Aether Systems, Inc. and Sun Microsystems have signed a global strategic alliance to deliver mobile data solutions to corporate enterprises and government agencies.
Aether and Sun will combine some of their technologies, including Sun ONE Application Server, Java and Solaris and Aether Fusion. The two companies will jointly market their wireless data solutions, as well.
One of the markets the partners will focus on is homeland security and mobile services for government agencies. Aether’s PacketCluster and PocketBlue applications currently provide law enforcement and emergency crews with real-time wireless data from national crime databases.
Aether recently launched a new satellite-based monitoring system for trucking and homeland security. The product, known as GeoLogic, assists trucking companies to track the security of cargo, including hazardous materials.
Aether and Sun will also be marketing their wireless data products to large enterprises, such as Aether Attache, which provide device and network independent access to corporate email and groupware. Another market the partners will focus on is within the field of logistics. Aether’s e-Mobile Delivery product provides package tracking and proof of delivery documentation, as part of its wireless supply chain management solutions.
Aether’s technologies will be designed to support Sun ONE Architecture for a variety of different of applications, and marketed across several different business sectors and government agencies.
In addition to blending technologies, Sun and Aether will jointly combine sales, marketing and engineering plans. Sun and Aether say they will jointly develop open standards using the Sun Open Net Environment (Sun ONE) and Aether Fusion. The wireless data solutions will be designed for maintenance and service applications, as well as solutions for distribution and delivery. Sun and Aether say they also will be marketing their mobile data solutions for healthcare and other public safety applications.
Aether is stepping up its strategic alliances with other leading IT companies. In January, Aether said it will jointly develop and market wireless data products with Electronic Data Systems. EDS said it, too, would adopt Aether Fusion as its development platform for wireless messaging, synchronization and Web applications.