TOPS Announced for GO’s PenPoint Operating System

January 22, 1991 — Sitka Corp.’s TOPS networking technology has been ported to GO Corp.’s new PenPoint operating system, the two companies announced Tuesday.

The SitkaTOPS technology will be available to PenPoint licensees for distribution with the new pen-based operating system. Together, TOPS and PenPoint will support the cross-platform file-sharing critical to users of notebook and other mobile computing platforms.

“The nature of mobile computing dictates the need for connections between a PenPoint computer and different desktop computers,” said Rich Shapero, Sitka president. “Whether uploading applications, or downloading data collected in the field, cross-platform connectivity is a vital element.”

With over 700,000 nodes installed, TOPS file-sharing software thrives in environments where seamless file access be-tween multiple operating systems is required. The PenPoint operating system uses a familiar notebook model to pro-vide a natural and mobile way to use a pen and a computer.

The PenPoint TOPS client software will give PenPoint users access to the files and printers available on TOPS servers — MS-DOS or Macintosh-based. Further, users of a PenPoint computer will have access to Novell NetWare, IBM LAN Server, or Banyan VINES through the PenPoint TOPS client provided.

GO vice president of software development, Robert Carr, said, “The PenPoint TOPS client software is an important capability available to users of the PenPoint operating system. It allows easy file-sharing with both PCs and Macintosh computers.”

The agreement to license TOPS technology to GO includes Sitka’s SoftTalk. SoftTalk is the remote procedure session mechanism that provides a foundation for Sitka’s own TOPS products and those developed by third parties.

Sitka Corp., formerly TOPS, is a leading supplier of networking software for IBM Personal Computers, Apple Macintosh computers and Sun Workstations. Sitka networking and electronic mail software provides the best solution for businesses needing to connect disparate platforms and environments.

GO Corp., a privately held company headquartered in Foster City, Calif., was founded in 1987 to develop pen-based computing technology.

Note to Editors: Sitka and SitkaTOPS are trademarks of Sitka Corp. GO and PenPoint are trademarks of GO Corp. All other products or services mentioned in this document are identified by the trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations.

CONTACT:
Sitka Corp., Alameda, Calif.
Rebecca Fuller, 415/769-2580