AME Unfo reports that Microsoft is bringing enhanced mobile computing to the Middle East, with the launch of Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PCs at Gitex 2003. According to AME, the operating system has automatic detection and connection for wi-fi networks, and native support for Bluetooth. Automatic always-on email synchronization will be possible through integration with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.

Mobile GPS Online announces the release of GPS NavStar version 3.0.0. GPS NavStar is a GPS vehicle navigation system based on Microsoft MapPoint technology. As a business management tool, users can import their business contacts or customer addresses from their Outlook’s address book or a separated customer database to the system, and then generate routes to them easily and quickly.

ADAPT Software Applications has announced ADAPTcrm v4.0, a new release of its ADAPTcrm software targeted at manufacturers and distributors. ADAPTcrm v4.0 expands the software’s already powerful integration capabilities with support for bi-directional, real-time synchronization with Microsoft Outlook, a new Excel-based reporting system, integration to accounting systems, new mail server integration and integration to popular online fax systems.

Ken Slovak of Slovak Technical Services recently released an Outlook addin called Reminder Manager. Outlook by default only permits reminders to fire from the default Inbox, Calendar, Tasks or Contacts folder in the default mail store (where you get your email delivered). Reminder Manager enables reminders to fire from any mail, calendar, tasks or contacts folder in a default or non-default mail store (Exchange mailbox or PST file) and from Exchange public folders.

The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA), announced the creation of the CATA Toronto Technology Community (CTTC), a new organization combining the members of the former SMART Toronto Technology Alliance (STTA) and CATA’s established Toronto membership base. The new organization is dedicated to working with other groups to help the growth of Toronto’s technology community, through seminars, networking, provincial and federal government advocacy, and by plugging Toronto into CATA’s national business growth grid.

Metro One Telecommunications announced the immediate availability of its new Voice Email capability as an integral part of its Infone service. This feature allows callers to easily record a message that can be sent to any email address as an audio file. To use the feature, a caller identifies the intended recipient or recipient’s email address, and subject line for the Infone operator. When coupled with My Infone, available email addresses are retrieved automatically from the subscriber’s Infone-synchronized personal database, such as Microsoft Outlook, Palm, or Lotus Notes. The caller records a message that is sent immediately to the recipient as email.

eOptimize Advanced Systems announced its wholly owned subsidiary, eOptimize, has signed a software license and distribution agreement with Advox AB, a Swedish software provider that specializes in mobile and electronic messaging solutions. Under the non-exclusive agreement, Advox becomes a reseller of eOptimize’s scheduling product, About:Time for Exchange Server. Advox will sell the eOptimize’s product directly, and indirectly via a network of channel partners, including solution providers that focus on Microsoft Exchange messaging infrastructure as part of their service offering.

Boston.com takes a look at Office 2003. Outlook got most of the improvements in this new version. The new Word packs a few noteworthy features, including something called Reading Layout View that’s easier on the eyes. But not much. Excel is little changed, as is PowerPoint. Office 2003 goes on sale to the public October 21.

Red Earth Software announced that Policy Patrol is successfully blocking spam and adding disclaimers to several Exchange Server 2003 deployments. Policy Patrol is an email-filtering tool that offers advanced anti-spam, anti-virus, content & attachment checking, disclaimers, archiving and reporting. Policy Patrol works with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003/Exchange 2000/Exchange 5.5, Lotus Domino/Notes and almost any other SMTP mail server. If installed on Exchange Server 2003 or Exchange 2000, Policy Patrol can filter internal as well as external emails.

eWeek takes a look at Kubi Client 1.1 and Kubi Server, collaboration software that runs within Microsoft Outlook or IBM Lotus Notes. It creates project workspaces, which its calls "Kubi Spaces," where participants can share documents and manage tasks that appear within the email clients.