Starfish Software Friday has started shipping server-based software that enables Pocket PC handhelds to use General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) phones as wireless modems.
The company, which is best known for its data synchronization software for mobile devices, said its Simplify GPRS software configures a GPRS-enabled wireless phone to act as a modem. Besides connecting to Pocket PC-based handhelds, the software also works with Windows-based laptops.
The company said that the software is aimed at wireless operators who wish to provide a value-added service for their GPRS customers and to wireless phone vendors. AT&T Wireless said it will include the product in its GPRS offerings and on the Motorola Timeport P7382i GPRS phone.
GPRS is starting to be rolled out in Europe, Asia and in a small number of markets in the U.S. and delivers data speeds as high as 144 Kbps.
Besides licensing the software to wireless operators, Starfish also said it intends to license the software to wireless phone manufacturers. The software supports automatic detection of specific phones and installation of the appropriate driver.