UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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For the Month of October 2003
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(Commission File. No 0-30718).
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SIERRA WIRELESS, INC., A CANADA CORPORATION
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(Translation of registrant's name in English)
13811 WIRELESS WAY
RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA V6V 3A4
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(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code: 604-231-1100
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F: Form 20-F X 40-F
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Yes: No: X
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North American News Release
SIERRA WIRELESS ANNOUNCES Voq(TM) PROFESSIONAL PHONES WITH
INNOVATIVE E-MAIL SOLUTION FOR BUSINESS USERS
Voq PROFESSIONAL PHONES TO ARM BUSINESS USERS WITH COMPELLING VOICE
AND DATA FUNCTIONALITY IN A SINGLE, POCKETABLE
MICROSOFT WINDOWS MOBILE(TM) BASED DEVICE
VANCOUVER, CANADA & LONDON, UK - OCTOBER 8TH, 2003 -- Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ:
SWIR - TSX: SW) announced today the Voq line of professional phones and
value-added software for business users. New Voq-branded professional phones
will be based on Microsoft Windows Mobile(TM) software for Smartphones and will
feature both a familiar phone keypad and unique flip-open QWERTY thumbpad. The
Voq product line also includes other hardware and software innovations for easy
information navigation and retrieval, compelling text entry, and email that is
automatically updated. The first Voq model will support global markets by
operating over the GSM and GPRS wireless networks and is planned for commercial
availability in the first half of 2004.
"Sierra Wireless is in a great position to succeed in the Smartphone market,
from their strong background in wireless data to their established relationships
with wireless carriers," said Roberta Wiggins, Director, Wireless and Mobile
Services, The Yankee Group. "Our research points to an upcoming spike in the
adoption of Smartphones and Voq's key features including the flip-open QWERTY
thumbpad, make it a formidable offering in this market space."
"Sierra Wireless' Voq promises to be the most important new entrant in the
messaging device space in 2004. By going with the Windows Mobile platform and
leveraging their proven experience in wireless data, Sierra Wireless and Voq are
setting the standard for future phone/messaging handhelds," said Ken Hyers,
Senior Analyst, In-Stat/MDR.
The Voq professional phone is based on Windows Mobile(TM) software for
Smartphones, which enables users to synchronize their most important information
from Outlook, browse the Internet, listen to music, and customize their phones
with personalization options. It has a 200MHz Intel(R) PXA262 processor with
stacked flash memory with value-added hardware and software product capabilities
that include:
o A familiar 12-key dial-pad for full mobile phone functionality and a
unique flip-open QWERTY thumbpad for easy text entry;
o A remarkably simple way to store, navigate and retrieve information;
o Secure, automatically updated e-mail requiring no desktop redirector
or dedicated server. The e-mail solution supports standard enterprise
email systems including Microsoft Exchange(TM), Lotus Notes(TM), and
Novell Groupwise(TM);
o Software upgrade options with advanced e-mail functionality and
support for existing Virtual Private Networking (VPN) security
systems.
These capabilities are the result of extensive primary market research into
the communications needs of mobile professionals. Sierra Wireless has an
active IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) program and has applied for patent
protection to cover the unique hardware and software differentiators it has
conceived in the Voq product line.
"Sierra Wireless has expertise in providing wireless data solutions for business
users, and we're pleased to welcome their new handset based on our Windows
Mobile software," said Juha Christensen, Corporate Vice President of the Mobile
Devices Division at Microsoft. "The Voq brand of Smartphones from Sierra
Wireless combines the power and familiarity of our Windows Mobile software into
an exciting and unique design."
"Sierra Wireless has done a great job creating a family of computing and
communications devices with very innovative designs," said Ron Smith, senior
vice president and general manager of Intel's Wireless Communications and
Computing Group. "With the power and performance of the Intel processor and
memory components, the Voq professional phone has delivered convergence and
mobility for the business user."
"Voq leverages our own expertise in enterprise wireless data and our existing
channels and relationships," said David Sutcliffe, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Sierra Wireless. "Busy professionals and corporate users need a
wireless solution that can deliver compelling voice and data functionality in a
single, pocketable device. We are investing in expanding our product line to
meet these needs and are doing so with a continued business focus on growth and
profitability."
The company has an existing global network of wireless operators and corporate
technology channels and expects to take Voq to market under co-branding
arrangements with some of these channels. Voq hardware and software products
will be in network operator and end user testing programs in Europe and North
America through Q1 of 2004. In addition to working closely with Microsoft and
Intel, Sierra Wireless is partnering with Flextronics International Ltd., a
global leader in wireless handset manufacturing, to manufacture Voq products.
Sierra Wireless provided financial guidance for the third and fourth quarters on
July 17, 2003. There are no changes to the third quarter guidance resulting from
this Voq professional phone announcement. Updates to fourth quarter guidance, if
any, will be provided as previously planned on October 22, 2003 when we report
Q3 results. The company has been funding Voq product and market development
primarily through resource allocation and internally generated margins and plans
to continue doing so.
For more detailed information on the Voq professional phone, visit our website
at www.voq.com
CONFERENCE CALL AND INSTANT REPLAY
We will host a conference call to discuss Voq on October 8th, 2003 at 2:30 PM
PDT, 5:30 PM EDT. To participate in this conference call, please dial the
following toll free number approximately five minutes prior to the commencement
of the call:
1-888-458-1598 (NORTH AMERICA)
+1 403-232-6311 (OVERSEAS)
PASSCODE: 38226#
Should you be unable to participate, Instant Replay will be available for seven
business days following the conference call by dialing:
1-877-653-0545 PASSCODE: 198388#
We look forward to having you participate in our call.
ABOUT SIERRA WIRELESS
Sierra Wireless is a leader in delivering highly differentiated wireless
solutions that enable our customers to improve their productivity and lifestyle.
Sierra Wireless develops and markets Voq, a line of mobile phones with
easy-to-use, secure software solutions for mobile professionals; AirCard, the
industry-leading wireless PC card line for portable computers; embedded modules
for OEM wireless applications; and the MP line of rugged vehicle-mounted
connectivity solutions.
"AirCard" and "Voq" are trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc. Other product or
service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things,
plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and
products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand
conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits and other
expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not
historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our
ability to develop, manufacture and supply products which we do not produce
today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the
words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations.
They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data
communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding
the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot
assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release
will be realized.
(NOTE: EDITORS CAN DOWNLOAD PRODUCT PHOTOS BY VISITING: www.voq.com/pressroom)
PHOTO LINK: http://eservices.ccnmatthews.com/release/phone/phone.jpg
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Product information - North America: Investor Relations:
Sierra Wireless Sierra Wireless
Andrea Susan Dyck Peter Roberts
Phone: (604) 233-7823 Phone: (604) 231-1192
E-mail: adyck@sierrawireless.com E-mail: proberts@sierrawireless.com
Product information - Europe:
Axicom UK
Jenny Holt
Phone: +44 (0) 20 8392 4061
Mobile: +44 (0) 7730 438 762
E-mail: jenny.holt@axicom.com
European News Release
SIERRA WIRELESS ANNOUNCES Voq(TM) PROFESSIONAL PHONES WITH
INNOVATIVE E-MAIL SOLUTION FOR BUSINESS USERS
Voq PROFESSIONAL PHONES TO ARM BUSINESS USERS WITH COMPELLING VOICE
AND DATA FUNCTIONALITY IN A SINGLE, POCKETABLE
MICROSOFT WINDOWS MOBILE(TM) BASED DEViCE
DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE AT SIERRA WIRELESS BOOTH (NO. 2045 HALL 2)
AT ITU TELECOM WORLD 2003, GENEVA
VANCOUVER, CANADA & LONDON, UK - OCTOBER 8TH, 2003 -- Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ:
SWIR - TSX: SW) announced today the Voq line of professional phones and
value-added software for business users. New Voq-branded professional phones
will be based on Microsoft Windows Mobile(TM) software for Smartphones and will
feature both a familiar phone keypad and unique flip-open QWERTY thumbpad. The
Voq product line also includes other hardware and software innovations for easy
information navigation and retrieval, compelling text entry, and email that is
automatically updated. The first Voq model will support global markets by
operating over the GSM and GPRS wireless networks and is planned for commercial
availability in the first half of 2004.
"Traditional handset manufacturers are struggling to produce a Smartphone that
truly addresses the needs of the corporate mainstream," said Dale Vile, Senior
Analyst, Quocirca. "The ability to store and access business information is of
little benefit if it cannot be navigated conveniently, and effective business
messaging requires a comfortable input mechanism. Sierra Wireless understands
that innovative ways of tackling these issues are essential if service providers
are to gain acceptance of Smartphones and tap new revenue streams in the
business sector."
The Voq professional phone is based on Windows Mobile(TM) software for
Smartphones, which enables users to synchronize their most important information
from Outlook, browse the Internet, listen to music, and customize their phones
with personalization options. It has a 200MHz Intel(R) PXA262 processor with
stacked flash memory with value-added hardware and software product capabilities
that include:
o A familiar 12-key dial-pad for full mobile phone functionality and a
unique flip-open QWERTY thumbpad for easy text entry;
o A remarkably simple way to store, navigate and retrieve information;
o Secure, automatically updated e-mail requiring no desktop redirector
or dedicated server. The e-mail solution supports standard enterprise
email systems including Microsoft Exchange(TM), Lotus Notes(TM), and
Novell Groupwise(TM);
o Software upgrade options with advanced e-mail functionality and
support for existing Virtual Private Networking (VPN) security
systems.
These capabilities are the result of extensive primary market research into the
communications needs of mobile professionals. Sierra Wireless has an active IPR
(Intellectual Property Rights) program and has applied for patent protection to
cover the unique hardware and software differentiators it has conceived in the
Voq product line.
"Sierra Wireless has expertise in providing wireless data solutions for business
users, and we're pleased to welcome their new handset based on our Windows
Mobile software," said Juha Christensen, Corporate Vice President of the Mobile
Devices Division at Microsoft. "The Voq brand of Smartphones from Sierra
Wireless combines the power and familiarity of our Windows Mobile software into
an exciting and unique design."
"Sierra Wireless has done a great job creating a family of computing and
communications devices with very innovative designs," said Ron Smith, senior
vice president and general manager of Intel's Wireless Communications and
Computing Group. "With the power and performance of the Intel processor and
memory components, the Voq professional phone has delivered convergence and
mobility for the business user."
"Voq leverages our own expertise in enterprise wireless data and our existing
channels and relationships," said David Sutcliffe, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Sierra Wireless. "Busy professionals and corporate users need a
wireless solution that can deliver compelling voice and data functionality in a
single, pocketable device. We are investing in expanding our product line to
meet these needs and are doing so with a continued business focus on growth and
profitability."
The company has an existing global network of wireless operators and corporate
technology channels and expects to take Voq to market under co-branding
arrangements with some of these channels. Voq hardware and software products
will be in network operator and end user testing programs in Europe and North
America through Q1 of 2004. In addition to working closely with Microsoft and
Intel, Sierra Wireless is partnering with Flextronics International Ltd., a
global leader in wireless handset manufacturing, to manufacture Voq products.
Sierra Wireless provided financial guidance for the third and fourth quarters on
July 17, 2003. There are no changes to the third quarter guidance resulting from
this Voq professional phone announcement. Updates to fourth quarter guidance, if
any, will be provided as previously planned on October 22, 2003 when we report
Q3 results. The company has been funding Voq product and market development
primarily through resource allocation and internally generated margins and plans
to continue doing so.
For more detailed information on the Voq professional phone, visit our website
at www.voq.com
CONFERENCE CALL AND INSTANT REPLAY
We will host a conference call to discuss Voq on October 8th, 2003 at 2:30 PM
PDT, 5:30 PM EDT. To participate in this conference call, please dial the
following toll free number approximately five minutes prior to the commencement
of the call:
1-888-458-1598 (NORTH AMERICA)
+1 403-232-6311 (OVERSEAS)
PASSCODE: 38226#
Should you be unable to participate, Instant Replay will be available for seven
business days following the conference call by dialing:
1-877-653-0545 PASSCODE: 198388#
We look forward to having you participate in our call.
ABOUT SIERRA WIRELESS
Sierra Wireless is a leader in delivering highly differentiated wireless
solutions that enable our customers to improve their productivity and lifestyle.
Sierra Wireless develops and markets Voq, a line of mobile phones with
easy-to-use, secure software solutions for mobile professionals; AirCard, the
industry-leading wireless PC card line for portable computers; embedded modules
for OEM wireless applications; and the MP line of rugged vehicle-mounted
connectivity solutions.
"AirCard" and "Voq" are trademarks of Sierra Wireless, Inc. Other product or
service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things,
plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and
products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand
conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits and other
expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not
historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our
ability to develop, manufacture and supply products which we do not produce
today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the
words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations.
They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data
communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding
the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot
assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release
will be realized.
(NOTE: EDITORS CAN DOWNLOAD PRODUCT PHOTOS BY VISITING: www.voq.com/pressroom)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Product information - North America: Investor Relations:
Sierra Wireless Sierra Wireless
Andrea Susan Dyck Peter Roberts
Phone: (604) 233-7823 Phone: (604) 231-1192
E-mail: adyck@sierrawireless.com E-mail: proberts@sierrawireless.com
Product information - Europe: Demonstrations at ITU Telecom World
Axicom UK Axicom UK
Jenny Holt Emily Wearmouth
Phone: +44 (0) 20 8392 4061 Phone: +44 (0) 20 8392 4064 (per show)
Mobile: +44 (0) 7730 438 762 Mobile: +44 (0) 7711 837 348
E-mail: jenny.holt@axicom.com E-mail: emily.wearmouth@axicom.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Sierra Wireless, Inc.
By: /s/ Peter W. Roberts
-------------------------------------
Peter W. Roberts,
Chief Financial Officer
Date: October 9, 2003