Microsoft Unveils Internet Explorer for the Pocket PC at CeBIT

Pocket Internet Explorer Brings Unparalleled Internet Capabilities to Handheld Computing

HANOVER, Germany, Feb. 24, 2000 — At CeBIT today Microsoft Corp. previewed Microsoft® Internet Explorer for the Pocket PC, the most full-functioning Web browser software available for handheld devices to date. Pocket Internet Explorer creates the foundation for a rich Internet experience on Pocket PCs, enabling customers to easily access any Web site any time, anywhere - whether they are connected to the Internet or viewing content offline. Pocket PCs were first previewed by Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates at the Consumer Electronics Show in January and are expected to ship in the first half of this year from hardware manufacturers that include Casio Computer Company Ltd., Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., Siemens Communications Devices, and Symbol Technologies Inc.

Pocket Internet Explorer brings to Pocket PCs unprecedented innovations in Internet technology focused on maximizing the ease of use and browsing experience offered by personal digital assistants (PDAs). Enhancements include Shrink-to-Fit capability, which dynamically resizes a Web site to maximize viewing on the smaller, vertically oriented screens of PDAs; Smart Address Bar, which enables customers to easily type in a Web address by anticipating Web site locations; and Auto-state, which automatically determines if the device is connected to the Internet and, if not, seamlessly diverts the browser to a cached version of the Web page. For the corporate customer, Pocket Internet Explorer also supports the key technology XML, which will enable customers to more easily deploy business Internet applications to the Pocket PC.

"Our goal for the Pocket PC Internet experience was to enable customers to access all the Web sites they want, any time, anywhere - not just snippets of preselected and limited Web content," said Rogers Weed, director of marketing for the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft. "Internet access on the Pocket PC will provide customers with the key functionality they have come to expect browsing the Web on a standard PC, including photo-quality screens that display the rich images and graphics the way the Web designer intended."

The Pocket PC Internet Experience

Microsoft's goal for delivering the richest Internet experience possible on Pocket PCs is accomplished through three primary strategies:

• Fullest offline experience. The offline capabilities of Pocket Internet Explorer enable customers to easily take information from their favorite Web sites with them wherever they go, giving them immediate, in-depth access to the content while disconnected. Business customers can earmark intranet sites and securely access their corporate data offline. And because of the Pocket PC's continuous, no-button synchronization, customers' personalized Internet and intranet information is always up to date.
• Specialized content. Pocket Internet Explorer includes integrated AvantGo software, providing seamless, free access to the AvantGo.com interactive Internet service through the browser. AvantGo.com enables customers to choose from hundreds of optimized content channels - including MapQuest.com, FOXSports.com, FedEx Express, The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition and hollywood.com - many of which are specifically designed to take advantage of the color support provided by Pocket PCs. Integration with AvantGo requires no separate client software and no extra download, making it easy to take advantage of the free AvantGo.com service out of the box.
• Traditional online browsing. While connected to the Internet, Pocket Internet Explorer enables full online browsing to any Web site, not limiting customers to a subset of Internet content or "clipped" data. To enable this unlimited Web access, Pocket Internet Explorer has implemented key Internet technology standards: HTML 3.2; secure sockets layer (SSL), for secure transactions, enabling online banking and e-commerce; JScript® development software and ActiveX® technologies, for flexibility, compatibility and control; and frames, for formatting.

Easy and Flexible Connectivity

Pocket Internet Explorer takes advantage of the Pocket PC communications architecture to provide unmatched connection options as well as the highest connectivity speeds available. Customers can connect to the Internet to enable online Internet access with a variety of methods:

• LAN. Customers can connect to the Internet anywhere a LAN connection is available by using a CompactFlash LAN adapter to plug directly into a net port with no device cradle needed. With built-in proxy support, Pocket Internet Explorer is immediately ready to browse. Customers can also simultaneously synchronize their Pocket PC back to their desktop.
• 56K modem. The versatile CompactFlash slot will also accept any number of high-speed 56K land-line modems, so access to the Internet is as easy as finding a standard phone line to dial into an ISP or corporate network.
• Multiple wireless options. Pocket PCs are designed to be wireless-ready, providing customers with the option to choose the wireless network that best serves their needs. Solutions include the integration of Pocket PCs with data capable cellular phones, clip-on wireless modems, and devices with integrated wireless radios. Also at CeBIT, Casio and Siemens demonstrated prototype next-generation Pocket PC hardware that integrates a GSM radio into a device, enabling wireless connectivity and voice capabilities integrated into the Pocket PC. In addition, Symbol demonstrated the first available GSM-integrated Palm-size PC.

The full suite of Pocket PC software is expected to become available on a range of new Pocket PC devices in the first half of this year, putting the power of the PC into a small device and providing customers with the freedom to better manage their work and their life anywhere, any time.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" ) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft, JScript and ActiveX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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