The software company sfr GmbH in Cologne is looking for beta testers for their product visual Key for the Palm OS. The testers must have a handheld with Palm OS version 3.5 or higher at their disposal. They will get the opportunity to examine the readiness for marketing of the software. The authentication tool visual Key is an alternative to common text passwords. A visual Key is based on a graphic of the user’s choice. The key is created by tapping particular points of the graphic with the stylus on the touch screen. The order and the positions of the chosen spots form the key, which may be changed as often as desired.

Rococo Software and Bantry Technologies will integrate Rococo

Palm Boulevard reports Handango has launched an application provisioning platform (AMPP) for mobile operators and handset manufacturers. The new solution is designed to allow mobile operators to access Handango’s catalog of mobile software and technology.

Wine writer Amy Reiley has teamed with software developer neohand, inc. to update the company’s electronic guide and database for wine lovers for Palm OS and Pocket PC handhelds. Amy Reiley’s Pocket Vineyard by neohand, introduced in 2000, is designed to make wine education more accessible. The program provides users an interactive vintage chart, a glossary of 500+ wine terms, a food pairing companion, monthly recommendations from Reiley, and a database to store the user’s personal tasting notes. New to version 2.0, Amy’s Selections provides users the ability to download monthly recommendations from Reiley.

Handy Solution Software has released Handy Service 1.0, the customer service waitstaff software solution for the Palm OS. Handy Service is designed to allow waiters, traders, and other customer service staff at restaurants, shops, car services, hair salons, etc. to take and track orders for goods and services; manage list of products; and create and view reports. It also features a desktop module to maintain the list of products and view orders on your desktop computer.

LandWare announced a Money Magazine Financial Assistant visual tour is now available. It’s designed to help you make informed financial decisions whether you’re calculating a lease payment, splitting a restaurant bill, or comparing the prices of different sized packages.

Pocket PC Films has forged a long-term partnership with DITAN. Under the terms of the agreement, DITAN will work to expand Pocket PC Films retail distribution channels; developing direct-to-retail relationships within the mass merchant and specialty retail chains. DITAN

XcelleNet, Inc. announced that Intel Corporation and XcelleNet, Inc. have collaborated to create an enterprise wide mobile management solution designed to extend the reach of the IntelLANDesk Management Suite of products to mobile PC and PDA devices. The IntelLANDesk Mobile Manager, combines the mobile infrastructure technology of XcelleNet’s Afaria product with Intel’s desktop management solution.

CNET News.com reports both Sony and Acer have recently unveiled new devices based on the Palm operating system. According to the article, Sony began selling a new $199 Clie model in the United States on Monday, and Acer introduced its first handhelds using the Palm OS late last week: the fancier $299 s50 and $359 s60.

PN Technologies is now in production with a new HotSync travel cable for the Sony Clie. The model number of the new cable is PDCT-H9, and it’s compatible with T- and NR- Series Sony Clie computers. PN Technologies was previously known as Purple Data Cables.