Microsoft enlists help with mobile platforms

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 5, 2004

Tao Group has joined the Microsoft Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC).

Tao Group has joined the Microsoft Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC).

Microsoft formed this exclusive council in an effort to bring the most innovative and successful solutions to market with companies heavily invested in mobility solutions.

Only the most innovative companies in the wireless and mobile industry are selected as MPAC members.

Tao Group has created intent, a modular middleware solution, to deliver rich multimedia services to devices such as smartphones and PDAs.

For network operators and device manufacturers, the Windows and intent software combination allows greater market differentiation and nimbleness to respond quickly to consumer demand.

Many of intent's modules, such as its Java solution and advanced polyphone ringtone engine (APRE), are available as ready-made software components that can be integrated into a Windows Mobile-based device within a matter of days.

Membership in MPAC will provide Tao with early access to upcoming Microsoft products and to advanced customer support.

This will assist Tao with further integrating its own products with new Windows Mobile-based devices as they become available.

MPAC benefits also include quarterly face-to-face meetings that provide opportunities to discuss strategy and new innovations from Microsoft, carriers, industry analysts and fellow members.

By having access to key Microsoft executives as well as technical, marketing and business development support, Tao will be able to branch into new markets, creating new opportunities for its own business as well as for Microsoft and other MPAC partners.

"Tao was invited to join MPAC because Microsoft recognises that intent is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the mobile space.

By integrating intent into devices, handset manufacturers can deliver unbeatable multimedia to drive up data-traffic and bring tangible benefit to carriers and end-users alike", said Francis Charig, Chairman of Tao.

"Tao's MPAC membership builds on its impressive track record of providing multimedia platform solutions on Windows Mobile software", said Julie Wymetalek, Manager of the MPAC Programme at Microsoft.

"Through MPAC, our goal is to further strengthen this synergy and provide companies like Tao with an atmosphere that fosters innovation in the development of next-generation mobile solutions".