'Licences for Windows Mobile-powered devices grew at 90%'

What kind of enhancements does Windows Mobile 5.0 offer its stakeholders?



The platform offers updates that make device users more productive when

working away from the desktop. These include Microsoft Office software for

Windows Mobile, persistent storage, faster access to e-mail, ActiveSync 4.0+

support, etc on the security front. It is also compliant with the FIPS 140-2

standard. Windows Mobile 5.0 includes Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, supports

technologies such as hard drives and Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, and enables

improved media content organization. It also includes numerous enhancements that

allow device manufacturers, developers and end users to customize the Windows

Mobile user experience, add new functionalities to specific devices, and develop

new applications.

What are the security features?



The combination of Windows Mobile and Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2

offers security features such as data protection, password protection, remote

and local wipe. Information transmitted between Exchange 2003 and Windows Mobile

5.0 with MSFP is SSL encrypted, and this direct connection ensures a higher

level of security.






What kind of adoption is being seen worldwide?



Tremendous. Licenses for Windows Mobile-powered devices grew at 90% overall

for FY '06 and 95% in Q4. We recorded a y-o-y growth in excess of 40% for the

fifth consecutive quarter and achieved fiscal year operating profitability for

the first time in FY '06. We now have 47 device makers actively shipping

Windows Mobile-powered devices to business customers through 115 mobile

operators in 55 countries. There are more than 100 different Windows

Mobile-powered devices available worldwide.

What partnerships is Microsoft seeking in India?



We're currently working with 47 device makers and 115 mobile operators in

55 countries, and are definitely keen to build strong relationships in India. An

example of this is our recent announcement of a strategic marketing alliance

with Bharti Airtel to launch Windows Mobile 5.0, for the first time in India. We

have also tied up with HP and iMate to create the form factors on which this

solution would be made available. As businesses and users see the benefits of

staying connected, and enjoy access to information any time, anywhere, these

partnerships will put us in a stronger position to deliver value to customers in

India.

Pragati Simlote



maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in