Vadem Announces Distribution Partnership With Sharp; Vadem-Designed Mobile Device to Be Sold Under Both Brands
SAN JOSE, Calif. — October 8, 1998 — Vadem(TM) today announced a partnership with Sharp(R) Electronics Corporation to distribute a product based on the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE, Handheld PC Pro Edition, third-generation software.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sharp will market and sell a mobile device designed and manufactured by Vadem under the Sharp Mobilon(R) brand. Vadem will also market and sell the device under its own brand, Clio(TM).
Vadem, a provider of systems solutions for mobile devices to OEMs for the past 15 years, announced an expansion of its business strategy earlier this year, to include designing, manufacturing and marketing of Vadem-branded system solutions in order to leverage one of the fastest growing market segments of the PC market. (Reference "Vadem Realigns to Expand Focus in Mobile Information Appliances Market" July 27, 1998.)
The Vadem and Sharp partnership emphasizes the commitment of both companies toward defining the mobile-connected appliance standard and capturing an early leadership position. Vadem's proven technological expertise in optimizing form factor, functionality and price, is critical to introducing a completely new mobile product to the marketplace.
Sharp's strong image, market presence and global distribution channels, provide the necessary infrastructure for a successful new product offering. Vadem and Sharp are both licensees of the Microsoft Windows CE operating system.
"The partnership is advantageous to both our strategies," said John Zhao, chairman, president and CEO of Vadem. "Vadem complements Sharp's strong market position by providing leading-edge mobile solutions, which has been our strength and vision for the past 15 years. In turn, Sharp helps us to access the next explosive segment in the mobile market."
"Vadem's extensive experience in the development of mobile appliances attracted us to this partnership," said Stephen Wain, associate vice president and general manager, Corporate Sales Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "The product that we have collaborated on with Vadem will be a natural extension of our current mobile solutions line of Mobilon, Zaurus and Wizard."
About Vadem
Vadem (vA-dem) n. From the Latin, vade mecum, "go with me." 1. a book for ready reference; 2. something regularly carried around by a person.
Vadem designs and develops unique mobile-connected information appliances that simplify information access and facilitate communications from anywhere at any time.
Led by an executive team with experience from Apple, Bay Networks, Intel, Philips and U.S. Robotics, Vadem delivers market-defining products that address user requirements while incorporating the latest in advanced mobile computing technology. Founded in 1983, Vadem is a privately held company with headquarters in San Jose, Calif.
In August, 1998, the company announced the acquisition of ParaGraph(R) Pen and Internet, formerly a division of Silicon Graphics, Inc. The new ParaGraph Division of Vadem, develops and markets pen and Internet software products and technologies including the award-winning CalliGrapher(R) natural handwriting recognition. Visit Vadem's web site at www.vadem.com for more information.
About Sharp
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of mobile computing product for consumer and business needs.
Since creating the Wizard(R) electronic organizer in 1989, Sharp has led the market in introducing innovative handheld computing products. Sharp is also the global leader in LCD technology, which is incorporated into leading-edge LCD monitors and projectors.
From the small office/home office (SOHO) to large corporate environments, Sharp provides a variety of innovative, computer-related solutions designed to help increase productivity while providing functionality to meet customer demand.
Dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 3,100 people nationwide to support its more than 50 product lines.
Notes to Editors: Vadem is a trademark of Vadem. ParaGraph, CalliGrapher are registered trademarks of Vadem. All other registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
CONTACT:
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Christian Tacy, 650/596-5844
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