An interesting release on Phoenix's aggressive moves into industrial appliances through their PICO Group. Note the Microsoft quote.
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Phoenix Technologies' PICO Group Signs with Five Major Electronics Distribution Firms
The First-Ever Major Distribution of System Enabling Software Solution
SANTA CLARA, CA (September 9, 1996) -- Phoenix Technologies¡ PICO Group (NASDAQ: PTEC), a leading supplier of software foundations, today announced the signing of distribution agreements with Anthem Electronics in the U.S., Eurodis Bytech and MMD in the U.K., Arrow Electronique in France, and Silverstar in Italy. These distributors are the first in these regions to offer a total solution of hardware, and system enabling software, resulting in a strong competitive advantage. The agreements are significant because they can help to enable a growing number of industrial appliance manufacturers to get their products to market more quickly and cost effectively.
"We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to distribute Phoenix PICO products. This addition complements our line of Microsoft embedded operating systems as well as our Intel and AMD embedded processors," said Ken Lamneck, vice president of marketing for Anthem. "It's ideal for customers who need to design an embedded solution using industry standard BIOS and operating systems."
Anthem, Bytech, MMD, and Silverstar all distribute Microsoft embedded operating systems in addition to the Phoenix PICO product line. Now, when customers purchase Intel or AMD embedded processors from these distribution partners, they can also get the system enabling software and operating system from the same supplier.
"PICO's entrance into these major distribution channels completes the product offering for distributors who were previously offering embedded processors and Microsoft embedded operating systems," said Mark Kuenster, senior account manager of Microsoft's OEM Division. "We are looking forward to seeing the industrial appliance market continue to grow as a result of the industry standard total solution that Intel and AMD, Microsoft and Phoenix are providing."
The PICO OEM Adaptation Kit (OAK) will be offered through these distributors and is unique in the industry as a comprehensive system enabling software development kit. The OAK is designed to enable manufacturers to make software modifications and to provide all the knowledge and tools necessary to do so. Because the software is integrated into a development kit, it is ideal for marketing through distribution channels.
Phoenix Technologies Ltd. is a worldwide leader supplying essential software to PC manufacturers. The company's system-level software products, such as PhoenixBIOSTM, NoteBIOSTM, PhoenixPICOTM, and PhoenixCard ManagerTM, allow PC manufacturers to increase product differentiation, reduce product cycle time to market and reduce internal engineering costs. Information on all Phoenix Technologies' PICO products is available on the worldwide web at: ptltd.com. |
