Over the last 12 years, Microsoft Corporation has developed a successful operating system for mobile devices based on Windows CE, currently known as Windows Mobile. The Windows Mobile deliverable consists of (1) a particular set of Windows CE components, (2) a logo test kit requirements document, (3) a set of light weight middleware applications, and (4) commercialization components, such as drivers and value-added services provided by OEMs and Mobile Operators. Microsoft licenses the Windows Mobile OS to third parties, (generally OEMs and MOs), who commercialize and sell the operating system as part of a device and service offering.

Microsoft entered the embedded device space with Windows CE in 1992, after many years of creating desktop operating systems. Microsoft’s desktop strategy centered on the idea of “platform,” and we brought this idea to the device space. The notion of a vibrant and compelling third party software ecosystem was perceived a necessity for success. That said the small, handheld device is not a PC, and the limitations of the battery powered device, with a small screen, and intermittent and variable network connectivity, make a successful software ecosystem a difficult proposition.

Web applications
The last five years have seen the growth of “Web 2.0” and AJAX as a new approach to developing applications on the desktop, hosted in the web browser. Before the rise of AJAX, web “applications” were extremely limited in the types of interactivity that they could deliver. Web pages hosted content, and while web sites quickly acquired the ability to dynamically adjust that content based on user input, (search engines are a great example of this basic behavior), creating a rich user experience that users have come to expect from an application has, until recently, been something of a challenge.

The set of practices that have been grouped into the concept of “AJAX”, have changed this situation. On the desktop, there are many web applications that demonstrate the ability to fulfill user’s expectations of interactivity and dynamic presentation. The other part of the equation is the notion of the web service. A cloud hosted interactive data stream ready and waiting to satisfy the requests of a willing user base.

Into this environment, more powerful mobile phones are becoming more common. Many phones ship with a web browser. Those browsers are becoming more powerful. Faster data connections are becoming available and affordable. Mobile Operators are scrambling to provide new value propositions that drive users to get and use mobile data plans. The stage is set for AJAX to fuel the next mobile platform, and in order for that happen, the industry must drive toward standards.

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