Mobile Computing System Announces Release of HOPE!, High-performance Open Portable Environment
BURLINGAME, Calif. — May 23, 1995 — Mobile Computing Systems today announced the release of HOPE! which enables applications developed in Microsoft Visual Basic Windows to run on mobile computers and PDAs without utilizing Windows.
Mobile Computing Systems High-performance Open Portable Environment (HOPE!) is designed to dramatically reduce the cost of field automation projects by enabling the use of standard Windows development tools and reducing the hardware requirements to run applications developed in Windows. The current release of HOPE! supports the GEOS-based Casio Z-7000 "Zoomer" PDA.
HOPE!
"HOPE! enables the large community of Visual Basic developers to create applications using their standard Windows development tool that will run on mobile computers and PDAs without Windows," said Kathy Ecoffey, director of product marketing for Mobile Computing Systems.
"Using HOPE! the cost of field automation system roll-outs can be greatly reduced by utilizing hardware platforms with less system resources and simplifying the application development process while retaining the 'look and feel' of the original Windows program." HOPE! provides the graphical user interface, memory management and all other functions required to run a VB Windows application on a mobile computer or PDA without changing the original code.
Casio Z-7000 "Zoomer"
"Casio is very excited to work with Mobile Computing Systems. HOPE! allows the use of Microsoft's Visual Basic programming language to create programs with tight integration between the Casio Z-7000 and a desktop computer running Windows. Corporations can now develop applications, take them out into the field on the Z-7000 and send that data back to their office computer. This represents a great opportunity for Casio, Mobile Computing Systems and the computer industry," said Scott Nelson, of Casio Inc.
HOPE! will coexist with the GEOS environment on the Casio Z-7000. This coexistence strengthens the PDA's ability to be used for both consumer applications and for field automation applications, such as market research, inspections, inventory control and medical applications. "Geoworks endorses Mobile Computing Systems HOPE! development environment. HOPE! will enable easy customization of GEOS-based devices like the Casio Z-7000 to deliver affordable vertical market solutions," said David Scarborough, vice president, developer relations of Geoworks.
"The company has been working on HOPE! since 1993 to make applications created in Windows useable on hardware with minimal system resources. This release for the Casio Z-7000 represents an important step for the entire HOPE! project which includes support for multiple hardware platforms and operating systems. Our plan is to complete the release of HOPE! for most mobile computers within the end of 1995," said Ecoffey.
Mobile Computing Systems has already committed to releasing HOPE! for the handheld, palmtop, and pen computers manufactured by Symbol Technologies, Hewlett-Packard, and Fujitsu Personal Systems.
Truly Open System
Similar to what can be done in Visual Basic, developers can add functionality to HOPE! by creating new custom controls. "HOPE! is designed to protect the developers investment and Mobile Computing Systems is committed to supporting future releases of Microsoft development tools and emerging hardware platforms," said Ecoffey.
Availability
HOPE! products for the Casio Z-7000 includes:
HOPE! 1.5 Professional Utilities, targets the professional software developer. This package allows developers to port Visual Basic Windows applications to the Casio Z-7000. The list price of this product is $ 459.00.
To encourage software development in the PDA market, Mobile Computing Systems will also introduce HOPE! Lite. This product enables users with a basic knowledge of Visual Basic to create simple applications under Windows and run them on their Z-7000. The price of HOPE! Lite is $ 26.50.
All HOPE! products are available from Mobile Computing Systems and authorized business partners.
Mobile Computing Systems
Mobile Computing Systems is an independent software company. Founded in 1993, the company specializes in developing, marketing, and distributing internationally software products for mobile computers. The US headquarters is located in Burlingame, California. European markets are managed by the company's European office located in Camberley, England.
CONTACT:
Mobile Computing Systems Corp., Burlingame
Kathy Ecoffey, 415/696-1293
Developer Relations, 415/696-1291
CompuServe address: 102013,3433
Internet address: MCSUS@aol.com