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What kind of enhancements does Windows Mobile 5.0 offer its stakeholders?
The platform offers updates that make device users more productive when working away from the desktop. These include Microsoft Office software for Windows Mobile, persistent storage, faster access to e-mail, ActiveSync 4.0+ support, etc on the security front. It is also compliant with the FIPS 140-2 standard.
Windows Mobile 5.0 includes Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, supports technologies such as hard drives and Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, and enables improved media content organization. It also includes numerous enhancements that allow device manufacturers, developers and end users to customize the Windows Mobile user experience, add new functionalities to specific devices, and develop new applications.
What are the security features?
The combination of Windows Mobile and Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2 offers security features such as data protection, password protection, remote and local wipe. Information transmitted between Exchange 2003 and Windows Mobile 5.0 with MSFP is SSL encrypted, and this direct connection ensures a higher level of security than solutions using a middleware email server as the data is not being routed through additional servers or a centralized network operations center (NOC) somewhere in the world.
Additionally, enterprises that require further customization can work with OEMs and mobile operator partners to lock the devices.
What partnerships is Microsoft seeking in India?
We're currently working with 47 device makers and 115 mobile operators in 55 countries, and are definitely keen to build strong relationships in India. An example of this is our recent announcement of a strategic marketing alliance with Bharti Airtel to launch Windows Mobile 5.0, for the first time in India. We have also tied up with HP and iMate to create the form factors on which this solution would be made available. As businesses and users see the benefits of staying connected, and enjoy access to information any time, anywhere, these partnerships will put us in a stronger position to deliver value to customers in India.
What kind of adoption is being seen worldwide?
Tremendous. Licenses for Windows Mobile-powered devices grew at 90% overall for FY '06 and 95% in Q4. We recorded a y-o-y growth in excess of 40% for the fifth consecutive quarter and achieved fiscal year operating profitability for the first time in FY '06. We now have 47 device makers actively shipping Windows Mobile-powered devices to business customers through 115 mobile operators in 55 countries. There are more than 100 different Windows Mobile-powered devices available worldwide.
Are Indian companies technologically geared up to utilize this service?
Exchange Server 2003 has a dominant market share in India and all Windows Mobile devices can communicate directly with Exchange Server 2003 without additional servers or middleware, thereby saving time and cost for enterprises to adopt mobile messaging. Microsoft's messaging solution provides a unified device and server platform, which delivers a lower TCO and greater scalability. This combination provides a comprehensive mobile experience that moves beyond email-from the server to the desktop to the device.
In cases where an enterprise does not have an Exchange Server 2003, Windows Mobile 5.0 can still be adopted by the mobile workforce if the enterprise has licensed a Small Business Server.
Pragati Simlote
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