Leuven – Belgium, September 22 2004 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI), the wireless technology company, today announced GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE the world’s first data card combining EDGE/GPRS and WLAN (Wi-Fi) access technologies in a single PC data card. Besides incorporating multiple access technologies the GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE offers uniquely attractive benefits and functionality making this wireless data card a “must have” for the mobile professional:
– GlobeTrotter form factor with patented retractable antenna design
– Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900) functionality which makes it suitable for US, European and Asian markets
– Supports both 54Mbps (802.11g 802.11 b) and 11Mbs Wi-Fi (WLAN) standards
Jan Callewaert, CEO at Option: “The United States is the world leader in EDGE deployment with EDGE data services now widely available across US GSM/GPRS networks. In Europe EDGE networks are being deployed either as a complement to 3G services or as an alternative access technology for network operators that do not have a 3G/UMTS network infrastructure. The GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE being a quad-band data card is targeted to satisfy the needs of data hungry mobile professionals on any EDGE network, US or Europe. For this reason we see EDGE technology as an important addition to our existing data card portfolio. Option is currently pursuing opportunities in both geographical markets with the GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE already in approval testing at several network operators.”
GlobeTrotter Combo EDGE will be shipping commercially as from November 2004.
The GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE further complements and enhances Option’s current range of GlobeTrotter wireless data cards: GlobeTrotter (GPRS), GlobeTrotter COMBO (GPRS/WLAN) and the GlobeTrotter FUSION (3G UMTS/GPRS/WLAN).
EDGE, Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (E-GPRS), is a technology that gives GPRS networks the capacity to provide data services similar to the third generation of mobile telephony. By deploying E-GPRS as an overlay within an existing GPRS network operators can provide four times the data capacity of GPRS per subscriber. This in most cases can be achieved as a software upgrade to the existing network infrastructure whilst leaving existing base stations and cell sites intact. Operators already deploying 3G network services may decide also to deploy EDGE as a complementary service to 3G. In such cases data users would benefit from the higher data rates that E-GPRS provides over traditional GPRS in non-urban environments where the 3G service coverage may not be available.
On an EDGE network, GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE enables connection to the Internet at data speeds of up to 247 kbps. Move into range of a public Wi-Fi hotspot, the corporate wireless network or the home wireless network and the GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE provides connection at speeds up to 54Mbps. In areas where EDGE or Wi-Fi services are not available the data card still enables reliable and secure data connections over traditional GPRS.
Option offers its premier GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager™ software with the GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE enabling users of the data card to have fast, simple and easy access to wireless data whilst hiding from the user the complexity of underlying wireless EDGE, GPRS and WLAN (Wi-Fi) technologies. In addition network operators implementing Option’s mobile IP solution, SESAM™, will be able to provide their users with a Seamless Roaming experience regardless of access technology. The GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE, as other data cards within the GlobeTrotter family, has inbuilt support for SIM authentication (EAP-SIM) for automatic authentication and supports Microsoft’s PC Smart Card services (PCSC) within the Microsoft Windows Operating System.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
• Quad-band data card suitable for use on E-GPRS/GPRS/GSM networks World-Wide
• GlobeTrotter PC Card format with retractable antenna design
• GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE supports WLAN 802.11g and 802.11b standards
• Supports IPSec client software for end to end secure corporate data exchange and synchronisation over VPN
• Future proof through user upgradable Flash Memory technology
• Seamless handover between WLAN and 2G and 2.5G networks with optional SESAM Mobile IP solution
• Type II PC Card 32 bit card-bus interface compatible with nearly all popular notebook PC’s equipped with PCMCIA slot and Microsoft Windows Operating System
• GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE support for MAC O/S and Linux on request
• GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE is customisable for mobile operators and IT manufacturers.
For more detailed information and screenshots
Globetrotter COMBO EDGE: https://www.option.com/news/6_3_presskit.shtml
GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager: https://www.option.com/news/6_3_presskit.shtml
About Option
Option NV (d.ros@option.com
Frederic Convent, CFO & General Counsel
Tel +32 (0) 16 317 411
E-mail: investor@option.com