Computerworld - IBM last week launched a starter version of its WebSphere Everyplace Access software that's packaged with 25 of Palm Inc.'s Tungsten handheld devices, a move designed to let companies test-drive IBM's mobile middleware technology.
Rodney Adkins, general manager of IBM's pervasive computing division, said that the Mobile Office Entry Jumpstart Solution will provide companies with the technology needed to pilot and test mobile applications, such as sales force automation systems.
Adkins said the Jumpstart package will also let companies "start small with mobile applications and then grow over time" and evaluate returns on investment throughout the process.
Although IBM has bundled Palm hardware with the WebSphere tools as part of Jumpstart, the middleware supports a range of mobile devices, including Pocket PCs, smart phones based on operating systems from Microsoft Corp. and phones that use London-based Symbian Ltd.'s software.
The Jumpstart kit will sell for about $80,000, which includes the cost of the Palm hardware, Adkins said.
Jack Gold, an analyst at Meta Group Inc. in Stamford, Conn., said that for Palm, the Jumpstart package represents an opportunity to boost the penetration of its handheld devices into the corporate market.
Until now, most of the handhelds sold by Palm have been bought by individual users, Gold said. "Palm has just not done a very good job of putting together enterprise solutions," he added.
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