HanDBase and MemoWare Go Pocket PC

HanDBase, a leading Palm database application, and MemoWare, a leading Palm content site, are moving to support the Pocket PC.

Depending on who is speaking, this is either a move towards cross-platform support or a victory for the Pocket PC platform. A spokesperson for DDH Software said, "For the first time, users of both Pocket PC and Palm handhelds will be able to beam 'databased' information to each other without the aid of a desktop or 3rd party application." But Phil Holden, director of marketing for the Mobile Device Division at Microsoft, said, "Having both the leading database HanDBase and the premier content site MemoWare supporting Pocket PC speaks volumes about the momentum for our platform."

Both Microsoft and DDH Software put out press releases on this. The DDH one stresses that people now have more choices in what handheld they use.

"Just because an individual or company chooses one type of device over the other shouldn't mean that they are unable to exchange information with users of a different handheld operating system," said David Haupert, DDH Software's president and CEO. "Providing HanDBase as a cross platform solution breaks down a major barrier that has separated Pocket PC users and Palm users. Within many companies there are users of both types of devices who will now be able to beam their data back and forth, creating a much more efficient workplace."

While the Microsoft one crows about how this is a sign that developers are finally beginning to realize Microsoft's superiority.

"Developers are hearing our call, and that means customers are now getting the best of both worlds: the most powerful and versatile PDA on the market and thousands of applications and titles to choose from," said Mr. Holden.

Neither of these reactions are surprising but the contrast is stark and possibly even a touch amusing.

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Behind closed doors at Microsoft...

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/14/2001 10:44:55 AM #
“They like me! They really really like me! ” – Mr. Holden.

HanDBase will regret the move...

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/14/2001 12:13:33 PM #
DDH Software may thought that allying itself with Pocket PC will net it revenues. Short-term maybe but when Microsoft finally release it's own free Pocket-PC version of database, HanDBase will go the way of WordStar, Lotus, and WordPerfect. The last laugh will be on Palm. Memoware going Pocket Pc? So what, if you are a savvy Pocket Pc user, you don't need Doc Files. Go to Project Gutenberg or any info website and copy and paste your own into Pocket Word and sync.

RE: HanDBase will regret the move...
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/14/2001 12:54:05 PM #
They're certainly sure of themselves to be running up against Pocket Access in this space.

RE: HanDBase will regret the move...
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/14/2001 1:11:37 PM #
There is no such thing as Pocket Access. HanDBase is it.

RE: HanDBase will regret the move...
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/14/2001 1:47:29 PM #
Not yet, but with Word, Excel, IE, and a host of Microsoft programs going "Pocket" Who knows what's in development. Besides it make sense for Microsoft to develop a Pocket version of Access if it's going after corporate buyers. HanDBase could be an interim solution until Microsoft's product is ready. Then Microsoft can drop HanDBase and promote it's own. Maybe DDH Software should have extracted a "Non-Competition" clause with Microsoft...

RE: HanDBase will regret the move...
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/14/2001 3:56:49 PM #
>>"Having both the leading database HanDBase and the premier content site MemoWare supporting Pocket PC speaks volumes about the momentum for our platform."

Hmm...

Technically speaking, even a glacier has momentum...

RE: HanDBase will regret the move...
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/14/2001 6:07:21 PM #
>>>Maybe DDH Software should have extracted a "Non-Competition" clause with Microsoft...

They could have! How do you know they don't?

Oh WoW...

PalmPlan @ 3/14/2001 9:21:43 PM #
Yawn... so another software developer decides to make software for the PPC. So what? I don't hear people complain when software is made for BOTH Windows & the Mac?!

Look, I've seen many people convert from one platformto another (Win to Mac and vice-versa) because of great software written for that particular platform that was ported over. Same goes with this. The way I look at it is simple. PPC owners who start using HandBase will probably say to themselves: "Oh wow, I never thought that such a great piece of software existed for the Palm. If THIS is available, there must be more!" - this could probably work to the advantage of Palm?!

C'mon, it IS possible and you KNOW IT!

Palm Plan
"The only constant in life is death"

Pocket Access

atrizzah @ 3/15/2001 4:31:19 PM #
There will be no Pocket Access now because if M S did make one it would just prove to everyone how badly they treat their loyal developers.

Peace
Alan

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