CTIA Wireless 2008

Microsoft Announces Availability of WM 6.1 and MDM Server, Targeting Mid-to-Large Enterprises

| Apr 3, 2008 | Enterprise Mobility - U.S. | Show Update

| Analysts: Kitty Weldon , Rolf Schonhowd

Current Perspective: Positive Vendor Importance: High Market Impact: High

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Event Summary

April 1, 2008 -- Microsoft announced immediate availability of System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 and Windows Mobile 6.1, with plans for a Microsoft Mobile Services Plan (MMSP) to be available from mobile operators worldwide. The software is targeted at midsize and large businesses to manage and help protect Windows Mobile phones. Operators AT&T, O2, Orange, Tata Teleservices, and Verizon Wireless announced they are in discussions with Microsoft to deliver the Microsoft Mobile Services Plan.

Analytical Summary

• Current Perspective: Positive on the availability of Microsoft’s new enterprise platform consisting of MDM Server, and the Windows Mobile 6.1 update, as they will provide businesses with significantly enhanced features for device management, usability, and security. As a result, Microsoft will be in a much stronger position to support the deployment of sophisticated mobile line-of-business applications, which require robust IT device and policy management capabilities. Microsoft is also positioning its newly available platform to be offered as an enterprise service by key operators with its Mobile Services Plan, which packages software rights and application support.

• Vendor Importance: High to Microsoft, because WM 6.1 and MDM Server are the complementary client and server components that are key to its more aggressive push into large enterprise accounts. The solution will also make the company more competitive with key rivals RIM and Nokia. In addition to device management and security, WM 6.1 also provides improvements in browsing, set-up, organizational and productivity tools, messaging, and the overall user interface and comes armed with an expanded set of business applications.

• Market Impact: High on the enterprise mobility market, because Microsoft had long lagged rivals in device management and security, but it had become a significant player nonetheless due to its expansive device line-up through OEMs and its tie-in with other Microsoft applications, management tools, and development platforms. MDM Server in conjunction with Windows Mobile 6.1, although requiring a separate behind-the-firewall server, will become a platform of choice for many business customers.

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Current Perspective

Competitive Positives and Concerns

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