| There's a lot of hype at the moment about | | | | reported that the company is getting ready to |
| push email technology. New cell phone | | | | release its 'Community Technology Preview' |
| handsets are beginning to support the | | | | build of Exchange Server 2003, Service pack |
| technology and it seems to be getting its | | | | 2. And this is not the only step the giant is |
| head into other areas of the market too. This | | | | taking. In June 2005, Intellisync announced a |
| could be the next big thing in the | | | | new service that would allow subscribers to |
| telecommunications industry and the | | | | receive push email on Windows Mobile, Palm OS |
| speculation is heating up about who are going | | | | and Symbian devices.While, of the current |
| to be the major players involved.Right now | | | | estimated 4 million push email subscribers, |
| there are at least five major operators in | | | | most seem to be using RIM Blackberry devices, |
| this market and surely this will be reduced | | | | this assault will be difficult to bare much |
| in the near future. Most experts say that | | | | longer.On the technical side, there are two |
| there are simply too many of them fighting | | | | basic technologies that can provide push |
| over the same space.Right now both Visto and | | | | email solutions:one technology is true |
| Seven have been keen to show their commitment | | | | push;the other has a push effect using |
| to this technology. These are following the | | | | synchronization.While the user will not |
| lead set by Canadian firm RIM (Research In | | | | notice a significant difference when they log |
| Motion) who brought the technology into the | | | | in to check their mail, the costs vary to a |
| spotlight with their Blackberry device. While | | | | considerable extent with true push |
| so far they have been concentrating on | | | | technologies offering a far cheaper monthly |
| supplying hardware, they have stated that | | | | cost to the user. While Intellisync is |
| they will be moving into the supply of | | | | currently using a SyncML or synchronization |
| software instead in the near future.The wave | | | | technology to serve its customers, RIM and |
| of consolidations has already begun. British | | | | Microsoft are using their own proprietary |
| vendor Comtag was acquired by Smartner who in | | | | systems. The system that has found favour |
| turn was acquired by Seven; moving in | | | | both with Vodafone, the world's largest |
| parallel with this, Visto acquired Psion | | | | network operator, and Rogers, the first |
| Software. It looks like the heat is turning | | | | operator to deploy Blackberry devices is the |
| up in the race to capture this market. Both | | | | solution that Visto opted for also. This is |
| Visto and Seven show no sign of flagging as | | | | best described as a Proprietary + RTP/RTSP |
| they continue to increase the number of | | | | system and Visto calls it ConstantSync. It |
| operators they can lay claim to, as well as | | | | effectively relies on a real time streaming |
| increasing the number of handsets and other | | | | protocol to deliver email over mobile |
| supported devices they are marketing. Seven | | | | networks.Whatever the technicalities behind |
| has also added a useful security feature | | | | the networks, there is a lot to play for in |
| which allows you to send a special message to | | | | this emerging market and we'll have to wait |
| your device which will delete all the | | | | and see whose technology and handheld devices |
| messages it currently has stored. This could | | | | carry the most favour with customers. All |
| be lifesaving if you left your handset in a | | | | have relative advantages and disadvantages |
| public place.Good Technology was somewhat | | | | both in terms of technology and market |
| shielded in its area by supporting Palm and | | | | strategy and it all really is still to play |
| Windows devices but now there is the new | | | | for.Linda Fowels shows you which email |
| Windows Mobile based Treos to contend with.So | | | | software to use for a successful email |
| what is Microsoft's reaction to all of this? | | | | marketing campaign at - an email marketing |
| Well, they appear to be gearing up to enter | | | | software guide with tips on increasing your |
| the market. In his blog, Microsoft senior | | | | email list, building your newsletter and |
| technology specialist, Harold Wong has | | | | tracking your campaigns. |