Sierra Wireless and Itron collaborate to provide real-time usage information for utility customers

AirLink Intelligent 3G Gateways provide two-way cellular communications for Itron's ChoiceConnect(TM) Advanced Meter Data Collection platform

VANCOUVER, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR; TSX: SW) today announced that Itron has selected Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven X and Raven XE Intelligent M2M Gateways to provide the primary cellular connection in its new CCU 100, a key component of its ChoiceConnect fixed network platform. Through a Joint Marketing Agreement (JMA) the two companies also have agreed to leverage their combined marketing and sales resources to co-market the solution to utility customers.

The Itron ChoiceConnect platform is a highly efficient, scalable and cost-effective solution that facilitates the collection of electric, gas, and water meter data, enabling customers to efficiently manage energy and water consumption. The advanced meter data collection system provides real-time two-way communication, time-synchronized interval data collection, on-demand meter reads, and data integration with in-home displays - giving both utility providers and their customers timely access to usage information. Integration of the Sierra Wireless AirLink intelligent M2M gateways enables Itron to offer a wireless solution over widely available public cellular networks. By eliminating the need for landline installation, the wireless gateways reduce both deployment time and the overall cost of the solution.

Utility customers expect their equipment investment to last for many years - product reliability is a critical facet of any purchase. The ruggedness and longevity of Sierra Wireless AirLink products complement the dependable, field-proven design of Itron's ChoiceConnect solution. This combination of technologies are simple to integrate and manage, allowing utilities to quickly deploy their solution in the field and begin realizing a return on their investment.

"With this integrated solution, Itron utility customers can monitor energy and water usage in real time for improved operations," said Justin Schmid, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Sierra Wireless AirLink products. "With the AirLink technology, Itron can deploy and manage the CCU 100 anywhere there is cellular coverage, thus simplifying and accelerating deployment. We're proud to be part of a solution that helps utility providers serve their customers better, while reducing costs and overall energy consumption."

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

"AirLink" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Sierra Wireless, Inc.