Hewlett-Packard and Novell Make Equity Investment in Geoworks; Companies to Focus on Creating Market for Low-Cost Consumer Computing Devices
ALAMEDA, Calif. — March 7, 1994 — Geoworks announced Monday that Hewlett-Packard Co. and Novell Inc. have taken equity positions in the company.
HP and Novell are supporting Geoworks in the drive to create low-cost consumer computing devices (CCDs) designed for anywhere, anytime network access. Terms were not disclosed.
Geoworks develops and markets GEOS, a compact and highly efficient operating system (OS) for mobile devices, interactive television, information appliances and smart phones.
Brian Dougherty, chairman and chief executive officer, Geoworks, said the three companies share a common vision of a huge market for CCDs — small, sub $500 products that will allow the average person to send or request virtually any amount of digitized material including video, text and graphics over extended networks, even the much-touted information superhighway.
"The relationship has all the elements to make the seamless transfer of information happen at a price the average person can afford," Dougherty said. "HP created the palmtop PC market and has a wealth of experience with small electronic devices. Novell is the leading supplier of networking software and is actively working to ensure that these devices can be easily and inexpensively connected to the network."
Geoworks develops and markets a compact, object-oriented operating system designed to meet the cost and resource constraints of small electronic devices. Geoworks' OS is already embedded in several devices, including the Tandy/Casio/AST Zoomer Personal Digital Assistant, the Sharp PT-9000 Personal Information Assistant, the new Canon StarWriter Pro 5000 Personal Publishing System and others to be announced soon.
The three companies clearly aim to drive the market for devices that can plug into a network from any location.
Robert J. Frankenberg, vice president and general manager of Personal Information Products Group, HP, said the company sees a need for a low-cost platform.
"To create a high-volume market over the next few years, we will need very low-cost appliances (in the sub $300 category), with high-performance and functionality," Frankenberg said. "We believe GEOS is the best operating system technology option available for these devices."
Novell is the leading supplier of networking software. Last October, Geoworks and Novell announced an agreement to license the NetWare Universal Client software to give GEOS-based mobile devices access to Novell NetWare networks. Novell recognizes that compact operating system technology is required to support the ultimate range of intelligent devices in the home and business.
"Investing in technology is one of the important ways Novell supports the growth of the network computing industry," said James R. Tolonen, office of the president and chief financial officer at Novell. "Novell believes GEOS from Geoworks will be a valued option enabling office, retail, home and factory devices to become network devices. Novell is interested in ensuring the networkability of these new classes of computing devices."
"Working together with HP and Novell gives credence to the vision we've had for a long time," Dougherty said. "The market for CCDs will be huge and we want to create devices that let the average person participate."
Note to Editors:
Geoworks and GEOS are registered trademarks of Geoworks in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
The Bohle Company
Holly Zmetrovich/Cynthia Seymour, 310/785-0515
or
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Larry Sennett, 408/553-2916
or
Novell Inc.
Jessica Kersey, 408/473-8739