Clarinet Systems Secure Synchronization Between Palm Pilot and Server Through Infrared Technology.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oct. 18, 1999--

Wireless networking equipment provider, Clarinet Systems, Inc., (San Jose, CA) is offering unimpeded and instant connection between Palm Computing devices and the corporate network and Internet through infrared (IR) technology.

Users of Palm IIIx and V devices can link to corporate networks via Clarinet Systems' EthIR LAN(R) or access the Internet via EthIR WAN(TM), the company's recently announced wireless network access system. Both EthIR LAN and EthIR WAN automatically detect and manage connections providing Palm Computing devices instantaneous, on-demand network access for file transfer, LAN/Remote synchronization, printer sharing and Internet browsing.

Palm Computing devices come with a serial cradle that connects to the PC using a serial cable. On the device, the user selects HotSync or other synchronization software to synchronize with the PC. After the first time synchronization, the Palm Computing device automatically sets the PC as its "primary PC." But the user always has to connect the serial cradle to the PC and the Palm Computing device can only sync with the PC.

If the user is away from their PC, he or she can use another PC with a serial cradle and create a LAN sync, provided both PCs are on and connected to a LAN. But the Palm Computing device's setting has to be changed to do this. This is not convenient for mobile users. Another alternative is to use a modem, which can talk to the handheld device, to dial in to the PC. This is not very convenient either.

With the EthIR LAN and EthIR WAN, Palm Computing devices can be synchronized to a PC or server through the network from any location where the infrared access point is located. No extra software needs to be installed if using HotSync software.

"Clarinet Systems has developed a valuable synchronization solution which takes advantage of the versatile infrared functionality of our devices," said Garbriel Acosta-Lopez, director of platform development services for Palm Computing, Inc."

"This makes our Infrared wireless network access system very attractive to Palm users and maintains the essence of mobility, since the device is equipped and the application is ready." said Colin Petty, VP of marketing at Clarinet Systems.

About EthIR LAN and EthIR WAN

Clarinet Systems's EthIR LAN and EthIR WAN, wireless access system, are designed to link notebook, handheld and palm-sized PCs to the corporate network and Internet, via their built-in, infrared (IR) technology, without cards, wires or third-party software.

EthIR WAN connects infrared-enabled devices (such as a Palm Pilot) to the Internet or a corporate network where enhanced security is required. These devices are becoming increasingly popular among many organization's mobile workforce as they often need instant, on-demand and untethered access to email and the Internet while traveling. These people generally can not or do not want to be inconvenienced by cables, wires, cards and costly RF modems. Virtually every portable computer is ready to connect network through EthIR LAN and EthIR WAN with no extra cost.

Clarinet Systems, Inc., provides wireless network access systems linking portable devices to the Internet, LAN and WAN. All products are sold through an international network of distributors, resellers and system integrators. The company was founded in 1997 and is privately held.

Palm Computing and HotSync are registered trademarks of Palm IIIx, Palm V, and PalmSource is a registered trademark of Palm Computing, Inc. and 3Com Corporation.