IBM Announced Pen-Based Computing Software Developers Assistance Program, First Pen-Based Computer

April 16, 1992 — IBM Thursday announced the formation of the IBM Pen Developer Assistance Program, designed to assist IBM customers and independent software vendors (ISVs) as they begin developing industry specific and general purpose pen-based applications.

In addition, IBM has announced a special bid version of the IBM ThinkPad(a), IBM’s first pen-based computer, to assist IBM customers and software developers in their development of applications that will run on future IBM pen-based computers. The ThinkPad comes with the IBM PenPoint(b) operating system, licensed from GO Corporation. IBM customers and application developers can order the new system directly from IBM through the special bid process, a program for obtaining computers from IBM that are not generally available through traditional purchasing channels. Recently, IBM provided selected ISVs and pilot customers with an early version of the ThinkPad for evaluation purposes and IBM has received very positive feedback from these evaluations.

IBM will begin accepting special bids on the ThinkPad today and delivering the systems in July. IBM intends to have a version of the ThinkPad generally available in the fourth quarter of 1992. Also, IBM intends to provide OS/2 support for select models of pen-based systems.

The IBM ThinkPad

The IBM ThinkPad is a rugged, tablet-style computer which runs the IBM PenPoint operating system. The system incorporates IBM’s world class handwriting recognition technology. IBM developed its technology at the Thomas J. Watson Research facility in Yorktown Heights, NY. and in its Boca Raton, Florida, facility.

The IBM ThinkPad is ideal for mobile workers such as sales representatives or insurance adjusters. These mobile workers, because of the nature of their job, traditionally have been unable or unwilling to use a keyboard-based computer while out in the field. Because the ThinkPad can be operated while standing up and moving about, it brings the power of computing to this new class of user. Users can write directly on the screen and the system will translate printed handwriting into “typed” characters, as well as capture images, sketches and drawings.

The special bid version of the IBM ThinkPad (Model 2521) comes standard with a 20 Megahertz (MHz) 386SX micro-processor, either four or eight megabytes (MB) of random access memory, an integrated data/fax modem (U.S.-compatible), an AC/DC adapter, a nickel cadmium battery, serial and parallel ports, a diskette drive port for connecting the optional external 3 1/2-inch, 1.44/2.88 MB diskette drive, and an external keyboard port. The ThinkPad offers 20 MB of removable internal solid state file storage, providing added ruggedness and data integrity. The display is a back-lit, video graphics array (VGA) resolution transflective display, ideal for use in a variety of lighting environments. The backlighting can be turned on and off, extending the battery life, and allowing users to take advantage of existing light. The ThinkPad is housed in a magnesium case, making the system very rugged and durable.

IBM Pen Developer Assistance Program The IBM Pen Developer Assistance Program announced today will provide guidance and support to IBM customer accounts interested in developing applications tailored to the needs of their field force or “mobile workers”, those workers who spend much of the time standing, moving around, meeting face-to-face with clients. IBM will also provide support to ISV’s looking to develop pen computing applications that will run on future IBM pen-based computers.

The program will include access to current hardware technical information; technical question and answer support; ac-cess to IBM pen-based products at various “test centers”; selective participation in business shows; discounts on technical education offerings, and other support activities.

Pre-loaded Software, ISV Applications IBM PenPoint, developed by GO Corporation, comes standard with the IBM ThinkPad (Model 2521). PenPoint is an innovative, award-winning operating system that was designed with the needs of the pen-based user in mind. It offers a natural way of interacting with the computer and is ideal for the “mobile worker”. The IBM ThinkPad has a variety of pre-loaded software in addition to the IBM PenPoint operating system. For example, application developers and other users who require the ability to easily exchange information between the ThinkPad and their existing personal computers or local area networks can use IBM PenStation software, licensed from Sitka Corporation, which comes standard with the system.

The ThinkPad also comes standard with a corrective service facility, which makes it easy to upgrade the operating system and application software as enhancements are available. The corrective service facility allows a user to upgrade the software by diskette, by attaching to a PS/2, or remotely through telecommunication links. IBM is participating with selected worldwide customers and ISV’s in application development and testing. IBM also is working with a number of leading edge application developers to provide a wide range of applications from which customers can choose. In addition, selected application developers will be chosen to participate in IBM’s current Software Solution Program, which is a cooperative marketing program under which IBM provides marketing assistance to the vendor for selected applications. (a) Trademark or registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation (b) PenPoint is a trademark or registered trademark of GO Corporation.

IBM THINKPAD PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

– A 20 MHz 80386SX processor
– Dimensions: 12 1/4″ x 9 3/16″ x 1 3/8″
– Weight: 6.01 lbs, with battery included
– 2 Models are available; the first has 4 MB of RAM
upgradable to 8 MB with an additional memory card.
The second model has 8 MB standard memory
– Serial and parallel ports
– A diskette drive port for connecting the optional
external 1.44/2.88 MB diskette drive
– External keyboard port
– Transflective, backlit liquid crystal display (LCD)
with VGA resolution, ideal for use in a variety of
lighting environments
– 20 MB of removable internal solid state file storage
– An AC/DC adapter
– A rechargeable nickel cadmium battery pack; 3 hour
battery life.
– Integrated data/fax modem (U.S. compatible)
– Untethered stylus
– Rugged magnesium casing

Pre-loaded software

– IBM PenPoint operating system, licensed from GO
Corporation
– IBM PenStation, licensed from Sitka Corporation,
allowing the transfer of data between the ThinkPad
and PS/2s
– Corrective service facility, allowing users to
upgrade the operating system and application software

CONTACT:
IBM, White Plains
W. Dean Kline, 914-642-5408