Ardis announces support for Microsoft Windows CE platform; Microsoft to extend Windows environment to mobile handheld PCs

Business Wire, Sept 16, 1996

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 1996-- ARDIS, the nation's first and largest wireless data network, today announced enthusiastic support for the Microsoft Windows CE new operating system platform, developed to enable handheld PCs to communicate, organize and access information -- bringing the world of Windows to the mobile computing market.

The new handheld platform extends the popular Windows environment to mobile computing devices allowing seamless communication between handheld PCs, Windows based desktops and the Internet.

Utilizing the platform's open architecture, ARDIS is teaming with Motorola to integrate their Wireless Modem Card to support Windows CE devices, a move that will enhance these handheld PCs into wireless mobile clients. Additionally, ARDIS is teaming with key software providers and plans to create wireless solutions that will support the Windows CE platform.

"Our number one priority at ARDIS is to bring quality wireless solutions to people on the go," said Dan Croft, senior vice president, Marketing Operations at ARDIS. "ARDIS support for the Windows CE platform further addresses the need of mobile workers to leave the office without leaving behind their most useful tools. And the wireless entry into the world of Windows will be a great win for productivity and the prominence of mobile computing."

"We are pleased to have ARDIS committed to supporting our Windows CE platform for handheld devices," said Jon Magill, Director of Marketing, Consumer Appliances Group, Microsoft Corp. "We believe their competence in wireless data networking will allow them to deliver valuable applications for this new platform."

ARDIS takes it one step further. Windows CE user interface means there's nothing new to learn. The familiar Windows based applications make users more productive, and integration with Windows based desktops is easy and automatic. Supporting this offering in the wireless environment addresses the portability, ease-of-use, and Internet access for many mobile users. ARDIS delivers extensive nationwide coverage, no roaming or long distance charges, one easy to understand bill and a single source for support -- making the solution a truly nationwide mobile solution.

About the Wireless Data Group

The Wireless Data Group is part of Motorola's Messaging, Information and Media Sector and incorporates the company's business activities involved with the design, manufacture and distribution of wireless data hardware and software products, infrastructure equipment and systems for worldwide markets. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced electronic systems, components and services. Motorola's 1995 sales were $27 billion.

About ARDIS

ARDIS operates the first and largest nationwide wireless data network enabling in-building and on-street data communications between mobile workers, using notebook computers, handheld PCs, personal digital assistants and host computers. The ARDIS network serves the top 410 metro areas in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the US 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

ARDIS is a registered servicemark of ARDIS Company. Other names and product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Motorola is a registered trademark and Personal Messenger and DataTAC are trademarks of Motorola Inc. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

CONTACT: Ardis

Naomi Yeransian, 847/913-4233

naomi.ardis@radiomail.net

or

Copithorne & Bellows

Albie Jarvis or Jon Bornstein, 617/450-4300

born.ardis@radiomail.net