Socket and GTE Offer Wireless Messaging Package for NEC’s Windows CE-based Handheld PC
NEWARK, Calif. — June 17, 1997 — NEC MobilePro 400 and 450 Handheld PC (H/PC) customers will now be able to receive wireless messages and data with the Socket Communications (OTC BB:SCKT and SCKTW)(PSE:SOK) and GTE one-stop wireless messaging solution.
The MobilePro is NEC's ergonomically designed Handheld PC that uses the Microsoft Windows CE operating system.
The GTE PageCard Wireless Messaging System combines Socket's PageCard wireless data receiver and PageSoft software with GTE's wireless network to provide users with a total wireless messaging system for the MobilePro. NEC users can now receive time-critical messages and information virtually anytime, anywhere. The basic service includes a PageCard data receiver, which also functions as an alphanumeric pager, and 400 messages/month — for only $ 29.95. With this service users can receive e-mail, stock quotes, sales leads, calendar changes, new real estate listings and alphanumeric pages directly into the Windows CE Inbox or other custom application via the PageCard.
"GTE is continually looking for innovative wireless solutions for our customers," said Cris Hannis, National Manager-Paging, GTE Public Communications. "The new portable MobilePro Handheld PC with Socket's PageCard and software is a perfect way for our customers to get better value from GTE's paging service. These customers will be able to use their MobilePro as wireless data receivers and will not need to carry a separate alphanumeric pager."
Optional messaging services from GTE include a personal 800 number that features a voice mailbox, FAX forward and storage capability that notifies you when you have a FAX waiting, and a live Call Connect feature that pages you when someone is holding on your toll free number.
"NEC's MobilePro is an ideal platform for mobile messaging," said Sheldon Safir, Senior Director of Product Marketing, NEC Computer Systems. "GTE's wireless service combined with the Socket PageCard can bring productivity gains to NEC customers at an affordable price point."
NEC Computer Systems is a leading worldwide supplier of desktop, notebook, and handheld computer systems and servers for the commercial and consumer markets. NEC Computer Systems is a division of Packard Bell, NEC Inc., one of the largest computer companies in the world. Packard Bell NEC headquarters are in Sacramento, California. For more information about NEC CSD Products, contact 888/306-4636 or visit their website at http://www.nec-computers.com .
With revenues of $ 21 billion in 1996, GTE is one of the largest publicly held telecommunications companies in the world. In the United States, GTE offer local and wireless service in 29 states and long-distance service in all 50 states. GTE was the first among its peers to offer "one-stop shopping" for local, long-distance and Internet access services. More information about GTE can be found on the Internet at http://www.gte.com .
Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connection solutions for mobile computers, including Ethernet PC Cards, a family of Serial PC Cards, as well as PC Card hardware, software, and services for wireless messaging. The PageSoft messaging library includes development tools and middleware, send and receive applications, plus rules-based e-mail forwarding agents. Socket's connection solutions are based on its HIS chip technology featuring extremely low power consumption, making them ideal for battery-operated mobile computers and handheld devices. Details about Socket and its products may be found on Socket's web site at http://www.socketcom.com .
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Socket Communications, Inc., PageCard, PageCard Wireless Messaging System, and PageSoft are registered trademarks or trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc.
CONTACT:
Socket Communications
Mark Neff, 510/744-2752
[email protected]
or
A&R Partners
Bob Angus, 415/363-0982
[email protected]