PenStuff and Trimble Navigation Develop GPS Standard for PenPoint
NEW YORK — June 29, 1993 — PenStuff Inc., AT&T, Trimble Navigation and GO Corp. announced the PenPoint Global Positioning System (GPS) application programming interface (API) at PC Expo.
The API defines the means by which third-party developers may access GPS data collection devices under PenPoint. The API will be published on GO Corp.'s bulletin board on CompuServe later this summer. It defines classes, messages and data structures which allow GPS hardware manufacturers and third-party software developers to design GPS applications for PenPoint.
PenStuff and Trimble Navigation will offer a PenPoint software development kit (SDK) based on the API in the third quarter. The SDK will allow software developers to quickly integrate GPS into their PenPoint applications. The SDK will include an installable PenPoint service, sample source code developed by PenStuff, and a Trimble Navigation Mobile GPS PCMCIA Sensor. A software-only version of the SDK will be available directly from PenStuff. The SDK will support both Hobbit and Intel-based versions of PenPoint.
By combining GPS technology with pen computers, users can pinpoint their location in terms of latitude, longitude and altitude. Field workers can use GPS to locate their position on a digital map, navigate to a desired location, and collect positional information for use with desktop Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications.
"PenStuff intends to be the leading supplier of GPS software products for pen-based computers and personal communicators. The API is a significant milestone towards reaching that goal," said George Seff, president of PenStuff Inc. "GPS plays an important role in our field data collection strategy."
"Many of the players in the emerging mobile computing and communications market recognize the natural synergy that exists between personal communicators and GPS technology," said Bill Dussell of Trimble Navigation. "Integrating GPS is simple in concept, yet can be difficult for third-party developers to implement in practice. By defining this standard API, we've taken a giant step towards removing the complexities of using GPS in PenPoint applications. Removing these barriers will be good for both the commercial GPS industry and the personal communicator community."
In addition to gaining support for the API from AT&T, PenStuff has been working with IBM, Trimble Navigation and the University of Florida Department of Urban and Regional Planning on projects involving GPS for the past year. PenStuff GPS software is currently in use in the field.
Trimble Navigation Ltd. (NASDAQ:TRMB) is a world leader in the emerging commercial market for satellite-based navigation and positioning products using the U.S. Government-funded Global Positioning System (GPS). Trimble designs, manufactures and markets electronic instruments and systems for determining precise geographic location. These products are sold in a variety of markets including survey and mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), marine, aviation, vehicle tracking, military applications and differential GPS systems. Founded in 1978 and located in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has been the leader in the commercial business of GPS since 1984.
PenStuff Inc., a privately held company founded in July, 1991, is a developer of field data collection applications for mobile computing. PenStuff applications support the capture and communication of text, GPS information and digital images. PenStuff is located in Rochester, New York.
CONTACT:
Trimble Navigation, Sunnyvale
Bill Dussell, 408/481-8915
or
PenStuff, Inc., Rochester
Bill Rigney, 716/461-3182