GO Corporation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware, Software |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Jerry Kaplan, Robert Carr, Kevin Doren |
| Defunct | 1994-07 |
| Fate | Merged into AT&T |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | PenPoint OS, Go Computer (Intel 286-based tablet) |
| Parent | AT&T (from 1994) |
GO Corporation was created in 1987 with the goal of producing pen-driven portable computers, an operating system, and accompanying software, thus leading innovation in pen-based computing technology. It ranked among the most heavily financed startups during its time.
The founders were Jerry Kaplan, Robert Carr, and Kevin Doren. Kaplan chronicled the company's journey in his book Startup: A Silicon Valley Adventure. Distinguished former members include Omid Kordestani (ex-Google Senior Vice President), CEO Bill Campbell (who later chaired Intuit), VP of Sales Stratton Sclavos (later VeriSign CEO), CFO Randy Komisar (former LucasArts CEO), and VP Marketing Mike Homer (active during Netscape's IPO).
History
GO designed the PenPoint operating system alongside an Intel 286-based "Go Computer" aimed at developers, with plans for PenPoint OS to be deployed on hardware from other manufacturers. The PenPoint OS was compatible with Intel x86 tablet devices from companies such as IBM—marking the initial use of the "ThinkPad" name—NCR, and others, including AT&T's EO Personal Communicator.
Although attracting considerable industry interest, GO encountered fierce rivalry from Microsoft’s Pen Services for Windows and Apple's Newton initiative. Despite collaborations with software developers, GO struggled to deliver hardware and software on schedule. In 1991, the company separated its hardware division into EO Inc., which AT&T purchased in 1993 to support their Hobbit microprocessor line. This acquisition injected crucial funding but introduced management challenges; EO explored alternative operating systems as potential competitors. Facing financial difficulties, GO merged back into AT&T in January 1994.
While GO experienced moderate success within specialized markets, widespread consumer adoption of tablet technology remained limited. Shortly after acquiring GO, AT&T discontinued the Hobbit processor line in January 1994, terminating support for both EO and GO products. With development halted for other chipsets and minimal sales beyond niche sectors, GO failed to generate significant revenue throughout its existence. After expending approximately $75 million in venture funding, the company ceased operations in July 1994.
Lawsuits
On June 29, 2005, Kaplan initiated an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, accusing their engineers of misappropriating GO’s technology that had been disclosed under a non-disclosure agreement. In April 2008, certain elements of Microsoft’s Windows/Tablet PC platform and associated hardware were determined to infringe upon a GO Corporation patent related to pen computer user interface designs.
See also
References
- - Contains chapters detailing GO Corporation’s narrative from an insider’s viewpoint within Microsoft.
External links
- IDEO – Creator of the EO Personal Communicator built on PenPoint OS
- Annotated bibliography covering handwriting recognition, gesture control, and pen computing
- Historical overview of pen-based computing (YouTube)
- American companies established in 1987
- American companies disestablished in 1994
- Computer companies established in 1987
- Computer companies disestablished in 1994
- Defunct computer companies of the United States
- Defunct software companies of the United States
- Defunct computer hardware companies
- Defunct computer systems companies
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment