REDMOND, Wash., March 1, 2004 — Microsoft Corp. today celebrated the second anniversary of its Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC), a unique program developed by Microsoft to serve as both a feedback mechanism for Microsoft mobility platform development and to provide support and tools to companies making significant investments and inroads in the mobility space. Established in February 2002, MPAC is thriving with more than 70 partners. Over the past six months, program membership has increased 50 percent, with 28 new partners joining in January alone.
“The creation of Microsoft®
MPAC two years ago has been a great catalyst for driving better alignment around Cap Gemini Ernst & Young’s mobility business,” said Marv Whitson, solution director of Global Microsoft Mobility at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. “Because of MPAC, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young has developed global programs with Microsoft that have driven the adoption of enterprise mobility by helping our mutual clients realize the business value of deploying mobile solutions. MPAC has proven that Microsoft understands and caters to the needs of its individual partners, tailoring MPAC so that it meets the needs of all members — from ISVs to systems integrators like Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.”
“We created MPAC as an advisory council to give our top partners a forum in which to provide input into Windows Mobile (TM) platform development. What it has grown to over the past two years has exceeded our expectations,” said Clark Butler, group product manager for the Mobile Devices Partner Group at Microsoft. “MPAC partners have been instrumental in shaping the direction of Windows Mobile-based products, and we have seen a thriving Windows Mobile ecosystem form — as evidenced by the breadth of enterprise deployments our partners are securing, and the number of exciting consumer applications in the marketplace today built for Windows Mobile.”
MPAC Partners: Program Provides Significant Business Benefits
By providing opportunities designed to assist members in the deployment and marketing of Windows Mobile-based solutions for their customers, MPAC has helped its members achieve extraordinary growth in their businesses that in turn has spurred growth in the mobility industry. Recent deployments and successes from MPAC members include the following:
-
Over the next three years, TNT Express, a business-to-business express delivery company, plans to deploy to its drivers and warehouse operatives up to 24,000 Windows Mobile-based devices equipped with applications from Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. This constitutes the largest customer deployment of Windows Mobile-based devices by a European company to date. The mobile application will track all delivery and collection events in real time and dynamically send driving orders, which will increase productivity and save drivers time.
-
WellPoint Health Networks Inc. , the nation’s second largest health insurer, recently announced a technology initiative with Microsoft and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young to help physicians improve patient care, achieve greater efficiency and realize cost savings for America’s healthcare system. This initiative — the single largest deployment of Windows Mobile-based devices in the United States — will provide almost 19,000 contracting network physicians across the country with mobile technologies designed to enhance the quality of patient care, reduce administrative costs, and improve physician communications with patients and pharmacists.
-
Strategic Distribution Inc. , a supply chain service program provider, recently contracted Dexterra Inc. to help automate SDI’s ordering and inventory processes. Using the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework, Dexterra was able to create and deploy a solution to SDI in 30 days, quickly helping to refine and streamline processes for the customer and reducing time spent in inventory processes by as much as 40 percent.
Other offerings available to MPAC members include networking meetings, joint marketing activities with Microsoft and other members, close engagement with key Microsoft sales teams, and the opportunity to participate in early product beta tests, which allows member companies to provide input into the development of future mobile operating systems.
Recently, independent software developers Ilium Software Inc. and PhatWare Corp. — working closely with Handango Inc., a leading provider of downloadable mobile software — conducted a campaign designed to cross-promote each software company’s products. The promotion was a direct result of deals made during MPAC networking opportunities and resulted in increased product sales for all three companies.
“MPAC provides an excellent blend of technology and marketing updates from the Microsoft Mobile Devices Division, combined with the opportunity to meet with key executives from a variety of companies,” said Kenneth Morse, president and CEO of Ilium Software. “As a result of MPAC networking opportunities, we’ve been able to increase our sales through the deals we’ve made with various device manufacturers as well as other software companies like PhatWare and Handango.”
Twenty-Eight New Partners Joined MPAC in January 2004
In further demonstration of the Mobility Partner Advisory Council’s incredible momentum, 28 new partners joined in January alone, increasing total membership to more than 70 partners. Companies represented in MPAC include systems integrators, independent software vendors, consolidated solution providers and independent hardware vendors. Each MPAC member company is a leader in its respective mobility category, delivering a range of cutting-edge solutions for businesses and consumers worldwide, and representing a broad range of knowledge and expertise throughout the mobile industry.
“The Microsoft MPAC program provides us with the opportunity to interact with key players in the Smartphone industry,” said Austin Murray, vice president of carrier sales at JAMDAT Mobile Inc. “We are pleased to be a member of the program, as we expect it will support our efforts to publish exciting games that will help set the quality standard for the Windows Mobile platform.”
The following MPAC partners joined the program most recently:
-
Accelent Systems Inc.
-
Action Engine Corp.
-
Adesso Systems Inc.
-
Astraware Ltd.
-
Catapult Systems Corp.
-
Cellmania Inc.
-
CNetX
-
Countermind LLC
-
CREDANT Technologies
-
Dexterra Inc.
-
ePocrates Inc.
-
JAMDAT Mobile Inc.
-
JP Mobile Inc.
-
MATERNA Information & Communications
-
Mobilitec Inc.
-
Mobile Digital Media (MDM) Inc.
-
Odyssey Software Inc.
-
Omega One Software LLC
-
Pixel Software Technologies Ltd.
-
Software Architects Inc.
-
SplashData Inc.
-
Superscape Group plc
-
Symantec Corp.
-
Tao Group Ltd.
-
TomTom BV
-
Tolt Technologies Inc.
-
WESTTEK LLC
More information about the MPAC and its members can be found online at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/providers/default.mspx .
Additional information about Windows Mobile is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/information/presscenter/default.mspx .
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.
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. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .
Independent Software Vendors, Systems Integrators and Others Support Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC)
“Through MPAC we gain valuable business, technology and market insight that helps us establish a stronger Windows Mobile marketing strategy for our products and professional services. We are a new MPAC member, and we anticipate great returns that will propel our Windows Mobile business to a higher level.”
— Carl Bock, Chief Operating Officer, Accelent Systems Inc.
“The combined success of the MPAC partners has already marked a new era in mobile technology ( success that will undoubtedly continue to drive the mobile communications industry as Action Engine and our peers within MPAC leverage the notable business value provided through this program. We are pleased to be working with Microsoft and the esteemed group of MPAC partners.”
— Craig Eisler, CEO and Founder, Action Engine Corp.
“Astraware is extremely pleased to join MPAC, as membership in the program represents to us a validation of our support for Microsoft’s mobile efforts through our games and entertainment products. MPAC represents a unique way for Astraware to work with leading mobility companies to create new channels and new opportunities for our existing and upcoming endeavors.”
— Howard Tomlinson, CEO, Astraware
“Responding to the needs of the rapidly changing mobile ecosystem, Microsoft’s unparalleled investment in technology innovation and marketing has helped fuel the explosive adoption of mobile and wireless technology. A key component of the ecosystem, CREDANT’s security solution helps makes it safer for organizations to streamline business processes through mobile technology, and as a member of MPAC, we are taking advantage of Microsoft’s latest information and resources to ensure we continue to deliver the most comprehensive, innovative products to our shared customers.”
— Bob Heard, President and CEO, CREDANT Technologies
“The Microsoft MPAC program has proven to be an absolutely great resource for Developer One. Networking with leading mobile solutions providers and participating in Microsoft’s marketing opportunities has helped us gain exposure and become further involved in the future of mobility solutions. From both the marketing and technical perspectives, the program has truly been of great value to us.”
— John Psuik, President, Developer One Inc.
“As a new member of the Microsoft Mobility Partner Advisory Council, I am thrilled about the benefits that Dexterra will attain from the close alignment with the Microsoft Mobility Division’s business objectives and additionally from the strength of the partnerships of the other companies that are active participants in MPAC. I believe that our active involvement in MPAC will increase our market awareness and overall opportunities for company growth in FY ’04.”
— Rob Loughan, CEO, Dexterra
“Our participation in MPAC helped us strengthen our relationships with Microsoft, Orange, Verizon and AT & T to provide mobile download solutions for the worldwide and U.S. launches of Windows Mobile-based Smartphones. Additionally, our membership in the MPAC program provides us with opportunities to gather great insights into Microsoft’s mobile strategy and product road map, as well as additional exposure within the Windows Mobile community.”
— Clint Patterson, Vice President of Marketing, Handango
“Working in tandem with the Mobility Partner Advisory Council has made it possible for Mobile Digital Media (MDM) to achieve double-digit growth in our business year to year. Producing award-winning games and productivity software, for Windows Mobile and the vast array of mobile devices we support, requires great attention to both quality and detail; partnering with MPAC has been critical to our success.”
— Barry Cottle, CEO, Mobile Digital Media
“We have had great worldwide success partnering with Microsoft in the past that has resulted in a large wireless carrier customer win in Asia. We joined MPAC because we see tremendous value in working with Microsoft and feel that the program is going to help accelerate our success by providing us with the latest Microsoft technology, marketing and technical support, and key business relationships.”
— Jeff Davis, Vice President of Business, Development, Mobilitec
“As a new member of MPAC, we look forward to working with Microsoft and other leading mobile players to raise awareness in the industry and help combat the threats posed by malicious attacks. The danger is that the wireless space could soon be subjected to a similar level of attack as experienced in the fixed-line world, such as the recent MyDoom virus outbreak. It is therefore essential that both the mobile industry and end users recognize this and start implementing measures to counteract the potential damage.”
— Sal Viveros, Wireless Security Evangelist, McAfee Security
“Becoming an MPAC partner provides us with an unequaled opportunity to access the knowledge and expertise of Microsoft to push the boundaries of our technologies and deliver quality enterprise-class products that expand developers’ options for mobile computing. Microsoft delivers to its partners the best tools and support possible to foster innovation, allowing Odyssey to deliver mobile infrastructure and tools that embrace XML Web services for data access, application provisioning and remote mobile device management and control.”
— Mark Gentile, CEO, Odyssey Software
“We are very excited to be involved in the MPAC program. Windows Mobile will bring compelling applications to consumers and enterprises on a global basis. By reaching out to the Windows Mobile development community, the MPAC program will ensure that end users will find compelling applications that make their mobile devices an essential part of their daily lives.”
— Andrew Haslam, CEO, Omega One
“As a charter member of MPAC, we greatly value our resulting close association with Microsoft. The council has served as a creative forum that has helped us develop and market a better product. During the past year, we have doubled our revenues, launched four new products for Windows Mobile-based devices, received three innovation awards at International CES 2004, and won four OEM contracts.”
— James Oyang, Ph.D., President, Pharos Science & Applications Inc.
“The return we’ve received as a result of our MPAC membership has been significant, to say the least. Sales of CalliGrapher — one of our key products — have tripled in its latest release, largely because of the MPAC marketing support we’ve received. Microsoft technical engineering support has also allowed us to debut new applications weeks earlier than planned.”
— Stan Miasnikov, President, PhatWare
“Our membership in the MPAC program has provided Satyam’s customers with invaluable benefits of delivering best-of-breed mobility enterprise solutions to them. As a leading global consulting and IT services company, Satyam has been able to gain a competitive edge by closely collaborating with other MPAC members and Microsoft’s Windows Mobile organization.”
— Frank Strobel, Director of Services and Alliance, Satyam Computer Services Ltd.
“Through our collaborative partnership with the Microsoft MPAC program, our customers benefit from innovative end-to-end mobile solutions that help solve their business problems. We share the vision of the MPAC program and remain committed to our global wireless initiatives to create a suite of hardware, application software and services that enhances the mobile experience of our customers around the world.”
— Greg Speakman, Director of Marketing Services, Sierra Wireless Inc.
“Working with Microsoft as an MPAC partner has provided us with excellent marketing and go-to-market opportunities, which have contributed to customer wins. The technical help in ensuring compatibility with all sectors — from Exchange to devices — has been greatly appreciated. And last but not least, who could be a better teacher in world-class software development than Microsoft?”
— Ari Backholm, Executive Vice President, Products and Marketing, Smartner Information Systems Ltd.
“Socket is a founding member of MPAC, and we’ll continue to be active in Microsoft’s industry- leading program because it helps us provide better mobility solutions to our customers. Corporate members of MPAC are shaping the mobile and wireless marketplace to offer mobile professionals the computing solutions they need while on the go.”
— Peter Phillips, Vice President of Marketing, Socket Communications Inc.
“The Microsoft MPAC program has been an invaluable investment and resource for TBS. Between the regular networking functions, technical support offerings and other exclusive opportunities, we have strengthened the products our company has created for the Windows Mobile platform and as a result have seen a 50 percent increase in revenue over the last two years.”
— Jon Poynton, Commercial Director, TBS Mobility Solutions
“XcelleNet is pleased to be working with the partners of MPAC to help enterprises understand and adopt mobility at the front lines of business. Participation in MPAC has significantly increased our visibility to mobile opportunities throughout the world, as well as allowed us to create successful alliances to offer comprehensive mobile solutions based on each customer’s specific operating environment and business needs.”
— Joan Herbig, CEO, XcelleNet Inc.
“Joining forces with Microsoft creates an important collaborative affiliation for Zi. It opens a number of new opportunities and positions us to further penetrate the market for advanced mobile devices.”
— Mike Donnell, President and CEO, Zi Corp.
