Penbase enables SyncML-compliant wireless synchronization fo

[Brad Isaac]

Penbase
announces the release of Penbase SyncML Server 1.0


New Jersey,
09/24/02 - Penbase, the provider of enterprise-level mobile information systems,
is announcing the availability of Penbase SyncML Server 1.0, the SyncML-compliant
middleware for synchronizing custom database applications on mobile devices
and embedded systems.


For enterprises
looking to extend their information systems to mobile workers who operate with
mobile database applications in environments where wireless connections to data
sources are unreliable, a synchronization solution enabling offline data processing
is paramount.


Penbase
SyncML Server is the wireless synchronization component of the Penbase System,
ensuring safe data exchanges between relational databases on PDAs or embedded
systems and data sources.


"Penbase
SyncML Server clearly makes the Penbase portfolio complete and robust, thus
giving us the ability to offer end-to-end wireless database solutions to mobility
service providers and enterprises" says Hari Haran, Chief Executive Officer
of Penbase.


SyncML
is the emerging open industry specification for mobile data synchronization
and device management, sponsored by companies such as Ericsson, IBM, Lotus,
Matsushita, Motorola, Nokia, Openwave, Starfish Software and Symbian.


“As
part of our endeavor to provide enterprises with standards-based solutions that
ensure fast and easy integration of interoperable mobile applications within
existing systems, Penbase has based its wireless synchronization solution on
the SyncML standard, “ explains Eric Vergnaud, CTO and founder of Penbase. He
adds, “What is unique with Penbase SyncML Server, contrary to other SyncML-based
solutions, is its ability to synchronize custom databases rather than the traditional
PIM databases (contacts, calendar and to-do). Penbase SyncML Server enables
telecommunications operators and Internet service providers to provide high
value-added wireless data solutions to businesses with mobile work forces that
require access to job-specific data.”


Penbase
SyncML Server is both a technological and relational gateway, capable of smart
data dispatching to heterogeneous data sources. Its ability to take into account
the relationships there are between two distinct technologies that process the
same data ensures a powerful and reliable solution for updating information
between mobile clients and the server.


Penbase
SyncML Server is capable of carrying all types of synchronization:


<ul>[*] from
data source to mobile client[*] from
mobile client to data source[*] two-way
synchronization[/list]How it
works
Penbase
SyncML Server is made up of two components: the Penbase SyncML Client that is
embedded on the mobile device and the Penbase SyncML Server itself which is
set up on the enterprise’s or hoster’s TCP/IP network.


While the
Penbase SyncML Client that initiates the synchronization and generates the SyncML
document, it is the server that takes care of the synchronization process. Further
to keeping the SyncML client very lightweight, this architecture also enables
wireless synchronization over protocols such as http and WAP that are incapable
of calling up a client.


Fast and
easy implementation is ensured by the use of Penbase Visual Designer, in which
the mobile application developer defines the SyncML scripts to be run at both
ends. Configuring the synchronization process is reduced to simple choices within
the Penbase SyncML Server dialog box.


Upon building
the mobile application within Penbase Visual Designer, the Penbase SyncML Client
is generated, containing all the required synchronization actions.


Penbase
SyncML Server is set up on the enterprise network and contains a description
of all the wireless database applications that it synchronizes. The applications
in the list are activated by the server administrator who defines the users
that are allowed to connect either in named user or simultaneous user mode.
The mode needs to be decided beforehand, as both modes cannot be mixed on the
same Penbase SyncML Server.


To identify
named users, Penbase SyncML Server connects to the enterprise’s LDAP or reads
an internal directory created by the administrator. In simultaneous user mode,
Penbase SyncML Server processes all the requests from Penbase applications installed
on the mobile devices.


Pricing
and availability
To order
Penbase SyncML Server, or for more information, call 33 (0) 562 884 191, e-mail
sales@penbase.com or visit the Penbase Web site at www.penbase.com.


Penbase
SyncML Server is sold through Penbase&acute;s corporate sales force, value-added resellers
and Penbase&acute;s Web site at www.penbase.com