New Category of Bar Code Scanner Introduced by Symbol Technologies: The Wireless LAN Scanning Appliance.

HOLTSVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 1999--

Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL) today announced it has created a new category of bar code scanners to provide unique customer value and performance - the Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) Scanning Appliance.

The Network Scanning Appliance operates on the Symbol Spectrum24(R) wireless LAN and allows scanning tasks to be unhindered by traditional host connections such as cables or very limiting point-to-point radios that allow a single user to roam from a single host about 100 feet. As a network-addressable scanner, the device leverages the investment in Spectrum24 wireless LAN architecture - which provides coverage to millions of square feet - by allowing hundreds of scanners to be used from a single base on the network.

Information collected by the Symbol Network Scanner is instantly communicated to a host computer, Internet or intranet via the Spectrum24 network. The Symbol Network Scanning Appliance is for scan-intensive applications and works in tandem with other wireless mobile computers, the Symbol NetVision voice over Internet Protocol and networked printers.

Workers are free to roam anywhere they're needed in diverse facilities such as distribution centers, postal depots, manufacturing plants, retail stores, corporate headquarters or throughout entire campuses.

For applications where a Spectrum24 wireless LAN is not installed, multiple Symbol network scanners can be configured to provide a multiple point-to-point network within a 250-foot radius. This provides customers with the flexibility of installing a mini- or temporary network.

In a warehouse or retail store, an operator can use the device to receive items off an incoming truck, scan items to putaway or pick, and use the Symbol Network Scanner for point of sale, inventory and gift registry. A forklift operator can walk away from the vehicle to scan items in aisles that may be accessible only by foot. Workers on the manufacturing floor can use a single scanner at multiple work stations, for asset management and time and attendance. Text and graphical messages can be sent to the device to direct workers' tasks, send alerts and ask for simple one-touch responses.

It includes Symbol's proven laser scan engine technology for outstanding performance in a wide range of environments and conditions.

The Symbol Network Scanning Appliance features outstanding ergonomic design for fatigue-free ease of use, including a two-finger, handle-mounted scan trigger for easy "aim-and-shoot" operation. The devices are Java-capable with the powerful Motorola PowerPC microprocessor and use standard development tools. It sustains multiple four-foot drops to concrete.

"Symbol has pioneered a number of bar code scanning innovations in the past 20 years, including hand-held scanning, extended decode range, integrated scanning and computing, engine miniaturization, two-dimensional scanning and wearable scanning and computing," said Boris Metlitsky, senior vice president and general manager, scanning systems, Symbol Technologies. "We have seen a growing demand for cordless connectivity across our scanner product line. While there will always be applications well suited for short-range point-to-point cordless devices, the Symbol Network Scanner is one technology direction our customers are considering."

About Symbol Technologies

Symbol Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in mobile data management systems and services with innovative customer solutions based on wireless local area networking for voice and data, application-specific mobile computing and bar code data capture. Symbol's wireless LAN solutions are installed at more than 45,000 customer locations, and more than seven million Symbol scanners and application-specific scanner-integrated mobile computer systems are in use worldwide. Symbol and its global network of business partners provide solutions for retailing, transportation and distribution logistics, parcel and postal delivery, healthcare, education, manufacturing and other industries. Information is available from Symbol at 1-800-722-6234 and at www.symbol.com.