VeriTest to Manage Windows CE Hardware Preview Program for Software Development Community
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — November 18, 1996 — VeriTest, Inc., the only authorized test laboratory for the new Microsoft Windows CE Software Logo Program, today announced that it has been selected by Microsoft Corporation to manage a hardware preview program aimed at serving independent software vendors (ISVs) who need quick access to Windows CE devices for application development and testing. The hardware preview program, managed by VeriTest, is part of the overall Microsoft Windows CE Developer Program. Developers interested in joining the Windows CE Developer Program should email [email protected].
VeriTest made the announcement as the company formally opened its Windows CE logo lab for software testing and as Microsoft officially released guidelines for the logo program.
In advance of broad retail availability of Windows CE-based handheld PCs, ISVs need to beta-test Windows CE software on the variety of devices in development. Under the Microsoft-authorized hardware preview program, hardware manufacturers will supply VeriTest with quantities of handheld PCs for use by ISVs in compatibility and other testing. Microsoft will provide technical support, as needed.
"By acting as the central clearinghouse for handheld PCs targeted to the ISV community, we expect to facilitate CE application development efforts," said Steve Nemzer, president, VeriTest. "Our goal is to provide all Windows CE developers with fair access to the latest and most up-to-date devices for testing purposes."
VeriTest will oversee the fee-based program to give ISVs rapid access to these devices, generally for periods of one to four weeks. In addition to the rental fee, the company will hold a refundable security deposit for the device rental. No fees or royalties will be paid to Microsoft or to hardware manufacturers. According to the program, ISVs may rent up to five HPCs at a time, no more than two from a single manufacturer.
A copy of hardware preview program guidelines for Windows CE may be obtained upon request via e-mail ([email protected]) or by visiting the VeriTest World Wide Web site ( http://www.veritest.com).
VeriTest, the nation's largest independent computer product testing laboratory, recently unveiled its Lab for Windows CE, a stand-alone extension of the company's Mobile Computing Lab. The company is building its Windows CE-based test bed into a premier industry resource for compatibility testing of PC-synchronized consumer electronics.
VeriTest, Inc. has provided definitive, real-world product testing to the PC industry since 1987. Based in Santa Monica, Calif., VeriTest offers a fully independent verification service, unaffiliated with any publication or other entity. Its laboratories conduct confidential tests of compatibility and performance for the industry's leading hardware manufacturers and software developers.
VeriTest has been the only authorized "Designed for Microsoft Windows 95" software logo test lab since 1994. Along with the "Designed for Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 95," Microsoft Visual Basic programming system, Applications Edition, and Microsoft Office Compatible logo testing programs, VeriTest is the official "UnixWare OS Branding Lab" for SCO, is licensed for ExCA compliance testing from Intel, and serves as the official performance lab for Mobile Computing Magazine. The company maintains specialist labs for custom, confidential Hardware Compatibility, Internet, Mobile Computing, UNIX, Software Quality Assurance and Computer Games testing.
Note to Editors: Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and Visual Basic are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
CONTACT:
VeriTest, Inc.
Marc Abrams, 310/450-0062
[email protected]
http://www.veritest.com
or
Edge Communications, Inc.
Ken Greenberg, 818/591-1173
[email protected]