Aether Systems Inc. has introduced Aether Fusion™, described as a single-source wireless solution for the enterprise, in a move to position itself as software maker rather than a wireless service provider.

" We still do wireless services, said David Oros, Aether’s chairman and chief executive. "But we’re putting more emphasis on the software side, which will allow us to be profitable sooner."

Aether Fusion combines the best of Aether and industry-standard technologies enabling enterprises to customize solutions over any network.

Components of Aether Fusion

• Java™ 2 Platform Enterprise Edition architecture (J2EE™)
• ScoutWare™ family of mobile synchronization and management software
• Aether Intelligent Messaging, a product that enables the transmission of secure data over any wireless network
• Aether hosting service

Commenting on the benefits of the new software package, Mr. Oros said, "Aether Fusion will allow customers to seamlessly add new features and technologies as they become available while insulating themselves from the complexity of wireless infrastructure."

Consulting firm Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and systems integrator Computer Associates International have agreed to license Aether Fusion.

PocketBlue For Law Enforcement
The company also announced that it has started beta testing its wireless application for law enforcement, PocketBlue.

This Palm-based application is part of a fully integrated mobile data system for law enforcement, providing secure messaging and alarm capabilities for all users.

The new PocketBlue application provides officers, who are patrolling their beat on foot or on horseback, access critical data that was only offered to their in-vehicle officers.

Feature details about PocketBlue will be available by the end of the second quarter of this year.

Aether’s Mobile Max2 wireless communications system has also made the news recently. Carrier MGM Transporting has agreed to use the system to help it reduce telephone costs, increase revenue miles, and improve customer service and productivity. MGM has begun installing the system on its fleet of 250 trucks and expects to have the system in place in a few months.

For more information: http://www.aethersystems.com/news_events/pressreleases.asp?SECTION

Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: Aether started off in mobile application development and integration business, two years ago.  They had the right approach and focus i.e. end-to-end application integration for the enterprise. Then they started acquiring smaller companies in both product (Scout) and vertical industry domain knowledge (e.g. public safety) space. Then, they tried their hand at W-ASP because it was fashionable to do so. Now the market is pressuring it to emphasize its software development business. It appears that they are not in control of their stated strategy which is being dictated by external factors more than internal strengths. This, in our view, is unfortunate. Aether should clarify its strategy, focus on its strengths and go for this restated direction earnestly - too many midstream changes are not good for its customers.

If Aether wants to be a mobile software infrastructure company, then it better build the best products in the industry. Under this scenario, it will have to woo customers on the strength of its products. If, on the other hand, it wants to be a systems integrator building mobile solutions for the enterprise by assembling different products from the marketplace, then it will have to rely on the application development and integration experience of its professional staff.  And if it does the latter, it will have to face off against IBM Global Services, EDS, CAP Gemini, and other companies in that camp.  Unless you are very large, you can not be all things at once.