News
Issue #2002 - 36 (September 2002)
(Updated Sep. 25, 2002)

TECHNOLOGY

Green Packet Introduces Wireless Peer-To-Peer Technology

LA JOLLA, CA, DEMOmobile 2002, September 18, 2002 – Green Packet, a leading developer of intelligent roaming infrastructure and wireless network solutions, announced today the beta availability of SONbuddy™, its intelligent software platform, enabling WLAN-equipped handheld and personal devices to form spontaneous, self-organizing networks (SON).  Introduced at the DEMOmobile show, SONbuddy automatically seeks, organizes and maintains a peer-to-peer and peer-to-multi-peer, ad-hoc community based on user-defined preferred search parameters.

Green Packet’s software allows any mobile device such as a PDA to connect to other mobile handhelds or computers and communicate with them without requiring a wireless network.  Its technology uses the wireless devices as intelligent routers, thus allowing the formation of a true ad-hoc network.  When a transmission occurs from device A to device B, it multi - hops over other devices to create a connection.  That connection increases the range of a typical wireless LAN by expanding the reach of the network.  Additionally, if a device were to be switched off in the middle of the hop, or if a device goes out of range, patent-pending SONbuddy algorithms automatically re-route the signal to another device allowing for the formation of a self-healing network.

SONbuddy’s algorithms deliver self-organizing, self-healing and self-optimizing networks without relying on any infrastructure.  The solution’s benefits include ubiquitous reach with community-based or anonymous communications abilities and the use of IPsec technology, allowing the user’s data to be authenticated and encrypted. SONbuddy is available in beta form for Windows-based notebooks, desktops and PocketPC-based PDAs.

 “SONbuddy is a breakthrough technology that enables new ways for people to communicate with each other and form communities.  It increases the efforts between members of a work or social group,” said C.C. Puan, founder and President/CEO of Green Packet.  “Additionally, with our multi-hop technology, users will no longer lose connections when communicating with another device, due to the self-healing nature of the network.”

Some of the applications that are being launched with SONbuddy include:

• BuddyManager – this feature allows a user to create multiple self profiles; for example, one for business and one for pleasure, complete with photos

• BuddyExplorer – allows users to seek out buddies with similar interests and profiles, as well as common interests

• Buddy2Play – allows peer-to-peer and peer-to-multi-peer gaming

• Buddy2Talk – this feature allows wireless voice over IP (VoIP) communications to take place, using full duplex voice

• BuddyXchange – allows for the transfer of files from one device to another without having to log on to a network

• BuddyMessenger – Instant messaging from one PDA or wireless device to another without a network

• SONchat – users can chat with a group of buddies using this text-based ad-hoc chat room application

• SONpad – this is a white board for a mobile device, allowing collaboration between individuals in a real-time environment

Additionally, Green Packet has established a developer program and a software development kit for the creation of additional customized enterprise and consumer applications. “By working closely with content and application developers, we can add value to the developer’s applications and at the same time guarantee end users a broad spectrum of applications,” added Puan.

Green Packet is a leading developer of intelligent roaming infrastructure and self-organizing network solutions that allow mobile users the power and freedom to stay connected, regardless of the nature and availability of wireless networks. Green Packet’s carrier-class mobility solution delivers an uninterrupted connection with a single IP address over multiple mobile networks, including 2.5G, GPRS, CDMA2000, 3G, and WLAN. By providing 3G-like applications over existing infrastructure and unifying wireless applications into a single device, Green Packet is creating cost-effective and productivity-enhancing corporate connectivity.  Based in Fremont, CA with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Green Packet is a privately held company attracting some of the largest carriers, enterprises, wireless ISPs, and device manufacturers through partnerships and beta trials. 

For more information: www.greenpacket.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory:  SONbuddy peer to peer technology is an interesting emerging technology that may find useful applications.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.