December 12, 2001
Socket Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCKT)(Pacific Stock Exchange:SOK) and Pico Communications, Inc. today announced a development kit to promote Bluetooth wireless networking for Pocket PCs. The two companies are collaborating to provide Windows CE applications developers and systems integrators with a LAN Access Software Developer Kit (SDK). The LAN Access SDK will enable developers to easily create new applications and opportunities for connectivity by both enterprise users and those using public "hot spots" such as hotels and airports. The LAN Access SDK includes Pico's PicoBlue(TM) Internet Access Point, one of Socket's Bluetooth CompactFlash Cards and Socket's Bluetooth Software Development Application Interface.
Both companies' products are being demonstrated on various Windows CE devices at the Bluetooth Developers Conference. Socket Communications is in booth 418 and Pico Communications is in booth 209. Attendees can witness Pocket PCs equipped with Bluetooth technology retrieving email messages and browsing the Internet.
"Our relationship with Pico opens another dimension of wireless connectivity options to owners of Windows CE devices," said John Doub, director, Bluetooth Program at Socket Communications. "Now users can utilize Socket's Battery Friendly(R) Bluetooth CF card to connect wirelessly to their corporate LANs via the PicoBlue Internet Access Point to access email and browse the Internet."
The PicoBlue Internet Access Point enables mobile professionals to stay wirelessly connected to a corporate Local Area Network (LAN) as they move about a corporate campus with a Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PC. PicoBlue is a server-independent Bluetooth access point with enterprise-class IP networking over Ethernet. In June 2001, PicoBlue was the first Class 1 point-to-multipoint access point to achieve the 1.1 certification from the Bluetooth Qualification Body. It can manage up to seven simultaneous links, allowing seven users to share access to the Internet at an industry-leading 100-meter range for handhelds and up to a 250-meter range for notebooks.
Socket's Bluetooth CompactFlash Card is designed to be compatible with Microsoft Windows CE 2.11 and higher powered devices (including PocketPC 2002) and is one of the most energy efficient CF cards available today. The card has a unique design that includes a fully integrated antenna that offers two major benefits -- it won't change the size or look of your Pocket PC and it reduces the risk of damage to the card or Pocket PC when in use.
"Socket and Pico are enhancing the productivity of mobile professionals with Bluetooth wireless technology," said Mark Davis, director of product marketing at Pico Communications. "With PicoBlue Internet Access Points providing wireless coverage, handheld users can always be connected to the corporate LAN, the Internet and email. What's more, users will be connected knowing they're using the most battery-efficient wireless technology available on the market."
Beginning in January 2002, qualified Windows CE applications developers and systems integrators will be able to purchase Socket's LAN Access SDK through www.socketcom.com.
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