Channel News Roundup: Week of May 3

Garmin Adds GPS Technology to Pocket PCs

OLATHE, Kan.—Garmin International Inc. will offer its Que application with a new CompactFlash GPS module that is optimized for popular Pocket PC handhelds. The cf Que 1620 module features Garmin’s Que application, which delivers GPS location, mapping and turn-by-turn navigation capabilities to Pocket PC devices.

Que technology provides Pocket PC users with location awareness, address and points-of-interest lookup features, electronic mapping, automatic route generation, configurable road/area avoidance, off-route recalculation, and turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance.

Another key capability within the Que application is the ability to navigate to an address stored within the PDA’s contacts database. The cf Que 1620 delivers a configurable, worldwide basemap and can store street-level map data from Garmin’s MapSource cartography.

Comcast, Linksys Ease Internet-Connection Sharing

IRVINE, Calif.—Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems Inc., is shipping its Wireless-G Cable Gateways as part of broadband provider Comcast Corp.’s Home Networking Platform.

CableHome makes it easy for households to share a cable broadband connection wired or wirelessly throughout the home. Along with the Linksys wireless gateway, users receive network adapters for connecting as many five computers, professional installation, multiple levels of security and increased downstream speed of up to 4Mbps. Enhanced firewall protection is provided with Stateful Packet Inspection, Internet-access time limits, keyword blocking, denial of service, Mac filtering, WEP and DMZ.

APC Unveils Symmetra UPS Tower, InfraStruXure Rack-Mount Models

WEST KINGSTON, R.I.—American Power Conversion Corp. enhanced its Symmetra Power Array scalable and redundant UPS line with the modular Symmetra LX family. The five models, ranging in size from 4kVA to 16kVA N+1, deliver redundant power protection with scalable power and runtime.

A new space-optimized design with the capability to provide 30 minutes of runtime at a full 16kVA in a single frame enables the Symmetra LX to reduce footprint requirements by as much as 50 percent over previous products. The tower and rack-mount models provide power protection for network-critical physical infrastructure in multiple applications, including wiring closets and computer rooms containing critical IT and telecommunications equipment.

Best Software Launches Peachtree Payroll Service for Small Businesses

LAS VEGAS—Best Software has announced availability of the Peachtree Payroll Service for small businesses seeking a full-service payroll solution. The service syncs with Peachtree accounting products to facilitate tight integration with the general ledger and employee and job information.

The Peachtree Payroll Solutions portfolio now includes the Peachtree Payroll Service for a “full-service” approach, or the Peachtree payroll desktop functionality for an “in-house” solution that can be complemented by Peachtree’s Tax Update Service and direct deposit.

The Peachtree Payroll Service is available as an add-on to Peachtree Accounting 2004, Peachtree Complete Accounting 2004, Peachtree Premium Accounting 2004 and the industry solutions, which include Peachtree Premium Accounting for Manufacturing 2004, Peachtree Premium Accounting for Distribution 2004 and Peachtree Premium Accounting 2004 Accountant’s Edition.

Sybase Completes Acquisition of XcelleNet

DUBLIN, CA—Sybase Inc., a provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, completed its acquisition of frontline management-software developer XcelleNet Inc. Sybase intends to integrate XcelleNet into its iAnywhere Solutions subsidiary, positioning the combined organization as a provider of mobile database, mobile middleware and mobile and remote device management.

Together, Sybase and XcelleNet plan to help enterprises “unwire” by mobilizing critical corporate data, information and applications, and by improving the long-term security and maintenance of these solutions. Sybase expects to gain 2,200 global customers through the acquisition and will expand its relationships with partners and ISVs.

InstallShield Redefines Installation Authoring Standards

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—InstallShield Software Corp., a provider of software installation, deployment packaging and updating solutions, announced availability of InstallShield X, a new $1,199 solution that enables developers to author installations that target virtually any platform, operating system or device.

The solution aims to save valuable development time and support costs while greatly increasing deployment successes. The all-in-one solution allows development of all Windows Installer, InstallScript, universal-engine and mobile-device installations within one solution.

An author-once-and-deploy-anywhere capability supports Mac OS X, OS/400, Windows, AIX, Solaris, Linux, HP-UX and Unix. The Update Service Starter Edition keeps customers current with automatic update alerts. SQL Server and IIS Web Services Support back the configuration of all aspects of a Web or database application.