3Com, Extended Systems to Provide Complete Bluetooth Solution for Windows Operating Systems
SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, France — August 7, 2000 — 3Com Corporation (Nasdaq:COMS) and Extended Systems (Nasdaq:XTND) announced today at Bluetooth UnPlugFest-3 an agreement to co-develop Bluetooth solutions for the Microsoft Windows platforms.
The companies will cooperate to deliver a complete suite of Bluetooth data management applications, protocol stacks and hardware adapters to consumers, manufacturers, businesses and OEM customers.
"3Com and Extended Systems are bringing the benefits of Bluetooth to mobile, Windows and handheld users by offering radically simple, feature-rich connectivity," said Rick Maule, vice president and general manager of the Mobile Connectivity Division at 3Com. "For early adopting end-users, our collaboration with Extended Systems also provides immediate compatibility and high-quality communications between personal computers enabled by 3Com's Bluetooth offerings and Palm(tm) handhelds — the most pervasive handheld computers on the market. Bluetooth is a key element in 3Com's mission to connect consumers and commercial organizations to information and services in more innovative, simple and reliable ways than any other communications company."
3Com's extensive knowledge and delivery of mobile connectivity hardware and software solutions combined with Extended Systems Bluetooth and data management application expertise establishes a solid foundation for a powerful Bluetooth product line.
"This collaboration with 3Com reflects a combined focus on delivering universally compatible Bluetooth support for PCs and portable devices," said Steve Simpson, president and CEO of Extended Systems. "Our goal is to deliver on the promise of Bluetooth by providing a wireless path to seamless, on-demand communication. Adding the Windows OS and data management applications introduces another critical pillar for end-users to realize the power of Bluetooth."
Through this agreement, 3Com and Extended Systems plan to provide a solution for manufacturers and end-users who want to implement Bluetooth wireless technology with existing Windows-based PCs. Combining 3Com's mobile connectivity leadership in wireless technologies with Extended Systems' mobile data management and Bluetooth expertise, provides a foundation for broad adoption of Bluetooth wireless technology.
3Com will use its Bluetooth hardware and the jointly developed Windows software suite to offer a complete end-user ready solution for synchronizing and managing data between PCs and Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices. Extended Systems will provide device and PC manufacturers with Windows development kits, protocol stacks and data management applications.
About Bluetooth
Bluetooth technology is a global specification for small form factor, low-cost, wireless communication and networking between PCs, mobile phones and other portable devices. Endorsed by leading PC, PDA, and telecommunications manufacturers, Bluetooth uses an omni-directional radio signal to connect multiple devices up to 10 meters apart. Bluetooth technology is expected to help redefine the personal communications market by expanding the capabilities of mobile devices. According to market research firm Cahners In-Stat Group, there will be over 670 million Bluetooth enabled devices worldwide by 2005.
3Com is one of nine companies leading the 1,800-member Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which was formed in May 1998. 3Com nominated and helped confirm Extended Systems as an Associate member along with a select group of other companies such as Hewlett-Packard. These leadership positions in Bluetooth will enable 3Com and Extended Systems to continue to shape the standards for the second generation of Bluetooth technology. For more information, please visit www.bluetooth.com.
About 3Com Corporation
3Com simplifies how people connect to information and services through easy-to-use connectivity products and solutions for consumers and commercial organizations. The company also provides access infrastructures and IP services platforms for network service providers. For further information, visit www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.
About Extended Systems
Extended Systems is a leading provider of 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, short-range wireless connectivity products (Bluetooth and IrDA-compliant), Linux-based Internet access solutions, a complete line of network print servers and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities. Extended Systems' customers and key relationships include 3Com, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Compaq, Motorola, Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, Agilent, Sharp, NEC, and Toshiba.
Founded in 1984, Extended Systems has offices and subsidiaries in the United States and worldwide. For more information, visit the company Web site 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 3Com, features of products that have not yet been released or developed, and Extended Systems' ability to successfully exploit the alliance with 3Com and its ability to 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.
Extended Systems is a registered trademark and XTNDAccess is a trademark of Extended Systems, Inc. 3Com is a registered trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Palm is a trademark of Palm, Inc. or its subsidiaries.
CONTACT:
3Com
Dave DeVries, 847/262-2323 dave_devries@3com.com
or
Extended Systems
Joanne Taylor, 208/322-7575 joannet@extendsys.com www.extendedsystems.com