DataChannel, Inc., (www.datachannel.com), a leader in XML "Business-to-Anyone" (B2A) solutions, today announced the launch and general availability of DataChannel Server (DCS) 4.1, the latest version of its XML-based Enterprise Information Portal (EIP) solution.
DataChannel, one of the first EIP vendors to successfully demonstrate the delivery of enterprise information to wireless devices, including cell phones, PDAs and two-way pagers, has strengthened its mobile device support and will exhibit DCS 4.1's mobile capability at the DCI Corporate Portals Conference, August 8-10, in Boston.
The release of DCS 4.1 reinforces DataChannel's leadership in the EIP market with mobile device capabilities and easy integration of Web-based applications. With enhanced functionality over its previous release, DCS 4.1 allows enterprise customers to access corporate directories, navigate information folders and receive user notifications when content is changed.
"DCS 4.1 sets DataChannel apart from other EIP vendors," said Lucie J. Fjeldstad, president and CEO of DataChannel. "Information does not simply reside in the portals we build -- our XML-based portals connect information. We take an inside/out approach so that you don't have to worry where, in the back end, your data resides. Our portals are data and device independent, two-way, and come with the benefit of our seasoned professional services team and our certified partner integration firms, so that you make the most of your data."
By using XML and DCS, DataChannel provides a portal solution that separates enterprise data from display so information can be re-purposed and presented on multiple devices. Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL), a W3C open standard, transforms XML data into a rendered, visual format for display in a Web browser. These Stylesheets can be modified to transform the same XML data into a mobile data format -- independent of size. In addition to delivering access to any Web browser, DCS 4.1 provides advanced capabilities to deliver critical business information -- regardless of device. You can see DataChannel's three tier approach online at http://www.datachannel.com/dcs/.
Deloitte Consulting and Advantage Sales and Marketing have selected DataChannel's DCS 4.1 as a component of their wireless enterprise solutions.
"We are committed to the wireless enabling of enterprise applications, while maintaining a vertical focus and a keen eye on return on investment," said John Donovan, principal for Deloitte Consulting. "To do this right, we need a portal solution that can rapidly integrate multiple applications, uses an XML information backbone and allows for customization. This is why we selected DataChannel as a platform for delivering enterprise information."
"By the end of the year, we'll have nearly 3,000 users on Windows CE devices," said Kevin Paugh, CTO for Advantage Sales and Marketing, a wholesale food broker and DataChannel customer. "Our sales force can be on the road, at a client's office, at a customer site or in a hotel. With the Advantage Sales and Marketing Tri-Net based on DCS 4.1, they can even be in a grocery store accessing important customer information from a more convenient handheld device -- instead of a laptop."
In addition to mobile enterprise capability, DCS 4.1's new product features include:
-- XpertLinX -- XpertLinx integrates Web content with other
enterprise data and applications to provide direct access from
a user's personalized start page to syndicated news, and stock
quotes, as well as email, calendars, ERP, CRM, and othr
enterprise applications.
-- Improved Performance and Scalability -- DCS 4.1 enables
organizations to deploy DataChannel server in a distributed
manner. Using common load balancing techniques, DCS can scale
to support large numbers of users and large volumes of data.
DCS 4.1 will support in excess of 10 times the amount of
user's supported by previous versions.
-- Enhanced Personalization -- DCS 4.1's improvements in
personalization make it easier for users to modify the look
and feel of their portal.
-- Integrated Full-Text Search -- DCS 4.1 delivers full-text
search integration. DCS 4.1's XpertSearch capability is an
advanced, intelligent search and knowledge retrieval solution
that includes spidering, categorization and indexing.
-- Enhanced Administration -- DCS 4.1 administration has been
improved to make it easier to configure, manage and optimize
the performance of the portal server.
-- Activity Tracking and Reporting -- Standard and custom
administration reports are available to identify user behavior
and traffic.
DCS 4.1 integrates smoothly with an organization's existing environment and makes use of critical enterprise applications through external data connectivity and broad enterprise platform support. It meets changing business needs with a portal server flexible enough to take data from inside the enterprise and deliver it to any device.
"Having access to information no matter where you are is critical to success today," said Kate Fessenden, research director for Aberdeen Group. "DataChannel is a catalyst for Business-2-Mobile applications and keeping people connected to business-critical information. It's now easy for organizations to give their employees access to the information they need to do their jobs -- with a device as convenient to carry as a PDA or Web-enabled cell phone."
DataChannel's flexible, open-standards architecture is built with XML from the ground up to ensure that customers can support other devices later, without having to redevelop their portals.
DCS 4.1 is available as an intranet application for employees only, an extranet application for integration with customers and partners, or as an ASP application. Pricing for DCS 4.1 in intranet applications starts at $80,000 for 250 users. New version enhancements are automatically included under currently held maintenance agreements. Pricing for extranet and Application Service Provider (ASP) applications are available upon request.
DCS 4.1 will be available for shipment beginning Aug.15. You can see a demonstration of the product at the DCI Corporate Portals Conference, Aug 8-10, at the Boston Park Plaza in Boston. Demonstrations will include mobile device support with wireless application samples for the Palm VII and Sprint PCS Wireless Web phone.
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