Aether Systems, Inc. and Sun Microsystems
have signed a global strategic alliance to deliver mobile data
solutions to corporate enterprises and government agencies.
Aether and Sun will combine some of their technologies, including Sun ONE
Application Server, Java and Solaris and Aether Fusion. The two companies
will jointly market their wireless data solutions, as well.
One of the markets the partners will focus on is homeland security and
mobile services for government agencies. Aether’s PacketCluster and
PocketBlue applications currently provide law enforcement and emergency
crews with real-time wireless data from national crime databases.
Aether recently launched a new satellite-based monitoring system for
trucking and homeland security. The product, known as GeoLogic, assists
trucking companies to track the security of cargo, including hazardous
materials.
Aether and Sun will also be marketing their wireless data products to large
enterprises, such as Aether Attache, which provide device and network
independent access to corporate email and groupware. Another market the
partners will focus on is within the field of logistics. Aether’s e-Mobile
Delivery product provides package tracking and proof of delivery
documentation, as part of its wireless supply chain management solutions.
Aether’s technologies will be designed to support Sun ONE Architecture for a
variety of different of applications, and marketed across several different
business sectors and government agencies.
In addition to blending technologies, Sun and Aether will jointly combine
sales, marketing and engineering plans. Sun and Aether say they will jointly
develop open standards using the Sun Open Net Environment (Sun ONE) and
Aether Fusion. The wireless data solutions will be designed for maintenance
and service applications, as well as solutions for distribution and
delivery. Sun and Aether say they also will be marketing their mobile data
solutions for healthcare and other public safety applications.
Aether is stepping up its strategic alliances with other leading IT
companies. In January, Aether said it will jointly develop and market
wireless data products with Electronic Data Systems . EDS
said it, too, would adopt Aether Fusion as its development platform for
wireless messaging, synchronization and Web applications.