Press Release

January 24, 2001

OTTAWA, Canada - 24 January 2001: Espial™, creators of software that powers the world of smart Internet devices, confirmed today that DaimlerChrysler® has selected the Espial DeviceTop™ suite of products for the Dodge Super8 Hemi® concept car.

Espial DeviceTop was selected for the IT Cruiser Infotronic system. Devicetop is a Java-based software platform for delivering applications and services using simple user interfaces like touchscreens and safety features such as voice-activated devices. The combination of platforms, tools and applications enables cost-effective implementation of personal computing systems, in-vehicle information personalization, incorporation of home network systems, diagnostic information and passenger entertainment.

“Our work with DaimlerChrysler on the Dodge Super8 Hemi is an important design opportunity for Espial," commented Jaison Dolvane, President, CEO and co-founder of Espial. "Our software is designed to simplify the user experience so that technology works for the user instead of the user working for technology. The appeal and viability of our software within the Super8 Hemi proves that DeviceTop can meet and exceed today's requirements for telematics, Internet appliances, interactive television and wireless devices now emerging to market."

Faithful rendering and a quick development period were the key factors in the Espial design. Espial software is not limited to vertical segments but applies equally well to automotive and other smart Internet devices.

“At DaimlerChrysler, we believe our vehicles provide more than just transportation: they provide personal mobility to reflect our customers’ lifestyles. Therefore, when a change in lifestyle occurs – such as the ubiquity of the Internet – we try to reflect that change in our products. Espial’s expertise with bringing the Internet to smart devices has helped us do just that. With the Infotronic system on the Dodge Super8 Hemi, we prototyped how we at DC RTNA envision such lifestyle changes could affect our future products,” said Dr. Wieland Holfelder, Manager of the Smart Vehicles Group at DaimlerChrysler.

Espial DeviceTop is a unique service-enabled operating environment that serves as a delivery platform for Internet-enabled smart devices, across a range of embedded system spaces. The device becomes an ideal client for remote content delivery, and end-users receive information from a flexible, standards-based platform.

Contact:
Angie Lynch
Director, Public Relations
t. 613.230.4770 x1110
e. alynch@espial.com