CHARLOTTE, N.C.-Microsoft Exchange users soon will have wireless access to their desktop data via paging devices, according to a strategic agreement Glenayre Technologies Inc. signed with Infowave Software Inc.
According to the agreement, Infowave is developing desktop software, code named Kodiak, designed to give people using wireless devices and networks access to Exchange data-such as e-mail, calendars and contact lists. Glenayre said it then will make that software available to carriers, which in turn can brand it themselves and offer to their customers.
Infowave said Kodiak will work with existing one- and two-way paging devices, as well as smart phones. It is expected to be made available to end users at the point of sale, for a one-time extra cost of less than $20. Once loaded onto the desktop computer, Infowave said Kodiak will allow users to get schedule summaries, appointment reminders, task summaries and schedule updates. Also, users can receive and reply to meeting requests and query the central database for a contact.
Unlike other personal information management solutions, Kodiak requires no desktop synchronization with the desktop computer, the company said. Any changes to a user’s Exchange information automatically will be forwarded to the device.
Infowave software is already fairly integrated with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange systems, which makes most of these functions possible. The agreement with Glenayre dictates that Infowave will handle all the software development and retain all intellectual property rights.
Glenayre will package and deliver the product to its customers and partners. Infowave will be compensated for the software development and receive a flat licensing fee for each copy of the software sold by Glenayre. Both will share marketing activity costs.
The agreement represents a significant win for Infowave, coming off the heals of another positive agreement signed with Wireless Knowledge L.L.C. The deal gives Infowave access to Glenayre’s major paging carrier customers, who Infowave wish to sell the software to. Glenayre customers include such carriers as Paging Network Inc., PageMart Wireless Inc. and SkyTel Communications Inc.
