Socket Communications Announces Plans to Develop Connection and Wireless Communications Solutions for New Handheld PC Devices
FREMONT, Calif. — September 16, 1996 — NASDAQ Small Cap:(SCKT) Socket Communications, Inc. today announced support of the new handheld PCs (HPCs) being developed for the new Microsoft operating system, Windows CE.
Socket's planned development will enhance the base capabilities of the HPC devices by providing a broad range of low-power connectivity options and wireless messaging features for the mobile professional.
Socket supports this new platform because the new HPCs will enable the millions of Windows users to take their desktop productivity with them wherever they go. These powerful, 32-bit, multitasking, multithreaded handheld computers will be offered by mainstream computer suppliers at an affordable price.
"We believe the price, power, desktop connectivity, and familiar Windows environment will make these devices a must-have for the mobile professional," said Martin Levetin, president and CEO of Socket Communications. "As the leading provider of premium connection and wireless solutions to mobile workers, supporting this platform is a must-do for us," he added.
Socket is planning product adaptation to Windows CE so that customers using this new platform may enjoy the same connectivity options available on their notebook PCs. "Because of the familiar Windows-based user and development environments, these new devices will quickly become the target for VARs and system integrators creating mobile applications," said Michael Gifford, executive vice president of Socket Communications. "We believe that our low-power connection and wireless communications solutions will be essential ingredients in these VAR-created solutions," he said.
"We are pleased to have Socket Communications supporting our Windows CE platform for handheld PCs," said Jon Magill, director of marketing, Consumer Applications Group, Microsoft Corporation. "We believe that Socket's continued commitment to integrate connection solutions will provide added value to customers."
Socket's solutions will be offered through a variety of channels, ensuring the customer has the greatest convenience in acquiring needed components, including paging services. The large number of major computer and consumer electronics manufacturers developing these new HPCs was a contributing factor to Socket's commitment to this new platform. "The device manufacturers have demonstrated great interest in the benefits our mobile computing solutions will bring to their customers," said Levetin. "The large number of manufacturers creating these devices will ensure that users have a wide range of features to select from at very competitive prices," he added.
Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connection solutions for mobile computers, including Serial PC Cards, Ethernet PC Cards, and PC Card hardware, software, and services for wireless messaging. Socket's PageCard is a PC Card alphanumeric pager that downloads wireless data to a mobile computer. The PageSoft messaging library includes development tools and middleware, send and receive applications, plus rules-based e-mail forwarding agents. Socket Wireless Messaging Services (SWiMS) includes operator dispatch, paging gateways for Internet and the Worldwide Web, plus voice mail and fax forwarding with automatic wireless notification.
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.
Note To Editors: Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Socket Communications, Inc., PageCard, PageCard Wireless Messaging System, SWiMS and PageSoft are registered trademarks, trademarks or service marks of Socket Communications, Inc.
CONTACT:
Socket Communications
Howard Case, 510/744-2762
[email protected]
or
A&R Partners
Annie Grace, 415/363-0982
[email protected]