Windows 7 launched - what's in it for enterprises?

C MOBILE.gifImportant notice: There has been some misrepresentation of our views and opinions in this post. We have changed a number of statements to be more consistent with our views and opinions. Where applicable we have written in BOLD the changes.


Microsoft recently announced its next-generation mobile device platform, called Windows Phone 7. It marks a complete break from its previous Windows Mobile device activities, and is designed to approve the appeal of Microsoft-powered smartphones in the face of competition from devices including Apple's iPhone, Research In Motion's BlackBerry portfolio, and smartphones from multiple manufacturers powered by Google's Android platform. And much of the response from the consumer market has been positive.

While Windows Phone 7-based devices are not likely to reach the market before Christmas 2010, one thing is very clear: the operating system is very-much consumer focused, with Microsoft's other consumer brands including Xbox and Zune being referenced in the press release. We are looking forward to Microsoft clarifying what the enterprises capabilities are of Windows Phone 7 before its planned launch. With Microsoft in a strong position in the enterprise smartphone market, it means that many enterprises will be keen learn about what's in store of the Window Phone 7. 

Microsoft has achieved a strong position in enterprise mobility through offering seamless integration with its enterprise software products, including push email and device management solutions. Over the years this support has been opened to other device platforms with support from a range of manufacturers, meaning that some of the advantage of Windows Mobile has been lost.

Windows Mobile also has the benefit of providing access to a range of enterprise-focused third-party applications enabling devices to be customised for specific tasks and corporate deployments. But as the Windows Phone 7 is a completely new operating system we are not sure yet if some of the older applications Windows Mobile 6 will still be compatible. We are looking forward to Microsoft making an announcement about this at some point.  

Important notice: There has been some misrepresentation of our views and opinions in this post. We have changed a number of statements to be more consistent with our views and opinions. Where applicable we have written in BOLD the changes.

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