Mobile data firm Intellisync last week released a new version of its synchronisation platform for wireless devices, and outlined its plans to position itself as an alternative to BlackBerry maker RIM for mobile enterprise systems. The firm said it offers customers more than just mobile email and supports a wider choice of client platforms than RIM.

Intellisync's Mobile Suite 6 supports more types of mobile device than any other wireless solution, the firm said, and can also link to nearly every groupware server used by large organisations, including Lotus Domino running on AIX or AS/400 systems. It also links with key corporate applications, allowing access to CRM data from staff handhelds.

"Wireless email is what everyone wants, but firms want more than email alone," said Intellisync chief marketing officer Rip Gerber. He added that unlike BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Mobile Suite could link to a number of apps via XML connectors and other hooks. IT vendor PeopleSoft recently standardised on Intellisync as its preferred partner to mobilise its apps, Gerber said.

Intellisync, formerly Pumatech, was a pioneer of personal information management (PIM) synchronisation technology in devices such as PalmOne's PDAs, but has now moved entirely to wireless over-the-air synchronisation. The firm gained an enterprise platform through its acquisition of Synchrologic last year.

The UK is a high-growth area for mobile technology, but security and control are still worries for big firms, said Gerber. With Mobile Suite, admin staff can remotely provision clients and do software updates over-the-air, he added. "And if I lose the device, the IT guy can wipe it remotely, then sync all my data onto a new client for me to pick up."

Gerber said Intellisync's flexibility was its strength. "Your executives might want BlackBerry email clients, but your sales guys might want Treo smartphones, and your warehouse might run on Tablet PCs. Intellisync can handle all of those." Mobility Suite 6 costs £278 + VAT per user for the handheld version, plus maintenance.