Palm Selects Novarra’s Next-Generation Mobile Technology for Future Palm Wireless Handhelds
Companies Build on Success of Advanced Features of Palm Web Pro
MILPITAS, Calif., and ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 3, 2003 – Building on their existing alliance, Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) and Novarra, Inc. today announced that specific future PalmTM handhelds will feature the next generation of the Palm Web Pro browser, powered by Novarra. Currently, Web Pro 1.0, by Novarra, ships on the Palm TungstenTM T, Tungsten T2 and Tungsten W handhelds to provide a great mobile web browsing experience and mobile web-based access to web-ready enterprise applications and information.(1) Novarra’s technology has been very well-received by developers and
Palm’s customers.
“We’ve had great customer response on the user experience,” said Steve Manser, senior vice president of product development for Palm Solutions Group. “With wireless technology becoming more pervasive, a solid client/browser is essential to a strong wireless offering. We’re very impressed with Novarra’s technology, their flexibility with our platform needs and their ability to continually meet aggressive milestones with quality products.”
The Web Pro browser’s excellent user experience is supported by mobile-friendly features that enhance readability and data access for wireless handheld computers. Support for HTML standards, such as JavaScript, tables and frames, enables enterprises to offer mobile professionals access to Internet or intranet data and existing web-ready enterprise applications, as well as rely on Internet standards to author content. The technology makes it easier for Palm developers to create rich applications that merge local and online content. In addition, as wireless carriers are looking for data applications to boost usage and differentiate their services, Palm’s Web Pro technology delivers immediately useful Internet and intranet content with optimal presentation, fast downloads and easy navigation. Filling this core business need, in addition to the Web Pro browser, Novarra independently offers the Novarra Engines for Wireless Data (EWD) Product Suite. The EWD suite provides corporations with client and server solutions that can be placed behind corporate or carrier firewalls to extend enterprise applications with complete end-to-end security.
“We’re excited about the demand from carriers and enterprise customers,” said Bruce Simpson, chief operating officer of Novarra. “People want a wireless solution that truly works ‘out-of-the-box’ in delivering their existing desktop applications with added mobility functions. Furthermore, being able to do this with any device adds unmatched flexibility and tends to be a significant point of value - so we are seeing a lot of demand.”
The Tungsten T and Tungsten T2 handhelds with the Palm Web Pro browser are available through retailers and The Palm Store (http://store.palm.com). The Tungsten W handheld with the Palm Web Pro browser is currently available at retailers, The Palm Store and initially through AT&T Wireless in the United States, CSL in Hong Kong, Orange in France, Rogers AT&T in Canada, SingTel in Singapore, Telcel in Mexico and Vodafone in Australia.
