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Press Release
February 28, 2000
Research In Motion and Compaq Announce Strategic Relationship and Distribution Agreement
New Orleans, LA - Research In Motion Limited (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM) and Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced that Compaq, the leading integrator of Microsoft® Exchange™ in the enterprise market, will deliver the award-winning BlackBerry™ wireless email solution to its customers as an important part of Compaq's end-to-end messaging solutions.
BlackBerry is the first complete, secure, integrated, wireless email solution that allows the mobile professional to enjoy untethered access to their corporate email wherever they go. BlackBerry Exchange Edition is designed specifically for Microsoft Exchange environments and addresses the strict security standards required by Fortune 500 companies.
"Customers tell us they want to adapt their Microsoft Exchange messaging infrastructure to meet the evolving requirements of their computer users who need more flexible access to email," said Ray Villareal, Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Marketing and Solutions, Compaq Computer Corporation. "By adding RIM technology to our end-to-end solutions portfolio, we can quickly support these customers with simple remote email access wherever they are, while meeting the crucial corporate requirements of security, integration and affordability."
As the Prime Integrator for Microsoft Exchange 2000 and the undisputed industry leader in Exchange deployments, no other company is better positioned to serve customers' complete messaging needs. With over six million Exchange seats in North America, Compaq has successfully implemented Exchange in over 500 enterprise customer sites. Compaq also has more than 850 dedicated Exchange Messaging Consultants, along with award-winning Exchange Lifecycle Services available globally.
"Today's announcement represents a natural fit," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO of Research In Motion. "Enterprise customers are actively evaluating and embracing BlackBerry in order to extend the core benefits of Microsoft Exchange to mobile environments; and Compaq is already working with many of these customers to assess, design and implement enterprise messaging and collaboration solutions."
BlackBerry combines industry-leading wireless device technology, innovative software and advanced wireless networks to deliver a major breakthrough in mobility.
Key Features of BlackBerry Exchange Edition:
- Powerful RIM Wireless Handheld - with Intel386™ processor, 2 MB Intel Flash memory, embedded wireless modem, 2 watt transmitter, optimized keyboard thumb-operated trackwheel, easy-to-read backlit screen and integrated email/organizer software; wearable size - 3.5" x 2.0" x 0.93"; operates on one AA alkaline battery
- Single mailbox integration with Microsoft Exchange - only one mailbox to manage; user-selectable message filters
- Read, originate, forward and reply to email using handheld
- End-to-end security - email is encrypted using Triple DES; meets corporate security guidelines; email remains encrypted at all points between the desktop PC and wireless handheld
- Full-featured, connected organizer - includes calendar, address book, task list and alarm; synchronizes with PC using docking cradle and Puma Technology's Intellisync™ Software (included)
- Always On, Always Connected™ - "push model" of email delivery; no dialing in; no raising antenna or initiating connections; email finds the user; no effort required
- BlackBerry Enterprise Server - allows centralized administration, increased scalability and enhanced performance, as well as improved support for laptops
RIM is now part of the Compaq Business Solutions for Exchange program. As the first program of its kind to offer tested, complete solutions on the Compaq and Exchange messaging platform, Compaq Business Solutions for Exchange helps customers enhance efficiency, improve workflow, and realize greater productivity as a result of their Exchange investments.
RIM and Compaq will begin working together immediately to introduce BlackBerry to Compaq customers including participation in a national customer roadshow " The 10 Steps to Exchange 2000 Seminar" beginning in March. BlackBerry Exchange Edition is expected to be generally available to customers through Compaq by second quarter this year.
About Compaq
Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the largest supplier of computing systems in the world. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs for the NonStop™ Internet world. Compaq products and services are sold in more than 200 countries directly to businesses, through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners, and directly to businesses and consumers through Compaq's eCommerce Web site at www.compaq.com. Compaq markets its products and services primarily to customers from the business, home, government, and education sectors. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products and services are available at www.compaq.com.
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and services, RIM provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers in North America and around the world to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products includes the RIM Inter@ctive™ Pager product line, BlackBerry™ wireless email solution, wireless personal computer card adapters, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). Investors may contact investor_relations@rim.net. Customers may contact info@rim.net. Web site: www.rim.net
Research In Motion, RIM, the RIM logo, Inter@ctive, Inter@ctive Pager, BlackBerry, BlackBerry Exchange Edition, the BlackBerry logo and 'Always On, Always Connected' are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, risks related to the year 2000 issue, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.
Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include implementation of a new model of distribution; the failure of systems associated with order fulfillment; changes in product mix; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; continued competitive factors and pricing pressures; market responses to pricing actions and promotional programs; volatility of certain equity investments; component shortages; and instability in developing countries that may affect operations. Further information on the factors that could affect Compaq's financial results are included in its SEC filings, including the latest annual report on Form 10-K, and the latest quarterly report on Form 10-Q.