Optus is launching a wireless email service for business customers based on the upgraded capabilities of the Microsoft Exchange 2003 mail server and the iMate K-Jam handset. The service will be available in April 2006.

The K-Jam handset is optimised for voice and text communication and features a full QWERTY keyboard.

Together with Microsoft Exchange 2003, it offers a "push email" experience, similar to BlackBerry. All new email messages, calendar changes, contact changes, or task updates received in Outlook are received almost immediately on the user's mobile device.

Paul Kitchin, Marketing Director of Optus Business, said: "Users are switched-on to the benefits of mobile email. Our research shows that one in four now regard the technology as extremely useful or essential. In providing both BlackBerry and now Windows Mobile solutions, Optus is able to offer customers choice in terms of devices and supported technology platforms."

Optus plans also to launch the iMate SP5 smartphone and the HP6965, a stylus based wireless PDA, by late April 2006.

To gain the benefits of this push email service, customers need a Microsoft Exchange 2003 server with Service Pack 2, devices that run Windows Mobile v5.0 with Messaging and Security Feature Pack, and an appropriate rate plan from Optus.

Media contact:
Cindy Beukes
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: +61 2 9342 8138