Critical Devices Inc. and World Wireless Communications Offer Internet-Based Control/Monitoring of Non-Traditional Devices
24 May 2000
Critical Devices Inc. and World Wireless Communications Offer Internet-Based Control/Monitoring of Non-Traditional Devices
DALLAS--May 24, 2000--PDAs, HVAC, Ovens and Irons
Critical Devices Inc. announced today a global partnership with World Wireless Communications (AMEX:XWC) that gives corporate, commercial and consumer users complete Internet-based services to remotely access, control, monitor and track virtually any device, including HVAC units, gas meters, vending machines, ovens, even irons and swimming pools.
The services, which are available immediately through authorized providers, are founded on Critical Devices' Asset Services Management(TM) (ASM) technologies and X-Node(TM), developed by X-traWeb Inc., a Denver-based, wholly owned subsidiary of World Wireless Communications. ASM electronically tracks and monitors performance, usage and whereabouts of any device with an IP address and then reports these indicators on line. X-Node(TM) is a miniaturized, one-square-inch Web server that attaches to various devices.
"We've combined our expertise and technologies to demonstrate that remote control and monitoring of devices -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week using the Internet -- is here today, is affordable and can actually save thousands of dollars annually," said Roy Hogsed, president and chief executive officer at Dallas-based Critical Devices. "These services are particularly valuable for companies with a large number of remote locations."
One national, quick-service restaurant that requested confidentiality is piloting ASM by attaching X-Node to its HVAC units, ovens, fryers and freezers. "In seconds, they can know if a fryer or oven was accidentally left on after hours or if a freezer compressor is about to fail," said Hogsed. "By knowing and responding quickly, they can prevent a fire, call in service personnel or remind restaurant managers to turn down the A/C thermostats before leaving for the night."
Critical Devices and X-traWeb will share engineering and technical development efforts and work with service providers specializing in corporate, industrial, manufacturing, home automation and quick-service restaurant markets. Critical Devices and X-traWeb formed the partnership because of both companies' similarities in vision and direction, said Don Wallace, president of X-traWeb.
"We share the same philosophy of ultimately providing services that are easy to install, use and access by anyone at any time or place," said Wallace. "Plus, we have a pricing model that makes the services extremely affordable."
Both companies envision extending such services to the consumer market as well. "The busy consumer now has a way to check in with any device in their home," said Hogsed. "How many times have you left home and 10 minutes later panicked that the iron was left on? Right there, in your mini-van, you connect using a PalmPilot and call up the smart iron. One click and the iron is off. You're worry-free, and the vacation begins."
Pricing of these services depends on customer specifications, such as the type and number of embedded devices used. Pricing is generally subscription-based per month, per device.
World Wireless Communications Inc.
World Wireless Communications, Inc. (AMEX:XWC) formed in 1995 recently commenced trading on the American Stock Exchange and continues to emerge with breakthroughs in wireless and Internet systems. The company has positioned itself at the forefront in Web-enabling technology with its X-traWeb(TM) network, a convergence technology for the monitoring and control of remote systems through the Internet. XWC also focuses on spectrum radios in the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz Bands. For more information, please visit the company's Web site at www.worldwireless.com, or contact Jennifer Feuer at 303/221-1944 or jfeuer@x-traweb.com.
About Critical Devices Inc.
Critical Devices Inc. delivers Internet-based asset inventory tracking and monitoring services to system integrators, value-added resellers and IT consultants. With Asset Services Management (ASM), the company offers affordable, 24-hour monitoring and management of enterprisewide assets, including personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebooks, laptop and desktop computers, servers, routers and virtually any networked device. Critical Devices was founded in March 1999 and recently began offering its private-label services nationally.
For more information, contact Roy Miller at 214/521-8596 or at rmiller@mbapr.com, or visit www.criticaldevices.com. Sales inquiries may be sent to info@criticaldevices.com.