RoW Short Takes

Java-based BlackBerry introduced at ComdexResearch in Motion Ltd. has unveiled its first GSM/GPRS-capable handheld, the Java-based BlackBerry 5810. The device integrates voice, email and PDA functionality, and features a micro-browser for web surfing. At its core, the 5810 sports the Java 2 Micro Edition as its operating system, which RIM executives tout as a secure, open platform for customers, carriers and developers. In the U.S., both AT&T Wireless and VoiceStream will sell the device, rounding out Canadian sales by Rogers Wireless Communications – though exact details of when the product will launch have yet to be announced. A European GSM/GPRS device will be sold in Europe where frequencies are slightly different. Global giant IBM has also signed on to provide business consulting and systems integration for the device. RIM, Cognos team to provide business intelligenceAlso announced by Research in Motion at Comdex, the company says it will work with Cognos to develop mobile business intelligence products for the BlackBerry. As a first step, Cognos’ NoticeCast application will now be supported on the BlackBerry platform. "Building on our existing momentum, RIM and Cognos will leverage the extensibility of our Java-based BlackBerry architecture to enable continuous wireless integration opportunities within the enterprise," says RIM’s Mark Guibert, VP of brand management, in a media release. Agilent upgrades troubleshooting toolsAgilent Technologies Inc. has built GSM/GPRS support into its line of Service Assurance OSS troubleshooting products. The enhancements will enable GSM service providers to perform testing across the entire GPRS network, maintain network and roaming service quality, and manage intelligent network services in proactive fashion. The new line of products, which includes roaming and network management systems, is available now. In other Agilent news, the company is trumpeting an industry-first location service that requires neither additional network hardware nor upgrades to customers’ handsets. IceFyre Semi to integrate SkyCross 5 GHz antennaOttawa’s IceFyre Semiconductor will use 5 GHz antenna technology from Florida-based SkyCross Inc. in its future evaluation boards and reference designs. In a media release, SkyCross executives tout the company’s superior omni-directional azimuth signal patterns, and resulting better coverage and reduction in dropped signals, as a reason why the company’s antennas were chosen. Certicom crypto to be built into Infowave productCerticom Corp. has won a multi-year licensing contract on undisclosed terms to build its security technology into Vancouver-based Infowave Software’s business engine product. Infowave will integrate the latest versions of Certicom’s encryption algorithms into future versions of the Infowave Wireless Business Engine and its full suite of application connectors. Infowave officials say access to Certicom’s encryption libraries are an important step in eventually expanding its ability to securely port its products to additional platforms such as Linux, Java and RIM. 01 Communique strikes Hitachi dealPC messaging and communications company 01 Communique, Toronto, has inked a strategic development and licensing agreement with Hitachi Business Solution Co. Ltd. to make its I’m InTouch remote access service commercially available in Japan. As part of the agreement, Hitachi will become the master-licensee of I’m InTouch in Japan, marketing the service to that country’s wireless carriers and PDA manufacturers. Further terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Telesat first organization to win satellite users’ awardTelesat Canada has won the Outstanding Service Award from the Canadian Satellite Users’ Association. This marks the first time the prize has gone to a company rather than an individual. Telesat was recognized for its efforts in broadcasting, including extending service to remote and rural areas. Sierra connects users to international networkVancouver-based Sierra Wireless Inc. has unveiled the AirCard 750 GPRS/GSM wireless network card. The new product will permit mobile users to connect to the global GPRS/GSM network. Among options offered are Internet connectivity, SMS messages and voice calls. WiFi Metro introduces wireless Internet service providerSan Francisco’s WiFi Metro Inc. has launched its wireless network in the Bay Area. With over 40 locations on the grid, WiFi has one of the largest wireless Internet service provider footprints in the U.S. The company expects to roll out 50 additional hotspots by the end of the year. Cheaper wireless links worth money to grad studentThe Alberta Ingenuity Fund has awarded $1 million to science and engineering grad students at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary to pursue research. Calgary’s Sean Hum was one of the recipients for a radio-on-fibre project he is developing for TR Labs. Other award winners include intelligent robots, clean fuel cells and discovering what T-Rex ate 65 million years ago. Cartoons on cell phonesFrance’s Digital Bridges Ltd. has signed a deal with the Cartoon Network of the United States that will see cartoon characters featured on games available on wireless devices. The first games will star Scooby Doo and friends. Two of the games will operate on the SMS technology. Telesat makes movies available over satelliteTelesat Canada has joined with Galaxy Entertainment Inc. to provide films to theatres via satellite. The cinemas will receive movies, live events and other programming directly from the distributor. An initial demonstration took place recently in Waterloo ON. At the premiere, a Galaxy cinema screened Drop Dead Roses, a Canadian feature film. During the testing phase, a live University of Waterloo football game, World Wrestling Federation events, and other live events were broadcast from the satellite to the cinema.

RoW Short Takes

News | 03/05/2002 5:00 am EST

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