Extended Systems Licenses Bluetooth Wireless Technology to HP

Extended Systems (Nasdaq:XTND), a leading provider of mobile data management and wireless connectivity solutions, today announced that its Bluetooth and IrDA software development kits (SDKs) have been licensed to Hewlett-Packard Company.

Extended Systems provided HP with Bluetooth SDKs for implementing Bluetooth RF protocols in products under evaluation. Another kit was distributed for implementation of IrDA infrared protocols.

Bluetooth technology is a global specification for small form factor, low-cost, wireless communication and networking between PCs, mobile phones, peripheral and portable devices. Bluetooth uses an omni-directional radio signal to connect multiple devices up to 10 meters apart. Bluetooth wireless technology is expected to transform personal connectivity by freeing users from wired connections.

XTNDAccess(TM) Blue SDK and XTNDAccess IrDA SDK are embedded protocol stacks that work independent of a processor or operating system (OS), so licensee development teams are free to choose whichever OS or hardware provider best meets their needs. Because Extended Systems' kit features a multi-transport OBEX module, licensees can develop products that support wired and/or wireless transports -- including Bluetooth, IrDA infrared and serial -- within the same device. The SDKs manage the sending and receiving of data, according to current Bluetooth and IrDA Infrared specifications. Extended Systems' SDKs ship with sample drivers, mini-OS's, sample applications, and complete documentation.

Key components of the SDK include Object Exchange (OBEX) and Infrared for Mobile Communications (IrMC), which are modules designed to manage wireless file exchange and data synchronization between mobile devices. Extended Systems authored the original specification for OBEX in 1994 and later co-authored(1) the spec. for IrMC. Both protocols were adopted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Infrared Data Association (IrDA).

"Extended Systems welcomes the opportunity to team with HP to bring Bluetooth and IrDA wireless solutions to the marketplace," said Extended Systems President and CEO Steve Simpson. "We believe our Bluetooth software development kits form a foundation for innovative, new products, and we expect them to significantly enhance the way people manage and share information in the future."

"Our work with Extended Systems, first with Infrared and now with Bluetooth, helps us explore and create different printing options for HP products," said Doug Brown, Bluetooth program manager, HP Vancouver Division. "With the potential demand for wireless printing options growing rapidly, we reaffirm our commitment to develop solutions to meet that demand."

This agreement is the latest in a series of contracts between the two companies that focus on implementing short-range wireless connectivity. Earlier technology transfers included employing infrared technology in the HP CapShare 910 hand-held scanner, selected inkjet printers and digital cameras. Extended Systems also has collaborated with HP on implementing IrDA in variable-speed infrared transceivers.


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