| Testers sought for Blackberry-Linux sync software |
Oct. 07, 2008
A developer of Mac-based sync utilities is seeking beta testers for what it calls "the first Linux-to-BlackBerry sync solution." Information Appliance Associates (IAA) is initially testing its free "PocketMac for BlackBerry, Linux Edition" software on Xandros Linux running the KDE PIM suite.
As the name implies, the application synchronizes PIM (personal information manager) information such as contacts and calendar entries, between a Linux desktop and a Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry phone. The free Linux Edition is based on PocketMac for BlackBerry, and has already received over 18 months of development and testing, says IAA.
Initially, PocketMac for Blackberry, Linux Edition (let's call it "PBLE") is currently being tested only on the Xandros distribution. Currently, it is designed to sync with the KDE PIM suite. Other Linux distributions will be supported in the near future, says the IAA, which did not offer any additional information on Linux application support.
Mac version of PocketMac for BlackBerry
No features are currently listed for PocketMac for Blackberry, Linux Edition, but the Macintosh version offers features including synchronization support for Entourage, iCal, iTunes, Now Contact, Mail.app, Daylite, MeetingMaker, Sitckies, and iPhoto. Other touted features include BlackBerry password support and the ability to start charging the BlackBerry immediately upon attaching it to the desktop via USB.
IAI started out as a company launching PocketMac Pro, which it billed as the original Mac-to-Pocket-PC sync solution. It then moved on to develop connectivity software for "Microsoft Smartphones," iPods, and the BlackBerry. RIM recently licensed PocketMac for BlackBerry, says the company.
Stated Terence Goggin, CTO of IAA, "Linux users are treated as second-class citizens just like Mac users. That's why we're the perfect team to bring this solution to the Linux market. With the growth of the Linux consumer market, the prominence of the Eee PC, and new Linux portables being released every day, this is an exciting market that needs professional sync software."
Availability
Beta sign-up for the free PocketMac for BlackBerry, Linux Edition is open now, and should be available here. The beta period is limited to a set number of users, says the company.
More information on the Mac version of PocketMac for BlackBerry, which is also free, may be found here.
-- Eric Brown
Do you have comments on this story?
Talkback here
NOTE: Please post your comments regarding our articles using the above link. Be sure to use this article's title as the "Subject" in your posts. Before you create a new thread, please check to see if a discussion thread is already running on the article you plan to comment on. Thanks!
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
