National Space Centre Using Symbol Mobile Computers to Enhance Visitor Experience

HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. , The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), and Jade Communications Ltd., a Symbol Premier Solution Partner, today announced that the National Space Centre (NSC), in Leicester, United Kingdom, is using a Symbol enterprise mobility solution to provide an interactive visitor experience.

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As a registered not-for-profit charity, the NSC is committed to providing outstanding educational facilities and programs for people of all ages and abilities. The NSC has embarked on a new project called "Learning on the Move" to allow visitors to use Symbol's PPT8846 rugged mobile computers via Symbol's market-leading WS5000 wireless switch to gain access to pre-programmed information related to the various exhibits. By pointing the mobile computer's infrared scanner at a "hyper-tag" located close to a particular object, visitors receive real-time information and are able to explore each exhibit in more detail. Jade Communications Ltd. supplied the equipment and assisted the NSC staff with their installation, staff training and support.

"Symbol's rugged PPT8846 mobile computer has helped the NSC enhance the visitor experience by allowing our guests to download information and tailor their experience and enjoyment of learning about space," said Kevin Yates, project leader at the National Space Centre. "Jade provided us with a Symbol mobile computing solution with robust data capture functionality that could be used by numerous people throughout the day and take a beating."

The PPT8846 mobile computer comes installed with a Microsoft Windows Mobile Operating System(TM) that allows NSC staff to create customized programs that can easily and instantly be updated with fresh content and information, including diverse media such as animation and video clips. Visitors can interact by asking questions, express views and even publish opinions in response to exhibits, as well as send emails with pictures or links to remind them of what they have learned. The Symbol devices have also been programmed with content to suit people of different nationalities and abilities.

Currently, schools can download tours from the NSC website before they arrive, thereby enabling them to tailor their visits to focus on specific topics of interest or aspects of the National Curriculum. Tours are also regularly used by families and public visitors.

About Symbol Technologies, Inc.

Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More information is available at http://www.symbol.com/.

About The National Space Centre

The National Space Centre (NSC) is the UK's largest attraction dedicated to 'the excitement of space.' Employing over 100 people, the centre provides the latest news from space, including missions and new discoveries. Most recently it hit the headlines for its involvement in the Beagle 2 mission to Mars in 2004. The NSC is the brain child of the University of Leicester which has space science expertise of world renown. The NSC is based a mile north of Leicester city centre and was built on a disused Severn Trent Water storm tank. The University, Leicester City Council and Chamber of Commerce submitted a bid to the Millennium Commission for funds. In 1997 the Millennium Commission agreed to support the project as its Landmark Millennium Project for the East Midlands. It runs in conjunction with Space Now the center's news and information service (http://www.spacenow.org.uk/). The NSC was launched in June 2001 and attracts over 250,000 visitors every year (http://www.spacecentre.co.uk/). The NSC has also won a number of awards highlighting its contribution to the UK Space Industry as well as recognizing it as a popular visitor attraction, education provider and research centre.

About JADE Communications Ltd.

Based in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, JADE Communications is the UK's leading Systems Integration company. JADE specializes in the provision of end-to-end network solutions, operating within the areas of LAN, WAN, Structured Cabling, Mobility Services, Wireless and Handheld Solutions. JADE has a distinguished background, operating across a wide range of industries including Retail, Government, Finance, Education, Information Technology, Leisure and Hospitality.

Media Information: For Symbol Technologies: Helen Rigby Bill Abelson Symbol Technologies EMEA Symbol Technologies, Inc. +44 (0)118 945 7427 631.738.4751 helen.rigby@uk.symbol.com bill.abelson@symbol.com For financial information: Lori Chaitman/Nancy Coco Symbol Technologies, Inc. 631.738.5050 lori.chaitman@symbol.com For industry analyst information: Shirley Schroedl Symbol Technologies, Inc. 631.738.4823 shirley.schroedl@symbol.com For Jade Communications: Paul Thompson Jade Communications Ltd +44 (0)192 529 5400 pthompson@jadecomms.com For The National Space Centre: Malika Andress Communications Manager National Space Centre +44 (0)116 258 2103 malikaa@spacecentre.co.uk