Compaq Computer Corporation 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. Compaq also announced it is making available a port of the Linux operating system to Compaq’s iPAQ handheld.

PUMATECH announced version 3.5 of its Satellite Forms Enterprise Edition software, providing full support for Windows 2000. Additionally, Satellite Forms Enterprise Edition version 3.5 will provide full compatibility with Palm OS 3.5. Satellite Forms 3.5 will also have the ability to generate sync tables as either db5 or mdb (Microsoft Access) databases.

Handango announced a partnership with TRG Products to offer customizable handheld solutions for large-scale corporate deployments. Handango will offer the TRGpro Palm OS handheld, bundled software applications and accessories as part of the Handango Business Solutions Center.

OmniSky Corporation announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of common stock. OmniSky Corporation offers a branded wireless service that enables subscribers to access and navigate the Internet, send and receive email messages, and securely conduct e-commerce transactions over handheld mobile devices.

ZDNet reports that IBM said it is set to ship its Microdrive, a small one-gigabyte hard drive for handheld computer devices, such as personal digital assistants and digital cameras.

Compaq Computer Corporation 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. Compaq also announced it is making available a port of the Linux operating system to Compaq’s iPAQ handheld.

Hey, Pocket PC developers! There’s a new developer’s resource called PocketProjects.com. PocketProjects.com is dedicated to bringing developers together to collaborate on software for the Pocket PC operating system.

MSNBC has this article on Handspring’s upcoming IPO. The article says that Handspring’s success is uncertain because of a rocky market for new issues, and investors who got burned they last time they tried to buy into Palm computing.

Microsoft released Windows CE 3.0 yesterday. News.com reports that Microsoft has cutthe price of Windows CE by up to 50 percent and, it is simplifying the pricing model to attract more developers.

Pacific Microinstruments announced a measurement system that makes use of the Handspring Visor Springboard expansion slot. The unit fits within the outline of the Handspring Visor, has a network data transfer model, sampling rates up to 25 kHz, and a pen-driven graphical user interface running under the Palm operating system. The Extra*Digit Measurement Node MNP-12 is priced at $350 and current delivery is 4-6 weeks.