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Microsoft to offer Windows Mobile combined with SBS to VARs so that they can resell it to SMBs March 14, 2005 [General] | By Edward J. R. Microsoft is launching in cooperation with Brightpoint an offer directed at VARs (Value Added Resellers) that will consist of SBS (Small Business Server) and Windows Mobile devices, that as end cuustomers will be targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMB). Thanks to this offer employees of these businesses will be provided with mobile access to Office and Outlook applications. Apparently move of Derek Brown from Windows Mobile to Windows Small Business Server division brings fruits! More information from Microsoft follows. * * * * * Brightpoint and Microsoft Announce Agreement to Provide Windows Mobile-Based Solutions to Value-Added Resellers in the United States Mobile Activation Service Delivers Integrated Mobility Solution to Small and Medium-Sized Business Customers Brightpoint, Inc., and Microsoft Corp. announced a Joint Marketing Agreement to market integrated wireless solutions to value-added resellers (VARs). Pursuant to the Agreement, Brightpoint developed a Mobile Activation Service (MAS) that will enable the VAR community to deliver an integrated wireless solution that includes Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Windows Mobile (TM) software, to their small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers. Brightpoint will initially launch the service with Sprint, via the Sprint nationwide PCS network this year. For both VARs and mobile operators, the SMB segment offers a large opportunity for growth and new revenue. According to Forrester Research, 52 percent of North American small firms said they would enable wireless e-mail in 2004; and 40 percent wanted to provide employees with access to electronic calendar and contact lists on handheld devices. (Mobile's SOHO and SME Opportunity, Forrester Research, June 2004.) Through the MAS Web site, VARs can review a portfolio of Windows Mobile-based devices, related mobile operator plans, and Windows Small Business Server 2003, and select the package that best meets customer requirements. Out-of-the-box seamless synchronization and connectivity between Windows Mobile software and Windows Small Business Server 2003 provide small-business employees with access to familiar productivity applications like Outlook and Office -- enabling mobile access to critical business data and the ability to take advantage of the productivity and efficiencies once enjoyed primarily by large enterprises. Brightpoint will activate, network-provision and distribute the devices, eliminating the burden on VARs to hold inventory or have multiple contractual relationships, while providing VARs with the opportunity to receive commissions from the mobile operators. Mobile operators have a new opportunity to leverage the growing role mobile technology is playing in SMB strategy. "This program offers VARs the ability to enter the mobility space very efficiently, while providing their SMB customers with a full mobile solution," said Dave Brown, vice president of Advanced Wireless Services at Brightpoint North America. "With this program, VARs can deliver a solution for their customer enabling the SMB to empower their employees with information while mobile, with the same platform they are accustomed to on their PC or laptop." "The combination of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Windows Mobile-based devices gives businesses a powerful platform to untether their employees and increase productivity," said Bernard Perrine, general manager of the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "This agreement with Brightpoint gives mobile operators and VARs new opportunities to strengthen and expand profitable relationships with SMB customers."  Post your comment (free registration is required to post, but if you register you can edit your posts later)
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