Poqet Computer Announces Availability of padBase Development Environment for PoqetPad
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — February 19, 1992 — Poqet Computer Corp. Wednesday announced that it plans to resell padBase Version 3, a complete pen-based application development toolkit from R2Z Inc., for use with the PoqetPad, a 1.2-pound, super portable pen-based computer.
The development tools, which run under the GRiD Systems' PenRight! environment, provide easy porting of existing PenRight! applications and allow development of new MS-DOS applications for the pen-computing market.
PadBase, based on the dBASE programming language, is used for rapid creation of forms-based applications in Clipper 5.0 source code. After creating an application with padBase tools, developers can use the Clipper compiler to create a DOS-executable program to run in the PenRight! environment.
Poqet's licensing of padBase is part of the company's strategy of offering development options for corporate end-users and vertical market resellers of pen-based computer systems.
''PoqetPad is designed to provide a truly portable, pen-based platform for the 'walking worker' that can quickly be integrated into an organization's existing information systems,'' said Ann Marie McGee, director of marketing for Poqet.
''PadBase has been used for two years to build database applications for pen-based computers. It is a proven development tool that will allow our partners and corporate end-users to readily design and deploy effective solutions for field automation projects.''
PoqetPad, introduced in January and now shipping to developers, is the smallest, lightest MS-DOS pen computer available.
Designed for use in vertical market applications, such as field inspection, automated forms completion and remote data collection, the super portable measures 9.65'' x 4.59'' x 1.26'' and can be held easily in one hand, carried in a tool bag or hung in a belt pouch for ready access. It is powered by two AA-size batteries and operates for a minimum of 16 hours.
''PadBase opens up the world of pen computing to the thousands of developers who work with dBASE and Clipper,'' said Richard Artusy, president of R2Z Inc. ''By removing much of the complexity of programming, padBase allows organizations to quickly realize the full benefits of pen computing on today's hardware platforms.''
PadBase Version 3 includes a forms design package, project manager and Clipper source code generator. Additionally, the padBase library contains more than 250 routines for graphics, display, input device support, fonts and binary portability between desktop PCs and pen computers.
PadBase operates with PenRight!, the pen-based environment developed by GRiD Systems and installed in all of the GRiD pen-based systems in use today. PenRight!, which contains the application program interface (API) and handwriting recognition engine developed by GRiD, operates above PoqetPad's DOS-shell software environment.
This allows organizations with existing applications developed with padBase for GRiD products to quickly port their products onto PoqetPad. It also provides end-users with a choice of hardware platforms for deploying pen-based systems.
PoqetPad is sold through PoqetPartners — including systems integrators, VARs and OEMs — at a suggested U.S. retail price of $1,995. The optional PenRight! environment is priced at $145 and the padBase tools are priced at $695. For additional information on PoqetPad and the Poqet Partners Program, resellers may contact Poqet's Third Party Sales Group at 408/764-9310. Corporate buyers should contact Poqet at 408/764-9443, ext. 30.
Note to Editors: Poqet (pronounced ''pocket'') Computer Corp., founded in 1988, is a member of the Fujitsu group of companies. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Poqet has operations and offices in Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and New York. The company also has offices in France, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands and Sweden.
Poqet is a registered trademark and PoqetPad is a trademark of Poqet Computer Corp. PadBase is a trademark of R2Z Inc. PenRight! is a trademark of GRiD Systems Corp. dBASE is a registered trademark of Borland International Inc. Clipper is a trademark of Nantucket Software Inc. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft.
CONTACT:
Poqet Computer Corp.
Robert Owens, 408/764-9465 R2Z Inc.
Richard Artusy or Robert Artusy, 510/792-1477