Socket Communications, Inc. announces its WLAN Tools Mobile Edition Software

Socket Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCKT), the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, today announced its WLAN Tools Mobile Edition software for its Low Power CompactFlash and SDIO Wireless LAN cards for Pocket PCs. The software provides a new easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI) with advanced network monitoring capabilities for Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system as well as support for WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA-PSK (Pre-shared) security. WPA offers enterprise-class security -- an industry standard instituted by the Wi-Fi Alliance -- that combines strong encryption, message integrity checking (called "Michael"), and 802.1x authentication.

"With this software we have raised the bar with regard to expected Mobility Friendly(TM) features for Windows Mobile WLAN connectivity for Pocket PCs," said Peter Phillips, Socket's vice president of marketing. "Our WLAN Tools Mobile Edition delivers powerful new features through an enhanced GUI including an easy-to-understand and easy-to-navigate user interface that is aesthetically pleasing while providing a depth of information unlike any other similar utility on the market. Additionally, the product's strong WPA support enables security-conscious corporations to support mobile devices on their wireless networks and allows mobile workers to be even more productive when 'on the go.'"

Socket WLAN Tools Mobile Edition is a new Socket wireless LAN utility that provides ease-of-use as well as advanced network statistics not normally seen in Pocket PC WLAN utilities. This new utility is intuitive and graphical in nature, making it very easy for new users to quickly determine if they are successfully connected to a wireless LAN. It also provides real-time monitoring of signal strength, link quality, Internet availability, data rate, packets sent/received, and duration of connection. The utility uses Microsoft's built-in Wireless Zero Configuration tool for wireless network configuration and profile management. (Note: Pocket PC screenshots of the new software are available upon request.)

Bundled with Socket's new utility are new drivers for each card that supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security. WPA is supported using certificate-based EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP. WPA with Pre-shared Key (PSK) is also supported for SOHO environments. WPA and WPA-PSK are only supported on Windows Mobile Second Edition as well as on some ROM upgrades of the original Windows Mobile -- users will need to check with the manufacturer of their device to see if WPA support is available.

Pricing and Availability

Socket's WLAN Tools Mobile Edition software is currently available with purchase of the Low Power SDIO and CF WLAN cards through Socket's worldwide distribution channels. Current owners of these cards can download the new, enhanced software at no charge from the Socket website: http://www.socketcom.com/support/support_wlan.asp.

About Socket

Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, provides the broadest range of data collection and connectivity products for mobile computers, including Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, Windows CE devices, Palm PDAs and Smartphones, as well as Tablet PCs and notebooks. Socket's Mobility Friendly(TM) products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly(R) power consumption in their class. Socket's Embedded Systems Group provides hardware developers with solutions using mobilityIC(TM) interface chips and KwikBlue(TM) modules with embedded Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Mobility Friendly, and KwikBlue are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Socket Communications, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners. (C) 2004, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contacts

Socket Communications, Inc.

Tatia Meghdadi, 510-744-2751

tatia@socketcom.com

or

Slider & Associates

Sacha Arts, 408-356-3099

sacha@sliderassociates.com