Switch Gears Midstream: Voice And Data On One CallSwitch Gears Midstream: Voice And Data On One Call

When using Internet-enabled cell phones, there's a choice to be made: data or voice. That's because the phones typically can't support voice and data transmissions at the same time. But Mobileum Inc. says its new wireless access server is a true multitasker. Mobileum 2.0 includes new features that are designed to make it easier for businesses to create applications that let users switch back and forth between voice and data while on a call.

The application server, which will begin shipping this week, lets developers create wireless applications that include data, voice, and telephony functions so users can halt a data transmission in midstream, conduct voice communications, then restart the data transmission immediately afterward. Mobileum 2.0 also includes the SmartPresentation system, which lets developers use existing Web development tools such as Macromedia Inc.'s Dreamweaver and Adobe Systems Inc.'s GoLive to create the wireless apps for PDAs, Wireless Application Protocol phones, iMode phones, and Research In Motion's BlackBerry pagers.

Irish company Mobile Gaming Solutions LLC, which creates wireless applications for online gaming sites, plans to integrate its call-center system with the new Mobileum application server so it can assure customers that online gambling bets are valid.

"In the gaming world, it's one of confidence, reassurance, and time sensitivity," says Steve Hlas, director of Mobile Gaming Solutions. "To toggle between data and voice is really important."

GT Nexus Inc., formerly named Tradiant, likes the stability of Mobileum's app server. Mobileum's scalable, Java-based architecture "enables the deployment of enhanced wireless services, like alerts, and guarantees connectivity," says Greg Johnsen, VP of products at GT Nexus, in Alameda, Calif. GT Nexus operates a global network that connects importers and exporters, freight forwarders, and other logistics providers. GT Nexus is using Mobileum 2.0 to send shipment notifications to customers' WAP-enabled phones, pagers, and PDAs.

Pricing for Mobileum 2.0 ranges from $35,000 to $50,000, depending on the number of users and services.