Pentax and Bachmann Partner to Enable Printing From Palm Devices
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 4 — October 4, 1999 — Good news, Palm Computing(R) platform developers! You can program support for printing into software applications for Palm(TM) connected organizers, thanks to the teaming of two technology providers. Pentax Technologies and Bachmann Software & Services today announced a partnership that will result in a Palm-compatible printing solution consisting of the Pentax PocketJet(R) 200 portable printer and Bachmann Print Manager(TM). The print solution will be demonstrated at PalmSource(TM) 99, October 19-22 in Santa Clara, CA.
According to 3Com, the Palm Computing(R) platform is the fastest growing handheld computing platform in history. Handheld and palm-sized devices were introduced into the workplace just over three years ago and were used primarily to manage sales contacts or to keep phone numbers handy. With the development of software tools that allow enterprise-wide automation, this early trend has sparked tremendous growth in the mobile computing market. Now individuals and businesses alike are able to access critical data while on the go. In fact, vertical market applications such as pharmaceutical sales, emergency and fire departments, and public utilities are deploying palm-sized computing solutions at unprecedented rates.
Robust Applications call for Printing
The Palm economy has resulted in over 3,000 applications and over four million users. As the platform grows, customers are demanding more functionality from their applications, and easier access to their data. In the past, printed output was simply not an option on the Palm Computing Platform. But with the presence of Print Manager, applications can provide users with the same print options that are available on other handheld platforms. Whether one needs to deliver a hard copy contract, obtain a signature, or leave information behind after a presentation, printing from Palm devices will facilitate business transactions. As third party solution providers develop more enterprise-specific applications on the Palm platform, the need to print when out of the office environment will also dramatically increase.
With the PocketJet portable printer, sales professionals, field representatives and medical professionals can print anywhere, rather than waiting until they return to their offices to synchronize with a desktop computer. Weight and size are key features of the PocketJet, making it the perfect complement for the Palm devices.
The Challenge and Solution
Palm devices pose a challenge for application vendors in that they do not provide a built-in printer driver architecture. Bachmann Software overcomes this obstacle with Print Manager, the only graphical printing engine for Palm connected organizers. Bachmann Print Manager gives Palm computing platform developers the power to create printed output directly from their Palm application. Print Manager is a printer subsystem that uses standard Palm architecture, and installs seamlessly into the Palm OS. Once linked into host software applications, Print Manager supports graphic printing for maps, forms, spreadsheets, email, and other applications. Print Manager will be bundled with the Pentax PocketJet printer, so data can be output via serial or infrared connection to Palm devices.
Pentax Technologies recently introduced their one-pound PocketJet 200 printer, designed for use with devices running the Windows CE platform. With the assistance of Bachmann Software, Pentax plans to release their next version, PocketJet 200 for Palm Computing platform later this fall. Pentax and other partnering companies have provided mobile computing solutions to vertical markets such as law enforcement, public utilities, moving companies, and mortgage brokers. With Palm compatibility, Pentax and Bachmann look forward to assisting sales forces and other enterprises with their automation projects.
About the Companies
Pentax Technologies Corporation is a manufacturer of computer peripherals and optical components. Products include the PocketJet family of portable printers, continuous form laser printers, sheetfed scanners, the VersaCam Internet camera, and other optics-based parts and subassemblies. Established in 1985, Pentax Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi Optical Co., Ltd., Japan.
Good news, Palm Computing(R) platform developers! You can program support for printing into software applications for Palm(TM) connected organizers, thanks to the teaming of two technology providers. Pentax Technologies and Bachmann Software & Services today announced a partnership that will result in a Palm-compatible printing solution consisting of the Pentax PocketJet(R) 200 portable printer and Bachmann Print Manager(TM). The print solution will be demonstrated at PalmSource(TM) 99, October 19-22 in Santa Clara, CA.
SOURCE: Pentax Technologies Corporation
CONTACT: Kimberly Makoveck, Marketing Communications Manager of Pentax Technologies Corporation, 303-460-1825, kimberly.makoveck@pentaxtech.com;
or
Glenn Bachmann, President of Bachmann Software, 973-729-9427, glenn@bachmannsoftware.com