Leuven – Belgium, March 10 2005 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI, OPIN.BR), the wireless technology company, today announced the GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE™, the latest addition to its comprehensive range of wireless data cards. The GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE ™ combines 3G/UMTS with EDGE and GPRS technologies in a single PC data card. This data card will be commercially available in two versions (EMEA & US markets) in the second half of 2005.
Jan Callewaert, CEO at Option: “Our operator customers have been asking for the ideal data card. A data card that has multiple access technologies spanning the different networks be they UMTS, EDGE or GPRS. The mobile operator wishes to provide their customer with the ability to roam from country to country having a single data card solution giving users broadband access anywhere anytime no matter the technology. We are pleased to announce the GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE data card continuing in our mission to bring innovative products to market and satisfy the needs of our customers.”
The GlobeTrotter 3G EDGETM on a 3G UMTS network enables broadband connection to the Internet at data speeds of up to 384kbps. Where 3G services are not available it falls back to EDGE at data speeds of up to 247 kbps. In the absence of an EDGE or 3G network the data card still enables reliable and secure data connections over traditional GPRS.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
• Available in 2 versions: 2100 MHz 3G UMTS for EMEA and 1900/850 MHz 3G UMTS for US markets. Both versions support Quad band E-GPRS/GPRS/GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz for worldwide markets.
• GlobeTrotter PC Card format (Extended Type II PCMCIA compliant and CardBus PC Card interface)
• GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE™ provides transparent handover between UMTS, EDGE and GPRS networks
• Supports IPSec client software for end-to-end secure corporate data exchange and synchronisation over VPN
• Future proof through user upgradeable Flash Memory technology
• Compatible with nearly all popular notebook PC’s equipped with PCMCIA slot and Microsoft Windows Operating System
• GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE™ support for MAC O/S and Linux on request
• GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE™ is customisable for mobile network operators and IT manufacturers
In addition to the GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE™ wireless data card, Option offers its premier GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager™ software enabling users of the card to have fast, simple and easy access to wireless data whilst hiding from the user the complexity of underlying wireless 3G UMTS and E-GPRS technologies. In conjunction with, Unlimited Connection™ Option’s mobile IP solution, the user will be able to seamlessly roam between the data card’s 3G/EDGE/GPRS technologies and other network connections available to the notebook computer such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet LAN or ADSL. The Globetrotter 3G EDGETM fully supports Microsoft’s PC Smart Card standard and includes EAP-SIM extensions for user transparent and automatic authentication to third party networks.
The GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE™ further complements and enhances Option’s current range of GlobeTrotter wireless data cards: GlobeTrotter (GPRS), GlobeTrotter COMBO (GPRS/WLAN), GlobeTrotter COMBO EDGE (EDGE/GPRS/WLAN), GlobeTrotter 3G (3G UMTS/GPRS), GlobeTrotter FUSION (3G UMTS/GPRS/WLAN), GlobeTrotter 3G QUAD (5-band 3G UMTS/GPRS).
About Option
Option NV (www.option.com), the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (HSDPA and UMTS), EDGE, GPRS, GSM and WLAN technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications. Option’s headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium. The company has Research & Development in Leuven, a Software and Applications Development centre in Adelsried (Germany) and an ISO 9002 Production Engineering and Logistics facility in Cork, Ireland.
For more information please contact:
Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development & Marketing
Tel +32 (0)16 317 411
E-mail: d.ros@option.com
Frederic Convent, CFO & General Counsel
Tel +32 (0) 16 317 411
E-mail: investor@option.com