We are using Microsoft ActiveSync to provide network access to Pocket PCs. We do not use the synchronize features.

I would be interested in an alternative product that provides just the network portion or some information on how I might create such a utility.

You can look into Mark/Space products (though I suspect they are for Mac OS only since AS is available for PCs for free).

Another way to go would be to use native Pocket PC networking capabilities by adding wired or wireless network adapter to device. No software on desktop would be needed in that case.