New Connectivity Application Available to Users of Bluetooth Enabled 2.5G and 3G Phones

INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, March 6, 2006 – Avanquest Software, a leading developer and publisher of business and consumer software for the global PC market with operations in Europe, the U.S. and Asia, today announced the launch of BVRP Mobile Phone Suite, giving owners of new Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology-based laptops effortless Internet access almost anytime and anywhere without the need of a PCMCIA card or having to search for WiFi hot spots. 

Avanquest’s Mobile Phone Suite allows Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based laptop owners to use their Bluetooth equipped 2.5 and 3G enabled handsets as modems. An installed base of some 400 million Bluetooth enabled 2.5 and 3G handsets forecast for this year means a critical mass of mobile subscribers can now enjoy high-speed Internet access in more locations at more times than ever before – in a taxi, on a train, at a sporting event or while out of doors.

Designed for seamless integration with the newest generation of Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based laptops, Mobile Phone Suite’s Bluetooth capability automatically establishes the PC connection to hundreds of handheld devices from major manufacturers, including popular handsets available from leading cellular service providers. Configured to provide WWAN connection over all leading cellular networks, the program creates greater opportunities for cellular operators to drive data revenues in today’s mobile marketplace.

The first WWAN connectivity application optimized for the new Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based laptops, Mobile Phone Suite removes technical hurdles to connectivity faced by users while letting them synchronize their mobile phone or handheld with their PC contacts, calendar, and more without hassle. At the same time, it gives users the power to send compelling Multimedia Messages from their mobile phones after composing them on their laptop.

“The installed base of Bluetooth enabled 2.5G and 3G handsets has reached a critical mass, making high-speed data connectivity from almost anywhere no longer just a dream,” said David Wright, president, Avanquest Software OEM Division. “The new Intel Centrino Duo platform is designed to exploit this new reality by expanding the range of connectivity options available to users. We’re pleased that Intel has worked with Avanquest in enabling us to provide a critical component in making WWAN access as simple and convenient for users as WiFi access has already become.”

“Mobile Phone Suite provides Intel Centrino Duo-based laptop users with greater access to a broader range of connectivity options through their handheld devices with easy to use software,” said Keith Kressin, director of marketing, Intel’s Mobile Platforms Group. “Consumers and business users want to stay connected to information, colleagues, friends and family wherever they are to be able to collaborate, have fun and succeed.”

Mobile Phone Suite builds on Avanquest’s 20 years of experience in PC communications software development under its BVRP brand and worldwide leadership in applications that support PC-cellular convergence. The product will be promoted with a product landing page on the intel.com site and joint Intel and Avanquest educational outreach to manufacturers of laptops and handhelds and mobile network operators. For additional information on Mobile Phone Suite and to access a free trial version, visit www.intel.com/business/bss/products/laptop/centrino/bvrp.htm

About Avanquest Software
Avanquest Software is a global developer and leading publisher of best-selling personal and professional software designed for utilities, office productivity, communications and mobility worldwide. Avanquest Software products are marketed in over 100 countries, through e-commerce, OEM partnerships and IT resellers. Founded in 1984 as BVRP Software and listed since December 1996 on Euronext (ISIN FR0004026714), Avanquest Software forms part of the Eurolist, NextEconomy segment and SBF 250 index.  Additional information on Avanquest Software is available at www.avanquest.com.