Wmode Brings New Mobile Commerce Capabilities to the Wireless Internet; Advanced ``Clearinghouse'' Stimulates the Growth of Consumer-Oriented WAP Content.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2001

Wmode, a developer of innovative infrastructure services for wireless mobile commerce ("m-commerce"), announced today the creation of its new "clearinghouse" for wireless commerce that unites carriers, content providers, and consumers by simplifying the carrier/content provider relationship.

The Wmode (pronounced "double-you-mode") clearinghouse helps wireless carriers, content providers, and wireless portals make money on wireless services by utilizing the carrier's existing infrastructure and leveraging the carrier's trusted consumer billing relationships. Wmode's clearinghouse creates a cost-effective, secure environment for wireless data services, creating new revenue streams while providing consumers with access to a broad range of purchasing options and other content from many providers.

The success of i-Mode in Japan has defined a new business model for the wireless Internet and has validated the potential for rapid growth. Wmode's clearinghouse model adapts and leverages this model for the WAP market. The clearinghouse is based on an economic engine, which manages subscriptions and accounts for the delivery of diverse wireless Internet content to consumers via WAP-enabled devices. The result is a simple method for content providers to become profitable.

Availability of this revenue stream will stimulate the distribution of online content over the wireless Internet, including entertainment, games, music, e-books, and other services. By clearing wireless transactions in a secure, quick and anonymous manner, Wmode gives content providers the ability to monetize content, without the cumbersome relationship management generally associated with m-commerce.

Demand for new data communications services and content is exploding as consumer adoption of the Internet continues to increase. Wireless carriers have opportunities for high growth of their subscriber base and development of new sources of revenue, while reducing churn. Content providers and portals are challenged with establishing distribution channels for their content, and like carriers, need to generate revenue. Concurrently, the pent-up demand for consumer content, delivered wirelessly, is growing rapidly. On-the-go consumers want access to personalized data through their cell phone, PDA or similar portable device.

Through the Wireless Clearinghouse, Wmode makes it easy for content providers to monetize their content and provides carriers with a simple method of providing customers access to the wireless Internet. The following are key benefits to carriers and content providers:

For Carriers:

-- Increase traffic, thus building revenue

-- Broaden subscriber penetration (existing and new subscribers)

-- Reduce number of relationships carriers need to manage

-- High ROI (low investment, high return factor)

For Content Providers:

-- Increase revenue

-- Simple transaction processing

-- Greater access to wireless carriers and customers

-- Broaden subscriber penetration

"The carriers and content providers are here in numbers, and consumers want choice, but the obstacle that has prevented high growth has been the question `how do we make money?'" said Dennis Woronuk, president and CEO of Wmode. "Our clearinghouse removes that obstacle, giving content providers a path to profitability."

Premier Technology Partners

For maximum performance and security in its clearinghouse, Wmode has selected Oracle as a technology framework partner. Wmode employs Oracle database technology to make certain its solutions are highly scalable, robust and carrier grade. Wmode also has partnered with Sun Microsystems Inc. on the development of Wmode's wireless commerce clearinghouse. Committed to managing growth and adapting quickly to industry change, Wmode's implementation of Sun Microsystems' Internet and database server products ensures that transaction processing is always 100 percent available.

Exceptional Management Team

The Wmode management team brings together over 100 years of experience in the high-tech and telecommunications industries. Senior management includes: Dennis Woronuk, president, CEO and co-founder; Robert Woodward, chief financial officer and co-founder; Emanuel Bertolin, vice president, marketing and sales; Kevin Zeeb, director of software development; and Eileen McGrath Hadwen, director of international standards. Duane Sharman, Wmode's chairman and co-founder, is a well-known authority in the wireless industry.

About Wmode

Wmode provides a clearinghouse for wireless commerce that facilitates the monetization of Internet-based subscription and transaction services. By uniting wireless carriers and content providers, Wmode's clearinghouse rapidly enables new and varied revenue streams through a secure service, which provides end-users with access to a broad range of wireless Internet content and services. The company is privately held and has offices in Calgary, Alberta and Boulder, Colo. For more information, call 403/260-8695 or visit the company's Web site at www.wmode.com.