PC Mobility Takes Giant Leap Forward with Introduction of FLAIR

AirSpeak, Inc., a wireless mobile products company providing innovative mobile solutions and data access software for the corporate enterprise, today announced the launch of FLAIR , a PC Access device that allows immediate mobile access to the wealth of personalized information sitting on your desktop PC. Using the 802.11b wireless standard, FLAIR operates over a combination of wired and Wireless Local Area Network (LAN & WLAN). Combining security, mobility and instant access to much needed PC information, FLAIR is the first solution for the millions of workers who spend hours each day away from their primary work stations and out of reach of the information they rely on to make them their most productive. FLAIR will be showcased at Network + Interop (Booth 2765, North Hall) and will begin shipping May 8, 2001.

FLAIR is a handheld PC Access device that utilizes a touch screen to give users instant access to the personalized information that resides on their PC's desktop. Using FLAIRView , AirSpeak's proprietary software technology, FLAIR provides a mirror image of users' desktop creating a familiar and intuitive environment in which the user
can access, manipulate and create documents on their PC's. Weighing about three pounds, FLAIR features a high resolution, 12-inch touch screen display and is compatible with Microsoft's operating systems and requires no syncing or booting. FLAIR has applications in Fortune 1000 enterprises as well as manufacturing, information technology, government, health care and educational markets. Through a partnership with Comstor, a Cisco-focused channel provider of networking technology value products, FLAIR will be available through Comstor's solution provider customers.

"We have truly shed light on information darkness," said Sam Williams, CEO and co-founder, AirSpeak. "With instant access to information now available from anywhere in a worker's facility, we have revolutionized the work day for millions of near mobile users and increased productivity for businesses across America."

Flair operates and displays the user's PC without actually transferring files. In addition, third party VPN and encryption software can be used and includes the security of the physical, link and network layers. Much like a facsimile transmission, the document image is taken from the desktop PC and transferred to FLAIR. All information and any changes made are saved on the desktop PC so even if FLAIR is lost, damaged or stolen, no real information is lost and users can rest assured that no one has access to their private files.

The Indian Motorcycle Company, America's first motorcycle company that's been developing and manufacturing classic brands for more than 100 years, is beta testing
FLAIR in their manufacturing facility. The company, based in Gilroy, California, maintains a wireless network and inventory managers are using FLAIR to access and edit pertinent inventory data on their PC's while they are moving from area to area on the manufacturing floor. "For finding inventory when I need it, it's phenomenal," said Steve Perucci, production control manager, Indian Motorcycle. "It has saved me hours a day because I no longer have to walk back and forth from my PC to the factory floor updating information," Perucci added. Other beta testers include Deloitte & Touche, Access Communications and Lehigh University.

AirSpeak is tapping the near mobile marketplace - workers who spend 80% of their time at their campus workplace but up to three hours a day away from their primary computer stations. This lack of access to information delays decision-making and causes misinformation costing companies billions of dollars a year in worker inefficiencies. In a recent study conducted by Survey.com, the average near mobile user costs their employer a minimum of $5,000 a year in lost productivity, not including the impact that their lack of information has on co-workers. Even using the telephone or shared computers, near mobile workers fail to access needed information that exists on their PC over 70% of the time. FLAIR reverses traditional wisdom by bringing the information to the worker.

Via airspeak.com

Fabrizio Pilato