New HTTP-Based Proxy Server to Allow Developers to Easily Port Web-Based
Applications for Use on BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network(SM)
WOODBRIDGE, N.J., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- BellSouth Wireless Data embarked
on the next phase in its wireless web access strategy today when it announced
it will launch a new HTTP-based AirBoss(TM) Wireless Web proxy server and the
AirBoss Microbrowser, both supplied by Geoworks Corporation (Nasdaq: GWRX),
that will bring the Web directly to handheld wireless devices enabled for the
BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network.
BellSouth Wireless Data's wireless web access strategy is two-fold -- to
provide for developers a platform and application development environment to
wirelessly enable Web-based applications such as customer relationship
management (CRM), sales force automation (SFA), banking and field service; and
to provide BellSouth Wireless Data-branded lifestyle content and convenience
services to its customers. Both elements are expected to be available in the
first quarter of 2001.
The Geoworks AirBoss proxy server will give developers the ability to use
standard, Web-based tools to easily extend applications they've built for the
Internet to be accessed wirelessly on a variety of handhelds enabled for the
BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network. With the HTTP-based proxy server in
place and support of a standard INET API, developers will not need to make
significant modifications, such as incorporating middleware end-to-end.
The Airboss Microbrowser, which initially supports wireless access to
Wireless Markup Language (WML) content using a variety of BellSouth-enabled
wireless handhelds, will give mobile professionals the ability to have secure
wireless access to BellSouth Wireless Data-branded content as well as to
corporate-based information and other critical business data. On BellSouth
Wireless Data-enabled devices, which have enhanced capabilities such as large
displays and full keyboards, application developers can deliver a richer user
experience such as advanced off-line operation, and integration with extensive
wireless messaging services. BellSouth Wireless Data will provide a content
portal to give customers the ability to receive information alerts, request
specific Web-based information and have a customized page on the Internet
where they can view personalized content from their PC.
"The wireless web proxy server and microbrowser being supplied by Geoworks
are enabling BellSouth Wireless Data to take a significant step forward in our
strategy to bring the power of the Internet wirelessly to the palm of your
hand," said Janet Boudris, senior vice president, Strategic Marketing,
BellSouth Wireless Data. "The new proxy server will allow us to bring the
design of wireless data applications up a notch by enabling developers to use
Internet standards to build applications quickly, easily and more
cost-effectively and then enable them on a wireless handheld device. Our
powerful, highly reliable and interactive Intelligent Wireless Network can
quickly and reliably deliver critical information nationwide, and the addition
of the proxy server makes it the ideal network for creating and performing
wireless Internet applications such as e-commerce, and content."
"This agreement is the culmination of a dedicated Geoworks effort
specifically aimed at the carrier market and reaffirms the carrier-grade
robustness of the Geoworks AirBoss software," said Dave Pepe, Vice President
of Products Business Group at Geoworks. "We were able to meet the demanding
needs of this segment by employing industry certified QMO procedures to build
robust systems with features geared towards stringent network operations and
management requirements. We are extremely pleased that BellSouth Wireless
Data, a leading provider in the wireless industry, has selected our technology
for their new wireless web access offering."
Short for HyperText Transfer Protocol, HTTP is the underlying protocol
used by the World Wide Web. HTTP defines how messages are formatted and
transmitted, and what actions web servers and browsers should take in response
to various commands. Because HTTP is the standard for most Web-based
applications, BellSouth Wireless Data's new server will allow wireless devices
access to existing web content without the need for complicated, proprietary
applications, effectively "cutting-down" the steps needed to introduce new
wireless Internet applications.
About Geoworks Corporation
Geoworks Corporation is a leading innovator in wireless data
communications services and technologies for the business-to-business and
business-to-consumer markets. Geoworks' Mobile ASP(TM) solution utilizes a
flexible combination of its proprietary Mobile Server+(TM) technology and its
mobile media expertise to enable businesses to reach their mobile customers
with relevant and timely information. Geoworks AirBoss(TM) client/server
mobile data solutions, recently acquired from Telcordia Technologies, provides
carrier-grade customizable systems ranging from field service applications to
telematics solutions. Based in Alameda, California, the company has
additional offices in New Jersey, Japan and the United Kingdom, and can be
found on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com.
About BellSouth Wireless Data
BellSouth Wireless Data, L.P., headquartered in Woodbridge, N.J., is an
expert in providing proven wireless data communications solutions that
eliminate the barriers between critical information and mobile users, and
provides telemetry and transactions applications. BellSouth Wireless Data
operates its wireless data service throughout the United States, covering more
than 93 percent of the urban business population located in 492 Metropolitan
Statistical Areas (MSAs) and non-MSAs with a total population of 200 million
people. Recognized as the industry leader, the company was the recipient of
several major awards during 1999 from such entities as Microsoft,
PC Computing, Frost & Sullivan, Wireless Week and Mobile Insights. E-mail:
Bellsouthwd.info@bellsouthwd.com. Web site address: http://www.bellsouthwd.com.
BellSouth Wireless Data is a member of the Cingular Wireless family.
Cingular Wireless, a joint venture between SBC and BellSouth, provides
wireless voice and data service to more than 19 million customers in
38 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories. SBC and
BellSouth share control of Cingular Wireless. Cingular operates in
42 of the top 50 markets in the United States.
SOURCE Geoworks Corporation
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.geoworks.com
CONTACT:
Russell Rowland, russr@hwhpr.com, or Ann
Manby, annm@hwhpr.com, both of HWH, 212-355-5049, for BellSouth
Wireless Data, L.P.; or Kristy Cory of Red Whistle
Communications, 503-552-3749, or kcory@redwhistle.com, for
Geoworks Corporation; or Bob Bogard of Geoworks Corporation,
510-814-5811, or bbogard@geoworks.com
|
