Sierra Wireless expands software development toolkit for OEM customers

Sierra Wireless expands software development toolkit for OEM customers

New Windows CE SDK enables embedded module customers to improve development time and cost, opens new markets in telematics, transportation, vending, and navigation applications

VANCOUVER, Sept. 4 -- Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ:SWIR -) (NASDAQ:TSX:) (NASDAQ:SW) today announced the availability of a new software development kit (SDK) supporting Windows CE operating systems. The Windows CE SDK offers OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers a more streamlined and cost efficient development cycle for devices using Sierra Wireless 3G embedded modules. This makes Sierra Wireless embedded modules a more viable connectivity option for devices using Windows CE to support applications in telematics, transportation, fleet management, navigation, and vending.

"For years, Sierra Wireless has been offering a comprehensive hardware, software and services portfolio to make the process of integrating our embedded modules and developing applications for our products simpler and more cost effective for our customers," said Trent Punnett, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. "As mobile broadband speeds continue to improve, developers in new market segments are leveraging integrated 3G wireless technology to improve efficiencies and deliver a robust offering to customers faster and easier."

Sierra Wireless has been developing wireless devices supporting the Windows CE operating system for more than 10 years, starting with the release of the AirCard(R) 300 PC card in 1998. The Windows CE SDK is designed to enable Sierra Wireless customers to leverage this expertise, reducing OEM development costs and time-to-market while enabling wireless wide area networking features with high performance and efficient power management.

The new Windows CE SDK includes device drivers (including USB and NDIS device drivers), an Application Programming Interface (API) with sample applications, a firmware download utility, and documentation. It supports devices designed for both CDMA and UMTS network standards, allowing customers to streamline development time for devices and applications targeted for multiple network operators worldwide.

"Integrating mobile broadband connectivity into the Isochron VendCast(R) management solution was a challenging task, with regulatory and network certification requirements posing significant risk to our development time and budget," said Bryan Godwin, chief executive officer for Isochron, a Sierra Wireless embedded module customer. "Leveraging Sierra Wireless's expertise and experience in developing wireless applications for Windows CE enabled us to take some of the risk and time out of our development schedule and improved our ability to deliver our solution to our customers on schedule and on budget."

The Sierra Wireless Windows CE SDK allows customers to take advantage of Sierra Wireless's expertise in wireless device power management, with support for USB selective suspend and access to the Sierra Wireless Control and Status (CnS) API - including commands for SMS, GPS, and data connections - enabling lower power consumption than would be possible using AT commands.

For complex applications requiring a user interface, or for developers using Windows Mobile, the Sierra Wireless Windows CE SDK seamlessly integrates with the go-to-market radio integration service package available from BSQUARE for Sierra Wireless embedded modules. BSQUARE's go-to-market radio integration service package includes a Radio Interface Layer (RIL), required for Windows Mobile devices.

Sierra Wireless EMPOWERED(TM)

Sierra Wireless 3G embedded modules and enabling software form powerful, cost effective solutions that easily integrate into laptops, portable devices and fixed wireless terminals, offering complete wireless data solutions over HSPA and EV-DO Rev. A networks. Sierra Wireless EMPOWERED(TM) devices deliver the same reliable, high-quality mobile broadband connectivity customers have come to expect from Sierra Wireless, embedded and optimized within the host device to offer the best possible performance. Sierra Wireless also offers an extensive suite of software development kits and professional services to OEM customers, leveraging the company's expertise in design, integration, and certification of wireless devices to enable customers to meet market launch targets.

For more information about Sierra Wireless embedded software solutions and embedded modules please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/software/sw_embedded_software_solutions.aspx and http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/oemmodules.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or e-mail sales at sierrawireless.com.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ:SWIR) (NASDAQ:-) (NASDAQ:TSX:) (NASDAQ:SW) modems and software connect people and systems to mobile broadband networks around the world. The Company offers a diverse product portfolio addressing enterprise, consumer, original equipment manufacturer, specialized vertical industry, and machine-to-machine markets, and provides professional services to customers requiring expertise in wireless design, integration, and carrier certification. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

"Sierra Wireless EMPOWERED" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. "AirCard" is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.