The Windward Group: Premier Providers of Integrated and Extensible Solutions for the PalmPilot Connected Organizer
SAN FRANCISCO — October 14, 1997 — The Windward Group is the leading developer of enterprise technology solutions for the PalmPilot platform. Involved with the PalmPilot product since its inception, Windward worked with Palm Computing (later acquired by U.S. Robotics) to design and develop Pilot Desktop 1.0 and the Pilot Synchronization Manager (HotSync).
In addition, several third-party product firms called on Windward to integrate the PalmPilot device with their desktop offerings. Notable among these are Starfish Software (Sidekick 97), Franklin Quest (Ascend 97), Now Software (Now Synchronize for Windows and for the Macintosh), and Symantec (ACT!). For each of these companies, Windward designed and developed custom data synchronization support, marrying the PalmPilot to their desktop software.
"We know more about the platform than anybody outside of Palm Computing," said Doug Engfer, president of The Windward Group. "Applications that depend on true integration and an extension of the desktop play directly to our strengths."
Desktop and synchronization software allows distributed computing unrestricted by time and space. The desktop is leveraged onto the PalmPilot with user-transparent software "conduits."
Synchronization lets users enter data once, then transfer it to the desktop with a keystroke. Businesses now use the Pilot to mirror an array of internal systems (inventory and process control, sales automation, workflow management, inspections, or data collection). These integration/ extension aspects were the driving force behind Windward's first product, RTAccess.
Compatible with major database software, RTAccess is a set of off-the-shelf conduits customized and synchronized for ODBC or DAO-enabled database applications like Oracle, FoxPro, dBase, Access, Excel, and text files. Synchronization lets developers begin application integration in minutes.
"The Windward Group really gets it right and knows the Palm OS better than any developer. We intend to expand our relationship with them as we move forward into upcoming extensible solutions with IBM, PageMart, Motorola, and others," said Ed Colligan, vice president of marketing for Palm Computing, Inc., a subsidiary of 3Com Corp.
Windward has much related experience beyond the direct PalmPilot relationship. For University of Pittsburgh's Smoking Research Group, they developed software to track test subjects in the field and record real-time scientific data with individual response adjustment. The interactive program helped eliminate subjects' tendency to avoid filling out hard copy questionnaires.
Windward also developed an enterprise-wide extensible desktop for Jeff Sacks and Associates that provides sales executives at auto dealerships total inventory information, a customizable address book, appointment and call reminders, and contact lists. Benefits include excellent customer service, ease of sale, and increased communication between team members.
FedEx Ship, used by hundreds of thousands of businesses and consumers in the SOHO market, was developed by Windward under stringent time-to-market limitations. On time and within budget, Windward developed Windows and Macintosh versions of this client/server application that enables small businesses to track their packages anywhere within the FedEx network.
Windward continues to work with the Palm Computing, Inc. subsidiary of 3Com Corp. on both Pilot Desktop 2.0 and Hot Sync, and is now working on future developments.
To arrange interviews or acquire further information, contact Marsha Keeffer or Bruce Roseman by phone or e-mail.
NOTE TO EDITORS: 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks, and PalmPilot, Palm OS, HotSync and the PalmPilot logo are trademarks of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries.
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