Microsoft Introduces Mobile Device Manager

[Sunite]

Microsoft Introduces Mobile Device Manager
By Barry Levine
October 24, 2007 9:35AM

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Analyst Avi Greengart said Mobile Device Manager offers "end-to-end security and device management" for Windows Mobile devices. He said that, in the past, enterprise users had to go to third parties to get the kind of full package that Research In Motion offered for its devices. The new product is a "competitive response to RIM," he said.

Related Topics
   Windows
   Windows Mobile
   Active Directory
   Microsoft
   Security
   Compliance

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   Mobile devices are essential business tools that must be managed, and on Tuesday Microsoft Relevant Products/Services unveiled its first dedicated manager for Windows Mobile devices. It is intended, the company said in a statement, to help companies manage Windows Mobile phones in ways similar to how they remotely manage Windows-based laptops and PCs.

The Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 is a server solution that enables companies to send new applications to mobile devices and connect them via a mobile VPN to confidential information.

The Redmond, Washington-based software giant also announced that it has created a strategic alliance with Enterprise Mobile, a new service created by Corporate Software founder Mort Rosenthal, to develop and manage custom solutions for various phones and carriers.

One-Window Management

Device Manager enables enrolled Windows Mobile phones to be managed through one window. New devices can be added through self-enrollment. Security and compliance policies can be set using Active Directory, and file encryption Relevant Products/Services for e-mail and calendaring, as well as other security Relevant Products/Services measures, can be handled by I.T. admins.

Current Analysis analyst Avi Greengart said Mobile Device Manager offers "end-to-end security and device management" for Windows Mobile devices. He said that, in the past, enterprise users had to go to third parties to get the kind of full package that Research In Motion (RIM) offered for its devices.

The new product is not only a "competitive response to RIM," he said, but also gives I.T. managers the kind of controls they need for nearly any kind of security or compliance regulations.

He noted that Microsoft is using its classic competitive advantage against RIM, in saying that the new product builds on what an I.T. manager might already be using, such as Active Directory. Additionally, some of the features are being added to Microsoft's Exchange Server.

Device Compatibility

Greengart said that even though more supporting devices likely will be out when the product ships in early 2008, "device availability is an issue, since it's not clear if there will be backward compatibility" for existing Windows Mobile devices.

At the moment, devices that will support Mobile Device Manager include the AT&T Tilt; the HTC Advantage, Mogul, and Touch; the T-Mobile Wing; the Samsung SCH i760 from Verizon Wireless; Motorola's Q Music 9m, SMT5800, and XV6800; and the newly announced Blackjack II from AT&T and Samsung.

Among carriers, AT&T said it will support Mobile Device Manager for businesses, and Sprint said its 2008 line of Windows Mobile devices will be updated to support it. Microsoft also said it expected new phones or updates by second quarter of next year from HP, HTC, i-mate, Intermec, Motorola, Palm Relevant Products/Services, and Samsung.