deploying mobile device management software.

HP plans to add Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 to HP Services' comprehensive mobility offering, which already includes the HP Enterprise Mobility Suite. Additionally, HP plans to support interoperability with future HP iPAQ handheld devices that will be compatible with Microsoft's Mobile Device Manager.

HP Enterprise Mobility Suite, available now, manages environments with multiple device platforms. Microsoft Mobile Device Manager works with an upcoming version of Windows® Mobile and is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2008.

Both solutions provide comprehensive management with device and server applications for greater control of Windows Mobile phones. To help customers understand how to deploy the new technology, HP and Microsoft have created white papers and other collateral.

As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, HP Services will offer mobility strategy planning, design, implementation and support of Mobile Device Manager. This complements HP Enterprise Mobility Suite to provide customers a choice on how they manage their mobile infrastructure.

HP will integrate both solutions into IT environments as part of the HP & Microsoft Solutions for the People-Ready Business, which combine software, services and hardware to help customers achieve organizational success.

"Windows Mobile continues to grow in popularity and will be further fueled by enterprise solutions that provide IT the ability to remotely manage and secure Windows Mobile devices," said Tony Redmond, chief technology officer, HP Services. "HP is addressing customers' diverse needs by adding Microsoft's System Center Mobile Device Manager to our already robust portfolio of HP Services offerings for Microsoft technologies that include the HP Enterprise Mobility Suite."

HP plans to offer integration services for Mobile Device Manager and HP Enterprise Mobility Suite as server applications that are designed to improve mobile security and device management as well as to provide security-enhanced access to line of business applications.

Additionally, HP Services' education team, a worldwide Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Learning Solutions for more than 20 years, will offer customized training to prepare businesses for mobile device management. Services include classroom training, live online training, self-paced e-learning and a variety of informal learning that enable businesses to stay up to date while minimizing the time away from core business activities.

"Microsoft and HP share a common vision to help enterprises manage mobile phones and software investments in a constantly evolving environment," said Pieter Knook, senior vice president, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft Corp. "System Center Mobile Device Manager will help our joint customers streamline the management and security of Windows Mobile phones and tap into opportunities to move beyond email and into mission-critical applications that help people get work done."

HP Enterprise Mobility Suite can be deployed on multiple infrastructures, including Windows as a standalone product or as part of a comprehensive device management solution with its integration into HP Configuration Management. HP Configuration Management is an enterprise software offering that automates the management of client and mobile devices to reduce cost, increase agility and enforce security and compliance over the PC lifecycle.

HP Enterprise Mobility Suite will leverage current and future Windows Mobile platforms and remain compatible with Microsoft security features to ensure interoperability with existing and future Microsoft infrastructure.

Comment

Well, looks like a win-win situation for HP and Microsoft, another whole ecosystem of training, integration and software packages. Wonder what happened to the Bitfone acquisition .....