Motorola brings the office to the Middle East's mobile workers with new sleek handheld computer

The innovative device was presented to an audience of Middle East developers and technology media at a specially-convened meeting in Dubai as part of the global launch, making the UAE one of the first markets in the world to see the advanced technology in action.

The MC35 joins the durable MC50 and rugged MC70 as the third device in Motorola's family of EDAs and is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use in the office or in the field while providing enterprise-class wireless connectivity, functionality, and manageability to mobile professionals.

The MC35 combines advanced cellular technology, including built-in Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capabilities, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with laptop functionality, camera, and bar code reader. Users can talk, e-mail, connect to the Internet, use mission-critical business applications, and capture data (including signatures) with one, easy-to-use device for lower total-cost-of-ownership.

'The new MC35 is an ideal wireless communications tool for the fast-growing Middle East and North African markets, offering small form factor, large display and key features like built-in GPS and push-to-talk,' said Tarek Hassaniyeh, Regional Channel Manager, Motorola- Enterprise Mobility Business.

'Premiering this innovative breakthrough to a Dubai audience as part of the global launch process demonstrates our commitment to this market,' he added.

With support for high-speed EDGE wireless data networks based on the GSM standard for wireless, and Motorola's relationships with AT&T and other wireless carriers, the MC35 EDA gives users fast wireless data speeds and access to rich applications with enterprise-level security.

It can easily connect to an organization's wireless LAN (WLAN) via 802.11b/g for data communications, providing better control over wireless WAN usage and costs. The MC35's Bluetooth functionality also lets users connect wirelessly to printers and other peripherals.

'The MC35 demonstrates Motorola's commitment to enterprise mobility solutions that connect people to business-critical resources wherever they are, so they can make more informed decisions, increase productivity and efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge,' said Bob Chen, vice president and general manager of mobile computing for the enterprise mobility business, Motorola Networks & Enterprise.

'Our experience in delivering rugged industrial mobile computers and durable Enterprise Digital Assistants to the world's leading companies makes Motorola a technology provider that can meet the enterprise mobility needs of today's mobile workforce.'

The MC35 is based on Intel's XScale PXA270 416 MHz processor and Microsoft® Windows® Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition operating system to provide improved memory management, security, and push e-mail capabilities for access to people and information on the go.

Currently, more than 25 of the company's partners' enterprise applications can be ported to the device - enabling robust functionality and tailored solutions that reduce application development time and costs.

Mobile Device Management and Services

The ability to securely control and manage mobile devices on the corporate network is a major concern for IT managers and executive decision makers. Motorola directly addresses these concerns by offering simple and secure management of the MC35 via Motorola's Mobility Services Platform (MSP).

MSP is an integrated solution that provides centralized enterprise-wide management of mobile devices, mobile applications and wireless network infrastructure. By establishing a secure enterprise mobility management architecture, like MSP, organizations can accelerate the deployment of mobile devices, such as the MC35; remotely manage applications, operating systems and firmware on mobile devices; proactively identify and resolve end-user device issues; and implement robust authentication and encryption security mechanisms throughout an organization.

To help customers maintain peak performance, Motorola offers Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage for the MC35. This unique service simplifies the repair process and reduces unforeseen expenses by including accidental damage to displays, keypads, and other internal and external components at no additional charge - helping to ensure that customers continue to get the critical communications capabilities they need.

Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage is a multi-year agreement that delivers rapid in-house turnaround times for product repairs, telephone access to support engineers and Internet access to technical documentation.

The MC35 has a list price ranging from US$640 to US$750, depending on configuration and will be available to order in April through Motorola's business partners. Prices may vary depending on carrier discounts.