GTE and Socket Offer Wireless Package that Transforms Casio’s Handheld PC into a Wireless Messaging Center
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — November 18, 1996 — GTE and Socket Communications today announced an enhanced messaging service for CASSIOPEIA customers that turns the handheld PC into a wireless messaging center. The CASSIOPEIA is Casio's handheld PC that uses the new Microsoft Windows CE operating system.
The GTE PageCard Wireless Messaging System combines Socket's PageCard data pager and PageSoft software with GTE's wireless network to create a complete wireless messaging service. Casio customers can receive time-critical messages virtually anyplace, anytime. Users can receive "paged" messages directly into the Windows CE PMAIL Inbox via the PageCard. Socket's PageCard is one of the first PC Card devices to be awarded Microsoft Corp.'s Certificate of Compliance for Windows CE.
"GTE is continually looking for ways to make the lives of on-the- move consumers easier," said C. C. Stephens, general manager, GTE Public Communications. "Now CASSIOPEIA customers never have to miss a message."
Alex Tahara, executive director of Casio Manufacturing Corp., said, "Adding the benefits of wireless messaging makes CASSIOPEIA that much more attractive. Our customers can get the power of a PC in their hands, the freedom they want and still be within reach."
"We've teamed up with industry leaders to offer the best wireless messaging solution possible," said Martin Levetin, president and CEO of Socket Communications. "Mobile professionals now can boost their productivity for a minimum investment."
"The package developed by Socket and GTE makes communicating easier for mobile professionals," said John Magill, director of marketing, consumer appliances group at Microsoft. "Thanks to companies like Socket and GTE, the Windows CE platform will allow handheld computing to extend to its full potential."
With revenues of $ 20 billion in 1995, GTE is one of the largest publicly held telecommunications companies in the world. GTE is also the largest U.S.-based local telephone company and a leading cellular-service provider — with wireline and wireless operations that form a market area covering about one third of the country's population. More information about GTE can be found on the Internet at www.gte.com.
Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connection solutions for mobile computers, including Serial PC Cards, Ethernet PC Cards, and PC Card hardware, software, and services for wireless messaging. Details about Socket's product family for Windows CE can be found on Socket's website at http://www.socketcom.com.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Socket Communications, Inc., PageCard, PageCard Wireless Messaging System, and PageSoft are registered trademarks, trademarks or service marks of Socket Communications, Inc. Casio is a registered trademark of Casio Computer Co., Ltd. CASSIOPEIA is a trademark of Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
CASSIOPEIA retail package
The CASSIOPEIA retail package is available today and includes:
o a Casio CD ROM with Socket software for creating and sending alphanumeric pages via modem from a Windows operating system- based desktop PC or network. o Windows CE software for downloading wireless paged messages from Socket's PageCard data pager directly into the CASSIOPEIA'S PMAIL Inbox. o a special bundled offer featuring a Socket PageCard, paging software, and GTE's paging service(a) for $ 29.95 per month for basic service. The activation fee is waived for Casio customers who sign up before May 1, 1997. GTE customers receive a personal Internet address so that pages can be sent from anywhere in the world by anyone with Internet access. The service also includes operator services for dictating messages.
Optional GTE services include:
o a personal 800 number that can be used as a voice mail box; o FAX storage and forwarding ability; o call connect-one telephone number that follows customers; o pager notification.
CONTACT:
Media Contacts:
Briana Gowing, GTE, 972/718-4015, [email protected]
Annie Grace, A&R Partners, 415/363-0982,
[email protected]