Apple and ARDIS Announce Two-Way Wireless Communications Plans
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — March 4, 1994 — ARDIS and Apple Computer Inc. are working together to bring two-way wireless data communications services to the family of products based on Apple's Newton technology, including the recently announced Newton MessagePad 110 and the Newton MessagePad 100. The ARDIS network allows mobile professionals to maintain instant communication access to their peers as well as to critical information residing on corporate or public data bases.
All that is required to enable that communication is a pocket-sized radio modem, such as Motorola's InfoTAC, attached to a device based on Apple Newton technology. An example of the kinds of services under consideration by Apple is the wireless extension of NewtonMail over the ARDIS network, thereby eliminating the need for users to find a phone to retrieve and send messages while away from the office. NewtonMail is an electronic mail service for Newton that is part of the eWorld family of services offered by Apple Online Services.
"Working with Apple is extremely exciting," said Frank Wapole, president and chief executive officer of ARDIS. "Apple's commitment to wireless communications capabilities for their products and services, and our expertise as the nation's largest wireless data network operator is a terrific combination."
"Apple is fully committed to providing wireless communications options for products based on Newton technology," said Gaston Bastiaens, vice president and general manager of Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) division. "The combination of technologies from Apple and ARDIS will allow Newton users increased flexibility and provide a broader range of communications options to suit their needs."
ARDIS is the nation's first and largest wireless data communications network, providing radio communications in over 400 metropolitan areas which enable mobile professionals to be covered virtually everywhere they go. The ARDIS network covers more than 90 percent of business activity in the United States, and is known for its reliability in all types of locations: on-the-street, in-vehicles, and deep inside buildings. The ARDIS network has more current users than the rest of the world's packet radio networks combined.
The Newton MessagePad 110, the Newton MessagePad 100 and the Newton MessagePad are handheld communications assistants that allow people to capture, manage and share information with tremendous ease and spontaneity. The Newton family of products offers a rich variety of communications options, including faxing, beaming and electronic mail, which enable people to send, receive and share information through virtually every communication method available in the workplace today. The Newton Connection Kit (for Windows and Macintosh(R)), enables people to be connected to their desktop computer at all times.
the Apple logo are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Newton, MessagePad, NewtonMail and eWorld are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc./
CONTACT:
Claire Cosgrove of ARDIS, 708-913-4235