Microsoft Ready to Go Mobile

In his regular column at Computerworld, Michael Gartenberg writes about Microsoft's mobile efforts and why he thinks "Microsoft is going to become a major force in that area in the near future."

He notes that:

Windows Mobile devices have been ridiculed for being poorly designed and prone to crashing and for providing an inadequate telephony experience. But as with many things Microsoft, patience is rewarded for those who stick with the platform. The latest release, Windows Mobile 5.0, seems rock-solid and overcomes almost all the software problems of older versions. But software alone doesn't make for a great mobile experience. Hardware matters a lot, and form and function are intertwined.

With a bunch of new handsets to be released in the U.S., Gartenberg believes it reflects three trends that will make Microsoft a strong player among many. First, the company has improved the telephony experience of Windows Mobile devices. Second, the company has made inroads with U.S. carriers and there are products available from most major carriers. And third, Microsoft and partners are offering devices of different form factors that allow users to select what works best for them while IT departments can still "leverage development and support for a common platform."

Gartenberg note that many Windows Mobile devices "are going to be bought as one-offs by end users rather than being purchased directly by IT, and these devices are going to get both business and personal use. That means other factors beyond just business-level functionality are going to be involved in the purchase decision." He concludes by stating:

If Microsoft and its partners can capitalize on this trend and market the devices' nonbusiness features, such as digital entertainment, the combination of new devices, availability and enterprise compatibility could prove to be a winning formula.