Aether Selected To Join Microsoft Mobility Partner Advisory Council; Invited by Microsoft to Build Upon Strategic Relationship Established In 2001.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Aether Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: AETH), a leading provider of wireless and mobile data solutions, today announced its participation in the Microsoft Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC). Microsoft formed the council in an effort to bring the most innovative and successful solutions to market with like-minded companies investing heavily in mobility.

Microsoft selected a unique group of the most innovative companies in the mobile and wireless sector for this council, and, as a member, Aether will gain access to key development expertise within Microsoft and other council members. Aether understands that enterprise users demand secure, reliable access to corporate data, along with increased processing speed and memory to handle email, large documents, and applications.

Aether solutions for the Pocket PC 2002 platform include:

-- Sales force automation, field service and data gathering applications or products designed to enhance the performance of mobile workers.

-- Aether PocketBlue(TM), a handheld software solution for law enforcement agencies, which provides the ability to query national and state criminal databases, along with messaging and reporting applications.

-- Aether eMobile(TM), an automation solution for supply chain management, providing functionality such as the ability for delivery drivers to capture electronic signatures for proof of delivery.

"Aether is very pleased to be selected by Microsoft for the Mobility Partner Advisory Council because our participation is indicative of our strength in the marketplace and ability to create empowering applications for the Pocket PC platform," said Gregg Smith, Senior Vice President, Aether Systems. "By enhancing our relationship with Microsoft and other companies through this council, we will be able to work closely with some of the leading developers in the industry to better understand and serve the needs of the mobile workforce."

"Microsoft understands that the success of our industry partners is vital to our own success. We created the MPAC as a forum to help grow other key companies investing in the mobility space," said Mary Rose Becker, group marketing manager for Mobility at Microsoft Corp. "We're delighted that Aether has decided to be a part of the council, bringing its expertise in Windows Powered mobile field applications to our joint customers."

The MPAC is among several initiatives Aether has participated in with Microsoft as part of a continued effort to increase awareness of wireless data applications. Aether was the exclusive wireless solutions sponsor of the 2001 Microsoft Mobility Tour, a traveling trade show that featured wireless offerings from Microsoft and its industry partners. Aether also showcased a version of its synchronization and device management software, specifically designed for the Pocket PC, during the Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC 2002 software launch in October 2001. Aether demonstrated some of its solutions on the Pocket PC at the .NET Wireless and Mobile Solutions Conference to be held July 9 in Dallas, Tex.

About Aether Systems Inc.

Aether Systems delivers wireless and mobile data solutions that make people more productive and their organizations more profitable. Aether's products and services are built on Aether Fusion, the company's standards-based platform that allows for secure, reliable extension of critical information to virtually any wireless or mobile environment. Return on investment in Aether solutions comes from a unique combination of strengths - quick access to multiple back-end information sources, workflow that is optimized for specific industries, and turnkey deployment services and professional support. Backed by years of in-market expertise, Aether is making it possible for thousands of businesses and government agencies to unleash the power of the mobile workforce. For more information, please visit www.aethersystems.com

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 Microsoft 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, 2001 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.

Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.