krug3r
14-10-2003, 14:14
US software giant Microsoft has signed an agreement with the world’s largest mobile operator Vodafone to develop a range of data, messaging and transactional applications for use on both PCs and mobile phones.
The two companies claim that the initiative, which will be developed under the banner Mobile Web Services, will open up vast new potential revenue streams for both cellular operators and software companies by allowing customers to pay via their monthly mobile phone bills for goods and services purchased over the internet. Under the agreement they are planning to launch a new device, to be attached directly to a PC, enabling a range of convergent messaging, location and authentication applications, on top of transactional and billing capabilities.
The deal signals Microsoft’s growing desire to lead the market for handheld multimedia devices and comes a month after it signed a deal with handset manufacturer Motorola to develop a smartphone powered by Microsoft software.
The two companies claim that the initiative, which will be developed under the banner Mobile Web Services, will open up vast new potential revenue streams for both cellular operators and software companies by allowing customers to pay via their monthly mobile phone bills for goods and services purchased over the internet. Under the agreement they are planning to launch a new device, to be attached directly to a PC, enabling a range of convergent messaging, location and authentication applications, on top of transactional and billing capabilities.
The deal signals Microsoft’s growing desire to lead the market for handheld multimedia devices and comes a month after it signed a deal with handset manufacturer Motorola to develop a smartphone powered by Microsoft software.