GRid Systems and R2Z Announce Pen Interface dBase Development Tool
FREMONT, Calif. — March 20, 1990 — GRiD Systems (NYSE:TAN) and R2Z Tuesday announced a pen interface software tool for developing graphical database applications for pen-based computers.
PADBase+ enables developers to write dBase applications for use with the new generation of pen interface computers, such as the GRiDPAD. PADBase+ may also be used on standard PC-compatible desktop or portable computers with mouse and keyboard.
PADBase+ is a high-level language that enables programmers to enhance existing dBase applications written for conventional keyboard MS-DOS computers through the addition of pen interface, handwriting recognition, and such graphical features as pictures and icons, radio buttons and windows.
PADBase+ facilitates these features by using the new pen-interface software developed by GRiD to be used with dBase III programming tools and databases.
''This is an easy-to-use, off-the-shelf development tool for enhancing the thousands of dBase applications currently available. It adds the ease-of-use of the pen interface and handprinted character recognition to dBase,'' said Kenneth Dulaney, director of Advanced Systems Marketing at GRiD.
To facilitate development of additional software for pen interface and handwriting recognition, GRiD is sponsoring an international conference to study handwriting recognition in Santa Clara, Calif., on April 19.
PADBase+ was developed by R2Z, a Fremont, Calif., software development firm. R2Z has been a GRiD Marketing Partner for the past two years. GRiD Marketing Partners provide value-added solutions for government and corporate customers.
R2Z president Richard Artusy said, ''With PADBase+, system integrators and software programmers can immediately begin utilizing the revolutionary GRiDPAD pen interface computer for designing and implementing remote information systems while maintaining compatibility with their present dBase applications.''
Pen interface refers to electronic pen-to-screen technology. Pen interface computers incorporate an electronic pen to enable users to enter information by writing, typing or drawing rather than through the conventional keyboard or mouse.
The pen can also be used to select information from a menu, list or database and to initiate a communications session to transfer or receive data. The GRiDPAD is a handheld, notebook-size, MS-DOS computer that uses pen interface technology and recognizes printed handwriting.
With PADBase+, software developers can design, program and test event-driven, object-oriented application programs on a standard IBM-PC or clone using the Clipper Summer 87 dBase language compiler. After software integration and testing, these compiled application programs are transferred to the GRiDPAD.
Information gathered on the GRiDPAD is downloaded onto a PC-compatible host, either as part of a network or a stand-alone system. The same application software that is used on the GRiDPAD is also used on the host PC to edit, modify or review the database.
The PADBase+ documentation and example disk is available to aid the learning process for programmers who have not programmed event-driven, object-oriented software. Detailed documentation and examples are provided that programmers can build upon to create their own unique software applications.
PADBase+ can be ordered directly from GRiD through GRiD Systems Centers and sales offices or from R2Z. Priced at $450, PADBase+ started shipping this month.
GRiD manufactures and markets a comprehensive range of battery-powered laptop computers, industry-standard desktop computers, operating systems, software tools, portable peripherals and electronic mail/networking systems. GRiD, with installed systems in more than one third of Fortune 500 companies, has a worldwide direct sales and support organization.
The company also demonstrates products at more than 50 GRiD Systems Centers and sells products through application-specific value added resellers. GRiD is located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538.
GRiD also has subsidiaries in the UK (44) (0) 372-60266 and in Germany (49) (0) 211-4998-2971. GRiD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tandy Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Tandy is a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers. Tandy has sales in excess of $4 billion annually.
CONTACT:
GRiD Systems Corp., Fremont
Bob Goligoski, 415/656-4700
or
R2Z, Fremont
Richard Artusy, 415/792-1477