AT&T Wireless Launches Mobile Solutions But Stays Mum On Channel Strategy

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Originally announced by the companies in late July, the solution provides mobile workers easy access to the wireless applications using technology from Microsoft and AT&T's 2.5G GRPS network, company executives said. The software is designed to work on Pocket PC devices, Windows notebooks and forthcoming SmartPhones.

AT&T Wireless said it will be using HP Services as the "preferred systems integrator" for the solution. Customers are also able to bring in their own integrators to roll out the product, an AT&T spokesman said.

The spokesman declined to provide additional information about the company's channel strategy for Wireless Workware. But in a July interview with CRN, AT&T executives said the two companies would be selling the solution through their direct-sales forces.

AT&T Wireless will sell an SMB version of the application pre-installed on a Pocket PC device. It will be sold direct through the company's retail storefronts and also via other mass-market chains, the company said.

As part of its partnership with Microsoft, AT&T said it will sell a Siemens SX56 Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition device, which can be preloaded with its Wireless Workware software. The device will carry retail price $549.99.

The Wireless Workware suite includes a "one-button" sync capability for Microsoft outlook, which will be automatically loaded in the user's Outlook toolbar. Users will then be able to update e-mail automatically, even when a VPN is involved, AT&T said.