"Palm Ships HotSync Server for Enterprise Integration of Handheld Computers; Palm Delivers Open Solution with Support from Enterprise Software Providers and Integrators"
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 2000--Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), in
conjunction with developers and channel partners, today announced a Windows NT server-based
solution for large businesses to incorporate handheld computers into mainstream information
management systems. After concluding a successful beta program, Palm is now shipping the Palm
HotSync(R) Server and a Microsoft Exchange Conduit, offering IT easy, secure and cost-effective
handheld management and synchronization of Palm OS(R) handheld computers with enterprise
groupware and line-of-business applications. Palm expects to add support for Windows CE-based
handhelds later this year.
The Palm HotSync Server, based on Aether Software's ScoutWare technology, offers IT an
architecture for three key functions: management of handheld computers and applications,
synchronization with enterprise groupware and critical business information systems, and a
development interface for new solutions targeted to handhelds.
Console-based management services include centralized backup and restore, application
deployment, standard builds, configuration and usage tracking. The Microsoft Exchange Conduit,
developed by Chapura, Inc., provides integration of Exchange email and calendar with the familiar
DateBook and Mail applications of the Palm OS handheld.
For application developers, Palm HotSync Server offers a fully-documented Application
Programming Interface based on the Microsoft COM standard for creating custom Conduits. These
plug-in Conduits are used to add handheld synchronization services to virtually any enterprise
application or data source. Familiar development tools such as Visual Basic, C++ and Java are
supported.
Handheld users connect to the HotSync Server via wireline or wireless modem, or through the
standard desktop-cradle HotSync function. Users gain access to a wider range of multi-user
applications and greater IT support.
In a related announcement made today, enterprise infrastructure solution provider CompuCom
formally launched their systems integration offering for handhelds, providing configuration and
customization services for the HotSync Server. Additionally, Synchrologic, Inc. announced today that
their iMobile Data Synchronization product has been enhanced to support the Palm HotSync Server,
adding advanced business logic capabilities to the development of handheld synchronization services
for complex enterprise databases.
Peoplesoft, a member of Palm's Strategic Alliance program, confirmed support of the Palm HotSync
Server in upcoming versions of its enterprise software solutions.
"Palm HotSync Server is an important component of our overall solution for enterprise computing,"
said Chuck Yort, vice president, business and government for Palm, Inc. "Companies need to be
able to provide access to line-of-business data wherever their employees find themselves -- at the
point of sale, during data acquisition or in the field. Palm HotSync Server's customizable and
extendable deployment solution has proven reliable through extensive beta testing. In conjunction with
solutions from our software-alliance members, HotSync Server provides IT with a solid base for
handheld deployment and management."
"Palm HotSync Server allowed us to provide our mobile workforce with instant two-way access to
critical networked information from out in the field," said Jason Menear, network and system
manager for VertexRSI. "Palm HotSync Server software was quick to install and configure. We set
up dial-in synchronization for Microsoft Exchange, and it worked flawlessly. Our people are
constantly out in the field, and now all they need for remote access to email and calendars is their
Palm handheld."
"Corporations are rapidly integrating Palm handhelds into their IT strategies in order to support
mobile enterprise applications," said Christopher Fletcher, managing director of Enterprise Business
Applications at Aberdeen Group. "This announcement is a significant step forward in Palm's ability to
enable front-door deployment of handheld computers throughout enterprises and enables Palm
handhelds to be managed just like any other device on the network."
Palm provides product support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by both phone and email.
Support includes technical assistance and maintenance version software updates for the Palm
HotSync Server and any Conduits provided by Palm for one year from the date of purchase. At the
end of that year, support is renewed for a fee on an annual basis.
The Palm HotSync Server and Microsoft Exchange Conduit are available immediately from selected
Palm resellers. Pricing for the HotSync Server is user-based and begins at an estimated street price
of $2,400 for up to five users. Microsoft Conduit pricing begins at an estimated street price of $330
for up to five users. For more information, please visit www.palm.com/enterprise/server.html. About
Palm, Inc.
Palm, Inc. is the leading provider of handheld computing devices (IDC, Dec 1999), including the
Palm(TM) III, V and VII series of handheld computers. The Palm OS platform is the foundation for
the market-leading handheld computers from the company as well as products from its strategic
partners such as IBM, QUALCOMM, Franklin Covey, Handspring, TRG and Symbol
Technologies. Designed to support the increasingly mobile and geographically dispersed nature of
information management, the company's handheld solutions allow people to carry their most critical
information in their pockets. For more information, please visit www.palm.com. -0- *T
Quote Sheet
Palm HotSync(R)Server Software Partners
Palm, Inc. May 30, 2000
"The launch of the Palm HotSync Server, powered by our ScoutSync technology, demonstrates
Palm's commitment to the rapidly expanding enterprise market, and once again underscores Palm's
vision and leadership in the mobile computing industry. Both Palm and Aether Software recognize
that instant access to vital corporate resources and the ability to effectively manage that process is a
must-have for any business keeping pace in today's market."
--Wayne Jackson, president
Aether Software
"We see strong customer demand for handheld extensions of our customer relationship, supply chain,
human resource and financial management enterprise solutions. Palm is meeting this demand by
providing enterprise IT with the Palm HotSync Server as a solution for integration, management and
development. Using the Palm HotSync Server in our development, we can quickly provide customers
with full-featured applications for the broadest possible community of handheld computers."
-- Richard Bergquist, chief technology officer
Peoplesoft, Inc.
"Our iMobile Data Synchronization server combined with the new Palm HotSync Server enables
enterprises to overcome the most complex enterprise database synchronization challenges
cost-effectively. We're working with Palm to deliver the most efficient solutions for mobilizing
corporate applications for the Palm OS platform."
-- Bill Jones, vice president of product management and
marketing
Synchrologic
"By adding our award-winning synchronization services for Microsoft Exchange to the extensive
management capabilities of the Palm HotSync Server software, Palm has provided a robust solution
for businesses that rely on Exchange to integrate handhelds into the mainstream."
-- Keith Ellenburg, chief operating officer
Chapura, Inc.
"We're pleased to be working with Palm to provide a seamless solution for enterprises interested in
providing connectivity between Lotus Notes and Palm handheld computers."
-- Gilad Ben-Yoseph, President
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