President's Corner

I-Dep Plans Live Depos

THERE WAS a lot of buzz at Chicago's ABA TECHSHOW 2000 about a home-grown product from I-DEP L.L.C. Currently in beta testing, I-DEP 1.0, was previewed at the show, and is expected to launch later this spring. It will offer live video and two-way audio; court reporter transcripts; and private messaging to any desktop or laptop PC, using a secure Internet connection, says the company. The service includes Depositions on Demand, which automatically archives each deposition for real-time review.

Founded by Internet marketer Jay Jackson and Julie Furer, an attorney with Chicago's Schiff Hardin and Waite, I-DEP L.L.C. is in first-stage funding and is prviately funded.

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Desktop Computer

IBM Introduces NetVista Brand

IBM has launched a new brand of personal computing devices, which it describes as "next-stage PCs, Internet access devices and thin clients."

The units feature high resolution flat-panel screens, and are designed for fast, high-bandwidth Internet access, reports the company. They feature USB ports; 256-bit encryption; and wireless local area network (LAN) capabilities, reports the company.

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Online Service

Westnews Features Dow Jones Service

WEST GROUP says its new Westnews information service now features Dow Jones Interactive.

Using Westnews (a revamp of the formerly named Westlaw News & Business), researchers can use three new tools: West Company Profile (a database of more than 300,000 profiles that contain information on corporate executives, companies and issues); WestNewslink which delivers information to firm Intranet sites); and WestIntraClip (it allows uers to create up to five "clipping service" topics.).

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Handheld Computers

BellSouth Debuts MyBiz

TOPIC A at ABA TECHSHOW 2000: the new BellSouth MyBiz interactive handheld computer. Of couse, it didn't hurt that the company put demos into the hands of several of the most visible speakers (including Ross Kodner, Dan Coolidge, David Hambourger, Michael Jimmerson, and Sheryn Bruehl, who raved about the units during their packed "50 Gadgets in 50 Minutes" session).

BellSouth's new service includes a RIM 950 Wireless Handheld unit (from Research in Motion Ltd.); and Interactive Messaging PLUS (formerly known as BellSouth Interactive Paging), which allows users to communicate with each other in seconds. Users can receive notification that messages have been both delivered and read, says the San Diego company.

Beginning this summer, users will be able to add POP3 IMAP e-mail to the service package, explains BellSouth. This will allow them to pull e-mail, at pre-determined intervals, from existing ISP, Internet portal, or WEBmail accounts. Users also will be able to set up wireless POP3 service on a special page on the BellSouth Wireless Data Web site.

"Corporate E-mail" will allow users to Microsoft Exchange. BellSouth also is partnering with third parties to offer online options such as stock trading.

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Mail Service

ZixMail Can Encrypt

ZIXIT Corp., of Dallas, has officially launched its flagship product, ZixMail, a secure document delivery, private e-mail and message tracking service. Users can receive encrypted and digitally signed communications, using existing e-mail systems and addresses, the company explains.

ZixMail is compatible with most e-mail systems, (Web-based or proprietary), including AOL, Yahoo, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Netscape Communicator, and MSN Hotmail, among others.

ZixMail's secure data center can store and distribute encryption codes for every e-mail address in the world and can process 4 million messages per hour, the company claims.

ZIXIT also announced that it had received a committment from a group of investors headed by H. Wayne Huizenga, who have pledged to invest at least $20 million.

Huizenga will become vice chair of the company's board. The company also is developing ZixCharge, a shopping portal and Internet payment authorization system.

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