Palm Brings Direct Push to Palm OS

Palm announced the availability of Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync Update for Palm OS devices for the Palm Treo 680 and Treo 700p.

The update adds Microsoft's Direct Push technology allowing Palm OS powered devices to sync with Microsoft Exchange servers. Users connected to an Exchange server will get fast, automatic wireless updates of email, calendar and contacts.

According to research firm Radicati Group, by 2008 nearly 90 percent of business users will be carrying devices capable of receiving email. Palm OS is the last operating system for smartphone to get Activesync integration.

The Windows Mobile powered Treo smartphones are already delivering the Direct Push technology, and now Palm OS Treo users can enjoy it too.

"Extending Microsoft's Direct Push Technology to the Palm OS based line of Treo smartphones gives business customers a powerful new choice for wireless email, security and manageability," said Joe Fabris, director of wireless solutions, at Palm, Inc. "This combination delivers the benefits of business-class email without the cost of additional infrastructure required by other middleware-based solutions, ensuring a fast return on investment as well as a great end-user experience."

Aside from adding Direct Push technology, the Exchange ActiveSync Update for Palm OS offers several other benefits including security and central management features for IT administrators, such as OTA password policy reinforcement and remote wipe for stolen devices.

Wireless email using Direct Push Technology also reduces the need for third-party software and infrastructure which leads to a significantly reduced cost and maintenance requirements. The update installs easily and can be downloaded over-the-air for free. It will be available starting Monday.