News....Axis and Socket to Bring Bluetooth Wireless Technology to the Conference Room
Companies Will Work Together to Deliver Solutions for On-the-Fly Wireless Networking
June 14, 2000 08:03 AM Eastern Time
MONTE CARLO, Monaco, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Socket Communications, Inc. SCKT and Axis Communications of Sweden today announced an agreement to deliver end-to-end networking solutions that incorporate Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology, providing mobile computer users with broadband wireless access points to Ethernet networks. The agreement covers Socket's Personal Network Card, a plug-in card that adds Bluetooth compatibility to Windows powered mobile computers, and the Bluetooth Access Point from Axis, a compact, network-attached device that provides wireless access for Bluetooth devices. Both products were demonstrated at the IBC Bluetooth 2000 conference in Monte Carlo today. The companies will focus on environments such as conference rooms, training classes and seminars where it is desirable to have on-the-fly access to a local area network or the Internet without the inconvenience of dealing with the multiple cables required by conventional solutions for conference room networking.
"Socket's Personal Network Card can allow virtually any Window-based mobile computer to communicate with our Bluetooth Access Point products," said Torbjorn Ward, general manager of Mobile Internet, Axis Communications. "By joining forces, Socket and Axis bring the benefits of a complete Bluetooth solution to a broad range of mobile computing environments, including the office, the home, hotels, retail establishments, and airports."
Socket's Personal Network Card is a plug-in card that fits in the CompactFlash or PC Card slot of Windows-based mobile computers, offering wireless connectivity to a variety of Bluetooth devices including mobile phones, LAN access points, and other mobile computers. The Bluetooth Access Point from Axis creates local "hot spots" on a campus network, providing instant wireless broadband LAN or Internet access to mobile devices. Solutions integrating these two products are expected to be available by the end of 2000.
"Wireless access to local area networks is an important element of Socket's Bluetooth strategy," said Mike Gifford, founder and executive vice president of business development for Socket Communications. "Our partnership with Axis creates exciting opportunities for introducing Bluetooth wireless technology to the conference room and other areas on a corporate campus where the proliferation of handheld computers has created a demand for instant wireless connectivity."
About Bluetooth
Bluetooth wireless technology provides a low-cost means for communication and networking between mobile phones and other portable devices, all in a very small form factor. This proximity-based wireless specification currently offers a 10 meter (30-foot) range and consumes minimal power, making it well suited for battery-operated devices. For more information on Bluetooth, visit the Bluetooth SIG's web site at www.bluetooth.com.
About Axis Communications
Axis Communications Group with the parent company Axis AB is a leader in network connectivity and emerging wireless Internet based services. The company is at the forefront of developing network appliance solutions that enable people and organizations to get easy and immediate access to devices and services. Axis is a global leader in several key thin server and network device markets, such as printer, storage and video connectivity, and is doing pioneering work in the rapidly expanding markets of wireless and mobile communications.
Founded in 1984, Axis employs more than 500 people worldwide, including 50 percent ownership in subsidiary Netch Technology. Axis is headquartered in Lund, Sweden and has a total of 28 offices throughout North America, Asia and Europe. Information about Axis can be found at axis.com .
About Socket Communications
Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connection products for Windows-powered computers and other devices. Socket's products include the Battery Friendly(R) family of plug-in cards for enhancing Windows-powered handheld computers by adding wireless Internet connectivity, networking, bar code scanning, and data communication. Socket's products utilize the Company's low power chip technology, making them ideal for battery-operated mobile computers. Information about Socket's complete range of products is available on the Company's web site at www.socketcom.com.
NOTE: Axis is a registered trademark of Axis Communications AB. Socket, Battery Friendly and Personal Network Card are registered trademarks or trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. BLUETOOTH is a trademark owned by Aktiebolaget LM Ericsson and licensed to Axis and to Socket. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. No securities should be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration, and any offer of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of an offering memorandum that may be obtained from AXIS. Such offering memorandum will contain detailed information about AXIS and its management as well as AXIS' financial statements. This announcement may not be released or distributed in or into Canada, Australia or Japan or in or into any other jurisdiction where the release or distribution would require that any prospectus, registration or other measures has to be taken in addition to those required under Swedish law.
CONTACT: Jerry Houston of Socket Communications, Inc., 510-744-2740, or jerry@socketcom.com; or Greg King, gking@shapetech.com, or Kim Rose, both of ShapeTechnology, 650-235-2505, for Axis Communications Group.
SOURCE Axis Communications
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