Press Releases - 1999

SAN MATEO, CA, September 13, 1999 — PointBase, and Psion Computers today announced success running PointBase Mobile Edition on a Psion Series 5mx handheld computer —the first time an SQL database written in 100% Pure Java™ has been run on a handheld device of any type. The Psion-ready PointBase Mobile Edition is available today with full developer support.

Enterprise developers and application service providers (ASPs) can now store, access and manage data on a Psion Series 5mx, using the accepted industry standards, Structured Query Language (SQL) and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC). Prior to PointBase's success with Psion's Series 5mx, developers had to use proprietary flat files or object-oriented storage procedures-which were inconsistent and non-portable.

Standards-based development will make application development significantly faster and easier for the handheld computer that Personal Computer World  has called "the best piece of design we have ever seen on a computer," using PointBase's non-proprietary Java data storage and management solution which made news earlier this year as the industry's first 100% Pure Java, multi-user, object-relational database with data synchronization capabilities.

"The combination of the Psion Series 5mx and PointBase Mobile Edition provides a solution that significantly expands the ability of extended enterprises to store and manage corporate data throughout the mobile workforce," said Bruce Scott, PointBase's CEO. Scott has made a career of database innovation—at Oracle, which he co-founded, he pioneered the SQL relational database on distributed minicomputers; at Gupta, he brought relational databases to PCs; and now at PointBase, he is bringing SQL databases to handhelds. "Enterprise developers and ASPs have been clamoring for a way to enhance the utility of handheld devices by extending business logic and data to them. The Psion-PointBase combination provides organizations with an effective way to use non proprietary tools based on industry standards in order to work with an up-to-date, unified view of the information that they need to run their business, no matter where that information resides."

"Psion is developing a range of enterprise products which enterprises will begin seeing over the next few months. On the heels of the 5mx, developers will see netBook, and our focus is directed toward providing a comprehensive set of tools to developers within the Java community. The successes Psion and PointBase have seen with Mobile Edition are important steps toward fostering an environment where developers can take advantage of the enormous strengths Psion's products offer," said Craig Swallow, president of Psion, Inc. "Because the database is written in 100% Pure Java and Psion products use the EPOC™ Runtime Environment for Java, any application changes can be deployed to the Psion device, without needing to recompile the application first—a situation that is unique among handhelds. Applications can now be consistent across a population of devices, so everyone in an organization is working with the same information."

Both editions provide near-zero maintenance to ensure the lowest total cost of ownership of any embedded database. And both editions support any platform or device running Java and provide "drop in" compatibility on operating systems including Sun Solaris, HP-UX, IBM (AS/400, RS6000 AIX and OS/390), Linux, Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT, Novell NetWare and Apple Mac/OS.

The Psion Series 5mx Created with the mobile user in mind, the Psion Series 5mx combines mobile Internet and e-mail connectivity with a lightning-fast processor. The 5mx is compatible with all leading Windows 95/NT4 word processors, spreadsheets and databases, and synchronizes seamlessly with schedules and contact software on users' desktop PCs, including Microsoft, Lotus, Corel, WordPerfect and other applications.

About PointBase
The PointBase family of 100% Pure Java embedded data management products enables a new class of Java-based networked applications to support e-commerce, Web-based mobile workers, and Internet devices such as set-top boxes. PointBase provides the lowest cost of ownership by delivering robust, platform-independent data storage with breakthroughs in ease of use, synchronization and data replication, near-zero administration, and portability. PointBase was established in 1998 by Bruce Scott, co-founder of Oracle Corporation and Gupta/Centura Software, and Jeff Richey, one of the key developers of the Sybase SQL database server. The management team includes industry veterans from IBM, Oracle, Sybase, Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems. More information about PointBase is available on the World Wide Web at www.pointbase.com.

About Psion plc
Psion plc designs, develops and markets handheld computing products for consumer, corporate & professional markets. Since launching the world's first handheld computer in 1984, Psion has been the acknowledged leader in the design and technology of innovative handheld computing products around the world.Psion Computers offer a comprehensive range of computing solutions which are complemented by an extensive range of software and hardware peripheral products and the availability of thousands of software packages. More information on Psion's Series 5mx and the new netBook is available by visiting Psion's website at: www.psionusa.com.
 

Note to Editors — PointBase, Dynamic Footprint, UniSync and Adaptive Management are trademarks of PointBase in the United States and other countries. Java and 100% Pure Java are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other product, trademark, company or service names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.