PRESS KIT
Corporate Backgrounder
Pepper Computer, Inc. (www.pepper.com)
Pepper software solutions combined with Pepper-powered Web devices, consulting services and SDK enable low-cost, secure, and customizable products to help manufacturers, Telcos, MSOs and Web app developers reach their target customer. Pepper’s simple end-user environment provides revolutionary Web and media access that is easy for you to implement and simple for the customer or subscriber to use – Web without Windows. Simple.
Software Solutions
The Pepper software for Web devices provides a simple end-user environment for Web-hosted applications. Pepper 3.2 includes Adobe/Macromedia Flash and the company’s own Mozilla Firefox and Java SE-based Web application framework. The software is designed to create an enjoyable user experience and to provide easy access to the Web and digital media. Consumers can instantly browse the Web, e-mail and IM, and stream or download photos, music and videos, control their TV and other AV gear and more.
Pepper Linux includes Pepper 3.2 plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, drivers and codecs and a Linux kernel providing security and reliability. This low-cost, maintenance-free software solution also provides automatic kernel and system updating.
The software applications are completely customizable by Pepper and Pepper’s partners to create a seamless user experience for Web-based entertainment and communication services. Pepper Linux includes Web 2.0 and AJAX support for applications such as Yahoo!’s Flickr photo-sharing community, Amazon.com’s Mobipocket eBook reader, and Decisionmark’s TitanTV online programming guide including the Watch Now feature that have been integrated natively into the Pepper software.
Pepper-Powered Web Devices
Our partners offer complete low-cost AMD x86-based hardware solutions. Both Pepper 3.2 and Pepper Linux run on handhelds such as the Pepper Pad 3 from Hanbit Electronics, mini boxes such as FIC’s Mini PC Ion A603, all-in-ones such as the DT Research's DT166 thin client & DT570 integrated LCD, laptops and the upcoming OLPC (One Laptop Per Child).
These devices have features that can be tuned for the client’s target customer who is always on the Internet. Pepper works with their clients to bring the best, customized solution to market. Many factors are involved such as cost, size, weight, hardware and software requirements, storage, battery life and connectivity. When time is of the essence Pepper can help.
Pepper Services
Pepper offers consulting and online services to help our customers get their Pepper-powered products to market quickly.
- Engineering porting services
- Application development services
- Online application distribution services
- Online application updating services
Pepper built 3 generations of Web devices and can get a product using the Pepper Software to market 6 – 9 months after the project is committed.
Target Customers
Pepper is targeting three markets for their products and services – Hardware Manufacturers, Telcos and MSOs and Web Application Developers.
Hardware Manufacturers — Companies that want to build their own x86 based, Pepper-powered Web and media devices can get to market fast with a BOM that is 40% lower than Windows-powered devices. Pepper’s engineering porting services will deliver the optimized Pepper Linux including the consumer-focused Web-connected applications to your specifications.
Telcos and MSOs —The Pepper Software can be tailored for specific triple-play convergence devices suitable for a variety of markets. These devices come in multiple form factors including handheld, mini box, all-in-one and laptop. With Pepper’s application development services and SDK, customized, integrated apps can be easily created with a unique look and feel, just for your subscribers, creating new revenue opportunities for your company.
Web Application Developers — Pepper’s complete, customizable solution of low-cost, hardware, Pepper Software and services integrate perfectly with the goals of companies looking to provide Web access to their users or customers. Companies such as:
- Home automation and control
- Employee and product training
- Data collection and surveys
- Concierge and shopping services
- Health and Life Sciences
Multiple form factors are available with different connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR and Ethernet. Additional Pepper-powered advantages include touchscreen, lighted QWERTY keypads and hard disk or flash memory.
Pepper Linux combined with the Pepper Application Framework and SDK provide a secure and controlled environment including application distribution and updates.
SDK
The Pepper SDK is a set of files, tools and instructions for developing applications that run on the Pepper Desktop and on Web devices that run the Pepper Software. The SDK can be used to develop fully integrated Keeper applications, develop native Linux applications, customize the Keeper, tabs, toolbars and visual styling including colors, fonts and images.
More information about developer resources can be found at http://www.pepper.com/linux.
Management
Pepper (www.pepper.com) was founded in January 2002 by Len Kawell and Mary Ellen Heinen, 18 months after the successful sale of their previous digital media software company, Glassbook Inc., to Adobe Systems. Len brings to Pepper Computer 20 years of entrepreneurial experience as co-founder of Glassbook and as a co-founder of Iris Associates, the developer of Lotus Notes, the groundbreaking collaboration software for enterprises. Mary Ellen brings to Pepper Computer 15 years of research and marketing experience. Prior to her success at Glassbook she was Director of Marketing at NELINET. Rounding out the management team are Pat McGowan, VP Engineering, previously of NextPage, OpenMarket and Stratus, Jon Melamut, VP Business Development & Sales, previously of Adobe Systems, IBM and Lotus, Michael Frey, Director System Software, from Mercator Software; Bill Filler, Director Application Software, also from Mercator Software. Pepper Computer is privately held and headquartered in Lexington, MA.
Copyright © 2007 Pepper Computer, Inc., Lexington, MA
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