Socket Expands International Distribution Network

Added: (Tue Mar 19 2002)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Increased European Distribution Augments Support and Communication in Local Markets

CEBIT, Hannover, Germany, March 18, 2002—Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT, PSE: SOK) the Mobile Connection™ Company, today announced it has expanded its European distribution network. Socket has signed ten new value-added distribution partners located in France (Intervalle, Apsydoc), Germany (IME), Spain (Cartronics), Portugal (Movensis), Norway (MCOM), Sweden (Communica, Datanat, Inducell) and the U.K. (Advanced Bar Coding) to expand distribution of its broad line of connection and data collection products for mobile computers. And to provide local market contacts, Socket has added sales representatives to cover the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Germany.

Socket has developed a strong network of distribution partners covering more than 20 European countries. With these additions, Socket’s full line of Mobility™ Friendly plug-in connectivity and data collection cards -- including Bluetooth cards, wireless LAN cards, Ethernet cards, Digital Phone cards, 56K Modem cards, Bar Code Scanning products, and Serial I/O cards -- can now be purchased through more than 36 distributors. In addition, Socket products are now available for purchase at U.K. consumer retail outlets Car Phone Warehouse and Dixon’s.

“Handheld computers are becoming increasingly popular for mobile professionals, and they want to use these handheld devices to access email, the Internet and corporate network resources. With the addition of these new European distributions and sales representatives, Socket can help to educate the market about connectivity for handheld devices and provide a local point of sale,” said Martin Croome, general manager for Socket Europe.
“Our new distribution partners will provide us the additional coverage needed to service the expanding mobile computing market. We are very pleased to be working with companies that have the experience and quality reputation as those we’ve just signed on,” said Sharon Colman, manager of European Sales for Socket Communications.

More detailed information and purchase instructions for Socket’s full line of plug-in connectivity and data collection products can be found on its web site at www.socketcom.com.

About Socket
Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT, PSE: SOK), the Mobile Connection Company, provides the broadest range of connection products for Windows powered handheld computers, including Bluetooth cards, wireless LAN cards, digital phone cards, 56K modem cards, and Ethernet cards. Socket also provides bar code scanning products and peripheral connection serial cards for laptops and other mobile devices. Socket products are Mobility Friendly™, leading the market with the smallest footprint and most Battery Friendly® in their class, while being easy to install, use and maintain. Socket products work with handheld devices made by leading handheld manufacturers, including Compaq, Hewlett Packard, Toshiba, Casio, and Palm. Socket also works closely with Microsoft and with mobile phone manufacturers, including Nokia, Ericsson, and Motorola, to ensure smooth interoperability between the companies' product lines.
Socket is headquartered in Newark, California, and can be reached at (510) 744-2700, or on the Internet at www.socketcom.com.

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company and Mobility Friendly are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. © 2002, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Press Contact:
Angela Hepburn
a.hepburn@open2europe.com
+33(0)1 55 02 14 51