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For mobile-device-management platform vendors to take full advantage of the market, many of them pursue device manufacturers to get their products sold as embedded software. Novell, for example, recently acquired Callisto, and Extended Systems and Handspring have formed a mobile-device support alliance.

Applications drive the adoption of mobile devices. Knowing this, Handspring will promote Extended Systems' XTNDConnect suite to its business users. Handspring is also training its support personnel and building company policies to offer more comprehensive device-deployment strategies.

Extended Systems also has forged alliances with Palm and Compaq Computer Corp. to penetrate the market. Using Extended Systems' server device, users can access groupware mail systems and ODBC databases from Palm's and Compaq's handhelds.

Novell acquired Callisto's Orbiter in late November to extend Novell ZENworks' network-management capabilities to mobile devices. Novell's acquisition was a response to the expected increase in the number of handhelds that will be deployed by organizations.

Since these alliances increase mobile devices' usefulness, expect to see many more such arrangements in the near future. The platforms are maturing and the number of mobile devices is increasing. If your organization uses mobile devices, consider a device-management platform to take full control of your user and administrative needs.