SyncML Version 1.0 Alpha Specifications Available to Supporters

SyncML, the initiative sponsored by mobile technology industry leaders Ericsson, IBM, Lotus, Matsushita, Motorola, Nokia, Psion, Palm, Inc. and Starfish Software, today provided further evidence that the world is one step closer to universal data synchronization of remote data and personal information across multiple networks, platforms and devices. SyncML Version 1.0 Alpha, a release candidate, is now available to SyncML Supporters in addition to new updates to the SyncML Reference Toolkit which was made available to Supporters in May. Delivered ahead of schedule, the Version 1.0 Alpha Specifications and the updated Reference Toolkit source code will be made available on August 31 in the Supporters area of the SyncML Website located at www.syncml.org.

"As the wireless industry continues to grow, SyncML will be instrumental in helping organizations build wireless solutions that keep mobile workers constantly synchronized to corporate data," said Andrew Terry, CTO for Extended Systems. "Supporters have been eagerly anticipating the SyncML specifications. Today's announcement enables them to begin further development of SyncML-based products."

With the release of SyncML v1.0 Alpha, Supporters will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback to the specification standard prior to the public release of SyncML 1.0 in Q4 2000. The updated toolkit now includes information for generating SyncML messages for the PalmOS, EPOC operating systems and Win 32 Server operating systems, as well as a full description of the XML based SyncML format. Information on SyncML messaging for the Linux operating system will also be available in Q4 2000.

"With the recent onslaught of wireless devices in today's market, it is crucial for users to be able to access and update their personal information regardless of device and physical location," said Rick Onyon, president and CEO of fusionOne. "The SyncML initiative is making significant strides to realizing that goal, and fusionOne is proud to be an early supporter of this new platform."
This technology will be demonstrated to Supporters at the upcoming SyncML Supporter Summit, Dublin, on September 29, 2000. For additional details on the SyncML Supporter Conference, and to learn how to become a Supporter of SyncML, visit www.syncml.org.

Since the announcement of its formation in February 2000, over 350 companies have announced their support for SyncML. The goals of the initiative are to develop a universal synchronization standard for the mobile computing industry. SyncML compliant products will be able to exchange information seamlessly across a wide range of operating platforms and communications technologies. Supporters of the initiative now include the founding eight companies, all leaders in their fields, and organizations such as Symbian, Excite@Home, PUMATECH, fusionOne, Xircom, and BT Cellnet. A complete list of the Supporters can be found on the www.syncml.org Website.


Press Contacts:

Ericsson
Jan Ahrenbring
Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Tel. +46 70 590 9900
jan.ahrenbring@ecs.ericsson.se

IBM
Tara Sexton
Pervasive Computing
Tel. + 1 914 766 3366
tara.sexton@us.ibm.com

Lotus
Michael Shamrell
Tel. + 1 617 693 1264
michael_shamrell@lotus.com

Motorola
David C. Rudd
Tel. + 1 847 576 7089
david.rudd@motorola.com

Nokia Mobile Phones
Tapio Hedman
Tel. + 358 10 5051
tapio.hedman@nokia.com

Nokia, Inc
Megan Matthews
Tel. +1 972 8944267
megan.matthews@nokia.com

Palm, Inc.
Julia Rodriguez
Tel. + 1 408 326 9390
julia_rodriguez@palm.com

Palm, Inc.
Amy Nemechek
Tel. + 1 303 730 5755
Anemechek@arpartners.com

Psion PLC
Anthony Garvey
Tel. +44 171 317 4265
anthony-garvey@psion.com

Starfish Software
Kate Dueck
Tel. +1 831 461 5815
kate.dueck@starfish.com