Novell unveils wireless effort
The network software maker teams with telecommunications giant AT&T to bring wireless access to its groupware software dubbed GroupWise.
Novell debuted a public test of the wireless version of GroupWise today using AT&T PocketNet service, which lets people obtain information from corporate databases and email from the screen of their wireless phones.
The new venture will deliver GroupWise messaging, calendaring and workflow information through AT&T's PocketNet service, the company said.
The new product is being demonstrated this week at Novell's BrainShare user conference.
The move is the latest effort by Novell to add some flash to its GroupWise product line. Novell has been waging a losing battle against Lotus and Microsoft in the groupware market and hopes such partnerships will help boost its position.
Existing GroupWise 5.5 Enhancement Pack customers can get wireless access to GroupWise through AT&T PocketNet service by going to Novell's Web site and downloading the free public beta of GroupWise Wireless Access, which will be available after April 3.
AT&T PocketNet service provides users with flat-rate pricing using the AT&T Wireless IP (Internet Protocol) network and the new Mitsubishi MobileAccess T250 wireless Internet phone for a monthly rate of $14.99.
Separately, Novell said it plans to soon launch versions of GroupWise for Sun Microsystems' Solaris operating system and Linux.