Motorola signs with wireless industry leaders to join Symbian initiative

Symbian's EPOC to include Starfish TrueSync technology, driving interoperability standards for wireless information devices

LONDON, United Kingdom - October 28th, 1998 - Motorola today announced it has completed definite agreements to become a shareholder in the Symbian joint venture. Formerly Psion Software, Symbian was launched in June 1998 as a joint venture between Psion, Ericsson and Nokia to promote the EPOC operating system for wireless information devices. By joining Symbian, Motorola further boosts Symbian's goal in setting a world standard to enable the mass market for smartphones and communicators.

As part of the agreement, Symbian's EPOC will offer further functionality for licensees with the inclusion of the TrueSync technology from Starfish. Enabling interoperability between wireless information devices, TrueSync provides multi-point synchronization allowing users to enter information once anywhere, and easily synchronize with desktop and server-based applications and services. Symbian will also work together with Motorola to provide support for EPOC to be ported to the M•CORE microprocessor RISC architecture.

"Motorola is deeply committed to the creation of wireless global standards and we understand the value of partnerships to help enable the growth of the industry through standards," said Merle Gilmore, President, Motorola Communications Enterprise. "In support of our commitment, we are pleased to join Symbian to help foster an ecosystem that builds an extensible architecture for the next generation of smart and connected wireless devices."

Symbian and its partners are working to facilitate key mobile standards, including Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Bluetooth^® wireless technology and Java for wireless information devices. The addition of the Starfish TrueSync technology to Symbian's EPOC combines two technologies which have been specifically developed to accommodate the constraints of mobile computing and telecommunications devices while providing intuitive, powerful applications and connectivity with desktop and mobile devices. This will offer EPOC licensees more flexibility as they will have an extended choice of connectivity options - ensuring that future smartphones and communicators can operate seamlessly with the new digital wireless infrastructure and standard enterprise software applications.

"Motorola provides Symbian with key experience and technology that will benefit all of our licensees," said Colly Myers, CEO of Symbian. "The addition of Starfish TrueSync technology further develops our technology platform and reinforces EPOC as the world standard in operating systems for wireless information devices."

On completion of this latest transaction, Motorola will join the supervisory board of Symbian which guides and directs the direction for the company. Psion's shareholding in Symbian will be reduced from 40% to 30.7% whilst Ericsson, Motorola and Nokia will each own a 23.1% holding in Symbian. The transaction is conditional upon the approval of the European Commission and certain filings being made and clearances and consents being obtained.

Since the launch 3 months ago Symbian has been rapidly expanding its commercial and development personnel, and is currently in the process of opening additional offices in the US and Japan.

TrueSync Usage Scenario

A mobile user is attending a mobile conference during the week. Rather than wait until returning to the office, in her spare moments she enters in all details of new contacts made - together with some scheduled follow-up meetings - in her EPOC communicator. Back at the office, it's a simple, one step procedure to synchronise this stored information with her PIM systems on her desktop computer, and networked diary - while at the same time retrieving meetings set up in her absence.

About Symbian Ltd.

Symbian licenses, develops and supports the EPOC operating system - providing leading software, user interfaces, application frameworks and development tools for wireless information devices such as communicators and smartphones. Symbian aims to promote standards for the interoperation of wireless information devices with wireless networks, content services, messaging and enterprise wide solutions.

With headquarters in London, and offices in Kanazawa, Japan and the San Francisco Bay Area, Symbian is owned by Psion, Ericsson, Motorola and Nokia.
Symbian

About Motorola Inc.

Motorola is a global leader in advanced electronic systems and services. It liberates the power of technology by creating software-enhanced products that provide integrated customer solutions and Internet access via wireless and satellite communications, as well as computing, networking, and automotive electronics. Motorola also provides essential digital building blocks in the form of embedded semiconductors, controls and systems. Sales in 1997 were $29.8 billion.
Motorola

Media Enquiries

Please direct enquiries to: Symbian +44 207 1383 press@symbian.com	Tim Kellogg Motorola, North America +1 847 538 1484 apub06@email.mot.com
Inge Wallage Motorola, Europe +44 1753 575555 aiw001@email.mot.com