Microsoft and Motorola Form Strategic Alliance to Extend Unified Communications to Mobile Devices
New collaboration solutions designed to support enterprise mobility with higher-quality, richer media experiences across applications, devices and services
SAN FRANCISCO, June 26 / -- Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today announced a multiyear joint marketing and development alliance to deliver unified communications solutions using Microsoft® Office Communications Server 2007 across Motorola mobile devices and network hardware. The collaboration is intended to enable enterprise customers to seamlessly connect and share information in real time regardless of location, network or device.
The initial planned offering will start with the Motorola HC700 series rugged mobile computing devices and the Motorola Q(TM)smart phone. The offering will combine the presence awareness and instant messaging (IM) capabilities of Communications Server 2007 with Motorola's Windows Mobile® 5.0-based devices through the integration of Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile with Motorola's MOTOPRO(TM) Mobility Suite and Wireless Services Manager (WSM) products, enabling users to seamlessly communicate and collaborate across heterogeneous access networks.
As a result, Microsoft and Motorola customers of Communications Server 2007 will benefit from added functionality and increased connectivity to colleagues, strategic partners and customers using the applications, devices and networks they rely on most.
"The alliance with Motorola will help us deliver on our unified communications vision, which centers on simplifying how people connect with one another, find information and collaborate in teams regardless of where they are or what devices they're using," said Gurdeep Singh Pall, corporate vice president of the Unified Communications Group at Microsoft. "In concert with Motorola's mobility solutions, we can take unified communications to the next level and provide additional benefits, including advanced mobility features -- such as seamless roaming between different wireless networks and Wi-Fi hot spots -- to our mutual customers."
The solution will enable users to access Communicator Mobile on Motorola Windows Mobile-based devices, further extending the capabilities of unified communications across the mobile environment. The solution is designed to enable enterprises to have the opportunity to benefit from faster decision- making; greater productivity across workgroups and the remote work force; and improved relationships with customers, partners and suppliers. In addition, IT administrators can access a richer end-to-end infrastructure with an emphasis on reliability, scalability and security, while the general work force benefits from higher-quality, uninterrupted communications and more robust media experiences across these applications, devices and services.
"With this strategic alliance, Motorola and Microsoft intend to bring seamless mobility to unified communications, extending the benefits of enhanced collaboration to the world's increasingly mobile and global work force," said John DeFeo, corporate vice president of Enterprise Products at Motorola. "Integrating Microsoft's leading unified communications platform with the unique 'push-to' and seamless multinetwork handoff capabilities enabled by Motorola will provide a best-in-class experience for mobile users."
Both companies will work to integrate Communications Server 2007 and Communicator Mobile with Motorola's recently launched MOTOPRO Mobility Suite, an integrated software platform that enables rapid mobile application design and deployment coupled with enterprise-class device security and management. The technology will also be integrated with Motorola's WSM product, which facilitates the seamless handoff between WAN, LAN and cellular networks, providing contiguous communication even as enterprise users move from one network to another.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks - along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.8 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com/.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Source: Microsoft Corp.
CONTACT:
Cara Walker, +1-503-443-7000,
caraw@waggeneredstrom.com, or
Rapid Response Team, +1-503-443-7070,
rrt@wagged.com, both of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide for Microsoft;
or Lisa Barclay of Motorola Inc., +1-847-576-6931,
lisa.barclay@motorola.com
Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/
