Palm Brings Microsoft Direct Push Technology to Palm Treo 650

Palm Brings Microsoft Direct Push Technology to Palm Treo 650

By: Christopher Meinck

In January, Palm announced the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync Update on Palm OS devices for the Treo 680 and Treo 700p smartphones. Today, they have added
support for the Palm Treo 650.

Customers wishing to update their device are directed to Palms Software Connection site to purchase Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync software for $2.99. This software download requires VersaMail 3.5. If the user does not already have it on their Treo 650, it can be purchased separately with the Exchange ActiveSync Update for $12.98.

Palm OS based Treo smartphones have long been able to use Exchange ActiveSync to access Microsoft Exchange Server information using Palms VersaMail email client. The new update enhances VersaMail by adding Microsofts Direct Push Technology, which gives users connected to an Exchange Server fast, automatic wireless updates of email, calendar and contact information. The Exchange ActiveSync Update for Palm OS devices offers the following benefits:

• Adds Direct Push Technology Direct Push Technology gives users connected to an Exchange Server fast, automatic wireless updates of email, calendar and contact information (Exchange Server 2003 with SP2 or Exchange Server 2007).
• Extends existing software and infrastructure Wireless email using Direct Push Technology reduces the need for third-party software and infrastructure, thereby reducing cost, maintenance requirements and staffing needs. Companies now can use their existing infrastructures and servers to deliver Exchange Server information wirelessly simply by adding Treo smartphones.
• Offers security and central management Security features for IT administrators include over-the-air password policy enforcement and remote wipe for lost or stolen devices. Users also have the benefit of accessing their companys Global Address List (GAL) over-the-air, providing them with quick access to colleagues contact information.
• Installs easily The update can be downloaded over-the-air for Treo 700p and Treo 680 customers, making it very easy for IT to deploy.

“Mobile users are increasingly demanding fast, automatic updates to email, calendar, and contacts. IT departments struggle to offer this productivity-enhancing capability to an ever-increasing number of workers in a cost-effective and secure manner,” said Jeff Ressler, director of product management for Microsoft Exchange Server. “The addition of Direct Push Technology will help Palms customers meet these growing user needs securely and cost-effectively by leveraging their existing, highly scalable Exchange Server infrastructure.”