General Data, MobileFrame To Develop Enterprise Apps

General Data this week said it will use MobileFrame's development platform to customize and extend new mobile applications to its own customers.

Under the terms of the partnership, announced Tuesday, MobileFrame will provide General Data with its enterprise-class mobility software application platform. The software will enable companies to exchange and update customer data in real time using mobile handsets and computers.

"As a business partner with leading handheld computer suppliers, including Motorola, Intermec, and Honeywell, General Data will use this platform to design, develop, and deploy complete enterprise mobility application solutions for its customers, including hardware, software, voice and data services, networking and support," General Data said, in a statement.

The vendor also said the move positions it to serve a bourgeoning market sector. According to Gartner forecasts, enterprise mobility is expected to grow dramatically during the next few years. "The number of mobile applications deployed by enterprises to their employees will continue to grow by 30% per year through 2011," the consultancy said. Typical enterprise mobility applications include field service, route accounting, direct store delivery, and field sales.

MobileFrame's has integrated intelligent networking and synchronization features into its mobile computing platform; its software is supposed to streamline the process of developing, deploying, and administering mobile applications for the enterprise.

"This partnership reinforces our goal of providing complete mobility enablement solutions that extend beyond the traditional four walls," said Peter Wenzel, CEO of General Data, in a statement. "Combining our 25 years experience with data collection technologies with MobileFrame's world-class software will enable our customers to mobilize their businesses in new and exciting ways."