Source: Geoworks(July 23, 1997) - Nokia (NYSE: NOKA) and Geoworks (NASDAQ: GWRX) announced today that the two companies have signed an agreement to extend their collaboration to develop new software, operating system solutions and intelligent mobile devices. This agreement reinforces the two companies' commitment to grow the enhanced communicator and intelligent mobile phone market.
This continues the strong relationship the two companies formed during the development of the revolutionary Nokia 9000 Communicator. The Nokia 9000 Communicator, which integrates the Geoworks’ GEOS operating system, is the world's first all-in-one communications device that combines wireless voice and data services with personal organizer functionality.
In addition, Nokia and Geoworks are working on delivering wireless content and services solutions that provide value-added services including remote shopping, telebanking, and access to Internet information and entertainment.
"Nokia and Geoworks share a common vision of the Internet and the increasingly significant role it will play in the wireless communications industry," said Mikko Terho, vice president, Wireless Data, Nokia Mobile Phones. "We have been very happy with the GEOS OS, as it has proven to be a solid and easily adaptable platform for third-party developers and end-users. Geoworks is an important partner that provides a leading platform solution, and we are committed to continuing to work with them in the development of this product category."
"We are pleased that Nokia has selected our OS platform for its ongoing efforts in developing innovative, intelligent mobile devices and to have the opportunity to work with them to expand this exciting market," said Gordon Mayer, chairman, president & CEO of Geoworks. "The companies are working together to incorporate new wireless content and services that will enable end-users to access the wealth of information available on the Internet, as well as other advanced services such as data back-up."
The GSM version of the Nokia 9000 Communicator was launched at the CeBIT '96 exhibition and is now available in more than 30 countries. It has won numerous awards for excellence and product design, including the 1997 GSM World Award for Innovation, CeBIT ‘96 Best of Show, the 1996 Mobility Award (Best Product), and the 1996 Top Mobile & Wireless Devices award for top product. Nokia will introduce the American GSM 1900 version of the Nokia 9000 Communicator later this year.
The two companies will also continue to pursue third-party developers with Geoworks' Nokia 9000 Communicator Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK enables software developers to design applications, including personal banking and security solutions, in a user-friendly, cost-effective way.
Nokia, a forerunner in digital mobile phones is one of the two largest suppliers of GSM networks and has sales in approximately 130 countries. Nokia is also the global leader in wireless data. With net sales totaling $8.5 billion in 1996, Nokia employs more than 33,000 people in 45 countries. Nokia's shares are listed on the New York, Helsinki, London, Stockholm, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges. You can visit Nokia on the World Wide Web at www.nokia.com.
Based in Alameda, Calif., 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(R) operating system to leading manufacturers such as Nokia, Ericsson, NEC, Toshiba Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., 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 us at 510-814-1660 or on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com/.