ARDIS PersonalMessaging Unveiled at MOBILE94
SAN JOSE, Calif. — March 8, 1994 — ARDIS today unveiled an innovative two-way nationwide messaging service that provides real-time communications to people whose business takes them away from the office. The service, called ARDIS PersonalMessaging(SM), enables users to send and receive messages from virtually any location using the ARDIS nationwide wireless network.
Equipped with ARDIS PersonalMessaging software and a radio modem, any notebook or desk-top computer becomes a real-time two-way messaging device. Also part of the offering is Motorola's InfoTAC as a stand- alone, two-way messaging device. When properly equipped, the InfoTAC can receive and display text messages, and it can be configured with multiple pre-defined messages which are selected and sent using the limited keypad of the unit.
ARDIS PersonalMessaging is ideal for mobile work groups in sales, field service, construction, transportation, insurance, law, health care and other professions. It will meet the two-way communication needs currently unfulfilled by paging services, and is a more cost-effective and unobtrusive solution than cellular voice communication. It can also provide the cornerstone for a more robust wireless information solution for a user group.
While the initial offering will support peer-to-peer messaging for radio-equipped devices, ARDIS PersonalMessaging will be enhanced during 1994 to include:
Paging — the ability to send a numeric message from any touch tone phone, or with operator assistance send an alpha-numeric message to any ARDIS PersonalMessaging user.
Fax — the ability for an ARDIS PersonalMessaging user to send a message to any fax machine.
Fax Notification — the ability to notify an ARDIS PersonalMessaging user of the receipt of a fax, respond with the phone number of a nearby fax machine, and have the fax re-directed to that machine.
Desk-Top Dial-In Connectivity — software and ARDIS network connectivity to allow a home or office computer to support two-way communications with ARDIS PersonalMessaging users via a standard telephone modem dial-up connection.
With coverage in more than 10,700 U.S. cities and towns, the ARDIS network provides the most complete in-building and on-street coverage of any wireless data network today. The network provides automatic nationwide roaming, allowing users to travel from city to city with seamless coverage. ARDIS PersonalMessaging also provides store and forward capability, so that if the recipient of a message is unavailable, the message will be stored and forwarded at a later time.
"ARDIS PersonalMessaging is a key element in our strategy to expand wireless data offerings to the mobile population," said Frank Wapole, president and chief executive officer of ARDIS. "The need for this service is real; currently almost one third of the traffic on the ARDIS network is peer-to-peer messaging. ARDIS PersonalMessaging will extend the power of real-time messaging to thousands of small and large mobile organizations."
Available in April 1994, ARDIS PersonalMessaging will support computers running Microsoft Windows(TM) connected to Motorola's InfoTAC radio modem, as well as the stand-alone InfoTAC messaging unit. The Windows software for ARDIS PersonalMessaging was developed for ARDIS by Business Partner Solutions Inc. of Hinsdale, Ill. Future platforms to be supported include DOS, HP 100LX, Newton, MagicCap and Macintosh.
Communications between all these platforms will be interoperable. ARDIS is currently discussing software development agreements with Melard Technologies Inc., River Run Software Group and AllPen Software Inc.
ARDIS PersonalMessaging will be priced at $69 per month for users of the Windows-based application; this will cover the first 200 messages sent, with a charge of $0.29 for each additional message. As an introductory offer, users will be allowed unlimited usage for the first three months at the $69 and $39 per month prices, respectively.
ARDIS PersonalMessaging service and the Motorola InfoTAC products will be available through multiple sales channels in addition to ARDIS. The first authorized agent, Black Box Corp., is well known for providing communications connectivity solutions through direct marketing and strong after-sale support.
"We sought out Black Box because of their reputation for solving difficult communication problems with the latest technology. We needed a sales channel which provided end-to-end sales and support, and Black Box fit that perfectly," said Rob Euler, vice president for business development for ARDIS.
InTouch USA has agreed to provide a rental program that allows people to use ARDIS PersonalMessaging on a short-term basis. InTouch USA specializes in the rental of personal communications equipment and has earned a reputation of offering high-tech products backed by quick, hassle-free service.
ARDIS is also in discussions with Wireless Telecom Inc. to add ARDIS PersonalMessaging to the portfolio of wireless products and services they are bringing to other VAR channels.
ARDIS operates the first nationwide radio data information service enabling in-building and on-street data communications between hand-held terminals and host computers. The ARDIS network serves more than 10,700 cities and towns in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands and covers more than 80 percent of the population and 90 percent of the business activity in the U.S. The service enables executives and mobile workers to access their corporate information systems or to communicate instantaneously with their peers from virtually any location.
CONTACT:
Dianne Bales or Amy Ryan of Barkley & Evergreen, 913-432-2600