Motorola Announces Plans for Wireless Personal Communicator Based on Microsoft At Work
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — September 21, 1993 — Motorola's Paging and Wireless Data Group Tuesday announced plans to design, manufacture and market a wireless personal communicator based on Microsoft At Work software for handheld systems.
Motorola's wireless technology will give users the ability to access data and exchange messages through a variety of networks while they're away from their desktop computers.
"Personal communication is the key to an individual's productivity in and out of the office," said Bob Growney, executive vice president of Motorola Inc., and general manager of the Paging and Wireless Data Group. "Developing wireless personal communicators based on Microsoft's handheld system allows us to leverage their strength in desktop software to provide a pragmatic solution for today's mobile professional."
"Microsoft is pleased to be working with Motorola on a handheld device based on our new software," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president of Microsoft's Systems Division. "Their leadership in wireless communications is a notable advantage for the developing handheld market. Mobile professionals will be well served by combining Motorola's wireless technology with the power and versatility of Microsoft At Work."
Motorola's Paging and Wireless Data Group (PWDG) incorporates the company's business activities involved in the design, manufacturing and distribution of paging and wireless data communications products, systems, and services for computer companies, carriers and end-users. The Group also manages Motorola's share of ARDIS, the data network jointly owned with IBM, along with several other data networks outside the United States.
Motorola Inc., headquartered in Schaumburg, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of electronic equipment, systems and components for worldwide markets. Additional products include two-way radios, cellular telephones and systems, integrated circuits and discrete semiconductors, defense and aerospace electronics, automotive and industrial electronic equipment, and information processing and handling equipment. Revenues in 1992 were $13.3 billion.
Motorola's Wireless Personal Communicators — An Overview
"Global implementation of wireless communications is key to Motorola's success," said Pat Richardson, vice president and general manager of Motorola Paging and Wireless Data Group's Subscriber Products Division.
"To make this vision a reality, we will continue to align ourselves with major industry leaders, including computer and consumer electronics manufacturers, software developers, industry standards groups and service providers. Our goal is to support major industry operating platforms, as well as all wireless networks."
Milestones:
Late 1980s — Top executives at Motorola had a vision for a new class of products that merged communications, computers and information services.
Feb. 8, 1993 — Motorola announced it will offer a wireless personal communicator based on General Magic's Magic Cap communicating application platform, and confirms its membership in the General Magic Alliance, along with Apple, Sony, AT&T, Philips and Matsushita.
March 25, 1993 — At CeBit, Motorola announced an agreement with Apple Computer Inc. to license Apple's Newton technology. Motorola will manufacture and market a handheld device featuring integrated, wireless communications capabilities based on Newton intelligence.
June 9, 1993 — Motorola announced an agreement with Microsoft Corp. to provide wireless communications technology to support the Microsoft at Work architecture.
Sept. 21, 1993 — Motorola announced plans to design, manufacture and market a wireless personal communicator based on the Microsoft At Work software for handheld systems.
Questions and Answers
1. There's been a lot of press speculation that Microsoft and Motorola were working together on a WinPad-based device. Is this it?
This is Motorola's entry into the Microsoft-compatible handheld device marketplace. We cannot comment on press speculation surrounding Microsoft's unannounced products.
2. What does this agreement entail? Is Motorola building a device for Microsoft, or is it licensing software from Microsoft?
Motorola is licensing the Microsoft At Work software for handheld systems for its own wireless personal communicator.
3. How does this announcement fit in with Motorola's Newton and General Magic programs?
Motorola, the premier manufacturer of integrated wireless communication devices, continues to be committed to bringing wireless technologies to the marketplace. Our goal is to support major industry operating platforms, as well as all wireless networks. Motorola strongly believes that the market for wireless personal communicators is large and diverse. All three products will address different market segments, and will complement one another.
4. What is the status of Motorola's Newton and General Magic licensing agreements?
These are separate development projects that will be the subject of additional announcements closer to ship date.
5. Is this the same product that was announced when Microsoft At Work was launched?
Last June, Motorola's Paging and Wireless Data Group announced it would be developing the wireless interface for Microsoft At Work. That development effort will result in software that will be incorporated in this wireless personal communicator. Today's announcement adds yet another dimension to the Microsoft/Motorola relationship, where Motorola will license the Microsoft At Work System Software for its own wireless personal communicator.
6. Why are you using the term wireless personal communicator? Why not use PDA (personal digital assistant) like everyone else is?
We don't feel the term PDA adequately describes the capabilities of our wireless personal communicator. Besides having the traditional organizer functions, our devices will be full-featured communicators with integrated, two-way wireless capabilities such as messaging and alerting.
7. How close is the relationship between Motorola and Microsoft on this project?
Motorola and Microsoft have a close working relationship, based on a shared vision of how the future office will evolve. Motorola is developing its wireless personal communicator based on the Microsoft at Work software for handheld systems on its own, like any other licensee.
8. How does Motorola expect to market this device?
Motorola will sell through various distribution channels.
9. Is Motorola going to integrate a cellular telephone into this wireless personal communicator, the way AT&T did with the EO?
Specific product features will be described later, closer to product delivery.
10. When will the product be shipped?
We will announce these dates closer to shipment of the product.
11. What price tag will the device have?
We will make product-specific announcements closer to shipment of the product.
Note to Editors: Microsoft At Work is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. Motorola is a registered trademark of Motorola Inc.
CONTACT:
Motorola Inc.
Sue Major, 708/576-0453
or
The Benjamin Group Inc.
Paula Moore/Mary Jane Reiter, 408/559-6090 Waggener Edstrom
Karen Andring, 206/637-9097 (for Microsoft Corp.)