STOCKHOLM, Sweden, and MUNICH, Germany, Nov. 6, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. and Compaq Computer Corp. today announced they would extend their long history of collaboration to deliver next-generation software, hardware and services to mobile network operators and enterprise customers. The successful collaborating companies will work together on the marketing and selling of Microsoft’s mobile Internet services and software ready-loaded on Compaq’s ProLiant servers, extending the functionality of the award-winning iPAQ Pocket PC.
The announcement marks an advancement in delivering mobile data services — such as the Microsoft® Exchange-based calendar, contacts, personalized Web content and rich multimedia content ¾ to the consumer, and brings any time, any place communication one step closer.
Microsoft and Compaq have been working closely on the commercial rollout of solutions based on Microsoft’s Internet Cellular Smart Access (ICSA) platform to mobile network operators around the world. ICSA is Microsoft’s platform for delivering value-added subscriber services, including optimized mobile e-mail. Today’s announcement builds on this collaboration, in which the companies will be working with customers on a beta trial of Microsoft’s recently announced Microsoft Mobile Information 2001 Server, around which Compaq’s Global Services is building a professional practice.
Compaq’s product range of mobile Internet devices including the iPAQ Pocket PC, its understanding of client computing, and its reputation with mobile network operators and enterprise customers worldwide powerfully positions it as a preferred partner to help deliver on the promise of the wireless revolution.
“The proven Compaq-Microsoft formula now boasts an easy way for customers to wirelessly enable their existing IT infrastructure and put it in their customers’ hands, adding business value,”
said Paul Gross, senior vice president of the Mobility Group at Microsoft.
“Mobile Information 2001 Server is a logical extension to the Compaq-Microsoft collaboration to meet the needs of our customers.”
“Our latest collaboration with Microsoft, announced today, extends our existing working relationship by enabling the two companies to focus on new strategic market opportunities together,”
said Kasper Rorsted, vice president and general manager of the Enterprise Business Group for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Compaq.
”
This is a major stride forward in the deployment of next-generation mobile Internet solutions. Compaq has the end-to-end capability ¾ from handheld devices to infrastructure ¾and the experience to bring mobility to the enterprise, mobile network operators and service providers as well as a clear vision of how to apply this technology to solve the business challenges of tomorrow.”
About Compaq
Compaq Computer Corp., a Fortune Global 100 company, is the largest supplier of computing systems in the world. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets hardware, software, solutions and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs.
Compaq products and services are sold in more than 200 countries directly to businesses, through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners, and directly to businesses and consumers through Compaq’s e-commerce Web site at http://www.compaq.com/ . Compaq markets its products and services primarily to customers from the business, home, government and education sectors. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products and services are available at http://www.compaq.com/ .
About Microsoft Mobile Information Server
Mobile Information 2001 Server (previously code-named
“Airstream”
), a new addition to the Microsoft .NET server family, is a scalable and reliable mobile applications server aimed at providing corporations, mobile network operators, application service providers (ASPs) and developers with a rich platform for securely delivering and developing real-time mobile data services for mobile devices. More information can be found at the Mobile Information Server Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/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.
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