GeoWorks and CompuServe to Boost Mobile Computing; Worldwide Online Service Company Commits to GEOS Platform
BERKELEY, Calif. — September 13, 1993 — GeoWorks has garnered support from CompuServe Inc., bringing the world's leading online information service and its Host Micro Interface (HMI) toolbox to the software company's GEOS operating system platform.
GEOS will be the first operating system for mobile devices to include CompuServe. In addition, GEOS developers will be able to obtain support via a forum on the CompuServe Information Service.
GEOS is the leading object-oriented, graphical operating system designed for the emerging class of personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other mobile devices. GeoWorks licenses its technology to OEMs for a wide range of products.
As developers and CompuServe create new software on GEOS, traveling professionals will have immediate access to CompuServe's array of information sources, including news, stock quotes and weather briefs. More than 1.4 million members will also be able to send and receive electronic mail messages as they travel around the world, using CompuServe's GEOS-based interface on their PDAs.
"The ability to communicate anytime, anywhere is critical to the success of consumer computing devices," said Brian Dougherty, chief executive officer, GeoWorks. "By partnering with CompuServe, we allow our hardware partners to bring the most extensive worldwide online services available today directly to their customers."
Under the agreement, CompuServe will bring its HMI toolbox to GEOS to facilitate development of a broad range of services for CompuServe users. Certified independent software developers can now create new software that runs on the GEOS platform to provide access to additional CompuServe services.
"GeoWorks has an established reputation as a leading player in the palmtop/PDA market and has strong support from major hardware manufacturers," said Jim Hogan, director of product marketing, CompuServe. "We are excited about our partnership and commitment to the GEOS platform and believe it will drive mobile computing forward."
GeoWorks and CompuServe are establishing a special service and support forum for all GEOS independent software vendors (ISVs) on CompuServe who are registered for GeoWorks developer support services. Members can post messages or communicate with other developers, upload and download files, obtain the latest GEOS information and submit technical questions to GeoWorks.
The forum will be online Sept. 15, 1993.
ISVs looking for in-depth information on developing applications for the GEOS platform can attend the GeoWorks Developer's Conference, Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 25-26, 1993. The two-day session will focus on markets which have the most potential and specific opportunities for developing vertical market applications.
Jim Hogan from CompuServe will serve as a panelist at the conference. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1333 Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, Calif. To register, ISVs can call 800/524-1857. For other information, ISVs can call GeoWorks direct at 510/644-0883, ext. 749.
Located in Berkeley, Calif., GeoWorks is the developer and publisher of the GEOS graphical operating system and application software. The company provides sophisticated and highly efficient system software, and markets targeted applications for an emerging class of consumer computing devices designed to communicate, entertain and manage information for mass-market consumers.
GeoWorks products are available worldwide through OEMs, dealer channels and republishers.
Established in 1979, the CompuServe Information Service provides its worldwide membership of 1.4 million with more than 1,700 databases and services to meet both business and personal interests.
CompuServe can be accessed by any modem-equipped personal computer utilizing the CompuServe Information Manager graphical interfaces for DOS, Mac and Windows environments or the many third-party user interfaces that take advantage of CompuServe's open architecture. CompuServe is an H&R Block company.
NOTE: GEOS and GeoWorks are registered trademarks of GeoWorks in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
GeoWorks, Berkeley
Deborah Dawson, 510/204-8550
or
CompuServe Inc.
Debra Young, 614/538-4553
or
The Bohle Co., Los Angeles
Holly Zmetrovich/Karl Fields, 310/785-0515