Wavelink Corporation announced a new version of its PTT (push to talk) software, which turns any WiFi-equipped Windows computer into a walkie-talkie. Wavelink Communicator requires only client-side software, and now supports Windows Mobile 6.x as well as Windows CE, the company says.

Datalogic Pegaso (Click image for further information)

Wavelink Communicator is touted as turning any Windows device into a PTT walkie-talkie, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and speaker. The software is said to be especially suitable for ruggedized handhelds running Windows CE or Windows Mobile, such as the Datalogic Pegaso shown at right, or multiple models from the likes of Intermec and Motorola. According to Wavelink, the software runs on any Windows CE, Windows Mobile, or Windows 2000/XP/Vista computer, though Windows 7 was not listed.

For portability, of course, devices also require 802.11a/b/g local area networking. Unlike products such as Skype, which can transmit VoIP calls over the internet and interface with the PSTN (public switched telephone network), Wavelink Communicator only targets local workgroups in warehouse or retail environments. Simple to set up, it requires neither cellular connectivity nor server-side software, the company adds.

The client-side application is free of service charges and "can be deployed in a matter of minutes," according to Wavelink. Receiving a call via Wavelink Communicator reportedly will not disrupt other processes or actions being performed on a device. And, because traffic does not need to pass through a server, the software is claimed to have a "low impact" on an organization's network load.

Wavelink says that Communicator lets any two users enter into private, walkie-talkie-style PTT communications. The software also offers broadcast functionality, permitting voice messages to be sent to all members of a pre-designated group simultaneously, the company adds.

Other touted features for Wavelink Communicator include the following:

• Multiple channel support, offering setup and labeling of unique channels for different groups or departments
  
• Caller ID, identifying the current speaker as well as all other active participants on any given the channel
  
• Paging functionality, using a user-defined key
  
• "Beep on talk" to alert users when a call is established
  
• Support for 802.11a/b/g wireless networks and a mix of different Windows devices

While no server component is required, the VoIP software is designed to work well with Wavelink's separately available Avalanche help desk support/remote control software, the company says. In this context, handheld users could use the PTT technology to initiate help requests, the company suggests.

Lamar Van Wagenen, president of Wavelink, stated, "Voice capabilities are becoming increasingly more popular as organizations are looking for ways to improve their communications efforts. "To capitalize on this growing trend, we felt it was important to extend the reach of Wavelink Communicator to additional devices and bring the benefits of push-to-talk functionality to more customers without the traditional cost and complexity."

Further information

Wavelink Corporation did not release pricing, availability, or memory requirements for Wavelink Communicator. However, more information on the product may be found on the company's website, here.

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