WhereNet Announces Support of Microsoft?s Peak Performance Initiative



WhereNet?s Active RFID-Based Solutions Help Automate Inbound and Outbound Supply Chain for Automotive Manufacturers

DEARBORN, Mich. and SANTA CLARA, Calif.?-/29 April, 2005 - Wi-Fi Technology Forum/-?WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today its support of Microsoft?s Peak Performance Initiative at the 2005 Global Automotive Summit in Dearborn, Michigan. The Peak Performance Initiative identifies four core areas that Microsoft and industry partners are focusing on to drive insight and innovation throughout the automotive community.

Based on its standards-based, active RFID, real-time locating system (RTLS) technology, several WhereNet? applications ? from automated parts replenishment to asset tracking to vehicle management ? help optimize the inbound and outbound automotive supply chain for manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers, ultimately driving peak performance across every node of the automotive supply chain network. With a proven deployment time of less than 90 days and return on investment in 6-12 months, WhereNet continues to expand its market presence as it now has installations in more than 100 automotive facilities around the world.

?The automotive supply chain is a morass of complex moving parts and wireless asset tracking and management is of particular interest to all members of the global automotive value chain,? said Kyle Solomon, Worldwide Industry Manager, Automotive at Microsoft Corp. ?By providing real-time information to facilitate supply chain operations for the automotive industry, WhereNet is helping to build the wireless infrastructure that will help suppliers and manufacturers reduce waste and realize a whole new level of efficiency.?

?As our company grows, so too, does our relationship with Microsoft. By standardizing all of our applications to operate on a Microsoft platform, we mitigate integration issues and reduce the total cost of ownership for our customers,? said Tom Bacon, vice president of the automotive division for WhereNet. ?In support of Microsoft?s Peak Performance Initiative, we consistently deliver improvements in operational and supply chain performance for our global automotive customers as they are able to benefit from a multitude of applications leveraging our single, integrated wireless location and communication infrastructure.?

The Microsoft Peak Performance Initiative is designed to help the automotive community accelerate insight through advanced analysis services, drive innovation by allowing teams to better collaborate, and impact performance via increased visibility into operations across the manufacturing value chain. Based on extensive research and feedback from automotive partners, customers and industry experts, Microsoft?s Peak Performance Initiative provides an innovative and cost-effective approach that allows automotive customers to take full advantage of their legacy investments while connecting key systems, people and organizations across the automotive supply chain to remove the barriers that stifle innovation and competitiveness.

About WhereNet Corp.
WhereNet is the first company to deliver a single wireless location and communication infrastructure that reliably and cost-effectively manages valuable mobile resources and delivers a complete return on investment within 6-12 months. Based on patented, standards-compliant technology resulting from a collective 100+ years of development, the WhereNet real-time solutions enable companies such as BMW, Ford Motor Company, and NYK Logistics to reduce inventory, lower operating costs, and improve operations. The company has received the Henry Ford Technology Award; was recognized for strong ROI by Computerworld; was ranked among the top 10 in the InfoWorld 100; and has been recognized as a wireless innovator by Forrester Research, Computerworld ROI, Frontline Solutions, Plant Engineering, and Supply Chain Systems magazines. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with offices throughout the United States and Europe, WhereNet is funded by Crosspoint Venture Partners, Foundation Capital, Bay Partners, Crescendo Ventures, and Sun Microsystems. For more information, visit the WhereNet Web site at http://www.wherenet.com, or call 408-845-8500 (in the U.S.) or +32 3 286 84 50 (in Europe).