Photonics Supports Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing

April 7, 1992 — Photonics Corp. Tuesday announced support for wireless portable-to-desktop connectivity using the Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing operating system.

The wireless transfer of data and graphics files from a portable computer to a desktop computer will be made possible by a combination of Microsoft’s Windows for Pen Computing and the Photonics Infrared Transceiver, a hardware technology utilizing infrared light to provide instant LAN connections for wireless connectivity. The announcement took place in the Microsoft booth at Windows World.

”The introduction of Microsoft’s Windows for Pen Computing is a milestone event in mobile computing,” said Gary Hughes, Photonics president. ”It connects the hottest application in the desktop market to the growing mobile computing revolution. Windows for Pen Computing and the Photonics Infrared Transceiver link the deskbound and the deskless.”

”Mobile computing demands wireless connectivity,” said Greg Slyngstad, general manager, Microsoft’s Pen Computing Group. ”The mobile executive needs constant access to his knowledge base. The Photonics Infrared Transceiver technology and Microsoft’s Windows for Pen Computing allow portable computers to talk to desktop computers, providing constant access to information, no matter where in the building it resides.”

An OEM technology, the Infrared Transceiver can be integrated directly onto the motherboard. When incorporated on the motherboard, data is transmitted and received through a window in the computer housing. In a plug-in card/transceiver configuration, the external tethered transceiver connects to the internal plug-in card via industry standard connectors. The tethered transceiver sits next to, or is clipped on, the computer; data is transmitted and received through a windows on the transceiver.

Designed for battery operated environments, the Infrared Transceiver has a small form factor and consumer very little power. It transmits at 1 megabit per second using industry-standard LAN protocols providing portable-to-portable and portable-to-desktop connectivity, access to existing wired LANs and peripheral sharing.

Existing LANs can be accessed two ways; via a desktop computer equipped with a Photonics PC add-in card adn tethered transceiver or via a Photonics Access Point in the ceiling. Each Photonics Access Point covers a 30 x 30 foot range. Access priorities are governed by industry standard CMSA protocols.

The Infrared Transceiver’s diffuse infrared transmission is robust and eliminates line of sight issues. Infrared, unlike radio is immune to EMI/RFI interference, does not require a license and is safe, making infrared a globally compatible, environmentally safe wireless connectivity solution.

Photonics is developing a family of OEM and end-user mobile computing products including the PC Add-in card and external tethered transceiver for IBM PC and PC compatible desktop computers, an external adapter for Apple computers, a parallel port adapter for notebook computers, access points which provide access to existing wired networks and repeaters which extend transceiver operating range. The Photonics family of wireless connectivity products will be introduced in both OEM configuration and as end-user products throughout 1992.

Photonics Corp., located in Campbell, Calif. is the leading developer of infrared wireless connectivity for mobile computing.  Photonics was founded in 1985 to develop OEM and end-user mobile computing products. Major investors include Alpha Partners, Apple Computer Inc., Cornerstone Ventures, Crosspoint Venture Partners and Venrock Associates.

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) develops, markets and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, network products, languages and applications as well as books, CD-ROM products and hardware for the microcomputer marketplace.

Note to Editors: Photonics, the Photonics logo and all other product names are trademarks of Photonics Corp. Microsoft and the Microsoft logo are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other brand product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT:
Photonics
Dawn Nielsen, 408/370-3033
or
Miller Communications
Jeneane Harter, 415/962-9550