IBM and AT&T To Deliver Wireless Data Services to Corporate Customers

Business Wire, Feb 25, 2000

Business Editors, Hi-Tech Writers

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 25, 2000

Businesses to access corporate applications through existing and

new Third Generation wireless data networks and devices

IBM and AT&T today announced they plan to provide wireless access to key corporate information, including the Internet, intranets, and corporate databases. IBM will combine its software and services with AT&T's wireless IP (Internet Protocol) network to provide "real time" access to business data and applications.

The new services delivered by IBM and AT&T will save businesses both time and money and improve customer service by allowing them to give employees and customers access to data and applications, virtually anytime, anywhere. For example, with real-time access to traditional business applications, mobile workers will be able to use their wireless devices to input sales orders directly into corporate databases on the spot or even interact directly with internal business travel systems to make or change their own travel plans.

Applications Delivered Over AT&T's Existing and Future Wireless

Data Networks

The primary focus of the IBM/AT&T relationship will be to provide wireless access to corporate applications using existing Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network technology as well as future "Third Generation" wireless devices and networks, the companies said. Third Generation is a term used to describe wireless broadband data services and global roaming capabilities for wireless phones and other devices. The Third Generation network being developed by AT&T will be based on the combined TDMA/GSM global standard known as EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution).

"AT&T's CDPD network currently provides packet-based data services to customers with the benefit of flat-rate, all-you-can-use pricing that is unparalleled today," said Tom Trinneer, Vice President, Data Product Development, AT&T Wireless Services. "With increasing numbers of businesses demanding new wireless solutions, the CDPD and EDGE networks will provide an ideal platform for AT&T and IBM to develop secure, efficient and cost-effective wireless data applications for corporations."

IBM Transcoding Technology to Bring Corporate Data to Wireless

Devices

By bringing together IBM's business software products, such as database, messaging and device management, with AT&T's wireless IP network, customers will be able to conduct transactions and send and receive data using wireless devices. IBM's new transcoding technology will enable corporate data to be translated into the appropriate formats for a wide variety of devices, including wireless phones, PDAs, and laptop computers. The specific wireless services customers will be able to use these devices for include email, personal scheduling, contact information, and access to other business applications.

"E-business is going mobile. Over the next five years, more than 80 percent of new corporate applications will be designed for non-PC devices, such as wireless phones," said Gary Cohen, General Manager, IBM Global Telecommunications Industry.

"The collaboration between AT&T and IBM will provide the expertise and technology to meet the demanding needs of an enterprise for wireless access to mission critical information," said Cohen. "With always-on data access, we will meet another key need of our customers."

IBM also plans to join the AT&T Developer Program at the Premier level. Through the program, AT&T and IBM will work closely during the development, testing, and implementation of wireless data solutions for businesses.

ABOUT CDPD and EDGE

AT&T provides wireless data services over the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network, which is available to more than 145 million potential subscribers across the United States. CDPD is an industry standard using Internet Protocol. Using CDPD, data files and transactions are divided into small packets and sent on a dedicated wireless channel. This cost-effective means of sending data allows a single channel to be shared by many users. With CDPD, AT&T can offer its customers unlimited, always-on usage, most often for a flat monthly fee.

AT&T Wireless Services has chosen EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) as its Third Generation technology architecture. EDGE represents a convergence of TDMA and GSM technology, which will provide seamless global roaming capabilities. EDGE is also Internet Protocol based, which will allow all CDPD applications developed and deployed today to migrate to EDGE without modification. With EDGE, these applications are expected to operate at high speeds and in more places.

ABOUT AT&T

AT&T Corp. (http://www.att.com) is among the world's premier voice and data communications companies, serving more than 80 million customers, including consumers, businesses and government. With annual revenues of more than $53 billion and 151,000 employees, AT&T provides services to customers worldwide.

ABOUT IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions, and technologies that enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. IBM's Pervasive Computing unit has responsibility for creating e-business solutions that leverage the new class of connected client devices such as handheld Internet appliances and screenphones. A key part of the team's mission is furthering the adoption of open industry standards for pervasive computing to help customers easily access and act on information whenever and wherever they may be. IBM can be found on the Web at http://www.ibm.com.