Microsoft launches System Center Mobile Device Manager
Microsoft seems to be aiming directly at Blackberry with the launch of its server-based utility for managing Windows Mobile devices. The launch took place as CEO Steve Ballmer was giving his keynote address at the CTIA wireless conference in San Francisco.
The utility is called System Center Mobile Device Manager and represents Microsoft’s first foray into the enterprise market for mobile e-mail which it has long coveted and which RIM has had virtually to itself up to now with a 70% market share.
The new software allows mobile devices to be managed remotely much like a network of PCs. It also allows mobile professionals to connect to a company VPN using their mobile device.
Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg told Reuters:
“The IT folks, the same as it was in the PC environment, don’t want to roll out 10,000 devices. They want to roll out one device 10,000 times. Microsoft is hoping to replicate the success and the model of the PC.”
According to Microsoft the system will be available in the first half of 2008 and this is rumoured to coincide with the launch of an upgrade to Windows Mobile.
