OpenMFG Debuts Wireless Client for Embedded Linux; ERP software firm leverages Qt/Embedded platform to deploy affordable wireless barcode solution for small manufacturers and distributors

OpenMFG, the only company using open source software to bring full-featured enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications to small manufacturers, today announced the availability of the OpenMFG Client for Embedded Linux: a fully functional client of the ERP system which runs on a wireless handheld terminal and bar code scanner.

(PRWEB) November 22, 2003 --OpenMFG, the only company using open source software to bring full-featured enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications to small manufacturers, today announced the availability of the OpenMFG Client for Embedded Linux: a fully functional client of the ERP system which runs on a wireless handheld terminal and bar code scanner.
   
With the OpenMFG embedded client, smaller manufacturing and distribution companies can now afford the benefits of a wireless ERP solution in work centers throughout the enterprise. Cycle counters can keep inventory accurate up to the second, by scanning inventory transactions when they occur, where they occur. Logistics personnel can update the flow of shipped and received goods in real time. Production managers can monitor work-in-process on the shop floor, without being tied to a particular workstation.

The embedded client is available on the M7100 Wireless Hand-Held terminal, from American Microsystems, Ltd. Incorporating the best of today's wireless technology, with the reliable performance of open source, embedded Linux, the M7100 offers a powerful StrongARM® processor, IEEE 802.11b WLAN connectivity, and enhanced power management to support eight-hour work shifts without recharging.

The OpenMFG Client for Embedded Linux is built with the Qt®/Embedded toolkit -- which allows applications built with the Qt® framework for C++ to be ported to certain embedded Linux platforms with a minimum of effort. Qt and Qt/Embedded, distributed by Trolltech® AS, allows application developers target all major operating systems (Windows, Linux/Unix, Mac) with a single application source code.

Jeff Lyon, OpenMFGs President and CTO, noted: We view this product release as the latest affirmation of our original technology vision, which bases our Client-side development on Qt. As OpenMFG expands its product footprint, we will continue to leverage robust, innovative, and efficient component technology that delivers real value."

OpenMFG has made excellent use of Qt technology," said David Kipping, Director of Business Development at Trolltech. The base ERP application is a sophisticated Qt-based product and porting to a wireless handheld using Qt/Embedded is a textbook example of rapid application development and technology management."

AML is very pleased to see the breadth of functionality OpenMFG has deployed on the M7100. We share their enthusiasm for developing robust, affordable enterprise solutions by leveraging open source component software," said Theresa Stone, Marking Manager at American Microsystems.

The development and deployment of the OpenMFG Client for Embedded Linux shows the power of the technology which our partners at Trolltech and AML bring to bear," said Ned Lilly, OpenMFGs CEO. We are delighted to be working with these forward-looking companies to bring advanced technology solutions to the small, entrepreneurial manufacturers and distributors who are a primary engine of economic growth."

All OpenMFG products are built with robust open source components including the Linux operating system, the PostgreSQL database, and Qt framework for C++, and Qt/E for Embedded Linux. This underlying technology, invisible to the user, enables OpenMFG and its partners to deliver sophisticated ERP functionality at a very low total cost of ownership. It also enables a true multiplatform solution for individual workstations; the OpenMFG Client runs on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and various commercial Unix systems. The OpenMFG Embedded Client can run on any number of embedded Linux platforms. By leveraging this open source stack," and through an innovative partner program which borrows from the open source software development process, OpenMFG brings a competitive new approach to a sorely underserved market.

About OpenMFG
OpenMFG, LLC, develops enterprise software tailored to the needs and budgets of small, entrepreneurial manufacturing companies. OpenMFG products give companies visibility into costs, supply chains, processes, inventory and financial operations with a lower cost of ownership than competing enterprise resource planning (ERP) products, and are sold to end-user customers through a network of value added partners throughout North America. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.openmfg.com, or contact sales@openmfg.com.

About Trolltech
Trolltech® is a software company with two flagship products: Qt® and Qtopia®. Qt is a multi-platform C++ application framework developers can use to write single-source applications that run -- natively -- on Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X and embedded Linux. Qt has been used to build thousands of successful commercial applications worldwide, and is the basis of the open source KDE desktop environment. Qtopia is the first comprehensive application environment built for embedded Linux, and is used in Sharp's line of Zaurus PDAs. Trolltech is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices in Brisbane, Australia, and Palo Alto, California. More about Trolltech can be found at www.trolltech.com.

About American Microsystems, Ltd.
AML is a leading manufacturer of reliable, high performance bar code and data collection products. Since 1983, AML and its partners have helped thousands of companies worldwide to increase business efficiency and productivity -- in manufacturing, warehousing, retail, health care, finance, government and education. AML products are made in the United States and backed with lifetime, toll-free technical support. Information about AML can be found at www.amltd.com or by calling 800-648-4452.
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