APION DEMONSTRATES WAP
INTEROPERABILITY in partnership with Geoworks
Collaboration
of Premion Interface+ and WAP Gateway Confirmed Compatible
APiON
Ltd. (BELFAST, N. Ireland, Jan. 12, 1999) a cutting edge network software provider and Geoworks
Corporation (NASDAQ: GWRX), a leading provider of wireless software and
service solutions, announced today that the two companies have been
working closely for several months and have successfully tested the
interoperability of their products based on the Wireless Application
Protocol (WAP).
The
Joint effort involves APiON�s WAP gateway system and Geoworks� Premion� Interface+�
graphical user interface in a series of tests to ensure WAP
interoperability in sending and receiving data over any network using
the protocols and formats defined by the WAP Forum. APiON�s
WAP gateway offers the means for wireless networks to send the WAP
applications, services and content over any network, while Geoworks�
Premion Interface+ provides a dynamic graphical user interface (GUI)
environment for wireless handsets to display WAP applications, services
and content.
WAP interoperability testing is a critical step in
verifying that technologies from a wide variety of WAP-based vendors
seamlessly work together. This latest development is part of APiON's ongoing testing of its WAP gateway, which provides the network
software required for wireless service providers to successfully
transmit data and complete Internet connections.
�The
acceptance of WAP by wireless service providers depends on successful
interoperability between WAP products produced by vendors such as
Geoworks and APiON,� said
Richard McConnell, APiON�s
Research and Development Director.
�Our
mutual goal is to demonstrate to wireless handset device manufacturers
and network service providers that Geoworks� interface platform and APiON�s network infrastructure offer an easy and efficient way to
utilise WAP in their devices and provide value-added services"
�Specializing in network switching, signaling,
convergence and management, APiON
provides an important component for testing our WAP-based interface
application platform,� said David Thatcher, Geoworks� president and
CEO. �Together, APiON and
Geoworks are helping prove the interoperability of
WAP to further speed WAP�s acceptance and deployment.�
Both Geoworks and APiON
are members of the WAP Forum, an industry consortium driving WAP
viability and acceptance. The WAP Forum has established specifications
for an advanced protocol that works across different wireless network
technologies and devices internationally. With strong industry support
from companies such as Geoworks and APiON,
WAP is expected to easily enable cross-vendor interoperability across
multiple networks.
Designed
to run on top of any operating system and phone software, Premion
Interface+ is the first product of its class to seamlessly blend a
customisable user interface tool set with a WAP-compatible application
platform. This enables handset manufacturers to create enhanced phones
and mobile terminals with the capability to utilise data services
through user-friendly GUIs.
The APiON WAP gateway product,
which will be released in early 2nd quarter 1999, has been designed for
scalability and to allow easy integration with existing network
infrastructure, such as billing and network management systems. Early
interoperability work and demonstration of WAP service concepts have
been carried out using a currently available alpha release of the WAP
Gateway System.
Future plans call for APiON
and Geoworks to continue their relationship by testing Premion Server+�,
another Geoworks product, that delivers information and services to all
types of wireless mobile devices. The two companies plan to test the
transmission of information service data and the WAP interoperability of
Geoworks� server technology and APiON's
gateway.
Notes to
editors:
APiON
will be showcasing this interoperability at the upcoming GSM World
Congress,
Feb. 23 - 25, 1999 in Cannes, France. (Stand No. G
23).
Background
About APiON
APiON
is well established as a world-leading Telecommunications Software
Company with significant expertise and competence in a range of network
infrastructure technologies including Switching, Signaling, Wireless
Data, Internet Integration, and Intelligent Networks. APiON
is actively involved in WAP Forum activities, and is committed to being
'first-to-market' with new and innovative functionality as the WAP
standards develop. For additional information on Apion, contact the
Company at their Web site: http://www.apion-tss.com
About
Geoworks
Based in Alameda, Calif., with
international operations in the United Kingdom and Japan, Geoworks
Corporation is a leading provider of end-to-end software solutions for
the wireless communications industry. The Company creates operating
system software, applications and actionable services for a variety of
wireless devices, ranging from enhanced phones to high-end, all-in-one
smart communicators. For additional information on Geoworks, contact the
Company at their Web site at: http://www.geoworks.com.
Ref: Geoworks, APiON
Test WAP Interoperability
In keeping with U.S. law, Geoworks notes that this
press release includes forward-looking statements, including, the
acceptance and utilization of the WAP specifications, the successful
implementation of products from wireless manufacturers and service
providers utilizing the WAP specifications, the successful
interoperability of WAP-based products, and the emergence of the
enhanced phone market. Actual results may vary significantly due to
various risks and uncertainties. Those include, but are not limited to,
the following: i) the enhanced phone market may not emerge to the degree
or in the timing anticipated; ii) the Company must consummate definitive
agreements with key partners; iii) the WAP Forum may not be successful
in its goal to achieve interoperability; and iv) new technologies and
new services are inherently subject to development, timing and consumer
acceptance risks. Additional information is available in the Risk
Factors and Business discussions in the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and
other filings available from the Company or from the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
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