Logitech Increases Presence in Pen-Based Computing with Acquisition of Gazelle Graphics Systems
FREMONT, Calif. — September 21, 1993 — Logitech International, market leader in input technology, has acquired Simi Valley, Calif. – based Gazelle Graphics Systems, pioneers in single-board digitizers and developers of the Logitech cordless digitizing pen.
The new Logitech Gazelle Pen Digitizer Business Unit will continue to operate in Simi Valley, where it will conduct advanced pen and digitizer research and develop custom digitizer designs for Logitech's OEM customer programs. Pen development will take place concurrently at Logitech's Fremont headquarters.
The two companies have been strategic partners since 1991, when Logitech acquired a 51 percent ownership in Gazelle. Together they developed the digitizer unit for the GRiD PalmPAD(TM) Wearable PC and later, worked with several vendors in ground-breaking pencentric designs, including the GRiD Convertible, AT&T Hobbit, and an engineering reference design created by a group of several vendors including Logitech and Chips & Technologies.
"We are committed to the emerging pen-based computing market as a viable input alternative appropriate in a wide variety of vertical applications," said Logitech President Pierluigi Zappacosta. "We believe the Gazelle digitizer is unique in its ability to combine digitizer and motherboard functions on a multi-layer circuit board.
"With its low power consumption — the lowest in the industry at 33 milliwatts at 3.3 volts, it is also a timely product in this era of environmental concern. We plan to aggressively pursue new opportunities for this technology through our newest business unit."
"We are looking forward to our new role on the Logitech team," added Anthony Zank, founder of Gazelle and newly named Logitech director of Pen Digitizer Research. "We believe the combined strength of our technology and Logitech's high-volume OEM manufacturing capabilities will serve to grow the pen market worldwide."
Logitech designs, manufactures, and markets "Senseware" — products whose goal is to give "senses" such as sight, sound, and touch to the computer, making human-to-computer communication more intuitive and natural. Logitech International, the financial holding company for the Logitech Group, is traded publicly in Switzerland. With operational headquarters in Fremont, the group maintains manufacturing facilities in Fremont; Hsinchu, Taiwan; Shanghai, China; and Cork, Ireland; and offices in major cities worldwide.
For general information on Logitech products and programs, contact Logitech customer center, 800/231-7717.
CONTACT:
Logitech International, Fremont
Betty Skov, 510/713-4463
Serge Timacheff, 510/713-4439