BT, Microsoft To Launch Global Mobile Internet Services

Microsoft Corp.
and British Telecom have agreed to develop and deploy
a new range of Internet access services for mobile users around the world.

The new services will allow users of mobile phones, pagers and handheld or
laptop computers to access e-mail, calendaring, and personalized Web content outside
North America. UK trials are set to begin this spring.


The mobile services are being jointly developed, and will be jointly
marketed by Microsoft and BT. They will become available by early 2000, and will be
offered by Concert Communications Services, BT’s global communications
company. BT will use Microsoft microbrowser technology and will work with Microsoft
to drive development of wireless products based on Windows CE.


“BT’s mobile networks currently serve more than 13 million customers in 10 countries,” said Andy Green, group director of strategy and development at BT.

“Through Concert Communications Services we reach more than 40 countries outside
North America. BT’s global partnership with Microsoft bridges the divide between
computing and mobile communications, enabling customers to see what they
want
on the phone. Our mutual goals are to meet the needs of those who need to
communicate on the move, allowing them to be reachable and remain connected
to vital information at all times.”


“Microsoft is committed to
deploying Internet-standards-based services, such as the Microsoft Exchange
and microbrowser technology demonstrated today at Wireless ’99, and by working
with industry partners to provide a worldwide, end-to-end wireless solution,” said Paul Maritz, group vice president, Microsoft.


Clearly, this week’s BT/Microsoft announcement represents a major step for
the wireless industry, which now embraces a huge range of devices. Although the
first services will consist of just e-mail, calendaring contact list and
basic Web
information services, there will also be access to Exchange-based corporate
networks,
plus many more services in the future. Microsoft says that data centres will
eventually
support access from smart phones, four-line digital phones, pagers, Windows
CE-based
handheld and palm-size PCs, and Windows 98- and Windows NT-based desktop and
laptop
computers.

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