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Bell Canada Sets New Trend in Technology Fashion With Purchase of Xybernaut Wearable Computers
URL(s): www.xybernaut.com
TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2001--Bell Canada and Xybernaut Corporation
(Nasdaq:XYBR) today announced the results of the world's first large-scale market trial of
wearable computers and the outfitting of 300 Bell Canada field service technicians with the Mobile
Assistant(R) (MA(R)) V.
As a result of a successful market trial, Bell Canada is purchasing 300 of the MA V, the latest
version of Xybernaut's wearable computers. The devices will eventually replace the existing IBM
ThinkPad laptops that are used in the field by approximately 10,000 Bell Canada technicians.
The MA V combines next generation mobile computing with next generation wireless technology,
enabling mobile workers to perform technical functions on-the-go. The wearable computer can be
worn as a vest or belt and is equipped with either a Head-mounted or a Flat Panel Display Screen
for viewing images.
The market trial, which recently concluded, revealed that wearable PC's significantly improve
mobility and connectivity, resulting in time savings and increased productivity. Trial participants
saved almost one hour per day using the MA(R) IV, an earlier version of the fully wireless
computers, which can also connect a user to the Internet and provide a wireless voice connection.
The trial, managed by Bell Canada's Mobile Communications Centre (MCC), began in October
2000 and included outfitting 19 Bell Canada technicians from across the company with the MA IV.
Bell tested the wearable PCs in all weather and work conditions that a field technician typically
encounters.
"To say that Bell Canada is extremely pleased with the results is an understatement - we had to
literally beg trial participants to return the units," said Brad Chitty, General Manager, Mobile
Communications Services, Bell Canada. "Wearable PCs have performed extremely well in a
number of environments, saving us time on repair calls and resulting in better customer service. As a
company that has a history of adopting new technology, it's exciting to have our own field service
technicians leading the way."
"The Mobile Assistant provides mobile workers with reliable, accessible voice and data
communications in a brand new way," said Edward G. Newman, Chairman, President and CEO of
Xybernaut. "In addition to freeing up technicians' hands to do more work, the device also gives them
immediate access to the information they need no matter where they are. Bell Canada's decision to
purchase the wearable PCs demonstrates that these devices do translate into greater efficiencies and
a satisfied workforce."
Results from the market trial revealed:
--
Bell Canada service technicians found the technology easy to use and a valuable tool.
--
Time savings resulting from improved portability and reduced computing time was more than
50 minutes per day per technician.
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Total portability reduced the need to return to vehicles to boot up laptops and enter data.
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The Mobile Assistant(R)'s fully wireless functionality also reduced computing time significantly.
--
The daylight readable screen contributed to a reduction in computing time and proved to be
superior when viewing plant schematic diagrams.
--
A potential cost savings through greater connectivity, in addition to productivity gains.
--
Constant access to portable information eliminated the need for paper information.
About Bell Canada
Bell Canada, Canada's national leader for communications in the Internet world, provides
connectivity to residential and business customers through wired and wireless voice and data
communications, high speed and wireless Internet access, IP-broadband services, e-business
solutions, local and long distance phone and directory services.
Bell Canada is owned by BCE Inc of Montreal (80%) and by SBC Communications Inc. of San
Antonio, Texas (20%). For more information please visit www.bell.ca
About Xybernaut Corporation:
Xybernaut Corporation is the leading provider of wearable computing hardware, software and
services, bringing communications and full-function computing power in a hands-free design to
people when and where they need it. The Mobile Assistant(R) V (MA(R) V), Xybernaut(R)'s
patented wearable PC, runs all major PC operating systems, including Windows(R) 98/2000/NT,
Linux and SCO Unix.
With the MA V, customers can realize immediate savings in maintenance, repair, diagnosis,
inspection, inventory control and data collection in a broad spectrum of industries, including
manufacturing, distribution, utilities, government and transportation. Xybernaut also provides hyper
linking, multimedia authoring tools, project management, asset management and speech software
toolkits.
Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, Xybernaut has offices and subsidiaries in Europe (Germany)
and Asia (Japan). Visit Xybernaut's web site at www.xybernaut.com.
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