Applies to: DELL DELL RIMM MSFT)
No Strings Attached!; Dell Delivers Wireless Networking Products To
U.S. Business Customers
ROUND ROCK, Texas, Nov 22, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Dell Computer
Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems
company, today said it plans to offer wireless networking products
designed to let business customers remotely send and receive e-mail and
other information over their networks.
The new products are:
-- Aironet(tm) Wireless Communication Inc.'s 4800 Series of wireless
networking connections for local area networks
-- Research In Motion(R)'s BlackBerry(tm) wireless handheld, a
wearable device, which is about the size of a pager and offers
secure, bi-directional wireless e-mail throughout the United
States.
Dell said it plans to install the Aironet 4800 Series of products on
its OptiPlex(R) desktops and Latitude(R) notebook PCs for business
customers in the United States. The high-speed 11 Mbps products enable
flexible and secure wireless connections to local area networks for
personal computer users within a building or campus environment. By the
end of this year, Dell expects to have wireless network products for
consumers based on the Aironet technology.
Dell said it plans to begin offering BlackBerry through its account
executives to customers in the United States beginning Nov. 30. Giving
users access to their latest business data via e-mail can make or break
a business deal in today's fast-paced business world. Users can also
have access to their contacts, appointments and tasks because the unit
can synchronize information with the PC.
For customers who work in an e-mail intensive environment, the ability
to instantly send and receive e-mail can increase workflow and
lifestyle flexibility. BlackBerry is designed for those who need
around-the-clock e-mail access with prompt notification of new
messages. The device superbly complements the PC.
"As the No. 1 U.S. supplier of PCs, Dell is committed to bringing the
best wireless technology to its customers and is taking an active role
in developing this and other key technologies," said Carl Everett,
senior vice president, Dell Personal Systems Group.
"With these latest wireless technologies customers can enjoy new levels
of mobility and flexibility as a result of having a truly mobile
network connection."
Dell's personal systems strategy emphasizes three product directions:
connectivity, size and style. Wireless technology is a key component of
Dell's approach to connectivity, helping to enable network and Internet
access anywhere, at anytime.
The wireless local area network product requires two components:
network interface cards that are available from Dell in PC card and PCI
forms; and access points, the devices that bridge the wireless and
wired networks.
BlackBerry consists of a wireless hand-held, PC docking cradle and
synchronization software and optional server software. BlackBerry
supports Microsoft(R) Exchange(R) server and Microsoft Outlook(R). This
combination helps enable users to keep their existing e-mail address
and continue to manage a single mailbox.
Pricing
Customers can order the Aironet wireless local area network
technology at a cost of $199 for the network interface card for the
notebook, $329 for the desktop and $999 for each access point. Access
points are each capable of enabling up to 50 computers to
simultaneously access the network. The technology allows users to
remain connected from as far away as 300 feet from the nearest access
point.(1)
The BlackBerry wireless handheld will cost $399 per unit with one year
of airtime service(2) at a flat rate of $39.99 per month without any
additional charges for roaming or long distance service. The cost of
the BlackBerry Enterprise Server software, version 1.6 is $2,999.
About Dell Computer Corporation
Ranked No. 78 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 210 in the
Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading
direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $23.6 billion for
the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes
products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive
selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its
products can be obtained through its toll-free number 800/388-8542 or
by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.com.
Dell is a registered trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.
Fortune 500 is a registered trademark of Time Inc.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to
refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their
products.
Dell disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
(1) Dependent on the potential barriers to transmission such as walls
and building material unique to the environment where being used.
(2) Airtime service provided by Research in Motion.
Copyright (C) 1999 Business Wire.com
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