PalmOne, the largest selling smartphone in Europe, recently signed an agreement with LayerOne, the only ASP for mobile e-mail and calendar in SA, in an aim to provide clients with a pre-configured mobile device that enables them to receive their e-mail and calendar information through GPRS and other networks.
PalmOne`s Treo 600, the latest phone in the Palm stable, has been designed to provide clients with a true mobile experience that incorporates both PDA and GSM phone functionality. Along with the LayerOne Mobile Server, users can now have access to live e-mail and calendar changes from anywhere in SA and certain parts of the world that support GPRS.
Says Adam Fittinghoff from PalmOne SA: "The mobile groupware and data market in SA is taking off, and we believe these relationships are key to providing corporate SA with mobile solutions. The LayerOne software has been integrated with PalmOne devices internationally for many clients and has been very successful in providing mobile users with the ability to access e-mail and back-end data through GPRS. A combination of the right device and the right middleware will ensure that our mobile clients have the right functionality to remain in full contact when not in the office."
Corporate companies can purchase the solution from LayerOne or they can purchase the devices from their service provider on a contract which will then be loaded with the LayerOne mobile client. LayerOne has also made data contracts available that can run in line with current or existing voice contracts. These contracts are aimed at providing clients with limited or unlimited data services for access to e-mail and calendar.
Says Stuart Hardy, Managing Director of LayerOne: "This is a great solution and has been rated above the Blackberry 7230 with Blackberry Enterprise Server by independent research companies in the UK. Now any company can purchase a PalmOne Treo and can start using e-mail and calendar within a day or two. I have been using the service for several weeks now and am very happy with the solution. We have limited this solution to e-mail, calendaring and contact information and also only to text to ensure that we can keep the cost of data low. With the provision of unlimited data solutions, clients do not have to be concerned about the variable and risky cost of GPRS. We are also in discussion with some of the service providers which means you should be able to purchase this solution through your current service provider which will make things even easier. This solution is also available on other devices such as the Windows-based Imate as well as devices like the Symbian-based Sony/Ericsson."
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