Source: Posting to comp.os.geosGEOWORKS TO HOST INDUSTRY'S FIRST "SMART PHONE EXECUTIVE FORUM" AT CTIA'S WIRELESS APPS '96
Leading hardware, software, cellular-service providers to discuss issues affecting the emerging smart phone market
ALAMEDA, Calif. (August 6, 1996)--Geoworks (Nasdaq: GWRX), developer of GEOS(R) operating system software for consumer computing devices, today announced it will host a Smart Phone Executive Forum at the Cellular Telephone Industry Association's (CTIA) Wireless Apps '96 conference this October 7-9 in Las Vegas.
"The emerging smart phone market is currently generating tremendous interest. During this time, it is important to establish lines of communication among those companies poised to influence its direction," said Grover Righter, Geoworks' vice president of marketing. "CTIA's wireless-technology conference offers an excellent opportunity to initiate a dialogue among the parties required for the smart phone market to excel."
"Last year, CTIA introduced Wireless Apps '95 to showcase the wealth of technological advancements originating from the rapidly evolving world of wireless applications and data transmission," said Tim Ayers, CTIA's vice president of communications. "The recent development of digital-cellular smart phones, and the unique wireless-enabled capabilities they will soon offer to global consumers, clearly illustrates the need for providing learning environments such as this year's Forum."
The Smart Phone Executive Forum at Wireless Apps '96 will feature two panel discussions in which executives from leading hardware, software and cellular-service organizations will explore the following issues surrounding the smart phone market:
1. "Development Architectures for Smart Phones" -- Smart phone software providers, handset manufacturers and developers will present an overview of technologies for the development of cellular phones with both voice and data capabilities. The discussion will include platforms, tools and the use of standard protocols. Examples of new smart phone products will also be shown.
2. "Content and Services Aftermarket for Smart Phones" -- Publishing and services experts will discuss how data services delivered to smart phones will increase revenue potential and provide differentiation for cellular operators. Market size and opportunity will be covered, including a profile for initial target customers and long-term segmentation.
In addition to the planned panel discussions, Geoworks' president and CEO, Gordon Mayer, will deliver one of the featured presentations during the opening sessions of Wireless Apps '96. Mayer will examine the Internet's role in delivering data services--such as e-mail, facsimile and Internet access--to the smart phone consumer. Other activities available to participants will include Wireless Apps '96 exhibitor events, executive briefings and a luncheon sponsored by Geoworks.
Smart phones are next-generation, digital-cellular telephones that integrate voice and data transmission capabilities--including voice mail, e-mail, facsimile, and Internet access to content and services--within one handheld device. Currently scheduled for introduction in Europe in August, smart phones are targeted for broad availability within Asia and the U.S. by 1997.
About CTIA
CTIA is the premiere international organization for the wireless communications industry. Members include cellular carriers, personal-communications services licensees, mobile radio and satellite service carriers, and manufacturers of wireless devices and infrastructure equipment. CTIA collects, organizes and publishes information on current technical and public-policy issues of interest to the wireless industry.
For more information on CTIA, send e-mail to info@ctia.org or call 202-785-0081. CTIA's "virtual trade shows" can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.wow-com.com.
About Geoworks Based in Alameda, California, Geoworks develops and markets the GEOS operating system and application software for the emerging Consumer Computing Devices (CCD) market. The company is focused on enabling the development of smart phones and electronic organizers, and has licensed GEOS to leading manufacturers such as Nokia, Ericsson, Toshiba Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Brother International Corp. and Canon Business Machines.
In keeping with U.S. law, Geoworks notes that this press release includes forward-looking statements, including the global timing and rate of adoption of both the digital cellular networks and data services over these networks. Actual results may vary significantly, due to risks the that: i) the smart phone market may not emerge to the degree or in the timing anticipated; ii) delivery of content and services to cellular phones is dependent upon the development of complementary technologies and alliances beyond the Company's control; and iii) 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.
For additional information on Geoworks and the GEOS operating system, contact Geoworks on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com.