Source: GeoworksALAMEDA, Calif. (June 27, 1997) - Geoworks (NASDAQ: GWRX), a leading provider of smart phone software solutions, announced today that it has signed a technology licensing agreement with Connected Corporation, provider of the industry-leading Connected Online Backup service. The licensing deal will enable Geoworks to create multiple new products and services for wireless devices.
"With the new generation of smart phones offering enhanced PDA-like functionality and having Internet access, it was a natural for us to team with Geoworks to bring our award-winning, online backup service to smart phone users," said Howard Marson, vice president of business development for Connected Corporation.
"Geoworks conducted a broad survey of available technology in the data archival and security arena. We determined that Connected Corporation has the best technology for us to integrate into wireless telephony solutions," said Grover Righter, vice president of Wireless Content and Services at Geoworks. "By joining forces with Connected, we are able to offer compelling new services that will benefit smart phone users."
Smart phones are next-generation, digital-cellular telephones that integrate voice and data transmission capabilities within one handheld device. According to research firm Mobile Insights, the worldwide market for smart phones is expected to reach $2 billion by the year 2000. The first GEOS-based smart phone, the Nokia 9000 Communicator, is currently available within Europe, parts of Asia, Latin America and Australia, with U.S. availability targeted for later in 1997.
About Geoworks
Based in Alameda, California, Geoworks is a leading software provider for the cellular industry and manufacturers of mobile communicating devices, including smart phones. The company has licensed its GEOSŪ operating system to leading manufacturers such as Nokia, Ericsson, NEC, Toshiba Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Brother International Corp. and Canon Business Machines. In addition, the company intends to work with content and services providers, and international cellular operators. For additional information on Geoworks and the GEOS operating system, contact Geoworks at 1-510-814-1660 or on the World Wide Web at www.geoworks.com/.About Connected Corporation
Connected Corporation develops, markets and operates a suite of automated online PC support services, including online backup and recovery, which provide best industry practices while reducing the total cost of support for desktop and mobile PCs. Connected is a privately-held company founded in October of 1995. The company's headquarters are in Framingham, Massachusetts with sales offices in Palo Alto, California and Chicago, Illinois, and a joint venture operating in the United Kingdom. The company can be reached on the Web at www.connected.com or toll free at 800-353-3078.In keeping with U.S. law, Geoworks notes that this press release includes forward-looking statements, including the intention to develop and support smart phone aftermarket services, and estimates of smart phone market growth. Actual results may vary significantly due to various risks and uncertainties, including but are not limited to, the following: i) the risks and uncertainties inherent in the development of complex new technologies; and ii), the smart phone market may not emerge to the degree or in the timing anticipated. Additional information is available in the Risk Factors and Business discussions in the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q available from the Company or from the Securities and Exchange Commission.