Microsoft Unveils Mobile Device Manager Server for Businesses

Microsoft announced plans for its first dedicated mobile device
management server aimed at helping companies manage Windows Mobile phones similar to the way they manage Windows-based laptops and PCs. The goal is to deliver applications to phones over the air as well as connect people via Mobile VPN with security-enhanced access to critical data such as expense reports or customer information.



Some specific capabilities of Mobile Device Manager will include the ability to provision, inventory and manage enrolled Windows Mobile phones; control and protect sensitive corporate information on Windows Mobile phones; improve security management using Active Directory and Group Policy; and provide security-enhanced access to data behind the corporate firewall.



Microsoft said its Mobile VPN architecture is built on industry standards such as OMA DM, IKEv2 and others. It will also builds on the core set of security and management features provided by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 and the deployment, updating and asset management capabilities of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007.



AT&T will support Mobile Device Manager for business customers next year, and Sprint also announced it will enhance its portfolio of Windows Mobile phones in 2008 to support Mobile Device Manager. In addition, new phones or updates to support Mobile Device Manager are expected to be available beginning the second quarter of 2008 from HP, HTC, i-mate, Intermec, Motorola, Palm Inc. and Samsung. Service partners Avanade, CSC, EDS, Getronics, HP and TCS have announced support for Mobile Device Manager.

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