Enabling Mobile Phone Users to Access Database and Internet Resources via New Wireless Application Protocol

(March 18, 1999) - At CeBIT '99 in Hanover today, IBM and Nokia will provide the first preview of a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) mobile phone device accessing Lotus Notes.

The demonstration - based on IBM's Wireless Domino Access technology from Lotus, the Nokia WAP Server and Nokia's new 7110 mobile handset - puts corporate and personal mobile users in touch with their key data resources whilst on the move. This WAP solution allows data from both Lotus Domino-hosted databases and the Internet to be accessed and presented to users via WAP phones, such as Nokia 7110. The demo will be shown at Nokia stand in Hall 26, stand E68 and at IBM stand in Hall 1, stand 4G2.

This collaborative venture enables Domino-based data resources to be converted into a format suitable for the phones display and input characteristics, and allows users to retrieve and access key applications such as email, calendar and directory services. The partnership between IBM and Nokia demonstrates the benefits of convergence between IT and mobile telecommunications.

"This preview demonstration from IBM and Nokia is a great example of how companies are teaming up to make applications more useable and available to everybody. WAP technology introduces a new freedom to the way we can interact with data, and because WAP is an open standard available to all mobile handset manufacturers, users will soon be able to connect to corporate data and the Internet regardless of time and place", said Pertti Lounamaa, Vice President, Nokia Wireless Software Solutions. Nokia provides the WAP software and tools to make corporations more mobile.

About WAP

The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is the de-facto world standard for wireless information and telephony services on digital mobile phones and other wireless terminals. Handset manufacturers representing over 90% of the world market across all technologies have committed to shipping WAP-enabled devices. Carriers representing more than 100 million subscribers worldwide have joined WAP. This commitment will provide tens of millions of WAP browser enabled products to consumers by the end of 2000. WAP allows corporations and carriers to strengthen their service offerings by providing customers with the information they want and need while on the go. The WAP Forum has published a global wireless protocol specification based on existing Internet standards such as XML and IP for all wireless networks. WAP Forum membership is open to all industry participants.

About IBM

IBM's Pervasive Computing unit has responsibility for creating e-business solutions that leverage the new class of connected client devices such as handheld Internet appliances and screenphones. A key part of the team's mission is furthering the adoption of open industry standards for pervasive computing to help customers easily access and act on information whenever and wherever they may be.

About Nokia

Nokia is the world's leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile and fixed telecom networks including related customer services. Nokia also supplies solutions and products for fixed and wireless datacom, as well as multimedia terminals and computer monitors. In 1998, net sales totalled FIM 79.2 billion (USD 15.7 billion, EUR 13.3 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on five European Stock Exchanges and on the New York Stock Exchange (NOK.A), has sales in over 130 countries and employs more than 44,000 people worldwide.

Nokia Wireless Software Solutions focuses on the development of WAP technology. It also develops mobile applications and solutions for corporations and service providers.

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Contact information:

IBM
Carla Egleder
IBM Germany Development Lab
Tel. + 49 - 7031 - 16 -4105
[email protected]

Nokia
Mr. Yasin Hamed,
Director of Sales
Tel. during CeBIT (18.-21.3.99): +358 40 5077 253
Tel. office (Boston, USA): +1 617 8033 539

Nokia Press Office during CeBIT (18.-24.3.99):
Tel: +49 (0) 511 8950 256
Fax: +49 (0) 511 8950 288