Brink's Home Security Selects Melard's Handheld SIDEARM All-Terrain Computer for Its Nationwide Field Force.

Business/Technology Editors

ARMONK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 15, 2002

Brink's Home Security(R) Service Technicians and Installers to Access

and Record Critical Data in the Field Using Wireless, Rugged SIDEARM 

Melard Technologies, Inc., leading provider of ruggedized hardware, application software and related computer peripherals for use by the mobile workforce, today announced that Brink's Home Security's(R) nationwide force of service technicians and installers will be using the SIDEARM(TM) All-Terrain Handheld Computer with integrated wireless functionality. This ruggedized Windows(R) CE-based device is fully equipped with the technology each serviceperson needs to access and record critical information from the field, wirelessly and in real-time.

"The SIDEARM provides us with immense time and cost savings," said Jerry Halliburton, director of enterprise applications for Brink's Home Security. "Prior to using the SIDEARM, service technicians and installers had to contact our call center to obtain assignments and relevant data for each account. After each job was completed the technician or installer had to again contact the call center to report on the project. With the SIDEARM, each technician can download job assignments and data as necessary and then input information while on the job site. We had been searching for a handheld wireless product for a while, and we've finally found the ideal solution."

In addition to enhancing the field service department, Brink's Home Security service technicians now have much more flexibility because they no longer need to rely upon another person to provide the information that is crucial to their job. Instead, service technicians and installers can just download data on their SIDEARM (at any time) and get to work. Additionally, the rugged nature of the machine is great for Brink's employees because their equipment needs to withstand significant wear and tear. Before purchasing the SIDEARM, Brink's Home Security tested non-rugged computers, but these were often severely damaged.

"It is critical for Brink's Home Security's business to ensure that its customers are well serviced and protected. By using the SIDEARM, Brink's can more effectively install and service home security systems for hundreds of thousands of customers in markets across North America," said Russell Schmidt, senior vice president, sales and marketing at Melard Technologies. "By working with Brink's Home Security, we've now expanded our already growing business to include companies in the security industry and we look forward to providing SIDEARMs to technicians across all markets."

The SIDEARM is equipped with integrated wireless communications and an advanced power management system that provides technicians with up to 12 hours of continuous use. It is built to withstand heavy wind and rain, and it can easily handle the worst spills, dirt, inclement weather and accidental drops due to its environmentally sealed case, shock mounting and integrated bumpers. For photos please contact Schwartz Communications at [e-mail].

About Brink's Home Security

Brink's Home Security was formed in 1983 and currently operates in over 100 markets in 42 states, Washington D.C., British Columbia and Alberta, Canada and serves over 700,000 customers.

About Melard Technologies, Inc.

Melard Technologies, Inc. designs, develops and deploys rugged hardware platforms, application software and related computer peripherals to deliver a complete, real-time wireless data solution to remote field workers and mobile professionals.

Melard has successfully deployed thousands of mobile wireless data systems to the Field Service, Telecommunications, Cable and Utility industries. The Company's robust integration of wireless communications capabilities delivers a measurable gain in network coverage that enables the optimized productivity, responsiveness and performance of mobile professionals and gives organizations the competitive edge they need to succeed.

Melard Technologies, Inc. is based in Armonk, New York. Additional information is available on the Company's Web site at www.melard.com.

All trademarks are property of Melard Technologies, Inc. All other company and product names are property of their respective owners.