Intelligent wireless connection from mobile devices to the Internet
and corporate intranets based on Microsoft's server middleware is
expected to be available within the next year, writes Antony
Adshead
Intelligent wireless connection from mobile devices to the
Internet and corporate intranets based on Microsoft's server
middleware is expected to be available within the next year, writes
Antony Adshead.
Microsoft's latest venture, code-named Airstream, will enable
access to Windows-based applications, translating data for use on
Wap-enabled mobile phones, personal digital assistants and laptop
devices. Future plans include giving access to inventory
information, e-mail and corporate intranets containing elements
such as expense forms and travel information.
The company plans to release initial code this autumn, with
commercial products expected to follow within 12 months.
Recently, there has been massive growth of interest in lucrative
wireless communications technologies among the major IT
manufacturers. In addition to Microsoft, Cisco and Nortel have also
recently been involved in buy-outs or strategic link-ups.
In April, Microsoft announced BT and AT&T will be among the
first to host Airstream services on their networks and both
companies are expected to be closely involved in the alpha and beta
phases of testing.
In June, Nortel and Hewlett-Packard announced their plans to
combine Nortel's wireless communications technology with HP's
Internet networking expertise to provide mobile portal, wireless
networking and e-commerce services. And last week, Cisco paid $425m
for Texas-based IP Mobile, a company involved in developing
IP-based software to enable service providers to build a
third-generation IP-based wireless infrastructure for data and
voice services.