AirTouch to Offer Aeris MicroBurst for Short-Burst Data Applications
8 February 1999
AirTouch to Offer Aeris MicroBurst for Short-Burst Data Applications; Aeris Nears Completion of National Footprint
NEW ORLEANS--Feb. 8, 1999--Today Aeris Communications announced that AirTouch Cellular will deploy MicroBurst(TM) technology for short-burst data applications in its Portland, Eugene and Salem, Oregon markets. MicroBurst is a low-cost solution for wireless data and messaging that enables a wide range of telemetry applications including global positioning system (GPS) monitoring, automated meter reading (AMR) and remote monitoring of security alarms and other devices.
"We are excited to offer customers a valuable data and messaging service overlay on our existing network," said Vito Palmieri, managing director of Air Touch's Product Development and Management division. "We are impressed with the developers that Aeris has collected on the MicroBurst platform, including QUALCOMM in vehicle tracking, ADEMCO in alarm systems, and ABB Information Systems in AMR - each true leaders in their respective markets."
Through separate agreements, the Aeris footprint covers over 200 million POPS in North America. In the United States, MicroBurst technology is enabled in 80% of MSA/RSAs through relationships with 12 of the largest analog cellular carriers in the country, including Bell Atlantic Mobile, Ameritech Cellular, United States Cellular, and now AirTouch.
"This partnership agreement with AirTouch, the second largest cellular carrier in the country, expands MicroBurst service coverage to a critical portion of the West Coast," said Dick Gossen, president and chief executive officer of Aeris Communications. "We look to expanding our coverage with AirTouch over time to complete the nationwide footprint."
Throughout 1998, Aeris significantly expanded the deployment of MicroBurst technology within the United States and Canada. Aeris `Best of Breed' applications developers include ADEMCO, the world's largest security equipment manufacturer, QUALCOMM's Wireless Business Solutions, the leader in commercial vehicle tracking and monitoring, and ABB Metering Systems, the world's largest manufacturers of solid state utility meters. In addition, there are over 50 applications either commercially available or in development today.
How MicroBurst Technology Works
MicroBurst technology is a proprietary utility that enables short data packets to be transmitted over control channels in cellular networks using standard IS-41B signaling mechanisms. These short data packets are transmitted by cellular devices and are routed to the Aeris central hub facility over existing SS#7 (Signaling System 7) networks. The Aeris hub identifies the service provider, the ultimate recipient for the data, and routes the data for delivery via a back-end link, which includes Internet, dial-up and dedicated connectivity.
MicroBurst technology provides ubiquity of service and the lowest possible cost structure. All data distribution is handled by Aeris' central clearinghouse facility. This distribution strategy makes MicroBurst technology fully mobile and enables all MicroBurst devices to roam throughout the United States and Canada.
About AirTouch Cellular
AirTouch serves 8 million U.S. cellular customers and operates in 22 of the top 30 U.S. markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, Detroit, Cleveland, San Jose, Sacramento, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Denver, Phoenix, and Minneapolis.
AirTouch Communications is the largest wireless company in the world based on the more than 40 million customers served by its global ventures. AirTouch has more than 17 million customers based on its ownership share in cellular, paging, and personal communications services in the United States and 12 other nations as well as the Globalstar satellite system.
About Aeris Communications, Inc.
Aeris Communications, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, Calif., provides wireless connectivity for a broad array of short packet signaling and messaging services using its proprietary MicroBurst utility. MicroBurst technology employs the control channel infrastructure of the cellular network as a transmission medium to achieve low cost of service and ubiquitous coverage. Aeris currently has contracts to deploy MicroBurst technology in 80 percent of cellular service areas in the United States and 100 percent of Canada. Initial applications include vehicle position and condition reporting, security and equipment monitoring, and utility meter reading. For more information on Aeris, call 408/557-1900 or visit the Aeris web at http://www.aeris.net.
MicroBurst(TM) is a trademark of Aeris Communications, Inc. Aeris is a registered trademark of Aeris Communications, Inc. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.