Capgemini selects Appear Networks technology as a key component of its mobility broadband solution offering

Stockholm, Sweden, 5 July 2004 - Capgemini Nederland B.V. and Appear Networks announced a new package of software and services aimed at deploying value-added applications on wireless networks such as Wi-Fi multi-operator hotspots. The companies said their solution would allow enterprises to build value-added Wi-Fi applications from scratch, by providing development tools, middleware and services for integrating the technology with existing enterprise software systems.

Appear Networks produces the Appear Server 4.4, a software platform enabling the fast and provisioning of new applications on wireless networks. The most important feature of the Appear Server is its leading-edge context-aware engine, which enables services and applications to be presented automatically to a user, depending on the time, location, user profile and type of device. This capability turns a standard WLAN hotspot into an intelligent workspace: the Workspot. In a Workspot, a visitor or an employee can access location and time-sensitive information onto his mobile device. In contrast with a standard hotspot, where only simple internet browsing and emailing can be performed, a Workspot can deliver a much wider range of applications related to local business processes and customers’ needs.

“We are delighted to have been selected as a key component of Capgemini’s mobility broadband offer for the deployment of Wi-Fi value-added services” said Xavier Aubry, VP Sales & Marketing, Appear Networks. Our customers are clearly looking at solutions that can decrease their costs by streamlining workflow processes such as security, maintenance or communication. Capgemini has the highest level of expertise in that matter, with their business and technical consulting services.”

Pieter Zylstra, heading up Capgemini’s global Wi-Fi initiatives stated “Over the coming years the Wi-Fi market will be dominated by “services” and “access” will become nothing more than a commodity. Profitable Wi-Fi operations will require technologies that companies like Appear Networks’ are offering. In order to sustain our position as a global mobility leader, we clearly view the partnership with these kind of companies as a key component of mobility transformation programs delivery for our customers.”

Since 2003, Appear Networks and Capgemini have focused on the Transportation vertical, and acquired strong early customer references, such as Stockholm Subway, French Railway (SNCF), Paris Local Transport Authority (RATP). The goal is now to extend these successes to other countries and other industries.

Capgemini and Appear Networks, together with Cisco, Intel, Birdstep and The Cloud, recently organized the first IT seminar specifically dedicated to Wi-Fi technologies for European Railway Companies (Wi-Fi@RailRoad) in Twente, Netherlands.

About Appear Networks:

Appear Networks is a Franco-Swedish company headquartered in Stockholm and Paris, part of the Remote Reward Group. The company has developed a software platform called APS (Appear Server) that enables the deployment of location-based applications on wireless networks. One of the key features of the Appear Server is its leading-edge context-aware engine, which enables services and applications to be presented automatically to users, depending on their location, but also other criteria such as time, user profile and type of device. This capability turns a standard WLAN hotspot into an intelligent workspace called the WorkspotTM. Here a visitor or an employee can access location and time-sensitive information onto his mobile device. In contrast with a standard Wi-Fi Hotspot, where only simple Internet browsing and emailing can be performed, a Workspot can deliver a much wider range of applications related to local business processes and customer needs, such as maintenance, safety or customer information. Appear Networks is working with leading IT companies such as Capgemini, Cisco, Intel and Fujitsu-Siemens Computers. Its current customers are large corporations such as RATP (French Subway), SNCF (French Railway), SL (Stockholm Public Transportation Authority), CGEA-Connex (Veolia Environment group), FMV (Swedish Defence), Sagem Defence & Security and Telecom Operators such as France Telecom.

More information about the company is available at www.appearnetworks.com

About Capgemini:

Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of Consulting, Technology and Outsourcing services, has a unique way of working with its clients, which it calls the Collaborative Business Experience. Through commitment to mutual success and the achievement of tangible value, the company helps businesses implement growth strategies, leverage technology, and thrive through the power of collaboration. Capgemini employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide (55,000 including Transiciel) and reported 2003 global revenues of 5.754 billion euros.

More information about individual service lines, offices and research is available at www.capgemini.com 

Press Contacts 
Mia Falgard
Appear Networks
mia.falgard@appearnetworks.com
Tel: Tel: +46 8 545 91 370 

Xavier Aubry
Appear Networks
Tel: +46 8 545 91 370
xavier.aubry@appearnetworks.com