ARDIS joins wireless messaging initiative for Microsoft Exchange Server; Multiple wireless carriers agree on common method for accessing and exchanging information

Business Wire, Oct 4, 1995

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 1995--ARDIS today announced its participation in an Inmarsat-led initiative to enable communications between Microsoft(R) Exchange Server and Windows 95(R) applications through multiple wireless networks. This effort, which involves ARDIS, Inmarsat, AT&T Wireless, Vodafone and Microsoft, is based on an Inmarsat specification designed to allow users to wirelessly access and exchange information using cellular radio, packet radio or satellite communications under a single Windows 95 interface.

Inmarsat Wireless Messaging Technology uses the Microsoft Messaging Application Program Interface (MAPI) to access multiple wireless networks from a common electronic mail in-box on Microsoft Exchange. The network technologies represented by the companies are: packet radio - ARDIS; cellular digital packet data (CDPD) - AT&T Wireless; global system for mobiles (GSM) - Vodafone; and satellite - Inmarsat. ARDIS is using the Inmarsat/MAPI technology in its upcoming software product that provides nationwide wireless connectivity for Microsoft Exchange Server.

"This initiative advances the ARDIS strategy of providing its customers with open, multi-network support for end-to-end wireless solutions," said Dan Croft, senior vice president, Marketing Operations at ARDIS. "The Inmarsat specification will accelerate the deployment of wireless solutions by providing a standard messaging interface that supports multiple communications services. It is a key component in our plans to wireless enable Microsoft Exchange Server over ARDIS."

"We are very pleased that ARDIS has joined the initiative to support Inmarsat's wireless messaging technology," said Rob Shurtleff, general manager of the workgroup solutions product unit at Microsoft. "Microsoft Exchange Server users will be able to choose among a wide range of wireless network solutions based on a common interface, including ARDIS packet radio network technology, for two-way data communications from virtually any location."

"The ARDIS/Inmarsat relationship is a good model for moving our industry forward," said Janiece Webb, corporate vice president and general manager, International Networks Division at Motorola. "We definitely support initiatives which allow well-known interfaces, such as MAPI, to function over wireless networks. We are recommending that the members of the Worldwide Wireless Data Network Operators Group evaluate this technology for its fit with their individual market needs."

ARDIS will offer wireless connectivity for Microsoft Exchange Server that delivers three key benefits to end users. One, it will provide wireless support, via MAPI, for Microsoft Office applications; two, it will support a well-known programming interface for the new breed of mobile applications; and three, it will offer easy administration through tight integration with the Exchange Server's Administrator's interface.

The ARDIS-enabling software for Microsoft Exchange Server will provide for end-to-end solutions, consisting of a matched set of client and server MAPI agents that optimize the MAPI message for wireless communications. It allows the user to maintain a single in-box on Exchange Server for the routing of information and communications while in the office or on the road. Additional product components include a standard MAPI transport service provider that provides reliable delivery across the ARDIS network, and ARDIS communication drivers supporting the variety of PCMCIA wireless modems available for the ARDIS network. Physical connectivity options between Exchange Server and the ARDIS network include X.25 for an enterprise-level solution and a wireless interface for the smaller, departmental solution.

Product availability of ARDIS wireless connectivity software will be 60 days after the release of Exchange Server. The product will be available from selected ARDIS distribution channels and Microsoft Solution Providers specializing in the Microsoft BackOffice family of server software and Microsoft Exchange Server solutions. Associated ARDIS service pricing will be offered in a variety of monthly air time plans scaled to fit the volume requirements of both casual and power users.

ARDIS operates the first and largest nationwide wireless data network enabling in-building and on-street data communications between mobile workers, using notebook computers and personal digital assistants, and host computers. The ARDIS network serves the top 410 metro areas in all 50 states, Puetro Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and covers more than 80 percent of the population and 90 percent of the business activity in the United States. The service enables executives and mobile workers to access their corporate information systems or to communicate instantaneously with their peers from virtually any location. -0-

Note to editors: Access ARDIS press releases and company materials via the ARDIS home page on the World Wide Web. Address: http://www.ardis.com