With Device Stage support, when customers insert an AirCard mobile broadband modem into a laptop, they get quick access to AirCard modem information and support, including direct access to software and firmware updates. A picture of the Sierra Wireless AirCard device appears automatically in the "Devices and Printers" window accessed from the Start menu. Clicking on this picture opens the Device Stage, presenting a rich home pagetype menu that can act as a goto information center for device specific information such as current status, available network connections, and direct support links.
"Sierra Wireless has played a leading role in working with Microsoft to improve and enhance the mobile broadband experience for customers, with early support for Windows 7 mobile broadband," said Mark Relph, Senior Director of the Windows Developer and PC Ecosystem Team at Microsoft Corp. "Adding Device Stage support to the Sierra Wireless AirCard product line is a further demonstration of the company's commitment to making increasingly popular mobile broadband connections easy to set up and use."
For mobile network operators, AirCard product support for Windows 7 Device Stage offers several benefits:
- Reduced Support Costs - Device Stage acts as a central location for customers to get all the information they need about their specific AirCard devices, including direct links to resources for troubleshooting, frequently asked questions, and downloads, thereby reducing customer support calls and costs.
- Visible Connection to Customers - Device Stage provides a highly visible direct connection with customers that can include links to network, account, and billing information for their AirCard devices, reinforcing the network operator's brand and customer relationship.
- Marketing Opportunities - Device Stage can be branded and customized according to operator requirements, and can be remotely updated to support marketing campaigns.
- Expanded Service Platform - Device Stage can deliver online services that add value to the wireless service for end customers, such as direct input of GPS information from the AirCard modem to mapping applications.
"By implementing Windows 7 Device Stage with our AirCard devices, we are able to offer a better experience for end customers and provide our network operator customers a valuable platform to help them control costs and enhance customer relationships," said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Sierra Wireless. "The added value this provides for our customers made it a priority for us, and we're extremely pleased to be the first to deliver it on mobile broadband devices."
Sierra Wireless will demonstrate Windows 7 Device Stage at CTIA Wireless, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 23 to 25. The Sierra Wireless exhibit is in the Central Hall at No. 3515.
Windows 7 Device Stage support is available now for 11 generic Sierra Wireless AirCard mobile broadband devices. For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirCard product line and Windows 7 Device Stage support, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/....
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forwardlooking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking statements contained in this press release will be realized.