Extended Systems and Red-M to Offer Bluetooth Software Solutions for Windows CE
While Extended Systems' SDK equips developers with a complete Bluetooth stack and extensive application profile support, Red-M's Bluetooth Manager provides a management and control interface for connecting to multiple Bluetooth devices on the Pocket PC/CE platform and provides the ability to automatically select the most appropriate or cost-effective device to use for a specified network connection. By offering the two products together, Extended Systems provides Pocket PC/CE device manufacturers with the tools needed to develop a broad range of Bluetooth applications --- and the software for end-users to manage these applications easily. Because Red-M's Bluetooth Manager was developed utilizing Extended Systems' XTNDConnect Blue SDK for Windows CE, the two products are fully interoperable.
"We considered several Bluetooth stacks during the development phase of Bluetooth Manager," said David Dix, senior product manager at Red-M. "After rigorous testing, we found XTNDConnect Blue SDK for Windows CE to be the most robust and stable option on the market."
Extended Systems Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Don Baumgartner explained that Extended Systems' breadth of Bluetooth profile support combined with Red-M's user-friendly management application provides OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) with a comprehensive Bluetooth software solution.
"Providing the combined solution to the market will help take Bluetooth connectivity to the next level by significantly increasing ease of use and value to end users by hiding the complexity of Bluetooth," said Baumgartner. "Together, we can significantly accelerate the development of Bluetooth in Pocket PC/CE-based devices, and increase the use of applications like Extended Systems' XTNDConnect Server synchronization products, by allowing remote connection through Red-M Genos software and access points."
Pricing and Availability
Red-M's Bluetooth Manager will be available through Extended Systems starting January, 2003. Pricing information can be obtained through umcsales@extendsys.com.
About Red-M
Red-M enables enterprises and network operators to implement intelligent wireless networks for mobile data and voice communications. Red-M is a recognized leader in wirelessware and wireless networking products. Red-M's wirelessware platform, Genos, solves the inherent management and security challenges of wireless networks; as well as being a scalable platform for creating truly mobile data and voice applications in which the users' interaction and experience can be tailored to location, device and access technology. Genos supports multiple wireless technologies including 802.11 wireless LAN and Bluetooth. Red-M's comprehensive wireless networking product portfolio includes wireless access servers and access points.
Red-M is backed by several of the world's leading venture capital firms - Apax Partners, Amadeus Capital Partners and Intel Capital - as well as Madge Networks. In total, Red-M has raised $54m of financing since the company was founded in late 1999. The company has strategic relationships with a number of key industry players including Motorola, Ericsson, Computer Associates, Toshiba and Intel. More information can be found at: www.red-m.com.
About Extended Systems
Extended Systems provides the expertise, strategy and solutions to help enterprise organizations realize their business goals through mobile technology. The company's software and services portfolio includes data synchronization and device management solutions; mobile applications for sales, service and pharmaceutical professionals; mobile application development tools and services; and Bluetooth and IrDA wireless connectivity software. Extended Systems has more than 2,500 enterprise customers and key alliance relationships with Agilent, Ericsson, Handspring, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Palm, Sharp, Siemens and Toshiba.