GRiD Systems Announces Support of Open Systems Architecture for Pen-Based Computing

January 21, 1991 — GRiD Systems Corp., manufacturer of the only pen-based computer (GRiDPAD) shipping in North America, reaffirmed its leadership position today by announcing that it will support an open systems architecture for pen-based computing.  The announcement was made at a software developer’s conference sponsored by GO Corp.

GRiD, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tandy Corp. (NYSE: TAN), announced that it will support GO’s PenPoint operating system and Microsoft’s Pen Windows environment as customer-selected options on GRiD’s future high-end, pen-based computers.

GRiD President Alan Lefkof said, “GRiD Systems is commited to developing PC-compatible hardware platforms capable of running all three pen-based operating environments: GRiD’s MS-DOS based GRiDPen graphical user interface, Microsoft’s Pen Windows and GO’s PenPoint.  We want GRiD’s customers to have access to the broadest range of vertical and horizontal software and applications.

“By supporting GO’s PenPoint and Microsoft’s Pen Windows, while continuing to invest in GRiD’s MS-DOS based GRiDPen handwriting recognition software, we are demonstrating our commitment to an ‘open systems’ architecture.

“Microsoft and GO, along with their independent software vendors (ISVs) will broaden the market for pen-based applications and thus create new demand for higher performance hardware.  These future hardware platforms will be more expensive than the GRiDPAD primarily because they will provide more processing power and greater storage as required by PenPoint and Pen Windows.”

At $2,370, GRiDPAD is priced competitively with handheld computers used in similar vertical applications.  By comparison, the future hardware platforms capable of running Pen Windows or PenPoint will be priced competitively with today’s 386SX-based notebook computers that range in price between $4,000 and $7,000.

GRiDPAD is a 4.5 pound pen-based computer that recognizes printed handwriting input.  Introduced by GRiD in September 1989, GRiDPAD is still the only pen-based computer shipping in North America.

Based on an 8086 microprocessor, and fully PC compatible, GRiDPAD has been successfully installed in numerous vertical applications at transportation, consumer product, energy, utility and pharmaceutical companies as well as state/local government agencies.  The target market for GRiDPAD is forms-based applications where low cost, long battery life and lightweight hardware are required by users.  GRiD developed its own handwriting recognition and graphical user interface under MS-DOS for this marketplace.

“We welcome the introduction of PenPoint and Pen Windows,” said Lefkof.  “GRiD, Microsoft and GO share the vision that the electronic pen is a very natural way to interact with a computer.

“GO’s announcement of new ISVs who will develop under PenPoint is further evidence that new applications will be available for pen-based computers.  Presently, more than 250 firms are writing vertical software applications for GRiDPAD using MS-DOS and the GRiDPen software tools. In addition, Microsoft’s Pen Windows developer’s conference in February is expected to attract a large ISV turnout.”

Lefkof predicted that PenPoint and Pen Windows will find their markets in general purpose applications such as spreadsheets and database management where knowledge workers want the ease and convenience of pen input.

“Microsoft’s Pen Windows,” he said, “will allow developers and customers to leverage off the large Windows 3.0 installed base.  By comparison, GO’s PenPoint has stimulated the formation of new software companies such as Slate and Pensoft.”

He explained that “while we await the emergence of the large horizontal markets, GRiD is continuing to forge ahead in the application-specific vertical markets which collectively are huge and exist today.  There are thousands of applications out there for GRiDPAD.”

More than 400 companies and government agencies already have purchased GRiDPAD computers.  They include Kellogg, Marion Merrell Dow, Gerber Products, Southern Pacific Transportation Co., Tenneco Gas Transmission, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., several state government agencies, Stanford University Medical Center and the San Jose Police Department.

GRiD manufactures and markets laptop, pen and display and desktop computers, electronic mail and networking systems.  GRiD, which has a worldwide direct sales and support organization, demonstrates products at more than 50 GRiD Systems Centers and sells products through application-specific value added resellers.  GRiD is located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, Calif., 94538.  GRiD also has offices in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark.

GRiD is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tandy Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Tandy is a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers.  A New York Stock Exchange company, Tandy has sales in excess of $4 billion annually.

CONTACT:
Bob Goligoski of GRiD Systems, 415-656-4700