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Press Release

Elo Offers New Touch Drivers
for Linux and Mac OS X

New Drivers Complement Elo's Extensive Range of Flexible Offerings

October 2006 - Elo TouchSystems, the global leader in touch technology and a business of Tyco Electronics Corporation, has developed a new range of touch drivers for both Linux and Mac OS X. These new offerings complement Elo's already extensive range of touch drivers for Windows, Macintosh and legacy operating systems such as DOS and OS/2.

According to Software Engineering Manager, Peter Studt, Elo now has the most comprehensive and flexible family of touch drivers in its market segment. "We are committed to the design and development of contemporary drivers to support all versions of current and future operating systems; in fact, any and all solutions that add value to our customer's interface with touch technology," says Studt.

The Driving Range

Elo offers touch drivers for a complete range of operating systems.

  • Full Microsoft Windows support including Windows XP, XP Embedded (XPe), 2000 and CE
  • Legacy Windows operating system support including Windows NT, 98, 95, 3.x and ME
  • Three levels of Linux support
  • Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.x
  • Legacy OS (OS/2, DOS, Unix, QNX, SUN and other Unix drivers)

Drivers are available with serial and/or USB touch interface (where supported).

Three Tiers for Linux

  1. <Open/Public: This public driver was developed and is maintained by the Linux community. The developer/end-user is free to modify the driver and is responsible for the support/development of the software. It is ideal for customers who build their own systems.
  2. Custom/Kernel: This unique and stable driver is designed, supported and modified by Elo. This is the perfect system for customers who require an "out-of-the-box" solution.
  3. Unified: This is a blend of Open/Public and Custom/Kernel and is ideal for customers that wish to modify the code but have limited resources.

In-house Development
"Elo produces its core driver software in-house," Elo Director of Product Management, Michael Bartelmess, confirms. "And this gives us a distinct advantage that we pass along in the quality and consistency of our products to value-added resellers (VARs), systems integrators (SIs) and, finally, the end-users themselves.

By producing touchmonitors, the touchscreen technology within the monitors and the software drivers for the touch function, Elo is able to optimise the functionality of the total solution. It also gives customers a single point of contact to resolve any potential conflicts. "Our in-depth knowledge of driver operation is a must for effective technical support," adds Bartelmess. "It also gives us the flexibility to develop custom solutions and the ability to quickly add features and address any problems. In addition, we are able to ensure a commonality between drivers produced for the various operating systems." Bartelmess believes that this unique in-house development, combined with the company's innate innovation and customer-centric commitment, ensures that VARs and SIs find Elo touch drivers far easier to integrate, support and sell, saving them time and money. "It also makes life easier for the end-user," Bartelmess explains, "because our products are far easier to use."

About Elo TouchSystems

Elo TouchSystems, the global leader in touch technology, develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of touchscreen and touchmonitor products. Elo offers the largest selection of touchscreen technologies, LCD and CRT touchmonitors, and carefully designs each product for the demanding requirements of diverse applications, such as industrial, medical, POS, kiosks, retail, hospitality, transportation, office automation and gaming. Elo founders invented the touchscreen over 30 years ago. Since then, customers have used Elo touchscreens with one common, powerful result advanced computer technology simplified for all users. Founded in 1971, the company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with manufacturing sites in the US, Europe and Asia. Elo's main regional offices are in Kessel Lo, Belgium and Yokohama, Japan, with additional sales and technical support offices worldwide. For more information on Elo TouchSystems' products and services, call +32 16 35 2100 in Europe or visit our web site at www.elotouch.co.uk.

About Tyco Electronics

Tyco Electronics, a business segment of Tyco International Ltd., is the world's largest passive electronic components manufacturer; a leader in cutting edge wireless components, complete power systems, and premise wiring components and systems; and a provider of critical communications systems to the Land Mobile Radio industry. Tyco Electronics provides advanced technology products from over forty well known and respected brands, including Agastat, Alcoswitch, AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, Buchanan, CII, CoEv, Critchley, Elcon, Elo TouchSystems, M/A COM, Madison Cable, OEG, Potter & Brumfield, Raychem, Schrack and Simel. For more information, visit www.tycoelectronics.com.

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AccuTouch, Elo TouchSystems and IntelliTouch are trademarks of Elo TouchSystems, Inc. All other products and company names referred to herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.