DaimlerChrysler Taps Espial Software for Second Generation Telematics System in Dodge Super8 Hemi Concept Car

    OTTAWA--Jan. 24, 2001--Espial(TM), creators of software that powers the world of smart Internet devices, confirmed today that DaimlerChrysler(R) has selected the Espial DeviceTop(TM) suite of products for the Dodge Super8 Hemi(R) concept car.
    Espial DeviceTop was selected for the IT Cruiser Infotronic system. Devicetop is a Java-based software platform for delivering applications and services using simple user interfaces like touchscreens and safety features such as voice-activated devices. The combination of platforms, tools and applications enables cost-effective implementation of personal computing systems, in-vehicle information personalization, incorporation of home network systems, diagnostic information and passenger entertainment.
    "Our work with DaimlerChrysler on the Dodge Super8 Hemi is an important design opportunity for Espial," commented Jaison Dolvane, President, CEO and co-founder of Espial. "Our software is designed to simplify the user experience so that technology works for the user instead of the user working for technology. The appeal and viability of our software within the Super8 Hemi proves that DeviceTop can meet and exceed today's requirements for telematics, Internet appliances, interactive television and wireless devices now emerging to market."
    Faithful rendering and a quick development period were the key factors in the Espial design. Espial's software is not limited to vertical segments but applies equally well to automotive and other smart Internet devices.
    "At DaimlerChrysler, we believe our vehicles provide more than just transportation: they provide personal mobility to reflect our customers' lifestyles. Therefore, when a change in lifestyle occurs - such as the ubiquity of the Internet - we try to reflect that change in our products. Espial's expertise with bringing the Internet to smart devices has helped us do just that. With the Infotronic system on the Dodge Super8 Hemi, we prototyped how we at DC RTNA envision such lifestyle changes could affect our future products," said Dr. Wieland Holfelder, Manager of the Smart Vehicles Group at DaimlerChrysler.
    Espial DeviceTop is a unique service-enabled operating environment that serves as a delivery platform for Internet-enabled smart devices, across a range of embedded system spaces. The device becomes an ideal client for remote content delivery, and end-users receive information from a flexible, standards-based platform.

    Espial

    Espial(R) is the first company to provide a comprehensive approach to the development of software for the next generation Internet - the Pervasive Internet. Partners and customers such as Intel, Motorola, NEC, Philips, National Semiconductor and Sun are helping Espial to realize its Pervasive Internet vision, where billions of users access highly personalized information through a variety of Internet devices. Espial is unique in combining its end-to-end technology solution with business partnerships to create a complete market ecosystem. Completely portable across any platform, the Espial product family accelerates the development and deployment of Internet devices. It includes Espial DeviceTop(TM), a service-enabled operating environment, and a suite of Internet applications that consists of a browser, email client and personal information manager; Espial DeviceServer(TM), which enables service providers to offer revenue-generating data services; and devicetop.com(TM), a web portal that encourages an active community of developers to create value-added services. The company's technology applies universally, across such sectors as Internet Appliances, TVs, wireless devices, and automotive applications. Espial has offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Visit www.espial.com or call 888.4ESPIAL.

    Espial products are supported on leading device operating systems and Java virtual machines from companies such as Microsoft -- WinCE, Linux -- Redhat , Symbian -- EPOC32, Wind River -- VxWorks and pSOS, QNX -- QNX 4 and Neutrino, Microware -- OS9, Be -- BEOS, Sun Microsystems -- Java platform, Tao Group -- intent(TM) and Insignia -- Jeode