Promoting Next-Generation Mobile System Development Based on Microsoft .NET Technologies
Microsoft Corp. and Big Bang System Corp. today announced a business alliance to provide enterprises with mobile solutions based on Microsoft .NET technologies. Big Bang System is already offering ExLook for Exchange, which enables access from mobile devices to the Microsoft Exchange Server client-server messaging and groupware. With this business alliance, a smooth migration path will be available from ExLook to Microsoft Mobile Information Server 2001 in future releases. The migration path will enable Japanese corporate users to immediately start the development of new-generation mobile systems based on Microsoft .NET technologies.
Microsoft will work with Big Bang System to promote mobile solutions based on the integration of ExLook, with its solid installed base among Japanese corporations, and Exchange Server, with a goal of adding 500 corporate customers in 2001. Microsoft Japan is also scheduled to open a Mobile Solutions Plaza in its Tokyo Message Plaza in February 2001, aimed at providing an environment in which users can gain hands-on access to mobile solutions.
“From the start we felt there would be needs in mobile solutions based on Microsoft’s technologies and as a result released ExLook as a first step into the market,” said Toshihiko Kurosawa, president of Big Bang System. “ExLook has received excellent feedback from our customers and boasts a large installed base among big corporations. Our forecast indicates that mobile communication technologies and standards will continue to speed up after IMT-2000 (the International Mobile Telecommunications by the year 2000 project) is adopted, and we believe that the need for open technologies from Microsoft will become even stronger. This business alliance, I believe, will satisfy a growing need and provide a better mobile environment to our customers.”
Microsoft will also work with Big Bang System to provide support to enterprises for implementation of mobile solutions based on the .NET platform. This will enable easy access from a variety of mobile devices to a vast array of corporate data, expand the business territories of corporations and increase corporate agility to respond to changing needs. Big Bang System plans to expand its consulting and training services to share its accumulated know-how and to provide support for smooth implementation of mobile systems.
Moving forward, Big Bang System and Microsoft plan to provide solutions for migrating from ExLook to Mobile Information Server to enable even greater security, scalability, reliability and manageability. To provide comprehensive solutions for Japan’s mobile marketplace based on Microsoft .NET strategies, Microsoft today also announced the opening of the Microsoft Mobility Solution Center (MSC) for Japan. This MSC is one of four regional mobility centers that Microsoft is establishing worldwide to conduct sales, marketing and solutions development activities focused on mobile solutions. The mission of the regional MSCs is to provide comprehensive support to users, corporations, partners and mobile communication operators.
The alliance will also allow Big Bang System and Microsoft to develop applications and add-ons uniquely suited for Japan based on Mobile Information Server. The applications or add-ons will provide access not only to Exchange Server but also to other corporate systems from mobile devices. Currently, the following applications are planned:
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E-commerce solutions providing interoperability with the Microsoft Commerce Server and the Biztalk™
Server products -
Template collections supporting mobile devices on Exchange Server
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Group scheduling solutions supporting mobile devices
“We value Big Bang System’s comprehensive understanding of Japan’s mobile marketplace through ExLook and its other product developments,” said Akihiro Oba, director of the Mobility Solution Center at Microsoft. “Also, we are pleased with Big Bang System’s commitment to Microsoft products and technologies, which is reflected by its recent receipt of the Microsoft Certified Solution Provider/LAR Award. We believe that this alliance will accelerate our ability to deliver mobile solutions in Japan that meet user needs and contribute to corporate agility by combining the excellence of both companies.”
About ExLook for Exchange
ExLook enables mobile devices to access and manipulate e-mail, schedules, appointments, tasks and other information stored on Exchange Server. ExLook supports i-mode, EZweb, J-SKY, and H” LINK. Detailed information on Exlook can be found at http://www.bbsystem.co.jp/products/exlook/exlook.html/ .
About Big Bang System
Founded in November 1988, Big Bang System is aimed at all businesses related to computer systems and software planning, design, development, sale and education. Its main fields include trust system development, proposals and developments for end users’ infrastructure systems. Recent further fields include developments and sales of Internet products and wireless device products.
“ExLook for Exchange,” a product of BWT (BBSystem WebRoad Technology), has the No. 1 share of Japan’s mobile phone-Microsoft Exchange Server gateware market.
About Microsoft Mobile Information Server 2001
Mobile Information Server 2001 is a new platform product that extends the reach of Microsoft .NET applications, enterprise data and intranet content into the realm of the mobile user. Mobile Information Server, which will be available in the first half of 2001 in the United States and Europe, will bring the power of the corporate intranet to the latest generation of mobile devices so users can securely access their e-mail, contacts, calendar, tasks or any intranet line-of-business application in real time, wherever they happen to be.
Detailed information on Mobile Information Server can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/servers/miserver/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft and BizTalk are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For detailed information on Microsoft:
Microsoft Co. Ltd.: http://www.microsoft.com/japan/
Microsoft Corp.: http://www.microsoft.com/
Microsoft Co. Ltd.: (03) 5454-8100 (fax-back information system)
