The overall
Intellisync Mobile Suite architecture supports a host of mobile devices, including those based not only on Windows Mobile, but also on Symbian, Palm, and J2ME. However, two of three updates currently being announced specifically target Windows Mobile devices.
First, a new remote control feature allows administrators to view any Windows Mobile device's screen remotely. Nokia says "helpdesk users are able to access these devices, as if they are actually holding them, for troubleshooting, initial provisioning, upgrades, and training purposes."
Second, a new hardware control feature allows administrators to disable/enable selected hardware elements on Windows Mobile devices remotely. This is said to include functions such as the camera, Bluetooth, wireless LAN, infrared port, and memory card.
According to Nokia, users receive an on-screen pop-up message detailing what hardware is disabled, and cannot override the setting. This functionality gives the option to, for example, disable the camera on a mobile device in case company policy does not allow cameras on their premises.
Scott Cooper, senior vice president of enterprise solutions for Nokia, stated, "we are seeing a strong interest from European and global operators and business customers for device management functions that mirror those of the IT environment. By adding the new capabilities into our current suite of products, we are ... accelerating the adoption of business mobility beyond mobile email."
Nokia's Intellisync Mobile Suite architecture
(Click to enlarge)Nokia's Intellisync Mobile Suite works in conjunction with Intellisync Mobile Server software, which resides behind a company's firewall on a Windows 2003 Server-based system. The Suite's components are said to include:
- Intellisync Wireless Email -- synchronizes with enterprise email, allowing users to send and receive messages and view attachments
- Intellisync PIM Sync -- synchronizes contacts, calendar, corporate phone directories, and other PIM information from popular groupware platforms and clients
- Intellisync Device Management -- includes security policy enforcement, device configuration, software distribution, inventory reporting, backup and restore, plus the new features mentioned above
- Intellisync File and Data Sync -- allows distribution of "virtually any" content on an organization's network to mobile devices
The third new feature announced today concerns theft-loss protection for S60 3rd Edition Nokia Eseries and Nokia Nseries devices, which can now be locked or reset remotely. As for the remote control feature mentioned above, Nokia said it will extend this to Symbian devices "in future releases."
Pricing and availability information were not disclosed.
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