[Vancouver, CANADA] Intrinsyc's new engagement shows expansion into the global positioning system (GPS), personal digital assistant (PDA) and wireless markets. Under its contract with Inforetech Wireless Technology Inc., Intrinsyc will integrate its embedded technology into Inforetech's line of wireless, personal recreational devices (PRDs), representing a new vertical market for the company's embedded solutions.

Already Intrinsyc has developed a PDA development kit for its CerfBoard product. The display capabilities will further enable clients, such as Inforetech, to develop smart, Internet-ready devices that require visual displays.

In 1999, according to IDC, approximately 8.2 million smart handheld devices were shipped worldwide, a 21.7 percent increase over 1998. IDC expects this number to more than quadruple by 2003, to 35.6 million. The market now demands a ubiquitous computing environment where devices can be connected to a gateway providing access to the Internet.

"Intrinsyc's embedded technology will allow the data flowing through Inforetech's wireless devices to be networked and monitored remotely. We're entering a logical vertical market with this solution," said Derek Spratt, chairman and chief executive officer of Intrinsyc.

In addition to customizing its CerfBoard to suit the specific wireless and durability requirements of Inforetech's product line, Intrinsyc will also provide engineering services, training and ongoing support. A licensing agreement is being concluded regarding Intrinsyc's wireless software solutions.