Brightpoint Teams with Microsoft for Mobile Solutions

Brightpoint, Inc. (www.brightpoint.com), and Microsoft Corp. (www.microsoft.com) announced a Joint Marketing Agreement to market integrated wireless solutions to value-added resellers (VARs).

Pursuant to the Agreement, Brightpoint developed a Mobile Activation Service (MAS) that will enable the VAR community to deliver an integrated wireless solution that includes Microsoft® Windows® Small Business Server 2003 and Windows Mobile (TM) software, to their small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers. Brightpoint will initially launch the service with Sprint, via the Sprint nationwide PCS network this year.

According to Forrester Research, 52 percent of North American small firms said they would enable wireless e-mail in 2004; and 40 percent wanted to provide employees with access to electronic calendar and contact lists on handheld devices.

Through the MAS Web site, VARs can review a portfolio of Windows Mobile-based devices, related mobile operator plans, and Windows Small Business Server 2003, and select the package that best meets customer requirements.

"This program offers VARs the ability to enter the mobility space very efficiently, while providing their SMB customers with a full mobile solution," said Dave Brown, vice president of Advanced Wireless Services at Brightpoint North America.

"The combination of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Windows Mobile-based devices gives businesses a powerful platform to untether their employees and increase productivity," said Bernard Perrine, general manager of the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft.