Nspctr Gadget

Just finished reading the article, "Microsoft, Palm Unite to Fight Blackberry" - Wall Street Journal 27 Sep 05, Page B1. I thought some Aximsite users would like to know what's in store for the future. This is a large article in the Wall Street Journal, perhaps the whole article can be found on the WSJ website. If not, the paper cost a buck.



"Microsoft and Palm yesterday penned a deal that will put the Windows Mobile software on Palm's Treo 700, the new combination cellphone and hand-held computer. The device, which will debut next year, will run on Verizon Wireless's highspeed mobile network."


"Over the last two years, Microsoft has renewed the focus on its mobile division, which creates software for cellphones and hand-held computers. In early 2004, Microsoft installed a new manager to head the group, which generates the smallest revenue of the company's seven units. Last week, the mobile unit was merged into a larger consumer group headed by Robbie Bach, one of Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer's most trusted managers."

"In taking on RIM, Microsoft and its partners are betting that customers will want to carry over to their handheld devices many of the same tasks they handle with their PCs. The Microsoft software, called Windows Mobile 5.0, includes hand-held versions of many of the company's Office suite of applications, including Excel speardsheets, PowerPoint presentation software and Outlook email package."


"A critical issue for Palm, say Mr. Colligan, was to assure that Palm could add its own fortware features on top of Windows Mobile that would help the comany differentiate its products from other Microsoft partners. Palm executives demonstrated some of those features yesterday, including a feature for more easily pulling up names on the phone's contact list, but analysts were unsure such extras would have an impact."