MDSI and Brand Communications Announce Alliance to Deliver Mobile Data Solutions Worldwide

Integration of MDSI Advantex software and Brand Apollo software will deliver faster, easier, and cheaper GSM wireless data connection for field service organizations worldwide

Richmond, BC, October 4, 1999

MDSI Mobile Data Solutions Inc. ("MDSI") (Nasdaq: MDSI; TSE, ME: MMD), a leading provider worldwide of workforce management and mobility solutions, and U.K.-based Brand Communications Limited ("Brand"), the leading supplier worldwide of GSM local area network (LAN) access, announced today a major new alliance. MDSI’s Advantex™ workforce management software will be integrated with Brand’s Apollo GSM LAN access software to deliver mobile data efficiently and cost-effectively over GSM, the international wireless data network standard. This alliance will allow both companies to build upon their unique strengths in mobile data, particularly in the international utility and telecommunications marketplace.

Brand’s Apollo connectivity will handle the GSM communications link while MDSI™ Advantex will deliver workforce management to the enterprise. Apollo software will be loaded along with the Advantex mobile client application onto mobile computers used in the field. Mobile workers will be able to dial seamlessly and directly to applications on the host system, including Advantex, via the GSM network. The technology ensures consistent, high-performance wireless data communications, and the transfer of data between Advantex and the enterprise is secure, reliable, and fast—and cost-effective. Customers will be able to save money by significantly cutting network time with Apollo’s "spoofing" capabilities. With spoofing, Apollo establishes a virtual connection to Advantex even when no GSM calls are in progress, so calls are intelligently dropped when no data is being passed.

By seamlessly extending the corporate network to the field, mobile workers using Apollo and Advantex will be able to exchange information (e.g., receive incoming work orders, transmit order status updates, send order completion details) with the enterprise in real-time throughout the day. At the same time, mobile workers will be able to obtain immediate, first-hand information about the calls they need to make from other enterprise applications. Companies implementing workforce management solutions will be able to insulate mobile workers from underlying communications complexities so they can carry out their jobs, which will add up to more satisfied customers and more satisfied mobile workers.

Martin Kendrick, Managing Director of Brand, comments, "Brand has achieved a clear lead in the mobile data infrastructure market supplying access products to many of the GSM and satellite network operators for both LAN and mobile internet solutions. Our solution is the product of choice for many corporate organizations now taking advantage of the benefits that real time information delivers. This new alliance with MDSI can only strengthen that position and enable us to deliver much more of what we’re best at—mobile data. We are pleased at how quickly the combined solution has taken off, and at the sheer number of opportunities already emerging. This can only be good news for the industry as a whole because it shows just how easy mobile data solutions can be."

According to Ken Miller, MDSI’s CEO, "We developed the alliance with Brand because they are unquestionably the leader in GSM LAN connectivity worldwide, and because MDSI’s Advantex applications and Brand’s mobile connectivity software fit together seamlessly. By leveraging open standards such as GSM, we minimize the cost of deploying Advantex while customers simultaneously benefit from a solution that can be easily adapted as the enterprise changes." Adds Miller, "This alliance gives MDSI a solid connectivity strategy in the international arena and will assist us in pursuing opportunities with larger utility, telecommunications, and field service organizations worldwide that already rely on GSM for communication."

Brand’s Apollo solution makes GSM a reality for business-critical data applications. It removes all of the uncertainty of using a wireless network to transfer vital information by transparently integrating GSM with the LAN environment both within the enterprise and out in the field. Spoofing gives each mobile user a permanent LAN session for the duration of the working day, but active GSM data calls are only made when there is data to be sent. Compression techniques optimize the connection in terms of throughput. Fast re-connect times (typically 5 seconds) mean less wasted GSM time and no frustration for the user. In the event of dropped calls or disconnections, Apollo also automatically recovers the GSM link without any loss of data or session—without any user intervention. Mobile users are simply aware that they are always logged on and ready to work. Enhanced security techniques ensure that only valid users can establish a session and access applications throughout the day. Compatibility with almost all GSM data devices and networks results in a future-proofed investment for the customer.

MDSI’s Advantex software suite fully integrates a company’s mobile resources with the enterprise for improved and innovative customer service that wins more customers and keeps them longer. Advantex schedules mobile resources so customer requests are dealt with promptly and at guaranteed, specific appointment times. The system automatically assigns tasks to the most appropriate mobile worker, based on skill set or other factors, so that the job gets done right the first time. Advantex automatically distributes the workload, so dispatchers can focus on emergency situations and serve larger workforces and territories. It transmits job status information to the office so dispatchers and supervisors can monitor progress "at-a-glance" and reprioritize orders. Advantex lets mobile workers stay informed through interactive messaging with dispatchers and access to critical corporate information systems, like customer records and inventory. Advantex also reports on performance to help senior management make decisions. And it all happens wirelessly, in real-time.

About Brand Communications

Brand Communications is a global leader in mobile data and remote access solutions. We develop, manufacture and market a range of leading mobile, remote office and site-to-site access solutions for all environments including ISDN, PSTN, Fixed Lines, Satellite, GSM and GPRS.

Apollo has helped to significantly grow the number of active GSM data users worldwide and has delivered tangible paybacks to many networks and their users. Apollo continues to deliver such rich benefits to HSCSD, GPRS and 3G networks. More information can be found at http://www.brandcomms.com

About MDSI

MDSI Mobile Data Solutions is the leading provider of workforce management and mobility solutions for companies that fully integrate mobile resources with the enterprise. MDSI designs, develops, implements, and supports solutions for the utility, telecommunications, cable, field service, insurance, and state and local government markets worldwide. With the Advantex product suite, professional services, and strategic business alliances, MDSI business solutions extend the enterprise to mobile resources, and draw mobile resources completely into the enterprise. Founded in 1993, MDSI now has major operations in the U.S. and Canada, multiple support offices around the world, and a large customer list that includes industry leaders such as AT&T Wireless Services, Belgacom, Cablevision Systems Corporation, Cox Communications, Detroit Edison, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Pacific Gas & Electric, Reliant Energy, San Diego Gas & Electric, Tele Danmark and Telenor.

MDSI and Advantex are trademarks of MDSI Mobile Data Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements in this release include MDSI’s plans to integrate Brand’s products into MDSI’s software and the success and benefits of this incorporation. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.

For further information on Brand Communications Ltd, contact:

Miss Katie Sarah Ruff
Brand Communications Limited
Trinity House
Ermine Business Park
Huntingdon
Cambs, PE29 6XY

Tel: +44 (0)1480 442100   Email: katier@brandcomms.com
Media Imagery is Available on Request.

For further information on MDSI, contact:

Cara Strohack
Public Relations
MDSI Mobile Data Solutions

Tel: (604) 207-6000 ext. 6287   Email: pr@mdsi.bc.ca