Motorola Introduces Personal Messenger Wireless Modem Card for Windows CE Platform
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — November 18, 1996 — Microsoft and Motorola Demonstrate Windows CE Wireless Computing Solution at COMDEX
Today at COMDEX, Motorola Wireless Data Group announced the support of the Personal Messenger(TM) family of wireless modem cards for the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE platform. The Personal Messenger family of wireless modem cards supports Windows CE-based handheld computers. Some of the companies manufacturing handheld PCs (HPCs) for the Windows CE platform include Casio, Compaq, LG Electronics, NEC and Phillips.
With its efficient and reliable wireless message transmission, the modem card is an ideal solution for mobile workers who need immediate access to information and wireless communication on their Windows CE-based PDAs and handheld PCs (HPCs). The Personal Messenger family currently operates over both the DataTAC(R) (ARDIS) and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) networks.
"With the introduction of the Windows CE platform, Microsoft Corporation is helping to expand the handheld computing market by creating an operating environment that enables the portability of popular desktop applications. Today, with the availability of the Personal Messenger solution, we are helping to further expand the market by making Windows CE-based handheld computers and their applications wireless," said Randy Battat, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Wireless Data Group. "We are committed to delivering wireless solutions for Windows CE-based computers to address the needs and support the choices of mobile professionals."
Software Solutions
The following companies are working to bring wireless software solutions and developer tools to the Windows CE platform using the Personal Messenger family of modem cards.
— BHA Computer Pty. Ltd. – EasyACCESS Wireless Enabling Software
— Nettech Systems – InstantRF(R) Family of Wireless Middleware
— PenVision – FieldVision
— RadioMail Corporation – RadioMail Wireless Internet Access Service
— Real World Solutions – infoANYWARE Mobile Platform
— River Run Software Group(R) – Mail on the Run!(R) and Corporate Connection(TM)
Additionally, ARDIS and Motorola will be providing a driver for the Personal Messenger 100D modem card to enable additional developers to create wireless applications for the Windows CE platform. Developers interested in this driver can call either the ARDIS Wireless Software Developers Program at (800) 57-ARDIS or Motorola at (800) 894-7353. Microsoft and Motorola are working together to enable applications for Windows CE-based devices to operate over the CDPD network using the Personal Messenger 100C modem card.
"Motorola is enabling customers of Windows CE-based handheld PCs to be wireless and truly mobile," said Jon Magill, director of marketing, Consumer Appliances Group at Microsoft. "The Personal Messenger Wireless Modem Card solution makes the Windows CE platform an attractive option for mobile users who need immediate access to critical information, and generates new opportunities for developers to create applications optimized for wireless communications."
Pricing and Availability
The Personal Messenger family includes the Personal Messenger 100D Wireless Modem Card for the DataTAC network, which is sold through ARDIS and their resellers, and the Personal Messenger 100C Wireless Modem Card for the CDPD network, which is sold through CDPD carriers and their resellers. Prices for peripheral devices, such as wireless modem cards, are set by the individual resellers. Motorola expects the street price of the Personal Messenger to start at approximately $ 500, depending on bundled options and carrier airtime options. For information and specific reseller locations, users can call (800) 894-7353. Additional information is available via Motorola's address, http://www.mot.com/wdg, on the World Wide Web.
The Personal Messenger wireless solution for Windows CE-based handheld devices will be demonstrated at COMDEX in the Microsoft Partners Pavilion No. L2212.
Wireless Data Group
The Wireless Data Group is part of Motorola's Messaging, Information and Media Sector and incorporates the company's business activities involved with the design, manufacture and distribution of wireless data hardware and software products, infrastructure equipment and systems for worldwide markets. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced electronic systems, components and services. Motorola's 1995 sales were $ 27 billion.
NOTE: Motorola and DataTAC are registered trademarks and Personal Messenger is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. ARDIS is a registered servicemark of ARDIS Company. River Run Software Group and Mail on the Run! are registered trademarks and Corporate Connection is a trademark of River Run Software Group, Inc. Other names and product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
CONTACT:
Motorola
Cheryl Beck-Ruff, 847/576-7150
or
Cunningham Communication, Inc.
Carolyn Thorng, 617/494-8202