Hong Kong software developer Interactife, using mobile computing technology from Hewlett-Packard, has unveiled what it describes as Hong Kong's first wireless customer relationship management (CRM) and field service automation applications. Officials from both companies yesterday claimed the development should spur the creation of more local software to support the growing mobile workforce of many Asian businesses. Interactife managing director Vander Ng said: 'Using Internet-ready General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and future third-generation (3G) wireless networks, our applications can now be used by enterprises of all sizes.' The three-year-old company chose HP's iPAQ hand-held device as the mobile computing platform for its software because its PocketPC operating system is compatible with the Microsoft Windows systems used in most enterprises. 'The HP product also offers greater processing power, a broader range of support and expansion options than other handheld computing devices,' Mr Ng said. Interactife's software applications are built on its Hong Kong-developed, proprietary Wireless Transactional Application platform. Company director David Ho said: 'What we have is a secure, component-based framework that supports two-way instant messaging and database synchronisation over Internet protocol-based networks such as GPRS, 3G and wireless local-area networks.' There had been several local purchases of Interactife's wireless CRM and field service automation programmes, but declined to identify the clients or the financial details of the deals. Mr Ho said these early users included enterprises in the insurance and field service sectors, Mr Ho said. The benefits of its wireless enterprise applications, the use of which has been tested on local GPRS network operators and on their roaming systems, included elimination of paper-based processes, quicker inventory checks via online ordering, streamlined business work flow, and real-time work progress and statistical data for staff performance, he said. In Hong Kong, about one third of employees work away from their office, he said. 'Since our products can work with either English or double-byte character environments, we see the mainland, Taiwan and Singapore as markets where Interactife can attract new business and be adopted to suit the needs of Hong Kong companies operating there,' Mr Ng said. HP hopes its partnership with a growing number of independent software houses such as Interactife would help its iPAQ personal digital assistant carve a lucrative niche in the enterprise market. The PDA was introduced to the consumer market by Compaq two years ago. HP access business group's product marketing manager Eva Hui said: 'Through the iPAQ developer programme, we are committed to help create innovative business solutions. 'In Hong Kong alone, we already work with more than 70 independent software vendors like Interactife.' This developer initiative geared for enterprise users hoped to breath some life into the sluggish regional market for handheld computing devices. Research firm International Data Corp reported first-half sales this year of these devices in the Asia-Pacific, excluding Japan, reached 1.06 million units or 19 per cent down from the same period last year.
