Source: Geoworks Home PageGEOWORKS SELECTS JONATHAN KAPLAN TO LEAD NEW "WIRELESS CONTENT AND SERVICES" DIVISION
ALAMEDA, Calif. (July 22, 1996)--Geoworks (Nasdaq/National Market System Symbol: GWRX), developer of GEOS(R) operating system software, today announced Jonathan E. Kaplan as vice president/publisher of the company's newly formed Wireless Content and Services division. As head of Geoworks' new division, Kaplan will be responsible for leading the development of technology for packaged wireless content, published electronic information services to smart phone customers, distinct regional services, and partnerships with content and service providers as well as cellular operators.
"In deciding to enter the wireless content and services market, we realized the person heading the effort would need to understand the publishing business, as well as the kinds of information people want as they transition from using traditional media to newer electronic forms," said Gordon Mayer, president and CEO of Geoworks. "Jonathan's background and experience in paper-based publishing, electronic publishing and technology-related industries make him the perfect choice for our new Wireless Content and Services division."
To build the Wireless Content and Services team, Kaplan has brought together experts from both publishing and Internet-related arenas. This team is now chartered with three primary objectives: 1) partner with appropriate content providers in order to offer compelling content to the customers of GEOS-based smart phones; 2) package relevant content and services, including travel and financial information, news, entertainment, directory services and electronic commerce; and 3) enable networked applications to use content and services via varied smart phone applications, including e-mail, message notification, network data storage and through productivity applications, such as group scheduling and carrier services.
Similar to Web-based publishing, smart phone publishing requires an understanding of traditional publishing as well as technology. Smart phones, however, add an entirely new set of usage patterns and design requirements to electronic publishing.
"The ability to drive the development and delivery of wireless content and services for smart phone customers is an exciting opportunity," said Jonathan Kaplan. "This is the place where technology and publishing merge to truly provide information access anywhere, anytime."
Kaplan joined Geoworks in 1995 as vice president/publisher of information services, bringing with him a wealth of experience in multimedia and electronic publishing, international marketing and product development.
Prior to Geoworks, Kaplan evaluated and implemented new technologies for Conde Nast's thirteen publications. Kaplan also owned and operated Progressive Technologies, Ltd., a consulting firm which provided information-technology integration services to the printing and publishing industries. Smart phones are next-generation, digital-cellular telephones that integrate voice and data transmission capabilities--including voice mail, e-mail, facsimile, and Internet access to content and services--within one handheld device.
Based in Alameda, California, Geoworks develops and markets the GEOS operating system and application software for the emerging Consumer Computing Device (CCD) market. The company is focused on enabling the development of smart phones and electronic organizers, and has licensed GEOS to leading manufacturers such as Nokia, Ericsson, NEC, Toshiba Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Brother International Corp. and Canon Business Machines.
In keeping with U.S. law, the Company notes that the discussion concerning the development of smart phone publishing is a 'forward looking statement.' Actual results may vary, due to the risks inherent in developing and delivering new technologies in a new market.
For additional information on Geoworks and the GEOS operating system, contact Geoworks on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com.