XcelleNet Launches Afaria™ for the Microsoft Windows-powered Pocket PC Platform

Following on the heals of the launches of Pocket PC devices from the likes of HP, Casio and Symbol, XcelleNet, Inc. has also unveiled a product operating on the Pocket PC platform -- Afaria™, a management infrastructure solution.

Afaria provides IT managers with the centralized control of Pocket PC handheld devices in the filed and well as the corporate critical applications that are running the devices. Afaria automates connections and transactions between the Pocket PC devices and the corporate information systems, either as a stand-alone or as an extension of a mobile worker’s laptop or desktop PC. For the mobile worker, there are several options for connecting, such as a modem to transmitter, modem via wireless or wired connection, or traditional cradle to companion PC.

Afaria provides the following management capabilities:

• Software Distribution - Allows IT managers to deliver, install and maintain applications on the Pocket PCs from a single, remote location while providing criteria-based support to, potentially, thousands of devices.
• Asset Tracking - Collects device appropriate hardware and software information such as installed applications, device model, available memory, battery life and OS version. This feature allows a systems administrator to access inventory data from ODBC - compliant database --- so as to target software distribution.
• Session Scripting - Creates management tools via the use of a scripting tool, specifically designed for administrators. This feature allows for easy distribution and retrieval of data.