Palm Offers Exchange Update for the Treo 650

Earlier in January, Palm released a free Microsoft Exchange Direct Push Update for the Treo 700p and 680. The update is now available for the Treo 650 for a fee. Treo 650 users wishing to update their device can purchase the direct push update for $2.99 from Palm. However, in order to make use of the update you have to have a copy of VersaMail v3.5, while most standard 650's ship with v3.1. So if you do not have VersaMail v3.5 you can also purchase it separately from Palm for $12.98.

Palm OS based Treo smartphones have long been able to use Exchange ActiveSync to access Microsoft Exchange Server information using Palm’s VersaMail email client. The new update enhances VersaMail by adding Microsoft’s Direct Push Technology, which gives users connected to an Exchange Server fast, automatic wireless updates of email, calendar and contact information.

The Exchange ActiveSync Update for Palm OS devices offers the following benefits:

• Adds Direct Push Technology - Direct Push Technology gives users connected to an Exchange Server fast, automatic wireless updates of email, calendar and contact information (Exchange Server 2003 with SP2 or Exchange Server 2007).

• Extends existing software and infrastructure - Wireless email using Direct Push Technology reduces the need for third-party software and infrastructure, thereby reducing cost, maintenance requirements and staffing needs. Companies now can use their existing infrastructures and servers to deliver Exchange Server information wirelessly simply by adding Treo smartphones.

• Offers security and central management - Security features for IT administrators include over-the-air password policy enforcement and remote wipe for lost or stolen devices. Users also have the benefit of accessing their company's Global Address List (GAL) over-the-air, providing them with quick access to colleagues' contact information.