Newton to Aid in Earthquake Relief
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — May 16, 1994 — Utilizing Apple Computer, Inc.'s (Nasdaq-NNM: AAPL) latest Newton technology, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), will show for the first time its new system for disaster damage assessment. The system will be exhibited in the Apple booth at the Government Technology Conference being held this week at the Sacramento Convention Center. The OES has implemented a pilot program where the Newton MessagePad will play a key role in generating and processing damage assessment reports during disaster relief efforts. The pilot phase will focus on damage assessments for the recent Northridge earthquake in Southern California where 100 assessment teams have been outfitted with the specially designed systems.
"This is a perfect example of using Newton as a tool for automating data collection closer to the point of activity," said Ted Briscoe, director of U.S. sales and marketing for Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) division. "The OES solution illustrates the kinds of innovative applications we expect to see coming from the corporate and government sectors."
A unique set of technologies has been assembled to create this innovative solution which includes the Newton as the data entry and output mechanism, Trimble Navigation's Scout Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to determine the user's location and AllPen Software's custom software interface which links the two systems together.
Trimble's Scout GPS receiver pinpoints the location of a damage site according to longitude, latitude and altitude readings, automatically stamping the time, date and location into the report, which is useful for structures that don't have an exact street address such as a bridge or freeway off ramp. Accuracy of the GPS receiver is boosted to within 10 meters by using differential error correction, provided by a pocket paging receiver by Differential Corrections, Inc. The required information is then entered into the Newton via AllPen's customized software interface. In turn, valuable data is also collected in a form that can be used to plan for and respond to the next disaster.
The system is designed to enable OES to respond to disaster damage site needs in a more timely manner. The faster the reports are processed, the quicker the disaster victims can receive the assistance necessary to facilitate getting their lives on the road to recovery. The MessagePad's portability, user friendliness and cost effectiveness are key factors in an organization's decision to use the MessagePad.
This new process eliminates the need to re-enter data into a computer as with traditional paper forms, thus improving data integrity. The information can be downloaded to a computer (PC or Macintosh) and later integrated into an appropriate format such as word processing, spreadsheet and database. This data can also be used with the Geographic Information System (GIS), a database which allows for the geographic presentation and manipulation of data.
Trimble Navigation (Nasdaq: TRMB) is a world leader in the emerging commercial markets for satellite based navigation, positioning and communication data products. These products are sold in a variety of international vertical markets including land survey, seismic and hydrographic survey, GIS data capture, military, general aviation, commercial and military aviation, marine, communications, tracking and OEM. Founded in 1978 and located in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has been a leader in providing GPS solutions since 1984.
AllPen Software, Inc. is the leading custom Newton software development firm providing vertical Newton solutions in the following areas: mobile forms input, wireless information systems, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) interfaces, as well as inventory control and barcode-based data collection.
Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple Computer, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets personal computers, servers and personal interactive electronic systems for use in business, education, the home, science, engineering, and government. A recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry, Apple does business in more than 120 countries.
NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh and Newton are registered trademarks and MessagePad is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Scout GPS is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Ltd. AllPen is a trademark of AllPen Software, Inc.
CONTACT:
Jennie Shikashio of Regis McKenna, 408-974-4104, for Apple