Psion Integrates Motorola Radio Modem for World’s First Hand-Held PSDN Terminal
BOSTON — March 11, 1994 — Psion Inc., U.S. subsidiary of British portable computer group Psion Plc, are launching the world's first hand-held terminal designed for nationwide wide area networks.
Developed in conjunction with Motorola Inc., and called the RWAN, the system is based on Psion's HC hand-held computer fitted with an integral Motorola Radio Packet Modem.
The RWAN will provide users with nationwide wireless access over the PSDN networks operated by ARDIS and RAM, allowing mobile worker to communicate with other machines, EMail gateways and host databases in real time via radio. To support RWAN, Psion has developed MSIS, a radio communications job management software to run on the system. With over 40 percent of the U.S. workforce operating outside the office, MSIS helps the mobile executive deal with decision support, quotations, manpower management and distribution control on the spot. The software can be easily tailored to a company's specific needs and the system can handle in excess of 1000 units.
Companies with mobile workers will now be able to keep in direct contact with their field staff. Having real time access to databases, such as customer files, service and accounting records when out in the field, will greatly increase the efficiency of a mobile force. Payback is likely to be exceptionally fast with large potential savings in paperwork costs, duplication of input, reduction in human error and shorter transaction times.
"The potential market for this type of device is substantial," said David Elder, Psion Inc. president. "For example, real-time data communications can assist the utilities with their service management by coordinating staff in the field, so that customers can be given exact appointments for an engineer to visit. Data transfer via radio also speeds up bill processing as the meter reading can be sent directly from the RWAN to the company mainframe, enabling utilities to process bills more quickly and accurately."
Psion are marketing a full range of peripherals for the RWAN, including removable memory modules (SSD's), magnetic card readers, scanners and wands. Psion already has extensive experience in portable computer applications and services a network of over 1000 VAR's in North America. They are seeking additional VAR's with strong communications experience.
CONTACT:
Psion Inc., Boston
Jeffrey Ayers, 201/592-5813
or
Brian James, 508/371-0310