Microsoft Takes On BlackBerry with Windows Mobile 5.0

Microsoft on Monday unleashed the push email technology capabilities which will take on Research in Motion, the Canadian maker of BlackBerry, the much successful mobile email device amongst corporates.

Microsoft has lagged behind rivals in the mobile e-mail market. Users of Microsoft mobile e-mail software previously had to dial up corporate computers to get messages.

Microsoft executives indicated recently that they planned to put mobile e-mail at the centre of their strategy.

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive, on Monday told a conference for IT professionals that the group planned to roll out its free upgrade this autumn.

Support will include the direct transfer of all information managed by Exchange Server, according the company. In addition, users will be able to remotely look up contact information stored on Exchange Server, Microsoft said in a statement. That will enable third-party software vendors to create applications that access that information, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft has announced the Windows Mobile 5.0 upgrade last month. Devices based on the platform are expected to be showcased later this year.