IBM Japan Ltd is developing a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer with Personal Handyphone System-based data transfer capabilities specifically for the Asian market. The new PDA, which is scheduled for launch in October, will be based around the 3Com Palm operating system and have built-in PHS functions. PHS, developed by NTT Corp, is a wireless phone standard that handles voice and data signals. The system has never gained widespread acceptance outside of Asia. The PDAwill transfer data between the mobile device and office PCs and servers at 32Kbps, using the PHS Internet Access Forum (PIAF) standard. According to Nikkei Communications, a PDA that doubles that data transfer speed is also planned.
