PC firmware maker Phoenix Technologies has announced an expanded version of its Firstware Assistant tool that now lets laptop users access email as well as calendar and contact information, all without having to boot into Windows.

The updated Firstware Assistant, available now for hardware vendors to install on laptop models, is an application designed to run under Phoenix's Core Managed Environment (CME). Introduced last year, CME is a self-contained environment that extends the abilities of the Phoenix Bios firmware with emergency tools and other facilities for use in the event of a system failure that prevents Windows from starting.

Firstware Assistant, which was launched last year, already offered access to the personal information management (PIM) data in Outlook, but users can now access emails as well, according to Phoenix.

"FirstWare Assistant with email support is another key step toward truly secure, convenient access to business-critical information for mobile professionals," said Phoenix Technologies' Michael Goldgof.

Another benefit of the application is that laptop users can quickly look up a contact or other information from Outlook without a lengthy wait for Windows to load. It effectively turns the laptop into a read-only PDA, so there is no need to purchase a separate device. Users just push a button or hot key on start-up for instant access to their Microsoft Outlook email and PIM data, Phoenix said.

Access to email and PIM data is currently read-only, but Phoenix plans to extend capabilities so users will also be able to create and send emails.