Business Services Industry

Toshiba Joins Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance; World Leader In Mobility Solutions Strengthens Commitment to Making the Wireless Lifestyle a Reality

Business Wire, June 26, 2000

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

PC Expo 2000

Booth No. 3136

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2000

Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS), announced today that Toshiba Corp. has joined the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA). Together with other WECA members, Toshiba will promote the international adoption of the Wi-Fi(TM) (IEEE 802.11b High Rate) standard for interoperability in wireless local area networking (LAN) for enterprises, small businesses, homes and schools.

The first truly global wireless Ethernet standard, Wi-Fi enables seamless, high-speed wireless connections anywhere in the world. Using an operating frequency band of 2.4GHz and a data transfer rate of up to 11 Mbps, the wireless LAN connections are comparable to wired networks. Wireless LAN connectivity provides the flexibility and freedom of mobile computing with the performance, security and reliability of a wired network.

"As the world leader in mobility solutions, we continually research and develop emerging technologies that will improve the way our customers live their lives," said Gary Elsasser, vice president, worldwide product planning, Computer Systems Group of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. "Whether in the home, or at the office, the Wi-Fi certification from WECA will make it easy for our customers to enjoy IEEE 802.11b HR wireless LAN products and services in a secure and stable networking environment."

WECA Chairman Phil Belanger states, "Toshiba's position as a market leader in several areas of mobile computing makes them a valuable WECA member. We look forward to their participation as we work together to bring quality wireless LAN products to consumers, businesses and service providers."

About the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance

The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b High Rate) products and to promote Wi-Fi as the global wireless LAN standard across all market segments.

WECA has defined a test suite that defines how member products are tested to certify that they are interoperable with other vendor products. An independent test lab, The Silicon Valley Networking Lab, Inc., (www.svnl.com) conducts the testing. When a product successfully passes the test, the company will be granted the Wi-Fi seal of interoperability and may display the Wi-Fi logo on that product and its corresponding collateral material. Consumers are assured that any product bearing the Wi-Fi logo will work with other Wi-Fi products.

Membership in WECA is open to all companies who support Wi-Fi, the standard for 2.4 GHz wireless LAN products, including any manufacturer that would like to submit its Wi-Fi based product for interoperability testing. WECA now comprises 49 members. For more information, please visit www.wi-fi.org.

About Toshiba Corporation

Toshiba Corporation is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. The company's integration of these wide-ranging capabilities assures its position as an innovator in advanced components, products, and systems. Toshiba has 191,000 employees worldwide, and annual sales of over US$50 billion. For more information visit Toshiba's website at www.toshiba.com/worldwide.> Wi-Fi is a trademark of WECA.