Compaq and Aptilo Networks Partner to Deliver Wireless Broadband Solutions in Public Locations

Customers in Hotels Throughout Spain Will Soon Be Able to Access the Internet, Send Emails and Conduct Transactions Using Wireless Technology

STOCKHOLM — Compaq and Aptilo Networks, a Swedish provider of mobile network solutions, today announced a strategic pan-EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) partnership to deliver wireless broadband solutions in public locations, or ‘Hotspots.’ The two companies also announced their first customer, Spanish service provider, Kubi Wireless, which will deploy a large number of Hotspots throughout Spain over the next two years. Starting in April 2002 in Barcelona, customers visiting the Hotel Majestic and Hotel MonteCarlo will be able to surf the web, send emails and conduct online transactions—all using high-speed wireless technology.

“Compaq and Aptilo designed a complete end-to-end solution, with hardware, software and full lifecycle services that were tailored to meet our needs,” said Anindya Ghosh, CEO and founder of Kubi Wireless. “As the popularity of wireless Hotspots grows, we also have the flexibility to expand and add new services—without having to invest in a new solution.”

The market for Hotspots is expected to increase dramatically over the next few years. According to industry analysts Frost and Sullivan, the number of access sites will jump from 155 in 2000 to more than 27,000 in Western Europe by 2005, in locations as diverse as hotel conference centres, airports, restaurants and shopping malls.

“Compaq and Aptilo are ideally positioned to take advantage of the growing popularity of Hotspots because we can offer service providers, wireless operators and venue owners a secure, scalable, end-to-end solution,” said Niklas Johnsson, director, Compaq EMEA Wireless Center. “Our solutions also support next-generation Internet-enabled applications for increased productivity, efficiency and competitive advantage.”

Torbjörn Wård, CEO, Aptilo Networks added: “Our unique Hotspot Management System combined with Compaq’s product leadership, global services capabilities and customer relationships has the potential to quickly become the market leading Hotspot solution.”

Elements of the solution
As part of the partnership, Aptilo will provide a complete Hotspot Management System designed for operators of unlicensed wireless networks, such as Bluetooth and WLANs (wireless local area networks). The system supports multiple billing options, wireless enabled devices, and wireless network and backend infrastructure. Compaq will contribute the reliable, scalable server infrastructure, wireless network solutions and wireless access devices, including the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC, with integrated connectivity. Compaq Global Services will also offer full lifecycle services, including developing business models, planning, designing and implementing the architecture for WLANs and providing ongoing management and support.

Compaq and Aptilo can tailor their Hotspot solution to meet customers’ specific requirements. Features include flexible installation, operation and hosting packages, and connectivity options with access via WLAN and Bluetooth, plus GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) roaming. The solution also offers multiple billing options, including prepaid credit cards and mobile phone bills, along with loyalty club membership and on-the-spot payments.

About Hotspots
A Hotspot, or Public IP Zone, takes the concept of a WLAN one step further by using WLAN and Bluetooth technology to provide high-speed wireless Internet access in locations frequented by business travelers. These include both public locations such as airport lounges, train stations, convention and shopping centers and semi-public locations such as hotels, hospitals and restaurants. Through high-speed, secure and continuous access to the Internet and corporate networks, users at Hotspot locations can benefit from localised services and keep in touch with the office or their family via e-mail and messaging.

Companies using Enterprise WLAN and Hotspot solutions can differentiate themselves from competitors and increase customer loyalty. The combination of WLANs and Hotspots functionality can also help companies to both realise cost savings and increase revenue. Companies can save money on cabling costs, enhance employee productivity, offer greater flexibility and improve responsiveness to customers—all of which improve internal business effectiveness. At the same time, they have the opportunity to open up new revenue sources by charging access fees or setting up wireless portals to generate income from advertising or transactions.

About Compaq
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise customers. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information technology equipment, software, services and solutions, including industry-leading enterprise storage and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication products, personal desktop and notebook computers, and personal entertainment and Internet access devices that are sold in more than 200 countries directly and through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners.

About Aptilo Networks
Aptilo Networks develops and provides system solutions to operators of unlicensed wireless networks, such as WLAN (802.11) and Bluetooth, and provide hot-spot services to local area owners. The company is Stockholm-based, with a regional office for Asia-Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Aptilo was founded as a spin off from the Mobile Internet division of Axis Communications. Aptilo’s suite of solutions offers operators a convenient and effective way to integrate access points in an advanced wireless public hot spot environments. It enables payment via service subscription, credit cards, by integration with mobile operators to pay with mobile phone subscriptions and also other payment enablers such as iPASS/GRIC and other customer bases. More information about Aptilo Networks can be found on the web at: www.aptilo.com

For more information please contact:
Paul Mikkelsen, VP Marketing
Aptilo Networks
Tel: + 46 709-31 69 46
[email protected]