Caterpillar and Racotek Jointly Develop Satellite-Based Mobile Data Network for Global Equipment Monitoring; Racotek Software Allows Remote Monitoring of Caterpillar Equipment via ORBCOMM Satellite Network

Business Wire, Jan 31, 1997

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 1997--Racotek Inc. (NASDAQ:RACO), a mobile data communication software and services company, today announced that it has jointly developed with Caterpillar, the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, a prototype of the first satellite-based mobile data communications network designed to monitor and relay location and diagnostic information from Caterpillar equipment in use anywhere in the world to its corporate information systems and dealers.

Caterpillar selected Racotek to provide the system design architecture and operating system software, including elements of KeyWare(TM), providing two-way information flow between systems on Caterpillar equipment in the field, through the satellite network, to Caterpillar's extended information systems.

Racotek is furnishing Caterpillar with consulting services for component selection, project management and systems integration test planning. Racotek and Caterpillar developed this open software architecture to allow for the consistent use of the software application should system components or services require modification.

"Racotek provided technical expertise and foresight in pioneering a remote diagnostic system solution with Caterpillar keeping an eye on future system expansion needs," stated Mike Fabiaschi, president and chief executive officer of Racotek. "This multi-year, multi-million dollar opportunity reinforces Racotek's position as the leader in the mobile data software and services industry."

Other key vendors involved in the satellite-based network include ORBCOMM, a mobile satellite service provider offering low-cost two-way message and data communications globally through national licensees and value-added resellers; Globitrac Inc., an authorized valued-added service provider of ORBCOMM products and services for the tracking and monitoring of industrial construction, earth moving, agricultural and mining equipment; and Torrey Science Corporation, which designs, manufactures and markets affordable wireless communications and sensor products for industrial, commercial and government markets.

About Caterpillar

Headquartered in Peoria, Ill., Caterpillar Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines, and is a leading global supplier of diesel engines. Sales and revenues in 1996 exceeded $16.5 billion.

About Racotek

Racotek builds, enables and supports data mobility. Racotek has developed the KeyWare family of software products to facilitate mobile workgroup computing. The Company provides consulting and professional services to help customers design, develop and implement mobile data solutions. To ensure maximum system availability, Racotek offers Managed Network Services, a single point of contact for customers using multi-vendor environments. The company is based in Minneapolis with regional offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco.

CONTACT: Racotek Inc.

David Maenke, 612/832-9800

or

Walt & Company

Jenn Knudsen/John Fitzsimmons, 408/496-0900

jknudsen@walt.com

or

Caterpillar Inc.

Mike Zachman, 309/675-9984