Extended Systems to Provide Synchronization Capabilities to Prodigy Internet Service Via AnyDay.com’s Online DayPlanner Service
BOISE, Idaho — February 29, 2000 — Extended Systems (Nasdaq:XTND) announced today that the synchronization engine for Prodigy Communications Corporation's (Nasdaq:PRGY) new Web-based calendar and scheduling function will be powered by Extended Systems' synchronization software.
This opportunity provides Extended Systems' synchronization solution to over one million Prodigy users.
Prodigy and AnyDay.com recently partnered to bring Prodigy members a free online calendar and scheduling service, that integrates personal and group calendars with an events directory, address book, reminder service, activity planner, and more. This service, which is free to prodigy members, will feature data synchronization and management technology from Extended Systems.
Extended Systems allows users to synchronize on-line scheduling or calendaring information with a PC application or a mobile device. For example, a user can integrate NBA basketball events from the Online DayPlanner into their Microsoft Outlook calendar and, through synchronization, to their Palm device. This provides users the ability to integrate multiple calendars together.
International Data Corporation predicts the online calendar market will reach almost 60 million users by 2002. According to Extended Systems CEO and President Steve Simpson, Extended Systems is poised to meet the needs of this market.
"Web-based services are escalating at a tremendous rate, allowing more and more people anytime, anywhere, access to business and personal information," said Simpson. "Companies providing these services are choosing our data synchronization and management solution because of its versatility and ability to support a wide range of applications and mobile devices."
"Partnerships in technology, feature enhancement and service are what today's Internet is all about," adds Susan Sachatello, Prodigy General Manager and Vice President of Marketing. "We continue to deliver on our promise to make Prodigy a world-class Internet competitor by consistently teaming up with best-of-breed providers"
"AnyDay and Prodigy both recognize that consumers want practical tools to make their lives easier and more productive," said Steve Watts, president and chief executive officer of AnyDay.com. "We will continue to focus on providing Prodigy members with innovative new features, with synchronization from Extended Systems being one of the key components of our product development strategy."
About Extended Systems' Synchronization Solution
Extended Systems' XTNDConnect PC (formerly known as Enterprise Harmony '99) provides industry-leading data synchronization software that allows mobile workers to synchronize contacts, calendars, tasks and email between PC applications, such as Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes, and Windows CE, Palm Computing and Casio Pocket Viewer devices. The synchronization not only allows users to keep their data current, but it also offers peace of mind. By making sure all devices and applications are in sync, customers know an exact copy of the information is easily available, if necessary.
XTNDConnect PC's COM (Component Object Model)-based synchronization technology with independent driver-based translators allows the sync engine to be easily ported to other applications and, in turn, supports the most current user environments and customer applications. XTNDConnect PC supports Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Lotus Organizer, Act!, NetManage Ecco Pro, and GoldMine PC applications.
About Prodigy Communications Corporation
Prodigy Communications Corporation is a leading Internet service provider delivering fast and reliable Internet access and user-friendly Internet-based products, services and information resources. Prodigy utilizes a nationwide network covering more than 750 cities in all 50 states allowing 90% of the United States population to access Prodigy's Internet services with a local telephone call. Prodigy tailors its services and technology to three fast-growing Internet markets: consumers, small business owners and the U.S. Hispanic population. Prodigy Biz Corporation, one of the largest small business Web hosting companies in the U.S., offers a powerful suite of specially-designed Internet products and services for small businesses. Prodigy(R) en espanol, the first-ever, fully-bilingual Internet service, is a 100% Spanish-language Internet service created for the nation's Spanish speaking population.
About Extended Systems
Extended Systems is a leading provider of mobile information management solutions that enable mobile users to access, synchronize, collect, retrieve and print information on demand. The company's products include PC and server-based data synchronization software, short-range wireless connectivity technologies (IrDA- and Bluetooth-compliant), Linux-based Internet access solutions, a complete line of network print servers, and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities. Its customers and allies are global leaders in mobile communications and computing and include Microsoft Corp., Motorola, Inc., Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 3Com Corporation, Sharp Corporation, IBM, Toshiba Engineering Corporation, and Hewlett-Packard Company.
Founded in 1984, has an extensive domestic and international distribution network. The company has offices worldwide. For more information, please contact Joanne Taylor at Extended Systems Inc., 5777 North Meeker Avenue, Boise, ID 83713. Telephone: 208/322-7575. Fax: 208/ 377-1906. Web site address: http://www.extendedsystems.com.
About AnyDay.com, Inc.
AnyDay.com, Inc. (http://www.anyday.com), was founded in 1998 to help individuals and groups efficiently maximize their time. AnyDay's free online calendar and scheduling service integrates personal and group calendars, address books, an event planner, and more, with an event directory that allows members to find information on millions of public events and put them into their calendar. By providing access to time sensitive information from any Internet connection, AnyDay members can share and update their information wherever they are and whenever they choose. AnyDay also synchronizes with most popular handheld and desktop organizers. A privately held company based in Cambridge, Mass., AnyDay is funded by SOFTBANK Venture Capital and Carlyle Ventures and generates revenue through advertising, sponsorships and partnerships with leading e-commerce retailers and Web content providers.
Certain matters set forth in this press release, such as the market acceptance of Extended Systems' XTNDConnect PC and its ability penetrate new markets, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These include the impact of competitive products and pricing, alternative technological advances, the timely and successful development and market acceptance of new products, upgrades to existing products and other risks as detailed from time-to-time in Extended Systems' SEC filings, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
CONTACT: Extended Systems, Inc.
Joanne Taylor, 208/322-7575 joannet@extendedsys.com