US : MC5720 now available for integration into notebook computers and mobile devices, offering reliable wireless connection to critical data

Sierra Wireless today announced that the Sierra Wireless MC5720 PCI Express Mini Card embedded module has been certified for operation on the Sprint Power Vision(SM) Mobile Broadband EV-DO network.

The Sierra Wireless MC5720 PCI Express Mini Card is the first product in the Mini Card series of embedded modules designed for integration into notebook computers and other mobile computing devices, delivering the benefits of 3G speeds in a conveniently built-in form. With the certification of the MC5720 on the Sprint network, OEM customers can now develop AirCard Enabled(TM) notebook computers with built-in connectivity to Sprint's Mobile Broadband network.

"We are pleased to announce certification of the MC5720 with Sprint today," said Jim Kirkpatrick, Chief Technology Officer for Sierra Wireless. "OEM customers looking to build Sprint connectivity into notebook computers can now do so with the confidence that the MC5720 comes pre-tested by Sprint and Sierra Wireless to minimize the possibility of delays in development and time to market."

The dual-band MC5720 PCI Express Mini Card, built using the MSM6500(TM) Mobile Station Modem(TM) chipset from QUALCOMM, offers typical download data rates of 400-700 kbps, with peak speeds up to 2.4 Mbps. To provide coverage in areas where an EV-DO network connection is not available, the MC5720 module is also compatible with Sprint's nationwide 1X network and will seamlessly switch without interruption to the user.

Sierra Wireless PCI Express Mini Card modules include a common comprehensive WHQL-certified USB software driver architecture that provides superior power management, a dedicated diagnostic channel and the ability to enable or disable NDIS, which provides maximum flexibility to OEM customers when designing their wireless product. To simplify and expedite product development cycles, Sierra Wireless also provides OEM customers a comprehensive software development kit (SDK) and Sierra Wireless' own Watcher(TM) software for easy connection management. The MC5720 measures 51 x 30 x 4.5 mm, weighs in at less than 12 g, and complies with new European Union directives on RoHS (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances).

AirCard Enabled(TM)

Sierra Wireless has proven experience in delivering first class WWAN products for over 12 years. OEM customers can rely on Sierra Wireless to deliver a suite of PCI Express Mini Card products along with best-in-class technical and integration support, so end customers experience the same reliable, robust AirCard Enabled(TM) data solution users have come to expect from the AirCard line of PC Card products.