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Aeris.net | For Immediate Release

Contact:

Melanie Morrison

Aeris.net

(408) 557-1908

Melanie.Morrison@aeris.net

Jackie Jones

Golin/Harris (for Aeris.net)

(415) 808-9812

jjones@golinharris.com

Karen O'Shea

Lennox, International

(972) 497-5258

 

David Sandelman

Notifact/Heat Timer Corporation

(973) 227-2900

dsandelman@notifact.com

AERIS.NET AND NOTIFACT TEAM UP TO PROVIDE WIRELESS MESSAGING TO LENNOX ROOFTOP COOLING SYSTEMS

Aeris.net's MicroBurst® technology enables low-cost, nation-wide, remote monitoring and diagnosis

SAN JOSE, Calif. | November 7, 2000    —Aeris.net, the leading provider of Web-to-wireless, machine-to-machine communications services, announces a milestone attained through its partnership with Notifact Corporation to provide fast, low-cost wireless messaging to rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems manufactured by Lennox Industries, a subsidiary of Lennox International. Through a recent agreement with Lennox, Notifact's "plug-and-play" monitoring transceivers, which are embedded with Aeris.net's MicroBurst® technology, are now available with Lennox's L Series® rooftop HVAC systems, enabling Lennox customers to receive real-time warning and diagnostic information via email, fax, cell phone, pager or Internet connection.

Notifact's transceivers work to monitor activity in the systems, while the MicroBurst utility routes data from the transceivers over the MicroBurst network, which acts as a transparent overlay on the control channel of the cellular system. The messages are sent to technicians and facility managers almost instantly, enabling them to quickly prevent, identify or diagnose problems, often before building occupants are aware that a problem exists.

"Leading HVAC manufacturers like Lennox recognize the importance of providing the best service possible to their customers and end-users," said Wade Vesey, vice president of marketing at Aeris.net. "Because the MicroBurst network transmits immediate notification and diagnostic information within a matter of seconds, Lennox customers can identify and repair a minor maintenance problem before it can turn into a larger, more expensive equipment failure."

"Aeris.net's MicroBurst technology is a perfect complement to our monitoring equipment," said David Sandelman, vice president of Notifact. "Not only does MicroBurst facilitate remote messaging, which is particularly convenient for rooftop HVAC systems, but the MicroBurst network spans all of North America, which is critical to customers such as Lennox, whose systems are shipped across the country."

How MicroBurst Works

MicroBurst® technology is a patented utility that enables short data packets to be transmitted over control channels in cellular networks using standard IS-41C signaling mechanisms. These short data packets are transmitted by cellular devices and routed to the Aeris central hub facility over existing SS7 (Signaling System 7) networks. The Aeris hub identifies the service provider and routes the data for delivery via a back-end link, which includes Internet, dial-up and dedicated connectivity. The end-user is notified of activity via cell phone, pager, Web page or e-mail.

About Lennox

Selling heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment in over 70 countries, Lennox International Inc. is a global leader in climate control solutions. Lennox operates in five key business segments: North American residential, North American retail, worldwide commercial refrigeration, worldwide commercial air conditioning, and worldwide heat transfer. Lennox International stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LII." For more information on Lennox, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.lennoxinternational.com or contact Karen O'Shea at 972-497-5258.

About Notifact

The Notifact Wireless Monitoring system applies Internet server and wireless technologies to provide real-time monitoring of HVAC/R equipment. Notifact transmits regular diagnostic information, as well as providing early warning for potential system failures. Wireless technology utilizing pagers, cellular phones, and the Internet allows for instant notification of any irregularities, which results in more cost-effective and timely system repairs and fewer business disruptions. For more information on Notifact, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.notifact.com or contact Jonathan Gill at 716-842-2233 ext. 1487.

About Aeris.net

Aeris.net, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., provides web-to-wireless connectivity and control for a broad array of short-packet signaling and messaging services using its proprietary MicroBurst® utility. MicroBurst® technology employs the control channel infrastructure of the cellular network as a transmission medium to achieve low cost of service and ubiquitous coverage. Aeris.net currently has contracts deploying MicroBurst® technology in cellular service areas in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Initial applications include vehicle position and condition reporting, security and equipment monitoring and utility meter reading. For more information on Aeris.net, please visit the company's Web site at http:// www.aeris.net or call 888-Go-Aeris.

MicroBurst® is a trademark of Aeris.net, Inc. Aeris is a registered trademark of Aeris.net. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

 

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