Global Partnership Between British Telecom and Microsoft to Develop Wireless Internet Services

Strategic Insights -

British Telecom and Microsoft have formed a strategic partnership to develop a new range of internet, intranet, and corporate data services for wireless users. The global agreement aims to bridge the divide between computing and mobile communications, enabling users to access Microsoft software applications and environments using wireless services such as GSM/PCS data. The partnership plans to integrate features such as e-mail, personalized Web content, and online information services using smart digital phones.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between British Telecom and Microsoft aims to develop a new range of internet, intranet, and corporate data services for wireless users.
  • Trials of the technology are planned for the UK this spring, with the aim of getting commercial systems around the world up and running by the first quarter of next year.
  • The partnership will allow mobile users to access Microsoft software applications and environments using wireless services such as GSM/PCS data.
  • The agreement will also integrate features such as e-mail, personalized Web content, and online information services using smart digital phones.
  • British Telecom plans to use its global telecommunications resources, including its partnership with AT&T, to carry mobile communications.
  • Microsoft brings its considerable software expertise to the partnership, while British Telecom contributes its global telecoms resources.
  • The partnership may lead to Microsoft offering client software free of charge to users, along with its Windows CE operating system.
  • BT will accelerate the development and deployment of Internet-standards-based wireless services by selecting Microsoft microbrowser technology for manufacturers' handsets.
  • The partnership will work together to drive development of future Windows CE operating system-based wireless products.

Statistics:

  • The partnership aims to bridge the divide between computing and mobile communications.
  • Trials of the technology are planned for the UK this spring.
  • Commercial systems are expected to be up and running globally by the first quarter of next year.
  • 90% of business users abandon mobile services if they require frequent user intervention (Raymond Lemme at CTIA Wireless '99 event).
  • The partnership will integrate features such as e-mail, personalized Web content, and online information services using smart digital phones.

Sources:

  • British Telecom, Press Contact: BT Corporate Press Office +44-171-356-5369
  • Microsoft, Phil Missimore, Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft 408-986-1140
  • Newsbytes News Network, http://www.newsbytes.com.