Standard Register's ExpeData Digital Solutions group has announced a pre-release of a digital signature capability for BlackBerry.

The technology won't be sold directly to Blackberry subscribers, but will be marketed to  BlackBerry Independent Software Vendors  as a toolkit that can easily be integrated into their BlackBerry-based applications.

The ExpeData toolkit  will contain a Logitech Bluetooth pen (as shown on the right) and pocket- sized digital paper pad, capable of signature capture.

Standard Register and Blackberry say that Images of the signature would then be viewable on the BlackBerry screen and a record of the date stamp and time stamp associated with the signature available to third-party BlackBerry application providers.

"As an example, field service personnel can deliver goods or services as they normally would. Through an application for BlackBerry, such as a workforce management application enabled with the ExpeData Digital Solution, the data for the transaction may be captured along with a handwritten signature," the companies said. "The ExpeData digital signature is captured via a Logitech Bluetooth pen and automatically correlates to the appropriate work order transaction. The information can then be routed wirelessly."

The companies added that the signature would also be viewable on the BlackBerry screen for verification.

The solution will be shown at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium this week. No exact pricing or release date yet, but it is fair to assume that application providers are already in th loop.