Logitech to Market Digital Pen with Bluetooth Technology for Mobile Da

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers/Tradeshow Writers
    CeBIT 2005

    HANNOVER, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2005--Logitech (Nasdaq:LOGI) (SWX:LOGN) today at CeBIT announced that it plans to offer business solution providers a Bluetooth(R) wireless technology enabled version of the award-winning Logitech(R) io(TM)2 Digital Pen, beginning this summer. A digital pen with Bluetooth technology, used in combination with a wireless handheld communication device featuring Bluetooth technology, can help an organization's mobile workforce more efficiently gather, transmit and share important data -- in real time.
    Organizations in industries such as sales, field services, insurance, financial services, healthcare and government regulation are reliant on their mobile workforces' ability to collect accurate data in the field, and share it quickly. A digital pen with Bluetooth technology can extend the value of existing solutions for mobile data collection and allow for new digital solutions in industries that require a paper record.
    Using the Logitech io2 Digital Pen with Bluetooth technology, a mobile worker will be able to capture information by using a customized version of a standard paper form, such as for an insurance appraisal or a work order. The pen automatically creates a digital record that is transmitted to a complementary Bluetooth wireless technology enabled handheld communication device, such as a smart mobile phone, PDA or Blackberry. That data can be stored and processed on the handheld device or immediately sent into an organization's central database for processing. For the mobile worker, it's an automated process that starts with filling out a familiar form and ends with a confirmation on his or her wireless handheld communication device that the information has been sent and received
    Framingham, Mass.-based research firm IDC anticipates that the worldwide shipments of mobile phones and handheld devices featuring Bluetooth wireless technology will grow from 45 million at the end of 2003 to over half a billion by 2008. Logitech -- which manufactures Bluetooth wireless technology enabled peripherals for the PC, mobile phones and portable music players -- views the growth of mobile phones and handheld devices with Bluetooth technology as an opportunity for a digital pen that complements the capabilities of those devices.
    "For most applications, people still prefer using pen and paper -- it's the most accurate, efficient and comfortable way of gathering data," said Chris Bull, general manager of Logitech's digital writing group. "By using a digital pen featuring Bluetooth technology as part of a real-time mobile data collection solution, an organization's field workforce will be able to improve the quality and amount of information they can gather -- and instantly be able to share that information with the rest of the organization."
    Today, field data is typically collected in one of two ways: on handwritten forms with traditional pen and paper or on a wireless handheld device. For industries that require paper records, a digital pen featuring Bluetooth technology satisfies that need by creating a written record on a paper form. Simultaneously, the pen creates an electronic record that enables real-time tracking and can expedite processes such as billing. For industries that are already using wireless communication devices to capture information digitally, a Bluetooth wireless technology enabled digital pen solution allows the mobile workforce to capture more information more quickly. Entering large amounts of information into a PDA, Blackberry or smart mobile phone can be cumbersome due to the devices' size and limitations of the digital interface.

    Availability

    The Logitech io2 Digital Pen featuring Bluetooth wireless technology will be available for solution providers beginning this summer. Subsequently, it will be marketed as part of custom mobile workforce solutions through these solution provider channels. More information is available at www.logitech.com/io2bt.

    About Logitech io2 Digital Pen Custom Solutions

    Logitech and its industry partners are creating a variety of digital writing solutions that begin with the Logitech io2 Digital Pen, which is based on the functionality developed by Swedish-based company Anoto. The value of these solutions is in the automated transformation of data, from handwritten notes to digital records to processed and archived information. These digital writing solutions enable simplified information gathering and sharing, expeditious forms processing, and enhanced productivity in fields such as healthcare, financial services, insurance, government regulation and sales. More information is available at www.logitechio.com/iobusiness.

    About Logitech

    Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the Swiss Stock Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

    Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

--30--LR/sf*

CONTACT: Logitech Karen Hoskins, 510-713-5044 karen_hoskins@logitech.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA GERMANY INTERNATIONAL EUROPE TRACK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING HARDWARE SOFTWARE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TRADESHOW PRODUCT SOURCE: Logitech

Copyright Business Wire 2005