Nexthaus software could increase device uptake

(Telephony) Nexthaus today introduced synchronization software called SyncSuite that can transfer data such as address books, calendars and to-do lists between PCs and wireless devices.

“This [application] gets consumers into the idea of using the phone for data,” said Rob Lease, co-founder of Nexthaus. The company’s goal was to introduce something that would make wireless data tangible and useful while not promising that it would allow consumers to leapfrog these simple applications to go straight to browsing the Internet wirelessly, Lease said.

The SyncSuite software updates the information in a user’s desktop, laptop, mobile phone and personal digital assistant by comparing files between the devices and synchronizing the data. It also enables users to manage their wireless usage via an integrated communications suite that includes email, SMS and fax capabilities.

“Providing users access to applications will fuel the usage of [wireless] devices,” said Sally Edwards, marketing director with Nexthaus. “Our first line of attack is at the phone manufacturer level, and they are trying to get in with carriers.”

Compatible with devices and programs such as digital phones, Palm products, windows CE, Pocket PC, Outlook, Outlook Express, ACT! and Lotus Notes, SyncSuite provides a direct synchronization connection to a phone or other device via infra red or cable, Edwards said. The company also is prepared to be compatible with Bluetooth when it rolls out, she said.

Nexthaus is seeking partnerships with OEMs and PC and mobile-phone manufacturers.