O2 Partners with SEVEN To Launch xmail, a New and Affordable Mobile Email Service

O2 is the First To Deliver Fully Synchronized, Over-the-Air Email Capabilities on Microsoft Pocket PC-Enabled Devices; Trial Customers

London, England and Redwood City, Calif. (April 30, 2003) - Leading UK mobile operator O2 has partnered with mobile data communications provider SEVEN to launch xmail, a new mobile email service. O2 uses SEVEN's patent-pending System SEVEN technology to offer subscribers affordable, secure and real-time access to their business email, PIM information and documents via any mobile device, including smart phones such as the top-selling xda, PDAs, mobile phones and PCs. Customers can receive their email or information anytime and anyplace, with no need for a cradle synchronization. Xmail is immediately available for a free 10-day trial period, and thereafter will cost $9.99 (GBP) per month per subscriber. Mobile subscribers can register online at www.o2.co.uk/xmail.

xmail is O2's first mobile email service offering over-the-air synchronization on Microsoft Pocket PC-enabled devices. xda subscribers will enjoy always-on access to their corporate data, whether connected to the network or working in an offline state (e.g. on an airplane). Benefits to using xmail on an xda include the ability to have messages "pushed" directly to the xda; the ability to review and respond to messages while working offline; SMS alerts and notifications; and overall faster performance.

"O2 is pleased to have enhanced the xda with a mobile email solution that is affordable, delivers great functionality, and leverages Pocket Outlook, a commonly-used application," said Kent Thexton, O2's chief data and marketing officer. "The decision to work with SEVEN to introduce xmail was easy; they deliver what customers want - choice, low cost and ease of use."

xmail from O2 was available for public trial last fall. The post-trial customer satisfaction study yielded an overall score of "excellent customer satisfaction." Trialists cited ease of installation, ease of use and overall value for money as key highlights. Upon the conclusion of the trial, over 75% of trialists were "extremely likely" to recommend xmail from O2, citing that it allowed them to "stay ahead of the game." One IT manager at a film company stated: "I'm not giving it back - it's brilliant."

System SEVEN is deployed by mobile operators worldwide. The software is available as Personal Edition for individual users to download and self-provision (e.g. xmail from O2), or Enterprise Edition for IT organizations to enable their entire company or designated workgroups. Both services reside in the mobile operator network, allowing subscribers to take advantage of the efficiencies and attributes of the network. System SEVEN eliminates the need for additional hardware or software installation at the enterprise. There is no need to purchase dedicated data devices; subscribers are able to use their device of choice. System SEVEN has received multiple awards, including Network Computing's "2003 Mobile Service of the Year," and Frost & Sullivan's "Market Engineering Award for Technology Innovation."

SEVEN's focus is to work with our partners to create the best mobile data experience available today," said Bill Nguyen, founder and president of SEVEN. "The O2 partnership is a perfect example; xmail changes the dynamics of business by providing individual subscribers with real-time access to their critical information from any location, at any time."

About O2

O2 aims to enrich customer's lives by enabling them to get the most from their mobile. As a leading provider of mobile services to consumers and businesses in the UK, O2 offers a range of services including text, media messaging, games, always on data connections (via "GPRS") and much more. Other services under development include music over mobile and mobile video. O2 is the UK market leader in mobile data services such as text, with over half a billion messages being sent by O2 customers each month.

 

O2 was formed in 2001 following the demerger from British Telecom of its former mobile business, BT Wireless. O2 (UK) Limited is a subsidiary of mmO2 plc which also delivers O2 branded services in Ireland and Germany. O2 has approximately 12 million customers in the UK.

O2 is a registered trademark of O2 Limited

xmail is a trade mark of O2 Limited

xda is a registered trademark of O2 Limited

About SEVEN

SEVEN creates enhanced mobile messaging and PIM applications, available on the widest variety of devices across 2.5 and 3G networks. The company's patent-pending System SEVEN software architecture empowers mobile operators to deliver subscribers secure, manageable, real-time access to personal and enterprise applications on their device of choice, including Palm and Pocket PC based smart devices, PDAs, mobile phones and internet browsers. Available today through Cingular Wireless, O2, Orange and Sprint PCS, SEVEN provides individuals and businesses with the leading, lowest cost mobile data solution. SEVEN is a global company headquartered in Redwood City, CA, with regional offices in London and Tokyo. For more information, please visit http://www.seven.com.