Extended Systems Licenses Bluetooth Wireless Technology to HP
BOISE, Idaho — November 9, 2000 — Extended Systems (Nasdaq:XTND), a leading provider of mobile data management and wireless connectivity solutions, today announced that its Bluetooth and IrDA software development kits (SDKs) have been licensed to Hewlett-Packard Company.
Extended Systems provided HP with Bluetooth SDKs for implementing Bluetooth RF protocols in products under evaluation. Another kit was distributed for implementation of IrDA infrared protocols.
Bluetooth technology is a global specification for small form factor, low-cost, wireless communication and networking between PCs, mobile phones, peripheral and portable devices. Bluetooth uses an omni-directional radio signal to connect multiple devices up to 10 meters apart. Bluetooth wireless technology is expected to transform personal connectivity by freeing users from wired connections.
XTNDAccess(TM) Blue SDK and XTNDAccess IrDA SDK are embedded protocol stacks that work independent of a processor or operating system (OS), so licensee development teams are free to choose whichever OS or hardware provider best meets their needs. Because Extended Systems' kit features a multi-transport OBEX module, licensees can develop products that support wired and/or wireless transports — including Bluetooth, IrDA infrared and serial — within the same device. The SDKs manage the sending and receiving of data, according to current Bluetooth and IrDA Infrared specifications. Extended Systems' SDKs ship with sample drivers, mini-OS's, sample applications, and complete documentation.
Key components of the SDK include Object Exchange (OBEX) and Infrared for Mobile Communications (IrMC), which are modules designed to manage wireless file exchange and data synchronization between mobile devices. Extended Systems authored the original specification for OBEX in 1994 and later co-authored(1) the spec. for IrMC. Both protocols were adopted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Infrared Data Association (IrDA).
"Extended Systems welcomes the opportunity to team with HP to bring Bluetooth and IrDA wireless solutions to the marketplace," said Extended Systems President and CEO Steve Simpson. "We believe our Bluetooth software development kits form a foundation for innovative, new products, and we expect them to significantly enhance the way people manage and share information in the future."
"Our work with Extended Systems, first with Infrared and now with Bluetooth, helps us explore and create different printing options for HP products," said Doug Brown, Bluetooth program manager, HP Vancouver Division. "With the potential demand for wireless printing options growing rapidly, we reaffirm our commitment to develop solutions to meet that demand."
This agreement is the latest in a series of contracts between the two companies that focus on implementing short-range wireless connectivity. Earlier technology transfers included employing infrared technology in the HP CapShare 910 hand-held scanner, selected inkjet printers and digital cameras. Extended Systems also has collaborated with HP on implementing IrDA in variable-speed infrared transceivers.
About Bluetooth
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes promoter companies: 3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, and Toshiba, and over 2000 adopter companies. Extended Systems was an early adopter in the SIG and was invited by Intel to participate in Bluetooth working groups to develop the specifications for synchronization, object exchange and file transfer user application profiles. Extended Systems and HP were recently selected as Associate members of the SIG, where both plan to help shape the next generation of Bluetooth technology. www.bluetooth.com.
About Extended Systems
Extended Systems provides mobile information management solutions that enable users to access, collect, synchronize, and print information on demand. The company's products include data synchronization and management software, wireless connectivity products (Bluetooth and IrDA-compliant), Linux-based Internet access solutions, a line of network print servers and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities.
Founded in 1984, Extended Systems has offices and subsidiaries in the United States and worldwide. Extended Systems' customers and allies are global leaders in mobile communications and computing including 3Com Corporation, Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Motorola, Inc., Sharp Corporation, NEC Computers, Inc. and Toshiba Engineering Corporation. More information is available at www.extendedsystems.com.
Extended Systems Inc.: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including the results of Extended Systems' relationship with HP and the success and market acceptance of Extended Systems' Bluetooth technology, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties 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.
(1) Co-authors of IrMC v1.1: Dry Creek Software, Ericsson, Extended Systems, Motorola, Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd., NTT DoCoMo, and Starfish.
Extended Systems is a registered trademark of Extended Systems Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Sweden. All other product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Extended Systems
Tamara Sloviaczek, 208/322-7575 tamaras@extendsys.com
or
Voce Communications
Matt Podboy, 650/322-6668 mpodboy@vocecommunications.com