WIND's press release on Zinc Software acquisition...
biz.yahoo.com
Tuesday July 7, 7:00 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Wind River Systems, Inc.
Advanced User Interface for Embedded Real-Time Operating Systems Now Available From Wind River Systems -- Wind River Acquires Zinc Software of Pleasant Grove, Utah
ALAMEDA, Calif., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Wind River Systems (Nasdaq: WIND - news), the leading provider of embedded development software and real-time operating systems, today announced that it is now offering a uniquely powerful, cross-platform graphical user interface (GUI) to the embedded market. This technology was obtained through the acquisition of Zinc Software in a stock for stock transaction.
The Zinc(R) graphical application framework enables developers to add a full-featured GUI to their products while meeting stringent functionality requirements not previously supported by competing technologies. It is available for Wind River's VxWorks(R) and Integrated Systems' pSOS+ embedded computer operating systems and major desktop operating systems including Windows 95/98, Windows NT, DOS, and UNIX. Support is planned for other commercial operating systems and a porting kit is available for in-house operating systems.
Zinc Software will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wind River. Financial details were not disclosed.
''After an extensive assessment of the rapidly evolving graphics requirements of the embedded market, we believe that the acquisition of Zinc, combined with our purchase of graphics and browser technology from Network Computer Inc. and our complete Java product line, provides the most comprehensive and scalable graphics solution for embedded computers,'' said Ronald Abelmann, president and CEO of Wind River Systems. ''This graphics suite, built on the highly robust VxWorks operating system and supported directly by Wind River, provides a highly attractive platform for developers of consumer and industrial products worldwide.''
GUIs for Embedded Computers
Once the exclusive domain of desktop computers, the GUI has become a necessary ingredient for monitoring, managing, and interacting with many embedded computers (ECs) including consumer appliances, industrial equipment, and imaging products. However, the unique and varied requirements of embedded and real-time devices have often made available GUI solutions unsuitable.
''Some companies are pushing PC GUI approaches for embedded computers,'' said Curt Schacker, vice president of marketing for Wind River Systems. ''But embedded computers are different in design, presentation and performance. Desktop-oriented GUI solutions are neither technically nor financially appropriate. Zinc's design makes it perfect for embedded devices where reliability, high-performance, and product customization are key to success. And best of all, it's available today.''
''Our embedded customers are looking for an extensive GUI solution that offers both a small footprint and ease-of-use,'' said Larry Macfarlane, president of Zinc Software. ''By combining Zinc with an embedded operating system, developers get the right GUI for managing and interacting with devices without the bloat of a traditional desktop system.''
Complete and Customizable
The Zinc graphical application framework provides a completely object oriented C++ API for the creation of graphical user interfaces and event driven applications. It includes the GUI libraries, a portable visual design tool, portable make utility, hypertext-based on-line documentation, and numerous examples and tutorials. Zinc's user interface objects -- ranging from windows and buttons to notebooks and tables -- may be easily customized to deliver a unique appearance and feel or can emulate any popular desktop style.
''The embedded computer is a completely custom integration of hardware and software combined to perform a specific function,'' commented Paul Zorfass, principal embedded systems analyst with IDC/FTI (International Data Corporation/First Technology Inc.). ''A powerful graphics solution that can address both the technical and style requirements of a wide range of embedded devices offers a competitive advantage to embedded development software and real-time operating system companies like Wind River Systems. It is even better to have that solution available today.''
The Zinc graphical application framework enables international user interfaces through transparent support for both ISO (single byte) and Unicode (double byte) character sets. With Zinc's built in support, developing localized and multilingual applications is a snap.
Cross-platform compatibility
Zinc is operating system and target processor independent and exposes the same application programming interface (API) on all platforms. It natively supports VxWorks, pSOS+, Windows 95/98, Windows NT, DOS, and UNIX. Additional commercial operating system support is planned and a porting kit is available for developers wishing to use Zinc on in-house operating systems. Zinc's cross-platform compatibility makes porting Zinc-based applications between devices a simple recompile.
Availability
Zinc is delivered in source code form. Reference drivers for input devices and VGA video are included and additional standard drivers will be made available upon demand. A development kit for building custom drivers is also available.
Zinc for Wind River Systems' VxWorks operating system can be purchased directly from Wind River. For more information, please call 800-545-WIND or 510-748-4100, send e-mail to inquiries@wrs.com, or visit wrs.com
Zinc for pSOS+, DOS, Windows and Unix, and the porting kit for other operating systems is available directly from Zinc. For more information please call 800-638-8665 or 801-785-8900, send e-mail to info@zinc.com or visit zinc.com.
Zinc Software
Since 1990, Zinc Software has developed and marketed innovative products to help developers meet the challenges of portable/international application development. Zinc has sold more than 30,000 development licenses in over 89 countries through its offices in North America and Europe, as well as through resellers around the world. Zinc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wind River Systems.
Wind River Systems, Inc.
Wind River Systems, Inc., an ISO 9001 registered company, is the leading provider of integrated software development tools for real-time embedded applications in the Internet, telecommunications, data communications, office automation, networking, computer peripherals, medical, automotive, industrial, aerospace and multimedia markets. Through the industry's most comprehensive product line and customer support, Wind River enables customers to develop and reuse application software across a variety of products and platforms, shortening development cycles and improving time-to-market. Incorporated in 1983, Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, California with representation worldwide. Wind River reported revenues of $92.4 million in fiscal year 1998, a 44% increase from fiscal year 1997.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated herein, including but not limited to timely development, acceptance and pricing of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and other risk factors detailed in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
NOTE: Tornado is a trademark and VxWorks, Wind River Systems and the Wind River Systems logo are registered trademarks of Wind River Systems, Inc. Zinc is a registered trademark of Zinc Software, Incorporated. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies. |
