Microsoft Corp. said it plans to deliver mobile data services in Japan by creating a joint venture company with NTT Mobile Communication Network Inc. called Mobimagic Company Ltd.
The purpose of the equally held joint venture will be to develop and market mobile data services for NTT DoCoMo wireless subscribers, the companies said, complementing NTT’s existing i-mode service offerings.
As part of the plan, Mobimagic will build a data service center that will provide access to e-mail, scheduling and other intranet-based applications over NTT DoCoMo’s Personal Handyphone System network. Eventually, the two said they plan to extend services to other networks, such as NTT’s Personal Digital Communications networks and with an eye to its expected wideband Code Division Multiple Access third-generation network launch.
Initial services are expected to become commercial in mid-2000.
The deal is similar to Microsoft’s relationship with British Telecom, in which the two teamed to develop Internet and corporate data services for mobile customers using wireless devices.
Cellular phones with Microsoft’s microbrowser technology and wirelessly enabled palmtop devices running Microsoft CE are expected to be promoted in conjunction with the rollout of Mobimagic services. However, services developed as a result of the Mobimagic venture will not be exclusive to Windows CE.
NTT has agreements with Microsoft’s main rival-Symbian Ltd.-to help develop smart phones based on the EPOC system from Psion plc. It is also teaming with Matsushita Communication Industrial Co. to send music and other content to wireless devices.
Looking further, NTT and Microsoft hope to work together to better optimize Microsoft’s Windows CE system for wireless handsets, as well as encourage broader availability of wireless connectivity for notebook computers and handheld computers.
