eXeed, Hutchison combine for wireless apps

Melbourne distributor eXeed has combined with 3G operator Hutchison Telecoms to bundle a range of software applications with wireless 3G voice, data network handsets and connection plans.

The arrangement followed the signing of an agreement between both companies in late August that saw eXeed start distributing mobile handsets and related services. eXeed has spun out a separate division to handle this business as a result.

As Hutchison's 3G network gathered momentum, public awareness of audio, video and data communication capabilities would attract a range of third-party application developers and service providers to the platform, eXeed said in a statement. 'One of the major benefits of the network is the high bandwidth it affords users,' said Michael Bosnar, MD at eXeed.

'ISVs from all over the world, including Australia, are now working on applications for various industry verticals that will utilise the third-generation bandwidth which is 20 times that available on GPRS networks,' he said. 'We will be working closely with 3G to scour the world to bring the best of these applications to market packaged with associated hardware,' he said.

Bosnar added that there were already many business applications available today for 3G users in supply chain management, financial services, M-commerce and CRM processes. Other ISVs were already selling, beta testing or developing software for fleet management, procurement, telemetry, navigation, sales, secured wireless intranet access and other markets, he claimed.

Bosnar said the company now had an established 3G distribution channel in place. 'From our first month of sales, where all the initial shipments were sold out before the stock arrived, the sale of handsets has continued to double month-on-month,' he claimed.