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Plasco ID and Socket Provide Tracking Solution for Memphis City Schools

Joint Plasco ID and Socket Solution to Be Implemented in All Schools Within the District

NEWARK, Calif. - July 30, 2008

Socket Mobile, Inc., an innovative provider of mobile productivity solutions, and Plasco ID, the leading provider of plastic card personalization solutions, announced a mobile tracking and data retrieval solution for the Memphis City Schools (MCS).

The solution developed for MCS combines the tracking, data analysis and reporting capabilities of Plasco's PlascoTrac software, the mobile computing power and scalability of the Socket SoMo 650(R) handheld computer, and the automated data collection capability of the Socket CompactFlash Scan Card, a small bar code scanner that plugs into the top of the SoMo device. The joint solution can be used to track tardiness, assign detentions, verify student identities and various other tracking tasks. With 112,500 students, MCS is the 21st largest school district in the nation and the largest in Tennessee. As part of the MCS Blue Ribbon initiative, the solution will help school administrators and security personnel create a safe and positive school environment. The initiative focuses on improved student achievement through positive behavior support, increased student attendance and student engagement. After an initial pilot in five schools, MCS will rollout the solution to all middle and high schools within the district.

To use the solution, school and security officers use the Socket CompactFlash Scan Card plugged into the SoMo 650 to scan the bar code on student identification cards to accurately identify the student. All middle and high school students within the MCS district have bar-coded ID cards. Once scanned, officials use the PlascoTrac software to either print an administrative slip (tardy, hall pass, detention) with the wireless printer connected to the device, or take other actions, including contacting a parent or guardian. Also, if unauthorized minors of any age are on a campus, their identities can be immediately identified and proper next steps can be taken. In case of emergencies, like a lost or missing student, photos and contact information can be shared throughout the district.

In addition to using the mobile devices within the schools, the various school security administrators will have a SoMo 650 in each patrol car. Officers can access the software either through the handheld computer, laptop or desktop in the office.

While initially being used to track truancy and attendance problems with students, MCS view the mobile device as an opportunity to implement other tracking programs in the future such as inventory tracking in the library, and monitoring transportation and nutrition services.

Executive quote

"This new mobile solution provides administrators with mobile access to student records and history, and enables the district to access and process information at the point where it is needed," said Bob Zink, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Socket Mobile. "The solution from Socket and Plasco ID improves the safety of the students and facilitates compliance with state and federal funding requirements, such as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program, while simultaneously increasing productivity."

Customer quote

"As with many paper based systems, MCS was looking for a solution to increase efficiency by implementing an automated system," said Sergeant Kenneth Pinkney, Director of Student Behavior and Intervention with Memphis City Schools. "The mobile solution provided by Socket and Plasco reduces paperwork and improves access to information, allowing MCS to better focus on educating the students."

About the company

About Socket Mobile, Inc.

Socket makes mobility computing and productivity work. The company is a one-stop supplier of mobile computing hardware systems, offering a handheld mobile computer specifically designed for business mobility use and an extensive portfolio of essential mobile data collection and networking peripherals that enable mobile automation and productivity increases. The company also offers OEM solutions. Socket is headquartered in Newark, Calif. and can be reached at 510-933-3000 or socketmobile.com.

Socket and SoMo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Socket Mobile, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners.

About Plasco ID

Plasco Inc. (dba Plasco ID) is a privately held company founded in 1983 and headquartered in Miami, Florida. Plasco ID is a leader in the plastic card personalization industry and specializes in the integration of Digital Photo Identification Solutions. Using the latest card technologies available, Plasco ID has a proven track record of providing card-based solutions for cashless vending, mobile access control and time and attendance tracking for schools, government agencies, corporations and amusement parks. Visit www.PlascoID.com for more information on the company or call 305-625-4222.

Contact details

Socket Media Contact:
Carol Montalvo
Director of Marketing Communications
510/933-3051
carol@socketmobile.com

Editorial Contact:
Catherine Koo or Nicole Wasowski
Lewis PR
415/992-4400
socketmobile@lewispr.com

Socket Investor Contact:
David Dunlap
Chief Financial Officer
510/933-3035
dave@socketmobile.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers
MKR Group, Inc.
323/468-2300
sckt@mkr-group.com

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