Symbol rolls out enterprise digital assistant

Symbol Technologies has unveiled a multi-function enterprise digital assistant handheld device targeting mobile professionals requiring real-time access to corporate systems while on the move.

The MC50 is designed to deliver mobile access to real-time communication within enterprises, data capture and VoIP telephony.

It comes with integrated wireless Lan (Wi-Fi) connectivity. Data capture options include 1D and 2D barcode scanning, and image capture on a one megapixel colour camera.

The device, running Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003, can also be equipped with a Symbol Mobility Services Platform agent that will collect and monitor device performance information, and deliver status in real time to a centralised Symbol MSP console.

"The business case for an enterprise digital assistant is found in the productivity increases that come from giving workers secure connectivity to corporate data regardless of location," said Kevin Burden, programme manager for mobile devices at analyst IDC.

"Organisations moving towards mobile application enablement are growing more strict in their requirements, and will increasingly look only to devices that fulfil the security, manageability and functional demands of their applications."

Chester Pribonic, vice president and general manager of mobile computing at Symbol Technologies, added: "Symbol developed the MC50 with a combination of integrated features and technologies for mobile executives and managers to make quick, real-time decisions."