SPANworks, Inc., a software joint venture company with Toshiba Corporation, today announced an Early-Access Program for its SPANworks II Wireless SDK. The SDK is a precedent-setting, object-oriented software development kit (SDK) that enables instant ad-hoc networking for both Windows and Windows CE. The software toolkit, developed in partnership with Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCKT; PSE: SOK), is a software development platform enabling developers to write interactive applications that work with both Wi-Fi(TM) or Bluetooth(TM) wireless adapters, as well as with traditional Ethernet adapters.
Well beyond conventional point-to-point and peer-to-peer software, SPANworks' patented MultiPeer(TM) technology provides an environment in which any number of users may interact simultaneously for productivity or entertainment. SPANworks' software engine connects multiple wireless-equipped devices in an ad-hoc peer network with no server or infrastructure. MultiPeer(TM) technology establishes and maintains a dynamic wireless environment, freeing the software developer and end-user from knowing anything about networking. SPANworks' object-oriented API, compliant with Microsoft's component object model (COM), enables a developer's Windows and Windows CE applications to leverage the advantage of on-the-fly, wireless networking, and even joins several Windows and Windows CE devices within the same session. The SPANworks II Wireless API greatly facilitates programming of multi-user applications for group collaboration, interactive messaging and data sharing. Mobile gaming is projected to become one of the largest growth areas for wireless application development.
The Early-Access SDK Program is priced at US $1,350.00, with incentive-priced pre-registration available at US $850.00. Applications for pre-registration are taken via the website at http://www.spanworks.com from the first 250 developers who apply. The Early-Access Program for the SPANworks II Wireless SDK will ship first to pre-registered developers on July 16, 2001, with general Early-Access distribution shortly thereafter.
"SPANworks has developed a new software environment that enables developers to harness the enormous potential of short-range wireless technologies, both Wi-Fi(TM) and Bluetooth(TM)," said Len Ott, Chief Technical Officer of Socket Communications. "We believe this potential is particularly compelling for Pocket PCs, providing an important extension to the service model of these powerful handhelds. SPANworks has demonstrated industry leadership by delivering their communications technology for the general development community."
"We are fortunate to have Socket's support in bringing our standard-setting tools to the proximity-wireless market," said Rich Peters, Vice-President of Engineering for SPANworks. "Socket's Pocket PC experience and their expanding line of wireless products, enhances the potential for spontaneous communications." Peters continued, "Our connectivity engine, and now our SDK, provides developers with unprecedented flexibility in delivering multi-user applications for productivity and gaming over a variety of operating systems, while enabling cross-platform connectivity. The SPANworks technology automatically builds a proximity network and handles all wireless connection details, Wi-Fi(TM) or Bluetooth(TM), allowing the software developers to forget the connection and concentrate on building their applications. SPANworks provides the quickest path for bringing wireless applications to market."
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