Pumatech to Provide Synchronization Software for Sharp Zaurus Handheld Devices

Business Wire, Nov 12, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2002

Sharp Licenses and Bundles Pumatech's Intellisync(R) Lite

Synchronization Software For Zaurus Linux/Java-based

Handheld Devices in the U.S., Europe and Japan

Pumatech Inc. (Nasdaq:PUMA), the leading provider of synchronization software and services, announced today that its Intellisync(R) Lite synchronization software will be bundled with the Zaurus SL-5600 (U.S. model), a new Linux/Java-based handheld device introduced today by Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies. In addition, Intellisync Lite will be bundled with the new Zaurus SL-C700 and B500 Linux/Java-based handhelds marketed in Japan.

Sharp has entered into a licensing agreement with Pumatech and currently bundles Pumatech's Intellisync Lite software with Sharp's Zaurus SL-5500 and SL-A300 Linux/Java-based handhelds for the Japanese market.

Pumatech's Intellisync Lite software for the Sharp Zaurus provides synchronization of e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks, notes and expense data between the Zaurus SL-5500 (currently available in the U.S., Europe and other regions) or SL-5600 (coming soon in the U.S.) handheld and the Microsoft Outlook and Palm Desktop PC-based software applications.

"A critical function of any handheld device is its ability to share organizer data with the popular PC applications that are widely used by individuals and corporations to manage information each day," said Clyde Foster, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Pumatech. "By incorporating Intellisync Lite, Sharp is able to provide Zaurus users with significant out-of-the-box functionality, thereby increasing the product's appeal to consumers and enterprises alike."

With Intellisync Lite, Zaurus users can utilize advanced synchronization capabilities like intelligent field mapping, custom filtering and conflict resolution that provide the accuracy, convenience and reliability associated with Pumatech's Intellisync software.

"Sharp is committed to delivering mobile solutions that incorporate and meet our customers' requirements. Synchronization and/or mobile communication has been one of the most common and significant requirements that our customers have for them to go mobile," said Dr. Hiroshi Uno, division general manager of the Mobile Systems division at Sharp Corporation. "Pumatech's Intellisync Lite software is the ideal solution for us, as it enables us to extend a reliable and robust synchronization solution to our customers that will provide advanced synchronization capabilities."

The Sharp Zaurus is the first Linux OS-based PDA to be marketed by a major electronics device vendor. Offering a wide variety of features from mobile communications to mobile multimedia, its keyboard integration and dual expansion make it very adaptable and flexible. This PDA from Sharp enables enterprise users to connect to essential business information while away from their desks, and offers features to satisfy the personal needs of today's busy mobile lifestyle. The Sharp Zaurus offers a broad range of business, personal productivity, and entertainment applications, and can adapt to each customer's needs through a number of industry-standard hardware and software expansion options.

About Intellisync

Intellisync software provides a powerful synchronization solution that enables users to keep their most important information -- calendars, e-mail, contacts and tasks -- constantly up-to-date between Linux/Java, Palm OS(R), Pocket PC, Windows CE and Symbian Release 5.0-compatible handhelds and the broadest range of PC applications. With its patented DSX Technology(R) engine, only Intellisync lets customers simultaneously synchronize handheld organizer data with multiple PC applications like Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes and Organizer, Novell GroupWise, ACT! and more.

About Sharp Corporation

Sharp Corporation is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital technologies, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses. Sharp Corporation currently employs about 57,500 people in the world and recorded consolidated annual sales of over 1,803.7 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. For more information, please visit Sharp's Web site at http://sharp-world.com/index.html.> About Pumatech

Pumatech, Inc. (Nasdaq:PUMA) provides organizations with a comprehensive suite of software products and services that synchronizes and distributes critical information throughout an enterprise. Organizations can choose to use Pumatech's ready-made enterprise offerings, or they can leverage Pumatech's professional services team to create custom solutions built upon Pumatech's core enterprise platform. Pumatech's customer and strategic partner base includes Global 2000 companies such as Siebel, Oracle, Yahoo!, NTT DoCoMo, Eastman Kodak, Sony, JPMorgan Chase, Boeing and General Motors. The Company has headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in Munich, Tokyo and London. Pumatech offers more information on its products and services at www.pumatech.com.