Mitsui Concludes Alliance with Appear Networks

Stockholm, Sweden and Tokyo, Japan – 11 September 2003
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui), leading provider of IT solution services, today announced that the company has concluded an exclusive distribution agreement for the Japanese market with Appear Networks, Franco-Swedish software vendor specialising in innovative platforms for Wi-Fi networks. Mitsui will begin sales of the award-winning APS (Appear Provisioning Server) in Japan in September.

APS uses Appear Networks’ unique positioning and provisioning technology to generate contextual services in WLAN hotspots such as airports, subway stations and conference venues

Contextual services are applications that spontaneously “appear”, depending on varying criteria:

•  Who you are: a maintenance worker or railway passenger
• Where you are: visiting an exhibition centre or waiting in an airport lounge
• When you need information: on your lunch break or in between flights

APS relies on Appear Networks’ “Click & Run™” technology, a user-friendly interface which makes new application download as easy as receiving an email:

• Services automatically appear by zone
• Applications can be downloaded, installed and run in a
  single click
• Applications can be saved for offline use or disappear later to save memory

APS assumes that in real life most users have rarely used a wireless device (pocketPC, tabletPC, laptop) other than a telephone, but that the majority of users are used to receiving e-mail on a desktop.

In Japan, traditional telecommunication operators and a new generation of wireless operators are rapidly deploying local broadband networks in public access zones such as subway/railway stations, hotels, coffee shops or airports... These locations are the so-called wireless “hotspots”, places where the public can obtain high-speed Internet access from a WLAN (wireless local area network).

The total number of hotspots in Japan is forecast to reach 60,000 by 2006 (Source EC Research, Softbank Group) and, in Asia, has already risen above the European level. As the number of public hotspots continues to increase, hundreds of companies are simultaneously deploying internal networks for their own workforces in access zones known as “workspots”.

Analysts confirm that the key success factor of hotspot and workspot network deployments is the availability of value-added services which are attractive and easy to use, bringing the immediate benefits of increased productivity and enhanced customer service.

Whilst access-driven models are bound to fail, particularly with the emergence of free WLAN networks, service-driven models are taking the market by storm and allowing operators to generate real profits. APS has become the “de facto” standard for rolling-out value-added services on a WLAN infrastructure, with numerous deployments in Europe, many with major operators.

“It is an honour to sign this distribution contract with Mitsui”, says Xavier Aubry, Business Development Director for Appear Networks. “Mitsui is one of the most renowned trading companies in Japan having an extensive network of contacts with leading telecoms operators. Signing with Mitsui gives Appear Networks instant access to the largest Japanese operators”, Xavier Aubry added.

“Appear Networks is clearly recognised as one of the most innovative technology companies that we have come across in the WLAN sector”, confirms Yoshihiro Iwata, General Manager, Mobile Systems Department, IT Solution Division at Mitsui & Co., Ltd. “Japan is one of the most advanced markets in the world for wireless services and we are pleased to start the marketing of “Click & Run™” here. We believe that Appear Networks’ “Click & Run™” service model can significantly enhance the business models for WLAN hotspots.”

In marketing the “Click & Run™” technology, Mitsui will work with its subsidiary BSI, who will manage sales and technical support. The company also plans to appoint other systems integrators for deployment in specific industries sectors. Mitsui will handle requests for trial versions and supply OEM versions to major Japanese device manufacturers.

Prices will begin at JPY3.5 million (£19000) for a standard trial deployment and Mitsui aims to achieve an annual sales target of JPY1 billion (£5.3 million) after three years.

About Mitsui & Co., Ltd, IT Solution Division

(Japanese) http://www.epoch.mitsui.co.jp

(English) http://www.epoch.mitsui.co.jp/english

Mitsui provides a wide range of IT solution services: provision of hardware, including servers and network equipment based upon cutting-edge technology from the US and other countries; the provision of software, such as CRM-related applications, EAI, middleware, and network security management tools; and outsourcing services, such as customer call center solutions and security monitoring systems. With the cooperation of other strategic group companies such as BSI, AdamNet, TOM, Moshi Moshi Hotline, and Nihon Unisys, Mitsui offers "one-stop" solutions that cover the widening needs of the customers.

About Appear Networks:
(English) http://www.appearnetworks.com

Appear Networks is a Franco-Swedish company specializing in innovative software platforms for wireless networks, with a particular emphasis on WLAN (Wi-Fi) applications and human-machine interfaces. Appear Provisioning Server is a software platform currently used in wireless “hotspot” networks, such as European airports, subway stations, or conference venues, to deploy contextual wireless services. The “Click & Run™” software technology enables any communicating mobile device to discover, load and run applications available locally in one simple click. Appear Networks’ technology is ideal for local mobile workers as well as for visitors to public hotspots. Appear Networks has successfully partnered with leading IT companies such as Cisco, Intel, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Fujitsu-Siemens Computers and IBM Global solutions. 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 European WLAN operators.

Press Contacts

Angela Hepburn
Open2Europe
Tel: + 33 1 55 02 14 51
a.hepburn@open2europe.com

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

Hiroshi Kawajiri
Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Tel: +81 3 3285 6954
H.Kawajiri@mitsui.com