T-Mobile to Offer Microsoft Direct Push email Services in the Netherlands

[Nikos Kartalis]

Microsoft Corp., T-Mobile Netherlands and IS Interned Services today announced the upcoming availability of new professional e-mail packages for small and medium-sized businesses based on the Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5. As part of this new offering, T-Mobile will upgrade to the Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP) for Windows Mobile 5.0-based devices, making it possible to offer hosted e-mail services across its full range of Windows Mobile-based T-Mobile MDA Smartphones. By being first to market with new business services for its high-value customers, T-Mobile Netherlands expects to increase revenue and improve customer retention.

T-Mobile Netherlands will provide MDA Smartphones and the GPRS network, and Microsoft Certified Partner and Internet service provider IS Interned Services will host the Exchange infrastructure for the Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5, including the maintenance and support of the e-mail service. Based on a shared-revenue model, T-Mobile and IS Interned Services will jointly market the new solution, targeting small businesses that do not use Microsoft Exchange Server but still require an enterprise-class e-mail solution at the office and on the road.

Small and medium-sized business customers can subscribe to this bundled service for as little as €19.95 per month; features include the following:

• Hosted Exchange Professioneel mailbox
• On-the-go availability of e-mail, calendar and contacts on a Windows Mobile-based T-Mobile MDA device
• ActiveSync technology with MSFP, which enables synchronization of the mobile device with multiple PCs, stored photos and multimedia files
• Additional security features, including the ability to remotely wipe data if the device is lost or stolen
• Capability of unlimited Web browsing and downloading on the mobile device

“Small businesses account for about 2 million e-mail accounts in the Netherlands, providing enormous growth potential for us. Being able to deliver a professional mobile e-mail service is a fantastic value-add for our business customers,” said Pim van der Feltz, marketing director at T-Mobile Netherlands. “This solution gives small businesses enterprise-class capabilities at a price they can afford, along with technical support — it really is a win-win situation for them. We selected the Microsoft solution because it is robust and reliable and our customers are familiar with the Windows® interface so it enables them to synch with their PC easily and intuitively.”

Business-Class Communication Tools for SMBs

The Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration delivers enterprise-class communication tools to businesses with one to 250 users. The hosted solution works for both desktop PCs in the office and mobile devices on the road. For smaller companies without extensive IT budgets and internal IT resources, a hosted solution enables them to benefit from enterprise-class e-mail services, mobile device data access, team Web sites and online presence information — tools previously available exclusively for larger companies.

“We recognize that small and medium-sized businesses have the same requirements as larger enterprises, brought on by the challenges of working in virtual communications teams,” said Maria Martinez, corporate vice president of the Communications Sector at Microsoft. “Small businesses also share similar goals to stay competitive, improve productivity and reduce costs. We’re pleased to be working with T-Mobile to provide reliable, accessible and affordable technology that helps small-business customers focus on what matters to them: running their business.”

Enabling Service Providers

The Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5 helps accelerate customer acquisition and improve customer satisfaction through a complete, end-to-end messaging and collaboration suite. The solution also enables service providers such as IS Interned Services to help simplify application deployment. The pre-engineered solution includes deployment automation tools and scripts, code samples, and documented procedures and best practices that allow for rapid time to market. Management and monitoring tools make administration of the solution simple and provide superior service levels to customers.

“We are always looking for ways to meet the demands of our customers while keeping a tight rein on costs. Mobile access to applications and information is becoming increasingly important to our customers, so being able to provide this solution quickly and at low cost means T-Mobile can get to market in a relatively short period of time,” said Arjan Steevels, CEO of IS Interned Services.

Availability

Microsoft-based mobile e-mail services will be available to T-Mobile Netherlands customers in the second quarter of 2006. Microsoft Direct Push E-Mail will be offered in combination with Pocket Internet Totaal, the Internet flat-fee subscription from T-Mobile for €7.98 per month. The Professioneel service will be offered for €19.95 per month. This price includes the Internet flat-fee subscription and a Hosted Exchange Professioneel e-mail box.

Customers should see http://www.t-mobile.nl for the detailed terms of tariffs. They can also visit http://www.ismobile.is.nl for the current promotion for Hosted Exchange and mobile e-mail from T-Mobile and IS Interned Services.