SoftNet Launches Aerzone As Premier Wireless Broadband Service Provider
in Airports, Hotels, Convention Centers and Beyond
SAN FRANCISCO, Sep 20, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
SoftNet Expands Wireless Broadband Strategy;
Renames Softnet Zone Unit Aerzone(TM)
SoftNet Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:SOFN) today announced a new name and an
aggressive
strategy for its wireless broadband subsidiary, Aerzone Corp.
Formerly known as SoftNet Zone, Aerzone offers wireless broadband Internet
service in airports, hotels, and other locations frequented by business
travelers. To take advantage of Aerzone's wireless connectivity, customers
need
only a computing device and a wireless local area network (LAN) card that
gives
them access to Aerzone service in any of its growing number of locations.
Dial-up lines are not required.
"We chose the Aerzone name because this is a venture that gives business
professionals the freedom of open-air, wireless service in the 'zones'
where
broadband Internet access is in high demand," said Dr. Lawrence B.
Brilliant,
SoftNet's chairman and chief executive officer. "This is an important
strategic
initiative for SoftNet. We are extremely excited about the opportunities
that
Aerzone presents," added Brilliant, who is also acting CEO for Aerzone.
Aerzone is currently building partnerships with premier companies that
serve
business travelers worldwide. Delta Airlines (NYSE: DAL) will offer
Aerzone's
broadband Internet service through its Crown Room Clubs and in gate areas.
"This is one of the first wide-scale programs offered to customers by an
airline, and it will revolutionize the way business travelers stay
connected to
the Internet," said Brilliant. "We're very pleased with Delta's leadership
among
airlines and our relationship with the company. We are also pursuing other
airline agreements in the future that will broaden our reach to the
business
traveler."
Aerzone wireless service is available today in two Canadian airports
(Vancouver
and Ottawa), and its airport business centers, currently branded Laptop
Lane,
are operating in 13 North American airports. They will be in 30 airports by
the
end of 2000 and will be re-branded Aerzone Business Centers.
SoftNet is hosting two Aerzone investor presentations on Oct. 3 in New York
City
and Oct. 5 in San Francisco to announce its rollout schedule and strategy.
Capacity is limited at these events and attendance is by invitation only.
Those
interested in attending either event should e-mail Above the Rim Events at
jen@atrevents.com. The company's presentation for these events will also be
available on the SoftNet Web site.
Aerzone's strategy includes expanding its wireless broadband services
worldwide
in airports, convention centers, hotels and other "hot spots," through
exclusive
contracts and shared roaming agreements. Aerzone's initial products include
Web
browsing, personalized broadband content and more, delivered initially
through
burstable-to-11-megabits per second (Mbps) of wireless connectivity for
each and
every user, five times faster than hot spot wireless networks currently in
service. Aerzone will provide 33Mbps, or the equivalent of 22 T1 lines, of
broadband Internet service at each airport gate and airport club room.
"We offer customers incredible speed as well as ease of use and the freedom
of
wireless access. Just as important, our approach is technology-agnostic and
does
not rely on any specific frequency, vendor equipment or commitments to
either
licensed or unlicensed parts of the spectrum," said Garrett Girvan,
Aerzone's
new president and SoftNet's chief operating officer. "And our on-site
technical
support, through our airport business centers, clearly differentiates us
from
our competitors and allows us to offer superior service to the demanding
business traveler."
In addition to direct benefits for business travelers, Aerzone's services
will
also allow airports to streamline ground operations -- from maintenance to
baggage handling - as well as support tenant growth and provide more
real-time
information for travelers.
"Wireless broadband is a new industry, with prospects analogous to the
explosive
first days of cellular phones," said Girvan. "Our service provides
tremendous
speed, it's always on, it's wireless and it gives you access from anywhere
in an
airport or other location. It's the future of connectivity, and we're in
the
forefront."
Aerzone is a consortium of technology leaders, including equity partners
SoftNet, CMGI (Nasdaq:CMGI), Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ), and Delta
Air
Lines. Technology partners are Cisco (Nasdaq:CSCO) and Nokia Corp
(NYSE:NOK).
Customers will soon be able to sign up for Aerzone service through its Web
site,
www.aerzone.com. By paying a monthly fee, customers will be able to access
Aerzone service in any of its growing number of locations.
About Aerzone
Aerzone, majority-owned by SoftNet Systems, Inc., operates wireless
broadband
local area networks and business centers in locations frequented by
business
professionals, such as major airports, convention centers and hotels.
Aerzone
has received approximately $60 million in initial funding from its equity
partners, including SoftNet Systems, Inc., CMGI, and Compaq Computer Corp.
Cisco
and Nokia are Aerzone's preferred wireless technology vendors providing
expertise and wireless technology to the venture.
About SoftNet Systems, Inc.
SoftNet is a leading global broadband Internet services company. In
addition to
Aerzone, SoftNet owns two operating subsidiaries. SoftNet's Intellicom
subsidiary combines broadband Internet services with sophisticated two-way
satellite technology to deliver a complete end-to-end solution for ISPs,
schools, government institutions and businesses. Intellicom utilizes
state-of-the-art wireless technologies, broadband delivery, data-push,
caching
and multicasting services to build the Invisible Internet and provide the
only
viable total solution for interactive, on-demand, multimedia content
delivery.
SoftNet is also known for its leading-edge entry into the cable Internet
access
business through its ISP Channel subsidiary. ISP Channel currently services
thousands of cable customers nationwide with two-way broadband data
services.
For further information on SoftNet Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries,
visit
www.softnet.com or call 415/365-2500.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning SoftNet
Systems' anticipated future operating results, future revenues and earnings
or
adequacy of future cash flow. (These forward-looking statements include,
but are
not limited to, statements containing the words "expect," "believe,"
"will,"
"may," "should," "project," "estimate," and like expressions, and the
negative
thereof.) These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that
could
cause actual results to differ materially from the statements, including
the
risks attendant to a growing business in a new industry as well as those
risks
described in SoftNet Systems' Quarterly or Annual Report.
CONTACT: SoftNet Systems
Cindy Wyrick, 415/343-2325 (Investor Contact)
cwyrick@softnet.com
Diane Olberg, 415/365-2510 (Media Contact)
dolberg@softnet.com
URL: businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2000 Business Wire. All rights reserved. |
