Delving deeper into the wireless workforce and change management market, Tenrox recently announced the development of a new project with the help of Bell Mobility.
The Montreal-based provider of Web-based workforce optimization and change management software said it is in the process of developing Projeca Mobile, a solution that will give mobile workers access to Tenrox’s Projeca eWorkforce Suite.
According to Armine Saidi, director of public relations for Tenrox, Projeca eWorkforce suite is an enterprise software product that integrates seamlessly with all ERP, CRM, PM, payroll and accounting systems to enable users to optimize their workforce.
“The suite is a set of modules that helps you better utilize your company,” Saidi said.
Saidi explained that Projeca Mobile will push the limits of telecommunications and will allow mobile users to access all Projeca Project Management products Tenrox offers. Though both Tenrox and Mobility are keeping tight-lipped about Projeca Mobile’s capabilities, Saidi said it will have unique features that no other company will be offering.
Saidi said Projeca Mobile will include a wireless project management software development kit, what Tenrox calls Wireless PM. Saidi explained that within the Projeca eWorkforce Suite, a similar module exists, called Visual PM, which allows a third party, such as a customer or client, to perform enhancements or add-ons to the software.
“Wireless PM is going to be our wireless project management software development kit, and will have the same functionality (as Visual PM) to complete (software) enhancements,” Saidi said.
Jean-Francois Guay, manager of research and development for Bell Mobility, said its Wireless R&D (Research and Development) Investment Program is providing partial funding for the Projeca Mobile project.
“We have an obligation to spend money on research and development,” Guay said. “Instead of giving money to the big corporations, we have created an investment fund and we select innovative companies and we are finding projects that fit R&D criteria.”
Guay explained that R&D projects are projects that “you don’t know … are going to work” and come with risks. He explained that there are specific criteria when selecting an R&D project.
“First it has to be R&D, it has to be technologically innovative and (the firm must have) appropriate technical and management skills and expertise,” Guay said. “In the case of Tenrox, they have been through that process, and we are proud to be with them to do a project.”
Guay noted that Bell Mobility will have a direct hand in the development of Projeca Mobile.
“We are really part of them in terms of feedback, and in terms of project management,” Guay said. “This is their project, but we are part of the board. We bring along the expertise of the whole company in the mobile Internet (space).”
Saidi said the first beta version of Projeca Mobile is planned for release in August of this year. The final date for the official launch is scheduled for December 2001.
“The goal will be to allow our customers to access all project information using various types of wireless devices,” Saidi said. “We don’t target any specific industries. It is for any company that has a project-oriented way of conducting business with employees that work on-site, off-site or from home.”
Guay added that Mobility believes Tenrox is a strong firm and has demonstrated that the company is solid and has a good customer base.
“We are confident that they can deliver,” Guay said.
For details on Bell Mobility’s Wireless R&D Investment Program, visit www.bellmobility.com/fund. Tenrox is on the Web at www.tenrox.com.
