Mobile email system lets users share access rights

OpenHand ships new version of mobile email system, features include shared calendar and email

OpenHand is shipping version 4.1 of its namesake mobile email system. The new version adds the ability for users to see shared calendar and email accounts, and supports secure local storage of a limited number of emails on handsets.

A key feature of OpenHand has been its real-time access model, so no information is actually stored on the client. Version 4.1, however, enables some emails to be stored locally in an encrypted folder for offline access.

This is a feature specifically requested by the NHS, according to OpenHand chief operating officer Tim Belfall. “Though email can be stored on the device, it is secure and can’t be accessed if the device gets lost or stolen,” he said, adding that administrators can decide which users will be authorised to store messages in this way.

Another new feature is called Impersonation Rights. This adds a capability for some people to access the email and calendar of another user – allowing an assistant to handle meeting requests for their boss, for example.

OpenHand has also changed its licensing model to cater for cost-sensitive customers such as the NHS, Belfall said. It is now available at a flat rate of £11 per user per month, with no additional costs for the OpenHand Server.

OpenHand 4.1 supports Lotus Domino and Microsoft Exchange email systems, plus Mirapoint Imap servers. On the client side, OpenHand supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows Mobile, Symbian and Palm OS, plus Windows laptops.