Collegiate Times

“When we went to the graphic user interface, you didn’t have to learn how to type anymore, have to memorize these command strings, so now we’re going another step where you don’t have to use a mouse at all,” Lacoste said.

This computing trend inspired Bitler and Simpson to manufacture and sell multi-touch LCD monitors through their company, “3M8.” The company was officially recognized in Alexandria, Va., with the help of Simpson’s father, a practicing attorney who also serves as the corporation’s legal counsel.

While one roommate’s father helped with the legal aspects of the business, the other provided his craftsmanship. Bitler enlisted his father’s woodworking experience to design and build the frame that houses the multi-touch LCD.

But a physical screen cannot operate on its own. Multi-touch LCD is only useful when paired with complementary software that highlights its capabilities. Simpson knew this and saw an opportunity to contact software companies.

Based in San Jose, Calif., software company 22 Miles showed interest in the 3M8 product. Constant online and telephone communication led to a meeting in Norfolk. It concluded with 3M8 agreeing to send a prototype to 22 Miles for review.

“After our meeting was when we started seeing eye-to-eye with 22 Miles,” Simpson said, “and they started seeing there could be some profit in it for them without having to spend $15,000 for Microsoft Surface for their clients when they can spend a third of that with ours and at the same time give our company recognition and publicity.”

The unit 3M8 shipped to 22 Miles this fall arrived damaged, but the software company was impressed by the craftsmanship of Simpson and Bitler’s product.

Business is on standby as both navigate the waning weeks of the semester. Simpson and Bitler are settling damage claims with their shipper. They will fly to California during winter break to fix their damaged multi-touch LCD, and 22 Miles is going to further evaluate its software’s integration with 3M8’s hardware.

“We hope to get a partnership with 22 Miles ... so it simultaneously puts both our names out there,” Simpson said.

3M8 hopes that 22 Miles can take its product from its apartment floor to the market shelves.

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