Esemde Wireless Messaging Announces ComROAD AG Funding, Launches New SMSC Products, Services.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2002

Esemde Wireless Messaging today announced that it has received additional funding from ComROAD AG. The undisclosed amount will be used to expand products and services offered through Esemde's nationwide wireless data network. The company this week released a number of new services to complement its Short Message Service Center (SMSC). The services build Esemde's position as North America's first Virtual Carrier for Short Message Service (SMS) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) data services.

Esemde's technology enables wireless carriers to offer businesses customized wireless data messaging applications, beyond basic voice and Internet content delivery. The software and services solution bridges the gap between wireless carriers and application service providers, and opens both to massive new revenue streams. Applications range from remote monitoring, diagnostics, notification, and repair of field devices such as vending machines, utility meters and medical equipment, to vehicle command and control for auto fleets, rental car companies, and taxis.

The new suite of products and services includes availability of Esemde's SMCS, a carrier-grade, multi-technology capable short message service center with Short Message Peer to Peer protocol (SMPP) client interface. It comes bundled with a variety of products such as the Esemde Peer Point (EPP), an SMPP proxy server, with features including a flexible Billing Engine. Esemde also released the nullSMSC, an SMSC emulator, that enables developers of SMPP-based applications to utilize Esemde as a Virtual Carrier for SMS and GPRS data services.

Esmede is currently connected to a number of North American Global System for Mobile (GSM) entities and offers North American-wide coverage for SMS and GPRS services branded under the Esemde name. "We give carriers the ability to tap vertical markets with high revenue potential by making it easy and cost-effective for them to provide services," said Stephen M. Dye, CEO and founder. Esemde, as a specialist with telematics, telemetry and other vertical and enterprise applications, provides the required technical support, service level agreements and billing rate plans tailored to these applications' needs," he added. "We've eliminated the problems associated with using an e-mail gateway to send an SMS. Esemde's own SMSC and SS7 link and the SMPP connection we provide users is far more reliable and efficient."

"Esemde has reached agreements with a number of carriers in North America and has opened the door for application developers to gain immediate access to a wireless network to speed market entry," said Pat Verrington, VP for Carrier Relations. "There are numerous data services that require wireless networks due to the highly mobile nature of these applications. Esemde is strongly positioned to help pave the way in North American wireless data services' growth at a pace that is expected to parallel that in Europe and Asia."

Esemde also announced that as part of its strategy for vehicle telematics, it has introduced a telematics client connected to its national network. Telematics operators can now immediately view their fleets' vehicles, travel history, movements and gain the ability to communicate with the driver. "No one company provides wireless telematics units and wireless connectivity mapping solutions for fleet managers using SMS and GPRS," said Phil Sencer, VP for Channel Partners. "Esmede, as a virtual carrier, is developing a total solution by providing a telematics portal and directing customers to Esemde partners who manufacture the devices. This will enable many telematics entities to launch extremely quickly," he added.