True mobile computing has become a reality for enterprise business system users with the recent launch of an innovative cellular wireless connectivity solution by Compaq and SAP AG.
"Many companies choose SAP R/3 precisely because of its advanced business process integration capabilities," says Greg Williams, technology product manager, SAP Southern Africa. "It is therefore essential that we offer 24-hour, real-time access to information, regardless of location. Not only must mobile users retrieve up-to-the-minute information and updates, they also require an immediate input option for strategic data gathered on their travels.
"Compaq`s wireless R/3 connectivity solution provides yet another valuable front end for R/3 users, and we foresee its rapid acceptance into our customer base," he says.
Compaq `s SpeedPaq GSM Radio PC Card is essentially a cellular phone for laptop computers that allows the communication of voice, data, fax and SMS (the GSM standard short messaging service). Known as the Compaq Speedpaq, it combines the functionality of a mobile phone and a data modem to enable wireless remote R/3 client connectivity.
The card, which works with both of South Africa`s cellular networks, is a small unit that sits easily within any laptop computer. It functions as a normal cellular phone with the addition of the hands-free cable provided with the unit.
"The Compaq Speedpaq turns a notebook PC equipped with a mobile R/3 client into a truly mobile 24-hour communications centre," says Trevor De Vries, channel sales manager, Compaq. "It allows users access to the SAP R/3 system from wherever they are. They could access the system from out in the field, place an order, and receive confirmation, as there is no reliance on land-lines. It is perfect for users who spend a great deal of time away from the office and as back-up for areas where land-lines could be unstable.
"As long as there is GSM coverage, in other words, provided you are within an area covered by an existing cellular phone network, you can communicate.
"We expect the GSM Radio Card to be enormously successful here because of the unique features of the South African market, including the huge penetration of cellular phones and the fact that businesses often have remote offices," says De Vries.
"SAP joined Compaq early on during the development of the wireless card, recognising the value it would have for our users," says John Turner, Technology Alliance Manager, SAP Southern Africa. "The product further strengthens our relationship with Compaq."
Short-term future plans for the GSM Radio Card include the introduction, by year end, of a smaller unit that will fit into a palmtop computer, or personal digital assistant (PDA.) The prototype has already been shown at SAP`s recent European user conference, Sapphire 98, in Madrid last month.
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