Windows CE Enterprise Solution Providers

A host of developers and enterprise solution providers were present at New York City's Grand Central Station when Microsoft rolled out its new Pocket PC in April of this year and later at New York's PC Expo. The new device and updated Windows CE operating system had some attractive features, especially for enterprise developers. Below is a quick summary of many of the companies providing developer and enterprise solutions for Windows CE.

Abaco (www.abacoinc.com)

Abaco's Varadero is a wireless framework and an ultra thin-client application server that contains components for building full-featured enterprise data collection applications for the new generation of Windows Powered Pocket PC-based automated data collection devices. Varadero applications are developed using full Microsoft Visual Basic along with custom controls designed specifically for wireless transactional-based data collection, eliminating the special expertise traditionally required for handheld wireless applications. Optimized for mobile wireless devices, Varadero automatically manages the constraints of the handheld's small screen size, power consumption limitations, memory restrictions and automated version control.

Aether Software (www.aethersoftware.com)

Aethers Software, formerly Riverbed Technologies, offers software solutions that extend the accessibility of enterprise computing via handheld devices. Aether's ScoutWare connects mobile business professionals with legacy, web-based and other enterprise software and applications. ScoutWare includes: ScoutSync, which provides the core connection between the enterprise and the handheld device; ScoutIT, a management console that enables the effective administration of handheld devices; ScoutArchitect, a graphical design tool for rapid application development; and ScoutWeb the enterprise scale solution for web-enabling handheld devices. ScoutWare solutions are in place, worldwide, in healthcare, retail, government, field service, transportation and other industry sectors.

Ameranth (www.ameranth.com)

Ameranth Technology Systems is a systems integrator facilitating data exchange between mobile wireless computers and fixed information systems via Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Local Area Networks (LAN) and/or the World-Wide Web. Ameranth specializes in the routing and synchronization of data moving between mobile wireless computers and fixed information systems, including Internet servers. Ameranth's mobile device software is configured for the Pocket PC and includes the following modules: Table Service POS, Quick Service, Table Management Software, Medication Administration, and Check-in/Check-out software.

AvantGo Enterprises (www.avantgo.com)

AvantGo Enterprises is a mobile computing infrastructure to extend web- and server-based data beyond the desktop computer to mobile devices. Designed to mobilize intranet content and business applications, AvantGo's enterprise products deliver information to accelerate information flow between companies and their mobile employees, customers, suppliers and business partners.

There are three AvantGo Enterprises products: Avantgo Enterprises Interactive is a software solution for extending web-based and client/server applications to mobile devices; Avantgo Enterprises Publisher lets organizations publish reference materials to mobile devices; Avantgo Enterprises Online is a hosted, Internet-based service for mobilizing applications and content.

bSquare Technologies (www.bsquare.com)

bSquare specializes in Windows CE and Windows NT Embedded systems, delivering software and service solutions for every stage of intelligent computing device development: for device evaluation and prototype development; for in-depth device development; and for device testing and deployment.

bSquare provides development tools, software infrastructures and end-user applications to help the client achieve critical time-to-market objectives for end-user or vertical market solutions. They have products and services that span the entire development cycle of Windows CE- or Windows NT Embedded-based devices.

CASIO Soft (www.casiosoft.com)