Press Release
September 25, 2000
Aether Systems & ePhones Partner to Resell BlackBerry by Aether Service
Owings Mills, MD - Aether Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:AETH), a leading provider of wireless data products and services, announced today that it has signed an agreement with ePhones to resell BlackBerry™ by Aether Wireless email service. ePhones will offer BlackBerry by Aether service through the ePhones Powered Network, representing more than 200 wireless retailers and Internet partners and over 500 retail stores nationwide.
BlackBerry by Aether is an integrated package of hardware, software, airtime and customer service designed to give customers reliable wireless email access in the palm of their hand. In addition to wireless email, the BlackBerry device includes a full-featured address book, appointment calendar, task list, calculator, and memo pad. The cradle and desktop software allow the user to synchronize with popular desktop personal information management (PIM) software.
"Aether is very pleased to extend the availability of BlackBerry by Aether service to the vast network of wireless retailers that are a part of the ePhones Powered Network," said John Clarke, Vice President of Wireless Hosting Services for Aether. "We believe that the service is an outstanding wireless email solution and this agreement gives us the ability to put it in front of a larger audience of consumers
The BlackBerry handheld includes an integrated wireless modem that enables users to be always on and always connected to their desktop email. BlackBerry service operates over nationwide wireless data networks in the United States and Canada.
"Because our partners specialize in wireless, the ePhones Powered Network is uniquely qualified to deliver wireless Internet solutions to qualified customers," said Michael Merrill, Chairman and CEO of ePhones. "This agreement will help ePhones continue to deliver on its mission of provide leading edge wireless services."
About ePhones
ePhones enables wireless Internet commerce and services, powering wireless Internet sites for over 200 partners nationwide. The ePhones Powered Network allows wireless retailers to add a fully functioning wireless e-Commerce operation quickly and easily, and allows Internet retailers to add wireless services to their product line virtually overnight. Partners choose from a wide range of customization tools, selecting the products and services that suit their needs, and the rapid deployment solution seamlessly integrates new services with their existing operations. ePhones also provides partners with sales, marketing, training and operational support for new wireless Internet services. With over 12 years experience in the wireless industry, ePhones offers the widest selection of wireless and telecom services available online. ePhones, formerly named Totally Wireless, is backed by Aether Systems, U.S. Venture Partners, Alta Partners, and Alta Communications. ePhones is based in Fremont, CA, and is privately held.
About Aether Systems, Inc.
Aether Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless and mobile data products and services allowing real-time communications and transactions across a full range of devices and networks. Using its engineering expertise, the ScoutWare™ family of products including the Aether Intelligent Messaging (AIM) software platform, and its network operations and customer care center, Aether seeks to provide comprehensive, technology-independent wireless and mobile computing solutions. Aether develops and delivers wireless data services across a variety of industries and market segments in the United States and internationally.
