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Microsoft and Extended Systems Form Strategic Relationship To Deliver Windows CE-Based Enterprise Solutions
Companies Deliver Leading Server Synchronization and Management Solutions For Windows CE-Based Palm-Size and Handheld PCs to Enterprise Customers
REDMOND, Wash./BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 1999-- Microsoft Corp. and Extended Systems Inc., maker of the award-winning XTNDConnect Server (formerly known as ASL-Connect), today announced a relationship with the objective of increasing customer access to secure, server-based synchronization and management solutions.
Microsoft and Extended Systems will work together in a number of areas, including joint marketing and distribution efforts as well as technical collaboration for future products. This relationship marks both companies' commitment to deliver improved device management solutions for corporate IT and better synchronization of business data for mobile knowledge workers.
Mobile professionals will now have direct access to their data anywhere, any time and with all the management and deployment tools administrators need to make it a viable solution for critical line-of-business data. XTNDConnect Server provides secure data access directly to Microsoft® Exchange or Lotus Notes/Domino Servers and ODBC-compliant databases such as Microsoft SQL Server(TM), Sybase, Oracle, DB2 and Advantage Database Server from Extended Systems. In addition, the remote server monitor management tools integrate into the Microsoft Management Console, enabling an integrated management solution for the latest Microsoft BackOffice® family and Windows® 2000 operating system environments.
''We chose Extended Systems because of the breadth and flexibility of its solutions; the server-based synchronization in XTNDConnect Server complements our ActiveSync® 3.0 desktop synchronization, giving us the broadest and most flexible offering available to sync a PDA to critical data,'' said Rogers Weed, director, Productivity Appliances Division, Microsoft. ''Enterprise IT managers need to have one solution for all devices -- both the Windows CE platform and competitive organizers -- so, after review, we selected Extended Systems for its best-of-breed solution.''
Try and Buy Offer
To celebrate this relationship and the upcoming release of XTNDConnect Server version 2.3, Extended Systems will offer a 25-seat license for Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs and Handheld PCs (H/PCs) to sync with Microsoft Exchange Server, including all the management tools, at no charge(1). This special license will allow companies to deploy XTNDConnect Server 2.3 with Microsoft Exchange Server to support synchronization with up to 25 Windows CE-based Palm-size and Handheld PCs at no cost(2), representing a savings of over $6,000. To qualify for the offer companies need to have purchased a Palm-size or Handheld PC(3). This offer is available today for free Web download via a link on microsoft.com (connect-time charges may apply).
In addition, for 60 days, companies will be able to test and deploy the entire XTNDConnect Server solution encompassing Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes and ODBC server sync to Windows CE-based and/or Palm operating system-based clients, with all the management tools and encryption technologies needed to run a full trial environment(4). Following the 60-day trial, customers can continue using the software to manage and sync 25 Windows CE-based devices to Exchange Server. Customers that require Notes, ODBC, Palm OS sync, encryption or more than 25 seats after the 60 days will be able to contact Extended Systems directly for licensing options by calling (800) 235-7576. More information is available on the Web at extendedsystems.com.
Microsoft and Extended Systems are creating a support alliance to provide support for copies of the software downloaded from the Microsoft Web site(5).
XTNDConnect Server Is Solving Problems Today
''We have been using XTNDConnect Server for 18 months to synchronize Windows CE-based devices with Lotus Notes,'' said Bob Waterfield, desktop service manager at British Airways. ''The XTNDConnect Server has not only allowed our users to synchronize locally in the office, but has also provided the capability to synchronize remotely when working away from the office. Another important feature with which we are particularly pleased is the management capability to monitor mobile devices.''
Enterprise-Ready Connectivity
Because Windows CE-based devices include built-in industry-standard CompactFlash Technology (CF), there is no need for expensive LAN cradles to maintain connection to the network. Mobile professionals can choose the fastest connectivity available to them -- via wireless device, modem or LAN. CF modems, LAN cards and cellular phones are available from a range of suppliers, allowing the user or the corporation to have flexibility and choice of supplier for connectivity. In addition, CF components are a good investment for corporate IT because they are an industry-standard technology and can be used in other devices or any PC with a PC card slot.
About XTNDConnect Server
XTNDConnect Server provides IT managers with a complete solution for integrating Windows CE-based devices into the enterprise. It also includes the necessary tools to securely integrate and support these devices in the corporate environment. ''Our relationship with Microsoft is testimony that Extended Systems has the solutions that corporations can depend on for their mobile information management needs,'' said Steve Simpson, CEO and president, Extended Systems ''We envision Windows CE-based devices being increasingly used as strategic platforms for deployment of mission-critical applications.''
Key Features of XTNDConnect Server 2.3
XTNDConnect Server 2.3 will include the following:
Synchronization. XTNDConnect 2.3 synchronizes e-mail, contacts, calendar and tasks on Windows CE-based devices and Palm OS-based organizers directly with Lotus Notes/Domino, Microsoft Exchange servers and custom ODBC-compliant databases such as Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, Oracle, DB2, Advantage database server and others.
Security. Certicom encryption assures a secure transfer of corporate data to and from the mobile device.
Management tools. Backup/restore, configuration and reporting capabilities make managing mobile devices easier. The remote server monitor is a plug-in for the Microsoft Management Console that integrates with the latest administration tools in Microsoft BackOffice and Windows 2000.
Application deployment. Setup wizards and an engine similar to the Visual Basic® development system Scripting Edition (VBScript) reduce the time for installation and setup of mobile devices and enable custom application development for server-based applications.
Supported platforms. XTNDConnect Server 2.3 can be used with Windows CE-based Palm-size and Handheld PCs as well as 3Com Palm OS-based devices.
About Extended Systems Inc.
Extended Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:XTND - news) is a leading provider of mobile information management solutions that enable mobile users to access, synchronize, collect, print and retrieve information on demand. The company's products include data synchronization software, wireless connectivity products (IrDA and Bluetooth-compliant), Internet access solutions, a complete line of network print servers, and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities.
Founded in 1984, Extended Systems employs over 350 people worldwide and has an extensive domestic and international distribution network. The company has offices and subsidiaries in the United States and worldwide. More information is available at extendedsystems.com.
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Company Press Release
Extended Systems Introduces Wireless USB Adapter at Fall Comdex '99
Providing a High-speed, Infrared Link to the Mobile Users' Desktop
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 1999--Extended Systems (Nasdaq:XTND - news) announces the XTNDAccess IrDA USB adapter, a high-speed wireless link between mobile devices and desktop computers with USB ports.
XTNDAccess is engineered to the Infrared Data Association's (IrDA) standard specification for fast, reliable short-range wireless communications. It eliminates the need for a physical connection between a portable or handheld device and a desktop PC, enabling mobile users to link devices together for file transfer and synchronization, back up, and network access.
The XTNDAccess IrDA USB adapter employs a KC Technologies' chip. Extended Systems will partner with them to demonstrate the product during Fall Comdex '99 at station 34 in the USB Pavilion (Booth No. L3663), located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The XTNDAccess IrDA USB adapter provides mobile users with a convenient way to exchange data over the Universal Serial Bus (USB) using fast infrared (FIR) transfer rates of 4 Megabits per second (Mbps). USB enables users to plug or unplug on the fly, and it also eliminates configuring COM ports. XTNDAccess plugs into the standard USB port of a desktop computer and communicates with IrDA-compliant mobile devices such as portable computers, PDAs, Windows CE handhelds, digital cameras and more. XTNDAccess has been engineered to the IrDA specification v 1.1 for an operating distance of 1 meter. The device supports Windows 98 and Windows 2000. Extended Systems expects to begin shipping the product first quarter of 2000. It will carry a five-year limited warranty.
Other Extended Systems' infrared hardware solutions include serial-based PC adapters, printer adapters, LAN access points and docking stations. Formally named JetEye®, this hardware family will adopt the name XTNDAccess next year. Together, Extended Systems' hardware and embedded software for IrDA infrared and Bluetooth(TM) radio frequency set the standard for short-range wireless connectivity.
Ready, Aim, Transfer
Today infrared ports are built into nearly all portable computers and handheld communicators enabling mobile users to free themselves from cabling, cradles and docking stations. Mobile users simply line up their portable with another infrared module or enabled device and transfer data as easy as it is to point and click the mouse.
''Extended Systems envisions a global communications network that enables mobile users anywhere in the world to access information via cellular handheld communicators, to synchronize that data with other mobile devices, and then manage and exchange data with others including sending and receiving confidential information to and from a central corporate database,'' explains Steve Simpson, president and CEO of Extended Systems, ''The XTNDAccess IrDA USB adapter will fuel the growth of mobile information management by expanding the sphere of wireless connectivity''.
About Extended Systems
Extended Systems Inc. is a leader in mobile information management, which includes mobile data management and universal connectivity solutions that enable mobile users to access, synchronize, collect, print and retrieve information on demand. The company's products include data synchronization software, wireless connectivity products (Bluetooth and IrDA-compliant), virtual private network remote access servers, Internet appliances, a complete line of network print servers, and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities. Its customers are global leaders in mobile communications and computing and include Motorola, Inc., Ericsson Communications AB, 3Com Corporation, Sharp Corporation, IBM, Toshiba Engineering Corporation, and Hewlett-Packard Company. |
