Sierra Wireless first to deliver enhanced mobile broadband experience with Windows 7 Device Stage support

Sierra Wireless rolls out support for Windows 7 Device Stage in multiple devices across AirCard(R) product line, providing convenient one-click access to device information and tools

VANCOUVER, March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR; TSX: SW) today announced that the Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) product line now provides a Windows 7 Device Stage experience across multiple devices. Sierra Wireless is the first mobile broadband modem vendor to deploy a Device Stage experience, which provides customers with more convenient, intuitive access to their device and account information. In addition, Device Stage provides network operators selling Sierra Wireless AirCard devices with an opportunity to connect directly with customers through Device Stage in Windows 7.

With Device Stage support, when customers insert an AirCard mobile broadband modem into a laptop, they get quick access to AirCard modem information and support, including direct access to software and firmware updates. A picture of the Sierra Wireless AirCard device appears automatically in the "Devices and Printers" window accessed from the Start menu. Clicking on this picture opens the Device Stage, presenting a rich home page-type menu that can act as a go-to information center for device specific information such as current status, available network connections, and direct support links.

"Sierra Wireless has played a leading role in working with Microsoft to improve and enhance the mobile broadband experience for customers, with early support for Windows 7 mobile broadband," said Mark Relph, Senior Director of the Windows Developer and PC Ecosystem Team at Microsoft Corp. "Adding Device Stage support to the Sierra Wireless AirCard product line is a further demonstration of the company's commitment to making increasingly popular mobile broadband connections easy to set up and use."

For mobile network operators, AirCard product support for Windows 7 Device Stage offers several benefits:

    -  Reduced Support Costs - Device Stage acts as a central location for
       customers to get all the information they need about their specific
       AirCard devices, including direct links to resources for
       troubleshooting, frequently asked questions, and downloads, thereby
       reducing customer support calls and costs.

    -  Visible Connection to Customers - Device Stage provides a highly
       visible direct connection with customers that can include links to
       network, account, and billing information for their AirCard devices,
       reinforcing the network operator's brand and customer relationship.

    -  Marketing Opportunities - Device Stage can be branded and customized
       according to operator requirements, and can be remotely updated to
       support marketing campaigns.

    -  Expanded Service Platform - Device Stage can deliver online services
       that add value to the wireless service for end customers, such as
       direct input of GPS information from the AirCard modem to mapping
       applications.

"By implementing Windows 7 Device Stage with our AirCard devices, we are able to offer a better experience for end customers and provide our network operator customers a valuable platform to help them control costs and enhance customer relationships," said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Sierra Wireless. "The added value this provides for our customers made it a priority for us, and we're extremely pleased to be the first to deliver it on mobile broadband devices."

Sierra Wireless will demonstrate Windows 7 Device Stage at CTIA Wireless, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 23 to 25. The Sierra Wireless exhibit is in the Central Hall at # 3515.

Windows 7 Device Stage support is available now for 11 generic Sierra Wireless AirCard mobile broadband devices. For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirCard product line and Windows 7 Device Stage support, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/windows7.

To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email [email protected].

Note to editors:

To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/newsroom/productimages.aspx.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) is expanding the wireless world with a comprehensive offering of hardware, software, and connected services for mobile lifestyles and machine-to-machine communications. Our customers count on us to help them succeed with early access to new wireless technologies and innovative, reliable, high-performing solutions for a broad range of applications. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

"AirCard" is a registered 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.