HANNOVER, Germany, March 13, 2002 — At the CeBIT 2002 technology fair, Steve Ballmer, president and CEO of Microsoft Corp., highlighted Microsoft’s continued momentum in enabling the wireless ecosystem by announcing that Microsoft’s new Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition software will be commercially available on mmO2’s xda Pocket PC device across all of mmO2’s European territories starting in May 2002. In addition, Fujitsu Siemens Computers joined the growing number of Pocket PC OEMs already supporting Microsoft’s Pocket PC 2002 software platform by launching the PocketLOOX, which features modular GSM/GPRS wireless connectivity and expandability features.
At a news conference, Ballmer described the importance of mobility’s role in Microsoft’s overall .NET vision as well as the importance of industry partnerships in delivering on the promise of the wireless ecosystem.
“Unlocking the promise of wireless data is a collaborative effort that involves companies such as mmO2 and Fujitsu-Siemens that share the vision of delivering rich data and voice services to customers around the world — any time, any where and on any device,” Ballmer said. “With technologies such as Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition, we are providing a software platform that enables device manufacturers to combine the best of the PDA with integrated wireless voice and data capabilities
Delivering .NET Services
On Monday, Microsoft announced plans with Deutsche Telekom, Europe’s largest telecommunications company, to adopt the Microsoft .NET Platform, .NET Tools and .NET Enterprise Servers to create a groundbreaking new platform to deliver DT Web services, new wireless solutions, and the availability of a T-Mobile branded device based on Pocket PC 2002 software.
Windows Powered Mobile Devices
Microsoft Windows®
Powered devices are critical components of Microsoft’s end-to-end mobility strategy because smart devices are needed to unlock the power of 2.5G and 3G networks. Recent announcements that demonstrate Microsoft’s leadership in developing mobile devices include these:
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Microsoft-Intel Mobile Initiative for Next-Generation Wireless Devices. Intel Corp. and Microsoft have announced that they have entered into a comprehensive alliance to develop cutting-edge reference designs for devices powered by Microsoft’s Smartphone and Pocket PC software.
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Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition. At the 3GSM World Congress 2002, Microsoft announced the release to manufacturing of Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition, the software platform that enables device manufacturers to combine the best of the PDA with integrated wireless voice and data capabilities. In addition, mmO2 announced commercial availability of the xda Pocket PC device, bringing the first integrated wireless Pocket PCs using Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition software to market.
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Smartphone 2002. Microsoft and Texas Instruments Inc. announced the Smartphone 2002 joint software and hardware reference design that enables operators, original design manufacturers and OEMs to bring Smartphone 2002 devices to market quickly and efficiently. Compal Electronics Inc. announced plans to immediately license and build Smartphone devices using this reference design.
Pocket PC Travels to CeBIT
Microsoft and Deutsche Bahn have worked together to equip special coaches on the high-speed ICE train from Nuremberg to Hannover with wireless-enabled Compaq iPAQ 3850 Pocket PCs. Passengers can access train schedules, news, weather and a complete plan of the CeBIT site. This project is an example of the type of compelling personal services that Microsoft and its partners are developing to enable information access, any time, anywhere and on any device.
Developer Tools
At last month’s 3GSM World Congress, Microsoft announced the availability of the Pocket PC 2002 Software Developers Kit (SDK) with Phone Edition support and delivered the Smartphone 2002 beta SDK so that developers can start building applications and realising the benefits of smart, connected devices. The SDK, which is used with eMbedded Visual Tools, includes an emulation environment that allows code to be effectively written and tested on a PC without a device.
Mobility Developer Conference
Microsoft and industry partners are experiencing a surge of momentum in the development of mobile solutions. To further accelerate this evolution, Microsoft is holding its first Mobility Developer Conference in London, April 17 and 18. Developers from across the globe will be meeting with senior technical experts from Microsoft’s development teams to sharpen their skills and learn about the latest developer solutions for wireless devices and platforms. More information and early bird registration is available at http://www.microsoft.com/europe/mobdevcon/ .
Microsoft at CeBIT 2002
The Microsoft exhibit stand at CeBIT will be A38 in Hall 4. Microsoft will hold a press conference on Wednesday, March 13, at which Steve Ballmer will discuss the role of mobility in Microsoft’s .NET Vision. The conference is at 10 a.m. CET in Hall 1, Paris/Brussels Room.
About Microsoft
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