Pico Communications expands Bluetooth enterprise networking support - PicoManager and PicoConnect

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Dec 16, 2002

Pico Communications recently announced the upcoming availability of both the PicoManager network management tool and a Pocket PC 2002 version of its award-winning PicoConnect network connectivity software. PicoManager provides network administrators with a simple method to monitor and maintain their Bluetooth network. PicoConnect allows HP iPAQ handhelds with embedded Bluetooth to quickly and easily connect to the LAN and Internet through Bluetooth wireless networks based on Pico's PicoBlue Internet Access Point. Both products are expected to be available in January 2003.

Pico's PicoManager software resides on any Windows 2000 server and is used to centrally monitor the status of all Pico access points (AP) in a network, to remotely configure individual APs and to perform network-wide firmware upgrades. "As the size of their Bluetooth networks increased, our customers asked us for a simple, cost-effective way to centrally manage their Pico network," said Mark Davis, director of product marketing for Pico. "PicoManager delivers the capability to manage hundreds of access points and serves as a robust platform upon which more advanced features can be deployed."

PicoConnect for Pocket PC 2002 is aimed squarely at PDA users seeking a simple network connection experience. PicoConnect is designed to be compatible with all HP iPAQ PDAs that feature embedded Bluetooth technology, as well as those using the HP Bluetooth Wireless Pack. The software provides "one-tap" connection to the network by seeking out the least heavily loaded Pico AP and automatically connecting the user to the network. In the event that no APs are available, the "last resort" feature triggers a search for a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone with which to connect. "The number one end-user requirement is simplicity," said Davis. "PicoConnect builds on the popular iPAQ platform to further simplify Bluetooth networking for users of the most successful Pocket PC device on the market."

Davis added, "Pico believes that a Bluetooth PDA, cell phone and AP form a complete solution for secure, reliable mobile access to enterprise information--anytime, anywhere. This trio of devices allows a mobile professional to connect to the network via Bluetooth cell phone while on the road and via Bluetooth APs while in the office or in a hotspot--all from the same connected Bluetooth PDA."