MOTOROLA INTEGRATES IBM SOFTWARE INTO INTERACTIVE TELEMATICS SYSTEM.

Committed to maintaining its position as the leader in Telematics, Motorola (NYSE: MOT) has developed the iRadio system, an in-vehicle platform for automakers that combines entertainment, information, navigation, emergency calling and communication into one complete, driver-friendly system. In a move that further expands the iRadio system, Motorola (NYSE: MOT) has announced that it will license Java technology and voice recognition software from IBM, for use in the Motorola Telematics iRadio system.

Telematics is an automotive communications term that refers to in-vehicle and off-vehicle electronic systems that help drivers maximize safety and security with emergency calling, anti-theft, and roadside help combined with additional features such as real-time navigation and traffic avoidance, hands-free telephoning, expanded entertainment options, and e-mail. This announcement follows an agreement last year in which Motorola and IBM agreed to collaborate and combine their technologies, products and applications in an effort to help automakers bring a variety of wireless and Web-based Telematics services to drivers and passengers worldwide.

The Motorola iRadio system is a complete solution that offers the latest user interfaces and applications and IBM's VisualAge Micro Edition Java technology. A key feature of IBM's Java technology is that it enables new applications and services to be added and enhanced remotely without inconveniencing consumers.

Motorola is also using IBM Embedded ViaVoice Multiplatform Edition for voice recognition and text-to-speech capabilities. IBM's ViaVoice enables drivers to use voice commands, as an alternative input to faceplate controls, for accessing information such as weather, news and sports, select a favorite radio station or other iRadio system applications.

"The iRadio system is helping automakers bring a whole new class of innovative safety, security, convenience and entertainment features to drivers and passengers," said Marios Zenios, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Telematics Communications Group. "The combination of Motorola's engineering integration capabilities and IBM's innovative software solutions and technology will help to shape a product that dramatically changes the concept of the car radio."

Commercial availability of the Motorola iRadio system will begin in early 2001. Automotive products incorporating iRadio technology are expected to be available in vehicles within 18 to 24 months.

Motorola's iRadio system is an example of the DigitalDNA technology that Motorola incorporates into all of its products. DigitalDNA is chips, systems and ideas that help smart companies create smart products.