Wireless-network-based e-mail has become a popular application on the various handheld devices, (Rim's Blackberry, Palm Pilot, Handspring's Visor and Pocket PC devices) and smart phones. In order to provide a high level of customer service, mobile workers and professionals must stay in touch with their home offices and customers. They must respond to urgent e-mails from the field directly. This is possible only through wireless network support.

There are two types of network implementations for wireless e-mail:

• On-request Connection - e-mail is pulled by the end user when he/she connects to the ISP or corporate e-mail server where mail resides

• Always-connected - like RIM's Blackberry implementation - e-mail is pushed to the Blackberry device as soon as it is received.

Electronic Messaging Via Paging
One-way paging, text messaging and now two-way interactive paging (from RIM's Blackberry and Motorola's interactive paging devices) are inexpensive ways of keeping in touch with the head office and your corporate e-mail systems.

Instant Messaging
Another implementation of wireless e-mail is based on instant messaging where you know that recipient is on-line and you can interact with him/her in "almost real-time" mode.

Vendors for Wireless E-mail and Messaging Solutions

1. NowSpeed - Mobile Email Portal and Email-by-Voice Offering in both ASP model or behind the firewall for Enterprise implementations.

2. For more vendors, go to Vendor Directory - Horizontal Messaging Applications