Sierra Wireless introduces first 4G LTE AirLink™ Intelligent Gateway, announces upgrade program to ease 4G transition

New AirLink GX440 will operate on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network, enabling a wide range of mobile, fixed, or portable applications

ORLANDO, FL, March 23 /PRNewswire/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today announced a 4G LTE multi-purpose wireless gateway that leverages the power of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. The Sierra Wireless AirLink™ GX440 - the first 4G version of the recently announced AirLink GX400 - delivers the higher bandwidth required by applications including high-quality wireless video surveillance, multi-data-stream wireless connections to branch locations, or mobile office applications for public safety and field service activities. Sierra Wireless is showcasing the AirLink GX440 gateway in the Sierra Wireless stand (1670) at CTIA Wireless, which runs until March 24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The AirLink GX440 gateway is expected to be available in the second half of this year.

To help facilitate the 3G-to-4G transition, Sierra Wireless also announced a technology upgrade program that will reduce customer risk by allowing customers to purchase an AirLink GX400 3G gateway now and upgrade to the AirLink GX440 when it becomes available.

"Deploying M2M applications on the Verizon Wireless network offers customers a compelling combination of a wide coverage footprint and high bandwidth capable of supporting data-heavy applications like video surveillance or multiple end users," said Emmanuel Walckenaer, Senior Vice President, Solutions and Services for Sierra Wireless.  "The combination of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and the high capacity, extensible platform provided by the AirLink GX440 gateway, will enable customers to deploy robust enterprise and M2M solutions that can grow with their business needs."

The AirLink GX440 maintains the design innovations pioneered by the AirLink GX400, including high-performance, military-spec rugged hardware and advanced configuration options that enable future enhancements to both hardware and software. Processing performance has been improved five-fold compared to previous product generations by integrating an ARM 11-class microprocessor architecture and high-capacity DDR memory into the design. This leading-edge hardware architecture provides the performance headroom needed to exploit the new applications that 4G bandwidth makes possible.

"Business customers are ready to implement the new applications that are made possible by the combination of 4G LTE and machine-to-machine connectivity," said Janet Schijns, Vice President, Business Solutions for Verizon Wireless. "The Sierra Wireless AirLink GX440 gateway will provide a well-rounded enterprise and M2M solution, with robust hardware, comprehensive remote configuration and management capabilities, all together with the power of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and Verizon's robust machine to machine offerings."

In addition to the hardware features, the AirLink GX440 offers cloud-based, one-to-many remote device management using Sierra Wireless' AirLink Management Services (AMS), based on the AirVantage™ Platform, which reduces maintenance costs and drives down the overall cost-of-ownership. Large and small deployments are able to take advantage of the comprehensive configuration and management features from any location with Internet access.

Technology Evolution Upgrade Program

To provide an additional incentive for customers to opt for a 4G device sooner rather than later, Sierra Wireless has established a Technology Evolution Upgrade Program for customers interested in the AirLink GX Series. The program offers the advantages of moving to the next 3G performance level - including the cloud-based remote management so important for M2M applications - while still being able to upgrade to 4G in the near term with a minimal additional investment. Customers purchasing an AirLink GX400 3G gateway now can upgrade to the AirLink GX440 when it becomes available in the second half of this year. For further details about this program, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/gx400upgrade.

Sierra Wireless AirLink™ GX Series of Intelligent Gateways

Flexible and powerful enough to meet the needs of a wide range of applications in the transportation, industrial M2M and enterprise markets, the Sierra Wireless AirLink GX Series makes solution deployment faster, easier and less expensive for mobile system operators, OEMs, application service providers and end customers. With the AirLink GX Series, system integrators can standardize on a single gateway platform to serve the needs of all of their customers. Key features include:

• Rugged hardware design - Engineered and verified to comply with industry and wireless requirements including Mil-STD 810-F, IEC60068, IP64, Class 1 Div 2, and e-Mark
  
  
• High processing performance - ARM 11-class microprocessor architecture with high-capacity DDR memory provides a powerful foundation for high-bandwidth applications
  
  
• Security - Support for security protocols that enable integration in IPsec-compliant VPNs and PCI-compliant solutions
  
  
• ALEOS™ embedded intelligence - Provides a highly configurable platform and comprehensive remote management capabilities enabling over-the-air firmware upgrades, events reporting, and much more
  
  
• AirLink Management Services - Cloud-based remote management for GX Series can also be employed to manage existing AirLink 2G and 3G devices, easing integration and deployment into existing systems

For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirLink Intelligent Gateways and Routers, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/productsandservices/AirLink.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email [email protected].

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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", "AirVantage", and "ALEOS" are trademarks 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.