Microsoft Corp. teamed with Socket Communications Inc. to introduce the Microsoft Communications Kit-a carrier-independent solution designed to wirelessly enable laptop or palmtop computers running Windows or Windows CE using data-enabled wireless phones as modems.
Using either a cable attachment or infrared port connection, users can access the Internet on their palmtops or laptops via a data-capable Code Division Multiple Access or Global System for Mobile communications wireless phone to check e-mail, synchronize schedules and contacts, transfer files and browse the Internet.
While carriers like Sprint PCS and GTE Wireless have introduced similar products specifically for their phones and customers, the Microsoft Communications Kit is carrier agnostic. It was developed to give wireless capability to any device running Windows and furthers Microsoft’s intentions in the wireless space.
Included in the kit is a mobile connection Wizard-which combines the dial-up connection, dialing patterns and remote mail service Wizards found on Windows CE into a single Wizard-as well as installs the required ActiveSync 3.0 synchronization tool if it is not present on the user’s desktop. The kit also includes the iBrowser from Foliage and Internet-based information services from AvantGo.com’s Web client.
For GSM users, Socket adds a GSM soft modem stack software component to lessen power consumption and prolong the battery life of the mobile device. Data is transmitted at 14.4 kilobits per second on CDMA phones, and the kit supports most Web capabilities except extremely rich graphics and Shockwave. “The central idea is you get the Web as it is,” said Lily Li, product manager, Windows CE, Microsoft.
The deal is a significant victory for Socket. The company has marketed such connection kits on its own, but now has the clout and deep pockets of Microsoft behind it. “Both the cable and digital phone card will be distributed by Socket. They have very established channels online and we are also talking to a number of carriers, including VoiceStream and Sprint, to carry them through their stores,” said Li.
