Sharp Electronics has launched its "consumer edition" wireless data service for the linux-based Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA.

This service runs on Verizon Wireless CDPD network. Called Sharp Mobile Services, the company said it is an end-to-end wireless e-mail solution that includes modem ordering and fulfillment, network service, billing, customer service and support. Developed by Sharp in partnership with Aether Systems, the consumer solution is available beginning today at the Sharp Mobile Services website.

According to Sharp, Sharp Mobile Services allows users to send and receive e-mail from POP3 and IMAP4 e-mail accounts, view e-mail attachments, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, and browse the web wirelessly. Sharp said it chose CDPD as its initial wireless data network due to its significant and reliable coverage in the most populous areas of the U.S. The company said the service features the Compact Flash based Enfora PocketSpider 2 CDPD modem, which delivers better radio performance and lower power consumption than its predecessor, the PocketSpider.

The Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA features a color reflective LCD screen, an integrated QWERTY keyboard with a sliding cover, dual expansion with Compact Flash and Secure Digital slots, an Intel StrongARM 206MHz processor, and 64MB of standard memory. It also includes an MP3 and MPEG1 multimedia player.

In addition to a consumer e-mail and web browsing solution, Sharp Mobile Services plans to offer an enterprise edition using Aether's Fusion. The package is slated to include real-time behind-the-firewall, wireless access to e-mail, optimized web browsing, e-mail attachment management, wireless personal information management (PIM) functionality, and access to other customized applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Through Sharp Mobile Services, corporate users also get an integrated wireless data solution suite, including application server and support hosting, global product fulfillment, customer care, end-user training, technical support, and 24-hour network operations support.