Windows Mobile

Microsoft Direct Push Technology

Hi folks, so I wanted to talk a little bit about push technology as it relates to mobile devices. This is something that RIM has had for a long time with it’s BlackBerry devices. This was one of the major things that set RIM apart from the competition.

For example, push technology is when you get a new email or a new calendar appointment and the server side pushes down the changes to your mobile device without your device having to continously poll the server for changes.

Microsoft introduced this tech to Microsoft Exchange 2003 with service pack 2, and it also exists in Microsoft Exchange 2007. No longer do you need to worry about polling the server for changes, instead you can get instant updates as they happen thanks to push technology.

Unfortunately your older Microsoft based phones will not support this as you require newer Microsoft Windows Mobile software which is usually only supported on newer devices. The new Palm Pre for example also supports this technology and is poised to be quite the phone based on all the hype I’ve been hearing. It will be very interesting to see what portion of the market share Palm can steal from the iPhone and the BlackBerry Storm!

-RP

RIM takeover rumour by Microsoft

So I don’t know if you guys heard yet but the rumour mill is starting to crank out some interesting tidbits about RIM! The rumour is that Microsoft wants to takeover RIM. RIM is the company that makes the famous BlackBerry devices.

Now this would be a great move for Microsoft in the mobile market and could help launch Microsoft to the top of the mobile device heap to make them King of the Hill. Don’t get me wrong, Windows Mobile is popular, but my personal opinion is that it doesn’t hold a candle to BlackBerries or the iPhone. This could be Microsoft also positioning to be prepared for Google Android.

If Microsoft were to buy them, it makes you wonder what would happen to our beloved BlackBerries. Would Microsoft merge the technologies of BlackBerry OS and Windows Mobile, or dump one in favour of the other, or keep everything status quo? Some interesting questions for sure. Whatever happens it’s gonna be a fun ride!

-RP