Aether Systems Announces Mobile Government Software Designed for Fire and Emergency Services

Business Wire, Feb 1, 2001

Business Editors

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2001

PacketCluster Rescue 4.3 Integrates Cerulean Mobile Software With

Sunpro Records Management System

Aether Systems Inc., (Nasdaq:AETH), a leading provider of wireless data products and services, today announced the availability of PacketCluster Rescue 4.3, the newest release in the Sunpro product line.

Based on the pioneering PacketCluster mobile data product developed by Cerulean Technology, the new product is customized for Fire and emergency management service (EMS) agencies, allowing for the management of mission-critical data, secure communications and integration of 3rd-party applications.

Aether's Mobile Government Division will demonstrate PacketCluster Rescue 4.3 at the Fire-Rescue East Conference and Exhibition (Feb. 1 - Feb. 4, Booth No.1327) and at the Fire-Rescue West Conference and Exhibition (Feb. 3 - Feb. 8, Booth No.117).

Aether Systems created the Mobile Government Division following the acquisitions of Cerulean Technology, Inc.(R)and Sunpro, Inc.

PacketCluster Rescue 4.3 extends computer-aided dispatch (CAD), fire records management systems (RMS) and other in-house data sources to a mobile environment. When integrated with Sunpro FireRMS 5.0 records management system, Aether's mobile data software, running on the PacketCluster server, can offer fire and EMS personnel a single solution for secure communications and mobile data query. On-the-scene access to in-house fire and rescue data helps agencies improve safety and reduce emergency response times.

Mobile Access to Critical Incident Information

With PacketCluster 4.3, fire and EMS incident command personnel can more effectively deploy available manpower with roster and certification information obtained through mobile queries on the FireRMS 5.0 database. Armed ahead of time with mission-critical information, including up-to-date pre-fire plans, occupancy demographics, building inspection information, hydrant location and hazardous materials data, response teams arrive fully equipped for a safer and more-efficient response. Once at the scene, personnel can continue to make mobile data queries and update RMS data directly from the field without relying on busy dispatchers.

In addition, PacketCluster Rescue 4.3 becomes a portal for complimentary third-party applications that further enhance an emergency response. Aether's mobile government software can integrate with supplementary programs that provide HAZMAT data, mapping and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), reporting, image capture and pre-fire plans. The additional information and functionality enhances a department's ability to navigate to an incident, file reports in real time, capture digital images for insurance and legal purposes and view detailed floor plans to manage the incident more efficiently.

"We see the recent passing of the Fire Act in Congress as a call to empower our nation's fire and emergency personnel with the same robust wireless data technology that made mobile law enforcement possible," said Dave Rosi, Corporate Vice President, Aether Systems, Mobile Government Division.

"We are leveraging our experience in hundreds of public safety agencies to create an integrated mobile/RMS solution that is customized to the needs of fire and emergency personnel," said Rosi. "By adding the Sunpro and Cerulean product lines to Aether's wireless product mix, we have the knowledge and expertise required to outfit fire and emergency workers with wireless technology that will make them an integral part of the Mobile Government revolution."

Complete Public Safety Solution

PacketCluster Rescue is part of a complete mobile public safety solution from Aether. The Cerulean product line for law enforcement and the Sunpro product line for fire/EMS enable communities to easily mobilize their public safety organizations for an efficient emergency response, while maximizing their investment in technology.

About Aether Systems, Mobile Government

Aether's Mobile Government division provides market leading mobile computing products for the public sector. Aether created the division following the acquisitions of Cerulean Technology, Inc.(R) and Sunpro Corporation. The Cerulean product line is designed to meet the needs of the mobile law enforcement community and the Sunpro product line is designed to meet the needs of fire and EMS communities. These products are used by more than 2,800 public safety agencies across law enforcement and fire/EMS.

Aether products are also used by several Federal government agencies, including the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Postal Service. Aether's Mobile Government division also plans to offer additional wireless mobile applications to meet the needs of other segments of the public sector, across federal, state and local agencies. For more information, call 800/400-6311.

About Aether Systems, Inc.

Aether Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless and mobile data products and services allowing real-time communications and transactions across a full range of devices and networks. Using its engineering expertise, the ScoutWare(TM) family of products including the Aether Intelligent Messaging (AIM) software platform, and its network operations and customer care center, Aether seeks to provide comprehensive, technology-independent wireless and mobile computing solutions.