REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 8, 2002 — Delivering on the strategic alliance formed between AT & T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) this past July, AT & T Wireless today launched a new Microsoft® Mobile Workplace solution called AT & T Wireless WorkwareSM — a suite of business solutions designed to provide seamless, wireless access to company e-mail, information and other applications behind corporate firewalls. In addition, the companies announced that HP Services will serve as the preferred systems integrator for this solution and they introduced the new Siemens SX56, a Windows®
Powered Pocket PC with integrated GSM (TM) (Global System for Mobile Communications)/GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) voice and data calling capabilities, that is customized to support applications on AT & T Wireless’ high-speed data network.
Designed to simplify and minimize the implementation efforts of corporate IT departments, AT & T Wireless WorkWare can be deployed across various devices – from laptops and Pocket PC phones today to additional Windows Powered mobile devices in the future. Both companies also said that mobile professionals could immediately begin using the new wireless features without having to learn new software protocols since they are fully integrated with familiar Microsoft applications. Furthermore, since these solutions are designed on the global standard of wireless technology, business customers can use these new wireless capabilities whether they are in Chicago or London.
“In today’s business environment, mobile professionals must stay connected to their corporate information while away from the office,”
said Andre Dahan, president of AT & T Wireless Mobile Multimedia Services.
“Together with Microsoft, we are offering a solution that dramatically simplifies the role of the IT department by delivering an easy to deploy, out-of-box solution. AT & T Wireless WorkWare, with its one button sync for laptops and over-the-air provisioning system for Pocket PC’s, is designed to enhance the productivity of the business user while providing the control and cost benefits demanded by the IT department. AT & T Wireless WorkWare gives companies a simple, secure, and scalable solution to meet the growing needs of the enterprise market in today’s mobile economy.”
“Businesses understand the value of anytime, anywhere access to information, and we’re committed to helping make this vision a reality,”
said Pieter Knook, corporate vice president of the Network Service Providers and Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft.
“Together with AT & T Wireless and HP Services, we have created a clear and simple path to deliver this value to mobile workers. AT & T Wireless Workware will give corporate IT a one-stop option for purchasing and deploying wireless data.”
Wireless Pocket PC Solutions
AT & T Wireless also introduced the Siemens SX56, a Windows Powered Pocket PC, which doubles as a phone. The Siemens SX56 is equipped with integrated GSM (TM) (Global System for Mobile Communications)/GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) voice and data calling capabilities, along with a bright color screen, stylish form factor, a host of Microsoft applications, Web browser and digital media support.
To speed implementation and distribution, AT & T Wireless and Microsoft developed a unique over-the-air provisioning process that allows companies to get their end-users up and running on these new Pocket PCs immediately. AT & T Wireless AirLoaderSM is a simple over-the-air provisioning and management tool that eliminates the need to for IT personnel to manually install applications and configuration settings on each device. After the provisioning is complete, customers will have easy access to corporate Exchange e-mail and data from their device. The Siemens SX56 Pocket PC will come preloaded with all of the necessary custom software that enables end-users to access their corporate email, contacts, calendar and more.
“We worked very closely with AT & T Wireless and Microsoft to pre-install all the necessary software on the Siemens SX56 Pocket PC Phone so that consumers can immediately begin using it with minimal setup time required,”
said Bernt Klein, senior vice president and general manager of the Mobile Phones unit within Siemens Information and Communication Mobile LLC.
“The Siemens SX56 combines all the features and functionality of a Pocket PC with the ability to place a phone call from North America, Europe or Asia. The elegance of this solution is that it can provide customers with global mobility as well as access to their private, corporate information right out of the box.”
Business customers can select from a variety of packages that include the Microsoft Mobile Information Server 2002, GPRS data service plans, and all of the necessary hardware and software to implement the wireless Pocket PC solution across their enterprise. Depending on the corporate customer’s preferences, the various packages allow customers to trial the services or begin large-scale implementations.
In a separate but related offer, AT & T Wireless will sell the Siemens SX56 Pocket PC phone to consumers and small businesses through AT & T Wireless stores and select national retail outlets in the coming weeks. The device will come preloaded with AT & T Wireless Office Online productivity software and will retail for $549.99. Additional information about this distinct offer can be found at http://www.attwireless.com/mobilepro/officeonline .
Wireless Laptop Solutions
To simplify access from any wireless-ready laptop to Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Outlook®
, the companies have developed a custom
“one-button-synch”
software wizard that provides remote access over the AT & T Wireless high-speed data network. After loading the custom AT & T Wireless Link+SyncSM software, a new Link+Sync button will be automatically installed in the toolbar of the customer’s Microsoft Outlook applications. Users will then simply click the Link+Sync button to perform a wireless synchronization of Outlook using their existing virtual private network infrastructure (VPN) to access their corporate email, calendar, contacts, and more. To use the new service, end-users will simply need a laptop computer running Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 with a supported VPN client installed, plus an AT & ampT Wireless supported PC card modem and an AT & ampT Wireless GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) data plan.
World Class System Integration & Implementation
AT & T Wireless and Microsoft recognize that different corporate customers have different needs and capabilities when it comes new IT implementations. Therefore, they announced today that HP Services has been selected as the preferred system integrator to assist those customers looking to scope, design, procure, implement and support the AT & T Wireless WorkWare solution across their businesses.
“In today’s mobile world, enterprises are transforming the way they deploy their IT infrastructure to create true business agility, opening new ways in which their employees, customers and partners can access critical business information,”
said Jack Novia, vice president and general manager, HP Services Americas.
“HP Services has a very strong relationship with AT & T Wireless and Microsoft, in addition to unparalleled experience and expertise in the design, deployment and management of Web services and mobile solutions of this kind, as well as in integrating those solutions into the customers’ IT infrastructures.”
One company to realize the early benefits of this solution is Carlson Hospitality Worldwide.
Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, parent company of Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, has been pleased with the capabilities of the AT & T Wireless Workware.
“The functions of this product have proven to be exactly what I need in the workplace today. I like the fact that I can get updates to my information whenever I need to without having to synchronize or carry a laptop with me. The data is in real time and that is a major criteria for conducting business today in our industry,”
said Michael Murphy, director of IS support services, Carlson Hospitality Worldwide.
More to Come
As demonstrated at an industry trade show last month, AT & T Wireless plans to be the first wireless carrier to offer new enterprise-grade Microsoft .NET location-based services for mobile users on both laptops and Pocket PCs, using MapPoint®
.NET and the .NET Compact Framework. In the near future, the new services will allow workgroups to map and locate co-workers on select buddy lists, and find nearby customer office locations, restaurants, and more. AT & T Wireless also plans to offer phones running Microsoft Smartphone platform.
AT & T Wireless provides a full range of business solutions support, specialized enterprise customer care, a customized billing and management system, and a national sales force with wireless data expertise. For pricing, availability, and more information about AT & T Wireless WorkWare solutions, please contact your AT & T Wireless business sales representative, call 1-800-400-1080, or visit http://www.attwireless.com/WorkWare .
About AT & T Wireless
AT & T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) is the largest independently traded wireless carrier in the United States, following our split from AT & T on July 9, 2001. We operate one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America. With more than 19.95 million subscribers, and full-year 2001 revenues exceeding $13.6 billion, AT & T Wireless is committed to being among the first to deliver the next generation of wireless products and services. Today, we offer customers high-quality mobile wireless communications services, voice or data, to businesses or consumers, in the U.S. and internationally. AT & T Wireless Customer Advantage is our commitment to ensure that customers have the right equipment, the right calling plan, and the right customer services options — today and tomorrow. For more information, please visit us at http://www.attwireless.com .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
This press release contains
“forward-looking statements”
which are based on management’s beliefs as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events made by management with information that is currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, management’s expectations regarding: our future financial and operating performance and financial condition, including specific projections and guidance for fiscal year 2002; subscriber growth; industry conditions; the strength of our balance sheet; and our liquidity and needs for additional financing.
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“Risk Factors”
and
“Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements”
in its annual report of Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2002. AT & T Wireless disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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