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I sync, you sync, we all sync with WeSync (continued)
I should emphasize that WeSync works only through the Web site. Your desktop PC doesn't make the changes and distribute them -- only the WeSync Web site does that. So don't expect to see changes on your handheld device (or your Palm Desktop, for that matter) until both users have performed a HotSync to the Web site.
I suspect that some might view this as the Achilles heel of WeSync. To be sure, I'm a bit uncomfortable sending my personal information to a third party Web site. And if I'm hesitant to let a Web site know that I'm seeing my dentist next Thursday, how is a Fortune 500 company going to feel about sending customer lists through that Web site?
The folks at WeSync are aware of this, and it's clear that privacy is their paramount concern. Only the people you've invited to your community can view your information. Only time will tell, however, if they can convince business users to sign up.
And that's important to you and me, because business users are probably going to foot the bill for the rest of us. As with some other Palm Web-based services, WeSync expects to be free to the public (can you say hallelujah?!!) and offer an expanded, fee-based package to businesses. I'm sure going to be hoping those businesses buy in.
Full public release on January 24, 2000
WeSync is currently available in a preview version (yes, engineers, a beta-release), and, like any such software, there are a few minor glitches and some confusion in the instructions. I'm sure these small wrinkles will be ironed out soon, but for now, regular folks like me can avoid some headaches by letting the techies stamp out the bugs. WeSync expects to make a full public release, with significant improvements in the Web site, among other things, on January 24, 2000.
With any luck, come then, evenings in your multi-Palm household can sound like mine:
Dad: I scheduled the parent-child swimming class for next Saturday, but, um, as you can see from my schedule, I'm going to have to work that day.
Mom: Cute. And I scheduled the garage sale for Sunday, when you have nothing going on.
Child 1: Look, Daddy, I gave myself a haircut!
Child 2: BURRRRP!!!
Or not.
Product availability and resources
Check out the WeSync Web site at http://www.wesync.com/.
Bulk reprints
Bulk reprints of this article (in quantities of 100 or more) are available for a fee from Reprint Services, a ZATZ business partner. Contact them at reprints@zatz.com or by calling 1-800-217-7874.
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Technology skeptic Kevin Quin organizes himself in the PDA wilderness of Washington, DC.
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