Palm

University of Hong Kong Introduces "Library without Walls" On Palm™ Tungsten™ C Handhelds



My Library@Hand Boosts Learning Efficiency with Faster, More Convenient Way to Access Library Resources and Services

HONG KONG, October 6, 2003 – Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) and The University of Hong Kong Libraries (HKU Libraries) have launched Hong Kong's first wireless-LAN enabled Palm™ handheld solution for accessing library resources and services.

A pioneering solution in the Hong Kong education sector, MyLibrary@Hand enables up to 700,000 users to search more than two million books and 25,000 journals, and perform other research functions, directly from their Wi-Fi enabled Palm Tungsten™ C handhelds .

"My Library@Hand has revolutionised the traditional concept of a library. Researchers are no longer restricted to being physically in the library. We can now offer students the convenience of accessing library resources and services whenever and wherever they have Wi-Fi access," said Dr Anthony Ferguson, Librarian, HKU Libraries.

According to Dr Ferguson, My Library@Hand enhances efficiency in the learning process and saves students time by providing users with greater mobility and flexibility when accessing library resources and services.

" Previously, it would take around 30 minutes for students to search three different databases using the library PCs. Now the same search can be conducted in only 30 seconds using the Tungsten C handheld, from any Wi-Fi location," said Dr Ferguson.

Built on the Palm OS® platform, the customized solution is a joint effort between HKU Libraries and solution integrator Syracuse International Limited. It is built on HKU's existing campus-wide wireless-LAN; a cost-effective way to achieve the mobile environment it needed. By using a Palm Tungsten C handheld from any Wi-Fi network on campus or outside its premises, the Libraries' registered users can perform many of the search functions previously limited to onsite PCs.

Without having to step into the Libraries, users can send requests and questions by e-forms, access event calendars, library research guides and library contacts; search the databases of more than two million volumes of library materials and more than 5,000 e-journals; and receive updates from over 20,000 e-journals.

More comprehensive features, including an expanded resource database, will be rolled out in December 2003, phase two of the deployment. Users will be able to reserve and recall library materials via Wi-Fi enabled Tungsten C handhelds, view more detailed journal abstracts and full-text versions of electronic journals, and access the library website offline.

" We are delighted to be involved in achieving HKU Libraries' goal of creating a 'Library without walls'," said Mr Henry Cheung, Sales Director, Wireless, Asia Pacific, Palm Inc.

" My Library@ Hand is an excellent example of how Palm handhelds can be used in the education sector to deliver major benefits in terms of convenience and time-saving to users."

About University of Hong Kong Libraries
HKU Libraries is a central resource for research and knowledge discovery and since its establishment in 1912, the library collections and services have evolved to meet the emerging needs of its users. Leading into 21st century, the Libraries enhances its role in the knowledge community, striking a balance in the provision of both print and electronic information resources, further integrating these resources into the teaching, learning and research environment.

The Libraries now comprises of the Main library and six specialist branch Libraries, namely the Dental, Education, Music, Yu Chung Keung Medical, Lui Che Woo Law and Fung Ping Shan library.

Syracuse International Limited
Syracuse International Limited is a professional Solution Integrator run by a team of well experienced IT business executives, targeting high value IT projects with unique and innovative value to the business and mass end users.

About Palm, Inc.
Information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palmone.com/asia or http://www.palmone.com/hk/ie

Palm OS is a registered trademark of PalmSource, Inc., a subsidiary of Palm, Inc. Palm and Tungsten are trademarks of Palm, Inc. Other brands may be trademarks of their respective owners.





Palm, Palm OS, and Treo are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned or licensed to Palm, Inc. Microsoft and Windows Mobile are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.