Cupertino - July 25, 2000...IBM alphaWorks today announces emerging Linux-based middleware and applications technology to help common household devices such as telephones, televisions and refrigerators communicate without being cabled together.

Today's announcement affirms IBM's commitment to building a community of independent software vendors (ISVs), major and strategic embedded operating systems (OS), Java and tool vendors around BlueDrekar.

"The BlueDrekar middleware provides the driver that is designed to be compliant with Bluetooth wireless technology," said IBM alphaWorks Manager Daniel Jue. "As a result, developers can concentrate on creating exciting, new interactive applications for the wireless home or office."

Bluetooth wireless technology is expected to emerge as a key enabler of mobile and wireless Internet services. IBM intends to seek certification from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) (http://www.bluetooth.com/) for compliance of BlueDrekar middleware.

Today's announcement was greeted with praise by the developer community. Linda Campbell, vice president of strategic alliances at QNX Software Systems, (http://www.qnx.com/) said, "We believe IBM's approach will help accelerate widespread adoption of Bluetooth wireless technology and, as a result, bring low-cost wireless Internet services to a broader array of devices."

Adopter Members and Promoters of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) who wish to use the BlueDrekar middleware and application software as a basis for business development and engagement can request the source code by contacting alphaWorks. Licensing costs are dependent on business engagement.

A new technical abstract about Bluetooth wireless technology can be reviewed on developerWorks Linux Zone on www.ibm.com/developerWorks.

About alphaWorks

alphaWorks (http://www.alphaWorks.ibm.com/), IBM's emerging technology broker, provides early adopters, entrepreneurs and innovators direct access to IBM's "alpha" technologies. Download, for free, the hottest emerging IBM technology, influence IBM product development at the earliest stages, and engage in new partnership opportunities that could change the competitive landscape of your industry forever. developerWorks (http://www.ibm.com/developerWorks), IBM's free, online collection of content and resources, assists software developers who want to build better software by using open standards. developerWorks provides the most reliable and accurate technical information by tapping into both IBM and industry leaders.

About Bluetooth

Bluetooth wireless technology is emerging as the key connectivity solution for pervasive computing and mobile devices. This inexpensive and low power technology is driven by nine of the world's leaders in computers and communications (3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Toshiba) and backed by over 1800 adapter member companies. IBM estimates the number of devices enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology in 2002 will be between 60-100 million and in 2004-2005 more than 600 million.

* Trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation.

**Trademark owned by Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson, Sweden.