SyncML Initiative Hosts the Second SyncML Supporter Summit Attracting Globally Acclaimed Wireless Technology Providers

Wireless industry leaders Ericsson, IBM, Lotus, Matsushita, Motorola, Nokia, Palm Inc., Psion, and Starfish Software, announced today they will host the second SyncML Supporter Summit in Dublin, Ireland on 29 September, 2000. At the event several registered SyncML Supporting companies will present their demonstrations of SyncML implementation together with SyncML Sponsors, who are showcasing their advanced SyncML solutions. SyncML Supporting companies will also benefit from hands-on presentations and discussions focused on the rapid implementation of SyncML´s powerful open protocol for mobile data synchronization, enabling the wireless industry to deliver cutting edge SyncML-compliant products and services to market as soon as early 2001. For information on how to join SyncML or register for the Supporter Summit visit http://www.syncml.org.

Founded in February 2000, the SyncML initiative recognized the worldwide need for one common data synchronization protocol. With the industry-wide proliferation of mobile devices and the evolution toward mobile devices as the major means of information exchange, remote synchronization of data will be of significant importance. The SyncML initiative is currently developing and promoting an open global specification for mobile data synchronization, and is officially supported by over 350 device manufacturers, service providers and application developers.

SyncML's Dublin summit is expected to attract senior business and technical executives in the wireless industry. The summit will give attendees the opportunity to participate in SyncML protocol demonstrations, attend briefings on related technological innovations, and consolidate relationships within the industry. "The SyncML Supporter Summit in Dublin is an invaluable opportunity for companies in the industry to witness the rapid progress of the protocol and to facilitate lively interactive dialogue about the direction of data synchronization technology," said Douglas Heintzman, Chairman, SyncML initiative.

The large international presence and industry-wide participation at the summit will further demonstrate SyncML's shared vision to provide the most viable common data synchronization specification for the future. "Until now data synchronization has been based on a variety of different proprietary protocols," continues Heintzman. "This has complicated matters for manufacturers, service providers, developers, and most importantly, end users. The second SyncML Supporter Summit represents an important milestone for the industry, uniting behind the common goal of making all devices, applications and services compatible utilizing one common synchronization protocol."

SyncML is the only open industry synchronization specification that offers universal and global interoperability. Utilizing the common XML language for specifying messages that synchronize devices and applications, SyncML is the one true "future-proof" platform for enabling reliable and immediate synchronization of data. Additionally, SyncML technology can be used almost anywhere in a wide array of devices, regardless of application or operating system. In the simplest terms, mobile data synchronization means that e-mail, calendars, to-do lists, address books, and other databases remain consistent and up to date between networked devices, (including wireless systems, infrared, Bluetooth, cable, and traditional fixed line networks) - a critical capability to make mobile data usage as widespread as generally predicted.

About SyncML
Sponsored by Ericsson, IBM, Lotus, Matsushita, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Inc., Psion and Starfish Software, the SyncML Initiative develops and promotes an open industry specification for universal data synchronization of remote data and personal information across multiple networks, platforms and devices. The SyncML Initiative is open for participation to a wide range of industries including device manufacturers, synchronization vendors, service providers and application developers. Companies interested in joining are encouraged to contact the SyncML Initiative today to become part of the team and deliver the SyncML specification available later this year. For more information on The SyncML Initiative, how to join the SyncML, details of technical specifications and more, visit http://syncml.org.

Press Contacts:

Ericsson
Jan AhrenbringEricsson
Tel. +46 70 590 9900
jan.ahrenbring@ecs.ericsson.se

IBM
Tara Sexton
Tel. + 1 914 766 3366
tara.sexton@us.ibm.com

Lotus
Michael Shamrell
Tel. + 1 617 693 1264
michael_shamrell@lotus.com

Motorola
David C. Rudd
Tel. +1 847 576 7089
david.rudd@motorola.com

Nokia, Inc
Megan Matthews
Tel. +1 972 8944267
megan.matthews@nokia.com

Nokia Mobile Phones
Tapio Hedman
Tel. + 358 10 5051
tapio.hedman@nokia.com

Palm, Inc.
Julia Rodriguez
Tel. + 1 408 326 9390
julia.rodriguez@palm.com

Palm, Inc.
Amy Nemechek
A&R Partners Public Relations
Tel. + 1 303 730 5755
anemechek@arpartners.com

Psion PLC
Anthony Garvey,
Tel. +44 171 317 4265
anthony-garvey@psion.com

Starfish Software
Kate Dueck
Tel. +1 831 461 5815
kate.dueck@starfish.com