Sierra Wireless introduces a new line of integrated 3G wireless routers

Feb. 12, 2009
The AirLink(TM) Helix line of mobile broadband routers provides critical business continuity and remote site connectivity with onboard intelligence and extensive remote management capabilities

VANCOUVER , Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) today introduced the new AirLink Helix line of integrated 3G wireless routers. The Helix line is built on an exceptionally intelligent 3G platform that leverages proven ALEOS(TM) technology to provide reliable connectivity, extensive routing features, and comprehensive remote management capabilities. The first router in the Helix family will feature two Ethernet ports, two USB ports, and an optional 802.11 b/g access point. The Helix product line is ideal for fixed, portable and mobile applications including point of sale, wireline replacement and backup, surveillance, public safety, and transportation.

By leveraging field proven ALEOS intelligence, Helix routers combine extensive routing capabilities and security features with an easy-to-use interface and comprehensive remote management. ALEOS intelligence, coupled with AceWare(TM) remote management, lowers the total cost of ownership by simplifying device setup, provisioning, control, and maintenance through extensive remote configuration and diagnostic capabilities. Helix routers will be commercially available later this year, offering a choice of HSPA or EV-DO Rev A network technologies.

"The Helix line fills a need in the market for a reliable, highly intelligent and manageable device to provide complete connectivity for field locations supporting multiple connected devices," said Justin Schmid , vice president of the Mobile and M2M group for Sierra Wireless. "With automatic failover capability, integrated IPsec VPN, session persistence, data logging, and the ability to be configured, controlled, and managed from anywhere using our broad suite of AceWare remote management tools, Helix routers offer a compelling solution for businesses that need reliable primary or back-up data connectivity for a host of mobile, portable, and fixed deployments."

Business Continuity

Helix routers provide a configurable WAN/LAN Ethernet port option and a built-in connection failover feature to ensure business continuity. Sensing when the primary connection fails, the Helix router automatically switches to the 3G wireless network. The router then continuously monitors wireline network availability and automatically reverts back to the primary connection when service is restored. This intelligence enables the device to serve as a critical backup for businesses that rely on real-time transaction processing, security monitoring, online customer service functions or any critical high-availability application.

Mobile and Portable Hotspots

Helix routers can serve as a central hub of connectivity for mobile and portable workstations like those found in modern delivery trucks, ambulances, and field service vehicles. They can also provide mobile hotspot access for public transportation vehicles, enabling riders to stay connected on their commutes. It offers a fully IPSec compliant VPN for data security, dual diversity 3G antenna ports, and an optional 802.11b/g WiFi access point with WPA and WPA2 encryption to provide secure access for authorized multiple mobile computing platforms, both on-board and within range of the vehicle.

Mobile World Congress 2009

Sierra Wireless will be showcasing the Helix router at Mobile World Congress 2009, to be held February 16 to 19 in Barcelona, Spain . Visitors are welcome at the company's pavilion, located on the Avenue at AV99. For more information about Sierra Wireless's Mobile World Congress activities and news, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/MWC2009.

For more information about the Sierra Wireless line of AirLink Helix routers, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/airlink/helix.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or e-mail [email protected].

Note to editors: ----------------

To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/photos.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.

"AirLink", "ALEOS", and "AceWare" are trademarks 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.

Copyright © 2008 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.