Wayport To Deliver Its High-Speed, Wireless Internet Service To IBM Thinkpad USERS
Wayport Portable Internet Access is 50 Times Standard Modem Connection Speeds
AUSTIN, TX, April 26, 2000 - Wayport, Inc., a leading provider of high-speed Internet solutions for people on the move, announced today that it is collaborating with IBM Corporation IBM to offer fast, convenient Internet access solutions to IBM ThinkPad customers as part of the IBM ThinkPad Proven program. Proven* is an IBM marketing program designed to highlight the complementary nature of products offered by IBM and industry-leading vendors.
ThinkPad users will be able to take advantage of Wayport's high-speed, easy access to the Internet from major airports, hotels, conference centers and other "on the road" locales central to the everyday experiences of mobile professionals.
IBM's ThinkPad computers equipped with IBM 802.11 wireless Ethernet cards based on the Wi-Fi standard (purchased separately) will access Wayport's standards-based wireless network to give travelers simple access to fast networks throughout the country. Wayport's wireless service is based exclusively on the 802.11b 11-Mbps wireless LAN standard, which was recently ratified by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) and is supported by all major network equipment suppliers. Through wired and wireless Ethernet connections, Wayport technology also will give IBM customers access to other services, such as local Web content and network printing. A current list of airports, hotels and conference centers offering Wayport Internet services is online at
"ThinkPad customers are demanding a fast, reliable secure Internet connection when they are traveling," said Adalio Sanchez, general manager, IBM Mobile Computing. "Now, using Wayport's portable Internet solution, ThinkPad users can access the Internet at anytime during their travels, whether in a hotel lobby or an airport waiting area. This, in addition to our Bluetooth and other wireless initiatives, give us a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace."
"We are proud to say that only a select few products can claim IBM's ThinkPad Proven Partner status," said Phil Belanger, vice president, wireless business development, Wayport, Inc. "We are excited to collaborate with a world leader in mobile computing to simplify connectivity and Internet remote access for travelers."
About Wayport
Wayport, Inc., based in Austin, Texas, and founded in 1996, provides fast Net for people on the move. Travelers in hotels, conference centers and airports get fast Wayport Internet access and other services throughout North America. Wayport is venture-financed by Sevin Rosen Funds, Trellis Partners, New Enterprise Associates, GC Technology Fund and others. To learn more about Wayport, see
IBM makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding ThinkPad Proven products and services, including Year 2000 readiness and any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. IBM, ThinkPad and ThinkPad proven are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp. Wayport is a trademark of Wayport Inc. All products mentioned are trademarked and/or registered by their respective companies.