Microsoft Launches Pocket PC Wireless Computing Platform

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft's release of its Pocket PC wireless computing platform has set off a chain reaction of announcements from vendors providing a range of supporting technologies, from Bluetooth applications to virtual private network support. The platform, a retooled version of Microsoft's Windows CE, is now available to developers, with over 60 hardware and software vendors working on its development or providing technologies that work with it. As the company attempts to make headway in the mobile computing market, it has partnered with major players such as Qualcomm and Amazon.com to offer a range of services and support.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft's Pocket PC wireless computing platform is now available to developers, marking the company's attempt to make headway in the mobile computing market.
  • Over 60 hardware and software vendors are working on Pocket PC development or providing technologies that work with it.
  • Partners such as Qualcomm and Amazon.com are supporting the platform with services and technologies.
  • Hardware manufacturers will set the prices of their devices built on the Pocket PC platform, expected to be between $300 and $600.
  • Companies like Infowave, Casio, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and Symbol Technologies are participating in the platform's rollout.
  • Aether Systems, Odyssey Software, and Socket Communications are among the vendors promoting their brand names with the Pocket PC launch.
  • E-commerce platform vendor Yodlee.com has linked its Yodlee2Go services to Pocket PC users.
  • PacketVideo's PVPlayer MPEG-4 compliant decoding software will support the Pocket PC platform.
  • BSquare will release three messaging software programs for Pocket PCs during the second quarter.
  • Internet infrastructure software developer 724 Solutions has announced a version of its financial services platform for Pocket PC products from Hewlett-Packard and Casio.
  • Intrinsyc has extended its suite of e-commerce development and management technologies to support Pocket PC.

Statistics:

  • Over 60 hardware and software vendors are working on Pocket PC development or providing technologies that work with it.
  • Hardware manufacturers expect to price their devices built on the Pocket PC platform between $300 and $600.
  • 724 Solutions has announced a version of its financial services platform for Pocket PC products from Hewlett-Packard and Casio.
  • Intrinsyc has extended its suite of e-commerce development and management technologies to support Pocket PC.

Sources:

  • Malcom Spicer, original article (no date listed)
  • Microsoft's MSFT] "Microsoft Launches Pocket PC Wireless Computing Platform"
  • Infowave, vice president of marketing Ron Jasper
  • Qualcomm, QCOMM] "Wireless Knowledge joint venture with Qualcomm"
  • Palm, PALM] "Palm's supremacy in the mobile computing market"
  • Aether Systems, AETH] "ScoutSync 3.5 software"
  • Odyssey Software "CEfusion 3.2 software"
  • Socket Communications, SCKT] "wireless and Bluetooth Internet access solutions"
  • Amazon.com, AMZN] "link on its Web site to provide access to Pocket PC users"
  • Yodlee.com "Yodlee2Go services"
  • PacketVideo, PVDO] "PVPlayer MPEG-4 compliant decoding software"
  • BSquare, BSQR] "messaging software programs for Pocket PCs"
  • 724 Solutions, SVNX] "financial services platform for Pocket PC products"
  • Intrinsyc, ICS] "e-commerce development and management technologies"
  • Puma Technology, PUMA] "Intellisync mobile Internet synchronization technology"
  • V-One, VONE] "SmartGate provides virtual private network support"