Sharp Electronics, today announced a beta version of its "consumer" wireless services offering for the Sharp Zaurus PDA.

Sharp and Aether Systems, a provider of wireless data products and services, have developed Sharp Mobile Services, a wireless solution that includes modem ordering and fulfillment, network service, billing, customer service and support. The beta consumer solution is available today at http://www.sharpmobile.com, with wireless data services provided over the CDPD network.

According to the company, Sharp Mobile Services' consumer solution allows users to send and receive e-mail from POP3 and IMAP4 e-mail accounts, view e-mail attachments, and browse the web wirelessly. The beta launch of Sharp Mobile Services enables Zaurus consumers to test the wireless service at a reduced rate. During the beta period, available for a limited time only, Sharp is waiving the Sharp Mobile Services activation fee and offering reduced prices on Enfora's CDPD modem and the monthly service charge. Beta testers will be asked to provide feedback on the service. Sharp expects to launch the final consumer solution by Q3 2002.

In addition to a consumer e-mail solution, Sharp Mobile Services plans to offer a enterprise solution, leveraging Aether Fusion. Sharp said benefits will include secure, real-time, wireless access to e-mail, optimized wed browsing, e-mail attachment management, wireless PIM functionality, and other customized applications. Through Sharp Mobile Services, Aether and Sharp will provide corporate users with an integrated wireless data package, including application server and support hosting, global product fulfillment, customer care, technical support, and 24-hour network operations support. The anticipated launch of this corporate e-mail solution is mid-summer.