Pendragon and Socket Simplify Bar Code Scanning and GPS Data Collection for Handheld Devices

Libertyville, IL 3/24/2004 — Pendragon Software, a leading provider of Palm OS^® Database Software, and Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT, PSE: SOK), the Mobile Connection™ Company, today announced a new approach to data collection with GPS and bar code scanning for Palm Powered™ handhelds.

Companies can now create Pendragon Forms custom data collection applications for Palm Powered handhelds that use the Socket SDIO In-Hand Scan Card™ and the Socket GPS Receiver with Bluetooth^® Wireless Technology.  Socket peripherals allow businesses to select the right blend of hardware for their specific PDA data collection needs.  Pendragon Forms gives users the tools to build applications for their data collection tasks and hardware. Combining these peripherals and software together creates a powerful handheld development tool for data collection applications.

Eliminating Paper Forms

Using handheld electronic data collection is a proven way to improve a company's bottom line.  Pendragon Forms database software enables users to create and deploy multi-user PDA data collection applications without expensive software development projects.  Form design simplicity and powerful database synchronization have made the software a popular choice for thousands of field technicians, researchers and healthcare professionals. 

Painless Bar Code Scanning

The Socket SDIO In-Hand Scan Card instantly turns the most advanced Palm OS handhelds with SDIO slots into dual purpose bar code scanning devices that can be used for asset management and field service applications. Pendragon Forms provides an easy way to create custom forms that work with the In-Hand Scan Card and that synchronize with corporate database systems.  

Convenient GPS Applications

The Socket GPS receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology eliminates the need for cables and connectors that make other handheld GPS solutions unwieldy.  With Pendragon Forms, it's easy to create applications to collect GPS coordinates along with other data for field surveys, engineering projects and natural resource management.  

Pricing & Availability

A Pendragon Forms starter kit including development tools and a single-user license is available for $249. Volume discounts are available on runtime licenses. An evaluation version of Pendragon Forms 4.0 is available for download from the Pendragon Software Web site at http://www.pendragonsoftware.com.

The Socket SDIO In-Hand Scan Card and the Socket GPS Receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology are available through the Socket Web site at http://www.socketcom.com and through its worldwide distribution channels.

About Pendragon Software

Pendragon Software Corporation, a privately held software company based in Libertyville, Illinois is a leading developer of software for Palm OS handhelds. The company’s flagship product, Pendragon Forms, is a popular handheld database tool in use by more than 5,000 companies worldwide.  Pendragon Forms enables users to create and deploy multi-user mobile data collection applications ranging from surveys and inspections to research and healthcare.  Pendragon Software can be reached at 847.816.9660 or at http://www.pendragonsoftware.com.

About Socket Communications
Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection™ Company, provides the broadest range of connectivity products for Windows Mobile-based computers, focusing on handhelds including Pocket PCs, Windows CE devices, Palm PDAs and mobile phones. Socket’s Mobility Friendly™ products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly® power consumption in their class. Socket's Embedded Systems Group provides solutions using mobilityIC™ interface chips, KwikBlue™ modules with embedded Bluetooth wireless technology and a family of bar code scanning products. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.

# # #

For more information, contact Suzanne Boose, Pendragon Software Corporation at (847) 816-9660 x228 (sboose@pendragonsoftware.com) or Ivan Phillips, Pendragon Software Corporation at (847) 816-9660 (icp@pendragonsoftware.com), or visit http://www.pendragonsoftware.com.

Socket Communications editorial contact: 

Tatia Meghdadi, 510-744-2751 (tatia@socketcom.com), or visit www.socketcom.com

Socket is a registered trademark of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Mobility Friendly, KwikBlue and mobilityIC are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Socket Communications, Inc. is under license.

Pendragon is a registered trademark of Pendragon Software Corporation. Palm, Palm OS and Palm Computing are registered trademarks of, and Palm Powered is a trademark of, Palm Trademark Holding Company, LLC. Other brands may be trademarks of their respective owners.

©2004 Pendragon Software Corporation.  All rights reserved. Copyright and trademark information.