Dataviz adds push email to older phones

The RoadSync tool will soon gain support for Windows Mobile 2003 devices

Dataviz is to support Windows Mobile 2003 with a new release of its RoadSync tool. The move will allow users of older handsets to get push email from their company's Exchange server. The release is due in the third quarter of 2006.

RoadSync, shipping since February, was designed to let non-Microsoft handsets exploit the Direct Push capability available in email servers running Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2. Microsoft added support for the feature in Windows Mobile 5.0 earlier this year, but a great many handsets are still in use running older versions of Windows Mobile software.

"Given the popularity of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition devices, both currently in use and available through a multitude of sales channels, we see a great opportunity to deliver Exchange Server 2003 SP2 support, with Direct Push in particular," said DataViz global sales manager Jeff Fetchick.

Firms that have equipped staff with handsets such as HP's iPaq 6500 series or the SPV C500 from Orange will be able to take advantage of updated features offered by Exchange ActiveSync. These include the ability to enforce security policy, remotely wipe a lost or stolen handset, and provide users with access to the corporate global address list.

RoadSync currently supports handsets running Palm OS, Symbian UIQ and Nokia Series 80, plus those with Java MIDP 2.0. Versions supporting Nokia S60 and UIQ 3 will be available in the next few months, followed by support for Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, Dataviz said.