Motorola and Webhelp Create Application to Simplify and Personalize Wireless Internet Searches
PALO ALTO, Calif., and Toronto — January 12, 2001 — Motorola (NYSE: MOT), a global leader in integrated communications solutions, and Webhelp, a developer of technology and service offerings that enable it to provide online communication solutions to businesses and consumers, announced today a joint venture to enhance wireless customer service and Internet searches over the Palm(TM) operating system. The two companies have agreed to co-develop and market an application for personal digital assistants (PDAs) that gives consumers the ability to request and receive personalized Internet search results directly on their mobile devices.
The new application combines Motorola's iSKETCH(TM) handwriting technology with Webhelp's online assistance. iSKETCH(TM) enables users to hand-write and exchange notes, drawings and signatures directly into mobile devices. Webhelp uses a staff of human "Online Service Professionals" (OSPs) to supply real-time answers — users send a request, a Webhelp OSP retrieves the information and sends it back via computer or mobile device. Webhelp's OSPs can conduct Internet searches for consumers and provide online customer support or field service on behalf of Webhelp's corporate clients. The iSKETCH(TM)/Webhelp combination will allow users to make information requests that will be read and answered by Webhelp representatives using the iSKETCH(TM) Java applet. For example, consumer questions such as "When is the next flight from New York to Los Angeles?" or queries from the field such as "When can I schedule delivery of a new circuit board?" will be answered either by customized search results that direct the user to the most relevant Internet sites or by a direct answer from the OSP.
These suggestions are received as text messages on consumers' mobile devices.
"Motorola is working with Webhelp to provide efficient and fast Internet search capabilities to wireless customers," said Craig Peddie, general manager of Motorola's Silicon Valley-based Lexicus Division. "iSKETCH(TM) supports consumers' connected lifestyles by providing tools to ask questions and locate information through their own handwriting from any location. This is a convenience that will help speed consumer and business adoption of m-commerce."
"Our goal is to remove as many barriers as possible to browsing, buying and selling online with technology that enables natural and intuitive Internet-based, person-to-person communication," said Kerry Adler, president and CEO of Webhelp. "Our partnership with Motorola will bring Webhelp's unique and value-added search capabilities to a larger number of consumers through user-friendly and wireless applications that function remotely."
The teaming of Motorola's iSKETCH(TM) software and Webhelp's platform also enables consumers to conduct secure m-commerce with encryption for security and over-the-air signature verification, transfer visuals between devices and PCs via e-mail, conduct collaborative whiteboard sessions via instant-messaging and use different ink colors to add clarity and creativity to notes. These applications bring more sophisticated and useful options to wireless Internet browsing and information exchange. Advanced wireless applications such as Motorola and Webhelp's solution will enable users to access the information necessary to capitalize on today's exploding global m-commerce market.
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communication and embedded electronic solutions, including end-to-end wireless Internet and software-based products and technologies. These solutions provide new and unique ways for businesses and consumers to easily access the information they want, when they want it. Motorola's innovative combination of technologies, software solutions and applications are being continually developed and expanded upon to bring added value to the company's advanced mobile devices, network infrastructure and communication platforms. Sales for Motorola in 1999 were $33.1 billion. Further information about Motorola can be found at: www.motorola.com .
About Webhelp Inc.
Webhelp is a developer of technology and service offerings that enable it to provide online communication solutions to businesses and their customers. Its technology platform offers real-time, person-to-person interaction capabilities as well as a broad set of customer communication and management applications to corporate clients including Microsoft and America Online. The platform supports the Webhelp(TM) suite of licensed or outsourced online customer service solutions including Web-based chat, e-mail management, self-service and customer support delivered through wireless devises. Webhelp also hosts a consumer portal (www.webhelp.com) featuring a real-time, human-assisted Internet search service. Webhelp is privately held with executive offices in Toronto, Canada and sales offices across North America and in Europe. For information about Webhelp's services, visithttp://www.webhelp.com/direct or call 1-888-WEB-6611.
Except for historical information, all of the expectations and assumptions contained in the foregoing are forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the ability of the parties to integrate the technologies, availability of component parts, manufacturing difficulties and possible delays in release of other products. For additional information regarding these and other risks associated with the company's business refer to the company's reports filed with the SEC.
Motorola and the Stylized M are trademarks of Motorola, Inc. (R) Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. (C) 2000 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: Webhelp, Inc. and Motorola, Inc.
CONTACT:
Cory Basil of Webhelp, 416-932-6567, or [email protected];
or
Barbara Cromarty of Motorola, 650-858-6062, or [email protected]