|
 |
Handspring Press Release Archive
HANDSPRING AND SPRINT DEVELOPING CDMA
VERSION OF TREO COMMUNICATOR
Companies enter joint branding, marketing and distribution agreement for new Treo
that will operate on Sprint's Third Generation Network in the U.S.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. and KANSAS CITY, MO (March 19, 2002) - Handspring
(Nasdaq: HAND) and Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) today announced an agreement to work together on a new CDMA version of the Handspring Treo communicator that will operate on Sprint's Third Generation Network, which is expected to launch nationwide mid-2002. The product will be co-branded and jointly marketed by Sprint and Handspring. The companies plan to sell the product initially through Sprint's wireless distribution channels and on Handspring.com beginning this summer.
Sprint, which operates the largest all-digital, all-PCS nationwide network and is the fastest growing wireless carrier in the U.S., and Handspring, an innovative leader in personal communicators and handheld computers, will work closely together to create national marketing campaigns, distribution and channel programs, and customer service and support plans. The joint efforts will be designed to educate customers about the distinct features and functionality of the new Palm OS-based integrated product and 3G capabilities of Sprint's network to create the best possible customer experience.
Handspring Chief Operating Officer Ed Colligan said, "This agreement with Sprint is a hallmark for Handspring as we establish momentum with our Treo communicators. Sprint's expertise in developing and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies is a strong match for our innovative approach to communications products. We have a shared vision of what communicators should do for people, and a shared commitment to making rapid progress in the category."
"Our relationship with Handspring will enable Sprint to offer another compelling product in the category of converged wireless devices that is also compatible with our Third Generation Network," said John Garcia, senior vice president, sales and distribution, Sprint's PCS division. "We are working together to develop a compact yet full-featured CDMA version of the Treo that appeals to customers that want a smart device that meets both their voice and data needs."
Treo combines a phone, and wireless applications like Internet browsing, email and messaging, and a Palm OS organizer into a single compact device - one of the smallest products in its category. Sprint will integrate its suite of business solutions and products into the new CDMA version of the Treo, including Sprint PCS Business ConnectionSM Personal Edition. It will also be designed to take advantage of Sprint's Third Generation Network, which is expected to launch nationwide in mid-2002, providing faster connections and greater bandwidth for data applications. The companies will disclose information regarding specific product features, capabilities and pricing when the product is ready for launch this summer.
"Sprint continues to offer one of the richest and most technologically advanced selection of devices, along with the clarity of an all-digital network that uses the same technology nationwide," said Jay Highley, vice president, business marketing, Sprint's PCS division. "With the enhanced speeds and capabilities of 3G, this smart device is positioned to be a critical tool—whether it's to boost productivity as part of a Sprint PCS Clear Wireless Workplace® solution, or to simply help manage everyday transactions, schedules and sharing of information with friends and family."
About Handspring
Handspring is a leading innovator in personal communications and handheld computing. The company develops, manufactures and markets the Treo family of communicators, the Visor family of expandable handheld computers, and client and server software for fast Web access from handheld devices and mobile phones. Founded in 1998, the company established itself as an industry leader with its Springboard platform, which provides a simple and easy method for hardware and software expansion. Today Handspring sells its Treo family of wireless communicators, Visor line of handheld computers and Springboard expansion modules and accessories at www.handspring.com and through select Internet and retail partners in the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Middle East.
About Sprint
Sprint is a global communications company serving more than 23 million business and residential customers in more than 70 countries. With 80,000-plus employees worldwide and more than $26 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state of the art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network. Sprint's award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone is being extended to key global markets to provide customers with a broad portfolio of scalable IP products. Sprint's high-capacity, high-speed network gives customers fast, dependable, non-stop access to the vast majority of the world's Internet content. Sprint also operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities and communities.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This press release includes certain estimates, projections and other forward-looking statements. Future performance cannot be ensured. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The words "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Sprint is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this press release or unforeseen events. Sprint provides a detailed discussion of risk factors in periodic SEC filings.
|
|