Leica, Apple Computer and Green Mountain Software Team Up to Link Award Winning Platforms for Mobile Measurement and Data Collection
ATLANTA — January 18, 1996 — Leica Inc. will soon be providing an even more powerful solution for professionals who perform detailed measurements and calculations as part of their daily work. Leica has teamed up with Green Mountain Software Corporation of Colchester, Vermont, to build applications that link the Leica DISTO, its award- winning hand-held electronic measuring device, and Apple Computer's MessagePad(R) Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) based on Newton technology. The first offering for the MessagePad is DISTOPad, which allows users to record, annotate, print and store measurements on a "per job" basis, as well as perform area and volume calculations.
The DISTO itself solves a very basic problem for professionals: it allows an individual to obtain precise long distance measurements — single-handedly. The remainder of the problem is solved by teaming the DISTO with the MessagePad and DISTOPad: it allows an individual to accurately record, log and perform calculations on those same measurements out in the field — and upload that information to a desktop computer. The result? A significant improvement in accuracy and productivity — and a significant savings in time.
Typical users include architects, engineers, building/construction inspectors, space planners, interior construction contractors and sales personnel.
A Compelling Alternative For Professionals Who Depend on Accurate Measurements
"The ability to electronically measure distances easily and accurately with the DISTO is revolutionary," said Bob Muscat, Leica's North American DISTO Sales Manager. "Capturing those measurements on a powerful PDA like the MessagePAD and being able to log that information and perform useful calculations is a natural next step. From this starting point, it's not hard to imagine an entire series of industry- specific Newton applications.
"Further," Muscat added, "when you look at factors such as cost, payback, ease of use and performance, the combination of DISTO, Newton technology and DISTOPad is a compelling alternative for virtually any professional who depends on accurate measurements."
Apple agrees. "Combining the precision measurement that the DISTO provides with the robustness and ease of use of the Apple MessagePad(R) creates a powerful solution for field force automation professionals. As a team, Leica, Apple and Green Mountain Software are creating a whole new class of business and field automation applications," according to Mike Lundgren, Manager, U.S. Sales and Market Development for Apple's Newton Systems Group.
The System Features The Strengthens of All Three Companies
Leica's DISTO, the world's first hand-held laser distance meter, was named "Best of What's New" in Science and Technology by Popular Science Magazine in 1994. Using DISTO, professionals can actually "see" the exact point being measured, and then simply "point and shoot" to obtain a measurement with an accuracy of 1/8-inch at distances up to 330 feet.
In the PDA arena, a "Best of COMDEX" award in the operating system category was given to Newton 2.0 which Apple recently announced at the Comdex/Fall '95 trade show, the largest computer trade show in the United States.
Green Mountain Software Corporation is the first Newton developer to be named a Finalist for the Apple Enterprise Awards at PC Expo this year. Today, their products are in use and in development for professionals in healthcare, printing and graphic design, building inspection, film and video production, and construction.
Availability
Leica will be bundling DISTOPad free with each Data DISTO sold. A desktop PC upload utility will be sold as an option to users of the basic package. Parties interested in key vertical market applications should contact Leica directly.
The DISTOPad software will be introduced throughout Leica's North American distribution in the second quarter, particularly to those dealers specializing in construction instruments and products for the architectural, engineering, construction, surveying and allied fields.
Leica, Inc. is the Atlanta-based North American headquarters of Leica AG (Switzerland) and first-choice provider of innovative solutions for vision, measurement and analysis for the surveying, building, construction and photographic industries.
Apple Computer, Inc., (Nasdaq: AAPL) a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, on-line services and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in more than 140 countries.
Green Mountain Software Corporation was founded in January 1994 and is partnering with experts in a number of industries to build high value software applications. The Green Mountain Software development team brings more than 20 years experience in software development.
Leica can be reached at:
Leica Inc.,
3155 Medlock Bridge Road
Norcross, Ga., 30071
Phone: 770-447-6361
Fax: 770-447-0710
Internet: LeicaBAC@aol.com
Apple Computer can be reached at:
Apple Computer, Inc.,
Press contact:
Jeni Johnstone
Regis McKenna Inc.,
Phone: 408-974-2589
Apple home page, http://www.apple.com
Newton home page, http://www.info.apple.com/newton
If you are interested in receiving Apple press releases by fax, call 800-APPL-FAX (800-227-5329) and enter your PIN number. If you do not have a PIN number, please call the Public Relations Hotline at 408-974-2042.
Customer Information Contact: Product Information fax, 800-462-4396 in the U.S. or 415-598-4329 in Canada. If you do not have a fax machine or would like to locate an Apple authorized reseller near you, please call 800-538-9696. Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local Apple representatives for information.
Green Mountain Software can be reached at:
Green Mountain Software Corporation
128 Prim Road
P.O. Box 700
Colchester, Vt., 05446-0700
Phone: 802-865-2728
Fax: 802-865-2468
Internet: Info@GreenMtnSW.com
Home Page: http://www.together.com/gmsc/NOTE:Leica, the Leica logo and DISTO are registered trademarks of
Leica Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, Newton and MessagePad are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other company and product brand names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged. Green Mountain Software and the Green Mountain Software Logo are trademarks of Green Mountain Software Corporation.
CONTACT:
Carson Kennedy, Leica Inc., 770-447-6361, fax, 770-447-0710, or Internet, LeicaBAC@aol.com; Jeni Johnstone, or Regis McKenna, 408-974-2589, both of Apple Computer,
or
Ann Pettyjohn, Green Mountain Software Corp., 802-865-2728, fax, 802-865-2468, or Internet, Ann@GreenMtnSW.com