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From Yahoo biz.yahoo.com
Wednesday March 1, 4:48 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Sonic Systems Corporation
Newly Appointed Chairman and C.E.O. Mark
Godsy Outlines Company's Plans
BELLEVUE, Wash., March 1, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- In his first public action since being appointed Chairman and
CEO of Sonic Systems Corporation (NQB:ZSON) on February 23, 2000, company founder Mark Godsy outlined the
exciting directions and growth opportunities going forward. Upon his acceptance of the position, Mr. Godsy made the
following statement:
``The Company is in the process of transforming itself from an acoustic based signal preemption company to now include
products that use the Internet to provide wireless data solutions for specialized applications. While the Company will
continue to focus on the very important transportation and traffic sectors, we hope to expand our business to include
wireless solutions for other industries.
``By way of background, wireless Internet Protocol or IP is state-of-the-art technology using 'cellular digital packet
data`` (CDPD) enabling the movement of packets of information over the wireless cellular network. An IP enables
information to be accessed through the Internet. The convergence of wireless data technology and the Internet, via a
wireless IP, for real-world applications is still in its infancy, but will transform the way many industry sectors operate in the
next few years.
``To date, the primary focus of wireless IP has been on the development of wireless modems, or 'cards,`` that enable
wireless access to the Internet for mobile professionals. The Company is taking this cutting edge technology even further.
Sonic Systems is introducing to the market wireless data technology that extends the application capabilities of existing
wireless modems so that they can remotely gather and control information for critical large-scale commercial and industrial
applications. This product adds sophisticated hardware and software to the world-class wireless modems made by
technology leader Sierra Wireless, thus creating a new enhanced card that can interface with large computer data
networks, such as those used to operate major industrial processes, municipal engineering operations and utilities. Sonic
Systems' cards provide these networks with faster, less expensive and far more comprehensive connectivity and
information control.
``The first application of the company's technology is in the $100 million traffic control market, which is just one sector of
the projected $400 billion Intelligent Transportation System market that the company plans to address. Approximately
half of North America's intersections are connected by telephone wires and the rest are not connected at all. Using the
Company's card, which has been designed to meet the specifications for all North American traffic controllers, traffic
engineers can instantly communicate with intersection control devices to coordinate the flow of traffic, manage
emergencies and correct traffic light failures more quickly and effectively than ever before. The cards are significantly less
expensive to operate than wired telephone service, cannot be disrupted by downed lines, and their advanced technology
provides much more elaborate communications capabilities than traditional wired devices, on an around-the-clock basis.
``The first version of the wireless card has been designed specifically for traffic controllers, and will be taken to market
through master distribution arrangements by the leading manufacturers of traffic controllers and sold through their network
of local distributors. The City of Los Angeles has been evaluating units for several months.
``The same product has many potential applications in other transportation-related applications, such as variable message
traffic signs, traffic counters, freeway ramp meters, transit information signs and lane control signals. Some of these
applications already have products under evaluation. The Company intends to expand marketing efforts to address these
markets during the first part of this year.
``Sonic Systems initiatives moving forward include: exploiting the experience and contacts we have established in the
traffic control industry, then expanding penetration into related transportation applications, followed by expansion into
additional market segments. In parallel, the Company intends to enhance and expand its technology through development
and acquisitions. Products will be sold through marketing partners who are leaders in their field, and manufacturing will be
subcontracted to specialists.
``In conjunction with transportation market development, the Company is investigating several other vertical market
segments where the current wireless product, or variations of it, will fit. Among the verticals are POS (point of sale),
cargo security and industrial controls. In each segment, the Company intends to repeat its traffic strategy: identify a
specific application within a market; establish strategic partnerships with market-leading suppliers of complementary
products; modify the product to exactly suit the demands of the first application; and then expand the applications served
in that market.
``Operationally in 2000, the Company will continue to strengthen its management team and build improved systems for
management information, quality, and product development. The Company is also actively seeking acquisition targets that
will strengthen its technology and customer base, add depth of personnel, and increase both sales and shareholder value.
``We have reserved a new name for the Company, that management believes more accurately describes our business as
we move forward, Unity Wireless Corporation. While we will commence doing business under this name immediately, the
corporate name will remain Sonic Systems Corporation until the name change is approved by the shareholders, most
likely at the Company's AGM, anticipated to be held in the second quarter 2000.
``We would like to take this opportunity to thank shareholders for their confidence and support while the Company's
management team continues building shareholder value. We are very enthusiastic about the Company's future.'
On behalf of Sonic Systems Corporation,
Mark Godsy, Chairman, CEO
Sonic Systems Corporation of Delaware is a multi-faceted provider of wireless and acoustic technologies to the
Computing, Communications, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industries in support of enhanced
communication and safety applications.
Certain information included in this news release, as well as information included in oral statements or other written
statements made or to be made by Sonic Systems, contain statements that are forward-looking. Such statements relate to
the future anticipated direction of the wireless industry, plans for future expansion, various business development activities,
planned capital expenditures, anticipated sales growth and potential contracts. These forward-looking statements are
subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual operations or results to differ
materially from those anticipated.
Note: Sonic Systems, a Delaware corporation with offices in Bellevue, WA, is in no way affiliated with SonicWall, Inc.
(formerly Sonic Systems, Inc.), a California corporation with headquarters in Santa Clara, California, which provides
Internet security solutions.
Contact: James E. Carruthers
Investor Relations
(800) 337-6642
(604) 267-2700
jamesc@sonic-systems.com
SOURCE: Sonic Systems Corporation |
