Source: GeoworksGEOWORKS AND NOKIA INITIATE DEVELOPER PROGRAM TO BUILD SMART PHONE AFTERMARKET
Program enables developers to create value-added applications for the Nokia 9000, other smart phones built on the GEOS platform
ALAMEDA, Calif. (April 2, 1997) - Geoworks (NASDAQ: GWRX), a leading provider of smart phone software solutions, and Nokia (NYSE: NOK A) a leading manufacturer of mobile phones, the world's largest manufacturer of digital cellular phones and a world leader in digital cellular technology, today introduced a major expansion of the Geoworks Developer Program, an instructional training, services and support program, to help developers create applications for communicators built upon Geoworks' GEOS operating system platform.
According to research recently conducted by Mobile Insights, the global market for smart phones is expected to reach $2 billion by the year 2000. The Geoworks Developer Program offers developers the opportunity to tap this growing market by helping them create applications for innovative smart phones built upon Geoworks' software, such as the Nokia 9000 Communicator.
"The popularity to date of the Nokia 9000 Communicator attests to the tremendous potential of the smart phone market," said Randi Doeker, director, Developer Relations at Geoworks. "As these next-generation digital-cellular phones continue to grow in popularity around the world, Geoworks anticipates a strong response from developers looking for the tools to build applications for this fast-growing customer base."
"Nokia's first collaboration with Geoworks was the successful development of the Nokia 9000 Communicator," said Reijo Paajanen, Senior Vice President, Nokia Mobile Phones, Wireless Data. "With the handset now shipping in more than 30 countries, we look forward to the next phase in our companies' relationship in which we deliver even greater value to Nokia 9000 Communicator customers through customized aftermarket applications created through this new developer program."
Based on different membership levels within the Geoworks Developer Program, members will have the opportunity to receive orientation materials, software development kits, technical support, design review, testing facilities and promotional assistance.
The program is based on a four-tiered membership structure to accommodate a wide range of developer requirements and capabilities with basic membership fees starting at only $100 (USD). Based on the needs of the developer, membership packages range from a single development kit with fee-based training lectures to a multiple-license kit with unlimited technical support, design reviews by telephone, on-site consultation, multiple free training lectures and technical conferences, and extensive promotional assistance.
All membership packages will include access to Geoworks' membership database on the World Wide Web, where members can maintain password-secured data, self-help support through e-mail news notification, and on-line resources including tips, sample code, white papers, technical notes, and downloads. All members will also have access to public discussion and partner programs. Geoworks will appear with Nokia at the Handheld Systems Conference at the San Francisco Airport Hilton, April 24-26 , 1997 to demonstrate the Nokia 9000 Communicator to developers and offer further details on the Geoworks Developer Program.
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 GEOS 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 on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com.About Nokia
Nokia is a leading international telecommunications company with 1996 net sales of FIM 39.3 billion (USD 8.5 billion) and over 31,000 employees. A pioneer in wireless technology, Nokia is Europe's largest and the world's second largest manufacturer of mobile phones, the market leader in digital handsets, and a leading supplier of digital cellular networks. The company also supplies advanced transmission systems, access networks and multimedia equipment. Nokia's shares are listed on the Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, New York, Paris and Stockholm stock exchanges. For further information, please visit Nokia on the World Wide Web at http://www.nokia.com.In keeping with U.S. law, Geoworks notes that this press release includes forward-looking statements, including the emergence of the smart communicator market, forecasts by third parties concerning the potential for market growth, the company's intention to provide the developer support programs outlined in this release and the establishment of key partnerships. Actual results may vary significantly due to various risks and uncertainties. Those include, but are not limited to, the following: i) the smart communicator market may not emerge to the degree or in the timing anticipated; ii) there can be no assurance that third parties will successfully develop smart phone applications under this developers program, 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.