Microsoft Introduces Mobile Explorer

Calling the development a major commitment to the Wireless Application Protocol Forum, Microsoft Corp. Wednesday rolled out its new
browser platform created specifically for wireless devices.

Microsoft Mobile Explorer (MME) runs on data-enabled phones and smart
phones and displays both HTML- and WAP 1.1-authored online content. The
solution is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of next year.

MME for feature phones functions independent of any single operating system
or air-link, and allows secure e-mail access, data management and Internet
access when connected to a network.

The version for smart phones relies on the Windows CE operating system and
offers on- and off-line e-mail, data management and Internet applications.
Both versions will take advantage of Short Messaging Service (SMS), SIM
Toolkit and Bluetooth wireless technologies, according to Microsoft.

“Now Microsoft will be incorporating WAP technology into three core
components of its wireless solution: Microsoft Mobile Explorer, Microsoft
Exchange Server and MSN Mobile Services,” said Gregory G. Williams,
chairman of the WAP Forum. “This announcement is another major milestone
for the WAP Forum and validates the wireless industry’s support for WAP.”

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) said its open
software platform will allow customizable and flexible design, and that its
compatibility with the Microsoft Exchange Server, the BackOffice line and
MSN Mobile Services will further support its widespread use.

British Telecom is already trialing MME
in the UK and in Norway, and both Korea Telecom Freetel Co. Ltd. and
DeTeMobil Deutsche Telekom MobilNet GmbH are evaluating the microbrowser.
Another deal may also be in the works to add the service to NTT DoCoMo’s
network.

Microsoft Wednesday also inked a deal with Ericsson to develop products for the
wireless market. The agreement included a stipulation that Ericsson would
use the browser in its phones, though Ericsson stated that it was still
committed to the EPOC operating system it helped develop through
participation in the Symbian alliance.