"Microsoft announced new server software to help businesses manage a company's fleet of smartphones, hinted at an improved browser for Windows Mobile and said it was funding a related startup in Boston. The new product is called System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 and the startup is Enterprise Mobile, which is a service provider that aims to help businesses manage the process of distributing smartphones in large corporations. "
related: Microsoft unveils remote mobile management software
"IT administrators using Mobile Device Manager will be able to remotely do things like turn off a phone's camera and prevent the use of unauthorized messaging services... Mobile Device Manager integrates with Microsoft's System Center so administrators with that software can use the existing active directory and group policy feature to disseminate policies... Mobile Device Manager comprises client and server software. Windows Mobile users will need to update their phones with the software... AT&T is expected to announce at the conference how it will update devices on its network, O'Rourke said... Once phone users have the software, they'll need to connect to the corporate network and log on before an administrator can start remotely managing the device. That's a one-time process, similar to one that corporate workers often go through when using a new laptop... Microsoft's Mobile Device Manager will only manage Windows Mobile Devices."
related: Microsoft backs enterprise mobile services company
"Microsoft approached Mort Rosenthal recently with the idea of starting a company that could help enterprises design, deploy, and manage Windows Mobile mobile phones and services, Rosenthal said. He plans to formally launch the company, called Enterprise Mobile, on Tuesday... Microsoft is a minority stakeholder in the Watertown, Mass., company, which has quietly been doing business since June."
related: Update: Microsoft considering opening up device manager
"Microsoft's new Mobile Device Manager faces a shortcoming because it is exclusive to Windows Mobile devices, but that might change, an executive said on Tuesday."
