Microsoft and Franklin Electronic Publishers Bring Microsoft Reader To Franklin's eBookman
Franklin.com to Become Authorized Microsoft Bookstore
BURLINGTON, N. J. and Redmond, Wash. (June 27, 2000) Franklin Electronic
Publishers Inc. (NYSE: FEP), a worldwide provider of handheld reading
devices, and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MFST) today announced that the two
companies will work together to incorporate Microsoft® Reader into Franklin's
new line of next-generation multimedia eBook devices.
Franklin and Microsoft are collaborating on a version of Microsoft Reader
for all models of Franklin's new eBookman, a line of multimedia reading
devices introduced today at PC EXPO 2000 in New York City. Based on Franklin's
proprietary RISC processor, eBookman will offer a powerful platform for
purchasing and reading eBooks created for Microsoft Reader. The eBookman
will provide the portability and ease of use of all eBooks offered for
Microsoft Reader, including audio books from Audible Inc.
The relationship between Microsoft and Franklin will also establish Franklin's
Web site, http://www.franklin.com/, as an authorized Microsoft Bookstore,
allowing eBookman owners to purchase content in Microsoft Reader format
directly from Franklin as well as from other Internet e-booksellers.
With a 240 x 200 pixel LCD display -- significantly larger than typical
handheld devices -- and capabilities to ensure the highest levels of
security, the eBookman is designed for an optimal eBook reading experience.
Scheduled for retail availability this fall, the eBookman will also include
a robust feature set including multimedia functionality.
Microsoft Reader currently ships with the Pocket PC and is scheduled to be
available for other platforms later this summer.
Barry Lipsky, president and CEO of Franklin, said, "The addition of
Microsoft to our growing list of partners puts our new entry in the eBook
industry in an enviable spot. We feel confident that content providers will
appreciate the advantages of the eBookman and Microsoft Reader and that they
will align with us to reach out to an expanding audience for eBooks around
the world."
Dick Brass, vice president of Microsoft, said, "The new line of eBookman
devices is exciting news for book lovers. The combination of Microsoft
Reader, with its unique readability enhancements and powerful security
options, and Franklin's reputation for leadership and quality in electronic
publishing, will help make eBooks a reality for many readers. Microsoft's
vision for eBooks has been to provide consumers with the widest possible
range of choices in reading devices, and the eBookman's display size,
portability and value make it an excellent option."
"This collaboration is great for consumers," said Peter N. Yianilos, Ph.D.,
acting chief technology officer and architect of the eBookman effort for
Franklin. "It is also a big step forward for compatibility and
interoperability in the eBook world."
About Franklin Electronic Publishers
Franklin Electronic Publishers is the worldwide market leader in handheld
eBooks, including the popular BOOKMAN® series. The company is also the
exclusive producer and distributor of ROLODEX® Electronics brand of personal
information management products. Franklin has sold more than 22 million
electronic books and currently publishes more than 200 titles, including
dictionaries and bilingual dictionaries; encyclopedias; Bibles;
entertainment titles; education and tutorial publications; and medical
reference works. Franklin products, available in 16 languages, are sold in
45,000 retail outlets worldwide, through catalogs and online at
http://www.franklin.com/. The company has sales and distribution
subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Benelux countries,
Canada, Australia and Mexico, and production management offices in Tokyo and
Hong Kong.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and
Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company
offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people
through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed throughout this release, including, but not limited to, those that
are stated as Franklin's belief or expectation or preceded by the word
"should" are forward-looking statements that involve risks to and
uncertainties in Franklin's business, including, among other things, the
timely availability and acceptance of new electronic reference products,
organizers, and computer companion products, changes in technology, the
impact of competitive electronic products, the management of inventories,
Franklin's dependence on third-party component suppliers and manufacturers,
including those that provide Franklin-specific parts, and other risks and
uncertainties that may be detailed from time to time in Franklin's reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corp.
in the United States and/or other countries. Franklin, BOOKMAN and eBookman
are trademarks of Franklin Electronic Publishers. ROLODEX® is a registered
trademark of Berol Corp., a subsidiary of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. The names
of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of
their respective owners.
For additional information, press only:
Phil Missimore, Waggener Edstrom, (503) 403-7000, philm@wagged.com
Wendy Hoover, Waggener Edstrom, (503) 403-7000, whoover@wagged.com
Kim Klein, Global Communications & Television, (212) 339-9920 [for information during PC EXPO (June 27-29) call (917) 902-7236]
Gregory J. Winsky, Franklin Electronic Publishers, (609) 386-2500, greg_winsky@franklin.com
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