New partnership Promotes Small and Mid-Size Enterprise Cell Phone Safety ahead of New Year ban in BC

Vancouver, British Columbia, December 30, 2009 – Amid mounting concerns about enterprise drivers using their cell phones while on the road, Aegis Mobility and Backbone Systems have announced a technical and market trial of Aegis Mobility’s DriveAssist™ for small- and medium-sized enterprises. DriveAssist is the first technology enabling cell phones to automatically detect when a cell phone user is driving, and provide a range of safer alternatives for employees to handle incoming and outgoing text messages, calls, and Internet activity while behind the wheel.

Under the terms of the agreement, Backbone Systems serves as the technology partner, providing and hosting the software infrastructure on which DriveAssist operates. As part of the trial, employees from both companies will test the application using Windows Mobile and RIM/Blackberry smart-phones platforms. In addition, Backbone Systems obtains an exclusive right to sell DriveAssist in Canada to small- and medium-sized enterprises for a period of six months after the trial.

"We are excited to be working with Backbone in this first-ever test in a commercial application,” says Lisa Payne, chief financial officer for Aegis Mobility. "Small and mid-sized firms understand that effective communications are essential to their bottom line. This trial will reinforce that fact, and highlight their role in helping employees effectively and safely manage those critical contacts while on the road.”

Evidence pointing to the role of cell phones in distracted driving is leading many businesses to actively seek technology solutions for safer management of employee mobile communication. Research shows that a cell phone conversation while driving increases a driver’s crash risk four times and texting may increase it up to 23 times. In addition, a series of high-profile crashes involving cell phone drivers have further highlighted employee safety and corporate liability issues, and attracted the attention of federal and state legislators, researchers, corporate risk managers, and insurers. New laws banning or restricting cell phone driving have been proposed or enacted in virtually every state, and the Department of Transportation and the Federal Communications Commission, among other federal agencies, are actively supporting additional legislation and encouraging technology solutions such as DriveAssist to address the problem of distracted driving.

"This agreement is indicative of the importance being placed on driving safety by businesses of all sizes,” according to Sarah Morton, CEO of Backbone Systems. "Reducing the frequency of automobile or truck accidents due to distractions from mobile communications creates a safer employee and mobile work environment, and reduces costs associated with personal injuries, vehicle repairs, and insurance premiums. It is truly a win-win situation for all involved.”

About Aegis Mobility

Aegis Mobility, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, creates innovative solutions that enable people to manage their mobile communications based on activity, location, time and caller identity, putting people in control of their lives while increasing their productivity and ensuring their personal privacy. For more information, please visit http://www.aegismobility.com/.

About Backbone Systems

Backbone Systems (http://www.backbonesystems.ca/) provides a full complement of IT solutions including software applications, email, customer relationship management, data storage, and backup for small and medium sized businesses. The firm is based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

To learn more about Backbone Systems please visit http://www.backbonesystems.ca/
Media contact: Michael Ford, Detail Communications

Sarah Morton
CEO