Symbol Technologies Announces Support for Microsoft Retail Technology Strategy

Symbol, Microsoft To Explore Mutual Technology Applications

Symbol Technologies Inc. (NYSE:SBL), the world leader in bar code-driven data transaction systems, and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), worldwide leader in software for personal computers, today announced that Symbol is in support of the Microsoft retail strategy and architecture and that the two companies plan to work together to explore applications of their unique technologies in a number of markets.

The announcement was made at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Exposition and Conference under way this week in New York.

Microsoft Corp. announced platforms to create Windows and Windows NT-based retail software applications. This architecture strategy allows retailers to utilize leading edge applications in a non-proprietary operating environment. This strategy provides for the first time available PC-based client server architecture to develop applications, such as in-store management, in an open, familiar software environment.

Symbol and Microsoft also will work together to evaluate and jointly apply existing and in-development technologies, including application-specific hand-held computing, radio frequency data communications via the Symbol Spectrum One® wireless LAN, and PDF417, the high-density, machine-readable, two-dimensional symbology developed by Symbol, and to develop Windows-based retail applications incorporating their respective technologies.

"Symbol is in support of the Microsoft retail initiative and looks forward to working with Microsoft to explore a broad range of technology innovation across a number of markets including retail, healthcare, distribution, transportation and manufacturing," said Richard Bravman, senior vice president, marketing, Symbol Technologies. "From our perspective, Microsoft offers us and our customers in almost all markets a way toward mainstream software architecture and optimization of application-specific software development."

"The use of hand-held systems will continue to grow in importance in the retail store environment," said Dwayne Walker, director, worldwide solutions, sales and marketing, Microsoft Corp. "Working with Symbol, an acknowledged industry leader, we can ensure that hand-held systems fully integrate with the total store environment, which will minimize cost and increase application flexibility."

Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp., based in Redmond,Wash., is the wordwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

About Symbol Technologies

Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company™, 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. 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.

For press information:

Symbol Technologies, Inc.

Erin Farrell: farreler@symbol.com
+1.631.738.4068

Bill Abelson: abelsonb@symbol.com
+1.631.738.4751

Patricia Hall: hallp@symbol.com
+1.631.738.5636

Joey Marquart: joey.marquart@edelman.com
212-704-8133

Elizabeth Blicharz: elizabeth.blicharz@edelman.com
212.704.4484

Symbol Technologies Europe, Middle East, Africa:

Helen Rigby: helen.rigby@symbol.com
+44 118 945 7527

Symbol Technologies Asia Pacific:

Tze Hui Low: Lowt@symbol.com
+65 6796 9621

For financial information:

Symbol Technologies, Inc.

Erin Farrell-Talbot
+1.631.738.4068

Lori Chaitman: chaitmal@symbol.com
631.738.5050

For industry analyst information:

Symbol Technologies, Inc.

Shirley Schroedl: schroeds@symbol.com
631.738.4388