Press Release

May 18, 2004

Epoch Integration Releases Version 3.0 of NeedTEXT Shell Mobile Terminal Software For BlackBerry

Latest version includes new features for enterprise users accessing AS/400 applications

Wireless Enterprise Symposium – Chicago, IL - Epoch Integration Inc., a leading provider of network management products, today announced the release of version 3.0 of its NeedTEXT Shell software. Among several additional features, the software now includes functionality to assist enterprise customers accessing AS/400 systems via BlackBerry®, from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM).

NeedTEXT Shell is a leading solution for secure terminal access using BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds™. It gives IT professionals, such as network and system administrators, a completely interactive command shell interface to their servers, routers, switches, and other mission-critical assets. Administrators therefore have the ability to troubleshoot and respond to network events, such as server failures, from the palm of their hand, even if they are away from a desktop terminal. As a result, NeedTEXT Shell significantly decreases elapsed time-to-repair for network incidents, which has a direct impact on reducing the costs of system downtime in customer organizations.

Version 3.0 of NeedTEXT Shell adds the ability to use the specialized control characters and keys that are required when connecting to AS/400 applications from a client terminal. As a result, customers are provided with two benefits: First, the ability to manage their AS/400 systems via BlackBerry, and secondly, an inexpensive method for extending their existing AS/400 business applications to mobile employees.

Lead developer at Epoch Integration, Charles Baptiste, explained that customers can use NeedTEXT Shell to bypass expensive web-to-host middleware when deploying AS/400 applications to wireless users: "With NeedTEXT Shell, mobile users interface with their current AS/400 applications via the software’s VT100 terminal emulation, directly on their BlackBerry handheld. We’ve enhanced the experience by giving them the ability to use their familiar function keys, in the same fashion as they would control the application from a desktop terminal."

Consequently, enterprise customers can immediately deploy their existing e-business systems and data to mobile professionals, without investing heavily in development tools to redesign the applications. "Making NeedTEXT Shell compatible with AS/400 in this way was a natural step for us," said Ramon Tavares, president of Epoch Integration. "Many of our customers using BlackBerry also have business-critical applications running on the AS/400 platform. Now they have a single solution to manage these systems, and connect their mobile workforce to the valuable data and processes locked within them."

"BlackBerry is installed behind the firewall in thousands of companies and government organizations because it meets the security, extensibility and reliability needs of IT departments who want to provide wireless data access to their employees," said Mark Guibert, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. "Now with NeedTEXT software, IT administrators can also remotely manage their network infrastructure, troubleshoot and respond to network events via BlackBerry."

NeedTEXT Shell is affordably priced for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as branch divisions of larger enterprises. More product information and evaluation versions of the software are available at www.needtext.net/shell. Resellers may send inquiries to partner@epochintegration.com.

Epoch Integration is demonstrating NeedTEXT Shell at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium conference in Chicago from March 18-19, 2004 in booth #131.

About Epoch Integration
Epoch Integration is a leading designer, developer and marketer of network management solutions for the worldwide infrastructure software market. The company's products, including the popular NeedTEXT suite, give Information Technology professionals the ability to manage their networks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By combining automated network monitoring and event notification with true two-way system access from handheld devices on global wireless networks, Epoch Integration effectively closes the loop on network management, thereby enabling significant reductions in downtime and its associated costs. The company currently provides network management solutions to such high-profile customers as Raytheon Missile Systems and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in addition to small and medium-sized businesses around the globe. Founded in 1997, Epoch Integration is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Please visit www.epochintegration.com.

About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties of Research In Motion Limited. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.