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Etak Signs Ingram Micro as Distributor

14 October 1998

Etak Signs Ingram Micro as Distributor for Sony SkyMap Navigation Products


    MENLO PARK, Calif.--Oct. 14, 1998--Etak Inc., a leading publisher of digital map databases, software technology and traveler information services, Wednesday announced an agreement with Ingram Micro Inc. to distribute Sony's SkyMap navigation product line.
    A wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corp. of America, Etak markets and manufactures the Sony family of SkyMap products, including the Sony SkyMap Pro and Sony SkyMap Traveler.
    With either SkyMap Pro or SkyMap Traveler, users can view and track their location in real-time on easy-to-read, detailed maps of all 50 United States. Designed for IBM-compatible notebook PCs, SkyMap products combine Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, navigation technology and detailed street level maps with dynamic business productivity tools. The product consists of a 12-channel GPS receiver, a PCMCIA card with infrared receiver, a remote control, two CD-ROMs containing street-level map databases and extensive travel information.
    "This agreement significantly increases our distribution capacity and our ability to reach a wider range of resellers," said Craig Lynar, vice president of marketing for Etak. "Our relationship with Ingram as well as with Sony enables us to make the growing SkyMap family of products available wherever people buy."
    As part of its new consumer strategy, Etak and Sony recently made the strategic decision to market the SkyMap Pro product line under the Sony brand name.
    Branding the award winning SkyMap family under the Sony name is a natural extension of the Sony-Etak relationship. Etak continues to manufacture, market, support and promote SkyMap in conjunction with Sony distribution channels.
    With headquarters in Santa Ana, Calif., Ingram Micro's 1997 sales generated more than $16.5 billion. The company and its affiliates operate in 31 countries, and distribute to more than 100,000 resellers in 120 countries.
    Etak is the premier publisher of location-based technology and digital maps for in-vehicle information systems, mobile traveler information systems, real-time traffic services, utility damage prevention and commercial business geographics markets. Etak maps cover the United States and mainland Great Britain. Etak technology and maps are used within various Web sites, in a wide range of routing and location-based services, and on PCs and handheld devices for applications in the home, office or car.
    Etak has headquarters in Menlo Park. For more information on Etak's products and services contact Etak Inc., 1605 Adams Drive, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. Telephone: 800/765-0555. E-mail: info@etak.com. Internet: http://www.etak.com.