Source: Post to comp.os.geos by Steve MainGEOWORKS JOINS WORLD WIDE WEB CONSORTIUM
Will help develop World Wide Web standards for Consumer Computing Devices
ALAMEDA, Calif. (June 4, 1996)--Geoworks (Nasdaq/National Market System Symbol: GWRX), developer of the GEOS operating system software, today announced its entry into the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). By joining the W3C, Geoworks is taking an active role to ensure that development standards set by the Consortium address the needs of Consumer Computing Devices (CCDs), including organizers and smart phones.
The W3C is the principal international body for the development of open World Wide Web (WWW) software specifications and reference implementation. Its mission is to ensure the smooth evolution of WWW protocols into a true information infrastructure throughout the world.
"Geoworks lends a special perspective to the Consortium by representing the needs of CCD customers," said Tim Berners-Lee, director of the W3C and early WWW creator. "Working together, we can help ensure emerging mobile devices have seamless access to the Internet and its wealth of information and content."
"With leading phone manufacturers such as Nokia, Ericsson and NEC having announced intent to build smartrm, Internet standards will develop to allow content and service providers to create solutions specifically for GEOS-based devices," said Gordon Mayer, president and CEO of Geoworks. "We look forward to working with the Consortium to address this and other issues surrounding CCDs and their impending presence on the Web."
Smart phones are next-generation digital cellular telephones that integrate voice and data transmission capabilities, including voice mail, e-mail, facsimile, and Internet access for content and services, within one handheld device. Current market estimates forecast strong growth in this product category.
"A large opportunity exists for such devices as the intelligent phone which can access the Internet," said Van Baker, Dataquest's director of worldwide distribution channels. GEOS, a graphical operating system, has been optimized for the smart phone category with its support for leading communications protocols and its ability to track and organize a variety of messages, including e-mail, fax, voice and paging. The system requires limited hardware resources and provides advanced functionality, allowing hardware manufacturers to deliver products on an open platform for the addition of third-party software and PC connectivity. In addition, Geoworks' patented user interface technology provides the unique ability for partners to customize the features of their products for optimal ease-of-use and increased product differentiation.
The W3C is run by MIT's Laboratory for Computer Science and Europe's INRIA. Although funded by its industrial members, the group provides the global community with free access to the code and specifications it develops. Further details may be found at http://www.w3.org/
About Geoworks
Based in Alameda, California, Geoworks develops and markets the GEOS operating system and application software for the emerging Consumer Computing Devices market. The company's continued focus on efficiency and enhanced functionality is designed to enable the development of affordable, feature-rich devices for the mobile device market. GEOS licensees include 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, Geoworks notes that discussions in this press release concerning the following topics include forward-looking statements: the intention to develop and support future industry standard protocols; the future development and delivery of GEOS-based smart phones; and forecasts by third parties concerning the potential for smart phone market growth. Actual results may vary significantly, due to various risks and uncertainties. In particular, those risks include, but are not limited to the following: i) development and adoption of smart phone Internet standards depends upon agreement of the Consortium and may depend upon the commercial availability of complementary relationships and technologies; ii) the Company anticipates the emergence and potential impact of competitive proposals for standards; and iii) the smart phone market may not emerge to the degree or in the timing anticipated. Additional information is available in the Risk Factors and Business discussions in the Company's Forms 10K, 10Q and other filings available from the Company or from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
For additional information on Geoworks and the GEOS operating system, contact Geoworks on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com/