expected to be held before the
Court after that date.

The ultimate outcomes of these actions cannot be determined at this time, and no
potential assessment of their effect, if any, on the Company's financial
position, liquidity or future operations can be made.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to the vote of security holders during the
quarter ended September 30, 1999.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

PART II

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             1999           1998          1997           1996            1995
                                                      (As restated (1))
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>
Net sales                                  $ 193,506      $ 182,932     $ 165,598      $ 193,151       $ 164,978
Percentage increase (decrease)                  5.8%          10.5%       (14.3)%          17.1%           26.0%

Net income (loss)                              3,192           (71)      (15,791)         9,300           19,331
Percentage increase (decrease)              4,589.5%          99.6%      (269.8)%        (51.9)%           15.7%

Net income (loss) per share-basic               0.22         (0.01)        (1.18)           0.70            1.42
Percentage increase (decrease)              2,300.0%          99.2%      (268.6)%        (50.7)%         (21.4)%

Net income (loss) per share--
  assuming dilution                             0.22         (0.01)        (1.18)           0.68            1.39
Percentage increase (decrease)              2,300.0%          99.2%      (268.6)%        (51.1)%           19.8%

Total assets                                 176,330        191,521       118,311        129,939         126,043
Percentage (decrease) increase                (7.9)%          61.9%        (8.9)%           3.1%           22.7%

Long-term debt                                 9,206         11,124
Percentage (decrease)                        (17.2)%

Stockholders' equity                         127,164        121,251        95,471        109,943         105,827
Percentage increase (decrease)                  4.9%          27.0%       (13.2)%           3.9%           16.1%
</TABLE>


(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND PERCENTAGES)

(1) See Note 2 to the Company's consolidated financial statements

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This Annual Report contains certain statements that are "forward-looking
statements" as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995, and within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate,"
"target," "may," "will," "plan," "project," "should," "continue," or the
negative thereof or other expressions, which are predictions of or indicate
future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters, identify
forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on information available
to management as of the time of such statements and relate to, among other
things, expectations of the business environment in which the Company operates,
projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market and
statements regarding the Company's mission and vision. Forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors,
which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company
to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise.

The future operating results and performance trends of the Company may be
affected by a number of factors, including, without limitation, the following:
(i) the highly competitive market in which the Company operates; (ii) the
Company's ability to respond to rapidly developing changes in its marketplace;
(iii) delays in the Company's product development efforts; (iv) the useful life
of products once developed; (v) the Company's ability to integrate its recent
acquisitions and to develop marketable products from the acquired in-process
research and development; (vi) the Company's reliance on distributors; (vii)
declining prices of networking products; (viii) uncertainty in consumer
acceptance of the Company's products; and (ix) changes in the company's level of
revenue or profitability. These and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions
identified from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities
Exchange Commission, including without limitation, its annual report on Form
10-K and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q, could cause the Company's actual
future results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements as a result of the factors set forth in the Company's various filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and of changes in general economic
conditions, changes in interest rates and/or exchange rates and changes in the
assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements.

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

The following table sets forth selected information from the Company's
Consolidated Statements of Operations, expressed as a percentage of net sales.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1999 over    1998 over
                                                         1999     1998(1)    1997       1998         1997
                                                        ------    -------   ------   ---------    ---------
<S>                                                     <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>          <C>
Net sales                                               100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %       5.8 %       10.5 %
Cost of sales                                            49.3      48.4      51.6         7.7          3.6
                                                        ------    ------    ------    --------    ---------
Gross margin                                             50.7      51.6      48.4         4.0         17.8

Operating expenses:
    Sales and marketing                                  21.2      20.4      22.1        10.0          1.7
    Research and development                             12.8       9.3      10.9        45.5         (5.6)
    General and administrative                           12.2       9.3      11.7        39.1        (12.0)
    Acquired in-process research and development            -       8.8        -       (100.0)          -
    Restructuring                                         0.3       0.5       6.3       (40.5)       (90.3)
                                                        ------    ------    ------    --------    ---------
                                                         46.5      48.3      51.0         1.8          4.6

Operating income (loss)                                   4.2       3.3      (2.6)       36.2        239.6
Other (expense) income, net                              (0.1)      1.0       0.1      (114.1)     1,082.2
AetherWorks Corporation net operating loss                  -         -      (3.5)         -        (100.0)
AetherWorks Corporation gain (write-off)                    -       0.7      (3.5)     (100.0)      (123.4)


Income (loss)  before income taxes                        4.1       5.0      (9.5)      (13.4)       158.7
Provision for income taxes                                2.5       5.0       0.1       (48.4)    10,031.0
                                                        ------    ------    ------    --------    ---------
Net income (loss)                                         1.6 %     0.0 %    (9.6)%   4,589.5 %     (99.6) %
                                                        ------    ------    ------    --------    ---------
</TABLE>

(1) See Note 2 to the Company's consolidated financial statements

                                       12
<PAGE>   13


ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

RESTATEMENT

The Company revised the accounting treatment of its July 1998 acquisitions of
ITK and CDC in response to comments received from the Securities and Exchange
Commission. On August 16, 1999, the Company filed Amendment No. 1 to the
Registrant's 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the purpose of restating its financial statements for
the year ended September 30, 1998.


NET SALES

The $10.6 million or 5.8% increase in net sales from 1998 to 1999 and the $17.3
million or 10.4% increase in net sales from 1997 to 1998 occurred within the
Company's principal product groups as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Annual Sales
                           Percent of Annual Net Sales    ----------------------
                           ---------------------------    Increase    (Decrease)
                           1999       1998       1997       1999         1998
                           ----       ----       ----       ----         ----
<S>                        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>
Server Based               89.8%      79.8%      75.7%      18.9%         16.6%
Physical Layer             10.2%      20.1%      23.9%     (46.2)%       (6.9)%
Other                       0.0%       0.0%       0.4%       0.0%      (100.0)%
</TABLE>

Sales of ISDN and VoIP products added in connection with the July 1998
acquisition of ITK and USB and Etherlite products added in connection with the
July 1998 acquisitions of CDC generated $42.5 million of net sales for the 1999
fiscal year, an increase of $32.8 over the net sales recognized during of the
year ago period, which included ITK and CDC revenue in the fourth quarter of the
fiscal year. These revenue increases were mitigated by a revenue decrease of
$13.3 million for the Company's legacy asynchronous products due to shrinking of
the overall market and a shift in demand to digital technology products. The
Company also experienced a decrease in demand for the Company's physical layer
products due to a decrease in prices and competition resulting in a decrease in
revenues of $17.0 million. Net sales of the Company's new DSP RAS products were
$8.7 million for the 1999 fiscal year, adding $8.1 million over total DSP RAS
product revenue in fiscal 1998. Net sales in fiscal 1998 increased from fiscal
1997 largely because the Company reduced inventory levels in the North American
distribution channel throughout 1997 and into the first quarter of fiscal 1998.
This resulted in a net increase in sales within the distribution channel during
the remainder of 1998.

Net sales to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increased 18.6% over 1998
and as a percentage of total net sales, increased to 24.9% versus 22.2% in 1998.
The increase was principally a function of sales added by ITK. Net sales to OEMs
for 1997 were 23.5% of total sales.

Net sales into the distribution channel increased 5.9% over 1998 and as a
percentage of total net sales, remained unchanged at 69.3% in 1999, compared to
1998. International distribution net sales increased by 31.4% over fiscal 1998
primarily due to new product revenues and the expanded distribution channel
added by ITK. Domestic distribution net sales declined by 6.6% due to a decrease
in inventory levels in the distribution channel. Net sales to the distribution
market for 1997 represented 64.1% of total net sales.

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

NET SALES (CONTINUED)

During fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company's net sales to customers
outside the United States, primarily in Europe, were approximately $67.4
million, $46.7 million and $44.5 million, respectively, comprising approximately
34.8%, 25.5% and 26.9% of total net sales.

GROSS MARGIN

Gross margin in 1999 decreased to 50.7%, compared to 51.6% in 1998, primarily
due to the negative impact of sales of lower gross margin ITK products, an
increased percentage of lower margin OEM sales, market-driven erosion of gross
margin on physical layer products, and increases in the Company's inventory
valuation reserves. Gross margin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 improved
to 54.0% when compared to gross margin of 52.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1998, primarily due to improved operating efficiencies in the Company's
production facilities.

Gross margin in 1998 rose to 51.6% compared to 48.4% in 1997 due to cost control
measures and favorable product sales mix. Gross margin also benefited as net
sales of historically lower-margin OEM and physical layer products declined as a
percentage of total net sales. Offsetting the favorable sales mix were increases
in inventory valuation reserves, sales discounts granted, and a higher
proportion of lower margin products sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998
due to the acquisition of CDC and ITK.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Excluding acquired in-process research and development charges of $16,064,933
recorded in 1998, operating expenses in 1999 increased 24.5% from 1998. Sales
and marketing expenses increased by $3.7 million due to $5.6 million of expenses
added by ITK and CDC, $1.8 million expended to promote new DSP RAS products, and
a $3.7 million cost decline primarily due to reduced North American channel
marketing efforts. Research and development expenses increased $7.7 million due
to $4.1 million of additional costs added by ITK and CDC with the remaining
increase of $3.6 million due to new product development costs for the DSP RAS
products. General and administrative expenses increased by $6.6 million
primarily due to increased amortization of acquisition-related goodwill and
other identifiable intangibles of $8.0 million offset by $1.4 million of cost
reductions related reduced information systems implementation costs and other
cost-saving initiatives.

Operating expenses in 1998 declined 3.7% from 1997, excluding acquired
in-process research and development charges of $16,064,933 recorded in 1998 and
the restructuring charges recorded in 1998 and 1997 of $1,020,000 and
$10,471,482 respectively. The operating expense decline reflected reductions in
the workforce, decreased marketing costs and cost savings achieved through the
consolidation of U.S. research and development efforts, offset by CDC and ITK
operating expenses of $3.8 million. General and administrative expenses declined
in 1998 due to workforce reductions and cost-saving initiatives, offset by
increased intangible asset amortization.

The $1.2 million of net restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 1999 were
associated with the board approved plan to reorganize the sales and marketing
functions in Germany, England and the United States, by consolidating worldwide
sales and marketing resources into strategic locations. The charges

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

OPERATING EXPENSES (CONTINUED)

consist principally of existing commitments for rent on facilities vacated by
the Company and termination payments associated with the elimination of 42
positions. These activities are expected to be completed by December 1999. The
Company anticipates annual cost savings of $1.3 million from these
restructurings. (See Note 4 to the Company's consolidated financial statements).

The $1,020,000 restructuring charge recorded in the fiscal 1998 fourth quarter
was associated with a board-approved plan to consolidate existing offices in
Germany with those acquired from ITK. The charge consists principally of rent,
contractual payments on office equipment, write-offs of leasehold improvements
and termination costs associated with the elimination of six positions.
Activities were completed by June 30, 1999. After change in estimate adjustments
of $572,000, the net charge of $448,000 is anticipated to yield annual cost
savings of $425,000. (See Note 4 to the Company's consolidated financial
statements).

The $10,471,482 restructuring charge recorded in the fiscal 1997 second quarter
was related to a board-approved plan to consolidate operations and reduce costs
and expenses. The restructuring charge consisted of $1,259,769 in net cash
expenditures (primarily employee termination costs), all of which had been paid
as of September 30, 1997, and $9,211,713 resulting from the write-down of asset
carrying values. (See Note 4 to the Company's consolidated financial
statements).

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

On December 16, 1999, the Company announced that it expects revenue for the
fiscal 2000 first quarter ending December 31, 1999 to be in a range of $39
million to $41 million and earnings per diluted share to be in a range of $0.03
to $0.07. The Company attributes the lower than expected revenues and earnings
for the first quarter primarily to two factors associated with Year 2000
concerns. Sales to the Company's OEM customers have been affected by a temporary
change in the purchasing patterns of end users until after January 2000. Sales
into the Company's distribution channel have been impacted similarly by end-user
purchasing behavior and also more significantly by inventory reductions as
channel participants reduce levels due to Year 2000 concerns.

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ACQUISITION OF ITK INTERNATIONAL, INC.:

In July 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of ITK.
The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the estimated fair value of
assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including estimated restructuring and
integration costs of $3,484,000. (See Note 4 to the Company's consolidated
financial statements).

At the time of the Company's acquisition, ITK described itself as a Remote
Access Server (RAS) product company. Although ITK did offer its own line of ISDN
cards and networking boards, the Company's acquisition was made principally to
acquire the voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology under development by
ITK. This VoIP technology, if successfully developed, would allow users to send
packetized voice signals through the Internet. The Company believes that the
VoIP technology under development at the time of the acquisition could provide
for the development of products which would be a natural extension of the
Company's current product offerings and could position the Company to address
substantially larger markets than the markets served by the Company's current
products.

At the time of the acquisition, ITK had developed a proof of concept prototype
product ("NetBlazer 8500") which demonstrated that the method of voice and data
compression under development by ITK and the method of combining VoIP and remote
access functionality under development by ITK had the potential to be further
developed into a product marketable to "Carrier Class" telephone companies.
However, the NetBlazer 8500 required further development before it could meet
the technical and functional requirements of such customers. Accordingly, the
Company is uncertain whether the VoIP technology being developed will ultimately
meet the technical requirements of Carrier Class telephony customers or whether
it will be commercially viable.

As of the date of the acquisition, the nature of the development efforts related
to the purchased, in-process research and development projects, as well as the
efforts required to complete development of those projects into commercially
viable products, included development projects to address the following: (a)
development of enhanced technical attributes, including enhanced port density,
redundancy, network management capabilities, a higher fault tolerance,
compliance with telephone industry standards such as "SS7" and "NEBS"
compliancy; (b) development of significant hardware and software functions
considered integral to a product with broad appeal to end users and the
telephone companies, including computer-to-phone capabilities, interoperability
with other vendor's gateways, one-stage dialing , local tone simulation and
announcements, end-to-end transparent disconnect cause delivery and real-time
FAX-over capabilities, among others; and (c) re-engineering of the prototype
design to permit cost effective manufacture and commercial use, including
migration from a UNIX operating system to a Windows NT operating system.

It is not certain that development efforts on these projects will allow for
Carrier Class telephone company and end-user specifications to be met. Failure
to achieve these specifications or to achieve market viability will cause the
VoIP projects to fail. If these products are not successfully developed, the
sales and profitability of the Company may be adversely affected in future
periods. Additionally, the value of other identifiable intangible assets and
goodwill acquired may become impaired.

                                       16
<PAGE>   17


ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED)

ACQUISITION OF ITK INTERNATIONAL, INC.: (CONTINUED)

Management estimates that $11.3 million of the purchase price represents the
fair value of purchased in-process research and development related to the VoIP
projects referred to above, that had not yet reached technological feasibility
and had no alternative future uses. These amounts were expensed as a
non-recurring, non-tax-deductible charge upon consummation of the acquisition.

The Company utilized the alternative income valuation approach to determine the
estimated fair value of the purchased in-process research and development. This
estimate is based on the following assumptions:

o    The estimated revenues are based upon projected average annual revenue
     growth rates from future products expected to be derived once technological
     feasibility is achieved of between 18% and 65% during the period from 2000
     through 2005, starting with an estimated growth rate of 65% from 2000 to
     2001 with steadily declining rates of estimated revenue growth through
     2005. Estimated total revenues expected from products to be developed using
     purchased in-process research and development peak in the year 2005 and
     decline rapidly in 2006 and 2007 as other new products are expected to
     enter the market. These projections are based on estimates made by the
     Company's management of market size and growth (which are supported by
     independent market data), expected trends in technology and the nature and
     expected timing of new product introductions by ITK and its competitors.

o    The estimated costs of sales are based upon the historical, stand-alone
     costs of ITK without considering any synergies due to the acquisition by
     the Company.

o    The estimated selling, general and administrative expenses of between 37%
     and 32% of revenues from 2000 through 2003 and between 29% and 27% of
     revenues between 2004 and 2007, are based upon the estimated expense levels
     of ITK as derived from the historical, stand-alone costs of ITK without
     considering any synergies due to the acquisition by the Company.

o    The discount rate utilized in the alternative income valuation approach is
     based on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The WACC calculation
     produces the average required rate of return of an investment in an
     operating enterprise, based on various required rates of return from
     investments in various areas of that enterprise. The WACC estimated by an
     independent third-party appraiser for the Company, as a corporate business
     enterprise is 14%. The discount rate used in the alternative valuation
     approach was 30%. This discount rate is higher than the WACC due to the
     inherent uncertainties in the estimates described above including
     uncertainty surrounding the successful development of purchased research
     and development, the estimated useful life of such completed research and
     development, the profitability levels of such completed research and
     development and the uncertainty of technological advances that are unknown
     at this time.

The Company estimated that the purchased in-process research and development
related to VoIP was 83% complete as of the acquisition date. This estimate was
based upon research and development costs

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED)

ACQUISITION OF ITK INTERNATIONAL, INC.: (CONTINUED)

incurred to date compared to total estimated development costs. As of the date
of acquisition, the estimated cost to complete the VoIP to a point of
technological feasibility was approximately $2.3 million, expected to be
incurred over a period of approximately 20 months following the acquisition.
This estimate is subject to change, given the uncertainties of the development
process, and no assurance can be given that deviations from these estimates will
not occur.

The identifiable intangible assets of $21,100,000 included in the purchase price
allocation set forth above are comprised of proven technology with an estimated
fair value of $19,700,000 and an assembled workforce with an estimated fair
value of $1,400,000, which have estimated useful lives of five years and six
years, respectively. The remaining unallocated purchase price represents
goodwill of $17,727,086, which is being amortized over seven years. With regard
to the proven technology, the Company intends to further enhance the strengths
of this product range and implement a plan to gain leadership in the ISDN
market. The Company's core asset is the comprehensive set of common application
programming interface (CAPI) and CAPI-enhancing features combined with highly
intelligent ISDN protocol implementation which provide for integration into
server-based communication solutions for the media communication market.

The Company is continuing development of the acquired in-process VoIP technology
and, as of September 30, 1999, believes that its development efforts are on
schedule to meet the product release schedule referred to above with potential
increases in its research and development costs. However, these expectations are
subject to change, given the uncertainties of the development process and
changes in market expectations. Development costs incurred were $1.9 million
during the year ended September 30, 1999. The current version of the NetBlazer
8500, which includes a sub-set of the ultimate feature set, provided revenues of
$3.0 million during fiscal 1999.

ACQUISITION OF CENTRAL DATA CORPORATION:

In July 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of CDC.
The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the estimated fair value of
assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including estimated restructuring and
integration costs of $750,000. (See Note 4 to the Company's consolidated
financial statements).

Although CDC did offer its own line of traditional serial port connectivity
products, the Company's acquisition was made principally to acquire the
Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology under development by CDC. This USB
technology, if successfully developed, would broaden the Company's product
offerings to include this new, emerging industry-standard port technology.
Management considers such a product offering integral to its future market share
because the marketplace is migrating from the traditional serial I/O
(input/output) technology (in which the Company has significant market share) to
USB technology. The Company also believes that it can reduce its time to market
by 12 to 18

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED)

ACQUISITION OF CENTRAL DATA CORPORATION: (CONTINUED)

months by acquiring CDC's in-process research and development rather than
initiating development of its own USB technology.

At the time of acquisition, CDC had developed a prototype of both the 2-port and
4-port USB connectivity technologies that demonstrated the validity of CDC's
product development plan. However, the USB technology development was still in
process, and required significant development work and field testing before it
could meet the technical and functional requirements of customers and achieve
commercial viability. Accordingly, the Company was uncertain whether the
technology being developed could ultimately meet the technical and economic
requirements of the marketplace and become commercially viable.

As of the date of the acquisition, the nature of the development efforts related
to the purchased, in-process research and development projects, as well as the
efforts required to complete development of those projects into commercially
viable products included: (a) development of new hardware designs and software
engineering relating to a complete reengineering of the in-process USB
technology; (b) development of new hardware designs for 8-port USB products; and
(c) development of a new "hub" architecture to support the CDC USB technology.

It is not certain that development efforts on these projects will allow for user
specifications to be met or commercial viability to be achieved. Failure to
achieve these specifications or to achieve market viability will cause the USB
projects to fail. If these products are not successfully developed, the sales
and profitability of the Company may be adversely affected in future periods.
Additionally, the value of other identifiable intangible assets and goodwill
acquired may become impaired.

Management estimates that $4.7 million of the purchase price represents the fair
value of purchased in-process research and development related to the USB
projects referred to above, that had not yet reached technological feasibility
and had no alternative future uses. These amounts were expensed as a
non-recurring, non-tax-deductible charge upon consummation of the acquisition.

The Company utilized the alternative income valuation approach to determine the
estimated fair value of the purchased in-process research and development. These
estimates are based on the following assumptions:

o    The estimated revenues are based upon projected average annual revenue
     growth rates form future products expected to be derived once technological
     feasibility is achieved of between 9% and 52% during the period from 1999
     through 2002, starting with an estimated growth rate of 52% from 1999 to
     2000 with a declining rate of estimated revenue growth through 2002.
     Estimated total revenues expected from products to be developed using
     purchased in-process research and development peak in the year 2002 and
     decline rapidly in 2003 and 2004 as other new products are expected to
     enter the market. These projections are based on estimates made by the
     Company's management of market size and growth (which are supported by
     independent market data), expected trends in technology and the nature and
     expected timing of new product introductions by CDC and its competitors.

                                       19
<PAGE>   20

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CONTINUED)

ACQUISITION OF CENTRAL DATA CORPORATION: (CONTINUED)

o    The estimated costs of sales are based upon the historical, stand-alone
     costs of CDC without considering any synergies due to the acquisition by
     the Company.

o    The estimated selling, general and administrative expenses of between 35%
     and 30% of revenues from 1999 to 2003 and 27% of revenues in 2004, are
     based upon the estimated expense levels of CDC as derived from the
     historical, stand-alone costs of CDC without considering any synergies due
     to the acquisition by the Company.

o    The discount rate utilized in the alternative income valuation approach is
     based on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The WACC calculation
     produces the average required rate of return of an investment in an
     operating enterprise, based on various required rates of return from
     investments in various areas of that enterprise. The WACC estimated by an
     independent third-party appraiser for the Company, as a corporate business
     enterprise, is 14%. The discount rate used in the alternative valuation
     approach was 30%. This discount rate is higher than the WACC due to the
     inherent uncertainties in the estimates described above including
     uncertainty surrounding the successful development of purchased research
     and development, the estimated useful life of such completed research and
     development, the profitability levels of such completed research and
     development and the uncertainty of technological advances that are unknown
     at this time.

The Company estimated that the purchased in-process research and development
related to USB was 87% complete as of the acquisition date. This estimate was
based upon research and development costs incurred to date compared to total
estimated development costs. As of the date of acquisition, the estimated cost
to complete the USB technology to a point of technological feasibility was
approximately $600,000, expected to be incurred over a period of approximately
nine months following the acquisition. This estimate is subject to change, given
the uncertainties of the development process, and no assurance can be given that
deviations from these estimates will not occur.

The identifiable intangible assets of $9,800,000 included in the purchase price
allocation set forth above are comprised of proven technology with an estimated
fair value of $9,400,000, and an assembled workforce with an estimated fair
value of $400,000, which have estimated useful lives of five years and six
years, respectively. The remaining unallocated purchase price represents
goodwill in the amount of $9,711,298, which is being amortized over seven years.

The Company has developed the acquired in-process USB research and development
and released USB products, with initial product revenues generated during
November 1998. Included in revenues for fiscal 1999 is approximately $266,000 of
revenues from the first release of certain USB products. Actual revenues are
below original projections due to delays in the release and marketing of certain
USB products. Research and development expenditures incurred to advance the
acquired in-process USB technology were $500,000 for fiscal 1999.

                                       20
<PAGE>   21

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME

Other expense of $256,000 in 1999 consisted of $1,015,000 of interest expense on
lines of credit and long term debt, $856,000 of interest income on short term
investments, and $97,000 of miscellaneous other expense. Other income for 1998
included primarily interest income on cash equivalents and a fiscal 1998
third-quarter reversal of a $1.4 million previously accrued obligation related
to lease guarantees for AetherWorks Corporation. As discussed in the next item
below, the obligation is no longer required because the Company is no longer the
primary guarantor for these leases.

AETHERWORKS CORPORATION
NET LOSS AND WRITE-OFF

In connection with the Company's previously purchased $13.8 million of
convertible notes from AetherWorks Corporation, in May 1998 the Company
exchanged such notes for a non-interest bearing $8.0 million non-convertible
note and was released from all of its guarantees of certain lease obligations of
AetherWorks. Due to significant uncertainty as to its collectibility, the $8.0
million note, which matures in 2001, has been recorded by the Company as having
no carrying value. In fiscal 1997 the Company used the equity method to account
for its investment in AetherWorks and record a net loss of $5.8 million, which
represented 100% of AetherWorks' loss for the year. The percentage of
AetherWorks' net losses included in the Company's financial statements was based
upon the percentage of financial support provided by the Company (versus other
investors) during 1997. The Company wrote off its investment in AetherWorks as
of September 30, 1997, and recorded a $5.8 million charge, composed of its $2.4
million remaining investment, its $2.0 million remaining obligation to purchase
additional notes and $1.4 million for the obligation to guarantee certain
AetherWorks leases. The Company no longer has any funding obligations or any
potential equity interest in or management control over AetherWorks.
Consequently, the Company has not included any of AetherWorks' net losses in its
results of operations during fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998.

INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded a $4.8 million tax provision for 1999 and $9.3 million tax
provision for 1998. These tax provision amounts were required primarily because
of the write-off of acquired in-process research and development and because the
amortization of certain identifiable intangible assets and goodwill acquired in
the purchase of ITK and CDC is not deductible for income tax reporting purposes.
In 1997, the Company recorded a $0.1 million tax provision, while reporting a
pre-tax loss for that year. That provision was necessary due to the
non-deductibility of certain intangible assets written off as part of the
restructuring charge, the AetherWorks net losses and the related investment
write-off.

                                       21
<PAGE>   22

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

INFLATION

The Company believes inflation has not had a material effect on its operations
or its financial condition.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has financed its operations principally with funds generated from
operations, and, in prior years, with proceeds from earlier public offerings.

The Company's working capital increased from $37.9 million at September 30,
1998, to $59.9 million at September 30, 1999. The Company maintains lines of
credit with various financial institutions providing for borrowings of up to
$15.9 million, depending upon levels of eligible accounts receivable and
inventories. As of September 30, 1999, $4.8 million had been borrowed under
these line of credit agreements.

During 1999, the Company increased cash balances by approximately $10.6 million,
through cash flow from operations, principally due to an increase in cash
generated from operations.

Investing activities consisted of net investments of $13.7 in marketable
securities and purchases of $4.8 million of equipment, capital improvements, and
expansion of the Company's enterprise-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
software system into locations outside of the Minnetonka headquarters.

Financing activities consisted of payments on line of credit and debt
obligations totaling $5.9 million and $815,000 for repurchase of shares of the
Company's common stock, which was offset by $3.0 million received from the
exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan
transactions.

In September 1998, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up
to one million shares of the Company's common stock for use in the Company's
benefit plans. As of September 30, 1999, 120,000 shares had been repurchased
under this program at a weighted average price of $8.03.

The Company's management believes that current financial resources, cash
generated from operations and the Company's potential capacity for debt and/or
equity financing will be sufficient to fund current and future business
operations.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Effective January 1, 1999, eleven countries of the European Union converted to a
common currency called the "Euro." This action will cause some of the Company's
European transactions to be negotiated, invoiced, and paid in "Euros." The
conversion will most likely add currency exchange costs and risks, although such
costs and risks are not quantifiable at this time.

                                       22
<PAGE>   23

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION (CONTINUED)

During 1999, the Company had approximately $67.4 million of net sales related to
foreign customers , of which $44.8 million was in U.S. dollars and $22.6 was in
Deutschemark-denominated sales. During fiscal 1999 the average monthly exchange
rate for the Deutschemark to the U.S. dollar dropped by approximately 12% from
 .6103 to .5370 U.S. dollars to the Deutschemark, respectively.

In future periods, a significant portion of sales will be made in Deutschemarks
until full integration of the "Euro" is achieved. The Company has not
implemented a hedging strategy to reduce the risk of foreign currency
translation exposures.

YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE

This section contains certain statements that are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company's
Year 2000 readiness, and the effects of the Year 2000 on the Company may be
differ materially from currently projected. This may be due to, among other
things, delays in the implementation of the Company's Year 2000 Plan, which
includes contingency plans, and the failure of key third parties with whom the
Company transacts business to achieve Year 2000 compliance. The Company faces
risk to the extent that suppliers of products and services purchased by the
Company and others with whom the Company transacts business on a world-wide
basis do not have business products and services that comply with year 2000
requirements. The Company has obtained assurances from most of its key suppliers
that their products and services are year 2000 compliant. In the event any such
third parties cannot, in a timely manner, provide the Company with products and
services that meet the year 2000 requirements, the Company's operating results
could be materially adversely affected.

The Company began a comprehensive project in 1996 to prepare its products and
its enterprise-wide information management system and other internal computer
systems for the year 2000. The Company believes its implementation of a new
enterprise-wide information management system, principally installed to improve
operating efficiency, will address the Company's internal year 2000 compliance
issues. The worldwide rollout of this system was completed on September 30,
1999.

Most of the Company's products are year 2000 compliant because there is very
little or no date processing involved. Certain products, including end-of-life
versions, do require customer action such as a patch or version upgrade to be
compliant. These products have been identified, and the Company has notified
impacted customers. Overall, management believes the year 2000 will not have a
significant impact on operations.

The Company plans to continue with remediation and testing efforts with both its
products and internal systems to further mitigate any risks associated with the
year 2000. Contingency plans have been established in order to transact business
at sufficient levels in the case of adverse events related to the Year 2000 date
change. In addition, the Company will monitor the enterprise computer systems,
LAN/WAN, and the computer room environments for temperature, continuous power
supply, and transaction integrity. Facility personnel will be monitoring owned
and leased buildings for heating and security.

                                       23
<PAGE>   24

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE (CONTINUED)

The costs associated with the year 2000 project have been minimal and are not
incremental to the Company, but include temporary reallocation of existing
resources. However, there can be no assurances that various factors relating to
the Year 2000 compliance issues, including litigation, will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results, or financial
position.

While the Company believes it is prepared for Year 2000 issues and has an
effective program in place to resolve the impact of a Year 2000 issue in a
timely manner, there can be no assurance that the failure of the Company or of
the third parties with whom the Company transacts business to adequately address
their respective Year 2000 issues, will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition, cash flows and results of
operations.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.
<PAGE>   25

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the fiscal years ended September 30                  1999                  1998                  1997
                                                                     As Restated-See Note 2
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Net sales                                         $ 193,506,059         $ 182,931,670         $ 165,597,937
Cost of sales                                        95,313,636            88,539,156            85,482,536
                                                  -------------         -------------         -------------
Gross Margin                                         98,192,423            94,392,514            80,115,401

Operating expenses:
  Sales and marketing                                41,002,559            37,288,027            36,671,271
  Research and development                           24,689,228            16,963,410            17,978,135
  General and administrative                         23,657,586            17,011,504            19,324,777
  Acquired in-process research and development             -               16,064,933                  -
  Restructuring                                         607,398             1,020,000            10,471,482
                                                  -------------         -------------         -------------

Total operating expenses                             89,956,771            88,347,874            84,445,665
                                                  -------------         -------------         -------------

Operating income (loss)                               8,235,652             6,044,640            (4,330,264)
Other (expense) income, net                            (256,320)            1,818,286               153,809
AetherWorks Corporation net operating loss                 -                     -               (5,764,201)
AetherWorks Corporation gain (write-off)                   -                1,350,000            (5,758,548)
                                                  -------------         -------------         -------------
Income (loss) before income taxes                     7,979,332             9,212,926           (15,699,204)
Provision for income taxes                            4,787,599             9,284,020                91,640
                                                  -------------         -------------         -------------
Net income (loss)                                 $   3,191,733         $     (71,094)        $ (15,790,844)
                                                 ===========================================================
Net income (loss) per common share,
  basic                                           $        0.22         $       (0.01)        $       (1.18)
                                                 ===========================================================
Net income (loss) per common share,
  assuming dilution                               $        0.22         $       (0.01)        $       (1.18)
                                                 ===========================================================
Weighted average common shares, basic                14,696,057            13,729,765            13,393,408
                                                 ===========================================================
Weighted average common shares,
  assuming dilution                                  14,831,242            13,729,765            13,393,408
                                                 ===========================================================
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements

                                       25

<PAGE>   26

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (CONTINUED)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At September 30,
                                                                1999                  1998
                                                           --------------        ---------------
                                                                                 As Restated-See
                                                                                     Note 2
<S>                                                         <C>                  <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                              $ 20,963,607          $ 10,355,368
     Marketable securities                                    13,714,422                  -
     Accounts receivable, net                                 33,955,669            47,087,978
     Inventories, net                                         22,446,667            27,365,924
     Other                                                     5,394,346             6,139,941
                                                            ------------          ------------
     Total current assets                                     96,474,711            90,949,211

Property, equipment and improvements, net                     30,242,877            33,990,923
Intangible assets, net                                        47,804,611            63,602,435
Other                                                          1,807,829             2,978,883
                                                            ------------          ------------
     Total assets                                           $176,330,028          $191,521,452
                                                            ============          ============

LIABILITES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Borrowings under line of credit agreements                $  4,759,095          $ 10,707,000
  Current portion of long-term debt                              330,028               264,025
  Accounts payable                                            10,779,998            15,255,173
  Income taxes payable                                         5,274,181             3,797,588
  Accrued expenses:
     Advertising                                               2,461,437             2,651,742
     Compensation                                              6,078,230             6,776,292
     Other                                                     6,357,348             8,347,668
  Restructuring reserves                                         488,298             5,254,000
                                                            ------------          ------------
Total current liabilities                                     36,528,615            53,053,488
                                                            ------------          ------------
Long-term debt                                                 9,205,918            11,124,446
Net deferred income taxes                                      3,431,133             5,817,933
Other                                                               -                  275,000
                                                            ------------          ------------
Total liabilities                                            49,165,666             70,270,867
                                                            ------------          ------------
Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders' equity:
     Preferred stock, $.01 par value: 2,000,000 shares
     authorized; none outstanding

     Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares
     authorized; 16,192,997 and 15,790,975 shares issued         161,930               157,910
     Additional paid-in capital                               71,460,612            70,461,123
     Retained earnings                                        78,234,541            75,042,808
     Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment       (1,027,533)             (815,809)
                                                            ------------          ------------
                                                             148,829,550           144,846,032
Unearned stock compensation                                     (339,686)           (1,700,635)
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,271,612 and 1,247,094 shares      (21,325,502)          (21,894,812)
                                                            ------------          ------------
     Total stockholders' equity                              127,164,362           121,250,585
                                                            ------------          ------------
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity               $176,330,028         $ 191,521,452
                                                            ============          ============
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements

                                       26
<PAGE>   27

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (CONTINUED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the fiscal years ended September 30,
                                                                            1999                   1998                    1997
                                                                            ----                   ----                    ----
                                                                                              As Restated-See
                                                                                                   Note 2
<S>                                                                     <C>                    <C>                    <C>
Operating activities:
  Net income (loss)                                                     $  3,191,733           $    (71,094)          $(15,790,844)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
  cash provided by operating activities:
    Acquired in-process research and development                                                 16,064,933
    Restructuring                                                           (672,167)             1,020,000              9,211,713
    Depreciation of property and equipment                                 5,988,640              5,174,725              5,587,132
    Amortization of intangibles                                           12,807,568              3,665,879              1,114,023
    AetherWorks Corporation net loss                                                                                     5,764,201
    AetherWorks Corporation (gain) write-off                                                     (1,350,000)             5,758,548
    Loss on sale of fixed assets                                             243,524                159,498                760,555
    Provision for losses on accounts receivable                              179,366                708,992              1,933,251
    Provision for inventory obsolescence                                   6,218,261              3,414,270              2,910,988
    Deferred income taxes                                                 (2,119,056)            (1,251,611)            (1,787,933)
    Stock compensation                                                       582,981                895,401                244,569
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable                                                 12,359,264            (17,687,833)            15,283,125
      Inventories                                                         (1,618,415)              (569,839)             3,780,241
      Income taxes payable                                                 1,761,296                883,900              3,447,612
      Other assets                                                         2,228,897             (3,227,695)               713,772
      Accounts payable                                                    (3,822,046)               279,236             (2,430,817)
      Accrued expenses and other liabilities                              (4,025,827)             2,280,156                153,448
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------
         Total adjustments                                                30,112,286             10,460,012             52,444,428
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------
         Net cash provided by operating activities                        33,304,019             10,388,918             36,653,584
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------
Investing activities:
  Purchase of property and equipment and certain other
    intangible assets                                                     (4,759,893)            (5,816,163)            (8,841,473)
  Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                                         843,995
  Purchase of held-to-maturity marketable securities                     (20,633,113)
  Proceeds form sale of held-to-maturity marketable securities             7,000,000
  Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired                                                   (27,356,560)
  Investment in AetherWorks Corporation                                          -               (2,000,000)            (6,500,000)
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------
      Net cash used in by investing activities                           (17,549,011)           (35,172,723)           (15,341,473)
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------

Financing activities:
  Payments on long-term debt                                              (5,915,843)               (73,000)
  Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt                                                    2,064,865
  Purchase of treasury stock                                                (815,000)              (153,750)
  Stock option transactions, net                                           2,381,422              2,310,572                539,838
  Employee stock purchase plan transactions, net                             586,324                471,629                534,327
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------
      Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                 (3,763,097)             4,620,316              1,074,165
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------

Effect of exchange rates changes on cash and cash equivalents             (1,383,672)              (810,809)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      10,608,239            (20,974,298)            22,386,276
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                          $ 10,355,368           $ 31,329,666           $  8,943,390
                                                                        ------------           ------------           ------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                                $ 20,963,607           $ 10,355,368           $ 31,329,666
                                                                        ============           ============           ============
Supplemental Cash Flows Information:
Interest paid                                                           $    937,306           $    224,730           $    208,000
Income taxes paid                                                       $  3,742,898           $  7,463,578           $    238,439
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements

                                       27
<PAGE>   28
pp
ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (CONTINUED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Common Stock             Treasury Stock           Additional
                                                          Shares     Par Value      Shares        Value       Paid-in-Capital
                                                        ----------   ---------     ---------   -----------    ---------------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>
Balances, September 30, 1996                            14,677,150    $146,772     1,338,894  $(23,679,979)    $42,866,758

Employee Stock Purchase issuances                                                    (69,402)    1,274,391        (740,064)
Issuance of stock options at below
   market prices                                                                                                 1,892,015
Stock compensation
Issuance of stock upon exercise of
   stock options, net of withholding                        50,106         501                                     379,720
Tax benefit realized upon exercise
   of stock options                                                                                                159,617
Forfeiture of stock                                                                                               (154,944)
options
Net loss
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balances, September 30, 1997                            14,727,256     147,273     1,269,492   (22,405,588)     44,403,102

Issuance of stock for acquisitions                         775,837       7,758                                  21,829,797
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost                                                   15,000      (153,750)
Employee Stock Purchase issuances                                                    (37,398)      664,526        (192,897)
Issuance of stock options at below
   market prices                                                                                                   977,697
Stock compensation
Issuance of stock upon exercise of
   stock options, net of withholding                       287,882       2,879                                   2,307,742
Tax benefit realized upon exercise
   of stock options                                                                                              1,305,001
Forfeiture of stock options                                                                                       (169,319)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Net loss
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balances, September 30, 1998 (As Restated-See Note 2)   15,790,975     157,910     1,247,094   (21,894,812)     70,461,123

Purchase of treasury stock, at cost                                                  105,000      (815,000)
Employee Stock Purchase issuances                                                    (80,482)    1,384,310        (797,986)
Stock compensation
Issuance of stock upon exercise of
   stock options, net of withholding                       402,022       4,020                                   2,377,402
Tax benefit realized upon exercise
   of stock options                                                                                                198,041
Forfeiture of stock options                                                                                       (777,968)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Net income
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balances, September 30, 1999                            16,192,997    $161,930     1,271,612  $(21,325,502)    $71,460,612
===========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements

                              Continued Next Page

                                       28
<PAGE>   29

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (CONTINUED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(CONTINUED)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Unearned                              Total
                                                Retained          Stock          Cumulative       Stockholders'    Comprehensive
                                                Earnings      Compensation       Translation         Equity        (Loss) Income
                                              -------------   ---------------   ------------     -------------     -------------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
Balances, September 30, 1996                  $  90,904,746    $    (295,156)                    $ 109,943,141

Employee Stock Purchase issuances                                                                      534,327
Issuance of stock options at below
   market prices                                                  (1,892,015)
Stock compensation                                                   244,569                           244,569
Issuance of stock upon exercise of
   stock options, net of withholding                                                                   380,221
Tax benefit realized upon exercise
   of stock options                                                                                    159,617
Forfeiture of stock options                                          154,944
Net loss                                        (15,790,844)                                       (15,790,844)    $ (15,790,844)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     -------------

Balances, September 30, 1997                     75,113,902       (1,787,658)                       95,471,031     $ (15,790,844)
                                                                                                                   =============
Issuance of stock for acquisitions                                                                  21,837,555
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost                                                                   (153,750)
Employee Stock Purchase issuances                                                                      471,629
Issuance of stock options at below
   market prices                                                    (977,697)
Stock compensation                                                   895,401                           895,401
Issuance of stock upon exercise of
   stock options, net of withholding                                                                 2,310,621
Tax benefit realized upon exercise
   of stock options                                                                                  1,305,001
Forfeiture of stock options                                          169,319
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                         $    (815,809)        (815,809)         (815,809)
Net loss                                            (71,094)                                           (71,094)          (71,094)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      ------------

Balances, September 30, 1998
   (As Restated-See Note 2)                      75,042,808       (1,700,635)        (815,809)     121,250,585     $    (886,903)
                                                                                                                   =============
Purchase of treasury stock, at cost                                                                   (815,000)
Employee Stock Purchase issuances                                                                      586,324
Stock compensation                                                   582,981                           582,981
Issuance of stock upon exercise of
   stock options, net of withholding                                                                 2,381,422
Tax benefit realized upon exercise
   of stock options                                                                                    198,041
Forfeiture of stock options                                          777,968
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                              (211,724)        (211,724)         (211,724)
Net income                                        3,191,733                                          3,191,733         3,191,733
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      ------------

Balances, September 30, 1999                  $  78,234,541    $    (339,686)   $  (1,027,533)   $ 127,164,362     $   2,980,009
==============================================================================================================     =============
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements

                                       29
<PAGE>   30

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Digi International is a leading worldwide provider of data communications
products for open systems, server-based communications, Internet telephony, and
local area network (LAN) applications. Digi's communications products support a
broad range of server platforms and network operating systems that enable people
to access information.

Digi's products are marketed through a global network of distributors, system
integrators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as thousands of
value-added resellers (VARs).

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Those having original
maturities in excess of three months are classified as marketable securities.
Marketable Securities consist of high-grade commercial paper and have maturies
of less than one year. Marketable securities classified as held to maturity are
carried at amortized cost. Gross unrealized holding gains and losses were
$10,561 and $5,383 as of September 30, 1999. The Company had no marketable
securities as of September 30, 1998.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is recognized at the date of shipment. Estimated warranty costs and
customer returns are recorded at the time of sale.

The Company offers rebates to authorized domestic and international distributors
and authorized resellers. The rebates are incurred based on the level of sales
to the respective distributors and resellers, and are charged to operations in
the same period as the corresponding sales.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or fair market value, with cost
determined on the first-in, first-out method. Fair market value for raw
materials is based on replacement cost and for other inventory classifications
based on net realizable value. Appropriate consideration is given to
deterioration, obsolescence and other factors in evaluating net realizable
value.

                                       30
<PAGE>   31

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS

Property, equipment and improvements are carried at cost. Depreciation is
provided by charges to operations using the straight-line method based on
estimated useful lives, ranging from three to 39 years.

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred,
while major renewals and betterments are capitalized. The assets and related
accumulated depreciation accounts are adjusted for asset retirements and
disposals with the resulting gain or loss included in operations.

The Company's cost of business process reengineering activities, whether done
internally or by third parties, is expensed as incurred.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Purchased proven technology, license agreements, covenants not to compete and
other intangible assets are recorded at cost. Goodwill represents the excess of
cost over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and is being amortized
on a straight-line basis over estimated useful life periods ranging from five to
15 years. Purchased in process research and development costs (IPR&D) are
expensed upon consummation of the purchase. All other intangible assets are
amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of one to
seven years.

The Company periodically, at least quarterly, analyzes intangible assets for
potential impairment, assessing the appropriateness of lives and recoverability
of unamortized balances through measurement of undiscounted operating cash flows
on a basis consistent with generally accepted accounting principles.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Software development
costs are expensed as incurred. Such costs are required to be expensed until the
point that technological feasibility and proven marketability of the product are
established. Costs otherwise capitalized after such point also are expensed
because they are insignificant.

INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of
differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial
reporting amounts at each year end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax
rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect
taxable income. Income tax expense is the tax payable for the period and the
change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.

                                       31
<PAGE>   32

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

Tax credits are accounted for under the flow-through method, which recognizes
the benefit in the year in which the credit is utilized.

INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated based on only the weighted
average of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income (loss) per
share, assuming dilution, is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the
weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding. The
Company's only common stock equivalents are those that result from dilutive
common stock options. The calculation of diluted earnings per common share for
1999 includes 135,185 of such common stock equivalents. The calculation of
diluted loss per common share for 1998 and 1997 excludes 835,670 and 236,165
equivalent shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock attributable to
common stock options because their effect would be antidilutive.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Financial position and results of operations of the Company's international
subsidiaries are measured using local currencies as the functional currency.
Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at the exchange rates
in effect at each fiscal year-end. Statements of operations accounts are
translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year.
Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from
period to period are included in the cumulative translation account in
stockholders' equity.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

                                       32
<PAGE>   33

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

During the first quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 (FAS 130), "Reporting Comprehensive
Income". FAS 130 requires the Company to report in the consolidated financial
statements, in addition to net income, comprehensive income and its components
including foreign currency items and unrealized gains and losses of certain
investments in debt and equity securities. Comprehensive income is defined as
"the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from
transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources." It
includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from
investment by owners and distributions to owners.

SEGMENT REPORTING

For the year ended September 30, 1999, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (FAS 131), "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information". This statement establishes standards for
reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements
and requires selected information about operating segments in interim financial
reports issued to stockholders. It also establishes standards for related
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers.
Under FAS 131, operating segments are to be determined consistent with the way
that management organizes and evaluates financial information internally, makes
operating decisions, and assesses performance.

RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN ITEMS

Accrued sales discounts and allowances of $1,461,167, which previously were
included in accrued expenses, have been reclassified into net accounts
receivable for the year ended September 30, 1998. This reclassification had no
impact on previously reported operating income, or net income.

Costs of $2,647,207 relating to systems support and communications costs, which
previously were included in general and administrative expenses, have been
reclassified into sales and marketing and research and development expenses for
the year ended September 30, 1997. This reclassification had no impact on
previously reported operating income, or net income.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." Statement No. 133 will be effective for the
Company beginning with the Company's fiscal year ending September 30, 2000. In
July 1999, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 137,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the
Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133" which defers the effective date of
FASB 133 to the Company's fiscal year ending September 30, 2001. As the Company
presently has no derivative instruments and is not involved in hedging activity,
the Company does not expect the adoption of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB
Statement No. 137 to have an impact on the results of operations or the
financial position of the Company.

                                       33
<PAGE>   34

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (CONTINUED)

In January 1999, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position No. 98-9 (SOP 98-9), "Modification of SOP 97-2, Software
Revenue Recognition, with Respect to Certain Transactions." This SOP retains the
limitations of SOP 97-2 on what constitutes vendor-specific objective evidence
of fair value. SOP 98-9 will become effective for the Company's fiscal year
ending September 30, 2000. The adoption of SOP 98-9 is not expected to have a
significant impact on the results of operations or financial position of the
Company.

In November 1999, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 100 (SAB 100) - Restructuring and Impairment
Charges. This SAB expresses the views of the Staff regarding the accounting for
and disclosure of certain expenses commonly reported in connection with exit
activities and business combinations. Although it has not made a definite
determination of its impact, the Company does not expect the adoption of SAB 100
to have a materially adverse effect on its financial position or results of
operation.

In December 1999, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101) - Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements. This SAB summarizes certain of the Staff's views in applying
generally accepted accounting principals to revenue recognition in financial
statements. Although it has not made a definite determination of its impact, the
Company does not expect the adoption of SAB 101 to have a materially adverse
effect on its financial position or results of operation.

2.  RESTATEMENT

After discussion with the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC) the consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 1998 and for the
year ended September 30, 1998 have been restated to reflect a change in the
measurement and allocations of the purchase prices related to the July 1998
acquisitions of ITK and CDC.

The Company allocated amounts to IPR&D and intangible assets in the fourth
quarter of 1998 in a manner consistent with widely recognized appraisal
practices at the date of the acquisitions of ITK and CDC. Subsequent to the
acquisitions, the SEC staff expressed broad views that took issue with certain
appraisal practices generally employed by many public companies in determining
the fair value of IPR&D. As a result of these developments, the Company has
modified its valuation of IPR&D using the alternative income valuation approach.
In addition, in response to questions raised by the SEC Staff about the
Company's measurement of the fair value of common stock and common stock options
issued in the ITK and CDC acquisitions, the Company has revised its valuation of
this portion of the purchase prices.

As a result of valuing IPR&D using the alternative income valuation approach and
adjusting the measurement of the purchase prices, the Company, in consultation
with their independent accountants, has revised its measurement and allocations
of the purchase prices, including the amounts allocated to IPR&D. The effect of
these adjustments was to: reduce the aggregate amount originally allocated to
IPR&D from $39.2 million to $16.1 million; increase the aggregate amount
allocated to current
                                       34
<PAGE>   35
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.  RESTATEMENT (CONTINUED)

technologies from $15.0 to $29.1 million; increase the amount of net deferred
tax liabilities from $0 to $6.3 million; increase goodwill from $8.2 million to
$27.4 million; increase additional paid in-capital from $68.7 million to $70.5
million; and reduce unearned stock compensation from $3.8 million to $1.7
million. These adjustments will also result in additional annual amortization
expense related to identifiable intangibles and goodwill of approximately $5.0
million (assuming there are no future adjustments to reflect impairments of such
intangibles and goodwill). The revised purchase accounting for the ITK and CDC
acquisitions is described in detail in Note 3.

The restatement does not affect previously reported net cash flows for the
periods. The effect of this reallocation on previously reported consolidated
financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 1998 is as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             As of and for the year ended
                                                                 September 30, 1998
                                                        -------------------------------------
                                                        As previously
                                                           reported              As restated
                                                        -------------           -------------
<S>                                                     <C>                     <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
  General and administrative expenses                   $  16,003,146           $  17,011,504
  Acquired in-process research and development             39,200,000              16,064,933
  Total operating expenses                                110,474,583              88,347,874
  Operating (loss) income                                 (16,082,069)              6,044,640
  Loss before income taxes                                (12,913,783)              9,212,926
  Provision for income taxes                                9,745,088               9,284,020
  Net loss                                              $ (22,658,871)          $     (71,094)
  Net loss per common share, basic                      $       (1.65)          $       (0.01)
  Net loss per common share, assuming dilution          $       (1.65)          $       (0.01)

Balance Sheet Data:
  Intangible assets, net                                $  31,354,483           $  63,602,435
  Total assets                                            160,734,667             192,982,619
  Net deferred income taxes                                                         5,817,933
  Total liabilities                                        65,914,103              71,732,034
  Additional paid-in capital                               68,695,448              70,461,123
  Retained earnings                                        52,455,031              75,042,808
  Unearned stock compensation                              (3,777,204)             (1,700,635)
  Total stockholders' equity                            $  94,820,564           $ 121,250,585
</TABLE>

                                       35
<PAGE>   36

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.  ACQUISITIONS

In July 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of ITK
International, Inc. (ITK). The transaction was accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the
estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including
estimated restructuring and integration costs of $3,484,000 (see Note 4).

Components of the purchase consideration, including related transaction costs,
consist of $14,767,154 in cash, the Company's common stock with a market value
of $12,501,183 and $2,316,415 of replacement stock options issued by the Company
to ITK option holders. The cash and the Company's common stock were issued in
exchange for outstanding shares of ITK's common stock and the Company's stock
options were issued in exchange for the outstanding ITK common stock options.
The value of the Company's common stock issued was based on a per share value of
approximately $21.69, calculated as the average market price of the Company's
common stock during the two business days immediately preceding and subsequent
to the date the parties reached agreement on terms and announced the
transaction. The value of the Company's common stock options is based on the
estimated fair value of these options, as of the date the transaction was
consummated, using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

The table below is an analysis of the purchase price allocation.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
Cash and fair value of Company's common
  stock and common stock options issued                           $ 28,146,369
Direct acquisition costs                                             1,438,383
ITK liabilities assumed, including estimated
  Restructuring and integration costs of $3,484,000                 39,784,248
                                                                  ------------
Total purchase price                                              $ 69,369,000
                                                                  ============

Estimated fair value of tangible assets acquired, including
$5,772,000 of deferred taxes                                        27,440,814

Estimated fair value of:
  IPR&D                                                             11,330,100
  Identifiable intangible assets                                    21,100,000
  Goodwill                                                          17,727,086
  Deferred tax liabilities related to identifiable
  intangibles                                                       (8,229,000)
                                                                  ------------
                                                                  $ 69,369,000
                                                                  ============
</TABLE>

The Company utilized the alternative income valuation approach to determine the
estimated fair value of the purchased in-process research and development.
Management estimates that $11.3 million of the purchase price represents the
fair value of purchased in-process research and development related to the VoIP
projects referred to above, that had not yet reached technological feasibility
and had no alternative future uses. These amounts were expensed as a
non-recurring, non-tax-deductible charge upon consummation of the acquisition.
It is not certain that development efforts on these projects will allow for
carrier class telephone company and end-user specifications to be met. Failure
to achieve these specifications or to achieve market viability will cause the
in-process Voice over Internet Protocol technology (VoIP) projects to fail. If
these products are not successfully developed, the sales and

                                       36
<PAGE>   37

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.       ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)

profitability of the combined Company may be adversely affected in future
periods. Additionally, the value of other identifiable intangible assets and
goodwill acquired may become impaired.

The identifiable intangible assets of $21,100,000 included in the purchase price
allocation set forth above are comprised of proven technology with an estimated
fair value of $19,700,000 and an assembled workforce with an estimated fair
value of $1,400,000, which have estimated useful lives of five years and six
years, respectively. The remaining unallocated purchase price represents
goodwill, which is being amortized over seven years.

In July 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Central Data Corporation (CDC). The transaction was accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to
the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including
estimated restructuring and integration costs of $750,000 (see Note 4).

Components of the purchase consideration, including related transaction costs,
consist of $14,261,965 in cash, the Company's common stock with a market value
of $4,326,721 and $2,693,236 of replacement stock options issued by the Company
to CDC option holders. The cash and the Company's common stock were issued in
exchange for outstanding shares of CDC's common stock and the Company's stock
options were issued in exchange for the outstanding CDC common stock options.
The value of the Company's common stock issued was based on a per share value of
approximately $21.69, calculated as the average market price of the Company's
common stock during the two business days immediately preceding and subsequent
to the date the parties reached agreement on terms and announced the
transaction. The value of the Company's common stock options is based on the
estimated fair value of these options, as of the date the transaction was
consummated, using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

The table below is an analysis of the purchase price allocation.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
Cash and fair value of Company's common
  stock and common stock options issued                         $ 20,980,482
Direct acquisition costs                                             301,440
CDC liabilities assumed, including estimated
  restructuring and integration costs of $750,000                  4,394,617
                                                                ------------
Total purchase price                                            $ 25,676,539
                                                                ============

Estimated fair value of tangible assets acquired                   5,252,408

Estimated fair value of:
  IPR&D                                                            4,734,833
  Identifiable intangible assets                                   9,800,000
  Goodwill                                                         9,711,298
  Deferred tax liabilities related to identifiable
  intangibles                                                     (3,822,000)
                                                                ------------
                                                                $ 25,676,539
                                                                ============
</TABLE>

                                       37
<PAGE>   38

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3.  ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)

The Company utilized the alternative income valuation approach to determine the
estimated fair value of the purchased in-process research and development.
Management estimates that $4.7 million of the purchase price represents the fair
value of purchased in-process research and development related to the USB
projects referred to above, that had not yet reached technological feasibility
and had no alternative future uses. These amounts were expensed as a
non-recurring, non-tax-deductible charge upon consummation of the acquisition.
It is not certain that development efforts on these projects will allow for user
specifications to be met or commercial viability to be achieved. Failure to
achieve these specifications or to achieve market viability will cause the
Universal Serial Bus (USB) projects to fail. If these products are not
successfully developed, the sales and profitability of the combined Company may
be adversely affected in future periods. Additionally, the value of other
identifiable intangible assets and goodwill acquired may become impaired.

The identifiable intangible assets of $9,800,000 included in the purchase price
allocation set forth above are comprised of proven technology with an estimated
fair value of $9,400,000, and an assembled workforce with an estimated fair
value of $400,000, which have estimated useful lives of five years and six
years, respectively. The remaining unallocated purchase price represents
goodwill, which is being amortized over seven years.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations
have been prepared as if the acquisitions of ITK and CDC had occurred as of the
beginning of fiscal 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1998               1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                <C>
Net sales                    $220,271,670       $194,605,937
Net loss                     ($20,206,426)      ($76,316,007)
Net loss per share                 ($1.36)            ($5.39)
</TABLE>

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations are not
necessarily indicative of results that would have occurred had the acquisitions
been in effect for the years presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of
the results that will be obtained in the future.

4.  RESTRUCTURING

In March 1999, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan
related to the reorganization of sales and marketing functions in Germany,
England and the United States, by consolidating worldwide sales and marketing
resources into strategic locations. The original related charge of $1,452,909
($581,164 net of tax benefits) consisted of $151,038 of existing commitments for
rent on facilities vacated by the Company in Hamburg, Nurnberg, and Frankfurt,
Germany and $1,301,871 of termination payments associated with the elimination
of 44 positions in Dortmund, Germany, Bagshot, England, Sunnyvale, California,
and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As of September 30, 1999, the Company paid $836,953 of termination costs
relating to the elimination of 33 positions. During the third quarter of fiscal
1999, management of the Company determined that $33,100 of severance costs in
Dortmund would not be payable due to a decision to retain two employees
previously notified that they would be terminated. In addition, the Company
reduced its estimated

                                       38
<PAGE>   39

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4.  RESTRUCTURING (CONTINUED)

remaining rent commitment by $80,106 as it successfully sublet the vacated
office space in Nurnberg, Germany. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999,
management of the Company determined that $160,114 of severance costs in
Minneapolis would not be payable due to a decision to retain two additional
employees previously notified that they would be terminated. Adjustments to the
restructuring accrual are reflected as a reduction in the restructuring accrual
and a corresponding increase to operating income. Management of the Company
expects that these restructuring activities will be completed by December 1999.
A summary of payments and adjustments is included in the table below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Change in          Balance at
                                        Beginning                           Estimate          September 30,
           Description                   Balance           Payments        Adjustments            1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>               <C>               <C>                  <C>
Severance and termination
   costs                               $ 1,301,871       $ (836,953)       $ (193,214)          $  271,704
Rent commitments                           151,038          (50,460)          (80,106)              20,472
                                       -----------       -----------       -----------          ----------
TOTAL                                  $ 1,452,909       $ (887,413)       $ (273,320)          $  292,176
                                       -----------       -----------       -----------          ----------
</TABLE>

In July 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan
related to the consolidation of its offices in Germany and England. The
restructuring plan relates to the closure of existing leased facilities rendered
redundant by the acquisition of ITK. The original charge of $1,020,000 ($647,000
net of tax benefits), consisted of $61,483 of noncancellable rent commitments
the Company expected to incur following closure of the Cologne, Germany
facility, $100,110 of contractual payment obligations for office furniture and
other equipment the Company expected to incur following the closure of the
Cologne, Germany facility, $202,039 related to the write-off of leasehold
improvements in connection with the closure of the Cologne, Germany facility and
$656,368 of termination payments associated with the elimination of six
positions in Cologne, Germany and Bagshot, England.

The Company closed the Cologne facility during December 1998. As of September
30, 1999, the company paid $301,044 of termination costs relating to the
elimination of two positions. During the third quarter of 1999, the Company
reduced the restructuring accrual by $572,191 due to management's decision
during the quarter to retain four employees previously notified that they would
be terminated, a final settlement negotiated by the Company which reduced the
remaining contractual rent commitments for office space and equipment in
Cologne, Germany which was previously vacated and abandoned by the Company, and
a decision by current management to utilize certain equipment which prior
management had planned to abandon. Adjustments to the restructuring accrual are
reflected as a reduction in the restructuring accrual and a corresponding
increase to operating income. Restructuring activities have been completed as of
June 1999. A summary of payments and adjustments is included in the table below.

                                       39
<PAGE>   40

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)


4.  RESTRUCTURING (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Balance at                          Change in         Balance at
                                  September 30,                        Estimate         September 30,
       Description                    1998           Payments         Adjustments           1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>               <C>                 <C>
Severance and termination
   costs                          $   656,368       $ (301,044)       $ (355,324)         $      -
Rent commitments                       61,483          (29,900)          (16,374)           15,209
Contractual payments for
   office equipment                   100,110          (49,972)          (50,138)                -
Write-offs of leasehold
   improvements                       202,039          (14,358)         (150,355)            37,326
                                  -----------       ----------        ----------          ---------
TOTAL                             $ 1,020,000       $ (395,274)       $ (572,191)         $  52,535
                                  -----------       ----------        ----------          ---------
</TABLE>

In connection with the Company's acquisition of ITK, the Company formulated a
plan of reorganization and accordingly, has recognized a $3,484,000
restructuring liability which the Company has included as a component of total
liabilities assumed in the acquisition. Components of the original estimated
liability included $1,844,000 of termination payments associated with 10
employees the Company expected to eliminate at the Chelmsford, Massachusetts ITK
location and 20 employees the Company expected to eliminate at the Dortmund,
Germany location and $1,640,000 of noncancellable rent obligations for
facilities the Company expected to incur following closure of facilities in
Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Bristol and Newbury, England.

The Company vacated the Chelmsford, Bristol, and Newbury facilities in March
1999, October 1998 and May 1999, respectively. During the third quarter of
fiscal 1999, the Company reduced the restructuring accrual by $1,451,882 as
management determined during the quarter that the number of positions to be
terminated was 26 rather than 30 due to unanticipated employee turnover and
other changes in management of the Company during fiscal 1999. In addition,
during the third quarter of 1999, the Company and the lessor of the Newbury
facility reached a final, negotiated settlement which significantly reduced the
Company's remaining contractual rent obligation. Adjustments to the
restructuring accrual are reflected as a reduction in the restructuring accrual
and a corresponding decrease in goodwill. Restructuring activities have been
completed as of June 1999. A summary of payments and adjustments is included in
the table below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Balance at                           Change in            Balance at
                                  September 30,                          Estimate          September 30,
       Description                    1998            Payments         Adjustments              1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>             <C>                <C>                    <C>
Severance and termination
   costs                           $ 1,844,000     $ (1,442,339)      $   (378,792)          $   22,869
Facility closures                    1,640,000         (531,513)        (1,073,090)              35,397
                                   -----------     ------------       ------------           ----------
TOTAL                              $ 3,484,000     $ (1,973,852)      $ (1,451,882)          $   58,266
                                   -----------     ------------       ------------           ----------

</TABLE>

                                       40
<PAGE>   41

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4.       RESTRUCTURING (CONTINUED)

In connection with the Company's acquisition of CDC, the Company formulated a
plan of reorganization and accordingly, the Company has recognized a $750,000
restructuring liability which the Company has included as a component of total
liabilities assumed in the acquisition. Components of this estimated liability
included $675,000 of termination payments, associated with 22 employees the
Company expected to eliminate when it closed the Champaign, Illinois facility in
January 1999 and $75,000 related to facility closure costs the Company expected
to incur following closure and sale of the Champaign, Illinois facility.

During the third quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company reduced the restructuring
accrual by $222,513 due to management's decision during the quarter to reduce
the number of employees to be terminated from 22 to 20 due to unanticipated
employee turnover and other changes in management. In addition, during the third
quarter, management determined that it would not incur significant additional
closure costs from the sale of the Champaign, Illinois facility. Adjustments to
the restructuring accrual are reflected as a reduction in the restructuring
accrual and a corresponding decrease in goodwill. Restructuring activities have
been completed as of June 1999. A summary of payments and adjustments is
included in the table below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Balance at                            Change in         Balance at
                                 September 30,                          Estimate         September 30,
           Description               1998             Payments         Adjustments           1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>                <C>                  <C>
Severance and termination
   costs                            $  675,000       $ (442,166)        $ (147,513)          $   85,321
Facility closure                        75,000                -            (75,000)                   -
                                   -----------     ------------       ------------           ----------
TOTAL                               $  750,000       $ (442,166)        $ (222,513)          $   85,321
                                   -----------     ------------       ------------           ----------
</TABLE>

In February 1997, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan
that resulted in a restructuring charge of $10,471,482 ($8,283,681, net of tax
benefits). The corporate restructuring plan resulted in consolidation and
reduced costs and expenses. It included the closing of the Cleveland
manufacturing facility, the reduction of selected product lines and the
consolidation and closing of the Torrance, California and Nashville, Tennessee
research and development facilities. These costs included: (i) write downs of
the carrying values of fixed assets related to the closed manufacturing and
research and development facilities, (ii) write downs of the carrying values of
goodwill and identifiable intangible assets (primarily licensing agreements
related to the discontinued product lines) and related inventories, and (iii)
severance costs associated with the elimination of 105 positions. These
restructuring activities were completed in fiscal year 1997.

The restructuring charge consisted of $1,259,769 in net cash expenditures
(primarily severance), of which all had been paid as of September 30, 1997, and
$9,211,713 resulting from the write-down of asset carrying values.

                                       41
<PAGE>   42

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

5. SEGMENT INFORMATION AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company operates in one reportable segment as defined in FAS 131. The
operations of the Company are primarily conducted in the Unites States, the
Company's country of domicile. Geographic data, determined by references to the
location of the Company's operations for the years ended September 30, are as
follows:

Revenue by geographic area:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year Ended September 30,
                                              1999                      1998                   1997
                                              ----                      ----                   ----
<S>                                       <C>                       <C>                    <C>
Unites States                             $164,329,109              $171,385,998           $159,262,803
Europe                                      26,948,248                 9,573,107              5,093,731
Asia                                         1,249,157                 1,205,606                845,453
Australia                                      979,545                   766,959                395,950
                                          ------------              ------------           ------------
                                          $193,506,059              $182,931,670           $165,597,937
                                          ============              ============           ============
</TABLE>

Long-lived assets by geographic area:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year Ended September 30,
                                              1999                      1998                   1997
                                              ----                      ----                   ----
<S>                                        <C>                       <C>                    <C>
United States                              $40,921,789               $48,218,876            $30,154,985
Foreign                                     37,125,699                49,374,482                339,308
                                           -----------               -----------            -----------
Total long-lived assets                    $78,047,488               $97,593,358            $30,494,293
                                           ===========               ===========            ===========
</TABLE>

The Company's foreign export sales, primarily to Europe, comprised 34.8%, 25.5%,
and 26.9% of net sales for the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

During 1999, one customer accounted for 15.4% of net sales and 8.7% of the trade
accounts receivable as of September 30, 1999, while another accounted for 13.4%
of net sales and 22.5% of the trade accounts receivable as of September 30,
1999.

During 1998, one customer accounted for 15.5% of net sales and 26% of the trade
accounts receivable as of September 30, 1998, while another accounted for 13.7%
of net sales and 10% of the trade accounts receivable as of September 30, 1998.

During 1997, one customer accounted for 15.1% of net sales while another
accounted for 10.5% of net sales. In addition, one customer accounted for 28% of
the trade accounts receivable outstanding as of September 30, 1997.

6.  INVESTMENT IN AETHERWORKS CORPORATION

In May 1998, the Company exchanged its previously purchased $13,796,525 of
convertible notes from AetherWorks Corporation, a development stage company
engaged in the development of wireless and dial-up remote access technology, for
a non-interest bearing $8,000,000 non-convertible note. As a part of the
exchange, the Company relinquished its rights to any future technology or claims
on any of AetherWorks' intellectual properties. In exchange, the Company has
been released from all of its

                                       42
<PAGE>   43

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

6.  INVESTMENT IN AETHERWORKS CORPORATION (CONTINUED)

guarantees of certain lease obligations of AetherWorks. As a result, the Company
has reversed its $1,350,000 accrual established in the fourth quarter of 1997,
for the estimated cost related to its guarantee of such lease obligations and
has included such amount in AetherWorks Corporation gain for the year ended
September 30, 1998.

Due to the significant uncertainty as to its collectibility, the $8,000,000
note, which matures in 2001, has been recorded by the Company as having no
carrying value.

The Company continues to lease to AetherWorks $1,325,000 of computer equipment
under a three-year direct financing lease, expiring in 2000.

For fiscal 1997, the Company reported its investment in AetherWorks on the
equity method and reported net losses of $5,764,201. This loss, which excludes
$5,758,548 of additional charges accrued as of September 30, 1997 as described
below, represented 100% of AetherWorks net loss for the year. The percentage of
AetherWorks net losses included in the Company's Statement of Operations was
based upon the percentage of financial support provided by the Company (versus
other investors) to AetherWorks that year.

Because of the significant uncertainty of the future of AetherWorks Corporation,
as demonstrated by its lack of ability to generate positive cash flow, obtain
other sources of equity financing and its continued uncertainty in developing
commercially marketable products, the Company decided, as of September 30, 1997,
to write off its remaining investment of $2,408,548 in AetherWorks, and to
accrue and expense its remaining obligation to purchase $2,000,000 of additional
notes. In addition, the Company also accrued $1,350,000 for its obligation
resulting from its guarantees of certain AetherWorks' lease obligations as of
September 30, 1997.

The following represents condensed financial information from the audited
statements of AetherWorks for the year ended September 30, 1997:

OPERATING DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
Operating expenses:
Research and development                $   3,505,134
General and administrative                  2,069,304
Other                                       1,169,345
Eliminations                                 (979,582)
                                        -------------
Net loss                                $  (5,764,201)
                                        =============
</TABLE>

The "eliminations line" item represents interest expense payable to the Company
for interest due on the notes issued by AetherWorks to the Company. This amount
is excluded from the AetherWorks loss as the Company has eliminated the
corresponding interest income from its Consolidated Statements of Operations.

                                       43
<PAGE>   44
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7.  SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1999              1998
                                              --------------    ---------------
                                                                As Restated-See
                                                                     Note 2
                                              --------------    ---------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>
Accounts receivable, net:
Trade accounts receivable                      $42,720,227        $53,618,657
Less reserve for returns and doubtful
accounts and sales allowances                    8,764,558          6,530,679
                                               -----------        -----------
                                               $33,955,669        $47,087,978
                                               ===========        ===========

Inventories, net:
  Raw materials                                $17,487,552        $16,814,657
  Work in process                                2,162,626          2,922,442
  Finished goods                                 7,335,755         10,735,483
                                               -----------        -----------
                                                26,985,933         30,472,582
  Less reserve for obsolescence                  4,539,266          3,106,658
                                               -----------        -----------
                                               $22,446,667        $27,365,924
                                               ===========        ===========

Property, equipment and improvements:
  Land                                         $ 2,533,666        $ 2,774,300
  Building                                      19,338,618         19,912,614
  Improvements                                     580,286            554,932
  Equipment                                     22,991,088         20,859,857
  Purchased software                             8,872,121          6,968,127
  Furniture & fixtures                           1,462,338            929,890
                                               -----------        -----------
                                                55,778,117         51,999,720
Less accumulated depreciation                   25,535,240         18,008,797
                                               -----------        -----------
                                               $30,242,877        $33,990,923
                                               ===========        ===========

Intangible assets:
  Purchased technology                         $30,010,858        $30,010,858
  License agreements                             2,559,067          3,476,400
  Assembled workforce                            1,800,000          1,800,000
  Other                                          1,228,225          1,483,835
  Goodwill                                      29,826,194         33,802,679
                                               -----------        -----------
                                                65,424,344         70,573,772
Less accumulated amortization                   17,619,733          6,971,337
                                               -----------        -----------
                                               $47,804,611        $63,602,435
                                               ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

                                       44
<PAGE>   45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

8.  BORROWING UNDER LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENTS

The Company maintains lines of credit with various financial institutions which
provide for borrowings of up to $15,856,600. As of September 30, 1999 and 1998,
$4,759,095 and $10,707,000 has been borrowed under these line of credit
agreements. These line of credit agreements are uncollateralized and provide for
interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 10.6% as of September 30, 1999 and 1998.

9.  LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following at September 30,

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1999           1998
                                                          ----           ----
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>
5.5% fixed rate long-term collateralized note         $1,688,260     $ 1,854,490
5.2% fixed rate long-term collateralized note          1,143,660       1,256,240
6.3% fixed rate long-term collateralized note          4,356,800       4,784,959
6.0% fixed rate long-term uncollateralized note        1,960,560       1,555,010
5.0% to 10.6% subsidized long-term notes                 386,666         525,851
6.0% fixed rate long-term collateralized note               -            538,450
Variable rate long-term collateralized note                 -            250,000
Long-term collateralized mortgage note                      -            623,471
                                                      ----------     -----------
                                                      $9,535,946     $11,388,471
Less current portion                                     330,028         264,025
                                                      ----------     -----------
                                                      $9,205,918     $11,124,446
</TABLE>

The 5.5% fixed rate long-term note is payable in semi-annual installments
beginning September 2000. The 5.2% fixed rate long-term note is payable in
semi-annual installments beginning June 2001. The 6.3% fixed rate long-term note
is payable in semi-annual installments beginning March 2000. Interest on the
notes is payable on a quarterly basis. These notes are collateralized by land,
buildings and equipment with a book value of $9,228,990. The 6.0% fixed rate
long-term uncollateralized note is due in full on November 30, 2001. Interest is
payable annually.

                                       45
<PAGE>   46

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

9.  LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

The subsidized long-term notes bear interest rates ranging from 5% to 10.6% and
are due at various dates through 2006. All borrowings under these notes are
uncollateralized.

The 6.0% fixed rate long-term collateralized note, the variable rate long-term
collateralized note, and the long-term collateralized mortgage note were paid in
full during fiscal 1999.

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Fiscal Year
      <S>                <C>
      2000                $  330,028
      2001                   397,013
      2002                 1,838,570
      2003                   675,304
      2004                   422,610
      Thereafter           5,872,421
                          ----------
                          $9,535,946
                          ==========
</TABLE>

10.      INCOME TAXES

The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended September
30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1999             1998            1997
                                     ----             ----            ----
<S>                              <C>              <C>             <C>
Currently payable:
Federal                          $ 6,201,277      $ 9,768,927     $ 1,737,116
State                                705,378          766,704         142,457
Deferred                          (2,119,056)      (1,251,611)     (1,787,933)
                                 -----------      -----------     -----------
                                 $ 4,787,599      $ 9,284,020     $    91,640
                                 ===========      ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

The net deferred tax asset (liability) at September 30, 1999 and 1998 consists
of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1999                1998
                                               ----                ----
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>
Valuation reserves                        $ 2,904,412         $ 2,673,443
Inventory valuation                           228,442             430,501
Compensation costs                            600,991           1,007,367
Net operating loss carryforwards            5,772,000           5,772,000
Intangible asset basis difference          (9,203,133)        (11,589,933)
Other                                         154,854             102,133
                                          -----------         -----------
Net deferred tax asset (liability)        $   457,566         $(1,604,489)
                                          ===========         ===========
</TABLE>

                                       46
<PAGE>   47

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

10.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

As of September 30, 1999 and 1998, the net deferred tax asset (liability)
consists of current deferred tax assets of $3,888,699 and $4,213,444,
respectively and net non-current deferred tax liabilities of $3,431,133 and
$5,817,933, respectively. As of September 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company has
recorded $9,203,133 and $11,589,933 of deferred tax liabilities related to the
identifiable intangible assets that were acquired as part of the ITK and CDC
acquisitions. These deferred tax liabilities are being amortized over the
estimated useful lives of the related identifiable intangible assets acquired.

As of September 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company had federal net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $14,800,000 available to offset future taxable
income, which expire at various dates through 2011. Utilization of such net
operating loss carryforwards is presently limited to offset taxable income, if
any, generated by ITK.

The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate with the effective
income tax rate for the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997 is as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1999           1998          1997
                                                                 --------       --------      --------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>          <C>
Statutory income tax rate                                          35.0%          35.0%        (34.0) %
Increase (reduction) resulting from:
     Utilization of research and development tax credits                                        (0.9)
     Utilization of low income housing credits                     (5.0)          (3.9)          1.7
     State taxes, net of federal benefits                           5.7            5.4
     AetherWorks Corporation net operating loss                                                 12.5
     AetherWorks Corporation write-off                                                           9.6
     Acquired in-process research and development                                 61.0
     Restructuring charges                                                                       9.3
     Tax contingencies                                                                           4.7
     Nondeductible intangible asset amortization                   15.3            2.7           1.3
     Foreign operations                                             2.9            5.4          (0.2)
     Other                                                          6.1           (4.8)         (3.9)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   60.0%         100.8%          0.1 %
</TABLE>

                                       47
<PAGE>   48

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11.  STOCK OPTIONS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

The Company's stock option plan (the Stock Option Plan) provides for the
issuance of nonstatutory stock options and incentive stock options (ISOs) to key
employees and nonemployee board members holding less than 5% of the outstanding
shares of the Company's common stock. The Company's Non-Officer Stock Option
Plan (the Non-Officer Plan and, together with the Stock Option Plan, the Plans),
provides for the issuance of nonstatutory stock options to key employees who are
not officers or directors of the Company.

The option price for ISOs and non-employee directors options granted under the
Stock Option Plan is set at the fair market value of the Company's common stock
on the date of grant. The option price for nonstatutory options granted under
the Plans is set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The
authority to grant options under the Plans and set other terms and conditions
rests with the Compensation Committee. The Stock Option Plan terminates in 2006.
The Non-Officer Plan does not have a designated termination date.

During the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997, 402,022, 287,882, and
50,106 shares of the Company's Common Stock, respectively, were issued upon the
exercise of options for 402,022, 289,353, and 50,167 shares, respectively. The
difference between shares issued and options exercised results from the
provision in the Plans allowing employees to elect to pay their withholding
obligation through share reduction. Withholding taxes paid by the Company as a
result of the share withholding provision amounted to $28,871 and $5,171 during
the years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. No employees elected
to pay tax withhold obligations through share reduction during fiscal 1999.

During the year ended September 30, 1998 the Board of Directors authorized the
issuance of incentive stock options for the purchase of 486,631 shares. In
addition, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of nonstatutory stock
options for the purchase of 543,461 shares, at prices below the market value of
the stock on the grant dates.

During the year ended September 30, 1997 the Board of Directors authorized the
cancellation and reissue of nonstatutory stock options to certain employees for
the purchase of 823,326 shares, at an exercise price below the market value of
the stock. Under this authorization, the original option issues were canceled
and new options were issued with a new four-year vesting schedule.

The difference between the option price and market value at the date of grant
for the above option arrangements has been recorded as additional paid-in
capital with an offsetting debit within stockholders' equity to unearned stock
compensation. The compensation expense related to these option grants is
amortized to operations over the contractual vesting period in which employees
perform services and amounted to $582,981 in 1999, $895,401 in 1998, and
$244,569 in 1997.

                                       48
<PAGE>   49


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11.  STOCK OPTIONS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (CONTINUED)

Stock options and common shares reserved for grant under the Plans are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Available For       Options          Weighted
                                              Grant         Outstanding         Average
                                                                               Price Per
                                                                                 Share
                                          -------------     ------------       ---------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>               <C>
Balances, September 30, 1996                  354,514         2,336,660        $   18.14

Additional shares approved for grant          500,000
Granted                                    (1,509,701)        1,509,701             8.62
Exercised                                                       (50,617)            7.71
Cancelled                                   1,879,636        (1,879,636)           19.01
                                           -----------       -----------
Balances, September 30, 1997                1,224,449         1,916,108        $   10.01

Additional shares approved for grant          750,000
Granted                                    (1,254,525)        1,254,525            15.96
Exercised                                                      (289,353)            8.56
Cancelled                                     150,013          (150,013)           12.79
                                           -----------       -----------
Balances, September 30, 1998                  869,937         2,731,267        $   12.75

Granted                                    (1,019,100)        1,019,100             9.32
Exercised                                                      (402,022)       $    5.95
Cancelled                                   1,244,635        (1,244,635)       $   14.26
                                           -----------       -----------
Balances, September 30, 1999                1,095,472         2,103,710        $   11.50
                                           ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

                                       49
<PAGE>   50

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11.  STOCK OPTIONS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (CONTINUED)

Commencing April 1996, the Company has sponsored an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(the Purchase Plan) which covers all domestic employees with at least 90 days of
service. The Purchase Plan allows eligible participants the right to purchase
common stock on a quarterly basis at the lower of 85% of the market price at the
beginning or end of each three-month offering period. Employee contributions to
the plan were $586,324 in 1999, $658,118 in 1998, and $534,327 in 1997. Pursuant
to the Purchase Plan, 80,482, 37,398, and 69,402 shares were issued to employees
during the fiscal years ended 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. As of September
30, 1999, 303,883 shares are available for future issuances under the Purchase
Plan.

12.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), the Company has chosen to
continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value
method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Accordingly,
compensation costs for stock options granted to employees are measured as the
excess, if any, of the fair value of the Company's stock at the date of the
grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Such
compensation costs, if any, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
option vesting schedule.

Had the Company used the fair-value-based method of accounting for its stock
options granted in 1999, 1998 and 1997, and charged operations over the option
vesting periods based on the fair value of options at the date of grant, net
income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share would have been changed to
the following pro forma amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1999              1998                1997
                                                           ----              ----                ----
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>                 <C>
Net income (loss):
As reported                                            $ 3,191,733       $    (71,094)       $ (15,790,844)
Pro forma                                              $   281,852       $ (3,244,655)       $ (17,449,611)

Net income (loss) per share - basic:
As reported                                            $      0.22       $      (0.01)       $       (1.18)
Pro forma                                              $      0.02       $      (0.24)       $       (1.30)

Net income (loss) per share - assuming dilution:
As reported                                            $      0.22       $      (0.01)       $       (1.18)
Pro forma                                              $      0.02       $      (0.24)       $       (1.30)

</TABLE>

                                       50
<PAGE>   51

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal years 1999, 1998
and 1997 was $11.50 $12.29, and $12.47, respectively. The weighted average fair
value was determined based upon the fair value of each option on the grant date,
utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSUMPTIONS:                                   1999        1998         1997
- ------------                                   ----        ----         ----
<S>                                         <C>         <C>          <C>
Risk free interest rate                       5.75%       5.49%        6.02%
Expected option holding period              4 years     4 years      4 years
Expected volatility                             50%         60%          40%
Expected dividend yield                           0           0            0
</TABLE>


At September 30, 1999, the weighted average exercise price and remaining life of
the stock options are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES                       $2.36-3.19   $5.91-8.88   $9.40-14.00   $14.31-20.88   $21.50-29.25       Total
                                               ----------   ----------   -----------   ------------   ------------       -----
<S>                                            <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Total options outstanding                          49,009    1,087,279       515,769        217,715        233,938   2,103,710
Weighted average remaining
   contractual life (years)                          4.91         8.13          8.14           6.66           6.70        7.75
Weighted average exercise price                     $2.70        $7.66        $11.97         $17.71         $24.35      $11.50
Options exercisable                                39,134      386,927       177,539        117,182        172,592     893,374
Weighted average price of exercisable options       $2.79        $7.99        $12.06         $17.29         $23.77      $12.84
</TABLE>

13.  SHARE RIGHTS PLAN

The Company has adopted a share rights plan. Under the plan, the Company
distributed as a dividend one right for each share of the Company's common stock
outstanding on June 30, 1998. Each right entitles its holder to buy one
one-hundredth of a share of a new series of junior participating preferred stock
at an exercise price of $115, subject to adjustment. The rights are exercisable
only if certain ownership considerations are met. The Company will be entitled
to redeem the rights prior to the rights becoming exercisable.


                                       51
<PAGE>   52

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

14.  COMMITMENTS

The Company has entered into various operating lease agreements, the last of
which expires in fiscal 2013. Below is a schedule of future minimum commitments
under noncancellable operating leases:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           FISCAL
             YEAR           AMOUNT
           ------           ------
       <S>              <C>
             2000       $ 1,224,904
             2001           864,496
             2002           411,944
             2003            72,371
             2004            72,371
       Thereafter       $   663,399
</TABLE>

Total rental expense for all operating leases for the years ended September 30,
1999, 1998 and 1997 was $1,838,242, $1,786,715, and $1,405,582 respectively.

15.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company has a savings and profit sharing plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code ("the Code"), whereby eligible employees may
contribute up to 15% of their pre-tax earnings, not to exceed amounts allowed
under the Code. In addition, the Company may make contributions to the plan at
the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company accrued $350,000 as a
matching contribution for 1999. The Company provided a matching contribution of
$240,000 in 1998 and no Company contribution was made in 1997.

                                       52
<PAGE>   53

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

16.  CONTINGENCIES

During fiscal 1997, the Company and certain of its previous officers were named
as defendants in a series of putative securities class action lawsuits in the
United States District Court for the District of Minnesota on behalf of an
alleged class of purchasers of its common stock during the period January 25,
1996 through December 23, 1996, inclusive, which were consolidated, through a
Consolidated Amended Complaint filed in May 1997. Also in 1997, a similar but
separate action was filed by the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System.
The Consolidated Amended Complaint and the Louisiana Amended Complaint allege
the Company and certain of its previous officers violated federal securities
laws by, among other things, misrepresenting and/or omitting material
information concerning the Company's operations and financial results. The
Louisiana Amended Complaint also alleges misrepresentations in violation of
state common law.

In a decision issued on May 22, 1998, the District Court granted in part and
denied in part the motions of the Company and its three former officers to
dismiss the Consolidated Amended Complaint and the Louisiana Amended Complaint.
The Court dismissed without leave to replead all claims asserted in both cases,
except for certain federal securities law claims based upon alleged
misrepresentations and/or omissions relating to the accounting treatment applied
to the Company's AetherWorks investment. The Court also limited the claims
asserted in the Louisiana Amended Complaint to the 11,000 shares of the
Company's stock held subsequent to November 14, 1996. These claims remain
pending against the Company and two of its former officers, Ervin F. Kamm, Jr.
and Gerald A. Wall. Discovery in the actions is proceeding.

The 21 lead plaintiffs have moved for class certification with respect to the
claims asserted in the Consolidated Amended Complaint. The Company and its
former officers intend to oppose the motion. No date has been set for a hearing
on the class certification motion. With the possible exception of additional
depositions of certain lead plaintiffs, discovery in all of the actions has been
completed.

The Company and its former officers served motions for summary judgment in all
actions on November 19, 1999. Briefing on the motions is scheduled to be
completed by February 4, 2000, and a hearing is expected to be held before the
Court after that date.

The ultimate outcomes of these actions cannot be determined at this time, and no
potential assessment of the probable or possible effects of such litigation if
any, on the Company's financial position, liquidity or future operations can be
made.

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various claims and
litigation. Management of the Company expects that these various litigation
items will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or
financial condition of the Company.

                                       53
<PAGE>   54

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

17.  FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL 1998 INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

During the third quarter of fiscal year 1998, management of the Company
established $3 million of inventory valuation reserves including $1 million
which related to an estimated overstatement of inventories resulting from
certain system difficulties encountered in connection with the implementation of
a new enterprise-wide computer system during the third quarter, and $2 million
which related to estimated adjustments to the value of certain remote access
server products which the Company believed were approaching technological
obsolescence, primarily due to the expected introduction of the Company's new
remote access server products in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1998.

During the fourth quarter the Company was advised by a third-party vendor that
it would delay delivery of a new modem which was integral to the Company's
planned introduction of its new remote access server products. When the Company
became aware of this delay, management reassessed the estimated timing and
effect of technological obsolescence on the value of its old remote access
product inventories, which resulted in a $900,000 reduction in the management's
estimate of the required obsolescence provision in the fourth quarter.

In addition, in connection with its normal year-end closing procedures, the
Company conducted a physical inventory count of its inventories as of September
30, 1998. This physical inventory count indicated that any previous inventory
record discrepancies that had resulted from the system implementation were no
longer impacting the Company's reported inventory balances as of September 30,
1998. Accordingly, the Company determined, during the fourth quarter, that the
system difficulties encountered in the third quarter had been corrected and,
therefore eliminated the related $1 million provision during the fourth quarter.

                                       54
<PAGE>   55

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

     The Company's management is responsible for the integrity, objectivity and
consistency of the financial information presented in this Annual Report on Form
10-K and the Company's 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders. The consolidated
financial statements contained herein were prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and were based on informed judgments and
management's best estimates as required. Financial information elsewhere in this
annual report is consistent with that contained in the consolidated financial
statements.

     The Company maintains a system of internal controls designed to provide
reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, transactions are properly
executed in accordance with management's authorization, and accounting records
may be relied upon for the preparation of financial statements and other
financial information. The system is monitored by direct management review.
Limitations exist in any system of internal control, based upon the recognition
that the cost of the system should not exceed the benefits derived.

     The Company's consolidated financial statements have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent certified public accountants. Their
audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. As
part of their audits of the Company's consolidated financial statements, these
independent accountants considered the Company's internal controls to the extent
they deemed necessary to determine the nature, timing and extent of their audit
tests.

     The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed entirely of
non-employee directors and is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the
quality of the Company's accounting and reporting policies, internal controls
and other matters deemed appropriate. The independent certified public
accountants have free access to the Audit Committee without management present.


/s/ John P. Schinas

John P. Schinas
Chairman

/s/ Subramanian Krishnan

Subramanian Krishnan
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



December 28, 1999

                                       55
<PAGE>   56

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Digi
International Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) at September 30, 1999 and
1998, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended September 30, 1999, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

As discussed more fully in Note 2, the Company and the staff of the Securities
and Exchange Commission have had discussions regarding the accounting treatment
related to the July 1998 acquisitions of ITK International, Inc. and Central
Data Corporation. As a result of these discussions, the Company has changed the
method used to allocate the purchase price to in-process technologies. In
connection with this modification, the Company has adjusted the measurement and
allocations of the purchase prices recorded for the aforementioned acquisitions.
Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended
September 30, 1998 have been restated.

As discussed in Note 6, the Company has recorded its investment in AetherWorks
Corporation (AetherWorks) on the equity method; the 1997 consolidated statement
of operations include AetherWorks' net operating loss for the year ended
September 30, 1997 of $5,764,201. We did not audit the financial statements of
AetherWorks, which statements were audited by other auditors whose report has
been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts
included for AetherWorks' net operating loss, is based solely on the report of
other auditors.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 15, 1999

                                       56
<PAGE>   57

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
In thousands except per share amounts                                                Quarter ended
                                                               Dec. 31          Mar. 31         June 30         Sept. 30
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
1999
  Net sales                                                    $51,395          $42,631         $51,145          $48,335
  Gross margin                                                  26,491           18,478          27,147           26,076
  Restructuring                                                                   1,453            (685)            (161)
  Net income (loss)                                                475           (2,251)          2,253            2,715
  Net income (loss) per share - basic                             0.03            -0.15            0.15             0.18
  Net income (loss) per share - assuming dilution                 0.03            -0.15            0.15             0.18

1998 (a)
  Net sales                                                    $42,590          $45,059         $46,449          $48,833
  Gross margin                                                  21,369           23,066          24,559 (b)       25,399 (b)
  Acquired in-process research and development                                                                    16,065
  Restructuring                                                                                                    1,020
  AetherWorks Corporation gain                                                                    1,350
  Net income (loss)                                              3,842            4,665           6,411          (14,989)
  Net income (loss) per share - basic                             0.28             0.35            0.47            (1.05)
  Net income (loss) per share - assuming dilution                 0.27             0.33            0.45            (1.05)

1997
  Net sales                                                    $42,236          $40,393         $40,843          $42,125
  Gross margin                                                  19,640           19,294          20,118           21,063
  Restructuring                                                                  10,471
  AetherWorks Corporation net loss                              (1,520)          (1,590)         (1,525)          (1,130)
  AetherWorks Corporation write-off                                                                               (5,759)
  Net (loss) income                                             (2,578)          (9,400)             67           (2,431)
  Net (loss) income per share - basic                            (0.19)           (0.70)           0.01            (0.29)
  Net (loss) income per share - assuming dilution                (0.19)           (0.70)           0.01            (0.29)
</TABLE>

The summation of quarterly net income per share may not equate to the year-end
calculation as quarterly calculations are performed on a discrete basis.

(a) see Note 2 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

(b) see Note 17 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

                                       57
<PAGE>   58

PART III

ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

As of the date of filing this Form 10-K, the following individuals were
executive officers of the Registrant:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                             Age               Position
<S>                              <C>               <C>
Joseph T. Dunsmore               41                President and
                                                   Chief Executive Officer

Douglas J. Glader                56                Executive Vice President and
                                                   Chief Operating Officer

Subramanian Krishnan             45                Senior Vice President and
                                                   Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

Mr. Dunsmore joined the Company on October 24, 1999, as President and Chief
Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to joining
Digi International, Mr. Dunsmore had been Vice President of Access for Lucent
Microelectronics, a telecommunications company, since July 1999. From October
1998 to June 1999, he acted as an independent consultant to various high
technology companies. From February 1998 to October 1998, Mr. Dunsmore was Chief
Executive Officer of NetFax, Inc., a telecommunications company. From October
1995 to February 1998, he held executive management positions at US Robotics and
then at 3COM after 3COM acquired US Robotics in June 1997. Prior to that, Mr.
Dunsmore held various marketing management positions at AT&T Paradyne
Corporation since May 1983.

Mr. Glader was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on
April 19, 1999, Vice President of Operations in February 1995 and Senior Vice
President, Manufacturing Operations, on April 23, 1997. Before that, he was
Director of Manufacturing and Operations for MiLAN Technology Corporation, which
the Company acquired in November 1993. He began his career with Memorex
Corporation and also worked for Measurex Corporation, Altus Corporation and
Direct Incorporated. He founded and was Vice President of Operations for
Greyhawk Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of electronic imaging hardware and
software.

Mr. Krishnan was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on
February 1, 1999. Prior to joining the Company, he served as a principal with
LAWCO Financial, an investment banking firm in Minneapolis, MN from January 1997
to January 1999. Prior to LAWCO, he served for 13 years with the Valspar
Corporation as the Director of Corporate Financial Planning and Reporting and
Taxes and was primarily responsible for mergers, acquisitions and joint
ventures.

                                       58
<PAGE>   59

PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
          FORM 8-K

          (a)  Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules of the Company
               and Report of Independent Auditors for AetherWorks Corporation

               1.   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years
                    ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997

                    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1999 and
                    1998

                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years
                    ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997

                    Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
                    fiscal years ended September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997

                    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                    Report of Independent Accountants

               2.   All financial statement schedules are omitted because they
                    are not applicable or are not required.

               3.   Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors for
                    AetherWorks Corporation

          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

               Form 8-K/A dated August 18, 1999, regarding the Company's
               acquisition of ITK International, Inc. on July 29, 1998.

                                       59
<PAGE>   60

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
          FORM 8-K (CONTINUED)

          (c)     Exhibits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          Exhibit
          Number   Description
          -------  -----------
          <C>      <S>
          3(a)     Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1)

          3(b)     Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (2)

          4(a)     Form of Rights Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1998 between
                   Digi International Inc. and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National
                   Association, as Rights Agent (3)

          4(b)     Amendment dated January 26, 1999, to Share Rights Agreement,
                   dated as of June 10, 1998 between Digi International Inc. and
                   Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Rights
                   Agent (4)

          10(a)    Stock Option Plan of the Company (5)

          10(b)    Form of indemnification agreement with directors and
                   officers of the Company (6)

          10(c)    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the
                   Company and John P. Schinas (7)

          10(d)    Restated and Amended Note Purchase Agreement between the
                   Company and AetherWorks Corporation, dated May 12,
                   1998
</TABLE>

                                       60
<PAGE>   61

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
          FORM 8-K (CONTINUED)

          (c)     Exhibits (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          Exhibit
          Number   Description
          -------  -----------
          <C>      <S>
          10(e)    Employment Arrangement between the Company and Jonathon E.
                   Killmer, dated September 16, 1996 *(8)

          10(f)    Employment Agreement between the Company and Jerry A.
                   Dusa, dated March 12, 1997 *(9)

          10(g)    Employment Arrangement between the Company and Douglas
                   Glader *(10)

          10(g)(i) Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company
                   and Douglas Glader, dated September 24, 1999

          10(h)    Employment Agreement between the Company and Dino G.
                   Kasdagly, dated October 1, 1997 *(11)

          10(i)    Agreement between the Company and Subramanian Krishnan dated
                   March 26, 1999 *(12)

          10(i)(i) Amendment to Agreement between the Company and Subramanian
                   Krishnan dated September 24, 1999 *

          10(j)    Employment Agreement between the Company and Joseph T.
                   Dunsmore dated October 24, 1999 *

          10(k)    Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company (13)

          13       1999 Annual Report to Stockholders (only those portions
                   specifically incorporated by reference herein shall be
                   deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission)

          21       Subsidiaries of the Company

          23.1     Consent of Independent Accountants

          23.2     Consent of Independent Accountants

          24       Powers of Attorney

          27       Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

- -----------------
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as
an exhibit to this Form 10-K.

                                       61
<PAGE>   62

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
          FORM 8-K (CONTINUED)

(1)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Form 10-K for
     the year ended September 30, 1993 (File no. 0-17972).

(2)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Company's Registration
     Statement on Form S-1 (File no. 33-42384).

(3)  Incorporated by reference of Exhibit 1 to the Company's Registration
     Statement on Form 8-A dated June 24, 1998 (File no. 0-17972).

(4)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's
     Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated February 5, 1999 (File no.
     0-17972).

(5)  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit number to the
     Company's Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1998 (File no.
     0-17972).

(6)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Registration
     Statement on Form S-1 (File no. 33-30725).

(7)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to the Company's Form 10-K for
     the year ended September 30, 1994 (File no. 0-17972).

(8)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to the Company's Form 10-K/A for
     the year ended September 30, 1996 (File no. 0-17972).

(9)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(m) to the Company's Form 10-Q for
     the quarter ended March 31, 1997 (File no. 0-17972).

(10) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to the Company's Form 10-K for
     the year ended September 30, 1995 (File no. 0-17972).

(11) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(r) to the Company's Form 10-K for
     the year ended September 30, 1997 (File no. 0-17972).

(12) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to the Company's Form 10-Q for
     the quarter ended March 31, 1999 (File no. 0-17972).

(13) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Company's Proxy Statement for
     its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on January 31, 1996.

                                       62
<PAGE>   63

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS
AETHERWORKS CORPORATION

We have audited the balance sheets of AetherWorks Corporation (a development
stage company) as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of
operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years then
ended and the period from February 24, 1993 (inception) to September 30, 1997.
These financial statements, not separately presented herein, are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of AetherWorks Corporation (a
development stage company) at September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended and the period from
February 24, 1993 (inception) to September 30, 1997, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

The financial statements referred to above have been prepared assuming the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 11 to the
financial statements, the Company's deficit accumulated during the development
stage raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company intends to obtain additional financing to permit it to continue its
operations. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty.




                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, MN
October 28, 1997

                                       63
<PAGE>   64

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.


    December 28, 1999           By: /s/  Joseph T. Dunsmore
                                    -----------------------
                                    Joseph T. Dunsmore
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

    December 28, 1999               /s/  Joseph T. Dunsmore
                                    -----------------------
                                    Joseph T. Dunsmore
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer
                                    (Principal Executive Officer)


    December 28, 1999               /s/ Subramanian Krishnan
                                    ------------------------
                                    Subramanian Krishnan
                                    Sr. Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
                                    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


JOHN P. SCHINAS
WILLIS K. DRAKE
RICHARD E. EICHHORN
MYKOLA MOROZ                A majority of the Board of Directors*
DAVID STANLEY
ROBERT S. MOE
KENNETH E. MILLARD
JOSEPH T. DUNSMORE

Subramanian Krishnan, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document
on behalf of each of the above named directors of the Registrant pursuant to
Powers of Attorney duly executed by such persons.

    December 28, 1999               /s/ Subramanian Krishnan
                                    ------------------------
                                    Subramanian Krishnan
                                    Attorney-in-fact

                                       64
<PAGE>   65

EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit                          Description                                    Page
- -------                          -----------                                    ----
<C>           <S>                                                          <C>
 3(a)         Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the                 Incorporated by
              Registrant, as amended                                       Reference

 3(b)         Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant               Incorporated by
                                                                           Reference

 4(a)         Form of Rights Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1998          Incorporated by
              between Digi International Inc. and Norwest Bank             Reference
              Minnesota, National Association, as Rights Agent

 4(b)         Amendment dated January 26, 1999, to Shares Rights           Incorporated by
              greement, dated as of June 10, 1998 between Digi             Reference
              International Inc. and Norwest Bank Minnesota,
              National Association, as Rights Agent

 10(a)        Stock Option Plan of the Registrant                          Incorporated by
                                                                           Reference

 10(b)        Form of indemnification agreement with directors             Incorporated by
              and officers of the Registrant                               Reference

 10(c)        Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between            Incorporated by
              the Registrant and John P. Schinas                           Reference

 10(d)        Restated and Amended Note Purchase Agreement                 Filed
              between the Registrant and AetherWorks                       Electronically
              Corporation, dated May 12, 1998

 10(e)        Employment Arrangement between the Registrant and            Incorporated by
              Jonathon E. Killmer, dated September 16, 1996                Reference

 10(f)        Employment Agreement between the Registrant and              Incorporated by
              Jerry A. Dusa, dated March 12, 1997                          Reference

 10(g)        Employment Arrangement between the Registrant and            Incorporated by
              Douglas Glader                                               Reference

 10(g)(i)     Amendment to Employment Agreement between the                Filed
              Registrant and Douglas Glader, dated September 24, 1999      Electronically

 10(h)        Employment Agreement between the Registrant and              Incorporated by
              Dino G. Kasdagly, dated October 1, 1997                      Reference

 10(i)        Agreement between the Company and Subramanian Krishnan       Incorporated by
              dated March 26, 1999.                                        Reference

 10(i)(i)     Amendment to the agreement between the Company and           Filed
              Subramanian Krishnan dated September 24, 1999.               Electronically

 10(j)        Employment Agreement between the Company and                 Filed
              Joseph T. Dunsmore, dated October 24, 1999                   Electronically

 10(k)        Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Registrant               Incorporated by
                                                                           Reference

 13           1999 Annual Report to Stockholders                           Filed
                                                                           Electronically

 21           Subsidiaries of the Company                                  Filed
                                                                           Electronically

 23.1         Consent of Independent Accountants                           Filed
                                                                           Electronically

 23.2         Consent of Independent Accountants                           Filed
                                                                           Electronically

 24           Powers of Attorney                                           Filed
                                                                           Electronically

 27           Financial Data Schedule                                      Filed
                                                                           Electronically
</TABLE>

                                 65

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(d)

                             AETHERWORKS CORPORATION
                          1998 NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of May 12, 1998 by and between
AetherWorks Corporation, a Minnesota corporation (the "Company") and Digi
International Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Digi"), sometimes referred to
individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."

WHEREAS, On or about October 14, 1997 the Parties entered into the following
agreements: 1997 Note Purchase Agreement, Note A, Note B, 1997 Shareholder
Voting Agreement, 1997 Security Agreement, and Co-Sale Agreement (collectively,
referred to herein as the "1997 Agreements"); and

WHEREAS, On or about September 12, 1997, the Parties entered into an Equipment
Lease; and

WHEREAS, In order to facilitate a restructuring of the debt, and other rights
and responsibilities contemplated by the 1997 Agreements;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the Parties' other
rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as
follows:

1.       Rescission of Certain Agreements; Releases

The 1997 Note Purchase Agreement, 1997 Shareholder Voting Agreement, and Co-Sale
         Agreement are hereby rescinded and shall be of no further force or
         effect. Each Party hereby releases the other Party, and each of its
         officers, directors and employees, from any obligations and all causes
         of action that are owed now or may arise in the future.

2.       Amendment and Restatement of Certain Agreements and Instruments

         2.1 Note A and Note B shall be amended and restated by issuance of a
         new note to Digi dated May 12, 1998 (the "1998 Note"), in the amount of
         Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000) in the form of Exhibit 1, which
         shall fully satisfy the Company's obligations under Note A and Note B.

         2.2 In the event the 1998 Note is lost, stolen or destroyed, and upon
         receipt of evidence of that fact and a bond of indemnity, reasonably
         satisfactory to the Company, the Company will issue a replacement note
         to Digi.

         2.3 The Equipment Lease shall be amended and restated in the form of
         Exhibit 2 and shall be known as the "Amended and Restated Equipment
         Lease."

         2.4 The 1997 Security Agreement shall be amended and restated in the
         form of Exhibit 3, and shall be known as the "1998 Amended and Restated
         Security Agreement." On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company and
         Digi agree to (i) terminate all documents and filings made in
         connection with the 1997 Security Agreement, (ii) execute all documents
         deemed necessary to release Digi's security interest in the collateral
         thereunder, and (iii) file all documents and filings necessary to
         perfect Digi's security interest in the Collateral as defined in the
         1998 Amended and Restated Security



<PAGE>   2

         Agreement and Amended and Restated Equipment Lease, in form and
         substance mutually satisfactory to the Parties.

3.       Release of Certain Guarantees

         3.1 Schedule A attached hereto, includes a complete and correct list of
         all indebtedness, leases and other liabilities and obligation of the
         Company which have been previously guaranteed by Digi as of the date of
         this Agreement.

         3.2 Digi shall be released by the Company from its obligation under the
         1997 Documents to guarantee the obligation of the Company to Carlton
         Corporation, Koll Real Estate Company, and Central Computer Systems
         Inc.

         3.3 In the case of the Company's obligations to Sanwa Leasing
         Corporation, Digi's guarantee shall remain in place, but shall be
         subordinated to the guarantee of a third party mutually agreed upon by
         the Parties (the "Third Party").

4.       Non Competition Agreement

         An Agreement (the "Non Competition Agreement") in the form of Exhibit
         4, shall be executed by Jonathan A. Sachs on or before the execution of
         this Agreement.

5.       Closing

         The closing of the issuance of the 1998 Note by the Company to Digi and
         execution and exchange of other relevant documents to the satisfaction
         of the Parties, shall occur at the offices of Digi on May 12, 1998 (the
         "Closing Date"). At the Closing, the Company will deliver to Digi the
         executed 1998 Note, the Non Competition Agreement, and an executed
         agreement between the Company and Third Party, expressly assuming the
         guaranties defined in paragraph 3 above. At the Closing, Digi will
         deliver the 1997 Note Purchase Agreement, 1997 Shareholder Voting
         Agreement, 1997 Co-Sale Agreement for rescission and cancellation, as
         well as Note A and Note B, and partial releases for all previous UCCs,
         documents and other filings made in connection with the 1995 and 1997
         Security Agreements.

6.       Conditions to Closing

         6.1 The representations and warranties of the Company in Section 7
         shall be true in all material respects as of the Closing Date.

         6.2 All registrations and qualifications required under applicable
         state securities laws for the lawful execution and delivery of this
         Agreement, and the offer, sale, issuance and delivery of the 1998 Note
         shall have been obtained.

         6.3 Jonathan A. Sachs shall have entered into the Non Competition
         Agreement.

         6.4 Concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, the Company will
         execute an agreement with Third Party providing for at least $5,000,000
         over 9 months, contingent



<PAGE>   3

         upon the occurrence of certain events, with at least $1,000,000 payable
         immediately to Company.

7.       Representations and Warranties by Company

         Except as disclosed in Schedule A hereto, the Company and its officers
         represent and warrant to Digi that:

         7.1 The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
         in good standing under the laws of Minnesota. The Company has the
         requisite corporate power and authority to issue the 1998 Note and
         otherwise perform its obligations under this Agreement.

         7.2 To the best of the Company's knowledge, except as contemplated by
         this Agreement, neither the execution nor delivery of this Agreement
         will result in any breach of, or constitute a default under, or result
         in the imposition of any lien or encumbrance upon any asset or property
         of the Company, pursuant to any applicable law, judgment, order or
         decree, or other instrument to which the Company is a party or by which
         it or any of its properties or assets or rights is bound or affected.

         7.3 No consent, authorization, approval or filing with any governmental
         authority is required in connection with the execution and delivery of
         this Agreement and the offer, issuance, or delivery of the 1998 Note,
         other than the qualification, if required, under applicable state
         securities laws, which qualification has been or will be effected as a
         condition of this sale. Based on the advice of the Company's counsel,
         the 1998 Note will not under current laws and regulations require
         compliance with the prospectus delivery or registration requirements of
         the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act").

         7.4 This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
         action on behalf of the Company, and has been duly executed and
         delivered by authorized officers of the Company. This Agreement is a
         valid and binding Agreement of the Company, enforceable in accordance
         with its terms.

         7.5 Except as disclosed on Schedule A, there are not any legal actions
         pending against the Company.

         7.6 The Company will provide Digi as much advance written notice as is
         possible in the event the Corporation expects to cease doing business
         as a going concern or expects to file voluntarily, or have filed
         against it involuntarily a petition for relief under the federal
         Bankruptcy Code.

8.       Representations and Warranties of Digi

         Digi and its officers represent and warrant to the Company that:

         8.1 The 1998 Note is being purchased for Digi's own account and not
         with the view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution or
         public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act.


<PAGE>   4

         8.2 Digi qualifies as an accredited investor under the Securities Act.
         Digi has such knowledge and experience in financial and business
         matters that Digi is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the
         investment to be made hereunder by Digi.

         8.3 Digi has had access to all of the Company's material books and
         records, and access to the Company's executive officers has been
         regularly provided to Digi.

         8.4 This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
         action on behalf of Digi, and has been duly executed and delivered by
         authorized officers of Digi. This Agreement is a valid and binding
         Agreement of Digi, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

         8.5 Digi agrees that it will make no public announcement or disclosure
         of any kind which identifies the name of Third Party.

9.       Restriction of Transfer of Securities

         The 1998 Note is transferable only pursuant to an effective
         registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom and
         shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend to that effect.

10.      Miscellaneous

         10.1 Any modification or amendment of any provision of this Agreement
         must be in writing and signed by both of the Parties.

         10.2 Neither this Agreement, nor any of the rights or obligations
         hereunder, shall be assignable without the prior written consent of the
         other Party.

         10.3 The laws of Minnesota shall govern the validity of this Agreement.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.

DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

By:         /s/ Jerry A. Dusa
   -------------------------------------
Name:  Jerry A. Dusa
Its:   President and CEO

AETHERWORKS CORPORATION

By:        /s/Jonathan A. Sachs
   -------------------------------------
Name:  Jonathan A. Sachs
Its:   President and CEO




<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 10(g)(i)


                               September 24, 1999

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. Douglas J. Glader
Digi International Inc.
11001 Bren Road East
Minnetonka, MN  55343

Dear Doug:

         This letter confirms the terms of an amendment to your employment
agreement with the Company dated February 6, 1995, as previously amended by
letter agreement dated January 16, 1997 (the "Agreement"). Except as
specifically provided for herein, the terms of the Agreement remain in full
force and effect.

         If you are terminated by the Company without "cause" on or before
September 30, 2000, you would be entitled to severance equal to one year's base
salary and a bonus (if earned) that would be pro-rated for the portion of the
fiscal year through the termination date. The definition of "cause" is attached
as an appendix to the Agreement. Neither this letter nor the Agreement shall be
construed so as to amend the definition of "cause" contained in the terms and
conditions of your options to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock.

         The Agreement as amended by this letter constitutes the entire
agreement between you and the Company regarding the subject matter contained
therein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating thereto.

         If the terms outlined above are acceptable, please confirm by signing
the enclosed copy below and returning it to me.

                                           Very truly yours,
                                           DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                           /s/ John P. Schinas

                                           By John P. Schinas
                                           Chairman of the Board

                                           ACCEPTED:


                                           /s/ Douglas J. Glader
                                           ---------------------------
                                           Douglas J. Glader

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 10(i)(i)



                               September 24, 1999

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. Subramanian Krishnan
Digi International Inc.
11001 Bren Road East
Minnetonka, MN  55343

Dear Kris:

         This letter confirms the terms of an amendment to your severance
agreement with the Company as set forth in the letter agreement dated March 26,
1999 (the "Agreement"). Except as specifically provided for herein, the terms of
the Agreement remain in full force and effect.

         If you are terminated by the Company without "cause" on or before
September 30, 2000, you would be entitled to severance equal to one year's base
salary and a bonus (if earned), based on your cash bonus target that would be
pro-rated for the portion of the fiscal year through the termination date.

         The Agreement as amended by this letter constitutes the entire
agreement between you and the Company regarding the subject matter contained
therein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating thereto.

         If the terms outlined above are acceptable, please confirm by signing
the enclosed copy below and returning it to me.

                                           Very truly yours,
                                           DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                           /s/ John P. Schinas

                                           By John P. Schinas
                                           Chairman of the Board

                                           ACCEPTED:


                                           /s/ Subramanian Krishnan
                                           ---------------------------
                                           Subramanian Krishnan

<PAGE>   1


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(J)


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                              (Joseph T. Dunsmore)

         This Agreement is made as of October 24, 1999 by and between DIGI
INTERNATIONAL INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Joseph T.
Dunsmore (the "Executive").

         WHEREAS the Company desires to employ Executive in accordance with the
terms and conditions stated in this Agreement; and

         WHEREAS Executive desires to accept that employment pursuant to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement;

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements
contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

I.       EMPLOYMENT

         1.1 Employment As Senior Executive. The Company hereby agrees to employ
Executive, commencing the date hereof and continuing until the date his
employment terminates pursuant to Article III hereof, in a senior executive
capacity, initially as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Executive accepts such employment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
Executive shall perform such duties and responsibilities as may be determined
from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company, which shall be
consistent with his position as a senior officer of the Company.

         1.2 Exclusive Services. Commencing on the date hereof, Executive agrees
to devote his full time, attention and energy to performing his duties and
responsibilities to the Company under this Agreement, subject to a reasonable
period, not to exceed four weeks, for transition from his former employment.

         1.3 Vice Chairman; Chairman of the Board; Board Membership. The Company
agrees that, no later than the next regularly scheduled Board meeting occurring
on or after the date six months from the date hereof, the Board of Directors
will consider electing Executive to the additional office of Vice Chairman. The
Company agrees that, no later than the next regularly scheduled Board meeting
occurring on or after the second anniversary of the date hereof, the Board of
Directors will consider electing Executive to the additional office of Chairman
of the Board. Concurrently with execution of this Agreement Executive has been
elected a director of the Company.


<PAGE>   2

II.      COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES

         2.1 Base Salary. During the period this Agreement is in effect, the
Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $260,000,
payable semi-monthly; provided, however, that Executive shall be paid a base
salary at the annual rate of $125,000, payable semi-monthly, until he assumes
his duties on a full-time basis. Beginning on or about October 1, 2000, the
Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board", which term shall include a duly
authorized committee of the Board of Directors) will review the base salary
annually, and may in its sole discretion increase it to reflect performance and
other factors. However, the Board is not obligated to provide for any increases.

         2.2 Bonuses. Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001,
Executive shall be eligible to receive a cash performance bonus of up to 100%
base salary paid for each fiscal year during which this Agreement is in effect,
as follows:

                  (a) Executive shall be entitled to the target bonus amount if
         the objectives set by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion for
         the fiscal year are met. Such objectives may include, in the sole
         discretion of the Board, the achievement of financial objectives set
         forth in the Board-approved business plan (the "Business Plan") for a
         particular fiscal year, or such other objectives as the Board, in its
         sole discretion, shall determine.

                  (b) If some or all of the objectives are not met for a fiscal
         year, then the Board will determine in its discretion what portion, if
         any, of the target bonus amount will be paid to Executive for that
         year.

                  (c) The target bonus for each fiscal year shall be paid to
         Executive on September 30 of each year or as soon thereafter as the
         Company determines whether the objectives for such bonus have been met
         for that year.

                  (d) In any fiscal year in which the objectives for the cash
         bonus are based upon financial objectives in the Board-approved
         Business Plan for such fiscal year, the Board will consult with
         Executive before determining the Business Plan for each fiscal year.
         However, the Board will have authority to establish the Business Plan
         for each year in its sole discretion.

                  (e) In any fiscal year in which the objectives for the cash
         bonus are based upon financial objectives in the Board-approved
         Business Plan for such fiscal year, the objectives set by the Company's
         Board-approved Business Plan for such fiscal year shall not be adjusted
         for the acquisition, by any means, of any businesses or business units
         (and expenses related thereto) that may occur during a particular
         fiscal year. The objectives set by the Company's Board-approved
         Business Plan for any such fiscal year shall be equitably adjusted by
         the Board for the divestiture, by any

<PAGE>   3

         means, of any businesses or business units (and expenses related
         thereto) that may occur during a particular fiscal year and to
         eliminate any reorganization, restructuring or other extraordinary
         charge that may be incurred during a particular fiscal year.

         2.3 Bonus for Fiscal 2000. Executive shall be eligible to receive a
guaranteed cash bonus of $260,000 (prorated for the portion of the fiscal year
from the date hereof to September 30, 2000) payable as follows:

                  (a)      $110,000, promptly upon request of Executive, and

                  (b)      the balance on September 30, 2000.

In the event that Executive's employment with the Company terminates before
September 30, 2000 except as a result of a termination by the Company other than
for "cause" (as hereinafter defined), Executive shall not be entitled to any
cash bonus for fiscal 2000 and shall promptly repay the $110,000 (net of any tax
withholding) to be advanced to him.

         2.4 Overachievement Bonuses. If the objectives set by the Board of
Directors for a cash performance bonus are exceeded for a fiscal year, the Board
may in its discretion award Executive a bonus that is larger than the target
bonus.

         2.5 Stock Options. As of the date of this Agreement, Executive has been
awarded an incentive stock option and a non-statutory stock option under the
Digi International Inc. Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan") for an
aggregate of 240,000 Common Shares of the Company (as defined in the Stock
Option Plan), on the terms set forth on Schedule I. On or about September 30 of
each year the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company considers and
awards stock options to key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. These
awards are made in the discretion of the Compensation Committee and are
principally intended to recognize performance over the preceding fiscal year.

         2.6 Form of Stock Option Agreement. Stock option awards to Executive
shall be pursuant to stock option agreements in substantially the form of
Schedule II and III, with such additions thereto and deletions therefrom as
Executive and the Chairman of the Board, the Chairman of the Compensation
Committee or another duly authorized officer of the Company shall agree, such
agreement to be conclusively evidenced by their execution and delivery thereof.

         2.7 Vacations. Executive shall be entitled to vacation in accordance
with policies of the Company.

         2.8 Employee Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to the benefits and
perquisites which the Company generally provides to its other senior executives
under the applicable

<PAGE>   4

Company plans and policies, and to future benefits and perquisites made
generally available to senior executives of the Company. Executive's
participation in such benefit plans shall be on the same basis as applies to
other senior executives of the Company. Executive shall pay any contributions
which are generally required of senior executives to receive any such benefits.

         2.9 Employment Taxes and Withholding. Executive recognizes that the
compensation, benefits and other amounts provided by the Company under this
Agreement may be subject to federal, state or local income taxes. It is
expressly understood and agreed that all such taxes shall be the responsibility
of the Executive. To the extent that federal, state or local law requires
withholding of taxes on compensation, benefits or other amounts provided under
this Agreement, the Company shall withhold the necessary amounts from the
amounts payable to Executive under this Agreement.

         2.10 Company Responsibility for Insured Benefits. In this Article II,
the Company is agreeing to provide certain benefits which are provided in the
form of premiums of insurance coverage. The Company is not itself promising to
pay the benefit an insurance company is obligated to pay under the policy the
insurance company has issued. If an insurance company becomes insolvent and
cannot pay benefits it owes to Executive or his beneficiaries under the
insurance policy, neither Executive nor his personal representative or
beneficiary shall have any claim for benefits against the Company. The insurance
companies presently providing such benefits are as set forth in the Company's
benefits enrollment booklet previously delivered to Executive. In addition, the
Company presently provides $500,000 of term life insurance to senior executives
through First Colonial Life Insurance Company and director and officer liability
coverage, with a $10 million policy limit, through Zurich Insurance Company.

         2.11 Expenses. During the term of his employment hereunder, Executive
shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement from the Company (in
accordance with the policies and procedures in effect for the Company's
employees) for all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by him in
connection with his services hereunder.

         2.12 Relocation. Executive shall relocate to the general vicinity of
the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. The Company will (i) pay for
Executive's direct relocation expenses, including the cost of moving Executive's
household goods, in accordance with the provisions of the Company's relocation
policies and practices for senior executives, and, (ii) as promptly as
practicable, accept conveyance of Executive's residence located at 11 Wyckoff
Road, Hampton, New Jersey, subject to review and acceptance of title, and, as
consideration for such conveyance, pay Executive (or if applicable, Executive
and his spouse) his documented purchase price for such residence, with the
proceeds of sale applied first to discharge Executive's mortgage, and the
balance paid to Executive (or if applicable, Executive and his spouse) in cash.


<PAGE>   5

         2.13 Payment of Amounts Related to Previous Employment. The Company
acknowledges that, because the Executive has accepted employment with the
Company, he may be required to repay certain amounts to his previous employer,
all of which amounts are specifically itemized on Schedule IV attached to this
Agreement. As to each amount listed on Schedule IV, after the Executive's
previous employer requires the Executive to repay such amount and after the
Executive provides suitable documentation to the Company of his previous
employer's position regarding such repayment, the Company shall promptly pay
such amount to the Executive, together with an additional amount of cash
sufficient to pay any personal income tax payable as a result of the Company's
payments to Executive under this Section 2.13.

III.     TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT

         3.1 Termination of Employment. Executive's employment under this
Agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time for any reason; provided,
however, that if Executive's employment is terminated by the Company during the
term of this Agreement for a reason other than for cause, he shall be entitled
to continue to receive his base salary under Section 2.1 (i) for a period of 24
months from his date of termination in the event of termination on or before 6
months of the date hereof, (ii) for a period of 18 months from his date of
termination in the event of termination after 6 months and on or before one year
from the date hereof, and (iii) for a period of 12 months from his date of
termination in the event of termination after one year from the date hereof.
Executive's employment under this Agreement may be terminated by Executive at
any time for any reason. The termination shall be effective as of the date
specified by the party initiating the termination in a written notice delivered
to the other party, which date shall not be earlier than the date such notice is
delivered to the other party. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in
this section or applicable law, Executive's rights to pay and benefits shall
cease on the date his employment under this Agreement terminates. This Agreement
shall terminate in its entirety immediately upon the death of Executive. In no
event shall the Company's election not to extend the term of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 5.11 be deemed to be termination by the Company for a reason
other than cause.

         3.2 Cause. For purposes of this Article III, "cause" shall mean only
the following: (i) indictment or conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere to,
(A) any felony (other than any felony arising out of negligence), or any
misdemeanor involving moral turpitude with respect to the Company, or (B) any
crime or offense involving dishonesty with respect to the Company; (ii) theft or
embezzlement of Company property or commission of similar acts involving
dishonesty or moral turpitude; (iii) repeated material negligence in the
performance of Executive's duties after notice; (iv) Executive's failure to
devote substantially all of his working time and efforts during normal business
hours to the Company's business; (v) knowing engagement in conduct which is
materially injurious to the Company; (vi) knowing failure, for Executive's own
benefit, to comply with the covenants contained in Sections 4.1 or 4.2 of this
Agreement; (vii) knowingly providing materially misleading information

<PAGE>   6

concerning the Company to the Company's Board of Directors, any governmental
body or regulatory agency or to any lender or other financing source or proposed
financing source of the Company; or (viii) failure of the Company to meet at
least 70% of the Board-approved Business Plan for either net sales or after tax
earnings in any fiscal year, calculated in accordance with Section 2.2.

         3.3 Disability. If Executive has become disabled from substantially
performing his duties under this Agreement and the disability has continued for
a period of more than ninety (90) days, the Board may, in its discretion,
determine that Executive will not return to work and terminate his employment
under this Agreement. Upon any such termination for disability, Executive shall
be entitled to such disability, medical, life insurance, and other benefits as
may be provided generally for disabled employees of the Company during the
period he remains disabled.

         3.4 Resignation. Executive agrees that, upon termination of Executive's
employment hereunder for any reason, he shall be deemed to have resigned as a
director of the Company and as a director, officer and/or employee of any parent
company of the Company or any of their subsidiaries, unless prior to termination
of Executive's employment hereunder the provisions of this Section 3.4 shall
have been waived by vote of the Board (excluding Executive).

IV.      NON-COMPETITION, CONFIDENTIALITY AND TRADE SECRETS

         4.1 Agreement Not to Compete. In consideration of the covenants and
agreements contained in this Agreement, Executive agrees that, on or before the
date which is one year after the date Executive's employment by the Company, any
parent company of the Company or any of their subsidiaries terminates, he will
not, unless he receives the prior approval of the Board of Directors of the
Company, directly or indirectly engage in any of the following actions:

         (a) Own an interest in (except as provided below), manage, operate,
         join, control, lend money or render financial or other assistance to,
         or participate in or be connected with, as an officer, employee,
         partner, stockholder, consultant or otherwise, any entity whose
         products or services compete with those of the Company, any parent
         company of the Company, or any of their subsidiaries. However, nothing
         in this subsection (a) shall preclude Executive from holding less than
         one percent of the outstanding capital stock of any corporation
         required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange
         Commission under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
         1934, as amended, the securities of which are listed on any securities
         exchange, quoted on the Nasdaq National Market or Nasdaq SmallCap
         Market or traded in the over-the-counter market.


<PAGE>   7

         (b) Intentionally solicit, endeavor to entice away from the Company,
         any parent company of the Company or any of their subsidiaries, or
         otherwise interfere with the relationship of the Company, any parent
         company of the Company or any of their subsidiaries with, any person
         who is employed by or otherwise engaged to perform services for the
         Company, any parent company of the Company or any of their subsidiaries
         (including, but not limited to, any independent sales representatives
         or organizations), or any persons or entity who is, or was within the
         then most recent 12-month period, a customer or client of the Company,
         any parent company of the Company or any of their subsidiaries, whether
         for Executive's own account or for the account of any other individual,
         partnership, firm, corporation or other business organization.

If the scope of the restrictions in this section are determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be too broad to permit enforcement of such
restrictions to their full extent, then such restrictions shall be construed or
rewritten (blue-lined) so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted
by law, and Executive hereby consents, to the extent he may lawfully do so, to
the judicial modification of the scope of such restrictions in any proceeding
brought to enforce them.

         4.2 Non-Disclosure of Information. During the period of his employment
hereunder, and at all times thereafter, Executive shall not, without the written
consent of the Board of Directors, disclose to any person, other than an
employee of the Company, any parent company of the Company or any of their
subsidiaries or a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary or
appropriate in connection with the performance by Executive of his duties as an
executive of the Company, except where such disclosure may be required by law,
any material confidential information obtained by him while in the employ of the
Company, any parent company of the Company or any of their subsidiaries with
respect to any products, technology, know-how or the like, services, customers,
methods or future plans of the Company, any parent company of the Company or any
of their subsidiaries, all of which Executive acknowledges are valuable, special
and unique assets, the disclosure of which Executive acknowledges may be
materially damaging.

         4.3 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that the Company's remedy at law
for any breach or threatened breach by Executive of Section 4.1 or Section 4.2
will be inadequate. Therefore, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive and
other equitable relief restraining Executive from violating those requirements,
in addition to any other remedies that may be available to the Company under
this Agreement or applicable law.

         4.4 Proprietary Information and Employment Limitations. Executive
agrees that no trade secret or proprietary information belonging to his previous
employers will be disclosed or used by him at the Company, and that no such
information, whether in the form of documents, memoranda, software, drawings,
etc. will be retained by him or brought with him to the Company. Executive
represents and warrants to the Company that he has brought

<PAGE>   8

to the Company's attention and provided it with a copy of any agreement which
may impact his future employment by the Company, including non-disclosure,
non-competition, invention assignment agreements or agreements containing future
work restrictions, and that he is subject to no restrictions under any agreement
of this type that would impact his employment by the Company.

V.       MISCELLANEOUS

         5.1 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only in writing, signed by
both parties and approved by the Board.

         5.2 Entire Agreement. Before signing this Agreement the parties had
numerous conversations, including preliminary discussions, formal negotiations
and informal conversations, and generated correspondence and other writings, in
which the parties discussed the employment which is the subject of this
Agreement and their aspirations for its success. In such conversations and
writings, individuals representing the parties may have expressed their
judgments and beliefs concerning the intentions, capabilities and practices of
the parties, and may have forecasted future events. The parties recognize that
such conversations and writings often involve an effort by both sides to be
positive and optimistic about the prospects for the employment. It is also
recognized, however, that all business transactions contain an element of risk,
and that it is normal business practice to limit the legal obligations of
contracting parties to only those promises and representations which are
essential to their transaction so as to provide certainty as to their respective
future rights and remedies. Accordingly, this Agreement is intended to define
the full extent of the legally enforceable undertakings of the parties hereto,
and no related promise or representation, written or oral, which is not set
forth explicitly in this Agreement is intended by either party to be legally
binding. Both parties acknowledge that in deciding to enter into this
transaction they have relied on no representations, written or oral, other than
those explicitly set forth in this Agreement. Executive has relied entirely on
his own judgment and that of his advisers in entering into this Agreement.

         5.3 Assignment. The Company may in its sole discretion assign this
Agreement to any entity which succeeds to some or all of the business of the
Company through merger, consolidation, a sale of some or all of the assets of
the Company, or any similar transaction. Executive acknowledges that the
services to be rendered by him are unique and personal. Accordingly, Executive
may not assign any of his rights or obligations under this Agreement.

         5.4 Successors. Subject to Section 5.3, the provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, upon any successor to or
assign of the Company, and upon Executive's heirs and the personal
representative of Executive or Executive's estate.


<PAGE>   9

         5.5 Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be delivered either in person or by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested. Any notice by mail shall be addressed
as follows:

         If to the Company, to:

         Digi International Inc.
         11001 Bren Road East
         Minnetonka, MN 55343

         Attention: Chairman of the Board

         With a copy to:

         Faegre & Benson LLP
         2200 Norwest Center
         90 South Seventh Street
         Minneapolis, MN  55402-3601
         Attention:  James E. Nicholson

         If to Executive, to:

         Joseph T. Dunsmore
         Digi International Inc.
         11001 Bren Road East
         Minnetonka, MN 55343

or to such other addresses as either party may designate in writing to the other
party from time to time.

         5.6 Waiver of Breach. Any waiver by either party of compliance with any
provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed
as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent
breach by such party of a provision of this Agreement. No waiver by the Company
shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

         5.7 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions (or portions
thereof) of this Agreement shall for any reason be held by a final determination
of a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in
any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions (or portions of the provisions) of this Agreement, and the
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be deemed replaced by

<PAGE>   10

a provision that is valid, legal and enforceable and that comes closest to
expressing the intention of the parties hereto.

         5.8 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE INTERPRETED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS
EXECUTED AND FULLY PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT
TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES. EXECUTIVE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE
JURISDICTION OF ANY MINNESOTA STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, AND THE COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE
HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREE THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING
MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED ONLY IN SUCH MINNESOTA STATE COURT OR SUCH FEDERAL
COURT AND IN NO OTHER COURT. EXECUTIVE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST
EXTENT HE MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE
MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. EACH OF THE COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE
HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF COPIES OF THE SUMMONS AND
COMPLAINT AND ANY OTHER PROCESS WHICH MAY BE SERVED IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR
PROCEEDING BY CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, OR BY DELIVERING OF A
COPY OF SUCH PROCESS TO OF THE COMPANY OR EXECUTIVE, AS THE CASE MAY BE, AT THE
RESPECTIVE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5.5 OR BY ANY OTHER METHOD PROVIDED BY
LAW. EACH OF THE COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH
ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER
JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR BY ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

         5.9 Headings. The headings of articles and sections herein are included
solely for convenience and reference and shall not control the meaning or
interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

         5.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by either of the
parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original,
but all such counterparts shall constitute a single instrument.

         5.11 Automatic Renewal. Unless terminated at an earlier date in
accordance with Section 3.1, the term of the Executive's employment with the
Company hereunder shall be for the period commencing on the date hereof and
ending on September 30, 2001. Unless terminated at an earlier date in accordance
with Section 3.1, on each September 30, beginning September 30, 2000 (the
"Renewal Date"), the term of the Executive's employment with the Company shall
be automatically extended for successive two-year

<PAGE>   11

periods, unless either party gives written notice to the other party at least 60
days prior to the next Renewal Date that such party elects not to extend the
term of this Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement in
Minnetonka, Minnesota, effective as of the date set forth above.


                                    DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.


                                    By  /s/ John P. Schinas
                                        -----------------------------
                                        Its Chairman of the Board


                                    EXECUTIVE


                                    /s/ Joseph T. Dunsmore
                                    -----------------------
                                    Joseph T. Dunsmore



<PAGE>   1


                               1999 ANNUAL REPORT






                        DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.'s product line includes
                        the most used communications adapter boards for server-
                        based-systems.  We have the products and partnerships to
                        succeed in today's computing environment.










<PAGE>   2

         Digi international (Nasdaq: DGII) is the world's leading supplier of
multi-function adapters for server-powered communications. Digi's products,
including its DataFire(R) digital adapters and AccelePort(R) multi-port serial
adapters, are an integral part of server-based communications systems for
applications such as point of sale, remote access, fax, routing, computer
telephony and Internet access.
         Server-based communications solutions are a growing market, and offer
several advantages over competitive solutions based on stand-alone proprietary
boxes. These include low cost of ownership; increased flexibility and
scalability; dependability and simplified training and support. Server-based
solutions also offer channel partners the ability to add value and increase
profits by using industry-leading standard PC servers, operating systems and
best-of-breed software applications.
         Digi sells and markets its products through a global network of
distributors, integrators, resellers and OEMs. The company maintains strong
development and marketing partnerships with industry-leading hardware, software
and operating system vendors. Digi also has a customer base that includes many
of the world's largest companies, including IBM, AT&T, Siemens and others.
         Digi is based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and employs more than 575
people worldwide.


<PAGE>   3

This annual report, including the data set forth below, should be read in
conjunction with Digi International Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 1999, which includes Digi's financial statements, notes
thereto and other information regarding the Company.

financial highlights

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   1999           1998           1997            1996           1995
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Net sales                                                    $  193,506     $  182,932     $  165,598      $  193,151     $  164,978
Acquired in-process research and development                                    16,065
Restructuring                                                       607          1,020         10,472
AetherWorks Corporation net operating loss                                                     (5,764)         (3,624)
AetherWorks Corporation gain (write-off)                                         1,350         (5,759)
Income (loss) before taxes                                        7,979          9,213        (15,699)         16,805         29,366
Net income (loss)                                                 3,192            (71)       (15,791)          9,300         19,331
Net income (loss) per share - basic                                0.22          (0.01)         (1.18)           0.70           1.42
Net income (loss) per share - assuming dilution                    0.22          (0.01)         (1.18)           0.68           1.39
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic                      14,711         13,730         13,393          13,324         13,656
Weighted average shares outstanding -
  assuming dilution                                              14,831         13,730         13,393          13,583         13,907

Working capital                                              $   59,946     $   37,896     $   61,979      $   69,696     $   74,061
Total assets                                                    176,330        191,521        118,311         129,939        126,043
Stockholders' equity                                            127,164        121,251         95,471         109,943        105,827
Book value per share                                               8.52           8.34           7.09            8.24           7.82
Number of employees                                                 583            703            481             698            605
</TABLE>

(In thousands except per share amounts, percentages and number of employees)


<PAGE>   4

To Our Stockholders

In July 1998, Digi completed the acquisition of two companies: ITK in Dortmund,
Germany and Central Data in Champaign, Illinois. The strategy for fiscal 1999
was to enhance our seasoned serial port and LAN businesses and achieve
significant market share in new high growth markets such as remote access and
Internet telephony. The idea was to leverage the USB products of Central Data to
spur sales in the serial port business and to exploit ITK's VoIP technology,
allowing Digi to enter new high growth markets. Unusual circumstances dictated
that this was not to be in fiscal 1999. Because of situations that emerged along
the way, I would characterize fiscal 1999 as three distinct phases: change,
stabilization and growth.

Phase I Change: By the onset of fiscal 1999, the process of integrating these
entities into the Digi culture was in progress. The Central Data integration was
moving along nicely, and by the end of January 1999, was virtually complete.
However, at the end of the first quarter, the integration of ITK was still
moving slowly and aggravated by the departure of essential ITK employees.
Expenses in Europe were at extraordinary levels, and ITK was losing ground in
the fields of ISDN and VoIP. This situation was further complicated by the
abrupt resignation of our CEO, Jerry Dusa, and an SEC inquiry questioning the
$39.2 million IPR&D write-off in connection with the acquisitions of Central
Data and ITK. An ongoing IRS audit on the capitalization of R&D expenses for
1993, 1994 and 1995 added to the list of problems needing prompt attention.

Phase II stabilization: In early February, Kris Krishnan, Doug Glader and I
formed a team to stabilize the situation and operate the company until a new CEO
could be recruited. Gene Olsen was hired as Chief Technical Officer, and Jon
Nyland took over as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. The first
mission was to complete the ITK integration, downsize the organization in Europe
and, in general, reduce overall expenses. About the same time, it was discovered
that our domestic distributor channel was at an uncomfortable inventory level,
clearly an untenable situation. By the end of March 1999, the following was
accomplished:

         -ITK was integrated into Digi GmbH and expenses were under control.
          Head count was reduced, and redundant facilities were closed.
         -The distributor sales channel inventory was lowered to below normal
          levels.

By the end of the third quarter, corporate expenses were back to traditional
levels, and the SEC's IPR&D inquiry along with the IRS audit were negotiated and
settled.

Phase III Growth: Next, the team's attention focused on product development. An
essential part of Digi's ongoing business is dependent on the new DataFire RAS
product line. Many important OEMs requested evaluation units and it was
essential to ensure strong support from the company. To this end, a large
segment of the engineering department was mobilized to provide fast corrective
response to any defects these customers encountered. After several months of


digi international  2
<PAGE>   5

                                                           3  digi international


intense testing, companies like IBM took their first shipments of DataFire in
September for deployment with their AS400s. Other customers for this product
include Tropico (the Brazilian telephone company) and the South African Telco, a
clear validation of our technology.

         By fiscal year-end, our Sunnyvale operation was stabilized. All of
Digi's European operations were consolidated into one company, Digi GmbH
headquartered in Dortmund, Germany. The engineering team, located in Dortmund,
upgraded the Netblazer 8500, which has led to increased sales activity for the
ISDN and VoIP products. These are all positive signs for the future.

FINANCIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: At the beginning of February 1999, cash was at about
$5 million and Digi's stock was about $6 per share. On September 30, cash
exceeded $34 million and the stock was at about $14 per share, a definitive
increase in shareholder value. Despite a tumultuous year, revenue grew 6
percent. Earnings were somewhat distorted due to the amortization costs
associated with the two acquisitions and the resulting high effective tax rate.
However, our operating income is a strong indicator of our success. These
results leave the company well-positioned financially going forward.

         The real strength of Digi International lies in the accomplishments of
our employees. Their talent and commitment are vital to our future. During this
period, our middle management stepped up to handle some difficult tasks. Special
thanks go to Bill Lohse, Brian O'Rourke and Joe Toste. Clearly, the company has
demonstrated that it can recover from the most adverse circumstances and emerge
stronger and more confident to take on the future. Also, we thank Willis Drake,
who is stepping down from the board of directors, for his many years of service
and his contributions to Digi.

         With our newly elected CEO Joe Dunsmore at the helm, I am confident
that our company is in capable hands. Joe brings the market experience and
determination to accelerate the growth of Digi International.

                                       John P. Schinas
                                       December 10, 1999

Joe Dunsmore Newly named CEO

"I watched Digi for nine months before coming on board. This company plays in
a large and dynamic industry. There are no limits to our opportunities. What I
think I can add is defining which track to take for growth, followed by solid
execution. To do that, I'm spending the first 90 days on the road with our sales
people and customers. At this point, I know we will leverage our experience in
the small to medium-size business segment, and I'm excited about what we're
pursuing in the open server and remote access markets."

Dunsmore's prior industry experience includes 17 years in executive management,
product management, marketing positions and operations management at Lucent
Microelectronics, 3Com and AT&T Paradyne.



<PAGE>   6
[TECHNOLOGY. Digi's new communications products pack unprecedented connectivity
into a standards-based server, handling functions once performed by separate
modems and CSU/DSUs. Digi's DataFire family of digital adapters provides the
widest compatibility and most powerful performance available, concentrating
eight to 60 channels in a single PCI or CompactPCI slot, while supporting up to
ISDN and T1/E1 connections. AccelePort RAS multi-modem adapters integrate four
or eight channels in a single PCI slot at analog speeds to 56 Kbps/V.90+. Both
product lines use digital signal processor (DSP) technology, resulting in the
industry's highest density of on-board modems for a RAS concentrator.]

With the explosion of digital commerce, computer networks are fundamental to
business every day, and those networks are increasingly built from standard
components from multiple vendors. The rate of change of these systems to serve
Internet and e-business initiatives demands distributed, modular and
interoperable components. These market needs have not only validated the concept
of server-based solutions, but have vastly broadened the available applications
for them.

[Our products are the leading brand choice within our distribution channel.]

         Digi has the products and partnerships to succeed in this environment.
For example, our DataFire product line is the most advanced communications
adapter for Windows NT communications applications. Server-based communications
have grown from simple multiuser connections ... to bulletin board systems...to
remote access servers. Today, server-based systems support enterprise-wide and
carrier-class communications systems. And these applications span all market
categories in such capacities as Internet gateways, intranets, extranets, sales
force automation, customer relationship management, call centers and unified
messaging.

[Chart. Digi's Digital Server-Based Market Share is 32%, Source: International
Data Corporation, 1998.]

         Open, server-based systems continue to prevail over closed proprietary
systems due to their lower costs of ownership. In fact, Gartner Group recently
said, "By 2005 only a few vendors will manufacture non-server-based products."
Our open systems focus has allowed Digi to build and maintain long-term
relationships with OEMs like Compaq, IBM and others, and operating systems
vendors such as Microsoft, Novell and most recently, Red Hat. Value-added
resellers (VARs) traditionally prefer open systems solutions -- when
functionality is equal -- because it means they don't need trained experts on
multiple proprietary technologies.



<PAGE>   7
                                                            5 digi international


         Although networks are increasingly employing digital transmission
technology, the majority still use analog phone lines. Our AccelePort products
continue to be the leading choice for these users. DataFire products then
provide an upgrade path to digital applications and round out a complete
product portfolio to establish Digi as the leading vendor in this market.
Standards-based systems are more readily networked. And networked systems allow
the convergence of business applications.

         Microsoft has played a pivotal role in driving the server-based market,
by embedding advanced services into its Windows operating system. With the
advent of Windows 2000, capability and robustness have advanced. This includes
telephony services, and also vital technologies such as directory services.
These developments enable converged applications between products of different
vendors, and they permit smaller scale networks to enjoy the same capabilities
previously only available to large networks.

[Our open systems focus has allowed Digi to build and maintain long-term
relationships with OEMs.]

[Chart]

Year                        Dollars
'98                           338
'99                           427
'00                           532
'01                           637
'02                           750


                    Worldwide Server-Based
                    RAS Market, 1998-2000
                 (estimated end-user revenues
                         in millions)
         source: International Data Corporation, 1998

         Digi International has supported Windows networks from the very
beginning, and this means that Digi products are installed in more Windows
Routing and Remote Access Services (RRAS) installations worldwide than any
other vendor. As these Windows systems take on new tasks, DataFire adapters are
one of the most trusted and familiar brands among network installers.

[NEW MARKETS. With data and voice traffic converging at the network server, Digi
will emerge as a premier provider of server-based computer telephony
applications. To date, the computer telephony industry has been dominated by
proprietary solutions. The combined calendar year 2000 RAS and computer
telephony integration (CTI) markets represent an estimated $1.2 billion
opportunity, growing at 32 percent annually. The open systems RAS adapter market
is estimated to reach $750 million in 2002, while the market for multi-function,
open systems CTI adapters, as measured by Frost and Sullivan, is expected to top
$2 billion by 2004.]

[PARTNERS. Digi is the only vendor providing both digital and analog products
for remote access connectivity using RAS in Windows 2000. Users can quickly
configure Digi's products by clicking on the Digi icon in Windonws' Add New
Hardware Wizard, a new feature of Windows 2000. Digi's AccelePort products are
the first products of their kind to be listed under the Wizard's Serial Port
Device Class. "Communications, including remote access, is a critical, growing
market that Windows NT addresses today very effectively, and this offering gets
even more compelling for customers in Windows 2000, said Mark Lee, product
manager of Windows Communications, Microsoft Corporation.]
<PAGE>   8
         Small and medium-size businesses comprise more than 98 percent of all
business enterprises in the world, and these organizations are rapidly
installing networks. These customers do not, as a rule, have IT departments or
large computing budgets. Therefore, they require solutions on a smaller scale --
though with many of the same functions as larger systems -- that they can begin
using immediately. According to International Data Corporation, "By 2000, entry
servers will grow to be larger than the combined mid-range and high-end server
markets. It is essential for all global server vendors to have a strong
commitment to this critical segment of the market."

[Digi's commitment is to provide the finest communications interface for leading
standards-based server systems.]

         Digi has served small and medium applications for almost 15 years -- so
Digi's reputation for support and ease-of-use is firmly established. This is an
enviable position against competitors who only understand the needs of very
large networks. We fully intend to leverage this advantage and our experience.

         One of the key new technologies is computer telephony integration (CTI)
- -- the merging of data and phone networks. CTI will drive sales of IT equipment
to new heights, as the benefits of automating elements of customer service
become apparent. Digi's advanced development in this field has achieved design
wins with major technology partners and made us a viable player in
telecommunications carrier markets as well as corporate computing environments.

         The success of open-systems standards has affected competition in a
variety of ways. Application developers can count on a consistent set of
operating systems services, and concentrate on providing the most innovative
solutions to business problems. This benefits users, because they can select
from "best-of-breed" products in each product category, and it benefits



<PAGE>   9
                                                            7 digi international


Digi, since we can dedicate ourselves to providing functions to operating
systems and applications instead of developing the applications ourselves. This
focus on "core competency" allows Digi to maintain a market leadership position
in remote access markets and expand that specialization expertise across a wide
range of vertical markets.

[Digi products are installed in more RRAS installations worldwide than any other
vendor.]

[Chart]
Year                               Dollars
'99                                 94.2
'00                                 181.2
'01                                 344.6
'02                                 601.1
'03                                 1,043
'04                                 2,000


                            Server-Based CTI Adapter
                  U.S. Market Growth (estimated, in millions)
                           source: Frost and Sullivan

         Digi recognizes -- and, in fact, it is the hallmark of open systems --
that customers will decide what is the best product for their particular needs.
Digi's commitment to the market is to provide the finest communications
interface for the leading standards-based server systems. This is possible
because Digi can focus on interfacing with the most popular operating
environments, and supporting the communications services and protocols that
~enable converged applications.

         For example, our adoption of digital signal processor (DSP) technology
provides a highly versatile platform, allowing a single engineering group to
program added value into multiple product lines. It also allows Digi to support
the latest communication devices like 56K modems and the foundation to support
the advanced UNIX operating environments like Sun Solaris, IBM AIX and HP/UX,
as well as open source software like Linux.

         Digi's emphasis on supplying best-of-breed solutions has aligned us
with market drivers like Microsoft, Sun, Intel and Linux. Our products are the
leading brand choice within our distribution channel, known for their quality,
versatility and ease of integration. The result: Digi is well-positioned to
dominate our niche in the growing open systems, server-based market.


[OPPORTUNITY. Digi's products currently sell strongest in small and medium
enterprises (SMEs), and chiefly among analog multiuser and analog RAS
applications. Due to the abundance and low cost of analog connections, digital
connections for the emerging SMEs are still in the very early stages but
represent a tremendous growth opportunity. In the United States alone, there are
over 9.2 million SME organizations. One of the most significant markets for
these products is Microsoft Windows NT and 2000, where Digi leads analog
connections. This leadership, coupled with a new state-of-the-art product line,
means there are few vendors as well-positioned as Digi to dominate the SME
segment.]

<PAGE>   10


DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

JOHN P. SCHINAS (3)
Mr. Schinas is a founder of the Company and has been its Chairman of the Board
since July 1991. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since the
Company's inception in July 1985 and served as the Company's CEO from July 1985
to January 1992 and interim CEO from February to October 1999.

JOSEPH T. DUNSMORE
Mr. Dunsmore has been a member of the Board of Directors and President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company since October 24, 1999. Mr. Dunsmore has more
than 17 years' experience in the data communications and telecommunications
industries and has held executive management positions in a number of companies
including Paradyne, AT&T Paradyne, U.S. Robotics, 3Com and, most recently,
Lucent Technologies, where he served as Vice President of Access in the
Microelectronics Group.

WILLIS K. DRAKE (2)
Mr. Drake has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1987 and a private
investor since 1983.

RICHARD E. EICHHORN (2)(3)
Mr. Eichhorn has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1987. Since April
1992, Mr. Eichhorn has been a private investor.

KENNETH E. MILLARD (2)
Mr. Millard has been a member of the Board of Directors since October 1999. He
has been the President and COO of Telular Corp., a tele-communications company,
since April 1996. Mr. Millard has held various executive management positions in
the telecommunications industry and worked as an attorney for AT&T and Wisconsin
Bell. Mr. Millard continues to serve as a director of Telular and also serves as
a director of Omnitech, a private corporation.

ROBERT S. MOE (1)(2)
Mr. Moe has been a member of the Board of Directors since October 1996. From
1981 to his retirement in 1993, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Polaris
Industries, a manufacturer of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and personal
watercraft.

MYKOLA MOROZ (1)
Mr. Moroz has been a member of the Board of Directors since July 1991. Mr. Moroz
was a founder of the Company and CEO from January 1992 to September 1994. Mr.
Moroz was Chief Operating Officer of the Company from July 1991 to January 1992.
From October 1985 to July 1991, he occupied various management positions with
the Company. He is now a private consultant.

DAVID STANLEY (1)(3)
Mr. Stanley has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1990. Mr. Stanley
is the retired Chairman and CEO of Payless Cashways, Inc., a building materials
retailer.

(1) Audit Committee
(2) Compensation Committee
(3) Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

JOSEPH T. DUNSMORE
President and Chief Executive Officer

DOUGLAS J. GLADER
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

SUBRAMANIAN KRISHNAN
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

CORPORATE SECRETARY

JAMES E. NICHOLSON
Partner, Faegre & Benson LLP

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The majority of the Board's membership is comprised of non-employee directors.

The compensation and audit committees are comprised of all non-employee
directors.

The positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are separate.

The Digi logo is a registered trademark of Digi International. All other brand
names or product names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective holders.



digi international  8


<PAGE>   11

STOCKHOLDER AND INVESTOR INFORMATION

STOCK LISTING The Company's Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market
tier of the Nasdaq Stock Market(TM) under the symbol "DGII." At December 10,
1999, the number of holders of the Company's Common Stock was approximately
8,028 consisting of 356 record holders and approximately 7,672 stockholders
whose stock is held by a bank, broker or other nominee.

High and low sale prices for each quarter during the years ended September 30,
1999 and 1998, as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market, were as follows:


STOCK PRICES

1999             FIRST               SECOND           THIRD         FOURTH

High            $16.38               $11.75          $11.00         $13.50

Low             $ 8.56               $ 6.25          $ 6.25         $ 9.88

1998             FIRST               SECOND           THIRD         FOURTH

High            $22.75               $28.62          $29.50         $28.25

Low             $13.75               $17.00          $19.50         $ 9.62


DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has never paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. The Board of
Directors presently intends to retain all earnings for use in the Company's
business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foresable future.

The Company does not have a Dividend Reinvestment Plan on a Direct Stock
Purchase Plan.


STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.
Norwest Shareowners Services
P.O. Box 64864
St. Paul, MN 55164-0854
651-450-4004
800-468-9716


Legal Counsel
Faegre & Benson LLP
2700 Norwest Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3901

Independent Public Accountants
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
650 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55402-4333

Annual Meeting
The Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Wednesday, January
26, 2000, at 3:30 p.m., at the Marquette Hotel, 710 Marquette Avenue,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Investor Relations
A copy of the Company's Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, is available free upon request. Contact:

Investor Relations Administration
Digi International Inc.
11001 Brew Road Last
Minnetonka, MN 55343
or call 612-912-DIGI
e-mail request to [email protected]
<PAGE>   12

<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>                                         <C>
CORPORATE OFFICE                         INTERNATIONAL OFFICES                       Digi International N.V.
                                                                                     Keizersgracht 62-64
Digi International                       Digi International GmbH                     1015 CS Amsterdam,
11001 Bren Road East                     Joseph-von-Fraunhofer n Str. 23             The Netherlands
Minnetonka, MN 55343                     D-44227 Dortmund                            TEL: +31-20-5207-556
TEL: 612-912-3444                        Germany                                     FAX: +31-20-5207-972
FAX: 612-912-4991                        TEL: +49-231-97-47-0
                                         FAX: +49-231-97-47-111                      Digi International Denmark
NORTH AMERICAN SALES OFFICES                                                         Hejreskovvej 18C 1.9.8
Digi International                       Digi International Limited                  DK-3490 Kvistgaard, Denmark
11001 Bren Road East                     Knightway House                             TEL: +45-49-17-70
Minnetonka, MN 55343                     Park Street                                 FAX: +45-49-17-70-91
TEL: 800-344-4273, 612-912-3444          Bagshot
FAX: 612-912-4952                        Surrey GU 195AK                             Digi International Asia Pte Ltd.
                                         United Kingdom                              13 06 Lower 'A', 391A Orchard Road,
Digi International                       TEL: +44-1276-853-600                       Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238837
1299 Orleans Drive                       FAX: +44-1276-453-674                       TEL: +65-732-1318
Sunnyvale, CA 94089                                                                  FAX: +65-732-1312
TEL: 800-466-4526                        Digi International Sarl
FAX: 408-744-2793                        2 rue de L'Eglise                           Digi International (HK) Limited
                                         92200 Neuilly sur Seine                     Suite 1101-02, 11/F
Digi International                       France                                      K Wah Centre
Government Systems                       TEL: +33-1-55-61-98-98                      191 Java Road
10000 Falls Road, Suite 203              FAX: +33-1-55-61-98-99                      North Point
Potomac, MD 20854                                                                    Hong Kong
TEL: 301-983-4699                        Digi International Australia Pty. Ltd.      TEL: +852-2833-1008
FAX: 301-983-4542                        Unit 10, 10 Gladstone Street                FAX: +852-2572-9989
                                         Castle Hill, NSW 2154
                                         Australia
                                         TEL: +61-2-9680-8944
                                         FAX: +61-2-9680-9178
</TABLE>




DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.
11001 Bren Road East
Minnetonka, MN 55343
TEL: 612-912-3444
FAX: 612-912-4991 (central fax)
nasdaq national market; DGII
www address: www.digi.com
e-mail address: [email protected]



<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21


                           SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY

Digi International Asia Pte Ltd

Digi International GmbH

Digi International FSC

Digi International (HK) Ltd.

Digi International Australia PTY Ltd.

Digi International Limited

Digi International SARL

ITK International, Inc.




<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS




We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Form S-8 registration
statements of Digi International Inc. for its Stock Option Plan (File No.
33-32956, File No. 33-38898, File No. 333-99 and File No. 333-23857); for its
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (File No. 333-1821); and for its Non-Officer Stock
Option Plan (File No. 33-57869) of our report dated December 15, 1999, on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements of Digi International Inc. as of
September 30, 1999 and 1998, and for the years ended September 30, 1999, 1998
and 1997, which report is included in or incorporated by reference in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.




                                                    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 27, 1999

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2









                         Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Form S-8 Registration
Statements (File No. 33-32956, File No. 33-38898, File No. 333-99 and File No.
333-23857) of Digi International Inc. for its Stock Option Plan; Form S-8
Registration Statement (File No. 333-1821) of Digi International Inc. for its
Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Form S-8 Registration Statement (File No.
33-57869) of Digi International Inc. for its Non-Officer Stock Option Plan of
our report dated October 28, 1997, with respect to the financial statements of
AetherWorks Corporation for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the
period from February 24, 1993 (inception) to September 30, 1997, included in the
Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Digi International Inc. for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 28, 1999




<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24


                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint Joseph T.
Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and either of them, the undersigned's true
and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned
and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the
undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and either of them, full power and authority to do
and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.



                                    /s/  John P. Schinas
                                    --------------------
                                    John P. Schinas







<PAGE>   2


                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint John P. Schinas,
Joseph T. Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and any of them, the undersigned's
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the
undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix
the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and any of them, full power and authority to do and
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.


                                    /s/ Robert S. Moe
                                    -----------------
                                    Robert S. Moe







<PAGE>   3


                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint John P. Schinas,
Joseph T. Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and any of them, the undersigned's
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the
undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix
the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and any of them, full power and authority to do and
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.



                                    /s/ Willis K. Drake
                                    -------------------
                                    Willis K. Drake







<PAGE>   4


                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint John P. Schinas,
Joseph T. Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and any of them, the undersigned's
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the
undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix
the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and any of them, full power and authority to do and
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.



                                    /s/ David Stanley
                                    -----------------
                                    David Stanley







<PAGE>   5


                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint John P. Schinas,
Joseph T. Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and any of them, the undersigned's
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the
undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix
the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and any of them, full power and authority to do and
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.



                                    /s/ Richard E. Eichhorn
                                    -----------------------
                                    Richard E. Eichhorn







<PAGE>   6


                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint John P. Schinas,
Joseph T. Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and any of them, the undersigned's
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the
undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix
the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and any of them, full power and authority to do and
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.



                                    /s/ Mykola Moroz
                                    ----------------
                                    Mykola Moroz







<PAGE>   7


                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint John P. Schinas,
Joseph T. Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and any of them, the undersigned's
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the
undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix
the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and any of them, full power and authority to do and
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.



                                    /s/ Kenneth Millard
                                    -------------------
                                    Kenneth Millard







<PAGE>   8



                             DIGI INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                Power of Attorney
                           of Director and/or Officer


          The undersigned director and/or officer of Digi International Inc., a
Delaware corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint Joseph T.
Dunsmore and Subramanian Krishnan, and either of them, the undersigned's true
and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned
and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the
undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Corporation to an
Annual Report on Form 10-K or other applicable form, and all amendments thereto,
to be filed by said Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with all
exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact, and either of them, full power and authority to do
and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's
hand this 10th of December, 1999.



                                    /s/ Joseph T. Dunsmore
                                    ----------------------
                                    Joseph T. Dunsmore








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