Research in Motion Helps Panasonic Notebooks go Wireless - Panasonic Personal Computer Co - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Dec 27, 1999

Research In Motion Limited Monday announced it has extended an agreement to supply its advanced OEM radio modems, including the new RIM 902M and RIM 802D to Panasonic Personal Computer Company. Panasonic plans to embed RIM's radio modems in its leading line of Panasonic Toughbookaruggedized notebook PCs including the CF-17, CF-27 and CF-34 models.

`Panasonic is committed to providing the best integrated wireless technology with our Toughbooks to support mobile professionals across a wide range of industries` said John Harris, Vice President of Marketing at Panasonic Personal Computer Company. `RIM modems, because of their of size, RF performance, advanced power management and reliability, have proved themselves to be the ideal choice for our integrated wireless computing solutions. The new 902M and 802D modems give our customers the ability to access nationwide wireless data networks operated by American Mobile and BellSouth Wireless Data.`

`The Toughbook is widely recognized as an industry leader for rugged field applications such as field service and sales, telecommunications, law enforcement, utilities, manufacturing and transportation,` said David Werezak, Vice President of Marketing at Research In Motion. `The rugged design of the Panasonic Toughbook, along with the advanced wireless capabilities of RIM's radio modems, offers a powerful combination for these mobile workforces that need to stay connected in the field.`

RIM's OEM radio modems are embedded within a broad range of products that require wireless connectivity, including notebook and laptop PCs, handheld devices, point-of-sale terminals, bank machines, billboards and other displays, monitoring and metering equipment, vending machines, GPS systems and automobiles. RIM's radio modems incorporate the same core RF technology and Intel386 processor proven by RIM's BlackBerry and Inter@ctive (mailto:Inter@ctive) Pager product lines.

The RIM 802D operates in the 800 MHz frequency range and is compatible with DataTAC wireless data networks. DataTAC networks are operated by American Mobile in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada. The RIM 902M operates in the 900 MHz frequency range and is compatible with Mobitex wireless data networks. Mobitex networks are operated by BellSouth Wireless Data in the United States and Rogers Cantel in Canada.

Panasonic Personal Computer Company is the leading provider of ruggedized notebook PCs for mobile professionals, offering standard features such as magnesium alloy cases, shock-mounted hard disk drives and spill-resistant keyboards and LCDs. Other hallmarks of the Toughbook line include unique capabilities like integrated wireless communications, touchcreens, multiple storage device options and anti-reflective LCDs to meet field-based user requirements.

Panasonic is one of the few manufacturers that directly controls the process of design, manufacture and quality assurance of its notebook PCs. Many key components including LCD panels, Lithium Ion batteries, DVD and CD-ROM drives and board-level electronics are the products of Panasonic's own manufacturing divisions.

Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and services, RIM provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers in North America and around the world to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products includes the RIM Inter@ctive (mailto:Inter@ctive) Pager product line, the BlackBerrywireless email solution, wireless personal computer card adapters, embedded radio-modems and software development tools.

Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market and the Toronto Stock Exchange. FMI: http://www.rim.net.