Good Technology’s GoodLink software, which enables real-time access to e-mail and other Outlook functions, will be bundled into Cingular’s business-to-business Internet service for mobile phones.
The deal is expected to broaden Good Tech’s reach and bolster its position against rival Research in Motion, whose proprietary BlackBerry software and hardware is leading the market. RIM already has distribution agreements with Cingular, Sprint, Verizon, Nextel and T-Mobile.
Good Tech’s agreement with Cingular is not exclusive and the company may ink similar deals with other companies, said Good Tech marketing VP Sue Forbes.
Business subscribers to Cingular’s mobile Internet service will continue to pay $45 a month, with no extra monthly charges for GoodLink. However, companies must buy a $1,500 one-year Starter Pak, which includes IT support, and each user pays a one-time $99 license.
Under its direct-sale model, Good Tech charged an additional $27.50 per month for GoodLink.
Yes, this is a price reduction, Forbes said and I think the key thing for us is the vastly increased distribution through this partnership. Forbes said Cingular has more than 1,700 dedicated enterprise sales staff.
Cingular also has more than 50 million subscribers, which includes both enterprise and consumer customers, making it the largest cellular carrier in the country.
Good Technology has almost 6,000 business customers, but does not disclose actual subscriber numbers.
Good Tech and Cingular already share a number of customers, including UPS, Deloitte Touche, Visa and the US Office of Homeland Security, Forbes said.
Two Cingular devices, the Treo 650 and the Siemens SX66 Pocket PC, are currently compatible with GoodLink.
