Cingular Offers Business-Focused 'Push' E-Mail

Cingular and Good Technology said Tuesday they are teaming to provide always-on e-mail access aimed for business users.

The move heats up the already-torrid battle both among both wireless operators and providers of always-on e-mail technology. In particular, the move signals a switch in strategy for Good Technology, which has long pitted its GoodLink behind-the-firewall server against Research In Motion's (RIM's) BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

However, with this newest announcement, enterprises will no longer need to install and maintain their own server software, the companies said in a statement. The Good offering works with Microsoft Exchange server to not only deliver e-mail but also personal information such as contacts and appointments to users.

"Together, Cingular and Good will accelerate enterprise adoption of wireless messaging by simplifying the purchase and support process for customers, and by offering a broad choice of industry standards-based handhelds and wireless applications," Danny Shader, Good's CEO, said in a statement.

The service will work with several devices sold by Cingular including the palmOne Treo 650, which is based on the Palm OS, and the Siemens SX66, which is based on the Windows mobile platform, according to Cingular.Cingular said it will charge $44.99 per month for unlimited service. Users also must also purchase a $1,500 Starter Pak and a one-time $99 per user access license for the GoodLink software, the companies said. Those prices are in addition to the regular voice plan.