Motorola Solution has announced over the weekend their intentions to purchase the well-known electronics company Psion for $200 million. Psion, founded back in 1980, was one of the leading pioneers of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) back in the 1980s and 1990s. Creating the Psion Organiser, Psion 3 series pocket organiser, and the Series 5 Psion which went on sale in 1997.
The Rise and Fall of Psion
Psion was eventually challenged by the arrival of cheaper devices that were set up to run with Microsoft’s Windows CE operating system, and started to withdraw from its PDA markets in late 2001. The competitive landscape of the PDA market changed dramatically with the advent of more affordable and versatile devices, which made it difficult for Psion to maintain its market share. The company then shifted its focus towards more ruggedized mobile computing solutions for industrial uses rather than consumer markets. This strategic pivot allowed Psion to leverage its expertise in creating durable and reliable devices for demanding environments, such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and field services.
Motorola Solutions’ Strategic Acquisition
Upon completion of the acquisition, Motorola Solutions will combine Psion within Motorola Solutions’ Enterprise Mobile Computing (EMC) business. This move is seen as a strategic effort to enhance Motorola’s portfolio of ruggedized handheld products and vehicle-mount terminals. Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, explained:
“Psion is a compelling opportunity to strengthen our industry-leading, mobile-computing portfolio with ruggedized handheld products and vehicle-mount terminals that will deepen our presence in the global markets in which we compete.”
The acquisition is expected to bring several benefits to Motorola Solutions. Firstly, it will expand their product offerings in the ruggedized mobile computing market, allowing them to cater to a broader range of industries and applications. Secondly, it will provide Motorola with access to Psion’s established customer base and distribution channels, which can help accelerate growth and market penetration. Lastly, the integration of Psion’s technology and expertise will likely lead to the development of innovative new products and solutions that can address the evolving needs of industrial and enterprise customers.
The Legacy of Psion
Psion’s legacy in the PDA market is still remembered fondly by technology enthusiasts and industry veterans. The Psion Organiser, for example, was one of the first handheld computers to gain widespread popularity, and it set the stage for the development of more advanced PDAs in the years that followed. The Psion Series 5, with its innovative design and robust feature set, is often regarded as one of the best PDAs ever made. Despite the challenges the company faced in the consumer market, Psion’s contributions to the field of mobile computing have had a lasting impact.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the acquisition of Psion by Motorola Solutions could lead to exciting new developments in the field of ruggedized mobile computing. As industries continue to adopt digital technologies to improve efficiency and productivity, the demand for durable and reliable mobile devices is expected to grow. By combining their strengths, Motorola Solutions and Psion are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of industrial and enterprise customers around the world.
In conclusion, Motorola Solutions’ acquisition of Psion represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the ruggedized mobile computing market. By leveraging Psion’s expertise and technology, Motorola Solutions aims to strengthen its position as a leader in this space and drive innovation in the years to come.
Source: Engadget
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
