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CellPort Delivers Wireless, Vehicle-Based Applications Platform

26 July 1999

CellPort Delivers Wireless, Vehicle-Based Applications Platform; Announces CP2100 Mobile Network Server 
 New Mobile Server Integrates On-Board Commercial Applications with Wireless
         Connectivity to Link Vehicles to Intranets and the Internet

    BOULDER, Colo., July 26 -- CellPort Labs, Inc., a leading
provider of vehicle-based voice and data connectivity systems, today announced
the CP2100, a mobile network server designed to enable bi-directional data
communications and network management functions within vehicles and provide
real-time, wireless connectivity between vehicles and remote applications.
With the emergence of wireless data, in particular wireless IP networks, the
CP2100 will enable users to extend corporate enterprise management systems to
vehicles and mobile computing devices.
    Now, vehicle manufacturers, application developers and corporate IT
departments can easily network software and hardware applications, and
cost-effectively connect a wide range of vehicles to their networks, including
Extranets, Intranets and Internet sites.  The new CP2100 eliminates a major
obstacle currently facing Telematics, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and
mobile Infotainment systems -- that of integrating various data management
functions within the vehicle and linking them with a centralized application
via wireless communication networks.
    CellPort offers the first commercial product designed specifically to
manage the growing list of in-vehicle networks, including IDB, CAN, USB and
more.  The CP2100 is also a universal gateway for real-time wireless data
communication, extending the Internet Protocol (IP) over wireless networks to
the vehicle.  Using the CP2100, application designers can seamlessly integrate
enterprise software solutions or any other Internet accessible resource to
vehicles around the world.  CellPort's new product enables the various data
networks and electronic devices within a vehicle to function as a node on the
Internet.
    "With the growth of Internet-based systems, coupled with current and
developing wireless IP networks, the CP2100 provides the network 'plumbing'
needed to deploy multiple applications within the vehicle environment," says
Pat Kennedy, CEO of CellPort.  "Our customers realize the complexity of
melding protocol conversion, applications networking and wireless capabilities
into a single product and they welcome CellPort's commitment to solve that
problem with the CP2100."
    "GTE developed the WIN(4) network to meet the growing demand for
commercial wireless data communications.  We expect vehicle-based mobile data
systems to be a driving force as companies worldwide develop programs for
everything from fleet management to Infotainment," says Larry Simmons,
manager, WIN(4) distribution, GTE Wireless.  "Enabling technologies, like
CellPort's CP2100, further encourage the rapid deployment of telematics
applications and help transform exciting concepts into working solutions."

    THE CP2100 IN USE
    Customers for the CP2100 can vary, from vehicle manufacturers and
Telematics suppliers to application platform developers.  Currently, CellPort
is working with several partners to integrate the CP2100 into practical
solutions.  In most cases, partners are looking for a server solution that can
collect and manage data to/from a vehicle, then transmit the data real-time
via a wireless network.  Markets for the CP2100 include tracking and
monitoring of fleet vehicles, operation of agricultural machinery and heavy
equipment, railroads, vehicle road testing, military operations and in-vehicle
information/entertainment systems.
    As a participant in the IDB Demonstration Program that recently won ITS
America's 1999 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Intelligent Vehicles,
CellPort provided connectivity to the Internet for many IDB-based vehicle
systems on three IDB demonstration vehicles.
    "Wireless connectivity and protocol conversion are key ingredients for the
successful implementation of advanced Telematics systems and the development
of Internet-based systems within the vehicle," says Allan Kirson, Chair, SAE
IDB Committee.  "CellPort's technology proved invaluable in linking the wide
range of IDB-based systems and applications in our three demonstration
vehicles to fixed networks via wireless links."

    CP2100 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
    The CP2100 integrates several technical capabilities, identified by
CellPort through customer feedback and market research, required to turn
vehicles into nodes on networks via wireless communications.  The technical
features of the CP2100 include protocol conversion for a variety of vehicle
buses and devices, wireless gateway communications independent of wireless
links, and embedded application router management capabilities.
    The CP2100 architecture allows vehicle networks and RF links to be
separated by a controller/gateway, providing a software application layer
between the airlink and the vehicle.  This allows telemetry, data collection,
two-way communication, as well as a command and control interface to be
created independent of the wireless data link.  Application software can be
developed to poll, filter, collect, process and store data collected from the
vehicular network.  Some examples of vehicular data sources are Class II
native networks, transponders, sensors, timers, engine control computers, GPS
receivers, and operator data terminals.  Data from the host can be sent to the
vehicle to communicate with the operator, provide GPS information, run
diagnostic routines, reconfigure data collection routines, download code and
run executable software.
    Fitted within the vehicle, the CP2100 provides network controller and
server capabilities based on an integrated PowerPC 823 embedded computing
system.  It operates using the QSSL Neutrino operating system and I/O
subsystem, to support RS232, Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB)
connectivity.  Java platform integration is also managed via third party
tools.  The CP2100 supports a variety of emerging vehicle bus interfaces,
including IDB, J1708, J1850, CAN and ODBII.  Wireless airlink capabilities
include cellular, spread spectrum radio, satellite and private radio.  In
addition to standard internal power and autonomous control features, an
optional battery backup power system is available to provide continued service
during emergency or vehicle downtime.

    PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
    The CP2100 is available immediately directly from CellPort and pricing
starts at $995.  Quantity pricing is also available.  For more information
contact Tom Curray at (303) 541-0722, email the company at info@cellport.com,
or visit the company Web site at http://www.cellport.com.

    ABOUT CELLPORT LABS
    CellPort Labs, Inc. is a Boulder, Colo.-based company that develops and
markets mobile, wireless connectivity products for cellular phones,
Telematics, Intelligent Transport Systems and mobile Infotainment systems.
The company provides technical solutions for voice applications through its
Hands-Free Connectivity System.  For vehicle-based data network and wireless
connectivity, the company's CP2100 represents the industry's first
off-the-shelf product to provide an open technical architecture that combines
server, router and wireless gateway functionality.  CellPort has received
investments from AT&T Wireless and the Flanders Language Valley Fund, and is a
member of the IDB Forum and Telematics Supplier Consortium.  The company has
provided technical solutions for organizations like DaimlerChrysler, US Army,
and the Society of Automotive Engineers.  For more information about CellPort
and its products, call (303) 541-0722, email the company at info@cellport.com
or visit the CellPort's Web site is http://www.cellport.com.