U.S. Army Advances Blood Information Program with Cordless Bar Code Scanning Technology


Cordless Bar Code Scanning Solution Increases US Army Blood Team Productivity and Saves Lives

NEWARK, Calif., June 13, 2006 - Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT), an innovative provider of mobile productivity products, today announced the U.S. Army has deployed its cordless bar code scanning technology to upgrade and automate the management of blood inventory. The Army is using a bar code scanning solution consisting of Socket Cordless Hand Scanner devices with handheld computers housed in OtterBox PDA cases to increase the speed and efficiency of its blood inventory tracking system while reducing the potential for errors and providing the best possible casualty care.

"As a result of the deployment, the Army has saved millions of dollars per year on blood supplies," said Tommy Morris, director of mobile computing at the Army's Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center. "By implementing the bar code scanning solution we have nearly eliminated lost inventory and been able to transfer supplies to the correct locations as the need occurs, reducing the cost of expired blood. Using the new system, a soldier can tap out a blood request in 15 seconds, instead of the three to five minutes it once took using pen and paper."

The Army's blood teams are presented with unique challenges for blood distribution operations, including sporadic communications capabilities and the exceptionally short shelf life of many blood products. Previously, the military used a laptop connected to a server to track blood. However, that system was not practical in the field because it restricted the user to a workstation. The soldiers required a reliable, portable device to improve patient care and record keeping.

The combined solution incorporates the patented Cordless Hand Scanner from Socket with handheld PDAs housed in OtterBox cases. The Socket Cordless Hand Scanner reads bar codes containing specific blood inventory information, which is transmitted wirelessly to the handhelds via a Bluetooth connection, utilizing a custom blood-tracking software program designed by the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center. The tracking information is communicated back to the combat support hospital to ensure that the proper blood inventory makes it to the correct location. The OtterBox cases provide a ruggedized outer covering that allows the handhelds to function in extremely harsh environmental conditions.

"The Army continues to be at the forefront of implementing advanced mobile and data capture technologies to increase the efficiency and accuracy of its operations, and provide the best possible support for soldiers in the field," said Peter Phillips, vice president of marketing at Socket Communications. "With the cordless solution, the Army is able to provide its blood team officers with the freedom of movement and functionality to track inventories in the field. This type of solution can easily be used by all levels of military and civilian health care providers, as well as public health, insurance companies and emergency responders to improve record keeping, patient care and save lives."

About Socket Communications

Socket Communications (NASDAQ: SCKT) develops and distributes a broad range of data collection and network connectivity products for mobile devices such as PDA's, Smartphones and tablet PCs. Working collaboratively with mobile solutions from leading Strategic Vertical Integrators, world-class 3rd party software developers and OEM's, Socket Mobility Friendly® products are proven to drive operational efficiencies, increase mobile workforce productivity, boost corporate performance and improve customer satisfaction. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or http://www.socketcom.com/pr208

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Mobility Friendly, Increasing Mobile Productivity, and KwikBlue are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Socket Communications, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners. © 2006, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Socket Communications Contact:
Carol Montalvo
Sr. Marketing Communications Manager
510/744-2751
carol@socketcom.com

US Editorial Contact:
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Nadel Phelan
831/440-2411
cara@nadelphelan.com

Investor Relations Contact:
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MKR Group, LLC
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European Editorial Contact:
Anna Andersson
Open2Europe for Socket Communications
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Carol Montalvo
Senior Marketing Communications Manager
Socket Communications, Inc.
37400 Central Court
Newark, CA 94560
Tel(510) 744-2751
Fax(510) 744-2727
carol@socketcom.com

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