PC Expo '97, Booth #4810
Jacob Javits Convention Center

sharp announces RUPPSOFT Synchrolynx and Z-em@il software for the Zaurus
SynchroLynx 2.0 and Z-Em@il Expand Synchronization and Remote E-Mail Capabilities for the Zaurus

NEW YORK, June 17, 1997 -- Sharp Electronics Corporation and RuppSoft announce SynchroLynx 2.0 and Z-Em@il 2.0, two new software applications for the Sharp Zaurus product line.  These two products expand the Zaurus’ e-mail and synchronization functionality, addressing the needs of today’s mobile professional.  

Synchronize Your Zaurus with Office 97 Applications
SynchroLynx 2.0 is the second generation Zaurus synchronization software from RuppSoft.  SynchroLynx 2.0 lets users synchronize their Zaurus units with data from leading PIMs, including Microsoft Outlook, ACT! 3.0, Lotus Organizer and Schedule +.  In addition, SynchroLynx 2.0 enables synchronization with Microsoft Office 97 applications, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.   

With SynchroLynx 2.0, the user does not have to open an additional application on the Zaurus or PC to synchronize data, because the application embeds itself into Microsoft Office and PIM application menu.

RuppSoft SynchroLynx 2.0 supports:
all currently available ASK and IrDA infrared devices;
the ability to identify field separators for each field, allowing more flexibility in mapping Zaurus and Schedule+ fields;
import/export synchronization between Microsoft Word and Excel documents on a PC and a Zaurus;
tracking of changes and updates on both the Zaurus and the PC.

SynchroLynx 2.0 supports the entire Zaurus line, including the ZR-3000, ZR-3500X, and ZR-5800 units.  To run SynchroLynx 2.0 users need a  Windows®  95 enabled PC with at least 8MB of RAM and 9MB of free hard drive space.

SynchroLynx 2.0 has an estimated retail price of $99.99 and will be available through Rupp Technology (1-800-844-7775) and at retail in mid-July.

Z-Em@il Adds E-Mail Functionality
RuppSoft is also unveiling its latest version of Z-Em@il.  Z-Em@il 2.0 provides users with a host of functions that allow connectivity to virtually any POP3 e-mail server running Windows NT, Unix and Macintosh operating systems. Using the Zaurus and Z-Em@il, enables connectivity to any Internet Service Provider (ISP) using a point-to-point (PPP) connection, with full PAP (password authentication protocol) and CHAP (challenge authentication protocol) capability.

With Z-Em@il 2.0, users can now specify easy-to-remember POP3 and SMTP server addresses as domain names instead of numeric IP addresses.  The named addresses remain constant even if the IP address changes.  Also, corporate users can benefit with Z-Em@il’s ability to support remote dial-up into a network.  

To run Z-Em@il users need 300K of free space on the Zaurus and a PC link cable or IR device.  Z-Em@il has an estimated retail price of $99.99 and is currently available at retail at through Rupp Technology and MobileScape in New York City.

“Our continuing partnership with RuppSoft and Rupp Technology enables the Zaurus to be the logical choice for mobile professionals who need to keep in touch with remote e-mail and synchronize information with a desktop computer,” said John Brandewie, marketing manager, Consumer Business Products Group Sharp Electronics Corporation.  “RuppSoft’s latest solutions continue to extend the potential of the Zaurus platform for personal and professional needs.”

“Our latest Z-Em@il and SynchroLynx applications were developed in response to our customer requests for more robust e-mail and synchronization applications for the Zaurus platform,” said Chief Executive Officer Byron Rupp, Rupp Technology Corporation.  “Our new applications are part of our long-standing commitment to helping customers use a Zaurus to its full potential.”

For more information on Sharp’s full line of portable computing devices and accessories, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430 or call 1-800-BE-SHARP.  For on-line product information, visit Sharp's Web Site at http://www.sharp-usa.com.#  #  #
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in the emerging era of multimedia.  A leader in liquid crystal display (LCD), optoelectronics, infrared and semiconductors, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, business products and electronic components.  It has developed innovative, consumer-focused products such as the VIEWCAM™ LCD camcorder,the Zaurus™  PC Companion and multimedia notebook computers.