New Palm Computing products enable large-scale handheld deployment in the enterprise

Palm Computing, Inc., a 3Com company, has announced two new products, Palm HotSync Server software and the Palm Ethernet Cradle, to facilitate the easy, secure and cost-effective deployment, management and support of handheld computing solutions in the enterprise. With these new products, enterprises can put more mission-critical, server-based information in the hands of their mobile workers, thereby increasing productivity and improving customer service. The new products will be available at the beginning of next year.

The Palm HotSync Server provides the infrastructure to directly and concurrently synchronise hundreds of Palm Computing platform-based handhelds, or other handheld products, with an enterprise server.

This allows mobile workers to update and retrieve data stored on corporate databases, including important line-of-business applications like customer relationship management and supply chain management programs, explains 3Com SA`s retail account manager. Users can also send and receive e-mail via corporate e-mail servers. "For IT departments, the Palm HotSync Server simplifies the deployment and management of handheld devices by providing features such as standard builds, asset tracking, automatic and centralised software distribution and data backup," he says.

He points out that while mobile users can synchronise with the Palm HotSync Server through a standard desktop cradle or modem, the new Palm Ethernet Cradle enables convenient server synchronisation from shared spaces in a campus environment, such as conference rooms, lobbies and cafeterias.

"To stay competitive and drive growth, companies need to provide their mobile workers with immediate access to accurate, up-to-the-minute information wherever they are," says Byron Connell, vice president of marketing of Palm Computing. "Palm understands that two major inhibitors for organisations considering handheld deployments are device management and the ability to extend enterprise-critical applications. With the Palm HotSync Server and Ethernet Cradle, we are addressing both of those needs and enhancing the value of the customer`s line-of-business applications."

HotSync Server Features

For mobile workers, the Palm HotSync Server enables true remote access, eliminating the need for synchronisation via a PC or a workstation.

The server software enables users to access corporate databases and applications, including those from IBM, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Remedy, SAP and Sybase, and extends the benefits of corporate messaging and groupware systems to handhelds, with bundled Microsoft Exchange e-mail and calendar conduits. The software also supports POP3/IMAP4 based e-mail applications. Scaling to meet the needs of growing enterprises, the Palm HotSync Server supports up to 2000 registered users.

3Com`s Heyes says that the Palm HotSync Server provides enterprise IT departments with the tools they need to easily and safely deploy and maintain all handhelds, both those based on the Palm Computing platform and those based on Microsoft`s Windows CE operating system. "With centralised installation, backup and management, IT controls the software versions in use and can provide users with regular and reliable backup of their data," he says. "The HotSync Server software also includes authentication to prevent unauthorised access to corporate data during the synchronisation, and provides the architecture in which a more robust security infrastructure can be implemented."

Built on proven technology, the Palm HotSync Server product is based on the ScoutSync server from Riverbed Technologies, which has been installed at major enterprise sites including BD (formerly Becton Dickinson) and the US Postal Service. Future releases of the Palm HotSync Server will include additional features derived from joint development by the two companies.

HotSync Server Interfaces

To extend the value of the Palm HotSync Server, Palm Computing is also working with leading enterprise software vendors to ensure compatibility and ease deployment of handheld solutions for their mutual customers. Companies already committing to work with Palm to build server conduits or compatibility layers include industry giants Computer Associates, Sybase and Tivoli.

"Mobile computing can revolutionise the way companies do business, but only if the solutions are managed and supported as integrated parts of the overall IT infrastructure," says John Pincomb, vice president of product marketing at Computer Associates. "As the first enterprise management company to support handheld and wireless devices, CA is pleased that Palm is working with us to integrate the Palm HotSync Server with Unicenter TNG, thereby making it part of a complete end-to-end management solution -- from Palm devices, to desktops, servers and mainframes."

"Together Sybase and Palm are driving the adoption of handhelds as enterprise platforms," says Terry Stepien, senior vice president and general manager, Sybase`s Mobile and Embedded Computing Division. "With today`s announcement Sybase is extending its industry-leading enterprise synchronisation technology to Palm`s new enterprise HotSync Server, enabling remote and mobile workers to exchange information with corporate databases and enterprise systems."

"For the enterprise, integrating the administration of handheld devices into an end-to-end management model is critical," says Israel Gat, vice president and general manager, Embedded Solutions Business Unit, Tivoli Systems Inc. "Working together with Palm Computing to create an open API and to make the HotSync Server Tivoli Ready ensures that enterprise IT departments can efficiently manage the thousands of devices enterprise customers will have in their environments."

Palm Ethernet Cradle

Designed to work in a variety of enterprise environments, the Palm Ethernet Cradle supports 10Mbps Ethernet data transmission and works with 10/100Mbps Ethernet hubs and switches. An elegant and sturdy product, the Palm Ethernet Cradle is appropriate for use in public, high-traffic areas of corporate campus offices like lobbies, conference rooms and cafeterias. Data synchronisation with a corporate network server can be activated via the cradle`s HotSync technology button or the device`s HotSync application, and the user can select whether to synchronise with their personal desktop or the corporate server. The cradle supports many Palm Computing platform products, including all Palm III and Palm VII series devices as well as IBM WorkPad 20X and 30X products, Franklin Covey products and the Symbol SPT 1500.