Motorola, Glenayre Broaden Internet Messaging Efforts

Glenayre Technologies Inc. (Charlotte, NC) and N/A (Fort Worth, TX) have entered into a series of agreements to expand the success of ReFLEX technology-based wireless data, messaging, and interactive devices. These include joint market development activities, collaboration on a common over- the-air programming protocol, and a major extension of Glenayre's Wireless Access division's ReFLEX protocol licensing agreement with Motorola to now encompass wireless modules and chipsets for use in such applications as connected PDAs and telemetry.

This series of agreements supercedes the MOU announced last April regarding Glenayre's potential licensing and manufacturing of Motorola's paging infrastructure product line.

Both parties will contribute to an initial joint development fund totaling $5 million to promote and fuel growth of the global market for two-way messaging, accelerating and deepening joint applications development and broadening the range of solutions and markets they will address. The leading-edge applications expected from the joint venture will enhance the product portfolio, providing customers with communication solutions combining components from leading vendors. This fund is in addition to each company's independent research and development.

Motorola has licensed use of its generic over-the-air programming (GOTAP) interface to Glenayre. This will provide a common interface for over-the-air programming for both companies' devices. The two also are working to further define common interfaces for other ReFLEX modules, including telemetry modules, with the intent of developing interface standards to stimulate market growth of new devices and applications.

Additionally, Glenayre's Wireless Access division's previous license to manufacture ReFLEX products has been extended from belt-top pagers to modules and chipsets. Licensed applications have been similarly extended to include connected PDAs and telemetry. This will allow Glenayre to both manufacture and team with other manufacturers and developers to enable new applications and explore new business opportunities.

Edited by Ellen Jensen