Well, It doesn"t appear that Microsoft will be taking direct aim at the iPhone on Tuesday. Rather, the software maker is playing to its strengths, announcing a new piece of server software to help businesses manage a company"s worth of smartphones. That doesn"t mean Microsoft isn"t interested in say, adding a full Web browser into Windows Mobile, according to Scott Horn, a general manager in Microsoft"s mobile device unit."Do I see a path where we are going to have a phenomenal browsing experience," Horn said. "Yes, I do."
But the bulk of Microsoft"s announcements for Tuesday focus on the company"s enterprise strengths. The company is announcing a new product, known as System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 and noting that it is providing start-up funds for Enterprise Mobile, a new Boston-based service provider that will help companies manage the process of doling out smartphones to large workforces. Focusing on the IT staff is not a bad way to go, considering they are often the ones who decide which phones get bought with the corporate dollar and also which ones are allowed behind the company firewall.