Crider-Shockey Selects Aether Systems' Mobile Max2 for Wireless Communications and Tracking Services

Business Wire, August 7, 2001

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

OWINGS MILLS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2001

Aether Extends Mobile Messaging Services to Concrete Supplier

Aether Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:AETH), a leading provider of wireless data products and services, today announced that Crider & Shockey, Inc., a Virginia-based supplier of ready mixed concrete, has selected Aether's MobileMax2(TM) wireless communications system for its fleet of concrete delivery trucks.

The MobileMax2 system will help Crider & Shockey enhance communication between its drivers and fleet managers, increase the level of customer service and improve overall productivity and efficiency of its fleet. Crider & Shockey is currently in the process of installing the system on its entire fleet of 80 trucks and plans to complete all installations by the end of the third quarter.

Aether's MobileMax2 automatically switches between terrestrial-based and satellite communication pathways without driver or dispatcher intervention to ensure complete coverage and cost-efficient communications.

The MobileMax2 data terminal transmits data messages and GPS position reports over both satellite and terrestrial communication pathways and provides data on vehicle fault codes and driver performance.

This information allows companies to evaluate individual driver and vehicle performance, notify operations when a vehicle engine exceeds specified parameters, and calculate the distance vehicles travel in each state. Crider & Shockey will use this data to develop cost-saving techniques such as managing drivers' idle time, as well as preventing damage to its vehicles.

"We were looking for a superior and cost-effective communications system to stay in contact with our fleet and Aether's mobile messaging system stood out," said Jack Drumheller, Sales Manager for Crider & Shockey. "The MobileMax2 system's delivery of ubiquitous coverage ensures a consistent line of communication between our drivers and dispatch, essential for a market that mandates its product arrives fresh."

"This relationship with Crider & Shockey helps Aether to extend our business into the concrete hauling market, an important transportation market," said Bill Hannon, vice president for Aether's Transportation and Logistics Division. "We're excited to implement a system that both meets their communication needs and will deliver economic value to their operation."

About Aether Systems, Inc.

Aether Systems helps enterprise customers improve efficiency and profitability by providing the services, software and support necessary to extend existing and future business applications from the desktop to any wireless device.

Through Aether Fusion(TM), Aether's wireless enabling technology foundation, Aether develops, deploys and manages wireless solutions built on industry standard technology and backed by Aether's expertise in wireless hosting, software and services. Aether provides the business world with a single source for reliable, scalable and cost effective wireless solutions.

About Crider & Shockey, Inc.

For over 50 years, Crider & Shockey, Inc. has been a leader in the ready-mixed concrete industry in Virginia. They currently operate seven state-of-the-art plants, which service the industrial, governmental, commercial, and residential markets.

Their "Partner of Choice" commitment is dedicated to meeting and exceeding their customers' expectations by providing high quality products that build value and improve service.

This press release includes forward-looking statements based on current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Aether that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.

Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of Aether and Crider & Shockey to successfully integrate their technologies and business, the ability to offer services on a cost-effective basis and the market acceptance of products developed by Aether.

These risks and other risk factors are described in Aether's report on Form 10-K with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Aether undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.