ZDNet has this article on Palm’s developers. The article says that the developers who won’t program for other platforms, like Microsoft’s Windows CE, keep the Palm platform way ahead of the competition.

Thanks to reader Martin Yancey for sending in this article from The Washington Post about the Pocket PC. According to the article, the Pocket PC has improved, but has a way to go before it catches up with Palm.

Hoover’s, Inc. announced an expansion of its agreement with AvantGo to deliver company information and business news headlines to the mobile devices of Hoover’s Online’s business audience. AvantGo is a mobile Internet company that wirelessly extends Web-based content and applications to Palm OS- and Windows CE-based handheld computers and Internet-enabled phones.

Microsoft and Quark announced they are cooperating to enable the QuarkXPress desktop publishing software to produce eBooks and other digital documents for Microsoft Reader with ClearType display technology. The companies plan to work together to build a Quark XTensions software module for avenue.quark that will enable users of QuarkXPress 4 to convert content to Microsoft Reader format for multiple devices, including laptops, PCs, Pocket PCs and purpose-built reading devices.

Tescina introduced a handheld data collection system that automatically collects caliper & micrometer gauge measurements into a Palm device. DataGet connects to measuring devices or gauges, such as calipers and micrometers.

The Vivonic Fitness Planner is a handheld tool that creates a personalized fitness and nutrition plan, tracks calories in and out, and provides instant feedback. Vivonic Fitness Software is also available for Palm and Handspring PDA users.

Hoover’s, Inc. announced an expansion of its agreement with AvantGo to deliver company information and business news headlines to the mobile devices of Hoover’s Online’s business audience. AvantGo is a mobile Internet company that wirelessly extends Web-based content and applications to Palm OS- and Windows CE-based handheld computers and Internet-enabled phones.

Palm announced a definitive agreement to purchase AnyDay.com. This acquisition — Palm’s first as an independent company — will deliver up-to-the-minute personal services to Palm-powered and other handhelds. The proposed acquisition by Palm is valued at about $80 million in cash and stock options.

Novatel Wireless has signed an agreement with Symbol Technologies to deliver Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) Merlin modem modules for integration into next generation wireless handheld devices. Novatel’s Merlin Wireless PC Card Modems will be designed into Symbol Technologies’ Palm OS and Windows-powered Pocket PC handhelds.

Fodors.com and AvantGo announced that Fodors.com is now available via the AvantGo mobile Internet service. The Fodors.com channel features up-to-date reviews and information about hotels and restaurants throughout the United States.