IBM and Motorola Offering Advanced Nationwide Radio Data Information Service
NEW YORK — January 30, 1990 — International Business Machines Corp. and Motorola, Inc., today announced the formation of ARDIS(A), a new company that will provide the first commercially availble nationwide advanced radio data information service.
ARDIS, to begin full commercial operation in early April 1990, allows companies to provide their growing numbers of mobile workers interactive access to various computer data bases and information systems via two-way radio data terminals, while in a building or on the street. This service will enable sales and service professionals and other mobile workers to economically send and receive critical information to help them and their companies be more responsive to their customers while improving productivity.
"There is a tremendous desire by customers in many industries to gain immediate access to vital information from wherever they are," said ARDIS President Jack Blumenstein. "We believe that ARDIS will be a key stimulant to a multibillion-dollar market opportunity. ARDIS will provide customers with the freedom to access information in ways they've never had before, providing a competitive edge so vital to their success."
ARDIS is being formed through the integration of IBM's nationwide private radio data system and Motorola's shared use radio data network, which will result in bringing immediate service to more than 8,000 U.S. cities and towns in all 50 states.
"We believe ARDIS will be, from its inception, the world's premier provider of radio data airtime," said Ellen M. Hancock, IBM vice president and general manager of Communications Systems. "ARDIS will continue to strengthen its ability to service its customers by drawing on the complementary technologies, development skills and broad market presence of both partners."
Motorola designed, manufactured and installed IBM's radio data network in 1983. It is used by 16,000 IBM and 2,000 ROLM service personnel. It is the result of hundreds of millions of dollars in combined investment and over six years of development and operating experience by both companies.
"In essence, ARDIS is taking the personal computer out of the office, putting it in a vehicle or briefcase, and replacing the wire with two-way radio," said Art Sundry, president and general manager of Motorola's Communications Sector. "ARDIS will continue to build on the unique competencies of both partners — Motorola's leadership in two-way radio communications systems and IBM's leadership in network and information management. The benefits to our customer, now and in the future, are enormous."
ARDIS will work with customers through its own direct sales and support organization, through IBM and Motorola, and through consultants, systems integrators and other vendors.
This proven nationwide service will provide to customers their choice of applications and equipment. ARDIS will support most common computer protocols. Thus, customers will be able to use their existing equipment and applications software, or select from any supplier's computer and data terminals for use on ARDIS. In addition, outside software developers will continue to expand the breadth and scope of applications — a number of which are already available.
Field service personnel and sales professional are targeted users of ARDIS. Airlines, insurance representatives, realtors and brokers can use hand-held data terminals to enter orders and respond to inquiries with more accurate and timely data. Courier, messenger, and other pick-up and delivery operations can substantially improve employee productivity and responsiveness with dispatch applications using ARDIS. In addition, public safety agencies, security firms, news media, legal professionals, manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors, medical professionals, utilities and public information networks, and others are among the potential benefactors of the power of computer solutions made available whenever and wherever the need occurs.
Motorola will offer its current line of data terminals for use on ARDIS. IBM will develop products to meet the needs of the mobile worker in a wireless environment and today demonstrated a prototype laptop PC/radio terminal.
"ARDIS creates a new era in customer solutions, improving quality and customer service, while saving time and money," added Blumenstein. "Best of all, it is here, proven and ready for customers…now."
The new company will headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.
No financial details of the partnership were announced.
(A) — ARDIS is a service mark of ARDIS Co.
CONTACT
Ken W. Sayers of IBM, 914-697-6537, or Bob Walz of Motorola, 708-576-6609,
or
Jim McClure of Edelman Public Relations, 312-280-2182, for IBM