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Wednesday November 3, 9:26 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Research In Motion Expands Licensing Agreement with Diversinet To Enhance Security For Wireless E-commerce Applications
Agreement increases market reach of Diversinet software and allows RIM to ship wireless handheld devices that are "e-commerce ready"
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 3, 1999-- At the Wireless Internet 99 show today, Diversinet Corp. (NASDAQ:DVNT - news; CANADIAN DEALING NETWORK:DVNT.), a leader in security software for wireless e-commerce, announced that Research In Motion Limited (TSE:RIM - news; Nasdaq: RIMM - news; ''RIM''), a pioneer in developing wireless data products and services, has expanded its licensing agreement for Diversinet's Passport security technology. RIM intends to incorporate the technology in its family of wireless handhelds to enable wireless e-commerce applications such as banking, stock trading and consumer purchases.
This licensing agreement will significantly increase the potential penetration of Diversinet's software. RIM is currently delivering multiple wireless products and services to the market. The RIM Inter@ctive(TM) Pager 950 is sold through BellSouth Wireless Data, PageNet and Cantel® AT&T. The RIM 850 Wireless Handheld(TM) is sold through American Mobile Satellite Corporation and SkyTel. RIM's BlackBerry'' wireless email solution is offered through Microsoft Exchange value-added resellers (VARs) and system integrators. BlackBerry is also offered as an integrated service through select Internet Service Providers (ISPs). All of RIM's products and services are supported by an active developer community and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).
''The agreement with RIM expands Diversinet's distribution channel for providing wireless e-commerce security solutions over a variety of devices,'' says Nagy Moustafa, president and CEO of Diversinet Corp. ''RIM is one of the most innovative wireless data companies and its wireless Internet, intranet and e-commerce solutions are sparking the deployment of time-sensitive wireless data services,'' says Moustafa.
Diversinet provides software systems for implementing an enhanced public-key infrastructure (PKI) as part of the security solution for digital communications and e-commerce over corporate networks, the Internet, and wireless communication systems. Diversinet's Passport software is optimized for wireless devices and other bandwidth-constrained products, such as pagers, handhelds, cellular/GSM phones and smart cards. Diversinet's security solutions employ a modular and multi-mode approach that includes encryption, digital signatures, digital certificates and digital permissions.
''Whether you're managing your bank account or buying a book, security will be a paramount concern and a fundamental requirement. This agreement facilitates RIM's intention to embed digital certificates and ship wireless subscriber devices that are e-commerce ready,'' said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO of Research In Motion. ''Diversinet's Passport software addresses critical security requirements including encryption, authentication, authorization and privacy while respecting wireless resource utilization issues such as memory, bandwidth and power consumption. Developers will value and take advantage of this advanced security design as they define and build the next generation of e-commerce applications.''
As part of their efforts in developing wireless e-commerce solutions, RIM and Diversinet will also work together with 724 Solutions to create turnkey wireless packages for such applications as stock trading and banking. 724 Solutions' software provides a critical end-to-end software system that allows financial institutions to bridge their existing systems and content to RIM's wireless handhelds.
''Diversinet and RIM enable 724 Solutions to integrate highly secure communications into our product, and provides a good platform for wireless e-commerce applications, '' says Greg Wolfond, founder and CEO of 724 Solutions, Inc.
''By leveraging our unique skills, Diversinet. RIM and 724 Solutions will be able to provide the marketplace with comprehensive wireless e-commerce solutions by combining the right devices, applications and security,'' says Moustafa.
About Diversinet
Diversinet Corp. (NASDAQ Small Cap: DVNT, CDN: DVNT) is a leading developer of security products based on public-key technology for wireless e-commerce applications, such as banking, stock trading, financial analysis and healthcare databases. Diversinet's innovative Passport(TM) software, including authentication, digital certificates, digital signatures and digital permits, is especially designed for resource-constrained products, such as pagers, wireless phones and smart cards. Diversinet is a WAP Forum member. Web site: dvnet.com.
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@ctive(TM) Pager 950, RIM 850 Wireless Handheld(TM), 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 - news) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM - news). Investors may contact investor_relations@rim.net. Customers may contact info@rim.net. Web site: www.rim.net.
About 724 Solutions
724 Solutions Inc. is a privately held company established in 1997 to conceive, design and deliver Internet software applications enabling ''anytime, anywhere, anyway'' access to trusted banking and investment services. The company has relationships with Bank of America, Bank of Montreal and Bell Mobility. 724 Solutions has also developed alliances with leading software developers and hardware manufacturers, including Research In Motion (RIM), Phone.com (formerly Unwired Planet), 3Com/Palm Computing, Qualcomm and Neopoint (formerly Innovative Global Solution [IGS]). Web site: 724.com.
Research In Motion, RIM, Inter@ctive, Inter@ctive Pager, RIM 850 Wireless Handheld and BlackBerry are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.
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Contact:
HWH Public Relations
Jeff Lewis, jeffl@hwhpr.com
212/355-5049
or
Research In Motion
Mark Guibert, mguibert@rim.net
519/888-7465
or
Investor Relations Group
Richard Land, 212/736-2650
TheProTeam@aol.com
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