WeSync.com Previews Wireless Synchronization Solution for Handheld Computers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — October 19, 1999 — Wireless Syncs WeSync.com, Inc., an application service provider (ASP) for handheld device users, previewed the first wireless synchronization solution today at the PalmSource '99 conference.
Wireless Refresh(TM) is one of the features available through the company's Web-based service, WeSync, which lets the users of Palm(TM) Computing organizers share synchronized "interpersonal" information right from their devices. WeSync, which went into public beta today, lets handheld users share synchronized calendars and contact lists with others via private, secure, online communities that users create at the WeSync web site. Additional data types are to be added to the service in the future, as well as a Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE version.
"WeSync's beta solution is a practical integration of the Palm VII(TM) organizer's wireless capabilities," said Jim Obot, Vice President of Palm.net for Palm Computing, Inc., a 3Com company. "The combination of synchronization and wireless connectivity will provide a unique calendaring and scheduling solution for enterprises."
Wireless Refresh(TM) Lessens User Dependence on their Desktop
As part of the WeSync service, users have access to a range of applications that add a layer of collaborative functions to already familiar tools. The first of these applications, in beta right now and due to ship later this year, are WeSync Calendar and WeSync Contact Manager.
Wireless Refresh(TM) features within these applications let users take advantage of their devices' wireless capabilities to perform narrow bandwidth synchronizations via the Internet. The functionality was specifically developed to let wireless device users keep their information current without overtaxing their devices' processing capabilities, or incurring large connection fees.
"Because we provide a Web-based synchronization engine, WeSync users aren't as dependent upon their desktop," explained Pete Grillo, president of WeSync.com. Most handheld users rely on their desktop as the primary repository for changes in data, and for the processing power to manage those changes. "WeSync was designed to increase our users' ability to keep their information accurate while mobile, regardless of their proximity to their desktop or LAN. Our service was intentionally crafted with every kind of Internet connection in mind, including wireless."
High-Value, Interpersonal Information
WeSync.com, Inc. is focusing its service on a category of high-value information that current synchronization solutions ignore which it calls Interpersonal Information. "Current sync technologies are focused primarily on syncing a single individual's data between various hardware devices," continued Grillo. "We believe that there's tremendous value in giving users an easy, automatic way to share important schedules, contact lists and more, right from their devices. We're working to sync people, not data."
Examples of this type of information include shared travel schedules, vendor contact lists, family calendars, employee rosters, manufacturing timelines and other forms of confidential, group information that are often limited to static forms of distribution which quickly go out of date.
Flagship of Collaborative Computing Solutions for Handhelds
In public beta today, the initial version of the solution, WeSync Personal, is the baseline for an eventual, tiered service offering. Future versions of the service developed specifically for corporate and enterprise applications by adding more robust management, privacy and security components, are slated for release next year.
The final version of WeSync Personal will ship before year-end, and will be available for free for a limited time from the WeSync Web site, (www.wesync.com). Upgrades to the expanded versions of the service, when released, will be available by annual subscription.
The current beta operates exclusively for the Palm Computing(R) platform, however, the company plans to release a Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE version sometime next year. For additional information, or to register for upcoming beta trials, please visit www.wesync.com.
About the Company
Founded in 1997, WeSync.com, Inc. (formerly PlusFactor Software) develops and distributes solutions that allow individual Palm Computing(R) connected organizers to be used collaboratively as a powerful group tool. Based in Portland, Ore., WeSync.com is a privately held company that combines expertise with both Internet and software technologies with a talent for UI design to deliver solutions that are easy to install, use and maintain.
WeSync, WeSync.com, Wireless Refresh, PlusFactor and Office Pack are trademarks of WeSync.com, Inc. Palm Computing, 3Com, and HotSync are registered trademarks and Palm VII and Palm.net are trademarks of Palm Computing, Inc., 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Editor's Note: WeSync press kits are available in the WeSync booth, located at Demonstration Station #20. Members of the WeSync staff are also available at Demonstration Station #20 to demonstrate the product and answer questions.
For more information, press only, contact: Matt Melendez, WeSync.com, 503/827-6717, [email protected].
CONTACT:
WeSync.com, Inc.
Matthew Melendez, 503/827-6717, ext. 113
[email protected]