MIS Extends Microsoft's Wireless Reach

Users of Microsoft-compatible mobile devices now have access to a wider range of information while on the run. A key piece of Microsoft's mobility and .NET strategy, Mobile Information Server 2001, has been released to manufacturing. According to Redmond, MIS extends "the reach of Microsoft .NET Enterprise applications, enterprise data and intranet content into the realm of the mobile user."

Microsoft has met its target for release in the first half of 2001, and MIS will hit store shelves in most areas by June.

Bundled with the server is Outlook Mobile Access, an application that interacts with Exchange Servers to provide secure and instantaneous access to e-mail, contact lists, calendars, and tasks. Corporations may find MIS of use to create a mobile firewall and router for employees.

Outlook Mobile manager will also soon become available, allowing rich features of the Outlook desktop client to be utilized. These include advanced notifications, message rules, and a better formatting of messages. By combining its mobile efforts with those on the desktop, Microsoft will have more leverage to compete in the wireless arena. Currently in beta, Mobile Manager fully integrates with Mobile Information Server, and will be included in the June release.

More information about MIS, including details and a white paper on pricing, are available via the Mobile Information Server Web site at microsoft.com/miserver.