OpenConnect Opens Up Mobile Computing Market with ‘WalkAbout’ Technology
June 24, 1997 — OpenConnect Systems Inc., the market leaders in secure Web to host and data connectivity, has announced 'WalkAbout', a unique technology that extends the company's proven WebConnect technology to mobile devices. 'WalkAbout' is the first product of its kind allowing a secure, persistent 3270 connection from a Microsoft WinCE based device to business-critical information stored on the mainframe.
'WalkAbout' is the first truly compelling business application of its kind utilizing wireless technology and extends web-enabled information access beyond the desktop by providing a new category of Internet, intranet and extranet users with mobile access. It breaks existing computing paradigms by allowing remote users to benefit from direct access to corporate applications and data by literally putting the power of a mainframe in the palm of your hand.
'WalkAbout' consists of a thin client application residing on the WinCE device and a wireless add-on feature to OpenConnect's standard WebConnect server. Using the TCP/IP protocol through a wireless service provider, the palm-top device connects to the WebConnect server which then facilitates a 3270 connection. 'WalkAbout' ensures data is securely transmitted by relying on WebConnect's RSA encryption technology. A unique session management utility maintains connections even if the wireless signal is lost and then authenticates the client when the connection is re-established.
"This unique technology considerably extends OpenConnect's product offerings to give users a true enterprise-wide solution by allowing access to the estimated 70% of corporate data that still resides on the mainframe", commented Graham Jones, UK general manager at OpenConnect Systems. "Prior to the development of 'WalkAbout', access to mission-critical business applications had been limited to corporate desktops on the network or laptops equipped with wireless modems."
'WalkAbout' is further distinguished by being built on open standards such as TCP/IP protocol and the WinCE operating system, thereby providing a low cost-of-entry application to wireless technology.
The technology lends itself for wide-ranging applications, but is particularly suited for sales automation & customer service, home health care, e-mail from mainframe applications such as PROFS, field service, loan or mortgage applications and insurance sales or claims processing handled from remote locations.
"We are very excited that OpenConnect is providing host connectivity from a variety of platforms, such as CE devices, laptops and AT&T PocketNet service compatible cellular phones," said Charlie Gillette, national director of distribution and strategic alliances with AT&T Wireless Services, Wireless Data Division. "We look forward to working with OpenConnect and providing customers with access to corporate data residing on mainframes via our wireless IP service."
"This is another example of OpenConnect taking the lead in expanding access to Legacy systems to an entirely new class of users," concluded Jones. "With the functionality 'WalkAbout' provides, any off-site executives can now use their Windows CE device to check their e-mail on the mainframe and remotely access their selected applications."
Already previewed at Networld+Interop, OpenConnect plans to deliver UK products based on the 'WalkAbout' technology in Q3.
About OpenConnect Systems OpenConnect Systems Incorporated, founded in 1982, is a leading provider of Web-enabled enterprise solutions which securely integrate SNA with corporate intranets, business extranets and the Internet. OpenConnect offers a family of scalable software solutions that provide secure high-performance, browser-based access to enterprise applications and data. All connections maintain security using encryption and by utilising TCP/IP not HTML. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company's products are distributed in over 60 countries worldwide. OCS's Web address is http://www.oc.com
CONTACT:
Mark Robson, Insight Marketing Concepts
Tel: +44 (0)1344 874004
Fax: +44 (0)1344 874100
e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected]
Graham Jones, OpenConnect Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1189 880287
Fax: +44 (0)1189 880387
e-mail: [email protected]
WWW: http://www.oc.com