Novell has announced flexible e-mail and collaboration capabilities for users of mobile wireless devices, based on Novell GroupWise Mobile Server, powered by Intellisync. The software is now undergoing beta testing and is expected to be available shortly to GroupWise users with upgrade protection.

The platform delivers seamless integration with more than 400 mobile devices and virtually every mobile operating system.

BlackBerry users will also connect more easily with enhanced GroupWise integration through the new BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1 for Novell GroupWise from Research In Motion (RIM).

Novell says that according to 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 e-mail is predicted to grow from 6.5 million in 2005 to 123 million by 2009.

GroupWise Mobile Server delivers real-time wireless "push" synchronization of e-mail, appointments, tasks and contacts between a user's wireless mobile device and a GroupWise server. GroupWise Mobile Server works on smart phones, handhelds and PDAs from a broad range of vendors, running on Palm OS, Symbian, Windows Mobile, SmartPhone, PocketPC and SyncML.

GroupWise Mobile Server works on standard TCP/IP connections, so it works with any mobile carrier that has deployed a data network and supports standard data communication protocols. Novell GroupWise Mobile Server is powered by the Intellisync Wireless Email platform, part of Nokia's range of software products enabling business mobility.

The new BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.1 for GroupWise builds on the BlackBerry platform. The new release, expected to be available in early April 2006, makes it easier for organizations to manage larger BlackBerry deployments, further extends the platform for developers, and provides integration with Novell's GroupWise Messenger for enterprise instant messaging.