GeoSystems’ Mapping Technology to be Used in New Travel Software for Apple Newton
LAS VEGAS — November 16, 1992 — R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. and Apple Computer announced Monday that GeoSystems, a unit of R.R. Donnelley, will provide mapping technology and expertise for Newton-based travel applications.
The GeoSystems/Newton project is part of a broader agreement, and the first of several projects planned between Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics Division and R.R. Donnelley & Sons.
Publishers of travel information will be able to integrate their content into GeoSystems' digital library of national and street-level maps. Newton users will be able to locate restaurants, sights-to-see, and other travel information on a map and get accurate directions from any starting point.
"R.R. Donnelley provides a bridge between the publishers and new platforms like the Newton," said Barry Glick, president of GeoSystems. "We're a technology services provider, not a publisher. Working with travel publishers and Apple, we can custom build applications for Apple's platforms.
"For years, GeoSystems has been building locational information solutions for companies such as airline reservation systems, car rental agencies, and Bell operating companies. With appliances like the Newton, this power will now be in the hands of consumers."
Shown for the first time at the CES show last May, Apple's Newton is a pen-operated personal digital assistant that helps users capture, organize and communicate information. The agreement with R.R. Donnelley is one of the first to be announced for Newton.
"Donnelley's capabilities are extensive and impressive," noted Alex Knight, manager of add-in software for the Newton at Apple. "They have the mapping technology, the custom development expertise, and the long-standing relationships with publishers. We see a variety of innovative products and services emerging from our relationship with Donnelley."
A number of content publishers have indicated interest in working with Apple and R.R. Donnelley to create new products for this emerging market. Michael Mellin, publisher of Random House Reference and Electronic Publishing, added: "Today's customers want integrated electronic products that combine travel guides and timely local information with interactive maps into one convenient package.
"PDAs, such as Newton, let us create completely new forms of travel publishing and reach new customers."
GeoSystems is a business unit of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. It is a leading provider of high-quality digital map data and software, as well as geographic and locational information systems, and marketing support systems. It serves the publishing, telecommunications, travel and delivery/distribution industries, as well as government.
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. is the world's foremost provider of printing and information services.
Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple Computer Inc. develops, manufactures and markets personal computer systems for use in business, education, science, engineering and government. A recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry, Apple does business in more than 120 countries.
Apple has redefined computing to mean empowerment of the individual, and has been named first in customer satisfaction among business computer users in the United States for two years in a row by J.D. Powers and Associates. It seeks through technology to provide people with easy and affordable access to information and computing power.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
CONTACT:
Hill and Knowlton Inc.
Katie Nosbisch, 408/496-6511 Information Services Group
Ken Coleman, 617/466-9193 GeoSystems
Chris Heivly, 717/293-7435 Apple Computer Inc.
Tricia Chan, 408/974-3886