The Frontier Developer Contest in New Zeeland and Australia invited pioneering developers to submit innovative applications that utilize the benefits of next generation technologies. More than 120 entries were received, twice as many as last year.

Judges of this year’s competition are praising the caliber of the finalists’ applications, which truly demonstrate that 3G and broadband are indeed a reality. Read about the winner in the October issue of this newsletter.

Doctors accessing patient records while remaining at their bedside, homeowners able to remotely protect their home from intruders and being able to make a surprise TV appearance - all in real-time, all via mobile.

The following 6 companies from both sides of the Tasman have been short- listed:

Australia:
Intermoco Solutions Pty Ltd: provides companies with electricity meter data in real time via wireless technology and the Internet.
Power Clinical Pty Limited: using the application HealthSpring, doctors can remotely access all patient records, prescribe medication & order tests while remaining at a patient’s bedside.
Surelabs: offers 24/7 and remote security for homeowners, using a broadband enabled triggered security alarm system.

New Zealand:
Datasquirt Limited:  using the application Textcode retailers can order and pay for goods via their mobile.
I.T. Link Limited: SalesLink Mobile enables salespeople to check inventory, place orders, and obtain customer information instantly whilst out in the field.
Hyperfactory Limited: The Mobile Multi Media Enterprise Platform (M3EP) enables people to appear live on TV or radio shows by sending a PXT or TXT via their mobile.

Lisa Tuffs Business Development Manager for Ericsson says the standard of entries was very high with more than 90% of applications commercially ready for market.

"Most entrants also provided additional support documentation which outlined business and commercial models."

"Seventy per cent of entries received are for business and enterprise use and this is consistent with growth we are seeing in areas such as mobile office automation, logistics and procurement applications," Tuffs says.

"More than half of entries received were customized or generic end-user applications."

Jeremy Hope