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Avanquest Software and ASUSTeK Enter Worldwide Licensing Agreement for Connectivity Management on Windows-Based "Netbooks"
ASUS to Pre-Load Avanquest 3G Connection Manager on ASUS' EeePC(TM) Ultra-Portable Devices Available From Leading Global 3G Network Operators
| Source: Avanquest
DENVER, CO and PARIS--(Marketwire - February 9, 2009) - Avanquest Software, a
leading developer of business and consumer software for the global PC
market, today announced a worldwide agreement to license its 3G network
connection management software to ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS), the
pioneer and leading manufacturer of ultra-portable netbook PC devices.
Under the agreement, the giant Taiwanese electronics manufacturer will
pre-load Avanquest's 3G Connection Manager tool on Windows-based ASUS EeePC
devices equipped with built-in 3G data cards and distributed by leading
global wireless operators to distributors.
The netbooks -- which met a tremendous success in 2008 -- took center stage
at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year. On this
occasion, Technology research firm IDC reported that 21.5 million
ultra-portable devices will ship this year and that number will jump to 42
million by 2012.
ASUS, one of the leading manufacturers of this growing segment, has
selected Avanquest Software's 3G Connection Manager for its ease of use and
performance. The software will enable users of Windows-based ASUS
EeePCs™ to manage 3G network connections and expand functionality by
allowing them to send and receive SMS messages and manage contacts on the
subscriber's SIM card.
3G Connection manager enables users of light-weight portable ASUS devices
to maintain data connectivity across international borders by automatically
re-configuring 3G data connection settings for local networks. Because the
software maintains updated specifications for hundreds of global 3G
networks, it allows travelers who purchase local SIM cards to continue to
receive hassle-free wide-area data access without expensive roaming
charges.
3G Connection Manager is part of a family of Windows-based connection
management tools from Avanquest that are designed to automate 3G network
set-up and management and provide telephony features on the PC. The 3G
Connection Manager product is localized for 20 languages and supports
customization for the operator's "look and feel."
"We're extremely excited to work in partnership with ASUS and their
operator partners to provide a connectivity solution that will deliver
enhanced performance and value to EeePC users," said David Wright,
president of Avanquest Software's OEM division, headquartered in Denver and
Paris. "ASUS' netbooks have hit a sweet spot with business users, students
and consumers seeking portability, affordability and ease of use and our
software will enable them to continue to define the cutting edge of today's
Internet-based computing."
ASUS is the world's leading supplier of ultra-compact, lightweight and
affordable netbooks, designed to provide a comprehensive Internet and work
management experience. ASUS introduced the first EeePC in 2007 and EeePCs
with pre-installed Windows XP were introduced in early 2008.
About ASUS
ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of
more than ten thousand and a world-class R&D design team, the company's
revenue for 2008 was 8.1 billion U.S. dollars. ASUS ranks among the top 10
IT companies in BusinessWeek's "InfoTech 100," and has been on the listing
for 11 consecutive years. ASUS was also selected by the Wall Street Journal
Asia as No.1 in quality and service.
About Avanquest Software
Avanquest Software is one of the world's leading software developers and
publishers, marketing through Retail, Corporate, OEM and Direct-to-Consumer
channels. With 600 employees and approximately 200 engineers in Research
and Development, the company is committed to innovation in the design,
development and publishing of easy-to-use and affordable software.
Avanquest Software is listed on Euronext (ISIN FR0004026714) since December
1996. Additional information is available at http://www.avanquest.com or
http://about.avanquest.com.