BT and Microsoft today announced an agreement to develop a new range of Internet, intranet and corporate data services for mobile customers around the world.
For the first time, these services will allow mobile users outside North America to securely access Microsoft`s broad range of Internet and corporate applications which they rely on in the office and at home. Customers could, for example, access applications such as e-mail, electronic calendars, personal Web content and online information services using their digital mobile phone, pager, handheld or laptop computer.
Trials will begin in the UK in May 1999, with services expected to become available in several countries by early 2000. Under this agreement, the new services will be developed and marketed worldwide by BT and Microsoft and offered by Concert, BT`s global communications company.
As part of this agreement, BT will accelerate the development and deployment of Internet standards-based wireless services by selecting Microsoft`s microbrowser technology for manufacturers` handsets. In addition, BT and Microsoft will work together to drive development of future Microsoft Windows CE operating system-based wireless products.
"BT`s mobile networks currently serve more than 13 million customers in 10 countries," said Andy Green, BT`s group director of strategy and development. "Through Concert we reach more than 40 countries outside North America. BT`s 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 want to communicate on the move, allowing them to be reachable and remain connected to vital information at all times."
As part of the trial, BT and Microsoft will create `data centres` based on Microsoft`s end-to-end, standards based platform for wireless services. The Microsoft platform consists of the Windows NT operating system, its Internet Information Server and Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft`s leading enterprise messaging and collaboration solution. Microsoft Exchange Server will provide the core of the wireless e-mail and data services offered by BT and Concert.
Microsoft Exchange`s native support for Internet standards and tight integration with Microsoft Internet Information Service Web services makes it ideally suited for wireless access and unified messaging technologies.
"Microsoft is committed to deploy Internet standards-based services, such as the Microsoft Exchange and microbrowser technology demonstrated today at Wireless `99 in New Orleans, and by working with partners to provide a worldwide, end-to-end wireless solution," said Paul Maritz, group vice president at Microsoft Corporation. "We are excited that by working with BT and Concert we can bring this vision closer to reality by extending services to more than 40 countries."
At the launch, BT and Microsoft will provide systems integration services including testing, interface development and managing customer trials. The companies will also offer extensive training programmes to increase awareness of the productivity benefits of wireless data access.
The first service offerings following trials this year are expected to include e-mail, electronic calendars, contact lists and basic Web information services. Additional features and personalised services will be added over time. Data centres will support access from a broad range of devices including smart phones, four-line digital phones, pagers, Microsoft Windows CE-based handheld and palm-sized PCs and Microsoft Windows 98 and Microsoft NT-based desktop and laptop computers.
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BT has had a presence in South Africa since 1994. Today, BT has an expanding business presence in the rest of Africa. This is part of BT`s strategy of building an international network infrastructure, human resources, partnerships and alliances to enable it to deliver communications services to multinational corporations, their extended enterprises and major national organisations anywhere in the world.
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