Fujitsu Siemens Computers includes the Appear Networks Client into the Pocket L00X portal

Stockholm/Munich, 23 September 2004 – Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Appear Networks have signed a Worldwide Corporate Reseller Agreement to offer customers a complete mobility solution. The agreement covers Appear Networks enterprise software products, a new generation of software enabling the deployment of value-added services on wireless networks. The Appear Client will be included in the soon-to-be released Pocket LOOX portal, where Pocket LOOX owners can download new applications and services to their device. The Appear Server will be distributed by certified value-added resellers, as part of their mobility solution offering. Together, the Appear Server and Client make the download of new applications as easy as receiving an email. An airport employee, for example, or a conference center guest, can access new applications via the local wireless network (WLAN) based on his/her present location, access rights, and the time of the day. Full applications can be downloaded, installed and started with a single click. Depending on the circumstances, the applications are either stored or automatically deleted when the user leaves the area.

According to Gartner (march 2004*) handheld device integration has been moving across industry lines into a variety of markets and this trend will only grow as more application and management options are developed. (* Gartner March 15, 2004: Handheld Device Management in the Enterprise: An Overview)

Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Appear Networks have teamed up to deliver integrated solutions. In addition Fujitsu Siemens Computers will work with Appear Networks to train and certify more than 500 individuals within its reseller network on the Appear software

Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Appear Networks have already teamed up to achieve customer successes such as Connex and the Stockholm Mass Transit Authority, where the companies deployed the first implementation of location and time-based wireless services for the local subway workforce.

The Appear Client has the capability to connect to an Appear Server. 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. For example, during a busy day, Fujitsu Siemens Computers employees will book conference rooms, access telephone directories, find locations of nearby hotels and transport systems, be informed when their daily schedule might change via their wireless-enabled Handhelds.

The Pocket LOOX Series from Fujitsu Siemens Computers is designed as an open platform for mobility solutions. Thanks to its flexible connectivity, mobile applications, like accessing data on a SAP server, secure VPN solutions or thin client based mobility solutions can be easily implemented.

“We are convinced that innovative mobile applications are the driving force behind large enterprise IT roll-outs,” said Peter Eßer, Executive Vice President Volume Products and Supply Operations at Fujitsu Siemens Computers. “Appear Networks has proved that it can create substantial value for customers in specific verticals such as transportation. The technology is the perfect complement to our line of mobility products, and a key enabling technology for wireless application deployments. ”

“We regard the partnership with Fujitsu-Siemens Computers as strategic,” explains Johan Magnusson, VP Business Development, Appear Networks. “Our corporate customers are now acquiring a large number of wireless devices for their workforce, in order to give them access to real-time location-based information, and the Pocket LOOX Handheld from Fujitsu Siemens Computers is an ideal device for the deployment of such mobile applications. The combined solution has the potential to become a de facto standard for mobile workers in specific industries such as transportation”.

About Appear Networks: www.appearnetworks.com
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.

About Fujitsu Siemens Computers: www.fujitsu-siemens.com

Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the leading European IT provider with a responsible strategic focus on next-generation Mobility and Business Critical Computing products, services and solutions. With a portfolio of exceptional depth, our offering extends from handhelds through desktops to enterprise-class IT infrastructure solutions. Fujitsu Siemens Computers has a strong presence in all key markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Leveraging the strengths, innovation and global reach of our joint shareholders, Fujitsu Limited and Siemens AG, we make sure we meet the needs of customers: large corporations, small and medium enterprises and private users.

Press Contacts Appear Networks:

Dalyce Suanez
Rebekah Lahey
Open2Europe - PR Division
Tel: + 33 (0)1 55 02 14 58/59
d.suanez@open2europe.com 
r.lahey@open2europe.com 

Xavier Aubry
Appear Networks
Tel: +46 854 591 370
xavier.aubry@appearnetworks.com 

Press Contacts Fujitsu Siemens Computers:

Amy M.K. Flécher
Director Communications
Tel.: + 49 (0) 89 3222 4460
Mobile: + 49 (0) 171 86 50 101
Fax: + 49 (0) 89 3222 4466
amy.flecher@fujitsu-siemens.com 

Lothar Lechtenberg
PR Manager
Tel.: + 49 (0) 211 6178 2828
Mobile: + 49 (0) 171 86 50 022
Fax: + 49 (0) 211 6178 1168
lothar.lechtenberg@fujitsu-siemens.com