Edward Ballot
Geoworks Developer Services, Team Leader
http://www.geoworks.com/devrel
GEOWORKS AND NOKIA INITIATE DEVELOPER PROGRAM
TO BUILD SMART PHONE AFTERMARKET
Program enables developers to create value-added applications for
the Nokia 9000, other smart phones built on the GEOS platform
ALAMEDA, Calif. (April 2, 1997) Geoworks (NASDAQ: GWRX), a leading
provider of smart phone software solutions, and Nokia (NYSE: NOK A)
a leading manufacturer of mobile phones, the world's largest
manufacturer of digital cellular phones and a world leader in digital
cellular technology, today introduced a major expansion of the
Geoworks Developer Program, an instructional training, services
and support program, to help developers create applications for
communicators built upon Geoworks GEOS operating system platform.
According to research recently conducted by Mobile Insights, the
global market for smart phones is expected to reach $2 billion by
the year 2000. The Geoworks Developer Program offers developers the
opportunity to tap this growing market by helping them create
applications for innovative smart phones built upon Geoworks'
software, such as the Nokia 9000 Communicator.
"The popularity to date of the Nokia 9000 Communicator attests to the
tremendous potential of the smart phone market," said Randi Doeker,
director, Developer Relations at Geoworks. "As these next-generation
digital-cellular phones continue to grow in popularity around the
world, Geoworks anticipates a strong response from developers looking
for the tools to build applications for this fast-growing customer base."
"Nokia's first collaboration with Geoworks was the successful development
of the Nokia 9000 Communicator," said Reijo Paajanen, Senior Vice
President, Nokia Mobile Phones, Wireless Data. "With the handset now
shipping in more than 30 countries, we look forward to the next phase in
our companies' relationship in which we deliver even greater value to Nokia
9000 Communicator customers through customized aftermarket applications
created through this new developer program."
Based on different membership levels within the Geoworks Developer Program,
members will have the opportunity to receive orientation materials,
software development kits, technical support, design review, testing
facilities and promotional assistance.
The program is based on a four-tiered membership structure to accommodate a
wide range of developer requirements and capabilities with basic membership
fees starting at only $100 (USD). Based on the needs of the developer,
membership packages range from a single development kit with fee-based
training lectures to a multiple-license kit with unlimited technical
support, design reviews by telephone, on-site consultation, multiple free
training lectures and technical conferences, and extensive promotional
assistance.
All membership packages will include access to Geoworks' membership
database on the World Wide Web, where members can maintain password-secured
data, self-help support through e-mail news notification, and on-line
resources including tips, sample code, white papers, technical notes, and
downloads. All members will also have access to public discussion and
partner programs. Geoworks will appear with Nokia at the Handheld Systems
Conference at the San Francisco Airport Hilton, April 24-26, 1997 to
demonstrate the Nokia Geoworks/Nokia Developer Program, 9000 Communicator
to developers and offer further details on the Geoworks Developer Program.
About Geoworks
==============
Based in Alameda, California, Geoworks is a leading software provider for
the cellular industry and manufacturers of mobile communicating devices,
including smart phones. The company has licensed its GEOS operating system
to leading manufacturers such as Nokia, Ericsson, NEC, Toshiba Corporation,
Hewlett-Packard Company, Brother International Corp. and Canon Business
Machines. In addition, the company intends to work with content and
services providers, and international cellular operators. For additional
information on Geoworks and the GEOS operating system, contact Geoworks on
the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com.
About Nokia
===========
Nokia is a leading international telecommunications company with 1996 net
sales of FIM 39.3 billion (USD 8.5 billion) and over 31,000 employees. A
pioneer in wireless technology, Nokia is Europe's largest and the world's
second largest manufacturer of mobile phones, the market leader in digital
handsets, and a leading supplier of digital cellular networks. The company
also supplies advanced transmission systems, access networks and multimedia
equipment. Nokia's shares are listed on the Frankfurt, Helsinki, London,
New York, Paris and Stockholm stock exchanges. For further information,
please visit Nokia on the World Wide Web at http://www.nokia.com.
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In keeping with U.S. law, Geoworks notes that this press release includes
forward-looking statements, including the emergence of the smart
communicator market, forecasts by third parties concerning the potential
for market growth, the company's intention to provide the developer support
programs outlined in this release and the establishment of key
partnerships. Actual results may vary significantly due to various risks
and uncertainties. Those include, but are not limited to, the following:
i) the smart communicator market may not emerge to the degree or in the
timing anticipated; ii) there can be no assurance that third parties will
successfully develop smart phone applications under this developers
program, and iii) new technologies and new services are inherently subject
to development, timing and consumer acceptance risks. Additional
information is available in the Risk Factors and Business discussions in
the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and other filings available from the Company
or from the Securities and Exchange Commission.