Siemens demonstrates Convergence solutions at CeBIT '99

� New Siemens Information and Communication developments confirm the
potential of the Convergence of voice and data communication

Hanover - At its CeBIT 99 Press Conference, Siemens Information and
Communications clearly showed its leadership in Convergence with the
demonstration of eight new developments which illustrate how voice and data
communication can successfully work together.

Next generation Mobile Communicator
An entirely new kind of organiser that is even more attractive than
traditional electronic notebooks was presented as part of a new Siemens
"Innovations" study at CeBIT. This prototype of a smart phone module is the
first communication device to combine a high-performance information
terminal with nearly every professional communication capability, from
mobile to stationary telephone applications. The prototype is a personal
companion specialising in sophisticated communication using e-mail, short
message service (SMS), Internet surfing, and even mobile electronic
commerce, with future plans for mobile banking as well. 

The smart phone module study sets itself apart from conventional electronic
notebooks by offering input from a keyboard, not just an electronic pen. The
prototype also has slots for smart cards, Java cards, and multimedia cards.
A built-in browser enables efficient access to the Internet. The new smart
phone prototype also allows data exchange via an infrared port or an
optional cable that connects to a V.24 interface.

Joint Siemens and SAP Call Centre solution
Siemens and SAP presented their first joint call centre solution at CeBIT
'99. SAP has developed Customer Interaction Center (CIC), its own
front-office application for its standard business application software R/3,
Version 4.5 or higher. CIC can be connected to the call centre solution from
Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group using the expanded
SAPphone interface by SAP. The combination of Siemens Computer Telephony
Integration and SAP business applications enables call centre employees to
use comprehensive call-handling functions. These range from caller
recognition via the directory number to automatically starting R/3
transactions using pre-assigned caller data and to initiating consultation
and conference calls as well as call forwarding. 

Business TV
At CeBIT 99 the Siemens Information and Communications division of Siemens
gave its first presentation of a comprehensive package of services and
solutions for Business TV. Application examples at the show focused on the
important SME business sector. Siemens showed a fully operational solution
example at CeBIT '99 in the form of an interactive information channel. This
integrates calling up video information "on demand", live inserts, an
announcement calendar as well as the combination of multimedia and
text-oriented information. Business TV from Siemens is tailored to the
demands of individual companies. 

Sending e-mail and using the Internet over the phone
In a further move toward integrating telephone and Internet functions,
Siemens also demonstrated the "e-mail phone," a prototype that the company
hopes will establish a new market for a low-cost consumer device that will
appeal to a non-technical audience. The new e-mail phone from Siemens
combines a feature phone and Internet terminal in one very easy-to-use device.

Voice-data applications for SME sector
With its HiNet VS 1500, an ISDN communication system with optional built-in
routing functionality, Siemens proved at CeBIT '99 that a combination of
voice-data applications for multimedia communication is possible for every
workstation. This ISDN communication routing system is designed for small
and medium-sized businesses as well as for branches of large companies
wishing to make a soft migration to complete voice/data integration at a
later date. HiNet VS 1500 is suitable for connection of analogue and digital
terminal equipment and for a broad range of applications such as LAN-LAN
coupling, remote LAN access, Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) and
telematic services or access to online services. 

Wireless computer networking and Internet surfing
At CeBIT Siemens also introduced I-Gate, a new wireless LAN solution with an
Internet connection. I-Gate allows up to ten PCs and/or notebooks to be
networked without wires over a distance of 50 to 300 metres. The transfer
rate is 2 Mbits. With an ISDN connection it is also possible to surf the
Internet or use other ISDN services such as fax and file transfer.

Just press a button to send photos, complete with sound, from a mobile
communications device
The new Mobile Picture Communications System (MPS) from Siemens, a world's
first, is a innovative concept that many photographers will find especially
useful. Based on the integration of information and communications
technology and multimedia consumer products, MPC is the first all-in-one
system that allows the user to take pictures and record sound anywhere and
print out photographs at home. It will give millions of MPC users an easy
and economical way to take digital photographs as well as project the images
and sound on a television set via a mobile radio communications device.

But MPC is not just for the home market. There is also a professional
version that shows great promise for applications in medicine, law
enforcement, and the insurance industry, to mention just a few areas. 

"The main point is to provide an all-in-one product idea, combined with a
complete solution and customer-specific add-ons," says Alan Norman,
Marketing Director for Siemens Computer Systems in the UK. "The converging
information and communications markets are opening up great new potential
for innovations in the areas of image and multimedia consumer products." 

Cordless voice and data communications
At CeBIT Siemens also demonstrated the first palmtop computer which can also
be used for telephone calls. Connecting a Siemens DECT module turns the
minicomputer into an intelligent, cordless DECT terminal, which can be used
to control the choice of mobile functions within range of the base station
(up to 300 metres outdoors). One of the greatest advantages of data
communication via DECT is that transmissions within the DECT network are
free of charge because there is no connection to the public transmission
network. The new technology is expected to be ready for the market later
this year - integrated as a module into the products of different manufacturers.

Siemens Computer Systems is the leading European supplier of information
technology, and forms part of the Siemens Information and Communication
Products Group. The company offers the industry's broadest range of computer
systems from a single supplier, ranging from home computers and Net PCs
through to notebooks, desktops, workstations, high-end servers and mainframe
systems. In addition to its comprehensive range of hardware products,
Siemens Computer Systems is focused on delivering platforms for solutions in
key business areas including e-commerce, data warehousing and SAP R/3.

The Siemens Information and Communication Products Group is a significant
part of the DM50 billion turnover Siemens Information and Communications
business segment. This new business was formed on the 1st October 1998 in
response to the growing requirement for converged IT and communications
products, solutions and services.

For more press information
Please contact: Rebecca Hartley
                Press Relations
                Direct Line: 01252 555396
                Siemens Computer Systems
                [email protected]

For further information about Siemens Computer Systems, please visit our web
site at www.siemens.co.uk/cs