Comcast open to adding WiFi service

By Peter J. Howe, Globe Staff, 5/16/2003

top executive of Comcast Corp. said yesterday his company would roll out its own service if rival Verizon Communications draws a big market with its offer of high-speed wireless Internet access through ''WiFi'' gear mounted on pay phones.



But speaking at a Massachusetts Telecommunications Council conference in Boston, David Fellows, Comcast's chief technology officer, said he remains nervous about pouring resources into WiFi services that rely on unlicensed public airwaves, rather than wireless services in the better-controlled licensed spectrum. WiFi stands for wireless fidelity and refers to systems that offer 11-megabit-per-second Net access in a roughly 300-foot zone around a ''hot spot'' transmitter.

IBM, Bryant College, Meredith College and University of Idaho Write the Book on Untethered Learning
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2003--IBM
In a Post-Napster World, Wireless is the New Killer App on Campus

-- At Bryant, a Wireless Notebook Becomes a Research Tool


-- At Meredith, Art History Students Download Images Wirelessly,
While in Class

-- At University of Idaho, Business Students will Access Stock
Quotes in Real-Time
IBM today announced that Bryant College, Meredith College and the University of Idaho are providing students with ThinkPad notebooks and secure, wireless connectivity to remove classroom boundaries and build stronger bonds between students and faculty.

Using smaller, lighter, and more powerful notebook computers with wireless access, students can research online while in class, pull down notes, outlines, data and images prepared by professors, participate in on-line, real-time discussions with professors regardless of their location, and access assignments from any hotspot on campus. A new report from Market Data Retrieval stated that 61 percent of schools now have wireless networks, up from 45 percent in 2001. Further, Gartner research showed that the rush in the late 90s to be the most "wired" university has evolved into the rush to be the most "wireless."

"With Wi-Fi standards in place, access point prices decreasing, and more secure wireless technology, wireless now makes sense," said Bob Galush, vice president of marketing, IBM Personal Computing Division. "Implementing wireless networks on college campuses is easier than hard wiring old buildings, gives students the greatest mobility and provides education institutions with a very good return on investment."

Bryant College - Improving Student Access to Campus Resources

Bryant College, located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a private university, offering academic degrees for diverse interests including business administration, applied psychology, communication, information technology, and liberal studies. The college adopted wireless technology with IBM ThinkPad notebooks to improve student access to campus resources and extend its leadership among undergraduate business schools.

Bryant's Personal Productivity Software (PPS) course helps students acquire the computing skills they need to produce quality, college-level work. This course provides instruction in the various uses of the laptop computers that Bryant provides to all incoming first-year students. They learn how to access elaborate research databases, develop e-portfolios to highlight the skills acquired during college, and gain familiarity with various software programs.

To make the evolution to wireless technology, school administrators physically transformed its traditional book-driven library into a digital age resource center - the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology, a $27 million, state-of-the-art, multimedia center with wireless LAN connectivity, a cyber-cafe and a mock trading floor. This interactive information center provides easy access to the resources students need to meet their academic and professional goals.

"We are preparing our students to fully utilize available technologies when they move into their professional careers," says Arthur Gloster, vice president for information technology, Bryant College. "By incorporating cutting-edge technology into their everyday experiences, we believe we can enhance the academic environment and support students' individual learning styles."

Meredith College -- Preparing Students for the Creative Use of Technology in Their Future

Meredith College, the southeast's largest private women's college, has created the Meredith Technology Initiative, a campus-wide program to establish national technology leadership in higher education. As a part of MTI, the college created a secure, wireless campus to improve the overall daily experience of Meredith students while preparing them for the creative use of technology in their future.

For example, students in Beth Mulvaney's art history classes can wirelessly pull down class notes and images, which are not available in textbooks, while in class. Mulvaney, an associate professor of art, uses a software application that helps students create discussion boards, review images, pick up assignments, and receive messages from their professors.

Other innovative MTI applications at Meredith include the use of technology to administer English and foreign language competency examinations, connect music with background contextual information, create textile patterns and prints, and analyze psychological implications of voice inflection.

"Since many students attending college today grew up with computers, Meredith's combination of IBM ThinkPad notebooks and the Blackboard application allows professors to communicate in an environment that is comfortable and easy for students," Mulvaney says. "The flexibility and dynamic character of a wireless solution has improved the teacher/student relationship and energized many students, improving their learning experience."

All freshmen at Meredith receive new wireless ThinkPad notebooks prior to their first class. New ThinkPad models are provided two years later, which students may use for the remainder of their college career and after graduation. While at Meredith, students are encouraged to use their notebooks in class, to conduct independent research, and for extracurricular activities. Secure wireless access points on campus provide students with greater access to information and a stronger connection to peers and professors. Conversations between students and faculty that once took place primarily in professors' offices can now be supplemented with e-mail or instant messaging, providing increased flexibility and tools for better time management.

University of Idaho - Connecting Students With Worldwide Resources

Business students at the University of Idaho next fall will use wireless ThinkPad notebooks to get connected to worldwide knowledge sources, interactive networks and the spreadsheets, market quotes and other capabilities required of today's business professionals.

UI's College of Business and Economics will issue the wireless ThinkPad notebooks to all first-semester juniors enrolled in the college's innovative Integrated Business Curriculum (IBC), and by fall 2004 all upper-division business students will have notebooks. The technology initiative is meant to enhance student access, promote independent learning and encourage greater student-faculty communication and collaboration. It is the first such program in a public university in Idaho.

"The program fits perfectly with what the college is trying to achieve and is a natural extension of the collaborative learning environment that we have developed in the IBC," said Jack Morris, associate dean of business and economics. He said developers of the program visited other campuses with mandatory notebook programs to discern advantages and identify best practices. They found improved classroom learning and students' technology skills.

Wireless Applications on IBM ThinkPad

IBM's wireless strategy for the ThinkPad line of notebook computes includes four elements: flexibility and choice, ease of use, superior wireless performance, and enhanced security. IBM has led in the development of wireless hotspots and Wireless Wide Area Networks worldwide and uses the multi-band, dual-diversity Ultraconnect antenna design to offer excellent wireless performance in either the 11a or 11b wireless bands, depending on the wireless protocol supported by the notebook. IBM ThinkPad notebooks offer an array of wireless solutions to choose from, including dual-band Wi-Fi 11a/b models (1) and solutions based on Intel Centrino, Cisco Aironet, Atheros Communications, and Bluetooth Wireless Technology. Tools such as IBM Access Connections make wireless easier to use, helping users switch between wired and wireless network connections. And the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem enables ThinkPad notebooks to provide the most secure wireless connectivity in the industry on select models. These solutions, called IBM ThinkVantage Technologies, are the central component of IBM's Think strategy of innovation for business advantage.

Notes

IBM, ThinkPad, and ThinkVantage Technologies are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Intel and Centrino are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

(1) Based on IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b.


Note: A photo is available at URL:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.051503/bb2



CONTACT: IBM, Research Triangle Park
Bob Page, 919/486-0930
rpage@us.ibm.com

Extended Systems Keeps Wireless Data Synchronized On New Motorola Linux-Based Phone
BOISE, IDAHO--
Company's Sync Technology Now Bundled with Phones from Three of the Top Five Mobile Phone Manufacturers

Extended Systems (Nasdaq:XTND), a leading provider of mobile information management solutions for the enterprise, announced today that the company has reached an agreement with Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) to bundle Extended Systems' data synchronization technology with the new Motorola Linux-powered A760, an elaborate color-screen phone with a digital camera, MP3 audio player, video player and the ability to run Java programs.

Extended Systems' desktop data synchronization software is now bundled with mobile phones from three of the top five manufacturers -- Motorola, Siemens and Sony Ericsson.

Motorola's selection of Extended Systems' mobile data synchronization software, XTNDConnect PC, and its PC-based connectivity solution for the new Linux-based phone, is a strong endorsement of Extended Systems' leadership position in the synchronization market and the company's ability and commitment to support all popular mobile devices and platforms with its entire mobile solutions suite.

Motorola's new A760, slated to go on sale in Asia in the third quarter of this year, with availability in North America and Europe to follow, will ship with Extended Systems' XTNDConnect PC. Extended Systems' certified SyncML translator technology will be leveraged to synchronize PIM (personal information management) data between the desktop and the A760.

"Many of the major phone and mobile device manufacturers are now relying on Extended Systems to provide not only its leading-edge sync technology, but also its expertise in mobilizing applications that provide valuable benefits to the end user that make his or her job easier," said Steve Simpson, CEO and president of Extended Systems.

"With Extended Systems' mobile technology, Motorola is able to provide all the functionality needed for PIM data access straight out of the box," said Mala Chandra, Vice President of Software Applications and Architecture, Motorola, Inc. "Not only does Extended Systems offer stable, robust sync capabilities, it provides a communication suite on the desktop PC that allows multiple device connection types (wired and wireless) -- a critical feature for the mobile user."

About XTNDConnect PC

As a single software solution, XTNDConnect PC supports synchronization between a PC and Pocket PC, Palm O/S, leading cell phones and other popular mobile devices. XTNDConnect PC synchronizes your contacts, calendar, tasks, e-mail, and notes. XTNDConnect PC differentiates itself from other synchronization solutions with its speed, flexibility, and ease of use.

A server-based sync solution for the Motorola A760 phone is also available from Extended Systems. Please call 1-800-235-7576 or visit www.extendedsystems for more information.

About Extended Systems

Extended Systems provides the expertise, strategy and solutions to help enterprise organizations streamline their business processes through mobile technology. The company's mobile software suite enables companies to mobilize critical enterprise applications such as e-mail, field service, sales force automation (SFA), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and customer relationship management (CRM). In addition, the company offers Bluetooth and IrDA wireless connectivity software and client/server database management systems. Extended Systems has more than 2,500 enterprise customers worldwide and key alliance relationships with Ericsson, Handspring, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Sharp, Siemens and Toshiba.

Founded in 1984, Extended Systems has offices and subsidiaries in the United States and worldwide. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.extendedsystems.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the success of Extended Systems' relationships with Motorola, Siemens, and Sony Ericsson, the success of XTNDConnect PC, and the release dates of Motorola's new A760. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the success of our key business relationships, continued growth in the markets for our products and mobile phones, the perceived and realized benefits of mobile phones and devices, the timely development and acceptance of new products and technologies by Extended Systems and its customers, and other risks as detailed from time-to-time in Extended Systems' SEC filings, including its 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 23, 2002 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed in fiscal 2003.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Extended Systems
Joanne Taylor
(208) 322-7575, ext. 6015
joannet@extendsys.com
or
Voce Communications
Tiffany Curci
(650) 322-4600
tcurci@vocepr.com

New Motorola IMfree Delivers Portable Instant Messaging Solution To Millions
of AOL Instant Messenger Fans


No More Family Fights for the PC With Unique Handheld Device Offering

Instant Messaging Access Inside and Around the Home

ATLANTA, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:HREF="aol://4785:MOT">MOT), a global leader in wireless communications,
today introduced the new Motorola IMfree(TM) -- a revolutionary product
designed to provide freedom and convenience to instant messaging (IM) users
almost anywhere throughout the house. About the size of a CD case, the
IMfree handheld device is equipped with a large display and full QWERTY
keyboard for IM addicts, providing a private IM experience away from the
restraints of a stationary computer. Currently compatible with AOL(R) Instant
Messenger(TM) and AIM Buddy Lists(R), the new, easy-to-use Motorola IMfree
system has all that chatting lovers need to take their IM experience almost
anywhere in the home.

The availability of the new Motorola IMfree marks what could be the end of
family disputes over PC usage -- which according to recent studies, effects
more than half of single PC family homes. After simply attaching the IMfree
base station to an Internet-connected computer and launching the software,
users are ready to roam throughout the house with the Motorola IMfree
handheld unit. The Motorola IMfree system offers families the ability to
connect multiple units to one PC and IMfree base station, so now both sister
"Jill" and brother "Jack" can chat away simultaneously with ease, while Mom
or Dad are using the PC. Since the IMfree software runs virtually unnoticed
in the background of the PC, family members have the ability to search the
Web, write a report or finish a business presentation without constant
interruptions from others vying to chat on the PC with friends via IM.

"Anyone who knows or has a tween or teen of their own has seen firsthand the
passion this audience has with IMing," said Larry O'Shaughnessy, director of
marketing, Motorola Consumer Products Division. "This passion will only
increase with the new Motorola IMfree -- giving kids a more convenient and
private way to IM with their friends away from the PC. Millions of kids can
now 'LOL' with their 'BFF' in the bedroom, on the stairs or even the
bathroom."

On-The-Go IM

Operating on 900MHz ISM band technology, the same technology as most cordless
telephones, the IMfree system works within 150 feet of the IMfree base
station which connects to the family Internet-connected PC. Combined with
the hip and lightweight IMfree handset with rechargeable battery, family
members can roam almost anywhere in the house for up to four hours, enjoying
a truly wireless IM experience. Each IMfree base station can accommodate up
to seven IMfree handheld units at one time, so even large families can join
in on the fun.

Designed to leverage the AIM experience, the Motorola IMfree system supports
AIM Buddy Lists, allowing users to hold IM conversations with up to six of
their buddies at a time. In addition, users can also add feelings to their IM
chats with 12 of AIM's most popular emoticons, so while users are on the go
with IMfree they won't miss any of the fun that they might find at the PC.

IM Control

With the Motorola IMfree, unwelcome chats are easy to avoid as the software
accommodates built-in parental controls. Parents have the authority to limit
who can send messages to their children by blocking certain chat invitations.
In addition, parents can set limits on usage from the family PC so that IM
sessions do not occur before homework is finished or after bedtime.

Simple Set-Up

Using and installing the IMfree system is simple -- all users need is a
Windows(R) based PC with an Intel(R) Pentium(R) II Processor or faster, an
available USB port, an Internet connection and a membership in the AOL
community or a free AOL AIM account (www.aim.com). The auto install wizard
provides consumers with step-by-step instructions through the PC software
installation process. Complicated equipment is unnecessary, the Motorola
IMfree device works with broadband, DSL, cable modem or dial up and the
system itself accrues no additional monthly fees.

The easy-to-use Motorola IMfree system consists of an IMfree handheld unit,
an IMfree base station with attached USB cable, rechargeable NiMH Battery
Pack, an AC power adapter and the Installation CD-ROM. Expected to be
available in the second half of 2003, the initial IMfree system includes one
handset and has an estimated price of $99. For more information on
purchasing information please visit www.motorola.com/imfree, www.amazon.com,
www.target.com, www.radioshack.com and select RadioShack stores.

Motorola Introduces Advanced Ruggedized Laptop Mobile Data Solution
Tuesday May 13, 9:01 am ET
Features Advanced Intel Processor, Meets Rigorous Environmental Standards


SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola (NYSE: MOT - News) today announced its newest ruggedized wireless-enabled computing solutions, the ML900(TM) (Mobile Laptop 900) and the Mobile Office Display Solution(TM) (MODS). The systems are part of Motorola's extensive portfolio of integrated communications and information solutions to address mission-critical public safety and security requirements worldwide.

"These newest offerings in our mobile data product portfolio are ruggedized to meet rigorous environmental standards," said David Nairn, vice president, North American Data Business Operations, Motorola. "They are designed to work quickly and efficiently in harsh environments and to handle the demands of the mission-critical world."

"Intel is excited to be a part of Motorola's newest ruggedized notebook PC, powered by the Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor-M," said Donald Macdonald, Intel director of Marketing, Mobile Platforms Group. "These notebooks combine the benefits of portability with high performance PC capabilities to new users in the most demanding environments."

The full-sized, fully sealed Mobile Laptop ML 900, which is designed to meet the needs of public safety and military personnel, also can be used by utility, public service, and other personnel in demanding mobile environments. It has advanced technology to handle large amounts of data quickly, effectively, and reliably in critical situations. Features include a high- capacity 40 GB removable hard drive that can easily be replaced in the field, and a Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor-M 1.70 GHz high performance processor. The ML 900 also offers onboard digital video recorder capabilities enabling users to download or upload videos to a server and the option to integrate a CD R-W/DVD ROM.

Particularly important for law enforcement personnel is the high- resolution, glare-free 12.1-inch or 13.3-inch screen that provides detailed graphical images, fingerprints and mugshots. The system is compatible with Motorola public safety applications, including Premier(TM) MDC, Tx Messenger(TM) and Airmobile(TM) software.

The ML900 runs on Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP operating systems and can be paired with an advanced hot-docking vehicle cradle that enables it to be placed into or removed from a car without having to power it on or off. A single central processing unit can support two displays and two independent applications, and up to four wireless radios, including radios using Bluetooth wireless technology, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), WLAN (wireless local area network) and one WWAN (wireless wide area network).

The Mobile Laptop 900 can be used in conjunction with Motorola's new Mobile Office Display Solution, a fix-mounted display and fully sealed and backlit keyboard. The docked laptop acts as the CPU in remote positions, such as the trunk of a vehicle. The MODS also can be used with Motorola's ML800 (Mobile Laptop 800), launched in 2002.

"For more than 30 years, Motorola has been developing wireless data technology for use in mission-critical situations," said Nairn. "These newest additions expand the portfolio of products we offer that provide rapid, mobile access to the most complete data available."

About Intel

For more than three decades, Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC - News) has developed technology enabling the computer and Internet revolution that has changed the world. Founded in 1968 to build semiconductor memory products, Intel introduced the world's first microprocessor in 1971. Today, Intel supplies the computing and communications industries with chips, boards, systems, and software building blocks that are the "ingredients" of computers, servers and networking and communications products. These products are used by industry members to create advanced computing and communications systems. Intel's mission is to be the preeminent building block supplier to the Internet economy. For more information, please visit: www.intel.com .

About Motorola

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - News) is a global leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2002 were $27.3 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important technologies that make things smarter and life better for people, honored traditions that began when the company was founded 75 years ago this year. For more information, please visit: www.motorola.com .

Motorola Commercial, Government and Industrial Solutions Sector (CGISS)

Motorola's Commercial, Government and Industrial Solutions Sector (CGISS) is a leading provider of integrated radio communications and information solutions, with more than 65 years of experience in meeting the mission- critical requirements of public safety, government and enterprise customers worldwide. The sector offers an extensive portfolio of solutions to meet growing public safety and security needs, including: interoperable two-way radio communications solutions; command and control solutions; identification and tracking solutions; information management for criminal justice and civil needs; and physical security and monitoring solutions. In 2002, CGISS received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's premier award for performance excellence and quality achievement. For more information, please visit: www.motorola.com/cgiss . For more information on the ML900 and other ruggedized mobile data devices from Motorola, please visit http://ml900.motorola.com/ .

Motorola and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Motorola, Inc.