well...I am still in line....laugh...
The company is very real...the products are real....and IMO, they will return to NASD once they announce a profitable qtr...this go round..
so now is the time to accumulate...the shares...
just looking at their "historical news" for this year to date...shows they have a lot of major companies...already signed up...and using the new products...beyond the MSFT connection...
Here are some snips:
++++++++++++++++++++++++
6/21 comtexSoftware Upgrade for Low Power Ethernet Card Can Auto-Launch Any Windows CE Program
NEWARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 1999--Socket
Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock
Exchange SOK) today made it more convenient than ever to network
Windows CE-based mobile computers with the release of a free software
upgrade for Socket's Battery Friendly(TM) line of Ethernet plug-in
cards. The latest version of Socket's software allows users to specify
any program to be launched automatically whenever the Socket(R) Low
Power Ethernet Card is inserted into a Windows CE-based computer.
User's can choose to run desktop synchronization programs such as
Microsoft's ActiveSync or specialized applications such as a bar code
scanning program. By eliminating the need to navigate Windows CE's
graphical user interface in order to execute a favorite program, the
new software saves time, reduces errors and simplifies user training.
Socket's Ethernet software is compatible with all of the company's Low
Power Ethernet Cards, which are available in the PC Card form factor
for Handheld PCs and in the CompactFlash form factor for Palm-size
PCs. Socket has worked closely with Hewlett-Packard Company to ensure
compatibility with all versions of the HP Jornada family of Windows
CE-based computers.
An additional feature of Socket's new Ethernet software is a
utility that allows users to request a specified delay between card
insertion and the time when the Ethernet software attempts to connect
to the network or launch an application. This permits users to
accommodate network configurations with restrictive timing
characteristics. These innovations add to other unique features
introduced in the previous release of Socket Ethernet software such as
energy-saving "soft" status lights, which display key network
information on the mobile computer's screen rather than by using
conventional, power-consuming LED hardware attached to the network
card or to an external dongle. Socket's soft status lights can reduce
the power consumption of the Low Power Ethernet Cards by up to 10%.
The Low Power Ethernet Card brings the benefits of speed and
location independence to Windows CE users when performing common tasks
such as synchronization, backup, file transfer, e-mail, scheduling,
program installation, web browsing or web channel updates.
Over-the-cable data transfer rate for the Low Power Ethernet Card is
10 megabits per second -- 500 times faster than the serial port of a
Windows CE PC Companion. Another advantage of the Ethernet card is
that it lets PC Companions communicate with partner PCs from any
location on a network segment, so on-campus users are not tied to
their desks when they read e-mail, schedule meetings or browse the
web.
"We are pleased that Socket continues to innovatively add value
to their products for Windows CE-based handheld PCs," said Dennis
Hamann, worldwide marketing manager for HP's Asia Pacific PC Division.
"The continued relationship between Socket and HP means that HP
Jornada users will be able to enjoy the full compatibility and
functionality offered by this upgrade.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NEWARK, Calif., Jun 14, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE via COMTEX) --
SocketCommunications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific
Stock Exchange SOK) today announced the signing of an agreement with
MTDS Oy, a data communications company based in Finland, for jointly
developing and marketing a version of the Digital Phone Card(TM), a low
power plug-in card plus software that will enable mobile computers
powered by Microsoft's Windows CE operating system to connect to the
Internet and enterprise networks using GSM cellular phones. 6 The GSM
version of the Digital Phone Card system will allow users to attach a
Windows CE-based Handheld PC or Palm-size PC to a variety of GSM phones
including handsets from Ericsson and Nokia. Software provided with the
system will include a GSM soft modem for Windows CE, plus programs for
handling SMS messages and synchronizing the handset's phonebook with
Microsoft's contact management software. Like Socket's recently
announced Digital Phone Card system for data-capable CDMA cellular
phones, the GSM version of the system will give mobile professionals
and service personnel location-independent access to the Internet and
instant synchronization with enterprise servers. Users will be able to
run e-mail, browse the web, participate in group scheduling, and
transfer data from anywhere within a GSM network. Operating in over 200
countries worldwide and supporting more than 150 million subscribers,
GSM 900/1800 and PCS (North America) are rapidly establishing
themselves as dominant digital networks.: (SOK) Socket Announces Plug-in Card That Brings Bar Code
B: (SOK) Socket Announces Plug-in Card That Brings Bar Code Laser Scanning to
Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs
++++++++++++++
DENVER, Jun 7, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE via COMTEX) -- Socket
Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock
Exchange SOK) today unveiled the Socket(R) CompactFlash Laser Scanner
Card(TM), a plug-in card designed for Windows CE operating system-based
mobile computers that features a new low-power bar code laser scanner
engine from Symbol Technologies (NYSE:SBL) that is their smallest,
lightest and brightest scan engine available today.
Socket's card is the first bar code laser scanner plug-in card to work
with the new generation of Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs. These
pocket-size computers offer features especially attractive to corporate
and professional users: high-resolution color displays, large memory
storage, rechargeable batteries, expandable I/O, and the availability
of Windows development tools. Socket has worked closely with
Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HWP) to ensure compatibility with the HP
Jornada 420 palm-size PC.
++++++++++++++++++++++
(COMTEX) B: (SCKTW)(SOK) Unisys Picks Socket's Ethernet Card for New,
B: (SCKTW)(SOK) Unisys Picks Socket's Ethernet Card for New, Ultra-Compact
Check Processor; Custom Plug-in Card Adds Networking to Windows CE-based
SourceNDP System
NEWARK, Calif., Jun 7, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE via COMTEX) --
SocketCommunications Inc. (OTC BB: SCKT) (OTC BB: SCKTW) (Pacific Stock
Exchange: SOK) today announced an agreement to supply Unisys
Corporation (NYSE:UIS) with a custom, ruggedized version of Socket's
Low Power Ethernet PC Card for use with the Unisys SourceNDP Network
Document Processor, a low-cost, compact check capture station based on
Microsoft's Windows CE operating system. The shoebox-size SourceNDP
allows financial institutions, banks and retail outlets to scan checks
on-site and forward images of checks to centralized processing
facilities. This can dramatically accelerate the availability of funds
while slashing courier costs. Socket's Ethernet card plugs into the PC
Card slot built into the SourceNDP, allowing the device to be shared by
multiple users and to communicate directly to the enterprise network
without a dedicated PC. Small size, low cost, a simplified user
interface and network capability all make the new SourceNDP a
groundbreaking product for Unisys, whose document processing solutions
currently handle more than half the world s checks.
"By developing a custom, ruggedized version of their Ethernet PC Card,
Socket helped us take advantage of both the SourceNDP PC Card slot and
the network connectivity of Windows CE," said Ruth Reaser, product
manager for Unisys. "Socket's expertise in Windows CE and PC Card
technology made them a great partner to help us create a new check
processing market by addressing the needs of small sites such as branch
offices and retail stores."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(COMTEX) B: Socket and Zebra To Bring On-Demand Bar Code Printing to
B: Socket and Zebra To Bring On-Demand Bar Code Printing to Windows CE; Plug-in
Connection Kit Will Mate PC Companions to Portable Bar Code Printers
NEWARK, CALIF. (June 2) BUSINESS WIRE -June 2, 1999--Socket
Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock
Exchange:SOK) today announced an agreement with Zebra Technologies
Corporation (Nasdaq:ZBRA), the worldwide leader in bar code printing
solutions, to provide connectivity products for bar code labeling based
on Socket's low power plug-in adapters.
The Bar Code Printer Connection Kit, expected to be available in mid
1999, will make it a snap to attach a Zebra or Eltron bar code printer
to a Windows CE(R)-based Handheld PC or Palm-size PC or to a Windows
9x/NT(R) notebook.
Intended for VARs, OEMs and integrators who wish to create wearable or
ultra portable bar coding solutions, the kit will enable a variety of
applications that call for creating on-demand bar code labels including
inventory control, package tracking, asset tagging, parcel delivery,
shipping and receiving, route accounting, product marking, and
receipts.
The Bar Code Printer Connection Kit will feature a Socket(R) Battery
Friendly(TM) adapter that can be plugged into a Windows CE-based
Handheld PC or Palm-size PC or a Windows 9x/NT notebook. The ruggedized
cable, specifically designed for Zebra or Eltron printers, will be
permanently fixed to the adapter card and will plug securely into the
portable bar code label printer.
Compatible printers include the Zebra PA400(TM) and PT400(TM) and the
Eltron P2222(TM) and P2242(TM). Because Socket's adapter cards draw
minimal power from the host computer and Zebra and Eltron printers are
powered by their own internal batteries, the Bar Code Printer
Connection Kit will allow users to generate real-time bar code labels
for extended periods without recharging or replacing batteries.
Zebra and Eltron printers also allow storing forms, graphics, and fonts
on-board the printer, providing developers with faster system
performance, shorter development cycles, and a wider range of printing
options.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
COMTEX) B: Socket and Bell Mobility Bring Wireless Internet Access t
B: Socket and Bell Mobility Bring Wireless Internet Access to Windows CE;
Socket's Digital Phone Card Will Connect Mobile PCs to Data-capable Digital
Cellular Phones
NEWARK, CALIF. (May 17) BUSINESS WIRE -May 17, 1999--Socket
Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock
Exchange SOK) today announced a joint marketing agreement with Bell
Mobility of Canada to promote and distribute the Socket(R) Digital
Phone Card, an energy efficient plug-in card that makes it easy to
attach a digital data-capable cellular phone to a Windows CE-based PC
Companion or to a Windows 9x/NT notebook. The Digital Phone Card takes
advantage of existing Windows software to give mobile professionals and
service personnel location-independent access to the Internet and
instant synchronization with enterprise servers. The Digital Phone Card
will be available in Canada from Bell Mobility dealers and Socket
Communications resellers.
Socket's Digital Phone Card plugs into the card slot built into
Windows-based mobile computers, allowing these devices to utilize a
digital data-capable cellular phone as a wireless modem. When attached
to a Windows CE-based Handheld PC or Palm-size PC, the Digital Phone
Card gives mobile users a convenient, ultra portable way to run e-mail,
browse the web, participate in group scheduling, and transfer data from
anywhere within Bell Mobility's digital cellular network. This
capability adds a new level of convenience and connectivity to mobile
applications such as sales-force automation, customer support, field
service, delivery, and group scheduling.
The Digital Phone Card offers major advantages over other connectivity
options. The universal card-based interface eliminates compatibility
problems resulting from the variety of external connectors found on
Windows CE-based computers. This simplifies inventory logistics for
resellers and offers a simple upgrade path for users who want to
acquire new mobile computers. The plug-in card also provides a durable
connection that resists strain and vibration which can cause sporadic
operation with connectors based on external serial ports. Socket's
Battery Friendly(TM) design also allows users to operate their digital
phones up to twice as long as with other cabling solutions.
"Socket's Digital Phone Card will help bring about the convergence of
digital cellular networks and Windows CE-based mobile computers," said
Norm Silins, Director of Data Services for Bell Mobility. "Socket's
leadership in low power plug-in solutions for Windows CE is perfect for
mobile workers whose accessibility and productivity are increasingly
dependent on battery life.
++++++++++++++++++++++
They are turning the corner on revenues and profits:
PR NEWSWIRE) Socket Communications, Inc. Reports First Quarter 1999 Opera
Socket Communications, Inc. Reports First Quarter 1999 Operating Results
NEWARK, Calif., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Socket Communications, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: SCKT, SCKTW; PCX: SOK) today reported revenue for the
quarter ended March 31, 1999 of $1,460,607, an increase of
24 percent compared to revenue of $1,175,670 for the same period a year ago.
The net loss applicable to common stockholders for the quarter was $456,837
($0.06 per share) compared to a net loss applicable to common stockholders of
$679,408 ($0.10 per share) for the first quarter of 1998.
Compared to one year ago, the Company experienced sales growth in the
first quarter across all of its product families. The largest revenue
increase was from connection product sales, including sales of Standard Serial
PC Cards to one OEM customer, growth in sales of Dual Serial PC Cards which
add two serial ports to a handheld or mobile computer, and growth in Low Power
Ethernet Card sales in both CompactFlash and PC Card form factors for
connecting Windows CE devices to corporate networks. The Company also
experienced moderate growth in its data collection card product sales,
including higher sales of bar code scanning wands and initial sales of its
Laser Scanning Connection Kits which were introduced at the end of 1998.
Growth was partially offset by lower sales of standard Ethernet products which
are being phased out in favor of Low Power Ethernet Cards. Gross margins
increased from 55.8 percent in the first quarter of 1998 to 58.2 percent in
the first quarter of 1999 due to favorable product mix, including higher
margins on newer products.
"Socket has been systematically expanding its family of connection and
data collection products for the Windows CE market, and we were pleased with
our quarter over quarter growth despite a weak start in January," said
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charlie Bass. "Based on the first
quarter's momentum, strong April revenue performance and a growing portfolio
of pending corporate purchases across our complete family of products, our
outlook for the second quarter is for continued solid revenue growth as we
work to achieve profitable operations in 1999."+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(COMTEX) B: Socket Ships Laser Scanner Connection Kit for Handheld PC
B: Socket Ships Laser Scanner Connection Kit for Handheld PCs and Notebooks;
Plug and Play Solution Turns Windows CE/9x/NT Computers into Mobile Bar Code
Scanners
NEWARK, CALIF. (April 6) BUSINESS WIRE -April 6, 1999--Socket
Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock
Exchange SOK) today announced the release of the Socket(R) Laser
Scanner Connection Kit, a mobile bar code scanning solution that allows
users to plug a Symbol Technologies LS2104, LS3603 or LS4004 laser
scanner gun into a Windows CE-based Handheld PC or a Windows 9x/NT
notebook. Available from select distributors who carry Symbol handheld
laser scanners, the kit is intended for VARs, OEMs and integrators who
want to create high-performance mobile data collection solutions based
on Microsoft Windows technology.
The Laser Scanner Connection Kit features Socket's Battery Friendly(tm)
Collection I/O PC Card, a custom ruggedized cable and Socket's
ScanWizard(tm) virtual keyboard software. The PC Card delivers power
from the Handheld PC or notebook to the laser scanner, saving users the
expense and inconvenience of a "power brick." The PC Card also allows
the kit to work out of the box with any Windows-based Handheld PC or
notebook, dramatically simplifying sales and support logistics. The
ruggedized cable, designed for industrial use, is permanently fixed to
the PC Card and plugs securely into Symbol's LS2104, LS3603 or LS4004
handheld laser scanner gun. Socket's ScanWizard software eliminates the
need for special programming by functioning like a keyboard wedge,
allowing users to read bar code data directly into any Windows
application as though the data had been typed on a keyboard.
"The Laser Scanner Connection Kit makes it easy and economical for bar
code scanning solution providers to plug into Windows CE," said Les
Lee, Socket's director of North American sales. "By making the kit
available from distributors established in the bar code scanning arena,
we offer resellers the benefit of one-stop shopping for the PC Card
connection, the virtual keyboard software and the handheld laser
scanner. We believe this use of specialized channels is the most
efficient way to make our plug-in card technology accessible to the
automatic identification market."
The suggested retail price of the Laser Scanner Connection Kit for the
LS2104 laser scanner gun is $129. The retail price of the LS4004 or
LS3603 versions, which provide different cables, is $139. The Symbol
Technologies handheld laser scanner gun is not included in either kit.
Other bar code scanner products from Socket include the Bar Code Wand
Card family, which features PC Cards and CompactFlash CF+ cards
integrated with a Welch Allyn SCANTEAM contact scanner wand for use
with Windows CE-based Handheld PCs and Palm-size PCs or Windows 9x/NT
notebooks. Socket's bar code scanner products are currently available
from Seneca Data (www.senecadata.com) and PositiveID
(www.positive-id.com). These distributors also offer Symbol's LS2104
and LS4004 handheld laser scanner guns.
Just some snips....for those who have only gotten one piece of the story and that is the MSFT connection....
this goes beyond that...........which is great!
smile..............Mary |
