Three wireless infrastructure companies have announced different
approaches to finding the killer applications that will drive
forward corporate adoption of wireless systems.
Onset Technology announced GetFile, an upgrade to its Metamessage
Conversion Server (MCS) application targeted first at Research in
Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry handheld devices. GetFile will give RIM
users wireless access to any network or desktop file.
Onset offers a series of modules for the MCS platform. GetFile, the
latest module, places a client component with a GetFile icon on the
RIM. When a user clicks on the icon, the device sends an encrypted
e-mail request to the MCS server software. The server sends back
the user's file folders allowing the user to select any file from
any folder. Once selected, a file can be forwarded to any other
e-mail address.
A second client module, AttachmentsPlus, allows users to read or
print to a fax device any file or Web page.
Onset has also upgraded its server software for Lotus Notes/RIM
users, who will now be able to access and synchronise with their
global contact lists residing on the corporate Domino server.
Synchrologic Technology announced this week that consulting firm
Accenture would use its current wireless technology, iMobile Suite,
to give customers access to corporate email from any wireless
device.
The Synchrologic platform gives companies access to e-mail,
enterprise applications and files, as well as asset management
tools for handhelds, including Pocket PCs, Palm devices, and RIM
devices.
In partnering with Synchrologic, Accenture will offer its
end-to-end service as a hosted corporate solution, at first for
e-mail, later for mainstream and mission-critical corporate
applications and data, according Bill Jones, vice president of
products at Synchrologic.
"They are leveraging a trusted connectivity model, VPN, and then
they are promising to do the voodoo," said Jones.
Finally, vVault is planning to expand its Direct Desktop Access
(DDA) technology that allows corporate users to access data without
the aid of the IT department.
vVault president and chief executive Steve Burke pointed out that
the move to seek user buy-in as a way to get corporate IT mind
share is already being used by many of the wireless carriers.
"We are observing carrier frustration with the slow pace of
enterprises in providing mobile access to employees. VPN is as far
as they want to go," Burke said.
In its use of an open port on the corporate network, the vVault
solution is similar in some ways to the solution used by carriers
from Seven.
Users can install vVault client software on their desktop and
remotely access any designated file on any directory either by
sending files and storing them with vVault on a server or by
allowing the vVault service to gain access to the corporate network
over Port 443.
Port 443 is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)-encrypted, noted Bill Ho,
chief technology officer and co-founder of vVault. A user requests
a file. The request goes to vVault and vVault gains access through
Port 443 to the desktop. To the IT department it appears as if the
desktop, not a remote user, is accessing data.
vVault intends to add a synchronisation adapter for automatic
synchronisations over the air. As files pre-selected by the user
change on the desktop, the remote user will have the same file on
their handheld updated, said Ho.
Although finding a way around IT may be a bit unorthodox the
strategy of vVault and others to use the back door to help gain
corporate acceptance through the front door may be working.