Microsoft announced plans to squeeze the juice out of Blackberry when Steve Ballmer presented Windows Mobile 5.0. The new OS provides a number of new features for the handheld market and promises to hit companies like Research In Motion (RIM) and Good Technologies below the keypad.
Ballmer discussed the messaging and security feature pack in this Mobile will contain “direct push technology.” This will keep Outlook Mobile running smoothly and currently and by tapping Microsoft’s Exchange Server. According to Microsoft, this will help keep companies from incurring additional costs.
The new Mobile will also allow users to send Office files like PowerPoint and Excel quickly and more easily and this is Microsoft’s latest attempt to stymie competition by offering free products. This direct push rattles companies because it goes directly into their market area.
As the new system picks up, companies TMobile and HP suggest they will be on board for the new program.
“Successfully addressing the mobility demands of today’s business market requires a combination of powerful networks, breadth and choice of applications, and clear answers to business issues of security, return on investment and systems integration,” said Vish Sowani, vice president, International Business Marketing at T-Mobile.
“The Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0 complements T-Mobile’s successful Office in your Pocket’ suite of Microsoft-based solutions with a compelling messaging product that addresses these critical business needs while delivering mobile professionals much more than simple mobile e-mail. In alliance with Microsoft, we have an opportunity to strengthen our business customer portfolio and deliver another very powerful mobile business solution.”
As Murdok writer David Utter mentioned earlier, Microsoft has done things like this before. They start throwing out free stuff to win the market share and they own it.
Microsoft was taken to court in the United States but due to inept behavior by the judge in federal court, their monopoly suit conviction was thrown out. They continue to face problems in the EU although some sources say they are resolving the problems. One wonders if RIM and Good Technology will have grounds to go after Microsoft on this one.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
