Phoenix adds "instant-on" PDA-mode to laptops

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Mar. 17, 2004

Noting that laptop PCs often take several minutes to perform self-tests and load an operating system such as Windows XP, PC BIOS pioneer Phoenix Technologies has taken matters into its own hands, introducing an "instant-on" mini-app that gives laptop users immediate access to PIM data and email, without having to wait for their system to load an OS.

Phoenix's "FirstWare Assistant" runs in the "pre boot" environment before the OS gets loaded by the system BIOS, and currently offers read-only access to PIM data (calendar, contacts, notes) and Outlook mailboxes.

Here's how it works: Let's say you're you're in a hurry to look up someone's phone number or read the contents of a recent email. You flip open your laptop, press its "on" button, and hit the designated "hot key" (F, in this case) -- and presto, you gain instant access to your Outlook PIM data and email without having to wait for your laptop to boot Windows XP.

One limitation of the current release of FirstWare Assistant, however, is that it's limited to read-only access to the PIM data and mailbox contents. So, you can read your calendar, address book, and email, but you can't enter new PIM data or compose a new email message.

Phoenix claims "instant-on" apps such as FirstWare Assistant are better than having an "always-on" PC because they're "more economical and practical for [both] the manufacturer and the user." An always-on system requires a continually active, open display with Windows and the application running, whereas an instant-on system simply delivers the necessary information on demand, Phoenix explains. The company also says "instant on" apps "conserve power and protect vulnerable hardware while mobile," yet allow rapid access to key information.

Phoenix is demonstrating FirstWare Assistant this week at the CeBIT technology trade show in Hanover, Germany. Phoenix says FirstWare Assistant is available immediately, and a free 30-day evaluation is offered to PC manufacturers and resellers. Expect to see read-write capabilities in future releases.

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	Ziff Davis Enterprise Home \| Contact Us \| Advertise \| Link to Us \| Reprints \| Magazine Subscriptions \| Newsletters Tech RSS Feeds \| White Papers \| ROI Calculators \| Tech Podcasts \| Tech Video \| VARs \| Channel News
	Baseline \| Careers \| Channel Insider \| CIO Insight \| DesktopLinux \| DeviceForge \| DevSource \| eSeminars \| eWEEK \| Enterprise Network Security \| LinuxDevices \| Linux Watch \| Microsoft Watch \| Mid-market \| Networking \| PDF Zone \| Publish \| Security IT Hub \| Strategic Partner \| Web Buyer's Guide \| Windows for Devices
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Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited.