FlashPoint Incorporates Counterpoint Systems Foundry's IrDA Software Into Digita Operating Environment

Business Wire, July 9, 1998

CORVALLIS, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 1998--Counterpoint Systems Foundry, Inc., a worldwide leader in IrDA infrared software, today announced that FlashPoint Technology, Inc. has embedded Counterpoint's JetBeam(TM) IrDA infrared protocol stack into Digita(TM) -- the first software operating environment designed specifically for digital cameras and imaging peripherals.

The Digita operating environment is currently employed by a number of leading companies including Kodak and Minolta. FlashPoint's selection of JetBeam marks another design win for Counterpoint in the fast-growing digital camera market. Counterpoint's software enables digital cameras to beam photos to computers, printers, or other cameras, easily and reliably, through an infrared port.

"The sharing of memories is fundamental to the photography experience," said Paul Laughton, vice president of engineering at FlashPoint Technology, Inc. "Reliable and robust communications like Counterpoint's JetBeam makes the distribution and sharing of digital images simpler and easier than ever before."

Reliability, IrDA (Infrared Data Association) expertise, and fast implementation were key factors in FlashPoint's selection of Counterpoint's IrDA stack. JetBeam's modular design makes it easy to port to virtually any environment, and Counterpoint has IrDA engineering experts readily available.

"Counterpoint's engineering support was excellent," said Laughton. "They provided quick implementation of a complex technology."

"FlashPoint is well-recognized as a key driver in the digital camera market," said Nathan Pendleton, president of Counterpoint, "and wireless photo image transfer through IrDA is a powerful consumer benefit and the wave of the future.

"When you think about it, the ability to take a picture, point your camera at a computer or printer, and instantly download the photo -- without wires -- is an incredible feature. We're proud to be able to partner with FlashPoint to provide this functionality."

Counterpoint's JetBeam product is an infrared protocol stack that complies with the Infrared Data Association specification. Counterpoint also provides modules that run on top of JetBeam which implement the IrDA's IrCOMM, OBEX and IrTran-P specifications.

JetBeam is designed specifically for the embedded market so it is small, configurable, highly reliable, and has been ported to numerous operating systems. It runs at up to 4.0 Mbps (IrDA 1.1 standard), far faster than any serial line communication.

About Counterpoint Systems Foundry

Headquartered in Corvallis, Ore., Counterpoint is a leading provider of IrDA infrared communications software.

Founded in 1995, Counterpoint provides leading-edge, efficient, and high-quality infrared communications software and applications. Counterpoint's founders are pioneers of the Infrared Data Association community, and the company continues to author, extend, and promote the IrDA standards.

Counterpoint operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Extended Systems, Inc. Extended Systems (NASDAQ/NMS:XTND) designs, develops and sells distributed and mobile computing solutions, including servers, database management systems with remote capabilities, IrDA-compliant wireless connectivity products, infrared software and port replicators.

Extended Systems' common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "XTND." For more information, please contact Breton Buckley at Counterpoint Systems Foundry, Inc., 100 Andre Court, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Telephone: 650/758-2170. Fax: 408/357-2495. Email: bretonb@countersys.com. Web: www.countersys.com.

About FlashPoint

Founded in 1996, FlashPoint Technology, Inc. designs, develops and markets complete software solutions for digital photography and imaging devices.

The company's Digita operating environment is licensed by leading manufacturers including Kodak, Sharp and Minolta. For more about Digita and FlashPoint, call 888/820-3644 or log onto www.flashpnt.com.

Note to Editors: JetBeam is a trademark of Counterpoint Systems Foundry, Inc. Digita is a trademark of FlashPoint Technology, Inc. All other products are the trademarks, service marks, or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

    CONTACT:  Counterpoint Systems Foundry, Inc.
               Breton Buckley, 650/758-2170
               bretonb@countersys.com
               www.countersys.com