File Attachment Software

[RalphB]

I have been trialing Metamessage and Itrezzo for opening file attachments on my 857's, I recently heard that Metamessage was getting out of the file attachment business. Has anyone heard anything about this? I don't want to waste my time or the company's money if they're not going to be there.

[wirelessguy]

I had just spoken with a representative from Onsettechnology/Metamessage and they just released a new version of their attachment software. At no point in time was getting out of the business brought up. Infact they were comparing the advantages of their attachment handling capabilities over the future attachment viewing software built into the BES. The fact that RIM will be offering their own service as part of the BES could be a reason why Onset would eventually exit the market. Though back to your question...I haven't heard that rumor.

[RalphB]

How did they say they matched up, I haven't heard much about the RIM announcement.

[wirelessguy]

Probably more info than you want...but here goes...don't hold me accountable...i'm only passing on the info I received. Hope it helps.

You have probably heard of the recent RIM announcement regarding the attachment reader functionality that they will be adding to their OS. In this update will address what the announcement means to Onset and the METAmessage for Wireless solution. To be blunt; not much.

There are numerous reasons METAmessage provides a more valuable, reliable solution for your customers. RIM's press release on this subject included Onset in the story as a valuable partner. The announcement sited the additional value-added functionality METAmessage provides to the Blackberry and we continue to be the most viable solution for attachment conversion as well. Here is what we know about the RIM attachment reader:

- RIM will not offer Notes support

- Ability to Print will not be part of the RIM offering. METAmessage has print-to-fax and network printing

- RIM offering will not allow for file access or database access. METAmessage does

- RIM will only support seven file types vs.. METAmessage's hundreds

- RIM's Architecture and Scalability may not be appropriate for 'Fortune' customers. RIM's conversion CPU load competes with messaging server -- Onset gives you the option of how you need to deploy. Onset provides flexibility in deployment

- RIM stated their offering was to be available for customers to "see" by the end of the summer. Since the announcement, numerous timetables have been pushed back. The functionality will not be in v3.5, but rather a subsequent release, date yet to be determined. We do not expect to see the functionality ship until Spring/Summer 2003.

Most Importantly: METAmessage is continually adding new features to further increase the value and functionality of our solution. In the upcoming METAmessage release, due out soon:

- View Table of Contents - Go To Page - Read/Print Embedded URLs - Search using Google - Driving Directions

The latter three are available with METAmessage, without a browser! Browserless browsing at no extra charge!!

Our suite of Wireless Solutions include:

METAmessage for Wireless solutions make vital corporate information including email attachments, files, databases, Web pages, and contact information accessible and manageable on wireless devices. By expanding handheld capabilities, METAmessage decreases mobile professionals reliance on laptops and dialup connections, making important corporate data, not just email, available anywhere, anytime.

The AttachmentsPlus module lets you read and print email attachments and Web pages, view spreadsheets and slides with original format intact, and get corporate contact information.

The GetFile module provides access to network files. GetFile module lets you access files that are located on your corporate network. Imagine meeting a sales prospect and immediately emailing a brochure or presentation from your handheld!

The GetData module brings backend database systems to wireless users. Provides access to CRM, SFA, ERP and other corporate applications and databases. Built-in connectors for SQL/ODBC and Web Services interface. Corporate administrators can easily custom-design and distribute forms to handheld users as needed. Users can retrieve as well as enter data into applications and databases from their wireless.
RemoteLock locks your handheld with one email message you send from anywhere. Displays an “If found, please call...” message to make return easy. Unlocks with one email message — and retains email messages received while locked.

[mdfe]

Great info Wireless Guy...

From what I've observed of our 1500 BB users, the simple attachment conversion said to be coming with the 3.5 server is enough for them. I've demo'd printing to fax and accessing corporate file servers and got a 'gee, that's cool' but not much else.

Just my two cents worth..

[wirelessguy]

I agree completely...

[RalphB]

I really appreciate your insights into where RIM is going, what do you know about itrezzo, their installation seems so much easier, and I'm told they're introducing a calendar, and out of office function. They also tell me that they have an Asset Management software to monitor large installations.

[tmac35]

Check out www.lrwdigital.com, We recently introduced an AUTO-REPLY App. and MULITI-CALENDAR for the BLACKBERRY.

[RalphB]

I checked their website, and didn't see anything about calendar or out of office for BlackBerry.:confused:

[boop9]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm new!

I'm about to test MetaMessage, so how do you all handle the no antivirus software issue? I can't have a box with no antivirus software running...on my network...

[dpeters11]

Originally posted by boop9
I know this is an old thread, but I'm new!

I'm about to test MetaMessage, so how do you all handle the no antivirus software issue? I can't have a box with no antivirus software running...on my network...

I've been looking at their solution as well and concerned about the same thing. This is the response I got from Onset:

"Thanks for writing! Although we state this in our docs, we do have lots of Admin's running AV on the MCS machine; We only ask that the AV exclude the METAmessage working folder (we can give you this location), since we use a lot of Temp files. No problems in the filed are associated with using AV as long as the dir we specify is excluded."

[boop9]

did they give you the location and I'm not sure that is safe, either.


what do you think. Its gonna be hard to make this fly with my superiors...

[dpeters11]

Originally posted by boop9
did they give you the location and I'm not sure that is safe, either.


what do you think. Its gonna be hard to make this fly with my superiors...

I don't have the location, but here are my thoughts. I very well could be wrong on this though. The primary function of Metamessage is to be able to view attachments to e-mails. This is primarily what would go into the temp folder, everything that it needs to make this happen. I figure that your most vulnerable vector for virus infection is in e-mail, which should be scanned for viruses before it hits the Metamessage server. Considering some of their customers, I don't think it would fly if having a Metamessage server exposed you to viruses.

However, if you do rely on clientside e-mail scanning, it might be possible it is an issue. In our case, we use client side managed AV as a line of defense after the e-mails have been scanned by our e-mail vendor. I did some more research and you are supposed to exclude certain folders on any Exchange server anyway.