Attention Business Editors:
Research In Motion signs agreement with espernet.com to supply BlackBerry wireless email solution to subscribers
espernet.com To Offer BlackBerry Internet Edition Through Network Of
ISP's
WATERLOO, ON, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ: RIMM,
TSE: RIM) today announced it has signed an agreement with espernet.com, an
Internet service provider (ISP), to supply BlackBerry Internet Edition(TM) for
espernet.com subscribers. The initial order to Research In Motion (RIM) from
espernet.com is expected to generate over $6 million (U.S.) in device and
service revenue. BlackBerry will be offered to more than 270,000 espernet.com
subscribers.
BlackBerry Internet Edition is designed to allow ISPs to offer an
end-to-end wireless email solution with single mailbox integration. The
BlackBerry solution includes a powerful RIM wireless handheld with integrated
email/organizer software, PC docking cradle, PC synchronization software and
affordable airtime. BlackBerry allows mobile users to access their email,
calendar, address book and task list wherever they go.
espernet.com will make the BlackBerry wireless email solution available
to all of its subscribers. This offering underscores espernet.com's commitment
to provide the latest technology and value-added services to its subscribers.
''BlackBerry Internet Edition allows leading ISPs such as espernet.com to
offer an integrated wireless email solution to their subscribers in the
consumer and small business markets,'' said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and
Co-CEO, Research In Motion. ''I believe that espernet.com will find that
BlackBerry provides an excellent vehicle for building strong and enduring
relationships with their subscribers.''
Martin Prazak, CEO of espernet.com, said: ''We are delighted to offer
this innovative technology that provides our customers with the added
convenience of sending and receiving email from remote locations. The move is
part of our overall strategy of providing subscribers with a full range of
Internet access services and products. This is the first of such alliances we
have completed, but we continue to seek additional partnerships as a way to
enhance our subscribers experience on the Internet.''
espernet.com, based in New York, is a growing consolidator and operator
of ISPs. Since its inception in April 1999, espernet.com has executed
agreements to acquire over 43 ISPs, aggregating over 270,000 subscribers in
the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West and Mid-South regions. espernet.com's focus is on
small and medium sized markets where they believe customers are not as
well-served by the larger national ISPs.
Key Features of BlackBerry Internet Edition:
- Powerful RIM Wireless Handheld - with Intel386(TM) processor, 2 MB
Intel Flash memory, embedded wireless modem, 2 watt transmitter,
optimized keyboard, thumb-operated trackwheel, easy-to-read backlit
screen and integrated email/organizer software; wearable size -
3.5'' x 2.5'' x 0.93''; operates on one AA alkaline battery.
- Single mailbox integration with user's Internet mailbox - keep
existing email address; only one mailbox to manage; user-selectable
message filters.
- Read, originate, forward and reply to email using handheld.
- Full-featured, connected organizer - includes calendar, address
book, task list and alarm; synchronizes with PC using docking cradle
and Puma Technology's award-winning Intellisync(TM) Software
(included).
- Always On, Always Connected(TM) - ''push model'' of email delivery;
no dialing in; no raising antenna or initiating connections; email
finds the user; no effort required.
- Extensive network coverage and affordable pricing.
- End-to-end solution.
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and
marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications
market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and
services, RIM provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive
information including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based
applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party
developers and manufacturers in North America and around the world to enhance
their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of
award-winning products includes the RIM Inter(at)ctive(TM) Pager product line,
the BlackBerry(TM) wireless email solution, wireless personal computer card
adapters, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in
1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market
(NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). Investors may
contact investor_relations(at)rim.net. Customers may contact info(at)rim.net.
Web site: www.rim.net.
Research In Motion, RIM, the RIM logo, Inter(at)ctive, Inter(at)ctive
Pager, BlackBerry, the BlackBerry logo, BlackBerry Exchange Edition,
BlackBerry Internet Edition, and 'Always On, Always Connected' are trademarks
of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered with
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands, products and company
names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made
pursuant to the ''safe harbor'' provisions of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without
limitation, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability,
risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange
fluctuations, risks related to the year 2000 issue, continued acceptance of
RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes,
dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time
to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.
%SEDAR: 00008452E
-0- 09/29/1999
For further information: Mark Guibert, Research In Motion Limited, (519) 888-7465, mguibert@rim.net
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