Firm Provides Link Between Technologies

Computer companies treat Migration Software Systems Ltd. as their silent savior, the one to call when a technology crisis arises.

The firm, which has offices in Newport Beach and San Jose, makes customized software and helps clients find ways to make their computer programs work on various kinds of hardware. The company’s client list includes Microsoft, Silicon Graphics Inc., Hewlett-Packard and Apple Computer.

“We make technology that consumers need but never see,” said Michael Green, Migration’s director of engineering. “When you use Microsoft Word, you don’t think, ‘How does that work on my computer?’ But software developers need companies like ours to make sure the program will actually run.”

This was the case with Costa Mesa-based Rockwell International Corp.’s Pathmaster navigation system for automobiles. Developed several years ago, the product consists of a 4-inch color monitor mounted on the dashboard to the driver’s right side.

Using satellite technology, the system displays a map showing the car’s location and provides turn-by-turn directions with the help of computer-generated voice prompts.

An intriguing concept, Pathmaster appeared to be a natural combination of Rockwell’s satellite and microprocessor technologies. But there was one small problem: The tracking program didn’t work on the microchip. “They needed a translator of sorts,” Green said.

So Migration developed software that allowed Rockwell engineers to make the two components work together. It’s a simple but crucial step in the arena of technology development, computer analysts say. (The product line has since been sold. The product was renamed NeverLost, and Hertz carries it in many of its rental vehicles.)

Privately held Migration has steadily grown over the last several years. Last year, the company’s sales were about $10 million, a 25% increase over sales in 1995, officials said.

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P.J. Huffstutter covers high technology for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7830 and at [email protected].