OSLO, Norway, Jan. 21, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Birdstep Technology announces a strategic partnership with Xel Ltd., a leading Chinese wireless company specializing in wireless architecture, networking management software and professional consulting services. The partnership agreement gives Xel Ltd. non-exclusive rights to represent market and implement Birdstep's Mobile IP- and wireless access software throughout China.
Xel Ltd. will leverage on its current customer base in China and introduce Birdstep's Mobile IP- and wireless access software to operators, SP's and enterprises. This software allows nomadic users to roam seamlessly between various mobile and fixed access technologies, such as GSM/GPRS, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and Ethernet.
"This partnership is an important step in our goal for global representation. We are excited about the opportunity to expand our products and services to the Chinese marketplace," said Terje Andersen, CEO of Birdstep. "Another important aspect of our partnership with Xel Ltd., is the close cooperation between Xel Ltd. and our current implementation partner PWC Consulting," Andersen continued.
"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Birdstep," added Li Yang, CEO of Xel Limited. "As China is the largest mobile market in the world, the opportunity in China for Birdstep's Mobile IP and wireless access software is tremendous. Xel continues to expand its wireless product and service offerings to meet the growing demand."
About Birdstep Technology
Birdstep Technology ASA was founded in Oslo, Norway in 1996 and is traded on the Norwegian OTC market under ticker "BIRD," and has approximately 80 employees in Oslo and Seattle. Birdstep's small footprint, high performance database technologies combined with its wireless roaming and access software enables companies to build innovative solutions for embedded systems and the Mobile Internet. Birdstep makes your information accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device and on any infrastructure. For more information, visit www.birdstep.com.
About Xel
Xel Limited is a leading Chinese wireless networking company that provides cost effective wireless broadband access and network management for a range of mobile and fixed devices such as PC's, PDA's and mobile phones. Xel designs, develops and delivers customized offerings enabling wireless access to the Internet with broadband speed from handheld terminals for businesses and government entities. Xel utilizes its proprietary Bluetooth and 80211.b technologies to support voice and data applications. In April 2001, XEL received seed financing from MINT (Mobile Internet Asia Limited), a pioneer investment gateway into China's mobile market. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.xelchina.com/
About MINT (Mobile Internet Asia Limited)
MINT is the pioneer investment gateway into China's mobile market. The company was formed in 2000 by founding partners with assistance from PWC Consulting (www.PWCglobal.com) and Perkins Coie LLP (www.perkinscoie.com). MINT builds its portfolio by bridging successful foreign wireless data companies with proven business models into China and by matching local entrepreneurs and engineers with market opportunities. MINT supports its portfolio companies by providing business services, expertise, and infrastructure to build successful mobile communications companies in China. For further information, please visit our website at www.mintelligent.com.