Palm Announces Windows NT Server-Based Solution for Large Businesses to Incorporate Handheld Computers

Strategic Insights -

Palm, Inc., in conjunction with developers and channel partners, has announced a Windows NT server-based solution for large businesses to incorporate handheld computers into mainstream information management systems. The solution, which includes the Palm HotSync Server and a Microsoft Exchange Conduit, offers IT easy, secure, and cost-effective handheld management and synchronization of Palm OS handheld computers with enterprise groupware and line-of-business applications. The Palm HotSync Server, based on Aether Software's ScoutWare technology, provides a centralized management system for handheld computers and applications, synchronization with enterprise groupware, and a development interface for new solutions targeted to handhelds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Palm HotSync Server offers a Windows NT server-based solution for large businesses to incorporate handheld computers into mainstream information management systems.
  • The solution includes the Palm HotSync Server and a Microsoft Exchange Conduit, which provides integration of Exchange email and calendar with the familiar DateBook and Mail applications of the Palm OS handheld.
  • The Palm HotSync Server provides a centralized management system for handheld computers and applications, synchronization with enterprise groupware, and a development interface for new solutions targeted to handhelds.
  • The solution is designed to support the increasingly mobile and geographically dispersed nature of information management.
  • Palm HotSync Server is a customizable and extendable deployment solution that has proven reliable through extensive beta testing.
  • The solution is priced at an estimated street price of $2,400 for up to five users for the HotSync Server, and $330 for up to five users for the Microsoft Exchange Conduit.
  • The Palm HotSync Server and Microsoft Exchange Conduit are available immediately from selected Palm resellers.
  • Palm provides product support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by both phone and email.
  • Support includes technical assistance and maintenance version software updates for the Palm HotSync Server and any Conduits provided by Palm for one year from the date of purchase.
  • CompuCom, an enterprise infrastructure solution provider, has formally launched their systems integration offering for handhelds, providing configuration and customization services for the HotSync Server.
  • Synchrologic, Inc. has announced that their iMobile Data Synchronization product has been enhanced to support the Palm HotSync Server, adding advanced business logic capabilities to the development of handheld synchronization services for complex enterprise databases.
  • Peoplesoft, a member of Palm's Strategic Alliance program, has confirmed support of the Palm HotSync Server in upcoming versions of its enterprise software solutions.

Statistics:

  • Palm HotSync Server pricing begins at an estimated street price of $2,400 for up to five users.
  • Microsoft Conduit pricing begins at an estimated street price of $330 for up to five users.
  • Palm HotSync Server is available immediately from selected Palm resellers.
  • Palm provides product support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by both phone and email.
  • Support includes technical assistance and maintenance version software updates for the Palm HotSync Server and any Conduits provided by Palm for one year from the date of purchase.

Sources:

  • "Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM)"
  • "Business Editors"