BUSINESS BRIEFS

Brightpoint Inc. announced it entered into an agreement to provide integrated logistics services for Nextel Communications. Under the agreement, Brightpoint’s wholly owned subsidiary, Wireless Stockroom, will provide a variety of services for Nextel’s retail and direct-to-end-user channels. Brightpoint’s services will include call center management and fulfillment for Nextel accessories.

Corsoft Corp. announced its Aileron for Microsoft Exchange wireless client software will support Research In Motion’s Inter@ctive Pager 950, to be available next year. Aileron is a portable Microsoft Exchange client software package designed for use in two-way paging devices. The software extends Microsoft Exchange server information to handheld wireless devices. Aileron 1.0 is available on Motorola Inc.’s PageWriter 2000, said Corsoft.

FieldCentrix Inc., a Microsoft Corp. Windows CE developer and solutions provider, introduced FieldCentrix Enterprise, a mobile software solution that automates the equipment repair and maintenance processes for service companies and manufacturers. The solution includes FX Mobile, installed on Windows CE-enabled handheld personal computers, for field personnel; and FX Service Center, which runs on Windows NT and is used to automate operations, dispatch and management in the enterprise environment.

SmarTalk TeleServices Inc. said it reached an agreement with Fletcher International Ltd. for a $25 million secured term loan facility, maturing Jan. 31, 1999. The company expects to access up to $10 million during the next month, and plans to use the financing for general corporate purposes. Based in Dublin, Ohio, SmarTalk TeleServices Inc. provides prepaid calling cards and prepaid wireless services.

Applied Cellular Technology Inc. announced the 11 subsidiaries that make up its computer group will become one operating unit, known as Inteletek Inc., in preparation for the launch of its new Internet Computer Superstore. Inteletek Inc. will provide its business and Internet clients computer systems, hardware peripherals, installation, maintenance, technical support and networking services and end-of-life management, said Applied Cellular.

AvantGo Inc. and Puma Technology Inc. announced they will jointly deliver the Mobile Application Link development platform for uniform and open connectivity of mobile computing and communication devices-such as the Palm Computing platform and Windows CE-based systems-to enterprise data and applications. The platform will use AvantGo’s open source code, which will be shaped by Puma’s small device and enterprise application synchronization services. The Mobile Application Link initiative aims to enable connectivity of any handheld data device, including those based on the Palm operating system, Windows CE, smartphones and two-way paging devices, by providing one server connectivity architecture for all applications.

ABOUT AUTHOR