REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 10, 2003 — Microsoft Corp. today recognized the success of Microsoft®
Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC) members, systems integrators and independent software vendors that deliver innovative services and applications on the Windows Mobile (TM) software platform. Pharos Science & Applications Inc., Pointsec Mobile Technologies AB, HP Services, Synchrologic Inc. and other MPAC partners are realizing significant success in the emerging wireless industry. Eighty-two percent of MPAC partners recently expressed their satisfaction with the program by renewing their annual membership.
“Microsoft formed MPAC to bring together industry-leading companies that are creating innovative and unique mobile technologies, applications and services on the Windows Mobile platform to transform the way business is conducted and empower individuals to be more productive,” said Clark Butler, group marketing manager in the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft. “Our partners — such as Accenture, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, FieldCentrix Inc., Handmark Inc., Ilium Software Inc. and others — are achieving great success by helping enable individuals to connect with people and information when they are on the go.”
“The offerings in MPAC, from PR support to technical assistance to regular networking meetings, go above and beyond in terms of the value they provide for Pharos’ business,” said James Oyang, Ph.D., president and founder of Pharos Science and Applications. “Sales of our products — Pocket GPS Navigator, Ostia and Smart Navigator — have doubled as a direct result of the joint go-to-market campaigns and the technical support we’ve received since joining MPAC.”
Partner Satisfaction High
Overall member satisfaction with the program remains high. Eighty-two percent of the partners renewed their annual membership — an all-time high. A wide range of new partners, many from new areas of the mobility industry, have joined the council, including Brightpoint Inc., Dangaard Telecom A/S, EDS and Fujitsu Services. This indicates ongoing support for and investment in the Microsoft Windows Mobile platform.
“MPAC’s offerings, particularly in the technical support area, have been highly valuable in helping us quickly solve problems as we experience them,” said Ari Backholm, executive vice president of Smartner Information Systems, a provider of software solutions that allow mobile professionals to stay productive while out of the office. “This offering, as well as the marketing and sales engagement benefits, has given Smartner a huge competitive advantage in this industry, which is invaluable for our company.”
Pharos GPS
Pharos, a maker of personal, portable, global positioning system (GPS) and navigation systems, has seen tremendous growth in its business since joining MPAC at its inception in February 2002. Marketing and PR programs and other support provided by the program also allowed this spring’s launch of Pharos’ Smart Navigator product, the first GPS navigation application that integrates real-time traffic and dynamic point-of-interest (POI) information for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs. The company also obtained Windows Mobile certification for Smart Traffic, a real-time traffic information application for Windows Mobile-based Smartphones.
HP Services
HP Services, a leading provider of Microsoft-focused mobility solutions for enterprises of all sizes, also has seen tremendous success as a result of its membership in MPAC. During this fall’s Mobile & Wireless Road Show, HP and Microsoft delivered information to their mutual customers in 10 cities across the United States on implementing wireless solutions that offer low-risk, proven performance and compatibility with existing and emerging industry standards. As part of the free road show, Extended Systems and XcelleNet Inc., also MPAC members, participated in panels to discuss the mobility solutions they offer to enterprises looking to deploy mobile solutions.
“Through our collaboration with Microsoft, HP hit a home run with customers looking to implement wireless and mobility solutions into their enterprises,” said Richard Stone, wireless and mobility solutions manager at HP. “This tour reached a huge number of our mutual customers, which in turn is furthering the success of our HP iPAQ devices with Windows Mobile software for Pocket PCs.”
“MPAC not only provides Pointsec Mobile Technologies with a broad view of the Microsoft mobile operating system strategy, it enables us to establish close working relationships with the full Microsoft team — executives, product managers, and marketing, sales and support personnel — so we can be successful, effective partners,” said John Muir, vice president of corporate development at Pointsec Mobile Technologies, a provider of security solutions for mobile devices in the enterprise. “We’ve also discovered that the MPAC format fosters important business relationships with other participating companies through regular networking activities such as the quarterly meetings.”
About MPAC
The Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC) is an invitation-only program developed by Microsoft to empower top partners to create software solutions for Windows Mobile-based devices by providing them with the tools and programs they need to be innovative and successful. Member companies share ideas and exchange feedback with Microsoft aimed at enhancing the success of their products and services built on the Windows Mobile software platform. As part of their membership in the program, MPAC partners participate in quarterly networking meetings and engage with sales representatives on an ongoing basis, and receive dedicated technical support and access to exclusive marketing programs that help them discover new opportunities in the wireless industry. More information on the MPAC program and its partners is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/providers/default.mspx, Click here to access this page .
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 Windows Mobile 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.
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