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Technology Stocks : Compaq -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Captain Jack who wrote (82816)	6/19/2000 12:25:00 PM
From: Night Writer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 97611

Compaq Ports Linux to iPAQ Handheld Computer Creates Program for Open Source Community to Foster Innovation on Handheld Devices HOUSTON, June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Capitalizing on its innovative research and development capabilities, Compaq Computer Corporation today announced the Open Handheld Program, a new initiative designed to stimulate innovation and research on handheld devices. Derived from Compaq Corporate Research's Itsy pocket computer project, the Open Handheld Program will enable developers and researchers looking to explore applications and uses for handheld computing to experiment with Compaq's iPAQ handheld by gaining access to the Linux-based source code for the device. In support of the open source community, Compaq is making available a port of the Linux operating system to Compaq's iPAQ handheld. This leverages the iPAQ handheld's flash memory allowing the unit's operating system to be easily upgraded. The port will enable researchers and developers to utilize the flexibility and openness of Linux to rapidly develop and prototype new applications for this growing market. To foster innovation and the sharing of information, Compaq also is hosting a web site (www.handhelds.org) dedicated to open source handheld development. Further description of the Open Handheld Program will be provided at the USENIX conference in San Diego June 19 to 22 in Compaq booth #48-50. "The port of Linux to the Compaq iPAQ handheld computer is designed to encourage the development of novel user interfaces, new applications and innovative research projects for the future," said Bob Iannucci, Vice President, Corporate Research for Compaq. "Through the Open Handheld Program we hope to unleash the future potential of handheld and wearable computing and spark invention on the Linux platform." Hardware and Software Support for Innovation Compaq is committing software, development hardware and documentation in support of the Open Handheld Program. In addition to porting the core Linux operating system, Compaq is providing other software components including drivers, X-Terminal emulation, handwriting recognition, touch screen and multi-media support. Compaq will also provide hardware specifications for both the iPAQ handheld unit and its innovative Expansion Pack system. Additional resources available to researchers and open source developers will include a development expansion pack for the iPAQ handheld computer that allows prototyping of application circuitry. This is in addition to the commercially available Compact Flash and PC Card expansion packs. www.handhelds.org The www.handhelds.org web site will provide researchers and open source developers aid in the development of open source software on handheld and wearable computers in the open source software community. The site provides development tools, code and executable files, and links to other sites including support for hardware. This site is designed to be a vendor-neutral repository of shared information for any handheld and wearable computing devices. Intel Corporation has joined Compaq in supporting the handhelds.org site by providing links to its StrongARM microprocessor support site. The link developer.intel.com provides developers with specifications, FAQs, update information, and technical assistance for the processor. Availability The commercially available Compaq iPAQ is now shipping in the U.S. to the Compaq Authorized Reseller and Retail channel. While the iPAQ handheld with Linux is not available or supported for commercial customers, the software source code and details about the Open Handheld Program are available for the development community at www.handhelds.org.