DataViz Bringing Native Office File Support to Palm OS

DataViz has just announced that it is developing software that will allow Palm OS users to work on their handhelds with files in their native formats. This will allow users to create, edit or simply view files in their original Word or Excel format on the handheld itself. DataViz's new technology will be available this summer.

While there are numerous word processors and spreadsheets for the Palm OS that can synchronizes files with Word and Excel, all of these use a desktop client to convert the native documents into special formats just for the handheld.

In the future, as wireless capabilities grow, the need for a desktop converter will become unacceptable. Files will commonly be delivered as wireless e-mail attachments or even via removable media such as SD cards. Regardless of delivery method the end user will want these files to be accessible on their handheld. Native file format support ensures this instant access is possible regardless of where the file is from, or how it is delivered.

This will allow users to create or edit e-mail attachments in their native format so recipients open a fully-formatted Word or Excel document. They can also exchange documents using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without worrying about preprocessing the files.

DataViz is the maker of Documents to Go, a version of which is included with most Palm and Sony handhelds. The company will be adding native file support to this application.

"As handhelds become more powerful, creating, editing, and sharing files in native Word and Excel formats on Palm OS devices becomes a realistic option," said Scott Thomas, DataViz. "With this new development, we are building on our history of Microsoft Office compatibility so that Palm OS users will be able to use their Word and Excel files in the 'untethered' world just as they have come to expect via synchronization."

The company will be providing a way for third-party Palm OS developers to tap into the Documents To Go applications that will offer native file format support. This will allow applications such as e-mail clients and file managers to interact with native file formats and Documents To Go.