Scottsdale Technologies Announces Forms Generation Software Now Available for PenPad PDA 600
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — November 30, 1993 — A new software program called Pen-Friend is now available as a forms generation tool for Amstrad's PenPad PDA 600.
Pen-Friend allows you to create customized forms on your PC, then access the forms in the field on the lightweight and easy to use PenPad PDA 600.
Each customized form can include fields for multiple choice and tick boxes, and it will also perform automatic calculations, date and time stamping, graphics and form numbering.
Pen-Friend makes full use of the PenPad PDA 600's handwriting recognition capabilities. Areas on forms can be designated for freehand drawings, and handwritten notations can be converted to text if desired.
The generation of custom electronic forms is simple with Pen-Friend. No previous computer knowledge or skills are required, making Pen-Friend easy for the beginner to use. Forms are simply drawn by the user, or they can be scanned in from existing paper forms.
Headings, text items and even company logos and graphics can be reproduced. The ability to create customized forms puts the functionality of the program in the user's hands, and eliminates the need for rigid, pre-designed forms. The PenPad PDA 600 with Pen-Friend allows the consumer to collect and manage information in real time.
Scottsdale Technologies, which markets and distributes the PenPad PDA 600 in North America, will also make Pen-Friend available in the United States. Pen-Friend was developed exclusively for the PenPad PDA 600 by C-Star Software in England.
"Pen-Friend software addresses the market's desire for tangible business applications of personal digital assistants," said Eric Schedeler, president of Scottsdale Technologies.
"A wide variety of people who previously did not recognize the business value of personal digital assistants will find that the Pen-Friend/PenPad PDA 600 combination can be a tremendous cost-savings factor in their operations."
Analysts had predicted that the first software of this type would not be available until late 1994. With Pen-Friend, the personal digital assistant is now a tool for data collection and management for the mobile worker.
For example, an auto collision appraiser can make notations about an inspection on the spot on a personalized appraisal form. A sales person can take customer orders and automatically calculate prices, quantities and tax.
Literally any group that currently spends time entering forms on paper — especially those that are required to do so while out of the office environment — will operate more efficiently. With Pen-Friend and the PenPad PDA 600, administrative costs for data collection and management can be significantly reduced.
Pen-Friend comprises two components: a Form Designer which operates on a standard PC, and a Runtime card which allows the forms to be filled in on the PenPad PDA 600. Once forms are created on a PC, they are loaded on to a Runtime card, which slips into the PCMCIA slot on the back of the PDA 600. The PenPad then becomes the form.
At the end of the day, the data is transferred back onto the PC, where it can be uploaded to other systems. Data can be transferred either with a cable or by taking the PCMCIA card out of the PenPad and putting it in the PC's card drive. Completed forms can be printed from PC software.
Pen-Friend software is currently available through Scottsdale Technologies, and will be available in computer retail stores by early 1994. Pen-Friend is competitively priced at $199.95.
Scottsdale Technologies Inc. is based in Scottsdale, develops and markets interactive electronics which will include products under the Scottsdale Technologies label.
CONTACT:
Scottsdale Technologies Inc., Scottsdale
Eric Schedeler, 602/998-7300
or
Martz & Wadas, Scottsdale
Missy Lagomarsino, 602/998-3154