Press Release
March 19, 2001
ImproveNet Selects Aether Systems To Provide and Distribute Lead Retrieval Services on the BlackBerry™ by Aether™ Handheld Product Line
Brings Latest Technology to National Network of Member Contractors
Owings Mills, MD - Aether Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: AETH), a leading provider of wireless data products and services, announced today that they will offer and distribute a lead retrieval system to the 9,000-member contract network of ImproveNet Inc. (NASDAQ: NM: IMPV), a leading Web-based home improvement services company, on the market-leading RIM wireless handheld™ product line, featuring BlackBerry™ by Aether™.
BlackBerry™ by Aether™, an award-winning wireless email solution, will give contractors the benefit of an efficient lead retrieval system, allowing them to receive job leads and respond to homeowners instantaneously. Aether will also provide application server and support hosting, product fulfillment, customer support and 24-hour network operations support.
"The BlackBerry™ by Aether™ solution will assist ImproveNet to quickly make the transition to wireless communications," said Pete Nassos, Corporate Manager, Aether Systems. "We're excited to be a part of this initiative to help ImproveNet establish themselves as a first-mover in the wireless communications space among contractors."
BlackBerry™ by Aether's will expedite the communication process - providing anytime access to homeowner leads - ultimately resulting in better follow-up between the contractor and homeowner. The combination of this system along with accelerated www.ImproveNetPRO.com will not only speed up communication within the network, but will also reduce time and money spent on cell phones. All of ImproveNet's ProServices field representatives across the country will be incorporating the BlackBerry™ By Aether™ solution into their communication practices.
"This wireless communication system allows for new freedom and time efficiency that will ultimately eliminate the fax machine from the lead management system and move our lead retrieval towards a paperless system," said Bill Phillips, ImproveNet's senior vice president of professional services. "Since virtually every ImproveNet job is submitted over the Internet and email, Web-savvy homeowners are receptive to contractors utilizing the latest communication technologies."
Ultimately, the BlackBerry™ by Aether™ solution should allow the contractor member network to communicate to homeowners, suppliers and their offices without interrupting their work schedule. The agreement with Aether Systems enables ImproveNet to provide yet another service to member contractors that helps to drive their businesses in the competitive marketplace.
About Aether Systems
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 center 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. For more information, please visit www.aethersystems.com.
About ImproveNet
ImproveNet Inc (NASDAQ: IMPV) leverages the speed and flexibility of the Internet to create an electronic marketplace where homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, manufacturers, lenders and real estate professionals can access complete, reliable data to make confident decisions about all aspects of home improvement. ImproveNet content and services are provided on more than 350 partner and affiliate sites, including GE Appliances, DuPont Corian, Owens Corning, Dow, Yahoo!, Ask Jeeves, Knight-Ridder and Cox Interactive. For more information, visit www.ImproveNet.com, www.ImproveNetPRO.com, or call 800-437-0473.
This press release includes forward-looking statements based on current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Aether that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of Aether and ImproveNet to successfully develop the products and services described in this release. These risks and other risk factors are described in Aether's report on Form 10-K with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Aether undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited and are used by permission. "BlackBerry by Aether" used by permission.
© 2001 Aether Systems, Inc., All Rights Reserved
