HTC And RIM To Provide Global Distribution Of BlackBerry Connect™ On Windows Mobile-Based Devices From HTC

March 14, 2005

Taoyuan, Taiwan and Waterloo, Canada - High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) (TAIEX: 2498) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to expand distribution of BlackBerry® Connect™ on Windows Mobile-based devices from HTC to carriers around the world. 

Carriers will soon have access to a wider variety of Windows Mobile-based HTC devices with BlackBerry Connect.   In addition to previously announced models from HTC, new initiatives will include the deployment of BlackBerry Connect on HTC’s current generation of keyboard-based devices and will quickly expand to a wider deployment of Windows Mobile-based HTC devices.

“HTC continuously facilitates and customizes cutting edge technologies and various creative and feasible solutions for carriers. We are excited to broaden our product lines by offering global availability of BlackBerry Connect, providing our operator customers with easy-to-use, push-based connectivity,” said Peter Chou, President of HTC. 

RIM’s BlackBerry Connect™ licensing program brings powerful and proven BlackBerry wireless services to HTC’s popular and innovative devices based on the Pocket PC and Smartphone versions of Microsoft’s Windows Mobile platform.   Mobile customers will benefit from a compelling, high-value wireless solution that keeps them connected to communication and information while on the go.

BlackBerry Connect for HTC devices based on the Windows Mobile platform brings a suite of high-value BlackBerry functionality, including secure, push-based e-mail and calendar synchronization.   BlackBerry Connect supports both BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ for corporate users and BlackBerry Internet Service™ for individuals and smaller businesses.

“HTC is a leading supplier of mobile devices and the world’s largest manufacturer of Windows Mobile-based devices.   We look forward to expanding BlackBerry Connect to more devices, carriers and mobile customers around the world,” said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ software tightly integrates with Microsoft® Exchange and IBM Lotus® Domino™ and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based, wireless access to email and other corporate data.

For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service™ allows users to access up to ten corporate and/or personal email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and many popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

HTC designs innovative smart handheld devices that motivate consumer interest and provide added value to corporate users.   By providing different ways to communicate beyond voice, HTC delivers personal and powerful mobile experiences that offer customers multiple choices to keep in touch, whether via voice, data or a combination of both. 

About HTC

HTC is the world’s largest provider of Windows Mobile based smart handheld devices. Our product lines include PDA, Wireless Pocket PC, and Smartphone products.  Our mission is to become the global market leader in the design and manufacturing of mobile information and communication devices.  For more information, please visit www.htc.com.tw.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including e-mail, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

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