Release Software and HP to Provide Sales Channel for Microsoft Windows CE Applications
MENLO PARK, Calif. — July 9, 1997 — Release Software, the leading provider of Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) technologies and services, today announced that it will work with Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HWP) to offer Release Software's SalesAgent ESD technology to Microsoft Windows CE developers. Microsoft Windows CE application developers interested in finding new channels to distribute their programs are now being offered the opportunity to bundle a demo of their applications with the HP 300 series palmtop PCs and then allow users to upgrade to a full version instantly from their desktop. Also, Windows CE developers participating in the first shipment of the HP 300 Series palmtop PC's include Ardis, bsquare, DataViz, Maximizer, Wynd Communications, River-Run Software, and Sandisk Compact Flash.
"As an emerging platform, Windows CE has no traditional channels for developers to pursue," said Dennis Hamann, HP's Asia Pacific Personal Computer Division marketing manager. "HP is the first company to offer developers the opportunity to leverage the distribution of the HP 300 Series palmtop PCs. The easy-to-use Release Software's SalesAgent Wrapper will allow developers to get their applications in the hands of interested users, and allow those users to purchase these exciting new applications instantly."
Release Software Helps Generate Demand for Windows CE Applications
Windows CE developers bundling their software on the HP 300 Series palmtop PCs provide users with both a demo program and a full featured version of their application. SalesAgent encrypts both these applications in an ESD process popularly known as "wrapping." SalesAgent Wrapper is a secure container that allows users to access the demo version of the Windows CE application, while making the full featured version inaccessible until the program has been purchased through SalesAgent's electronic payment process.
"Windows CE developers need channels for their products," said Agnes Imregh, Release Software CEO. "Release Software is an alternative channel for computer software. Our partnership with HP allows Microsoft Windows CE developers to use SalesAgent technology to reach customers."
E-Commerce Built Into Every Copy of Software
With SalesAgent, every piece of software comes with a complete e-commerce system built in. Users can pay instantly for software using any major credit card. Release Software automatically provides complete OLTP clearinghouse services to anyone using SalesAgent technology. Services include fraud screening, EULA database management, sales tax support, and export control. Software publishers and resellers have instant access to their sales information. Data can be transferred automatically into any existing customer or technical support database system.
A Secure Way to Buy and Sell Software
When a user wants to buy SalesAgent-enabled software, a simple interface allows registration and payment to occur instantly. SalesAgent can send payments instantly over the Internet or through a point-to-point modem connection. In addition, SalesAgent allows users to pay through touch-tone phone, fax, or mail. All of Release Software's online purchase options use RSA's patented Public Key Cryptosystem to protect financial and transaction data.
About HP
Hewlett-Packard Company is the official information-technology hardware and maintenance supplier to the 1998 World Cup soccer tournament.
HP is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 114,600 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.
Release Software Corporation
Release Software Corporation is the leading provider of Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) technology and services to software developers and resellers. Release markets, distributes, and sells software through electronic channels around the world. Release's SalesAgent technology is the most advanced ESD packaging available, and was the first ESD technology formally certified by Microsoft. Today Release works with more than one hundred software publishers and more than one thousand software titles. Companies working with Release include Egghead Software, Hewlett-Packard, Philips, Starfish Software, Computer Associates, Quarterdeck, and Netscape. Founded in 1994, Release Software is venture-capital funded and headquartered in Menlo Park, California. For more information, Release Software can be reached at 415-833-0200.
NOTE: Release Software and SalesAgent are trademarks of Release Software Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Release Software Corporation
CONTACT:
Rich Farana of Release Software, 415-463-2417, or [email protected]