LEUVEN, Belgium, March 31st 2004 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI), the wireless technology company, today announced the release of GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager™ – an innovative software solution that simplifies mobile access to the expanding range of wireless networks and Internet services.
GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager is a unique PC software solution that enables fast, simple and easy access to wireless data whilst hiding from the user the complexity of the underlying wireless technologies. GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager seamlessly controls both wireless Internet and fixed line dial-up connections to remote networks with support for 3G, E-GPRS, GPRS/GSM, WLAN/Wi-Fi, ADSL and standard PC modem connections.
Inherent within GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager is the single click philosophy. One click and the user has direct access to the Internet over 3G or GPRS, the ability to compose and send an SMS, and connect to the corporate Wireless LAN or local Wi-Fi hotspot.
Jan Callewaert, CEO Option: “The release of the GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager is an important milestone for Option as user software is fast-becoming a major differentiator in the value proposition of Option’s products. Corporate users demand instant, reliable and secure wireless access. GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager enables the corporate user whilst in the office to connect securely with WPA encryption to the company WLAN, but when travelling, at an airport, or staying in a hotel, to have secure remote wireless access over VPN. Our goal at Option with the release of Globetrotter Mobility Manager is to continue to provide users with the best wireless data solutions possible in today’s mobile aware market.”
For the Mobile Wireless operator, Telco, or Wi-Fi provider Option is able to offer fully customized versions of Globetrotter Mobility Manager reflecting specific branding requirements including logos, colours, font styles, plus pre-set network and roaming partner preferences. Additional languages to those supplied as standard (GB, F, D, E, I, NL, P and Chinese) are available on request.
GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager is currently shipping with Option’s GlobeTrotter COMBO WLAN/GPRS PC Card and will shortly be available with the full range of Option’s GlobeTrotter PC Card family.
Product highlights
Simplicity:
• Single click philosophy, One click connect
• One click access to e-mail, browser, & Instant Messenger
• Easy to customize toolbars, user selectable icons
• User selectable program favourites
• Pre-configured network operator settings
• Automatic Wi-Fi scan function
• Seamless interaction with Outlook contact database and SIM phonebook
• Auto-complete and search within contact database
• Simple but flexible connection profiles
Speed:
• 3G/UMTS 384kbps, E-GPRS, GPRS and GSM
• ADSL broadband, and standard 56Kbps modem connections
• WLAN/Wi-Fi up to 54Mbps
Security:
• Supports all major VPN client software
• 802.11b & 802.11g WEP and WPA security encryption
• EAP-SIM ready for SIM Authentication
• Administrator configuration lock-down
• Radio Power down to meet aviation security legislation
Support:
• Connection History
• Usage and connection statistics
• On-line user friendly help
• Comprehensive self diagnostics
• Microsoft certified (WHQL) device drivers
GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager™, designed and developed within Option, adheres to the Microsoft .NET development standard and runs on laptops and notebook PC’s using Windows operating systems (Win98 SE, 2000, XP, & XP Pro).
About Option
Option NV (www.option.com), the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (UMTS), EDGE, GPRS, GSM and WLAN technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications. Option’s headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium. The company has Research & Development in Leuven, a Software and Applications development centre in Adelsried (Germany) and an ISO 9002 production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland. More information can be found at www.option.com .
Option and the Option logo are trademarks of Option NV.
For screenshots of the GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager:
https://www.option.com/news/6_3_presskit.shtml
For more information please contact:
Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development & Marketing
Tel +32 (0) 16 317 411
d.ros@option.com
For financial information please contact:
Frederic Convent, CFO & General Counsel
Tel +32 (0)16 317 411
investor@option.com