AvantGo Inc. released a new solution designed to extend enterprise and Web-based applications to handheld computers, allowing companies to deploy corporate applications to mobile devices that are compatible with their existing network and technology infrastructures.
The solution, called AvantGo 2.0, consists of the AvantGo Server, a centrally-administered server with an open architecture; AvantGo Connect, a conduit for desktop and kiosk connectivity; and an upgraded AvantGo Client, a Web browser used to navigate data and interact with data-entry forms on handheld computers.
The AvantGo Server enables the centralized administration of information between a corporate enterprise, department or division and mobile handheld devices. AvantGo Connect provides connectivity between handheld devices and the AvantGo Server via a desktop or kiosk, and AvantGo Client offers direct access to information on the AvantGo Server, from any network to any handheld device. Together, the three components make up the AvantGo 2.0 solution.
The company said AvantGo 2.0 allows organizations to manage deployed devices remotely, update content and applications without recalling devices from the field, synchronize information over a variety of connectivity options and deploy applications without requiring companion desktop computers. The solution is cross-platform available for and compatible with both Windows CE-based and Palm OS devices.
AvantGo 2.0 features include centralized user administration, universal access, server-based synchronization, transaction ability, interactive forms, and applications and data synchronization of various information-services content.
The centralized user administration allows those using any browser to manage end-user access privileges and data synchronization tasks, as well as remotely add or remove applications from mobile devices for both groups and individuals.
AvantGo said the universal access feature supports dial-up and wireless connections from handhelds, as well as synchronization through desktops and stand-alone kiosks using standard Internet Protocols for communication between the AvantGo Server and handhelds.
The server-based synchronization allows devices to be deployed without companion desktop computers, said the company.
AvantGo can support concurrent connections from hundreds of handhelds and maintain both batch and on-line sessions. It also supports hypertext markup language 3.2-compliant forms. Data can be synchronized with any application on the device.
Finally, AvantGo’s content partners include The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition, The New York Times, CNET’s News.com, InfoWorld, Fox Sports, TV Gen and others.
AvantGo 2.0 is priced at $30,000 for 100 users. Corporate licensing also is available. In addition to its new enterprise products, AvantGo is offering also for free its mobile solutions for individual handheld device users.
Microsoft Corp., IBM Corp., Oracle Corp., Symbol Technologies Inc., Palm Computing and other vendors voiced support for the new solution and plan to integrate it with their products, said AvantGo.
Casio announced its support for AvantGo 2.0 as well to deliver enterprise applications to Casio’s Cassiopeia PA-2400, A-10 and PA-2500 handheld mobile devices which are based on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system.
