Digital Ocean Selects PCSI’s CDPD Solution for Its Seahorse Handheld Computer
March 25, 1996–PCSI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS), announced that Digital Ocean Inc. has selected PCSI's UB-1 Data and Voice Communications module for integration into its Seahorse ruggedized handheld computer.
The UB-1 provides Seahorse with five complete communications modes including Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), circuit-switched cellular data, cellular voice, and wireline data and voice services in a single highly integrated package. The feature-rich UB-1 is the industry's only OEM communications module that ships standard with all of these operating modes.
Seahorse is the newest member of Digital Ocean's rugged PDA family based on the Newton 2.0 platform. Newton's pen-based, object oriented database stores, finds, and links information while displaying it either vertically or horizontally. Seahorse's ruggedized features, backlighting and multiple integrated wireless communication options, make it an ideal solution for mobile workers in need accessing corporate and Internet databases to utilize critical data.
Applications range from remote access of airline reservation systems to data collection and retrieval for retail, utility or manufacturing workers.
CDPD is a technology that efficiently transmits short bursts or "packets" of data over the existing AMPS cellular infrastructure. As a widely supported and open standard, CDPD offers inherent encryption to protect users' data and was developed using the Internet protocol (TCP/IP) for ease of implementation by customers. CDPD is currently available in nearly 60 markets nationwide and is rapidly expanding.
"The UB-1 provides Seahorse with a fully featured, economical module in an easy to integrate form factor," said Jeff Alholm, president and chief executive officer of Digital Ocean. "Combining PCSI's proven cellular voice and data technology with Seahorse's power performance and options makes Seahorse a leading industry choice for users seeking a versatile and affordable handheld computer."
The UB-1 supports CDPD specification 1.1 and will have the ability to upgrade via software to future enhancements including circuit-switched CDPD support. PCSI's OEM offering was developed to meet feature and size requirements of terminal manufacturers for embedding in mobile terminals, vehicular systems and remote telemetry products.
For further flexibility, PCSI will work with OEMs on customized options including subsets in functionality such as support for CDPD only, different form factors or interfaces such as a PC Card interface, support for Macintosh and Newton platforms, or modifications in radio, antenna and power features.
Digital Ocean is a leading state-of-the-art developer and manufacturer of mobility-based products. Founded with the goal of transforming the way mobile work is done by combining wireless data service with handheld and portable computers, Digital Ocean produces a family of PDAs that offer a variety of communication options for in-building and remote applications.
Digital Ocean also produces a family of wireless LAN devices for the entire line of Apple's desktop, portable and pen-based devices. The company has numerous patents granted and pending for its development of wireless technologies. Digital Ocean is a Newton licensee based in Lenexa, Kansas.
PCSI is a leader in the supply of products and technology for global wireless communications standards. In addition to OEM modules, PCSI is the leading supplier of CDPD multi-mode modems and infrastructure equipment and holds the ISO 9001 Quality System Certification.
PCSI has also introduced a Personal Access Link (PAL) product that integrates cellular voice, circuit-switched and CDPD wireless data, and two-way messaging into a lightweight handset.
Cirrus Logic is a leading manufacturer of advanced integrated circuits for the desktop and portable computing, telecommunications, and consumer electronics markets.
NOTE TO EDITORS: PCSI and Digital Ocean are demonstrating products at the CTIA Wireless '96 Exposition, Booth No. 4225, held in Dallas on March 25-27.
PCSI is a registered trademark of Pacific Communication Sciences Inc. Seahorse and Digital Ocean are trademarks or registered trademarks of Digital Ocean Inc. Newton and MessagePad are registered trademarks of Apple Computers Inc.
CONTACT:
Pacific Communication Sciences Inc., San Diego
Gwen Carlson, 619/535-9500, ext. 2071
glc@pcsi.cirrus.com
or
Digital Ocean Inc., Lenexa
Dale Urie, 913/888-3380
durie@digocean.com