JCPenney Gains New Efficiencies With Symbol Wireless Mobile Computing Solutions

January 15, 2002

Symbol's Pocket PC Computers, Spectrum24(R)Wireless LAN Technology and AirBEAM(TM) Software Play Critical Role In JCPenney Merchandise Management Strategy

Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL) announced today that J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP), one of America's largest general merchandise retailers, has chosen Symbol's wireless mobile computing solutions to improve productivity and efficiency in its storewide merchandise management strategy.

JCPenney, a Symbol customer for more than 10 years, selected the Symbol PPT 2846 handheld computer based on the Microsoft Pocket PC platform. A store associate equipped with a PPT 2846 can now wirelessly download the store's latest data file over a Symbol Spectrum24 High Rate Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless local area network (LAN), enabling the associate to scan bar coded items on the selling floor for fast and accurate price verification.

Symbol AirBEAM Client Software Dramatically Reduces Download Time

Each device deployed by JCPenney comes loaded with the patented AirBEAM client software which automatically polls the device for the latest files or applications and entirely eliminates the need for wired serial or Ethernet network connections via docking stations in order to update software or terminal configurations. This greatly reduces the time and cost associated with upgrading software and distributing files or new mobile computing applications.

Using AirBEAM, Symbol has validated that the entire store's price file can be downloaded in less than two minutes, a process that otherwise would have required twenty minutes per terminal through a cradle. Additionally, AirBEAM can be used to download a new OS to a terminal in less than 5 minutes versus 45 minutes using a cradle.


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