Microsoft Announces Windows Mobile, A Strategic Addition to the Windows Brand Family

Windows Mobile Software Provides the Freedom and Flexibility To Stay Connected and in Motion

REDMOND, Wash., June 23, 2003 — Microsoft Corp. today announced Windows Mobile (TM) , a new global brand for Microsoft® software for mobile devices such as Pocket PCs and Smartphones. The launch of Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PCs kicks off the new Windows Mobile brand, which extends the Windows® brand to the full range of mobile devices. The new Windows Mobile brand helps customers more readily understand and identify the software inside Pocket PCs and Smartphones and the consistent experience they can expect. The brand also reflects Microsoft's commitment to the mobile space in bringing its software for mobile devices into the Windows brand family.

"Our customers told us that they value the presence of Windows in mobile devices -- both as a highly recognized brand and as a highly familiar user experience," said Pieter Knook, corporate vice president for mobile and embedded devices and network service providers at Microsoft. "We heard that Windows is a brand customers associate with powerful and familiar software, and the new Windows Mobile brand is one that will help manufacturers and mobile operators differentiate Windows Mobile-based devices from others in the industry."

Windows Mobile communicates these benefits to both customers and the mobile industry:

• A familiar experience. Customers associate the brand with a familiar and trusted Windows experience and the ability to connect with their most important information while on the go.
• An all-in-one device. Microsoft designed Windows Mobile to help simplify life through powerful software on a variety of devices designed to meet individual needs.
• Staying in touch. With Windows Mobile, customers can communicate through powerful and familiar applications.
• Personal productivity. Customers can do more of what matters to them, using Pocket versions of Microsoft Outlook® , Internet Explorer, Windows Media® Player and more.
• On-the-go synchronization. Windows Mobile gives customers the power to be up-to-date with necessary information, at their desk or on the move.

"For the past 12 months, Microsoft and the Kellogg School of Management have worked together to determine the position of 'mobile devices' in relation to the Windows family of products," said Mohanbir Sawhney, McCormick Tribune Professor of Technology at the Kellogg School of Management. "Increasingly, customers expect their mobile devices to seamlessly exchange data and share features with the desktop devices and applications they are familiar with. Customers also expect their mobile devices to do more than simple voice or data functions. Customers associate the Windows brand with synchronization and compatibility with a wide range of devices and applications. With the new Windows Mobile brand, customers are assured that they can get the compatibility, the power and the familiarity of Windows on their mobile handset or phone."

As the boundaries between mobile devices continue to blur, Windows Mobile simplifies device naming and offers the flexibility to better articulate hardware and software evolution. Microsoft will continue to use Pocket PC and Smartphone to describe categories, but Windows Mobile will describe the software running on the devices . For example, "Pocket PC software" becomes "Windows Mobile software for Pocket PCs," and "Smartphone software" becomes "Windows Mobile software for Smartphones." Microsoft's software for personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smart phones becomes simply Windows Mobile.

Developers targeting the Windows Mobile platform will benefit from a new Designed for Windows Mobile logo. Upon certification, the logo will signify compatibility between third- party products and the PDAs and cell phones that are powered by Windows Mobile software.

Microsoft's Windows brands now include these:

• Windows XP. Microsoft's most advanced desktop operating system, Windows XP is at the center of ongoing personal computing innovation. With Windows XP, home users can experience the digital world as never before, while business users can work smarter and faster. Specialized editions include Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Windows XP Media Center Edition. More information can be found at the Microsoft Windows XP Web site [ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/default.asp ].
• Windows Server 2003. Windows Server (TM) 2003 includes all the functionality, such as enhancements in security, reliability, availability and scalability, that customers need in a Windows Server operating system to do more with less. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows Server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems and devices. More information can be found at the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Web site [ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/overview/family.mspx ].
• Windows Mobile. Windows Mobile software, including Pocket PC and Smartphone, seeks to enable intelligent communications: not just connecting devices, but connecting people and their data so they can get things done. Windows Mobile solutions reduce the complexity and constraints that hobble the flow of personal and business communications, helping individuals and organizations achieve their productivity goals. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" ) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft, Windows Mobile, Windows, Outlook, Windows Media, Windows Server System and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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