Ericsson and Extended Systems Form Strategic Relationship to Deliver Synchronization and Management Solution to Ericsson Phone Users - XTNDConnect PC mobile data management software - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Jan 17, 2000

Ericsson Mobile Communications and Extended Systems Wednesday announced that the two companies have entered into an agreement which will provide mobile workers with the tools they need to directly access, exchange, and manage information between their cellular phones and personal computers. To initiate the agreement, Extended Systems will provide its XTNDConnect PC mobile data synchronization and management software to bundle with select Ericsson phones, the first one will be Ericsson's WAP-phone R320.

XTNDConnect PC provides mobile knowledge workers with the ability to synchronize and manage information such as contacts and schedule between personal computers and Ericsson mobile devices. XTNDConnect PC supports synchronization of applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Lotus Organizer, Symantec's Act!, NetManage Ecco Pro, and Goldmine with Palm Computing, Windows CE and Ericsson mobile devices.

Extending Information Management to Ericsson Phones

The fruits of the relationship will be implemented in the Ericsson R320, a high-performance dual band mobile phone with Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)-functionality. Synchronization of the calendar in the R320 and a PC will be supported with the IrMC 1.1 open synchronization standard, as a world first for GSM phones. In-built modem and infrared communication capability make the R320 an efficient communication tool. With Extended Systems' synchronization technology it will be easy for consumers to freely exchange information between their Ericsson phones and PCs or PDAs and always stay up to date with the latest information at hand without having to input it several times into different devices.

"Extended Systems' XTNDConnect products complement the technology in our phones," said Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications. As phones become smarter, synchronization is a key component that will make information more accessible and manageable," said Ahrenbring.

Extended Systems CEO and President Steve Simpson said that the relationship between Ericsson and Extended Systems is significant because it shows how both companies are leading the charge in the mobile information management arena. "Extended Systems is expanding the traditional information infrastructure beyond personnel computers to PDAs, mobile phones and the Internet, while Ericsson is expanding beyond voice communication by introducing intelligent information management devices," said Simpson. "Whether customers need access to information to increase their productivity or just to keep in touch, they have to be confident that their needs can be met by one reliable solution."

Extended Systems provides platform independent solutions that enable individuals and corporations to effectively synchronize and manage information and mobile devices at any time from any location. Extended Systems' PC synchronization solution, XTNDConnect PC (formerly known as Enterprise Harmony), allows users to access, update and transfer data between mobile devices, such as PDA's and mobile phones, and desktop or laptop PCs. XTNDConnect PC provides quick and easy synchronization and management of e-mail, calendar, contacts and tasks and enhances personal productivity by allowing cross-platform flexibility and support for the latest version of the most popular data applications.

The XTNDConnect product line also offers a server-based synchronization solution, called XTNDConnect Server, which provides IT managers with a complete solution that integrates, supports and manages mobile devices within the enterprise, as well as securely and reliably transfers information between corporate applications and these devices.

Extended Systems is a leading provider of mobile information management solutions that enable mobile users to access, synchronize, collect, retrieve and print information on demand. The company's products include PC and server-based data synchronization software, short-range wireless connectivity products (IrDA and Bluetooth-compliant), Internet access solutions, a complete line of network print servers, and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities.

Founded in 1984, Extended Systems employs over 350 people worldwide and has an extensive domestic and international distribution network. The company has offices and subsidiaries in the United States and worldwide.

More information is available at www.extendedsystems.com.

Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with the freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprise and consumers. FMI: http://www.ericsson.se.