Software Development Toolkit for Windows-based Computers and PDA's Enables Wireless MultiPeer™ Applications

SAN RAMON, CA, June 6, 2001 - SPANworks, Inc., a privately held company, today announced an Early-Access Program for its SPANworks II Wireless SDK for ad-hoc networking, an industry leading, object-oriented software development kit (SDK) for both Windows and Windows CE. The software toolkit, developed in partnership with Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT; PSE: SOK), is a development platform enabling interactive applications to work with both Wi-Fi™ or Bluetooth™ wireless adapters, as well as with traditional Ethernet adapters.

A step beyond conventional peer-to-peer software, SPANworks' patented MultiPeer™ technology provides an environment for any number of users to interact simultaneously for productivity or entertainment. The SPANworks' engine connects multiple wireless equipped devices in an ad-hoc peer network, without server or infrastructure. MultiPeer™ technology establishes and maintains a dynamic wireless environment, freeing the software developer and end-user from knowing anything about networking. SPANworks' object-oriented API is compliant with Microsoft's component object model (COM). The SDK enables a developer's Windows and Windows CE applications to leverage the advantage of on-the-fly, wireless networking, and even joins those separate Windows platforms within the same session. The SPANworks II Wireless API greatly facilitates implementation of multi-user applications for group collaboration, text messaging and interactive sharing. Mobile gaming is projected to become one of the largest growth areas for wireless application development.

The Early-Access Program is priced at US $1,350.00, with a Special Limited Time Offer starting today with an incentive price of US $850.00 to the first 250 developers who apply via http://www.spanworks.com ending on July 15, 2001. With the launch of the Early-Access Program the SPANworks II Wireless SDK will ship to Limited participants first with general distribution to Program members starting July 23, 2001.

"SPANworks has developed a new software environment that enables developers to harness the enormous potential of short-range wireless technologies, including our own Wi-Fi™ and Bluetooth™ adapter cards," said Kevin Mills, president and Chief Executive Officer of Socket Communications. "We believe this potential is particularly compelling for Pocket PCs, providing an important extension to the service model of these powerful handhelds. SPANworks has demonstrated industry leadership by delivering their communications technology for the general development community."

"We are fortunate to have Socket's support in bringing our standard-setting tools to the proximity wireless market," said Rich Peters, Vice-President of Engineering for SPANworks. "Socket's experience in the Pocket PC arena, and their expanding line of wireless products, enhances the potential for spontaneous communications." Peters continued, "Our connectivity engine, and now our SDK, provides developers with unprecedented flexibility in quickly delivering multi-user applications for productivity and gaming over a variety of operating systems, while enabling cross-platform connectivity. The SPANworks technology automatically builds a proximity network, and handles all connection details for any wireless adapters, Wi-Fi™ or Bluetooth™, allowing the software developers to forget the connection and concentrate on building their applications."

SPANworks, Inc., based in San Ramon, California, is a software development joint venture company with Toshiba Corporation. SPANworks' solutions are founded upon a patented software technology licensed from Toshiba. SPANworks' family of applications is Bluetooth™ Logo Qualified, providing File Transfer, Chat, vCard exchange and Presentation sharing. The SPANworks 2000 software suite is distributed with all Toshiba wireless product lines, enabling wireless notebook users to instantly communicate and interact over the MultiPeer™ network. For more information about SPANworks 2000, the Early-Access Program, SPANworks Wireless SDK and other SPANworks products, visit http://www.spanworks.com.

Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connection products for handheld computers and other devices. Socket's products include the Battery Friendly® family of plug-in cards for enhancing mobile computers by adding wireless Internet connectivity, local area networking, bar code scanning, and data communication. Socket's products incorporate the company's energy-efficient chip technology, making them ideal for battery-operated mobile computers. Socket is an Associate Member of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and is developing both Bluetooth™ and Wi-Fi™ wireless products for handheld computers, notebooks and other electronic appliances. For information about Socket's complete range of products, visit http://www.socketcom.com/prodinfo.htm.