June/July 2007

NetDespatch, a software developer previously specialising in online job booking and management systems for couriers and carriers, has launched itself into the realms of fully-managed mobility solutions through a collaboration with BT.

The starting point of the new package, branded BT-NetDespatch Mobility, is real-time signature capture and proof of delivery management, allied with remote access to NetDespatch's existing suite of applications - notably its Velocity Web-based booking and tracking system.

However, the two companies suggest that the system can also open the door to a range of other benefits of mobile computing, and point out that it includes full integration with users' legacy IT systems. Emphasis is put on the system's ability to take account of different ways of exchanging data.

One of the key features of the system is that it is offered as a fully-managed service, including project management, hosting and system management, mobile computing hardware, GPRS data connections and airtime, training, support and maintenance.

Whilst the basic package has various standard features, the two suppliers are emphasising their ability to tailor it to individual users' demands. They say features that they could incorporate include satellite navigation, Wi-Fi wireless networking, real-time push email and AJAX 'Web 2.0' applications.

The system is hardware-agnostic. The product launch featured Symbol handheld units such as the MC35 MC70, but according to the literature, it will work with 'the widest range of Web-enabled PC devices and GPRS-enabled PDAs.