Bachmann Software and TDK Systems Announce Bluetooth Printing Solution for Handheld Devices

Business Wire, July 30, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SPARTA, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 2002

TDK Systems to Distribute Bachmann's PrintBoy Anywhere to Enable

Wireless Printing From Palm OS and Pocket PC Handhelds

Today, Bachmann Software and TDK Systems Europe announced that Bachmann's Bluetooth-enabled PrintBoy(TM) software will be distributed with TDK Systems' Bluetooth attachments for Palm and Pocket PC handhelds, enabling users to wirelessly print their handheld data on Bluetooth-enabled printers.

TDK Systems' customers who purchase bluePAQ, its Pocket PC compatible Bluetooth sled, will receive a trial copy of Bachmann's PrintBoy CE, while customers who purchase blueM or blue5 sleds, designed for Palm m and V series handhelds, will receive copies of Bachmann's PrintBoy Anywhere.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate without the encumbrance of cables. TDK Systems' Bluetooth adapters and software applications enable users of Palm and Pocket PC handhelds to communicate easily wherever they are, and as more mobile professionals are producing office-quality documents, spreadsheets and reports from their handhelds, there is a greater need to be able to produce hard copies of this data without synchronizing the device with a PC. The combination of TDK Systems' Bluetooth adapters and PrintBoy software will provide mobile professionals with an easy means of printing their information to read, share or exchange.

"While Bluetooth enables users to wirelessly collaborate and exchange information, hard copies are still the preferred form of documentation during business transactions," said Nick Hunn, managing director at TDK Systems. "Providing our customers with the power of PrintBoy enables them to use their Bluetooth-enabled handhelds in much the same way they would use their PCs and LAN."

"Printing via Bluetooth-enabled handhelds has very real, practical applications in many industries," said Dan Reuvers, Bachmann Software's vice president of business development. "Whether you work in a law firm, hospital, warehouse, college or any institution in which handhelds and wireless networks are becoming more common, the ability to print your handheld data is just as critical as it is to be able to print documents from your networked PC. We expect our agreement with TDK Systems to be an effective means of putting Bluetooth printing capabilities in the hands of those who really need it to be more effective at mobile computing."

PrintBoy CE and PrintBoy Anywhere are available to be purchased for $39.99 at www.bachmannsoftware.com or most online retailers of Palm OS or Pocket PC software. Current users of PrintBoy Deluxe may upgrade to PrintBoy Anywhere (including Bluetooth and network printing support) for $14.99 at Bachmann Software's website.

About Bachmann Software & Services

Bachmann Software & Services is a leading provider of software products and development services for handheld computing and wireless applications. Based in Sparta, N.J., the company primarily develops applications for the Palm OS platform. Its premier products include PrintBoy(TM) Developer Kit, which provides a standard text and graphics printing engine that can be used by virtually any Palm OS application, and PrintBoy(TM), a suite of applets that allows users to wirelessly print highly readable output of most information stored on a Palm OS based device. Bachmann also produces the InfraReady adapter, designed to convert virtually any printer's parallel port to accept an infrared beam. The company's newest product line, FilePoint, extends many of the "Windows-style" file management conveniences to Palm Powered devices that desktop users have long enjoyed.

Bachmann has also been a leading contributor to the overall Palm Economy by producing over 50 products on the platform. The company has been engaged by many Fortune 500 companies to develop mobile computing solutions. The company's president, Glenn Bachmann is also the author of the book, "Palm Programming; The Authoritative Solution," published in 1999.

For more information, visit www.bachmannsoftware.com.

About TDK Systems Europe

An established division of TDK Corporation, TDK Systems Europe specializes in the design and development of products for the wired and wireless markets. Founded in 1997, it employs people at its London office, and has additional facilities in Paris and Stockholm. As one of the first companies to develop LAN and Modem PC Cards, the company is a recognized leader in GSM connectivity and is currently supplying components to most of the major GSM handset manufacturers.

TDK Systems' strong understanding of both PC and telecoms places it in a unique position to develop solutions for the wireless market. The company is a founding member of the Bluetooth Consortium and is actively researching and developing solutions for all next generation networks, including Bluetooth, WiFi (802.11b), and HiperLAN/2. All of TDK Systems' designs are aimed at turning wireless into a practical end-user solution, providing the ultimate in compatibility and interoperability. For more information, visit www.tdksystems.com. PrintBoy is a trademark of Bachmann Software.