ARDIS Announces Work on Driver for Apple MessagePad Products Based on Newton Intelligence
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — January 6, 1995 — ARDIS, the nation's first and largest wireless data communications network, with the support of Apple Computer, Inc., has announced development plans for a native mode communication driver for Apple's MessagePad products, based on Newton(R) Intelligence. The driver will allow the development and use of wireless data communication applications for Apple MessagePad products using the ARDIS network. ARDIS will make this driver available to the development community at no charge in the first half of 1995.
"ARDIS and Apple have long acknowledged the benefits to end users that wireless communications capabilities on the MessagePad would bring," said Frank Wapole, president and CEO of ARDIS. "This driver will enable development of MessagePad-based wireless applications, representing real progress for both companies in contributing to the growth of this essential communications path for the device."
According to Susan Schuman, communications solutions manager for the Personal Interactive Electronics Division of Apple Computer, Inc.: "Apple believes that this is one of the key enabling technologies that will allow systems integrators, value-added resellers and independent software vendors to develop vertical and horizontal wireless applications for the MessagePad. Customers will now be able to conduct mobile, real-time communication on their MessagePads via the ARDIS network."
As an example of the MessagePad's wireless capabilities over the ARDIS network, ARDIS will be showing a demonstration of their ARDIS PersonalMessaging(SM) service in the Apple booth at MacWorld in San Francisco, January 4-7.
ARDIS PersonalMessaging is a nationwide, interactive two-way messaging service ideal for mobile work groups who require cost- effective, real-time communication. The service addresses the needs of mobile work groups in a wide range of industries, from Fortune 500 executives to small dispatch-driven service and repair companies. Along with two-way messaging, ARDIS PersonalMessaging features two-way paging, numeric paging, operator-assisted alpha-numeric paging and wireless fax. ARDIS PersonalMessaging is expected to be available on the Apple MessagePad in 1995.
Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.
ARDIS operates the first and largest nationwide radio data information service enabling in-building and on-street data communications between hand-held terminals and host computers. The ARDIS network serves the top 400+ metro areas in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and covers more than 80 percent of the population and 90 percent of the business activity in the U.S. The service enables executives and mobile workers to access their corporate information systems or to communicate instantaneously with their peers from virtually any location.
ARDIS is a registered servicemark of ARDIS Company.
Newton and MessagePad are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
CONTACT:
Claire Cosgrove of ARDIS, 708-913-4235, or email, cosgrove.ardis(at)radiomail.net,
or
Tom Murphy or Amy Davis of Barkley & Evergreen, 913-432-2600, or email, tomm(at)radiomail.net,
or
Emilio Robles of Apple Computer, 408-882-5671