Itronix, Husky Announce First Wireless Rugged Handheld; New Fex21 Supports Thin-Client Applications and All U.S. and European Wireless Networks.

Business/High Tech Editors

CeBIT 2000

HANNOVER, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2000

As the first step in its WPI Husky Technology acquisition, Itronix Corporation today announced it will integrate wireless communication technology into the rugged Husky Fex21 handheld device.

Itronix showcased a prototype of the enhanced Fex21 at CeBIT. The product is the first handheld PC compatible with all U.S. and European wireless networks and marks Itronix' launch into the thin-client computing market.

"Wireless communication is the future of mobile computing, and no one is more ahead of the curve on integrated wireless technology than Itronix," said Marco Landi, Marketing Director with Itronix' Husky operations in Coventry, England. "Our customers' field workers need an application that works wherever and whenever they may find themselves. By equipping the Fex21 with wireless capabilities and a line of thin-client applications, we've virtually eliminated geographic and hardware limitations."

Real-Time Communication

Previously, mobile workers could synchronize their handhelds only where landline connections were available. Using the wireless technology in the Fex21, those workers will now be able to receive and transmit customer and service information in real time. Whereas current wireless devices are bound to a specific network, the Fex21 will integrate customized, interchangeable OEM radio modules that can be "swapped" on-site as soon as a worker enters a different area of network coverage. That means field technicians can employ any needed wireless network, such as BellSouth, ARDIS, CDPD or GSM.

Landi explained that these OEM modules are more cost- and power-efficient than the traditional PC card-based wireless solutions. The modules are mounted with a waterproof, drop-proof antenna system that maintains the ruggedness of the unit. And because of their external form factor, Itronix can quickly develop additional modules that support specific, proprietary networks, such as the Tetra technology network for PMR and PAMR, and future technologies such as CDMA and GPRS.

Thin-Clients Boost Performance

The new Fex21 product also marks Itronix' entrance into the thin-client computing market. Thin-client applications are housed on a company's network and accessed via an Internet/intranet connection, making the device a "screen emulator" for the application. Since the applications do not reside on the mobile units they absorb less memory and power, increasing the battery life and wireless performance of the unit. The Fex21 will ship with support for the Oracle 8i Lite and Citrix ICA.

Dave Dayton, Itronix President and CEO, said this new product development falls immediately on the heels of Itronix' acquisition of Husky. Moving forward, the new company will be faster to market with new innovations, such as the Fex21 upgrade, at more competitive prices. In addition, the acquisition will result in an extensive distribution network, enabling Itronix to deliver a wider array of products to more customers and resellers worldwide.

"This is the first example of how the Husky acquisition will benefit everyone involved," Dayton said. "We're applying Itronix' expertise in integrated wireless technologies to the Husky Fex21 product line to create a first-to-market product."

Availability

The upgraded Fex21 will be available in U.S. and international markets in May of this year. The upgrade will ship with support for Oracle 8i Lite and Citrix ICA. Support for additional thin-client applications will follow at a later date.

For additional information, please visit Itronix in Hall 19, stand E38 at CeBIT.

About Itronix

Itronix Corporation designs, manufactures and deploys mission-critical wireless field automation solutions for mobile workforces. Itronix' rugged mobile computing devices feature embedded high-performance wireless technologies that maximize the productivity of mobile applications in markets such as utilities, government, aerospace, public safety, geophysical surveying, meter reading and healthcare.

Itronix is based in Spokane, Wash. and is a subsidiary of Dynatech Corporation, a Burlington, Mass.-based, global communications equipment provider focused on leading-edge communications technology solutions. Itronix' new Husky operations are based in Coventry, England, with regional offices in France and Germany. Additional information about Itronix Corporation can be found on Itronix' Web site at http://www.itronix.com. Information about WPI Husky Technology can be found at http://www.wpihusky.com.