Next-generation Nokia Communicator devices will include
Wi-Fi wireless Lan capability, and a deal with IBM will provide
smooth handoffs of applications between carrier and enterprise
wireless networks, the companies will announce at the 3GSM World
Congress in Cannes today.
Developers in enterprises will be able to write applications
using Java tools and have them run on different kinds of networks
and even on successive generations of client devices.
The technology will become available in the fourth quarter of
this year when the Nokia Communicator 9500 hits the market. The
combination mobile phone and handheld computer, the next generation
of a long line of devices from Nokia, will be joined by more
Communicator devices in 2005.
The existing Communicator 9210, like earlier models, is a phone
that flips open to reveal a wide keyboard and LCD screen. The 9500
will be sleeker, said Scott Lindgren, director of product marketing
at Nokia.
The triband GSM phone will support IEEE 802.11b wireless Lans as
well as Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution(Edge), and GPRS for
data communications. It runs on the Nokia Series 80 software
platform, which is based on the Symbian operating system.
IBM and Nokia said developers at software suppliers and in
enterprises will be able to use a desktop Java Development Kit to
extend their existing Java-based applications to the Communicator,
which will come with Java 2 Mobile Edition Personal Profile runtime
environment that enables integration of middleware.
On the device, WebSphere Everyplace Connection Manager Client
will direct the application to the fastest available network. IBM's
Lotus Sametime Instant Messaging Client software will run on the
Communicator, so users can keep in touch with their colleagues
wherever they are.
Eugene Cox, director of mobile solutions at IBM, said the
network hand-off mechanism could allow enterprises to take their
employees' data sessions off the mobile operator's paid network and
on to the free internal Wi-Fi network without making arrangements
with the mobile operator.
IBM and Nokia have zeroed in on sales people and field workers
in the pharmaceutical, insurance and government sectors as initial
users of the technology.
Enterprise IT managers will also be able to manage the devices
with IBM's Tivoli Provisioning Manager and Tivoli Configuration
Manager, which they also can use to manage desktop and notebook
PCs. They will be able to send configuration settings and software
downloads to the Communicators over the wireless network.
Nokia estimated the 9500 Communicator will sell at retail in
Europe for about €800. The pricing of IBM's software in the package
will depend on which components are used and the size of the
engagement.
Stephen Lawson writes for IDG News Service