Microsoft to reach out and take control

This evening Mr Ballmer is to announce Microsoft's "System Center Mobile Device Management 2008", which will compete with Nokia's better-named Intellisync to remotely manage mobile devices in the enterprise.

The to-be-announced software will integrate with Microsoft's System Center, and require a client application to be installed on all the Windows Mobile devices already deployed (presumably the client will be pre-installed in future). SCMDM will offer capabilities such as locking or disabling handsets which have been reported stolen, wiping data, and controlling functions such as the camera, or the ability for users to install their own applications.

Anyone already using a corporate-locked-down PC will be familiar with how annoying the limitations can be, but BOFHs appreciate the security advantages, and with mobile devices becoming part of the corporate IT infrastructure they need to be brought under the same control.

Ballmer is known to get somewhat excited during press conferences, and we'll try to convey some of that enthusiasm as best we can when we bring you the details. ®