Intel's Worldwide Mobile Data Initiative Unites Leading Network Operators, Telecoms, Mobile PC And Software Manufacturers

Intel Launches Initiative to Bring Wireless Data Communications to Mobile PCs

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 4, 1997 – Intel Corporation today unveiled the Mobile Data Initiative, a cross-industry effort to provide mobile PC users with data-ready wireless communication and connection to corporate data networks and the Internet anytime, anywhere. Formed and led by Intel, the Mobile Data Initiative is an affiliation of leading technology companies which includes mobile phone network operators, telecommunications vendors and mobile PC hardware and software manufacturers. The Mobile Data Initiative's goal is to provide mobile workers with an easy and affordable wireless connection to data and networks using cellular telephones linked to notebook PCs.

"Many mobile workers spend a significant amount of time and effort looking for ways to connect their notebook PC to a telephone line," said Stephen P. Nachtsheim, vice president and general manager, Intel Mobile and Handheld Products Group. "Intel's efforts to forge an industry-wide alliance of technology leaders through the Mobile Data Initiative will help accelerate the advancement of mobile data communications. Whether in airports, trains or virtually anywhere outside of the office, a wireless data connection can be indispensable for accessing electronic mail and Internet services. The initiative seeks to provide business users with access to data anywhere, anytime, without compromising notebook PC performance and capability."

Intel began this initiative in Europe last year where it championed a Mobile Data Initiative that incorporates the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a digital mobile phone standard that covers 25 percent of the world's population outside of North America.

Dr. Adriana Nugter, chairman of the GSM Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) association representing 239 operators and administrations in 109 countries across the world, said, "The Intel-led Mobile Data Initiative has helped to simplify GSM applications for users. Today's announcement will provide a boost to the fast growing mobile data communications on our networks."

Intel's Mobile Data Initiative focus includes the continued development of core technologies, products, services and information for IT/business deployment of wireless remote access for mobile PC users. For example, Intel recently held a workshop to facilitate testing of mobile solutions to ensure compatibility between products and services delivered by member companies of the Mobile Data Initiative.

Mobile Data Initiative – Seamless Wireless Data Communications
Along with Intel, mobile PC manufacturers and software developers are key members of the Mobile Data Initiative. Toshiba and IBM are delivering notebook systems that serve as the foundation for the business user's mobile office. By incorporating high-performance Intel mobile processors, notebook PC manufacturers are designing systems which incorporate a wide variety of features that bring desktop-equivalent performance to the mobile worker. In addition, Microsoft is participating in the Mobile Data Initiative by enhancing mobile communications support within its operating system products, continuing to make Windows the premier mobile platform. Microsoft is actively working with the equipment vendors to test and integrate with Windows the services, hardware devices and software drivers that enable this easier, less expensive wireless connectivity.

A significant element to the Mobile Data Initiative is the newly formed network telephone operator alliance known as North America GSM Alliance. Employing the PCS 1900 service, this technology fully supports the deployment of data services for wireless Internet connection, messaging, faxing and electronic mail which enable mobile workers to be in communication virtually anywhere. The GSM technology, unlike other services, provides unique end-to-end digital communication for voice and data transmission at affordable prices.

The PCS 1900 is compatible with the GSM worldwide digital mobile phone standard. This service, used in conjunction with a Subscriber Information Module (SIM) card inserted into a GSM wireless telephone, enables a U.S. traveler abroad to connect via a U.S. phone number to all of GSM's digital mobile phone services.

"We are extremely pleased that Intel and the Mobile Data Initiative have endorsed the North America GSM Alliance and its pre-eminent ability to serve as a data network," said Don Warkentin, president and chief executive officer of Aerial Communications and chair of the GSM Alliance. "GSM technology, unlike other PCS technologies, is a proven solution for reliable and complete wireless communications, including data networking. The most popular wireless technology throughout the world, more than 44 million customers rely every day on GSM for accurate, secure and cost-effective transmission of valuable information."

Telecommunications equipment manufacturers including Nokia and Ericsson are essential members of the Mobile Data Initiative. The telecommunications manufacturers provide a wide range of products and services, including mobile phones, data cards and the digital network infrastructure to support data connectivity. Telecom equipment manufacturers are advancing the capabilities of digital wireless communication through various technology innovations to help drive down the costs previously associated with wireless.

The Mobile Data Initiative will make today's mobile data solutions easier to purchase, deploy and use, and will develop new products and services that integrate mobile PC and phone technologies to provide business professionals with fast, reliable and cost-effective access to information throughout the world.

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