Sierra Wireless Combines Cellular Data, GPS; MP 200-GPS Modem Provides Both in a Single Package.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 1997--Andrew Harries, vice president of Marketing for Sierra Wireless, announced today at the CDPD Forum that the Sierra Wireless MP200 rugged mobile modem is now offered with an integral GPS receiver module.

"There's been a strong interest in developing the use of cellular data networks for vertical market applications over the last year, especially in utilities and public safety," said Harries. "Many customers want to include GPS for asset and fleet tracking, and driver safety to enhance their operation. Our new integral GPS unit will make the installation easier."

More and more, vertical market customers are including GPS-based automatic vehicle location as a part of their fleet management systems. Therefore, a typical vehicle installation requires the in-vehicle PC to connect to two devices - the wireless modem and the GPS receiver. Unfortunately, most portable PCs don't have two serial ports available.

In addition, mounting the GPS receiver as a separate unit adds complexity to the installation and reduces ruggedness and reliability. The integration of a GPS receiver module inside the MP200 rugged mobile modem provides this functionality without the need to add an external unit, and only requires a single serial interface to the PC in the vehicle.

The combination MP200-GPS product includes an MP200 rugged CDPD/cellular 3-watt mobile modem, a state-of-the-art Trimble GPS receiver module and a choice of magnetic mount or hard mount GPS active antennas. The unit also provides four external inputs/outputs for connecting a wide variety of switches and sensors such as emergency "panic" button, door release, engine monitors and alarms. In addition, the MP200-GPS includes an internal microcontroller, so it can operate without a PC or mobile data terminal as a standalone tracking monitor. A remote host computer can wirelessly program the unit to report position on a preset timeout, whenever the unit moves a certain distance, or if an external alarm is triggered.

The Sierra Wireless MP200 rugged mobile is the only full-duplex, 3-watt cellular packet data modem available today. Key features include:

-- Maximum power output for maximum coverage

-- Extremely rugged - designed to withstand the hostile vehicle environment

-- Multi-mode - CDPD packet mode, CS-CDPD mode or dial-up circuit-switched mode

-- Consistent "Watcher" control software and API's across all Sierra Wireless products

-- Proven Sierra Wireless performance in multiple end-user installations

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless is a leading supplier of cellular data modems. Sierra's product line includes AirCard - Cellular for Your Computer; the PocketPlus 210 for Windows and Macintosh; the MP200 rugged, 3-watt, vehicle-based CDPD/cellular modem, a leader in its class; and the SB-220 OEM module. For more information contact Andrew Harries, Vice President of Marketing for Sierra Wireless, Inc., #260 - 13151 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC, V6V 2J2. Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. E-Mail: [e-mail] . Internet: http://www.sierrawireless.com .

CONTACT: Sierra Wireless Inc.

Andrew Harries, 604/231-1100

[e-mail]

OR

MorseMcFadden Communications Inc.

Lisa Geschke, 206/889-0528

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