Novell's GroupWise collaboration suite, which includes email, calendaring, IM and document management, is being revamped with the addition of a mobile server that can synchronise data with client devices running most mobile operating systems.

GroupWise Mobile Server, powered by Intellisync, is now in beta testing and is expected to be available shortly to GroupWise users.

It is compatible with Symbian, Windows Mobile and Palm OS among others, and BlackBerry maker Research in Motion announced today that it will be interoperating with Novell's software.

"Government and business organisations of all sizes have come to value the Novell GroupWise collaboration environment and the BlackBerry wireless platform in terms of security, reliability, scalability and ROI," said RIM chairman Jim Balsillie.

According to analyst firm IDC, the mobile worker population will increase from more than 650 million worldwide in 2004 to more than 850 million in 2009.

The number of those workers accessing wireless email is predicted to grow from 6.5 million in 2005 to 123 million in 2009.

"As the global mobile workforce grows, collaboration vendors will need to offer more flexible, integrated and cost-effective solutions to meet their needs," said Stephen Drake, programme director for mobile software at IDC.

"Suppliers successful at addressing these mobile workers' needs will reflect the customer focus and commitment necessary to support the broad range of mobile devices in use today."

GroupWise Mobile Server runs using standard TCP/IP protocols and works with most mobile data networks as well as broader IP-based office communications systems.

"Wireless communication is not just for phone calls anymore," said Kent Erickson, vice president and general manager of workspace solutions at Novell.

"Wireless devices and smartphones give users access to email, documents, appointments and other information that helps them to be productive wherever and whenever."