Start-Up Company Attracting Attention and Funding

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NEWS
Issue #2001 - 04 (Jan. 2001)
(Updated on Jan. 24, 2001)

ACQUISITIONS, MERGERS & AGREEMENTS

Start-Up Company Attracting Attention and Funding

Why is AirClic Inc. a relatively new wireless player attracting so much attention from industry leaders such as Motorola, Ericsson and Symbol Technologies? AirClic’s technology makes navigation on a wireless device easy, and these mobile device manufacturers realize that it is one of the most significant limitations associated with their products.

The three companies have invested a total of $290-million in the AirClic, betting that the startup’s wireless barcode scanner, which connects to the Internet and corporate databases, will ease user frustration by eliminating the use of tiny buttons. In addition, AirClic has recently acquired Connect Things, a technology spin-off from Ericsson that will bring its advanced database architecture and high-volume switch to the company. Connect Things infrastructure for connecting bar codes to specific Web pages has already been implemented in Europe.

Overview of AirClic’s Technology

ONE-SCAN™

The technology allows the mobile user to directly access the Web site of their choice without the laborious task of keying in Internet addresses using the small keypads on PDAs, two-way pagers, or cellular phones.
By attaching a tiny bar code reader to the device or embedding reader into the unit, the mobile worker can use the device as a personal scanning device.
Symbol’s bar code scanning technology facilitates the attachment of the reader to the device.

CLIC-THRU™ Registry

AirClic has assembled and maintains the registry which points bar codes, including the EAN, UPC and JAN bar codes printed on products, labels, in magazines and catalogues, to specific Web pages on which product/service information can be found or transactions performed.
Registry is compiled through arrangements with e-commerce sites.

Scanlets™

A small bar code developed jointly with Symbol.
Scanlets allows individuals to determine the specific Web page via the registry.

The registry and switch operate globally and are configured to support millions of bar codes and user transactions daily, the company said.

AirClic’s technology makes portable, Web-based devices easy to use as it eliminates a significant limitation, the awkwardness of pressing a lot of small buttons, that has prevented widespread adoption of these devices for critical business processes and consumer needs, said Harvey Golub, the new chairman of AirClic.

The company has planned product rollouts for the North American and European markets for the first half of 2001.

For more information: www.airclic.com/airclic.html

Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: We consider this technology significant for mobile-commerce applications - especially getting product information, price-comparisons and more. In fact, these applications, in our opinion, will find more traction than many advertising applications that have been hyped up by marketing and advertising hopefuls. This former set of scanner-based applications have a value proposition that can be delivered quickly than the latter set that will grow over a longer period of time - slowly and gradually.

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.

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