ASI Awarded Design Patent, “Graphical User Interface for a Handheld Computer”

Silver Spring, Md. – ASI, a software design firm located in Silver Spring, Md. specializing in point-of-sale software for the restaurant and hospitality industries, has been issued its first U.S. patent. Patent # D464,361 protects the design of the user interface of ASI’s Write-On Handheld™.

After 12 months in development and six months in beta testing, ASI announced the commercial release of the Write-On Handheld software technology in May of 2002. The Write-On Handheld is a wireless handheld POS system that is revolutionizing order taking in full-service restaurants across the country. Unlike competitive products that use a cumbersome touch-button approach, the Write-On Handheld is built on handwriting recognition to create a simple POS system that works just like a pencil and pad. Waiters use the Write-On Handheld to quickly write down orders, then instantly send the order to the kitchen right from tableside utilizing 802.11b wireless technology. Managers use the Write-On Handheld to do everything from printing checks for waiting customers to viewing the status of all open orders to viewing real-time sales reports to receiving alerts when employees near overtime. Presently, the Write-On Handheld is installed in 12 full-service restaurants in the United States and two in the Philippines, with that number increasing every week. From California to Florida to Long Island, N.Y., restaurant owners are enjoying the convenience, increased productivity and quick return on investment the Write-On Handheld delivers.

ASI is the choice of restaurateurs who seek to build their business and take charge of their lives. With software created to facilitate a multi-store chain as well as any independent restaurant, ASI’s flagship product, Restaurant Manager, has integrated modules for table service, quick service, delivery and bars and is the simplest comprehensive POS system to install, provide training on and use. ASI’s software takes the work out of work and makes life more manageable for the hospitality industry. ASI has always set itself apart from the competition with an emphasis on user-friendly design and system stability. The company’s approach to the Write-On Handheld interface continues in this tradition.