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palmOne Licenses Microsoft Exchange Server Synchronisation Protocol for Integration with Treo Smartphones

palmOne Customers to Get "Out-of-the-box" Compatibility with Exchange Server 2003 Data, Including Wireless Email and Calendar

Oct. 7, 2004 – palmOne, Inc (Nasdaq: PLMO) today announced that it has licensed Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) Exchange Server ActiveSync® protocol to enable the delivery of secure, wireless and direct synchronisation between Microsoft® Exchange Server 2003, part of Windows Server System, and future Treo™ smartphones. palmOne intends to use the technology to extend the company's device support for Microsoft Exchange Server by adding capability for wireless server-based synchronisation.

The relationship between palmOne and Microsoft underscores the market demand to make deploying mobile email access easier for companies of all sizes. Many mobile email solutions require a third-party server to be installed to act as a conduit between an email server and a mobile device. By integrating the Exchange Server ActiveSync protocol into its devices, palmOne eliminates the need for a third-party server and provides customers with a solution for secure, wireless email that is cost-effective and can be deployed quickly and easily. End-users will benefit by having out-of-the-box capability1 to link to Exchange Server 2003 data, including email and calendar information, using palmOne's easy-to-use VersaMail™ client.

"palmOne has built its brand on making complex technologies easy to use, and having wireless synchronisation to Exchange 2003 available out-of-the-box will enhance our smartphone customers' experience while slashing company IT costs," said Ed Colligan, president, palmOne. "Key to offering the premier mobile-email-access device is our open-platform approach, resulting in a full spectrum of choices for individuals to CIOs at the largest enterprises."

"The combination of the Exchange Server ActiveSync protocol and mobile solutions from palmOne provides customers with a direct means of extending wireless access to corporate email from their palmOne devices in the field," said Dave Thompson, vice president of Exchange Server at Microsoft. "We believe that the combination of Treo smartphones and Exchange Server 2003 can significantly enhance end-user productivity by providing a secure, direct, easily implemented wireless email while simultaneously lowering IT costs by eliminating the need for middleware."

Email is the obvious application required by mobile workers who want to remain connected while away from the office. Between 2002 and 2006, the number of mobile workers in the United States will grow from 10 million to a total of 104.5 million individuals, and the No. 1 application organisations plan to spend money on in 2004 is email. According to IDC, 84 percent of businesses will look to deploy email first and then follow with personal information management, calendar applications and customer relationship management or sales force automation applications at the same time or soon after. Converged devices, such as the Treo line of smartphones, are poised to capture this growth in mobility with an expected growth rate for converged devices of 47 percent CAGR worldwide by 2006.

About palmOne, Inc.
palmOne, Inc. -- the leader in handheld computing and communications solutions -- strives to put the power of computing in people's hands so they can access and share their most important information. The company's products include Zire™ and Tungsten™ handhelds and Treo™ smartphones, software and accessories.

More information about palmOne, Inc. is available at www.palmone.com/asia.


(1) Requires Exchange Server 2003 and access enabled by IT administrator. An Internet service provider account, data service and carrier subscription may be required for Internet and email access. These services may need to be purchased separately. Access available within network coverage areas only.


About Windows Server System
Microsoft Windows Server System™ is a comprehensive family of server software providing the infrastructure for IT operations, application development, integration and information work. Built on the Windows Server™ operating system, and designed with Common Engineering Criteria, Windows Server System is focused on making it easier for IT professionals to connect and manage their IT environment. Because Windows Server System products are integrated for enhanced manageability and security, they help organisations reduce complexity and lower costs. All Windows Server System products support open industry standards including those based on XML to promote interoperability with other platforms. More information on Windows Server System can be found online at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

palmOne, Zire, Tungsten, Treo and VersaMail are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to palmOne, Inc. or its subsidiaries. Microsoft, ActiveSync, Windows Server System and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.




Palm, Palm OS, and Treo are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned or licensed to Palm, Inc. Microsoft and Windows Mobile are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.