New mobile software runs Palm, Windows & Linux applications.

Intramedia, a Singapore startup founded by the two 22 year old programers; R. Chandrasekar and Sam Hon Kong Lum, have announced the forthcoming debut of their new Operating System, MXI (Motion eXperience Interface). MXI has been under development for the past 4 years and is scheduled to be released by the end of the year, said Gane Ramachandra, Intramedia's vice president of strategy and operations.

MXI is an operating system that utilizes a thin-client computing solution. Actually, server-centric computing may be a more precise expression to describe this kind of architecture. The idea behind thin-client computing is simple: centralize computing power, storage, applications, and data on "servers" (powerful computers) and provide users with an inexpensive "client" device (PDA) running the software capable of accessing the powerful software on the server.

The MXI client (a PDA for example, but it could also be a cellphone) connects to the server through a wireless connection to process applications, access files, print, and perform services available to ordinary computers. The advantages are many: lower technology costs, reliable computing, easy-to-use devices, low maintenance needs, and secure data. And, in the case of MXI, the ability to run any software anywhere.

Being format neutral, the MXI platform allows communication between applications. This enables the ability to “drag & drop” contents between different vendors applications such as Palm, Microsoft, Linux, Java, etc. In fact, Intramedia recently demonstrated an iPaq running desktop versions of Word, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer. The same iPaq was also running a Pac-Man game for the Atari OS and a Linux version of StarOffice.

A MXI powered PDA is capable of performing interim functions (calculations, editing) on the device, however when you want to save the changes/information the PDA connects to the server and saves your work on the server.

This system of establishing a connection on demand reduces MXI’s bandwidth requirements, so a 28.8 Kbps modem could be used, Chandrasekar said. This means that a handheld with a GPRS or other 2.5G connection can run MXI, while handhelds on faster 3G, 802.11x or Bluetooth networks will enjoy even better responsiveness, he added.

Benefits for Healthcare

There will be no immediate benefits to the individual "gadget enthusiast" (and that's most of us right now), because the company still needs to establish mass market wireless distribution channels. But for the clinics and institutions who are already well on the way to integrating 802.11x and Bluetooth in to their IT solutions the potential benefits are many. Imagine accessing any document, information or data set written for any OS that currently resides in the institution's IMS at the point of care. And yes, the iPaq enthusiasts could even be accessing ePocrates at some time in the future. :-)