Press Release
May 15, 2006
TCS Launches Rand McNally Traffic for BlackBerry
Up-to-the-minute Traffic Information and Maps Now Available
Annapolis, MD - TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), today announced the availability of Rand McNally Traffic, a downloadable Java application for BlackBerry® devices from Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM).
Rand McNally Traffic leverages the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution™ to deliver unlimited, up-to-the-minute traffic information for 94 U.S. metro markets -- more than any other major wireless traffic application available today. The software is designed to make it quick and easy for a subscriber to access real-time traffic conditions and view incident specifics. Compiled from multiple sources, Rand McNally Traffic reports road closures, accidents, congestion areas, adverse weather conditions, sporting events, concerts and festivals.
Rand McNally Traffic offers several time-saving features that enable the user to quickly and easily obtain traffic information for specific routes. With one click, a user can access his or her most recent locations and obtain up-to-date traffic information. This is particularly helpful if a user frequently travels outside his or her home metro area. The Commute Wizard enables the user to store several of his or her commute routes and, with a single click, retrieve traffic information on or around those routes.
Drew Morin, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TCS, stated, "How many times have you found yourself stuck in a traffic jam waiting for the broadcast radio traffic report? Rand McNally Traffic can help BlackBerry users avoid the frustration of sitting in a traffic back-up by providing unlimited, real-time traffic information whenever and wherever it's needed."
"Having timely traffic information conveniently delivered to your BlackBerry handset before you drive your daily commute or go to your next appointment can be a great time-saver," said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at RIM. "Rand McNally Traffic further exemplifies the power of the BlackBerry platform by giving users easy access to valuable information while on the go."
The Rand McNally Traffic handset application is available now through most major U.S. carriers and runs on more than 50 different wireless handsets using Java and Qualcomm's Binary Run-time Environment for Wireless (BREW) operating systems. The application is powered by TCS' Xypoint® Traffic Server, a platform for delivering real-time traffic incidents, speed flow data and maps. For download and subscription information for BlackBerry users, visit http://ww.handango.com.
About Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) produces wireless data communications technology solutions that require proven high levels of reliability. TCS provides wireless and VoIP E9-1-1 network-based services, secure deployable communication systems and engineered satellite-based services, and commercial location applications, like traffic and navigation, using the precise location of a wireless device. Customers include leading wireless and VoIP carriers around the world, and agencies of the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security.
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This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based upon TCS' current expectations and assumptions that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that would cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.
The actual results realized by the Company could differ materially from the statements made herein, depending in particular upon the risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These include without limitation risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's financial results and the ability of the Company to (i) reach and sustain profitability when anticipated, (ii) continue to rely on its customers and other third parties to provide additional products and services that create a demand for its products and services, (iii) conduct its business in foreign countries, (iv) adapt and integrate new technologies into its products, (v) expand its business offerings in the new wireless data industry, (vi) develop software and provide services without any errors or defects, (vii) protect its intellectual property rights, and (viii) implement its sales and marketing strategy.
Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.
