REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 14, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. and British Telecommunications PLC (BT) today announced a worldwide agreement to develop new Internet services and products that will enable consumers to access rich, interactive content on a wide variety of new and existing mobile devices. Specifically, the companies will do the following:
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Develop a mobile, multimedia-enabled portal based on the Microsoft MSN TM Mobile service, which will allow customers to display and access engaging, interactive mobile services on handheld wireless devices
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Develop a new generation of wireless handsets based on the Microsoft® Windows® CE operating system that will enable access to new multimedia content and games and other services that fully exploit the power of BT’s current and next-generation mobile networks
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Establish an open industry forum based on Internet standards to encourage the development of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and third-generation mobile Internet applications
These new offerings will help accelerate the deployment of second- and third-generation mobile services that will result in many new and exciting services with broad consumer appeal.
Both companies will commit substantial resources to the project in the belief that the market for mobile multimedia products and services represents a significant business opportunity.
“Mobility is a key component of Microsoft’s vision, and we are excited about working with a world-class network provider like BT to make that vision a reality,”
said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corp.
“Microsoft’s platforms and services combined with BT’s mobile networks will enable users to access rich, interactive information any time, anywhere and on any device.”
“By deepening our relationship with Microsoft, we believe we can create world-class capabilities for our customers,”
said Sir Peter Bonfield, BT’s chief executive.
“Mobile multimedia is a fantastic growth market.”
In February the two companies first announced their intention to join together to develop corporate data services for mobile customers worldwide; initial trials of the wireless Internet services were announced Oct. 6.
About BT
British Telecommunications PLC is one of the world’s leading providers of telecommunications services. With a market capitalization in excess of 60 billion, it is one of the largest private sector companies in Europe. Its principal activity is the supply of local, long-distance and international telecommunications services and equipment in the United Kingdom, serving 27 million exchange lines. International direct-dialed telephone service is available to more than 200 countries and other overseas territories, covering 99 percent of the world’s 800 million telephones.
BT is expanding its presence overseas rapidly and has operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, with joint ventures in the Irish Republic, France, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and India.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, MSN and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Inquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Corporate Newsroom, +171 356 5369 (24-hour number).
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. All BT corporate news releases can be accessed at its Web site, http://www.bt.com/ .
