Symbol Selects Socket Connection Solution Using Bluetooth Wireless Technology for PPT 8800 Mobile Terminal

Business Wire,  Sept 16, 2003  

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Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Frontline Supply Chain Week

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2003

Socket's CompactFlash Card with Bluetooth Wireless Technology

to be Integrated into PPT 8800 Handheld Devices

for Short Range Cordless Communications

Socket Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCKT)(PSE:SOK), the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, today announced that Symbol Technologies (NYSE:SBL) has selected Socket's CompactFlash Card with Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology as the short-range cordless connection solution for Symbol's recently announced PPT 8800 handheld computer. Symbol and Socket are executing a supply agreement whereby Symbol will purchase Socket's CompactFlash Card with Bluetooth Wireless Technology for embedding directly into the PPT 8800. Socket's Embedded Systems Group worked closely with Symbol's product development team to create an easy to use cordless solution built into this next generation enterprise PDA.

Designed especially for mobile workers who require immediate access to information at the point of activity, the Symbol PPT 8800 series packs the power of award-winning data capture and wireless communication options in a slim but ruggedized PDA-format device. Loaded with Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PCs, the Symbol device offers increased mobility-centric features while still being small and lightweight enough to be carried unobtrusively in a pocket or on a belt.

"We are excited about the potential for short range cordless solutions enabled by our PPT 8800 Series enterprise PDA coupled with Socket's CompactFlash Card with Bluetooth Wireless Technology," said Harry B. Lerner, vice president and general manager of the Symbol PDA business unit. "We selected Socket as our preferred Bluetooth solution provider because of their leadership in supplying field-proven solutions, as well as their ability to meet our strenuous testing requirements."

PDAs and other handheld mobile devices are getting smaller and lighter. These devices provide increased productivity by maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the day. Ease of use is an important element in the overall solution. Bluetooth wireless technology helps achieve this by eliminating the need for elaborate cabling. Socket's low power CompactFlash Card with Bluetooth Wireless Technology has no protruding antenna which is ideal for Symbol's embedded CompactFlash slot.

"We are pleased to have been selected by Symbol to add Bluetooth wireless technology to this important product," said Mike Gifford, founder, executive vice president, and general manager of Socket's Embedded Systems Group. "Symbol's PPT 8800, coupled with Socket's field-proven Bluetooth wireless technology protocol stack and user interface, is well suited to address the needs of mobile workers requiring short range cordless connectivity. We look forward to delivering this solution to the marketplace with Symbol."

Socket Communications will demonstrate its products at Frontline Supply Chain Week -- September 16-18, Booth #337.

About Socket's Products Using Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Socket's CompactFlash Card, SDIO Card and KwikBlue Modules with Bluetooth Wireless Technology were designed for integration into PDAs, peripherals, industrial automation equipment, and many other products. The CompactFlash Card, SDIO Card and KwikBlue modules coupled with Socket's field-proven software protocol stack and value-added integration services are ideal for companies that want to add Bluetooth cordless connectivity to their product solutions. Design wins already field-tested or going into production include PDAs, mobile printers, serial dongles, industrial automation equipment, bar code scanning, and conference room whiteboard connectivity. Please visit Socket's embedded systems group web site for more details: http://www.socketcom.com/embedded/default.asp

About Socket

Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, provides a broad range of connection products for Windows powered handheld computers, including connection kits with Bluetooth wireless technology, wireless LAN cards, digital phone cards, 56K modem cards, Ethernet cards and GPS solutions. In addition, Socket provides bar code scanning products and peripheral connection serial cards for laptops and other mobile devices. Socket's Embedded Systems Group offers customized solutions embedding CF cards with Bluetooth wireless technology and KwikBlue(TM) modules. The company believes its Mobility Friendly(TM), products lead the market with the smallest footprint and most Battery Friendly(R) power consumption in their class, while being easy to install, use and maintain. Socket products work with a variety of handheld devices including Pocket PCs, Palm PDAs and mobile phones. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California, and can be reached at 510-744-2700, or on the Internet at www.socketcom.com.

About Symbol

Symbol Technologies, Inc. delivers enterprise mobility solutions that enable anywhere, anytime data and voice communication designed to increase productivity, reduce costs and realize competitive advantage. Symbol systems and services integrate rugged mobile computing, advanced data capture and wireless networking for the world's leading retailers, transportation and logistics companies and manufacturers as well as government agencies and providers of healthcare, hospitality and security. More information is available at www.symbol.com.