“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.”