Blackberries. They're everywhere. Word on the street is that some in Washington even call the devices "crackberries," alluding to their addictive nature.

Thanks to software vendor Pyxis, the devices might just be even more essential for fund firms and their wholesalers. The Waltham, Massachusetts-based vendor's sales software product, called mWholesaler, is used in conjunction with a Blackberry and seems to be taking off with fund firms.

Wachovia unit Evergreen Investments recently signed with the vendor. Evergreen's wholesalers can now access "live" sales data, including client and product information, via their wireless devices.

Additionally, "our management team can use mWholesaler to view rep reports and planning logistics," stated Maryann Bruce, president of retail and high net worth distribution and marketing for Evergreen.

PIMCO, Putnam and AIM Investments have also implemented the product, said T.L. Neff, director of consulting services at Pyxis.

Although Blackberries seem to be more popular with wholesalers, the product can also run on PocketPCs, said Neff.

Neff estimated that rollout for the product is six weeks. 

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