After more than a month of silence, Glenayre Technologies Inc. came out last week with guns blazing and announced three new deals to push its @ctiveLink two-way wireless messaging module-proof the company is still alive and kicking and is moving out from under the paging-only shadow.
“What this is, is a validation of our strategy,” said Eric Doggett, Glenayre’s president and chief executive officer.
Doggett said last week’s deals show that other companies are beginning to realize @ctiveLink’s effectiveness. Since it uses the two-way ReFLEX network, it is faster than networks based on more popular cellular and personal communications services technologies, he said. In addition, it’s less likely to drop out, can handle a heavier load, and can sometimes even work through buildings and valleys, Doggett contended.
“You get excellent coverage very cost-effectively,” Doggett said. “I don’t think there’s any broader network coverage.”
Glenayre’s deals last week include one with AgentGO, which will give @ctiveLink module users access to the agentWORKS platform. In addition, AgentGO will be able to offer its customers Glenayre’s Always @ctive hardware for wireless connectivity.
The deal is aimed at businesses looking to access remote tools without paying for high-priced application servers, devices and infrastructure.
Glenayre’s deal with Notify Technology Corp. involves Notify’s NotifyLink wireless client software for the Handspring Visor handheld computer and @ctiveLink. Notify said the deal adds wireless e-mail notification and added security features to the Visor, which will make the Visor more appealing to security-conscious businesses. The new service features Triple DES Encryption.
Glenayre’s final deal involves unified messaging software provider 01 Communique Laboratory Inc., which plans to integrate its unified messaging software, I’m in Touch, with the @ctiveLink module. The idea is to turn the Visor into a unified messaging center.
01 Communique and Glenayre also plan to develop joint marketing programs to promote their products in their respective markets.
But last week’s deals just represent the start of Glenayre’s market push, Doggett said.
In the second half of this year, Glenayre should be ready to announce deals with Locate.net and Qualcomm Inc.’s SnapTrack, which will add location-sensitive features to the Visor and @ctiveLink.
“That’s generated tremendous interest,” Doggett said. “We’re just very excited about 2001.”
News of last week’s deals drove Glenayre’s stock about 1.9 percent higher. The company’s stock has been trading at about $5 per share this week.
