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CURIOUS NETWORKS INTRODUCES NEW MARKUP LANGUAGE FOR MOBILE INDUSTRY
MAXML™ Enables One Development Effort for Applications on Multiple Internet Access Devices


CHICAGO, November 15, 2000 - Curious Networks today turns up the power on multi-channel applications development with the introduction of MAXML™ (multi-channel access XML), the first language designed specifically for the development of multi-channel applications. This patent-pending, XML-based language helps take the time and difficulty out of writing code for wireless and non-wireless Internet access devices. Using MAXML, developers no longer have to write separate code for each device. They simply write in MAXML once and the application is instantly accessible across all devices-regardless of the varying standards.


Through focus groups and product testing, Curious Networks found that developers face many challenges programming in the new wireless landscape. In fact, until today, moving into the wireless space has been tedious and time consuming for programmers. With a variety of mobile and alternative access devices, and unique standards and presentations associated with each, developers had to painstakingly code an application for each device, which required them to learn numerous current and emerging markup languages such as WML, HDML, Voice XML, WAP and Palm's PQA.


Now with a single development effort, programmers can specify and write code once in MAXML, enabling them to deploy that application across all devices, including PDAs, text pagers, WAP phones, interactive TV, and standard phones using voice recognition. Without any alteration to the existing MAXML, developers can support additional devices as they emerge, eliminating the concern over ever-changing standards and technologies. Because MAXML uses fewer lines of code, developers also save valuable time.


"As more businesses go mobile, MAXML is going to be very important," says Dwight Taylor, Webmaster consultant and developer, who participated in Curious Networks' focus groups and product testing. "Most major corporations do not have WAP-enabled or voice-XML-enabled applications. They are strictly using HTML. They don't have applications that can go across devices, so there is definitely a benefit there with MAXML. It's a language developers will soon be looking to use."


"Businesses also save time and money through the use of MAXML because they no longer have to worry about recruiting and retraining developers on codes that may soon be obsolete. With only one development effort necessary for multi-channel access, businesses can ensure rapid deployment of applications. A scalable, future-proof solution, MAXML offers businesses a quick and efficient way to move into the mobile arena without lengthy development efforts.


"Companies are spending millions to ramp up on current standards that may not last. Curious Networks provides a robust solution that eliminates the risks associated with deploying mobile applications," says Francesca Mabarak, senior analyst with the Wireless Mobile Technologies division at Yankee Group.


Unlike traditional development processes based on presentation, MAXML is founded on a human-information interaction model that explains the relationships between data and how users interact with that data.


"MAXML is the cornerstone of an entirely new way of developing applications," says David Cutler, CEO of Curious Networks. "No longer do companies have to build applications that work only on a single device or platform. Now, they are able to create and deploy into-the-future applications that can be accessed on multiple devices ranging from wireless phones to interactive television. MAXML is the first language to make this possible."


Availability
The beta version of MAXML and Curious Networks' flagship product, Continuum, will be available on the Web at workshop.curiousnetworks.com. Curious Networks Workshop will, for the first time, let interested individuals explore and evaluate the inner-workings of true multi-channel development, allowing developers to build and deploy their own test applications using MAXML. Curious Networks' enterprise version of Continuum is currently in beta testing with select customers and will be commercially available in early first quarter 2001.



About Curious Networks
Curious Networks enables companies to deliver customized business, employee, and consumer-centric applications across the widest range of Internet devices. The company's scalable multi-channel access platform allows businesses to develop next-generation applications that users can access when they want, how they want, and where they want-simply by using their PCs, mobile or standard phones, personal digital assistants and other emerging Internet appliances. Curious Networks' platform is compatible with all industry standards from HTML and XML to WAP and VoiceXML. Using a breakthrough approach based on interaction-oriented development, the Curious Networks multi-channel access platform delivers unparalleled usability, protection from costly future development, and complete scalability.



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