Sierra Wireless Signs Joint Development Agreement with Microsoft
Enables the Pocket PC Platform for CDMA Wide Area Wireless Connectivity
LAS VEGAS--Jan. 8, 2001--Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSE: SW.) announced today that it has signed a Joint Development Agreement with Microsoft Corp. to develop tighter integration between Sierra Wireless´ Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) products and the Pocket PC software platform.
Under terms of the agreement, the parties have agreed to share resources and to develop highly integrated versions of Microsoft´s popular Pocket PC and upcoming Smartphone 2002 software platforms. Initially, the development will enhance support for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who are integrating 1xRTT CDMA embedded modules into PocketPC and Smartphone 2002 products allowing them to bring to market tightly integrated, fully tested wireless voice and data solutions for the Pocket PC platform.
This collaboration will allow Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to easily develop CDMA versions of hardware and software solutions for the Pocket PC platform, further driving the vision of integrated wireless connectivity into mainstream markets. As a result, mobile users will have a tightly integrated, wireless Pocket PC solution with an always-there or always-on functionality, better power consumption and latency, and other wireless friendly features.
"We recognize the growing number of mobile users who want to use wireless data with their Pocket PC´s, and the issues concerning connectivity, coverage, and speed. With this agreement with Microsoft, we are addressing these concerns by offering a tightly integrated end-to-end wireless platform for the large enterprise market, that will be developed with the mobile user in mind," said Andrew Harries, senior vice president of corporate development, Sierra Wireless. "We are pleased to be working closely with Microsoft on CDMA based mobile devices and look forward to working with them in delivering a feature rich platform that caters to mobile users." "The addition of integrated wireless connectivity is the next step in the evolution of the Pocket PC platform," said Ben Waldman, vice president of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft. "With its rich, connected features, the Pocket PC has been designed for wireless since the beginning. We´re pleased to be working with Sierra Wireless to deliver solutions to customers that combine the rich Pocket PC platform with Sierra´s innovative wireless products using CDMA technology."
Both Sierra Wireless and Microsoft are members of the WirelessReady(TM) Alliance, a program founded by Sierra Wireless that unites wireless industry-leading members in the development of complete and compelling wireless data solutions.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our ability to manufacture and supply products which we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.
About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless data communications products. Sierra Wireless delivers wireless PC Cards for portable computers, wireless adapters for PDA´s, OEM modules for embedded applications and rugged vehicle-mounted wireless systems. Sierra Wireless is the founding member of the WirelessReady(TM) Alliance, an alliance of industry-leading hardware, software and service companies committed to the delivery of complete and compelling wireless data solutions. For more information on Sierra Wireless, visit its Web site at www.sierrawireless.com
