Palm software syncs into corporate applications

NEWS Handheld device maker Palm is targetting businesses with a new software release. The company has launched HotSync Server that will enable handheld computers to link into enterprise applications and take them beyond being a high-tech executive toy. Christopher Fletcher, managing director of Enterprise Business Applications at research company, Aberdeen Group, said that this product is a significant step forward in Palm's ability to enable front-door deployment of handheld computers throughout enterprises and enables Palm handhelds to be managed just like any other device on the network. HotSync Server is Windows NT based and support for Windows CE based handheld devices will be added later this year. A company spokesperson said it is initially available in the US only with a release in Europe in the not-too-distant future. The HotSync Server is intended to offer secure and cost-effective handheld management and synchronisation of Palm OS handheld computers with enterprise groupware and critical business applications. It will also provide a development interface so that new handheld applications can be written. It is based on Aether Software's ScoutWare technology. Handheld users connect to the HotSync Server via wireline or wireless modem, or through the standard desktop-cradle HotSync function. The server software also help users to integrate Microsoft Exchange email and calendar with Palm's DateBook and Mail applications.