Photonics introduces wireless networking adapter designed for Newton MessagePad; COOPERATIVE For...

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 1995--Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:PHTX), the leader in infrared wireless networks for mobile computers, today announced COOPERATIVE For Newton, a wireless networking adapter specifically designed for Apple Computer's Newton MessagePad.

"The Newton

MessagePad represents the ultimate tool for mobile computing," said Scott Schnell, vice president of marketing for Photonics. "These on-the-go users need flexible and powerful Local Area Network (LAN) connectivity that fits the way they work -- moving throughout a building, meeting with patients and clients, attending classes or working in labs or colleagues' offices. COOPERATIVE For Newton brings full networking capabilities to MessagePads while maintaining their mobility and sleek design."

Elegant wireless solution for medical facilities

Dr. Steven Labkoff is heading The Constellation Project, a pilot program at Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston, Mass., using Newton MessagePads, and Photonics' COOPERATIVE Adapters. The nursing staff participating in this program will use Newton MessagePads to collect patients' vital signs while on rounds and transmit this data via Photonics' infrared LAN to the hospital's medical information system.

"COOPERATIVE For Newton is perfect for medical facilities," said Dr. Labkoff. "The wireless infrared network keeps patient data secure, doesn't interfere with hospital equipment and performs well under real world conditions. The adapters' small size and weight and long battery life make them ideal for medical personnel."

COOPERATIVE For Newton

COOPERATIVE For Newton is an external LocalTalk adapter specifically designed for the Newton MessagePad 110 and 120. Power is supplied by an integrated battery pack. The COOPERATIVE adapter clips to the top of the MessagePad allowing unobstructed use of the Newton Charging Stand. The suggested U.S. list price for the COOPERATIVE Adapter For Newton is $449. COOPERATIVE For Newton will ship on March 15, 1995.

COOPERATIVE product family

Photonics' COOPERATIVE product family includes adapters for all LocalTalk compatible devices, including Macintosh and PowerBook computers, and LaserWriters, and access points to link infrared wireless LANs to wired LANs.

Photonics' products communicate using diffuse infrared light that bounces off walls, ceilings, furniture and floors, providing an extendible service area that reliably covers a room up to 25 feet by 25 feet. Using access points connected to a wired LAN, range can be extended to cover an entire facility. COOPERATIVE LANs communicate at 230.4 Kb/s and require no additional software.

COOPERATIVE wireless LANs provide unsurpassed mobility, reliability, data security, freedom from interference, and global compatibility, making them the optimum solution for indoor mobile computing.

Photonics' products are immune to electromagnetic interference and have minimal power requirements -- critical considerations for today's portable computer and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) users in health care, education, manufacturing and business.

"COOPERATIVE For Newton is a cost-effective wireless networking solution for private medical offices," said William Browne, vice president and director of operations at Presidential Medical Center in Philadelphia. "Using COOPERATIVE and Newton MessagePads, patient data is entered once and can be transferred to our server or printer instantly. Wireless networking is the key component in health care automation and Photonics' COOPERATIVE network is an easy and elegant solution."

Photonics Corporation

Founded in 1985, Photonics (NASDAQ:PHTX) provides wireless networking products for Macintosh, Newton and PC platforms. The COOPERATIVE (Macintosh) and COLLABORATIVE (PC) product lines create instant wireless networks among portable and desktop computers, and a seamless connection to existing wired LANs. Photonics is committed to leading the industry in wireless networking solutions.

-O-

Note to editors: All products mentioned are registered trademarks of their respective holders. COLLABORATIVE, COOPERATIVE and the Photonics logo are trademarks of Photonics Corporation.

CONTACT: Photonics Corporation

Dawn Nielsen, 408/955-7930

Miller Communications

Anne Gowan/Staci Sheppard, 415/962-9550

agowan@millerwest.com

ssheppard@millerwest.com