ATLANTA, June 8, 1999 — Today at SUPERCOMM ’99, Microsoft President Steve Ballmer announced the company’s vision for unified messaging, a plan to provide knowledge workers with “anytime, anywhere” access to critical business information. In his keynote address to more than 1,500 telecom industry leaders, Ballmer explained how Microsoft is using its Windows 2000, Windows NT and Windows CE operating systems, along with the Microsoft Exchange Server, to build a strong messaging platform that is seamlessly integrated and simple to manage.
“Customers want access to all types of business-critical communications any time, anywhere,” Ballmer said. “Today we’re outlining a Microsoft vision for unifying the voice and data worlds to make knowledge workers more productive and enable companies to innovate more quickly and compete more effectively.”
Ballmer outlined the increased communications support in Microsoft’s Windows family of operating systems, noting that several industry leaders — including Lucent Technologies, Nortel Networks and Active Voice — are developing unified messaging solutions on the Microsoft platform. He also previewed the next release of Microsoft Exchange Server, code-named “Platinum,” that significantly broadens support for all types of data, providing easy access to email, voice mail, fax and page messages — even Web content and applications — from a single inbox.
Also at SUPERCOMM, Microsoft and Sprint announced an integrated suite of communications solutions for small businesses; the two companies will offer a complete hardware and software package, which uses Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server and Sprint’s BusinessFlex services to provide smaller companies with advanced, sophisticated and affordable communications and networking capabilities. In addition, Microsoft joined several solution providers, including Cisco Systems, Inc. and Compaq Computer Corp. to demonstrate a live, next-generation model network that provides unprecedented customer self-service and reliability.
EDITORS’ NOTE, December 30, 2004
— This page has been revised since original publication.
