Port-IT In-Vehicle Communications System Unveiled

    DETROIT--March 4, 2002--Car enthusiasts from all over the country are getting their first look at Port-IT(TM), the most comprehensive in-vehicle communications system currently available for the aftermarket. Port-IT, which uses the Microsoft Windows-powered Pocket PC platform to enhance its functionality, is featured as part of Microsoft Corp.'s "Driving the Telematics Evolution" exhibit at this year's Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Digital Car Conference and Exhibition at booth 5200.
    "As drivers nationwide begin to use Port-IT to communicate and access information, it's essential that the technology be robust and reliable enough to handle the functionality that drivers told us they wanted," said Mike Jonas, President and CEO of Comworxx, Inc., the Sarasota, Fla.-based telematics firm that developed Port-IT. "Choosing the Pocket PC platform was an important decision for us. Our Pocket PC applications were developed to capitalize on the strengths of Windows, and our back-end operations are supported by Microsoft."
    Using cutting-edge telematics technology - two-way communications that relay information to and from a vehicle - Port-IT is the only comprehensive mobile technology solution for the aftermarket. Port-IT empowers drivers with a global positioning system for safety and dynamic turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free information access (including news, custom stock quotes, traffic details and local weather forecasts) and hands-free telephone.
    Port-IT can be installed in any vehicle at any time, and uses the same technology that currently powers fleet customers worldwide. The Port-IT Client software offers Pocket PC mobile consumers additional functionality, such as the ability to dial phone numbers from contacts stored in the Pocket PC address book and access to dynamic turn-by-turn navigation services.
    "Comworxx's Port-IT is a great example of the innovative automotive solutions based on Microsoft technologies," said Gonzalo Bustillos, director of business development and marketing for the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "Port-IT's hands-free functions also embody one of the most important aspects of mobile computing's role in the car - keeping drivers focused on driving, rather than on the technology."
    The Port-IT system mounts conveniently to any dashboard, and will be available nationwide at major retail outlets in the first quarter of 2002 with a suggested retail price of $1,299.

    About Comworxx

    Comworxx, Inc., headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., was founded in May, 2000 to develop and deploy an end-to-end state-of-the-art, location specific content and service solution for the aftermarket consumer, business and fleet customer. Comworxx's mission is to bridge the gap that exists between the telecommunications, computing and automotive industries by delivering a comprehensive telematics solution to the North American consumer. Comworxx provides mobile telematics services through its seamlessly integrated systems and adds value to consumers by helping them safely connect to the wireless world, existing infrastructure and, most of all, to their personal information. For more information, please visit www.comworxx.com.

    About Microsoft Powered Technology for Automotive

    Microsoft has invested half a decade to provide the automotive industry with great software that delivers information, entertainment, communication and services in vehicles. The company works very closely with automakers, automotive electronics manufacturers and consumers to provide the embedded automotive market with the systems and tools for building the next generation of intelligent, Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and Internet services for a wide range of flexible solutions.

    About Microsoft

    Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.