Slate and Traveling Software Announce Strategic Partnership to Address Pen-Based Computing Market
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — June 10, 1991 — Slate Corp. and Traveling Software Inc. Monday announced a strategic business agreement in which Slate will develop and market products for the PenPoint operating system using Traveling Software's proprietary communications technology.
Slate is the developer of PenApps, an application development system for pen-based computers. Traveling Software, based in Bothell, Wash., is the developer of LapLink, the industry standard file transfer software, and other personal linking products.
This alliance will allow Slate to offer pen-based technology with communications capabilities to computer users worldwide who are adapting the PenPoint operating system.
''This is a very exciting opportunity for Slate,'' said Vern Raburn, chairman and chief executive officer of Slate Corp. ''Traveling Software's products have become the standard for file transfer in the PC and portable computer markets, and this technology fits perfectly with that of the mobile pen-based environment.''
''Clearly, pen-based computers must connect with desktop systems,'' said Mark Eppley, chairman of Traveling Software. ''By combining Slate's expertise in pen-based systems with our expertise in portable-to-desktop connectivity, customers will get the best possible solution.''
No equity was exchanged between the two companies; other financial arrangements were not disclosed.
Traveling Software's powerful new communications technology, named Blackbird, is a high-performance data transport system with protocols that can be used in any operating environment.
Traveling Software, founded in 1982, designs and develops personal linking products that connect computers and computing environments, including: laptops, PCs and compatibles, and Apple Macintosh computers. Its product line includes: Battery Watch, DeskLink, LapLink, LapLink Mac and WinConnect.
The company's OEM division has license agreements with the leading laptop manufacturers including: CompuAdd, Epson, GRiD, NEC, Samsung, Sharp Electronics, Texas Instruments and Toshiba.
This division also develops linking products for handheld organizers and palmtop PCs including the Casio B.O.S.S., the Hewlett-Packard HP95LX, the Seiko Data Directory, and the Sharp Wizard. The company is privately held.
Slate Corp., headquartered in Scottsdale, was founded in February 1990 to develop software applications for pen-based computers. Slate shipped PenApps, the first applications software package for the PenPoint operating system, on March 11, 1991.
Note to Editors: PenApps is a trademark of Slate Corp. Other brands and products are trademarks of their respective owners and should be treated as such.
CONTACT:
Slate Corp., Scottsdale
Dottie Hall, 602/443-7322
Traveling Software Inc., Bothell
Marci Maule, 206/483-8088
Wilson McHenry Co., Redwood City, Calif.
Julie McHenry or Michelle Dann, 415/592-7600