Sign in Subscribe
Software industry

Palm and Microsoft Form Strategic Alliance, Windows Mobile to Power New Treo Smartphones

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Palm and Microsoft have confirmed a strategic alliance, marking a significant shift for Palm's operating system. The partnership will see Palm adopt Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system on its Treo smartphone line, a move that could yield several million phones for Microsoft. The question remains whether Palm will abandon its native Palm operating system in favor of Windows, with Palm stating it has no other operating system options in mind. The first Microsoft-powered Treo will be available on Verizon Wireless' network, offering features like Outlook Mobile, Office Mobile, and Internet Explorer Mobile.

Key Takeaways:

  • Palm will put the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system on its Treo smartphones, marking its first move off of its native Palm operating system.
  • The alliance could deliver several million phones to Microsoft, which has seen its mobile platform gain traction in recent times.
  • The first Microsoft Treo will be available on Verizon Wireless' network, featuring Outlook Mobile, Office Mobile, and Internet Explorer Mobile.
  • The new Intel-based phone will have direct access to Exchange Server 2003 and take advantage of Verizon's EV-DO network.
  • Verizon's BroadbandAccess service area has expanded steadily since its introduction in fall 2003, with the Windows Treo set to exploit the speed and power of this service.
  • Palm rival Research in Motion will use Intel's PXA9xx cellular processor in its next high-end Blackberries, which are expected to be released later this year.

Statistics:

  • The new Intel-based Treo will have direct access to Exchange Server 2003.
  • Verizon's EV-DO network offers download speeds averaging 400-700 kilobits per second.
  • Over half the US population, in more than 84 metropolitan areas and hundreds of airports, can access download speeds comparable to DSL or cable-modem connections.
  • Verizon's BroadbandAccess service area has expanded to cover the entire second half of the US population.
  • The first Microsoft Treo is expected to be available in early 2006.
  • Palm will not abandon its native Palm operating system in favor of Windows.

Sources:

  • Palm press release
  • Microsoft announcement
  • Verizon Wireless press release
  • Intel press release
  • Research in Motion announcement
  • "Verizon Wireless to Offer New Broadband Service; Company's 2.5G Network Transition Finalized" (Source: Verizon Wireless website, no date)

Read more