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New and improved Sierra Wireless Watcher(TM) connection manager enhances the mobile broadband user experience

Posted on: Tuesday, 27 January 2009, 07:00 CST

VANCOUVER, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) has released Version 3.1 of Sierra Wireless Watcher(TM) connection manager for use with Sierra Wireless HSPA devices. Sierra Wireless Watcher software is used by network operators and PC original equipment manufacturers worldwide to provide end users with a simple, efficient user interface for their Sierra Wireless mobile broadband devices. Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 offers a new contemporary look and feel that is simpler to use, provides valuable real-time insight into device and network performance, and can be easily customized by network operators and OEM customers.

Updated User Interface - Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 features an intuitive modem-network dashboard reporting important information such as modem status, connection status, network signal strength, and roaming information, and a quick launch button tray to provide users with quicker access to the most popular features. Clear 2G/3G and connection technology icons in the updated status window allow users to quickly determine their available coverage, which helps to set network speed expectations and reduce technical support calls.

Customization Options - With an easy-to-use skinning tool, Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 provides network operator and OEM customers with the option to customize the look and feel of the user interface to reflect their service offerings and branding.

Browsing Performance Improvements - Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 optimizes the PC for mobile broadband network use by increasing the number of concurrent HTTP connections, producing up to 50 percent faster web page download time. This makes a real impact on the mobile broadband user experience.

Automatic Updates - Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 users can opt to have the latest features and updates to firmware, drivers, and Watcher installed automatically. This feature is designed to check for updates when the PC is idle and network traffic is low. A download pause-and-resume capability prioritizes PC usage over updates, pausing the update download when the PC is in use and resuming it during idle time.

GPS Application Support - Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 includes integrated GPS application support. Clicking the GPS icon in the quick launch button tray triggers the GPS monitor, which reports the number of satellites acquired and provides location information. The map button within the GPS monitor exports the current location to one of several third-party mapping tools, providing easy access to navigation assistance and other location-based services. Users can also set GPS parameters to assist in the search, such as the fix rate, the location accuracy and the preferred units of measurement.

Operating System Support - Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 supports Windows Vista (32/64-bit support), XP (32/64-bit support), and Windows 7 Beta (32/64-bit support).

"Sierra Wireless Watcher connection manager is highly valued by customers of our mobile broadband enabled notebook computers for its simplicity and functionality," said Meinolf Althaus, Director Corporate Strategy, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "Our experience with the new automatic software update feature has been notably positive. The reliable application and firmware update mechanism remotely upgrades our devices to enable higher speed networks and new application features, while significantly reducing our customer support requirements."

"We are committed to continuously improving our software products and features to bring value and benefit to our customers, with a strong focus on end user performance and ease of use," said Trent Punnett, senior vice president of Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. "Our Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 connection manager, with its improved usability and performance, serves as a practical example of this commitment and focus."

Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 is available at no charge for download from the Sierra Wireless website at http://www.sierrawireless.com/support/. For more information about Watcher and supported Sierra Wireless devices, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/watchersoftware.aspx.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) modems and software connect people and systems to mobile broadband networks around the world. The Company offers a diverse product portfolio addressing enterprise, consumer, original equipment manufacturer, specialized vertical industry, and machine-to-machine markets, and provides professional services to customers requiring expertise in wireless design, integration, and carrier certification. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

"Watcher" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Sierra Wireless, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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