Chapura, Inc. has announced the release of updates to their Microsoft Outlook synchronization software–PocketMirror 3.1 Standard and PocketMirror 3.1 Professional. PocketMirror 3.1 Standard is an updated version of the original PocketMirror Standard, which is bundled with every Palm handheld, Handspring Visor, IBM WorkPad, HandEra 330, Kyocera ACP6035, and Samsung SPH-I300. This software application synchronizes data between the Microsoft Outlook Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Notes main folders with the Palm OS Date Book, Address List, To Do List, and Memo Pad.

ZapMed has made two announcements: ZapICD v2.0 has been released with a key word index and the new 2002 ICD9 code set has been released. The ZapICD program is a way to look up the exact ICD9 code you need. The existing ZapICD program implemented the “Disease Category” approach to looking up the proper ICD code. However, many people want to search by a key word index which is the same as Volume II of the ICD-9-CM publication. They’ve indexed over 7,000 terms in this new file.

Bell Mobility Investments (BMI) and RBC Capital Partners (Telecommunications Fund) announced an equity investment in Veratium Software Ltd., a company that develops wireless software products to increase the productivity of the mobile workforce. Veratium’s flagship product, MOTIVUS Enterprise Server, provides the mobile workforce with secure real-time access to the Windows desktop and corporate network, including email and attachments, using any handheld device. Just last month Veratium and Palm Canada Inc. announced a wireless enterprise solution that combines Veratium’s MOTIVUS software and Palm handhelds. Bell Mobility Investments, a Canadian corporate venturing company created by BCE and Bell Mobility, and RBC Capital Partners, will join Veratium’s Board of Directors.

AvantGo, Inc. announced that it is now shipping a personal information management messaging and corporate application solution for Global 1000 enterprises. Deployed in conjunction with its AvantGo M-Business Server, enterprises can use this solution to access their schedules, contacts, tasks, notes and email on Palm OS devices, in addition to their mission-critical business applications even when outside of wireless coverage. The company also announced it has licensed and is integrating email and personal information management technology by Synchrologic into AvantGo M-Business Server.

Targus Inc. introduced the Targus HandCam Springboard digital camera for the Handspring Visor. The Targus HandCam features 640 x 480 resolution and a swivel base for image capture from many angles. Included with the HandCam is a clip-on dock with a USB connection that can attach the HandCam to the edge of an open notebook or other stationary object. This dock allows the users to employ the HandCam as a stand-alone Web cam or still image camera.

Palm, Inc. announced that its turnaround strategy, begun six months ago, and its move to create two strong businesses continue to make progress. The company updated its Q2 financial outlook and announced other actions to bring cost structure and resources into alignment with the strategic needs of its Solutions and Platform businesses. The company said it expects to report revenue for its fiscal second quarter, ending November 30, 2001, of between $250 million and $280 million, which is toward the upper end of its prior guidance. For the same period, Palm expects to meet consensus analyst estimates, with a pro forma loss of approximately 7 cents per share. Pro forma results exclude the effects of amortization of goodwill and intangibles, restructuring charges and special excess inventory related charges/benefits. The company expects to report final results for the second quarter on December 19, 2001, after the market closes.

Pumatech Inc. announced a partnership with Systar, a subsidiary of Systex Corporation, Taiwan

Palm, Inc. is teaming with industry leaders Xircom, Corsoft, vVault, and Certicom to make connection from Palm handheld computers to wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) easier for customers to set up, providing remote access to important data and increasing productivity.

Palm has issued a press release stating handhelds based on the Palm OS platform are helping emergency medical workers more easily capture critical patient information in emergency situations, both at the scene and on the way to the hospital. The handheld electronic data-capture systems are eliminating paperwork, saving time, and helping ambulance personnel to provide better-quality patient care.

CNET News.com also has an article on Palm’s plan to discontinue the Web-based MyPalm portal that offers online access to personal calendars and address books.