Fujitsu and Sulcus Hospitality Group Partner to Develop First Wireless Computer for Restaurant Industry
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — August 30, 1993 — Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc. (FPSI), Sulcus Hospitality Group Inc., and Proxim Inc. have formed a technology partnership that has produced the first wireless pen computer designed to automate dining establishment operations.
For its Squirrel Restaurant Management System, Sulcus Hospitality has designed and integrated a pen-based or touch-screen, hand-held restaurant terminal using Fujitsu's PoqetPad Plus pen computer. The hand-held terminal incorporates Proxim's state-of-the-art PCMCIA wireless radio modem and Squirrel's touch-screen order entry software. Lightweight and durable, the Squirrel hand-held terminal enables restaurants to improve customer service and automate operations in a variety of settings, such as poolside bars and outdoor cocktail lounges.
"Fujitsu's alliance with Proxim and Sulcus demonstrates our increased efforts to meet the unique set of integration and support requirements of the vertical markets," said Lou Panetta, Fujitsu's executive vice president. "There is a growing need in today's markets for mobile computing products that provide real solutions and benefits, and the products that result from this partnership will provide automation solutions specifically suited for the hospitality market."
The mobile device is a full-screen, pen-based personal computer designed for use in forms-based data collection applications. The device weighs 1.61 pounds, and measures 10"x4.59"x1.5". The computer is optimized with a backlit LCD screen for greater readability and use in dimly lit rooms. The pen-based computer uses small, lightweight rechargeable NiCad batteries that can be replaced while the device and its applications are in use. The pen computer incorporates Proxim's spread-spectrum radio communications, eliminating the need for regulatory site licensing and the interferences usually associated with similar remote devices.
The Squirrel Restaurant Management System software offers complete automation of dining establishment operations including Point-of-Sale (POS), Credit Card Processing, Food & Beverage Inventory, Inventory Purchasing & Receiving and Labor Cost Control & Scheduling. With pop-up menu items as well as modifiers to guide the server through preparation and special order instructions, the program is easy to use and understand. The hand-held unit offers the same touch-screen user interface and functionality as other Squirrel products, which eliminates the need for staff retraining.
"A great deal of research was involved in making this hand-held terminal the most flexible, easy-to-use device possible – something that the competition cannot offer," said Frank Morrisroe, Sulcus Hospitality Group's president. "We envision this type of technology applying to all areas of the hospitality market, as well as potential future markets."
Fujitsu Personal Systems Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, is a leader in providing solutions for data collection and decision support applications through the development of super portable palmtop, pen-based and communicating computers. Its solutions are designed to meet the needs of applications where lightweight, small-form factor and long battery life are essential. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd.
Fujitsu Personal Systems has North American offices in Santa Clara, Irvine, Calif.; Chicago; Atlanta; Houston; Dallas; Philadelphia; New Jersey; Rhode Island; Toronto and international offices in England, France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Sweden.
Sulcus Hospitality Group Inc. is a subsidiary of Sulcus Computer Corp. (ASE: SUL), a leading developer of automated systems for the hospitality, legal and real estate markets. Sulcus Hospitality Group systems are in operation in more than 4,500 hotels, restaurants and country clubs on six continents. Customers include such names as Sheraton, Marriott, Applebee's, Promus, Radisson, ANA, Embassy Suites, Nikko, Holiday Inn, Chi-Chi's, Sfuzzi, Four Seasons, Canadian Pacific, Interstate, Clubhouse Inns, Regent, and Novotel.
Founded in 1984, Proxim Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is the world's leading supplier of spread spectrum wireless networking products for end users, systems integrators, VARs and OEMs. The company designs, manufactures and markets an industry leading family of off-the-shelf wireless LAN adapters for desktop and portable systems, as well as spread spectrum radio modules and wireless RF modems for custom applications. To date, Proxim has shipped over 50,000 spread spectrum radio products. note to Editors: Products and company names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
CONTACT: Sulcus Computer Corp.
William F. McLay, 602/952-7240
Walt & Sommerhauser Communications (Fujitsu)
Craig Sutphin, 408/496-0900