News and Events

Microsoft Flashes Its File System

Microsoft has released the specifications — and gone into beta testing for actual release this summer — for the PCMCIA-compliant Microsoft Flash File System which determines how data is stored on flash memory cards. The MS Flash File System consists of two hardware-specific device drivers to be loaded into the CONFIG.SYS files. A high-level driver interfaces with MS-DOS to process commands from the operating system or applications. MS-DOS thus treats flash memory as an ordinary drive. The second driver enables OEM-specific flash memory implementations.

The MS Flash File System was designed using a linked-list architecture so that data can be moved easily throughout the media and so that the file system can efficiently maximize use of all available space in flash memory.

If adopted by the industry as a pseudo-standard, this standard file format will let users interchange flash memory cards with any PC they choose — even those not running the MS-DOS operating system, as long as the OS supports compliant media control structures. The MS Flash File System is currently in beta testing, with final release due this summer. The specification itself is available immediately and free-of-charge from Microsoft’s Vendor Relations Group at 1-800-227-4679, ext. 11771.

SRI Has Pocket Intelligence

SRI International has established a “clearinghouse” for pen-based computing and other miniaturized computer and communications technologies. Called the Pocket Intelligence Forum, the program offers research and consulting services to companies involved in pocket-sized technology development. SRI has traditionally conducted advanced research projects in new technologies and then passed on commercial development to client companies. For example, SRI played a major role in the development of the PCMCIA standard. In the “pocket intelligence” arena, SRI has developed prototypes of an expert security system based on smart card technology and an expert system for diagnostics work that operates on an 8088-based handheld computer. The cost to join the Pocket Intelligence Forum is $24,000 per year; obviously for serious developers, only. For more information, contact Mark Cummings, manager of the Pocket Intelligence Forum, 415-859-3168.

Radio Frequency Emissions Cause Licensing Problems

Pen hardware developers have discovered that obtaining FCC approval for their pen systems has been more complicated than expected. This is due to high levels of radio frequency interference (RFI) being emitted from the LCD digitizer displays, requiring some design and manufacturing modifications. NCR was the first company to have licensing problems but finally received FCC approval in February. PI Systems has delayed shipment of its Infolio pen system due to delays in gaining FCC approval. Other pen computer manufacturers are reportedly going through similar difficulties. However, the RFI problem appears to be relatively easy to fix and we should still see a host of new machines released in the next few months.

NCR Targets Health Care Industry

NCR has announced a $2.5 million alliance with Windsoft, Inc. of Lincoln Park, NJ, to develop sales force automation software for health care companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. NCR 3125 pen systems will be used in conjunction with Windsoft’s software in the joint venture.

Xerox Smart Paper May Help Pen Systems

Xerox has introduced a software product called PaperWorks that allows fax machines to send instructions to a personal computer and then receive the results back from the PC. Using a form that is recognized by the PaperWorks software, the user can send the document to the PC, requesting particular documents to be sent back to the fax machine. Clearly this system could be used by a pen machine with a fax modem to receive documents from a PC in the office. For more information, contact Xerox at 716-423-5078 or 800-432-9329.

Poqet Licenses Grid’s PenRight; Will Work With Slate

Poqet Computer has licensed Grid’s PenRight application development software for use on the PoqetPad (see our February 1992 issue for more on the PoqetPad). PenRight allows users to easily develop custom forms with data entry fields, check boxes, and so forth. In addition, Poqet will resell the PadBase database development tool that runs under the PenRight environment. The deal will benefit both PoqetPad users and Grid application developers, allowing the PoqetPad to run Grid software applications and thereby broadening the market for Grid software developers.

Poqet also announced an agreement with Slate Corp. to jointly work on productivity applications for handheld computers. Poqet, which is now a subsidiary of Fujitsu, has plans to introduce other handheld systems along with the PoqetPad. Slate’s daytimer application is an obvious fit.

PenDOS Gains Support

CIC’s PenDOS operating system is gaining support on both hardware and software fronts. NCR announced in March that it will offer PenDOS on the 3125. NCR has also licensed CIC’s handwriting recognition and signature verification software. In addition, Superscript has licensed PenDOS for its Superscript II display tablet. On the software front, several developers have announced plans to develop applications for PenDOS. These companies include Metagraphics of Scotts Valley, California, developing a graphics-based pen development toolkit; WNDX Corp. of Calgary, Canada, working on a “GUI Development System;” and Zinc Software of Pleasant Grove, Utah, which will include PenDOS support in its Zinc Interface Library. Contact CIC at 415-802-7888.

ParaGraph Hooks Up With GO, Scriptel

The Russian software company specializing in cursive handwriting recognition, Paragraph International, has announced alliances with GO and with pen-based component manufacturer, Scriptel, to further pursue its technology. Paragraph will work with GO to integrate Calligrapher (Paragraph’s cursive recognition engine) into PenPoint. Scriptel and Paragraph will work together on research and development projects relating to handwriting recognition and more accurate digitizer technology. Contact Paragraph International at 303-443-8777.

The Conference Circuit

As we go to press, Digital Consulting (DCI) is holding a “pen-based computing conference” May 4th and 5th in Boston. DCI is following this up with a three-day conference in Los Angeles, September 21-23, called Pen-Based Expo. Call 508-470-3880 for details.

In Japan, Richard Shaffer’s Technologic Partners is holding a pen computing conference May 18th and 19th, immediately preceding the Tokyo Business Show. For further details, call 212-696-9330. This conference follows close on the heels of BigBang Technology’s PenCentric ’92 which was held on April 27th and 28th. For information on future BigBang Technology conferences, call 408-739-5708.

Boston University is sponsoring PenExpo June 2nd and 3rd in Santa Clara, California. Call 509-649-4200 for more information. Pen Systems is sponsoring a Pen Systems Product Showcase June 22 in Irvine, California and on October 5th in Washington, D.C. For more information, call 714-249-2010.

Etak, maker of the Windows-based MapAccess mapping software development tools, is holding a series of training seminars in the Denver and Dallas areas in late May. Contact Bill Speaks at 303-757-7014.

New Newsletters

IDG has announced the launching of a monthly newsletter called Pen Computer Report. The first issue is scheduled for late April, so it may already be available. Call 603-924-0100 for more information. A German consulting firm, called Pen-Plan Consulting, has announced intentions to publish a German-language newsletter on pen computing starting this month. Contact PenPlan at Steinecke Weg 7, 8000 Munich 40. Telephone: 089 5233424.

Pen Developers’ Groups

The Software Entrepreneurs’ Forum (SEF) Pen Special Interest Group (PenSIG) has been holding meetings since January in Palo Alto, California. The group has 60 to 100 attendees for the monthly meetings and features industry speakers, focused primarily on development issues. For more information, call Richard Roistacher of Belmont Associates, 415-591-8236.

Software Publishers’ Association (SPA) will hold its next Pen Computing SIG meeting at the SPA Fall Conference in Washington, D.C., September 30th to October 3rd. Time and date to be announced (call 202-452-1600 for details).

Inforite Sells to End Users

Inforite, which is notable for supplying the signature collection digitizing pad used by UPS (see our May 1991 issue), has introduced a digitizing pad for end users. Called the MicroPAD, the 2.5 by 4.5 inch tablet has a resolution of 1000 by 1000 points. The version shown at Spring Comdex supports MS Windows and connects via the serial port. The MicroPAD will be shipping this summer. Contact Inforite at 415-571-8766.