WhereNet and Cisco Sign Solutions Technology Integrator Agreement

Leading Active RFID/Real-Time Locating System Solutions Provider and Networking Leader Help Each Other Expand Key Vertical Markets

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 30 -- WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today it has signed a solutions technology integrator (STI) agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc. As an STI partner, WhereNet is integrating Cisco technology into the standards-based WhereNet(R) wireless location and communication system -- a single, integrated wireless infrastructure that supports real-time location, messaging, and telemetry applications, as well as mobile workforce communication.

Cisco's STI partners are manufacturers and providers of technology solutions that sell, service, and support solutions directly or indirectly to end users as part of an integrated hardware, software, and service offering. These offerings contain specified Cisco technologies as a critical component.

"This new go-to-market channel model will help Cisco enter new vertical markets and other advanced technology markets while addressing a key sales focus -- solution selling," said Edison Peres, vice president of Advanced Technologies, Worldwide Channels at Cisco Systems. "The STI agreement recognizes WhereNet for having the ability to sell integrated solutions. Forging this relationship will help accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies in key markets."

Two Technologies, One System, Big Benefits

A majority of WhereNet's customers have Cisco wireless backbones in their facilities. WhereNet extends this wireless coverage and functionality through its WhereLAN(TM) integrated wireless local area network (LAN), which serves as both a real-time locating system (RTLS) sensor and an access point for non-WhereNet wireless LAN clients and applications. WhereLAN combines the core radio transceiver of a Cisco Wi-Fi certified access point with the computational power of WhereNet's locating radio in a compact package; the shared antennas, power, and network connections reduce overall infrastructure costs, reduce cable runs, and improve system reliability.

Used in conjunction with bar codes and radio frequency identification (RFID), RTLS applications provide constant, accurate data of every "tagged" asset and automatically convey each asset's location and status information to the mobile workforce or enterprise systems tasked with managing those assets. With a typical installation period of 90 days and an established ROI of less than one year, WhereNet's wireless location solutions are widely recognized for their bottom-line benefits to Global 2000 companies. Because the WhereNet system lets customers leverage the benefits of real-time connectivity between critical assets and the people and information systems that manage those assets, supply chains can operate more efficiently than ever before, achieving a higher return on assets, increasing throughput, and providing better customer service.

The integrated wireless system can simultaneously support multiple WhereNet applications such as Yard Management, Vehicle Tracking and Inventory Management, Container Management, Asset Management, and Parts Replenishment; an organization's existing enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, and inventory applications; as well as applications developed by WhereNet partners.

"As manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers get more sophisticated and mandate real-time connectivity to mobile assets, our solutions offering will continue to grow and evolve," said Matt Armanino, senior vice president of corporate development for WhereNet. "Cisco's wireless networks are practically a de facto standard in many of our key markets, most notably automotive and industrial manufacturing. This agreement not only formalizes our relationship with Cisco, but will also fuel more widespread adoption of our proven solutions, which are uniquely suited for high-velocity, high-volume supply chain and logistics networks."

Requirements

The ability to sign an STI agreement with Cisco is by invitation only and requires a direct contract between Cisco and the STI partner.

About WhereNet Corp.

WhereNet is the first company to deliver a single wireless location and communication infrastructure that reliably and cost-effectively manages valuable mobile resources and delivers a complete return on investment within 12 months. Based on patented, standards-compliant technology resulting from a collective 100+ years of development, the WhereNet real-time solutions enable companies such as BMW, Ford Motor Company, and NYK Logistics to reduce inventory, lower operating costs, and improve operations. The company has received the Henry Ford Technology Award; was recognized for strong ROI by Computerworld; was ranked among the top 10 in the InfoWorld 100; and has been recognized as a wireless innovator by Forrester Research, Computerworld ROI, Frontline Solutions, Plant Engineering, and Supply Chain Systems magazines. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with offices throughout the United States and Europe, WhereNet is funded by Crosspoint Venture Partners, Foundation Capital, Bay Partners, Crescendo Ventures, and Sun Microsystems. For more information, visit the WhereNet Web site at http://www.wherenet.com/, or call 408-845-8500 (in the U.S.) or +32 3 286 84 50 (in Europe).

WhereNet is a registered trademark and WhereLAN is a trademark of WhereNet Corp. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or

service marks of their respective owners.