Windows Phone Thoughts: Extended Systems Refocuses, Expands Product Suite

Mobile middleware market leader Extended Systems recently refocused their product strategies and expand their reach. The success story, XTNDConnect Server, is one of the leading middleware products out there. The new product strategy means that Extended Systems no longer just provides middleware and mobile PIM extensions. The company has developed a dedicated mobile sales force automation application and thereby competes both with ERP/CRM companies as well as with their partners, the ISVs.

"Mobile middleware provider Extended Systems has introduced OneBridge Mobile Sales, an applications package targeting the growing number of enterprise sales professionals on the move. The product includes modules for contacts, opportunities and reporting, and integrates with a broad array of back-end applications. With an intuitive interface, the software suite supports a broad array of CRM systems, such as Siebel , SAP and SalesLogix , as well as custom deployments. Field reps thus have access to mission-critical data on both Palm OS and Pocket PC-based handhelds. The new product from Extended Systems represents a trend among mobile middleware firms to focus on business applications, Yankee Group analyst Gene Signorini told NewsFactor. "To drive adoption in the enterprise, these companies have to deliver applications for specific tasks, such as sales force automation," he said."