Microsoft, BellSouth Wireless Data Team to Enable Windows CE for Two-Way Wireless Data
WOODBRIDGE, N.J., May 12, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. and BellSouth Wireless Data have entered into a strategic agreement through which BellSouth will assist Microsoft in wirelessly enabling future Microsoft® Windows® CE operating system-based applications for use with the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network SM .
With the agreement, BellSouth Wireless Data is one of the first nationwide two-way wireless data service providers to work with Microsoft to wirelessly enable the full range of Windows CE operating systems and Microsoft Windows CE-based applications.
Microsoft and BellSouth Wireless Data, formerly RAM Mobile Data, will develop a joint strategy to address marketing, sales and distribution opportunities for a variety of BellSouth Wireless Data-enabled Windows CE-based solutions. The two companies will also develop training programs for customers, applications developers and integrators to assist them in building BellSouth Wireless Data-enabled two-way wireless data solutions for Windows CE.
“BellSouth Wireless Data’s expertise and experience in providing proven wireless data communications solutions makes it the right choice for Microsoft in this exciting endeavor,”
said Harel Kodesh, general manager of the consumer appliance group at Microsoft.
“The strength, intelligence and maturity of its network provide us with a powerful tool as we create wireless applications for Windows CE.”
“We’re proud that Microsoft has selected BellSouth Wireless Data to bring two-way wireless capabilities to its millions of customers at price levels that will make it attractive for more companies to deploy enterprisewide solutions,”
said William F. Lenahan, president and CEO of BellSouth Wireless Data.
”
This is the start of an explosion that will propel wireless data communication across broad horizontal markets.
“Microsoft recognizes the value of our ability through the Intelligent Wireless Network to provide its customers with near-real-time secure communications, seamless nationwide roaming and the most effective battery-saving protocol available today,”
Lenahan said.
“Microsoft customers will be always on, connected and interactive with the industry’s best in-building and mobile coverage.”
The BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network combines the power of its core Mobitex network with its ability to connect with other complementary networks and offer multiple host connectivity options, providing the most advanced and robust wireless data communications service available today. Intelligent Wireless Network connections with complementary networks – including satellite, circuit-switched cellular and the public-switched communications network – allow companies to cover 100 percent of their mobile work forces in the United States.
BellSouth Wireless Data has been closely aligned with Microsoft since Windows CE was introduced at COMDEX/Fall 1996 when Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates demonstrated the operating platform’s wireless data capabilities on the BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network. Last fall, BellSouth worked with Microsoft to familiarize programmers with applications development for the Windows CE platform via 250,000 compact discs that were distributed in conjunction with COMDEX.
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.
About BellSouth Wireless Data
BellSouth Wireless Data, L.P, headquartered in Woodbridge, N.J., is an expert in providing proven wireless data communications solutions that eliminate the barriers between critical information and mobile users. The company, a winner of the prestigious Sears Innovation Source of the Year and Partners in Progress awards for 1997, delivers a competitive advantage and increases personal productivity for aggressive, innovative companies and individuals leveraging communications technologies to meet their strategic goals. BellSouth Wireless Data operates its wireless data service throughout the United States, covering more than 93 percent of the urban business population located in 266 metropolitan areas with a total population of
200 million people.
BellSouth Wireless Data is a subsidiary of BellSouth Corp., which provides telecommunications, wireless communications, directory advertising and publishing, video, Internet and information services to nearly 30 million customers in 20 countries worldwide. Contact BellSouth Wireless Data via e-mail at [email protected] or visit its Web site at (http://www.bellsouthwd.com) /.
Microsoft 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.
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.
