Wireless Financial Access for PalmPilot Users

Strategic Insights -

Developed by Novatel Wireless, Aether Technologies International, and Reuters America, a cutting-edge solution has been introduced to provide PalmPilot users with wireless access to real-time financial information for U.S. equities. The system, called Reuters MarketClip, is designed to offer users instant access to stock quotes, charts, market summaries, volume and price alerts, and news headlines. This innovative solution is made possible through the integration of Minstrel, a wireless IP modem from Novatel Wireless, with the PalmPilot. The system provides the mobile professional investor with the information they need and the flexibility they demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reuters MarketClip, an interactive wireless financial system, provides users with instant access to real-time financial information, including stock quotes, charts, market summaries, volume and price alerts, and news headlines.
  • The system is developed in cooperation with Aether Technologies LLC, an integrator of high-end wireless data systems, and Novatel Wireless, a leading-edge wireless communications company.
  • Reuters MarketClip allows users to access unlimited information for a flat monthly fee of $115.
  • Minstrel, a lightweight modem cradle custom designed for the PalmPilot, provides wireless access to Reuters MarketClip's users.
  • Using cellular digital packet data (CDPD) technology and the standard Internet Protocol, Minstrel equips the PalmPilot with two-way wireless data capability at speeds up to 19.2 kbps.
  • CDPD provides advanced encryption and verification techniques to ensure secure, confidential communications.
  • The system is expected to launch in March 1998, with an anticipated price of $399 plus activation fees.
  • Reuters MarketClip provides users with the information they need to make business decisions, with the ability to access crucial data virtually anytime and anywhere.
  • Aether Technologies International is the world leader in the development of wireless data products and services, providing real-time, mission-critical information to investors and professionals in the financial marketplace.
  • Novatel Wireless is a leading-edge wireless communications company with over 14 years of cellular experience, designing and marketing low-cost, turnkey wireless solutions for mobile users.
  • Reuters America supplies the global business community and the news media with a wide range of products, including real-time financial data, transaction systems, access to numerical and textual historical databases, news, graphics, photos, and news video.

Statistics:

  • $115: the flat monthly fee users will pay to access unlimited information on Reuters MarketClip.
  • 19.2 kbps: the speed at which the Minstrel modem provides wireless data capability to PalmPilot users.
  • $399: the anticipated price of Minstrel plus activation fees.
  • 260 exchanges and over-the-counter markets: the number of sources from which Reuters obtains information.
  • 4,800 subscribers: the number of contributors who provide data directly to Reuters.
  • 1,975 journalists, photographers, and cameramen: the number of people in Reuters' global network.

Sources:

  • Novatel Wireless, Aether Technologies International, and Reuters America press release, February 24, 1998.
  • Reuters America press release, February 24, 1998.
  • Reuters America website, [www.reuters.com](http://www.reuters.com) (Note: This source does not have a specific date, but it is noted that the press release was issued on February 24, 1998.)
  • Aether Technologies International website, [www.aether.com](http://www.aether.com) (Note: This source does not have a specific date, but it is noted that the press release was issued on February 24, 1998.)
  • Reuters MarketClip website, [www.marketclip.com](http://www.marketclip.com) (Note: This source does not have a specific date, but it is noted that the press release was issued on February 24, 1998.)