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In inflight Internet with Lifebook laptops on Lufthansa flights

Pioneering trial of Flynet, the wireless broadband Internet, takes FSC's mobility vision to the skies

Dubai, February 02, 2003 - Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, the leading international IT company renowned for its mobility products, is pioneering a revolution by joining a ground-breaking initiative that is offering wireless broadband Internet on board Lufthansa flights from Frankfurt to Washington, as part of a three month trial, using FSC's Lifebook S-series laptops. The world's first project of its kind, called Flynet, took off recently, on board a Boeing 747-400.

As Lufthansa's project partner, Fujitsu Siemens Computers has loaned 50 Lifebook S6010 with integrated wireless LAN technology, for the first phase. Passengers can use the FSC laptops for free during the flight, to access the Internet high above the clouds, as part of the three-month trial. A total of 120 Lifebook laptops will be given by FSC for the whole project.

"This high-end notebook is perfect for the mobile office on board our planes, creating ideal working conditions which is why we decided to work together with Fujitsu Siemens Computers," said Lufthansa FlyNet manager Dr Burkard Wigger.

"With this historic project, Fujitsu Siemens Computers is underlining its mobility strategy to create products and solutions for mobile data access anytime anywhere, even above the clouds," said Dirk de Waegeneire, Vice President International Sales, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "The Flynet service takes mobility to new heights and we are proud to be part of such a prestigious project as it sets us apart from our competitors and takes our leading edge products literally to a higher level."

FSC's participation in Flynet complements Lufthansa's plan to make broadband Internet available on its flights and departure lounges. The Notebook series was found to be ideal for the project because it is small and lightweight, powered by Mobile Intel Pentium III processor. It also has a brilliant 13.3 inch TFT-XGA display, a battery lifespan of up to six hours and integrated wireless LAN allowing easy access to the high speed satellite Internet on board. It is also possible to purchase the LIFEBOOK S6010 directly from Lufthansa via the Miles & More Skyshop catalogue. The LIFEBOOK S6020 with Intel-Mobile-Pentium-III-Processor and a weight of 1,71 kilogram offers a battery life span of up to six hours.

"While taking part in the project, we have addressed the security concerns ensuring that all information stored in the notebooks will be automatically deleted when the computer is rebooted," said de Waegeneire. "Each Lifebook will have its battery refreshed on landing and trained service professionals will be on hand to sort out technical issues during the trial run."

"The Flynet Project adds a new dimension to our twin focus of mobility and business critical computing," added de Waegeneire. "It is a glimpse of the innovation and next generation technology that goes into Fujitsu-Siemens Computers. The wireless broadband Internet shows the direction in which FSC is heading as it aspires to play a pioneeing role in ushering in 24x7 mobile access, from anywhere in the world, even 30,000 ft and more above the ground." . (keralamonitor.com)