IBM Selects Starfish for Open Synchronization Technology in Enterprise Wireless Offering

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. & ARMONK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 2002

Provides Integrated SyncML-based Synchronization Between Enterprise

PIM/Email and Mobile Devices

Starfish and IBM today announced an agreement to integrate Starfish's TrueSync(R) synchronization technology based on the open SyncML standard, as part of IBM's WebSphere(R) Everyplace Access enterprise wireless platform.

The integration of TrueSync technology will allow WebSphere Everyplace Access corporate users to gain synchronized access to PIM and email data over currently available devices on any network and over time on virtually any device.

As the number of pervasive devices such as PDAs, mobile phones and appliances -- each with its own unique characteristics -- increases, applications are challenged to support each device. WebSphere Everyplace Access with TrueSync technology makes it possible to support a wide range of access requirements for today's mobile users, by delivering customized mobile access to data and applications supporting both voice and visual data access that will isolate these device characteristics, as well as provide the capability to support users' unique information requirements.

"We look forward to working with IBM to deliver open TrueSync technology powered solutions to IBM's global enterprise customers as part of their wireless enterprise solution," said Gregg Armstrong, Starfish Software CEO. "IBM and Starfish share a common vision to advance enterprise mobility, and our market-leading SyncML synchronization technology is highly complementary to the WebSphere platform."

"WebSphere Everyplace Access is a natural extension to e-business," said Mike Rhodin, vice president of IBM's Pervasive Computing Development. "As they did with the Web, enterprises are now looking for ways to leverage their existing technology and data with the onslaught of pervasive computing devices in order to get to market quicker and move information around the organization more efficiently. Having a flexible, open infrastructure built on WebSphere Everyplace Access with Starfish software protects the assets customers already have in place and doesn't limit what they'll be able to do tomorrow."

IBM selected the market-leading Starfish family of TrueSync SyncML technology for WebSphere Everyplace Access because of its clear advantages over competitive SyncML technologies; multi-platform availability, patented multi-point mobile data sync, and its ability to sync any data type, including PIM/email. As co-founding sponsors of The SyncML Initiative, Ltd., Starfish and IBM have led the charge for the advancement of open standards for mobile data synchronization.

In addition to its synchronization features WebSphere(R) Everyplace Access is the cornerstone wireless enterprise technology platform, that provides users with links to back-end systems and related services, supports for multiple devices; multiple applications; intermittent, connected and disconnected modes; intelligent notification; security; device management; content adaptation and location based services. It can also be used to extend WebSphere Portal investments to mobile devices. These capabilities are delivered through the server and client components and supported with a toolkit and an integrated development environment for mobilizing applications. WebSphere Everyplace Access allows customers to start with a single application like CRM, SCM, PIM and e-mail and scale as the enterprise needs define to multiple applications.

About Starfish

Starfish Software (www.starfish.com) offers mobile solution providers the smartest way to deploy end-to-end Managed Mobility(TM) solutions using its market-leading TrueSync(R) data synchronization, device management and Simplify(R) connectivity management platforms. Wireless carriers, device manufacturers and software infrastructure and application vendors rely on Starfish because of its proven technology, expertise and ability to deliver. Founded in 1994, Starfish is a wholly owned independent subsidiary of Motorola (NYSE:MOT) and a founding sponsor of the SyncML Initiative.

About IBM

IBM is the world's leading e-business company offering a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that help businesses take full advantage of emerging innovation. IBM's pervasive computing and mobile Internet strategy is to extend e-business applications to the new class of connected client devices. This involves building, deploying and developing mobile applications by partnering with key players like QUALCOMM, Ericsson, Intel, Motorola, Nokia, RIM and Palm; developing groundbreaking initiatives to set open industry standards; and deploying a Business Innovation Services team with hundreds of wireless Consultants. IBM also makes chips for a wide range of devices from the world's most powerful computers to the smallest cell phones. IBM can be found on the Web at www.ibm.com.

Note to Editors:

TrueSync and Simplify are registered trademarks of Starfish Software, Inc. IBM is a trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Other trademarks belong to their respective registered owners.

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