Geoworks Debuts Innovative Publishing Program; Facilitates Market Success for Software Developers
BERKELEY, Calif. — November 9, 1993 — Geoworks has launched Geoworks Publishing, a comprehensive program that helps software developers achieve maximum product and market potential for their GEOS-based applications.
Designed to help third-party developers overcome the challenges of developing and marketing applications for the consumer computing device (CCD) market, Geoworks Publishing delivers a host of services including product design assistance, targeted distribution support, cost-effective manufacturing and innovative marketing programs that are uniquely tailored for this new market.
"Support in these four areas is critical to small software companies trying to become successful, dominant players in the emerging CCD market," said Brian Dougherty, chairman and CEO, Geoworks. "This program offers the most complete, creative package available to developers today and ensures that the right applications are designed for the market."
Geoworks Publishing is taking an active role in establishing electronic distribution as a cost-effective way to bring software to market. Geoworks will be the first to offer this service to application developers in the CCD market via CompuServe in the first quarter of 1994.
Software customers will be able to browse quickly through an online software catalog, determine what applications are available and download to either a GEOS-based device or desktop via modem.
"The small code size of GEOS applications permits software to be easily and cost-effectively distributed through CompuServe's worldwide service," said Jim Hogan, director of product marketing, CompuServe. "We are very excited to be working with Geoworks to provide innovative distribution alternatives to GEOS software developers."
Other channels include direct distribution through RUPP Technology Inc., the leading distributor of aftermarket software for the electronic organizer market; Geoworks Direct, which utilizes pack-in rights to GEOS-based CCDs to promote Geoworks Publishing software products; international republishing partners in leading markets and comprehensive wholesale and retail distribution through Casio and Tandy outlets.
Geoworks Publishing also provides developers with access to standardized packaging to ensure merchandising opportunities, volume discounts on component pieces, competitive pricing and timely shipments on PCMCIA cards.
The program's marketing component provides widespread exposure for software partners through trade-show participation, public-relations support and innovative marketing programs.
Geoworks Publishing has been designed for maximum flexibility to meet the development, distribution, manufacturing and marketing needs of software developers looking for success in the new CCD market. Developers interested in this program can approach Geoworks with a product concept and then work one-on-one with Geoworks to determine the overall viability of their products.
The first development partner of Geoworks Publishing is MetaPacific Systems, a developer of data collection software for GEOS.
"It was a natural progression for us to develop GEOS-based applications, since our clients were clamoring for low-cost, compact devices with long battery life," explained Tim White, president, MetaPacific Systems.
"Geoworks Publishing helped us develop the right product for the new CCD market and we've benefited from their innovative approach. Cost-effective manufacturing, broad distribution and a highly targeted marketing program have been critical to our success."
Many major CCD manufacturers and service vendors support GEOS technology, a compact, object-oriented operating system designed to meet the cost and resource restraints of many mobile devices. Announced partners include Casio Inc., Sharp Electronics Corp., Tandy Electronics, Canon Business Machines, CompuServe, Motorola EMBARC, America Online and Palm Computing.
Located in Berkeley, Geoworks is the developer and publisher of the GEOS graphical operating system, software development tools, software applications and support programs. The company provides sophisticated and highly efficient system software with rich functionality that will enable hardware manufacturers to market low-cost devices with extended battery life.
Geoworks products are available worldwide through OEMs, dealer channels, republishers and electronic distribution.
NOTE: Geoworks and GEOS are registered trademarks of Geoworks in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
Geoworks, Berkeley
Deborah Dawson, 510/204-8550
or
The Bohle Co., Los Angeles
Holly Zmetrovich/Karl Fields, 310/785-0515