Leuven – Belgium, June 15 2004 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI), the wireless technology company, today unveiled GlobeTrotter Fusion™ the latest addition to its range of wireless data cards. So named, Option’s GlobeTrotter Fusion™ is the bringing together of 3G UMTS, GPRS and Wireless LAN 802.11g technologies in a single PC data card marking a world first in next generation broadband wireless data solutions from Option.
On a 3G network the GlobeTrotter Fusion™ enables broadband connection to the internet at data speeds of up to 384kbps. Move into a range of public WiFi hotspot, the corporate WLAN or your home wireless network and the GlobeTrotter Fusion™ provides connection at speeds up to 54Mbps. In areas where 3G or WiFi services are not available GlobeTrotter Fusion™ still ensures reliable and secure data connection over the widely available GPRS services.
“We started the GlobeTrotter Fusion™ development program at the end of last year and since then have been successful in securing the interest of a selected number of major customers the first of which, Swisscom Mobile formally announced the product earlier this month. GlobeTrotter Fusion is currently in product validation with a number of lead operators and will become openly available for all operators during the 4th quarter” commented Jan Callewaert CEO at Option.
In addition to the Globetrotter Fusion™ data card, Option will offer 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, GPRS and WLAN technologies. In conjunction with Option’s mobile IP solution the user will be able to seamlessly roam between access technologies 3G/WLAN/2G with automatic authentication using GlobeTrotter Fusion’s inbuilt support for PC Smart Card and EAP-SIM.
GlobeTrotter Fusion™ opens up a true world of mobile wireless broadband and it is the ideal companion for the mobile professional enabling the internet, e-mail, video conferencing and office applications with real time secure VPN access to corporate applications and data while on the move.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
•tGlobeTrotter Fusion™ supports WLAN 802.11g and 802.11b standards
•tSupports IPSec client software for end to end secure corporate data exchange and synchronisation over VPN
•tFuture proof through user upgrade Flash Memory technology
•tSeamless handover between WLAN and 2.5G/3G networks with Mobile IP option
•tTransparent handover between UMTS and GSM/GPRS networks
•tCompatible with nearly all popular notebook PC’s equipped with Type II PC Card slot and Microsoft Windows Operating System
•tGlobeTrotter Fusion™ support for MAC O/S and Linux on request
•tGlobeTrotter Fusion™ is customisable for mobile operators and IT manufacturers.
For more detailed information and screenshots
Globetrotter Fusion: https://www.option.com/products/gt_fusion_spec.shtml
GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager: https://www.option.com/products/gt_mobilitymanager_spec.shtml
About Option
Option NV (www.option.com ), the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (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