December 12, 2001
Pico Communications, Inc. announced at the Bluetooth Developers Conference today the expansion of two initiatives aimed towards promoting the use of Bluetooth technology as a compelling Internet and LAN access solution for handhelds, PDAs and notebooks in the enterprise. The PicoBlue Beta Program enables qualified applicants to deploy and test Bluetooth networks based on the company's PicoBlue(TM) Internet Access Point technology. The PicoBlue Interoperability Program gives client device vendors the opportunity to test compatibility with Pico's enterprise-grade access point.
Interoperability is a key theme for Pico Communications at the 2001 Bluetooth Developers Conference. Attendees will view demonstrations of a wide variety of Bluetooth client devices connecting to the network via PicoBlue Access Points in Pico's booth number 209 during the show.
The PicoBlue Internet Access Point is a server-independent product with enterprise-class IP networking over Ethernet. In June 2001, PicoBlue was the first Class 1 point-to-multipoint access point to achieve 1.1 qualification from the Bluetooth Qualification Body. It can manage up to seven simultaneous links, allowing seven users shared access to the Internet at an industry-leading 100-meter range for handhelds and up to a 250-meter range for notebooks. It also has a robust enterprise feature set, enabling integration with industry-standard network management and security protocols.
Beta Program
The PicoBlue Beta Program is targeted towards users evaluating Bluetooth for enterprise networks, client device manufacturers seeking to enhance the utility of their devices and third party developers wishing to enable their applications over Bluetooth networks. Companies that wish to participate in the Beta Program should contact Mark Davis, director of product marketing at Pico, at markdavis@pico.net to obtain an enrollment form. A limited number of PicoBlue units will be available for immediate delivery for US$495, subsequent to approval by Pico Communications. A detailed specification of PicoBlue can be found at the company's Web site at www.pico.net.
Pico Communications implemented its Beta Program to give qualified participants an opportunity to preview and test the PicoBlue Internet Access Point before it becomes commercially available in early 2002. The expansion of the program will accommodate a wider variety of qualified enterprise users, client device vendors and application developers.
Interoperability Program
Interoperability among Bluetooth-enabled devices is a prerequisite for Bluetooth technology to become a compelling wireless connectivity solution for consumers and businesses alike. The objective of Pico's Interoperability Program is to qualify a set of Bluetooth 1.1 products for compatibility with the PicoBlue Internet Access Point. When the product launches, Pico will publish a complete compatibility matrix that includes all products that have passed its series of interoperability tests. Companies with Bluetooth clients that are specification 1.1 compliant and have either the DUN profile or LAN Access Profile can contact Mark Davis at markdavis@pico.net for more information about joining the program.
A number of vendors and client devices are already participating in the PicoBlue Interoperability Program. Bluetooth clients and handheld devices include the Palm Bluetooth SD card for m500, m505 and m125; the Socket Bluetooth CF card for Win CE devices; and TDK sleds for the Palm Vx and m500 series. Client devices for Windows-based laptop computers include the Motorola Bluetooth PC card; the Toshiba Bluetooth PC card; the Troy PC Card; the 3Com PC Card and USB adapter; and the TDK PC Card and USB adapter. Notebooks with embedded Bluetooth solutions include the Compaq Evo N600c; IBM A30p; and the Toshiba Tecra 9000 and Portege 4000.
B6 "Expanding our Beta and Interoperability programs will guarantee an exceptional user experience for our customers when PicoBlue launches in early 2002," said Mark Davis, director of product marketing at Pico Communications. "Interoperability testing is another way for us to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality Bluetooth networking solutions in the industry, and ensure that enterprise customers can use Pico's technology with the widest range of notebooks, handhelds and client devices."
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