SPANworks and Socket Communications Release Wireless Bundle with ImmediaNet™ Software Development Kit (SDK)

Software Development Kit for Pocket PC Includes Socket's Wireless CompactFlash Cards

SAN RAMON, CA, November 07, 2001 - SPANworks, Inc., a privately held company, and Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT, PSE: SOK) today announced special early?access availability of SPANworks' ImmediaNet™ Wireless Software Development Kit (SDK) bundled with two of Socket's newly released Low Power Wireless LAN cards. This Early-Access Program enables software developers to create MultiPeer™ applications utilizing Socket's wireless technology on Windows Powered Pocket PCs. The ImmediaNet™ SDK supports both Wi-Fi™ (802.11b) and Bluetooth™ wireless technologies on Windows 32-bit operating systems. This early-access release with Socket's Wireless LAN cards extends the functionality to the Pocket PC arena, with near-term plans to add support for Socket's Bluetooth CompactFlash Bluetooth cards and modules.

The ImmediaNet™ Wireless SDK for Pocket PC gives developers access to SPANworks' MultiPeer™ connectivity engine, enabling them to take advantage of the two most popular wireless technologies, 802.11b and Bluetooth. The SDK greatly eases development tasks by enabling the same software code to address both wireless standards. This accelerates time-to-market by eliminating any need to adapt the software to differences between those standards. ImmediaNet™ enables building team applications and other "conversational" solutions that emphasize face-to-face productivity among spontaneous groupings of mobile workers. Applications such as group-wide notes, chat, interactive presentations, as well as more recreational applications including head-to-head gaming among several Pocket PC users, can be quickly developed for any wireless device.

"The ImmediaNet™ software engine enables developers to harness the enormous potential of the Pocket PC and wireless networking technology," said Len Ott, Chief Technical Officer for Socket. "The conversational connectivity provided by SPANworks will make the Wireless SDK for Pocket PC a powerful tool for accelerating development of mobile applications that facilitate multi-user productivity and entertainment."

"SPANworks' ImmediaNet™ SDK provides a uniform, MultiPeer™ API that shelters developers from the differences between wireless standards and the Windows platforms. We are very pleased to be working with Socket to bring our unique development solution to the Pocket PC market," said Rich Peters, Vice President of Software Engineering for SPANworks, Inc. "Socket's market leadership in wireless networking technology for Windows-based handheld computers makes them an ideal partner for leveraging the power of the latest generation of wireless mobile computers."

Developers may purchase the early-access SDK directly from SPANworks' web site at a price of $1,350, and download the software immediately. They will receive two of Socket's latest Wireless LAN CompactFlash cards within 30 days, or earlier as inventory supplies permit.

About Socket
Socket Communications, Inc. offers the world's largest selection of plug-in products to expand the functionality of handheld devices and other mobile computers, including mobile data, local area networking, bar code scanning and serial connectivity. Socket's products incorporate the company's energy-efficient chip technology and utilize custom drivers, making our products ideal for battery-operated mobile computers. In addition, Socket offers Bluetooth™ modules, design services and several software developer kits (SDKs) to help developers incorporate Bluetooth technology into future devices and applications. Socket is committed to form factor standardization and plays a key role in such standards-defining bodies as the CompactFlash (CF) Association, SD Association and Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). For more information about Socket and its complete range of products, visit http://www.socketcom.com/product/product.htm.

About SPANworks, Inc.
SPANworks, Inc., based in San Ramon, California, is a software development joint venture company with Toshiba Corporation. The SPANworks 2000 software suite for Windows is Bluetooth certified and is marketed by SPANworks and distributed with Toshiba's wireless product lines. SPANworks' ImmediaNet technology enables multiple handheld computer and wireless notebook users to instantly communicate in any proximity group setting, supporting a variety of MultiPeer™ or group applications. The next generation of software applications from SPANworks, Inc., based on the ImmediaNet™ SDK, will be available early next year. For more information on SPANworks' products, or to order the ImmediaNet™ SDK, visit www.spanworks.com.

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and licensed to Socket Communications, Inc. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. © 2001, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Legal Copyright © Copyright 2001, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.