Mobeon, the mobile messaging software provider, has launched Creator – an SMS plug-in for Outlook. Similar to a wireless ‘instant messenger’ service, it will enable users to send SMS messages direct from their email account.
Designed for the corporate sector, the service specifically integrates telecoms messaging into desktop email, rather than the other way round. This ensures that all email stays behind the firewall, thus avoiding any security issues.
The Mobeon solution meets the growing demand for keeping in touch while on the move, as staff can choose the most appropriate method of communication email or text message to reach a colleague out of the office urgently, from one email account. Using a full-size keyboard also makes it easier to write text messages quickly and accurately.
For mobile working to be a viable option for businesses, employees need to be able to keep in touch wherever they are, said Robert Vangstad, vice-president of marketing at Mobeon. Our solution provides a quick link to mobile workers – its the instant messenger of the mobile world – and were confident it will be the next big thing following the initial success of SMS. This has the potential to revolutionise internal communications – office-based staff dont need to use their mobile phones to text an urgent message to colleagues; they now have access to all communication methods through one application.
Users are already familiar with the Outlook interface, so do not need any further training. The service is also totally secure as email stays behind the firewall while voicemail and SMS are brought into the corporate environment, which meets most company security requirements, he added.
Individuals can either install the software themselves from a Microsoft Outlook CD or via their mobile operators website. This creates a Send SMS function within the email application. When a message is sent via the Mobeon M3 centre installed at the mobile operator, it turns the message into SMS format, so it can be viewed on a mobile phone.
In addition, users can programme SMS alerts to remind them of appointments, send a calendar summary or as notification of new email. Currently available to users of Outlook XP and Exchange 2003, all the usual SMS functions exist, including the ability to resend and forward old SMS messages, as well as add in new phone numbers.