Microsoft turns smartphones into laptops

Microsoft introduced a mobile management system for smart phones at CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment 2007, the wireless industry trade show in San Francisco.

The company introduced a new server product called System Centre Mobile Device Manager 2008, which includes a VPN (virtual private network).

This allows companies to add Windows mobile and roll out Web and phone-based applications, while retaining full management control of the device.

Employees will be able to access company data protected by a firewall, and file information, such as reports.

The Windows Mobile devices will be integrated with Active Directory, which will enable IT managers to deploy smart phones to staff, while retaining the ability to manage the phones via over-the-air updates.

IT managers will also be able to lock down phones that become lost or stolen. The phones will be visible on corporate networks alongside laptops.

IT managers will be able to set policies to turn off the camera or Wi-Fi, enforce encryption, and provision applications over the air. Any handset will be able to be turned into an enterprise managed device.

Microsoft is also launching a new company, called Enterprise Mobile, which will manage and support a company’s mobile phone fleet.

Active Directory integration, System Centre Mobile Device Manager 2008, and a new version of the Windows Mobile platform, will be available in 2008.