Helio Launches Support For Exchange

The forward-thinking MVNO has added the ability to retrieve email from Microsoft Exchange to its Ocean messaging device. The free 60-day beta trial is available immediately to Helio subscribers and will run $9.99 per month for All-In members after the trial expires. Is Helio trying to court the enterprise?There's no doubt that Helio's Ocean messaging phone has been a burgeoning success. More so than any other device, it has attracted consumers to the 14-month old company run by EarthLink founder Sky Dayton. It does everything from POP email to instant messaging, text messaging, and picture messaging--all while looking hip and embracing the young-at-heart. Many publications, including InformationWeek, have listed it as a solid alternative to the iPhone. But is it a business device?

The details of the program are this. Mail for Microsoft Exchange works by downloading a client that uses the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol. This lets users sync their corporate email, contacts, and calendar information from the Exchange Server. On top of support for Exchange, Helio is also going to launch a file viewer program that will let users view Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files on the Ocean.

The move to support Exchange--and other Microsoft products--is a big one for the little MVNO. MVNO's don't typically cater to business users. In fact, Helio's Web site even says, "We're a new mobile brand created to give young, passionate consumers the type of wireless experience we've all been waiting for." Are passionate consumers waiting for Exchange support? Whether they are or aren't, they now have it.