Versit, the global initiative formed in December by Apple Computer Inc, AT&T Corp, IBM Corp and Siemens AG (CI No 2,556), has released its first specification to promote interoperability among existing and emerging communications and information products. The Personal Data Interchange specification is a cross-system offering for the exchange of personal information, and defines an electronic business card called a Versitcard. With Versit cards, users will be able to exchange information electronically, such as electronic mail addresses, that will help people find specific areas on the World Wide Web. The Universal Network Port specification is a high-speed wired connection and communications architecture for computers, mobile devices and telephones. These specifications are available without having to pay any licence or royalty fees. Also available is the hardware specificat ion for the Versit GeoPort computer-telephone connection, which it claims provides up to 200 times the bandwidth of traditional serial ports. It enables users access to the full digital capabilities of their PABXes from their personal computer. The Versit GeoPort architecture, based on Apple’s GeoPort technology, will enable users to dial phone calls, receive voice mail, access the Internet, transfer files or conduct spoken or video conferences, using their desktop or mobile computer. The hardware volume of the specification is available now, and the software volume will be available this summer. Both specifications are available now through Versit’s new World Wide Web home page on the Internet at http://www.versit.com.
