Extended Systems Ships Bluetooth Software Version 1.2 for Handheld Devices; Adds Support Module for VxWorks & Device Drivers for Cambridge and TI Radios

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2000

Business Editors/Technology Writers

Unplugfest 4

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2000

Extended Systems (Nasdaq:XTND), a leading provider of mobile data management and wireless connectivity solutions, announced today that it has begun shipping Version 1.2 of XTNDAccess Blue SDK, a multi-purpose software development kit (SDK) for implementing Bluetooth wireless protocols in handheld devices.

Version 1.2 of the SDK is based on Bluetooth specification version 1.1 draft release(a). The new software release will be one of several products reviewed at this weeks' Unplugfest 4, in Seattle Nov. 6-9. Unplugfest 4 is a Bluetooth-sponsored event that brings together the industry's R&D teams to test and share development information and is designed to further interoperability and support strict compliance to Bluetooth standards.

1.2 Supports Cambridge, Texas Instruments radios

as well as VxWorks RTOS

Extended Systems' XTNDAccess Blue SDK Version 1.2 adds radio device driver support for Cambridge Silicon Radio and Texas Instruments baseband and radio chipset technology. USB HCI transport and serial drivers for Silicon Wave radios as well as UART serial drivers for Ericsson radios were previously included along with sample applications and complete documentation. Fact sheets outlining radio-specific test and integration work are also included.

A separate module includes complete support for Windrivers' VxWorks, the embedded marketplaces' leading real-time operating system (RTOS). Extended Systems' Bluetooth software development kit for embedded devices, XTNDAccess Blue SDK, has been ported to run on the VxWorks RTOS. It enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who use this OS, to quickly implement the technology and bring Bluetooth products to market.

"XTNDAccess Blue SDK's support for Cambridge Silicon Radio and Texas Instruments Bluetooth hardware will help accelerate Bluetooth implementation in cell phones and other consumer electronics devices, where these chips are predominantly being used," said Steve Simpson, president and CEO of Extended Systems. "Bluetooth support for VxWorks is an important advancement and will greatly enhance our ability to expand our customer base of developers and manufacturers in the embedded marketplace."

To date, Extended Systems has licensed its Bluetooth embedded protocols software to Palm, 3Com, Motorola, Fujitsu and others for implementation in next-generation products. And, many more companies are moving to use the stack to develop products that will be introduced later this year and early next.

About Bluetooth

Bluetooth has unprecedented industry support with more than 2,000 companies in the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), including all of the leading players in the telecommunications and computing industry. It is a specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between PCs, mobile phones, and other portable devices.

Extended Systems was an early adopter and was invited by SIG founder, Intel to participate in Bluetooth working groups to develop the original specifications for synchronization, object exchange and file transfer profiles. XTNDAccess Blue SDK, Extended Systems' software development kit for handheld devices, has been qualified by the Bluetooth SIG for more user profiles than any other protocol stack on the market, including General Access, Serial Port, Object Push, Dial-up Networking, LAN Access, FAX, Cordless Telephony, Headset, and Intercom. Extended Systems was recently selected as an Associate member of the SIG, where it plans to help shape the next generation of Bluetooth technology. www.bluetooth.com.

About Extended Systems

Extended Systems is a leading provider of mobile information management solutions that enable users to access, collect, synchronize, and print information on demand. The company's products include data synchronization and management software, short-range wireless connectivity products (Bluetooth and IrDA-compliant), Linux-based Internet access solutions, a complete line of network print servers and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities. Extended Systems' customers and key relationships include 3Com, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Compaq, Motorola, Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, Agilent, Sharp, NEC, and Toshiba.

Founded in 1984, Extended Systems has offices and subsidiaries in the United States and worldwide. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.extendedsystems.com.

(a) Bluetooth Specification Version 1.1 draft release is a preliminary document which outlines all known errata from Version 1.0B, but precedes the official release of 1.1 authorized by the Bluetooth SIG.

Extended Systems, Inc.:

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including the market acceptance and success of Extended Systems' XTNDAccess Blue SDK and the adoption of Bluetooth technology in the personal communications market, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These include the impact of competitive products and pricing, alternative technological advances, the timely and successful development and market acceptance of new products, upgrades to existing products and other risks as detailed from time-to-time in Extended Systems' SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.