Microsoft and Vodafone to extend joint venture

Microsoft and Vodafone are working in a close partnership to market Windows Mobile-based business solutions. The first joint project is mobile messaging solutions with the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. Business customers can enjoy a direct push e-mail service so that they can get all their data synchronised directly from Outlook to their mobile terminal when on the move. The service is geared to small and medium-sized businesses and large enterprises. Vodafone also offers a Managed Exchange solution for organisations that don’t have their own IT infrastructure.

In March 2006, Vodafone deployed a range of Windows Mobile 5.0-powered devices for Windows Mobile Email – and it is being continually extended. Windows Mobile Email uses Microsoft Direct Push technology to provide employees with almost real-time access to e-mails, appointment schedules, address books etc.

Vodafone and Microsoft’s mobile messaging solutions address two market segments: “Vodafone ManagedExchange” is designed for small and medium-sized businesses without their own Microsoft Exchange Server or in-depth IT expertise. These businesses can profit from the advantages of Windows Mobile Email in conjunction with the Vodafone ManagedExchange for upwards of EUR 9.70 per month. “Vodafone Windows Mobile Email” is ideal for enterprises with their own exchange infrastructure.

Vodafone ManagedExchange enables access to all e-mails, contacts, tasks and appointments via office PC, notebook or mobile terminal. Installation and administration are included in the monthly flatrate, which means that Vodafone customers don’t need to worry about any technical aspects or have to assign staff to technical support. The mobile devices have user-friendly interfaces in a format that anyone familiar with Microsoft Office will recognise. This eliminates the need for employee training.

Vodafone’s Windows Mobile Email gives employees access to Outlook data at all times via the Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. This offer comes with the Email Connect Fair Flat Tariff for a 100 MB data volume at a monthly flatrate of EUR 23.30. A roaming option can also be booked in addition to the data tariff so that users can access company data via mobile terminals when travelling in other countries. Further services and tools, such as a navigation program, are currently being discussed.

The Microsoft and Vodafone partnership will also extend to the marketing of Windows Mobile-based business solutions in the future. These services will target medium-sized businesses and large enterprises which use Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. The two companies are also planning to bring in new partners.

Tags: Microsoft, Operators, Vodafone

This entry was posted on July 10th, 2006 and is filed under Brands. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or Trackback from your own site.