Vocera Press Releases

VOCERA COMMUNICATIONS EXPANDS CAPABILITIES FOR ITS WEARABLE, INSTANT VOICE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

Improvements enhance customer experience

CUPERTINO, Calif. (October 21, 2003) - Increased wireless security, outbound paging support, and expanded calling options lead the capabilities Vocera Communications Inc. has added to its instant, hands-free, voice-controlled communications system, with today’s release of the Vocera System Software Version 2.0.

The Vocera Communications System enables mobile workers within 802.11b-networked buildings or campuses to instantly connect with one another using simple voice commands. The system allows users to communicate, make decisions, and act quickly anytime, anywhere within the networked facility.

“Vocera’s product features have always been driven by customer needs,” said Julie Shimer, CEO of Vocera Communications. “The new features address customer needs by providing increased system security, paging support, and enhanced calling options to improve patient and customer care.”

The Vocera Communication System consists of Vocera System Software and Vocera Communications Badges, which operate over a wireless LAN (802.11b). The badge, weighing less than 2 ounces, can be clipped to a shirt pocket or collar, or worn on a lanyard, enabling instant, hands-free voice communication.

“Vocera is adding new features and functionality in response to customer demand, allowing them to tailor the communications solution to their particular situations,” said Aaron Vance, analyst with Synergy Research Group. “This allows their customers greater flexibility to meet the needs of their particular communications environment.”

With the release of Version 2.0, Vocera has strengthened system security by adding support for Cisco LEAP, a wireless security protocol, which provides robust, end-to-end security to protect the WLAN network. This security enhancement augments the existing WEP security supported by the system.

The Vocera System Software Version 2.0 provides expanded instant communication capabilities for critical personnel with the addition of urgent calling, global address book, and called-party status features:

Urgent calling ensures emergency calls are received by critical personnel even if they are in “do not disturb” mode or currently speaking with someone else on their badge.
The global address book feature allows users to contact non-users who might be located off-site by simply stating their name. For example, any nurse could call a doctor located offsite, by just saying that doctor’s name.
Called-party status allows the users to know the status of the party they are calling, whether they are off the network or on another call.
Paging support enables users to issue an outbound page allowing the recipient to call back directly to a user’s Vocera badge.

Since Vocera started shipping product in October 2002, it has installed its system in leading hospitals, including Denver Health Medical Center, Long Beach Memorial, and El Camino hospital, and retail companies, including Target Corporation.

The system is sold through select value-added resellers across the United States. Pricing is based on purchases of the software, badges, and software maintenance agreement. Server software licenses start at a list price of $20,000 for a 75-seat users’ license, and the Vocera Communications Badge, which can be shared by shift-based workers, is listed at $350, including the battery and attachments.

About Vocera Communications
Vocera Communications has created a wireless communications system to enhance customer service productivity and teamwork throughout organizations by enabling instant voice communication among mobile workers. The company, headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., was founded in March 2000. For more information, please contact the company at (408) 882-5100 or visit the Web site at www.vocera.com.

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For more information, contact:

Jan Rasmussen
Fleishman-Hillard
816/512-2238
rasmussj@fleishman.com

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