Tuesday, February 15, 2005
The New Odd Couple - Microsoft & Nokia Collaborate on Dual Fronts
Posted by Ekkie Tepsupornchai in "NEWS" @ 01:00 PM
It's too bad I couldn't report this yesterday. This would have been a perfect theme for Valentine's day! :ppclove: It's odd enough to see both Microsoft and Nokia linked together in one news announcement, but believe it or not, we actually have two separate (and unrelated) efforts involving the two corporate giants.
#1. Nokia Licenses Microsoft Exchange Server ActiveSync Protocol
"Nokia's Enterprise Solutions business group today announced that it has licensed Microsoft Corp's Exchange Server ActiveSync protocol to enable wireless and direct synchronization between Microsoft Exchange Server, part of the Windows Server System and future Nokia enterprise mobile devices. <...> The collaboration between the two companies will allow Nokia to build a direct over-the-air synchronization link between Nokia enterprise mobile devices running on Nokia's Series 60 and Series 80 software platforms and Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 for email and other personal information management (PIM) data..." -- Read the full announcement here.
#2. Microsoft and Nokia Collaborate on Mobile Music Solution
"Today at the 3GSM World Congress, Microsoft and Nokia announced they are working together to ensure consumers can enjoy music from the newly launched mobile music solution offered by Nokia and Loudeye to wireless operators on both Nokia handsets and on Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP-based PCs. The two companies have also agreed to long-term collaboration on extended digital media format support. <...> This dual-technology-stack support from both companies will further broaden the range of music enjoyment choices for consumers and delivery options for content owners and service providers, as well as ensure easy device connection and content flow between Nokia handsets and Windows XP-based PCs." -- Read the full annoucement here.
My first take to the first story was "Why ActiveSync?", but then I remember actually trying to use Nokia software to sync my contact information between Outlook and my Nokia3650 a couple years ago.. and THEN I tried to imagine that software being used as a wireless, enterprise solution. :huh: *SHIVER* Let's just say it wasn't a pretty picture. ;) As for the music collaboration, Microsoft is helping to deliver music to a competing smartphone platform? Ok. That was somewhat unexpected but not completely irrational. What are your thoughts? Can you see these two giants as long-term parters? Or is this just lightning striking twice (on Valentine's Day no-less)?
#1. Nokia Licenses Microsoft Exchange Server ActiveSync Protocol
"Nokia's Enterprise Solutions business group today announced that it has licensed Microsoft Corp's Exchange Server ActiveSync protocol to enable wireless and direct synchronization between Microsoft Exchange Server, part of the Windows Server System and future Nokia enterprise mobile devices. <...> The collaboration between the two companies will allow Nokia to build a direct over-the-air synchronization link between Nokia enterprise mobile devices running on Nokia's Series 60 and Series 80 software platforms and Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 for email and other personal information management (PIM) data..." -- Read the full announcement here.
#2. Microsoft and Nokia Collaborate on Mobile Music Solution
"Today at the 3GSM World Congress, Microsoft and Nokia announced they are working together to ensure consumers can enjoy music from the newly launched mobile music solution offered by Nokia and Loudeye to wireless operators on both Nokia handsets and on Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP-based PCs. The two companies have also agreed to long-term collaboration on extended digital media format support. <...> This dual-technology-stack support from both companies will further broaden the range of music enjoyment choices for consumers and delivery options for content owners and service providers, as well as ensure easy device connection and content flow between Nokia handsets and Windows XP-based PCs." -- Read the full annoucement here.
My first take to the first story was "Why ActiveSync?", but then I remember actually trying to use Nokia software to sync my contact information between Outlook and my Nokia3650 a couple years ago.. and THEN I tried to imagine that software being used as a wireless, enterprise solution. :huh: *SHIVER* Let's just say it wasn't a pretty picture. ;) As for the music collaboration, Microsoft is helping to deliver music to a competing smartphone platform? Ok. That was somewhat unexpected but not completely irrational. What are your thoughts? Can you see these two giants as long-term parters? Or is this just lightning striking twice (on Valentine's Day no-less)?
