Mobimagic plans to build a data center service for users of mobile phones, Palm-size PCs, and other mobile computing devices. The data center, built on Microsoft's platform technology, is expected to begin operations in mid-2000. Mobimagic will offer business customers mobile access to e-mail, scheduling, and other intranet-based applications, initially over NTT DoCoMo's 64Kbps circuit-switched PHS wireless network. The joint venture plans to extend the reach of its services to users of NTT DoCoMo's other networks including its existing PDC and PDC-P networks, as well as its upcoming 3rd generation W-CDMA network. Cellular phones using Microsoft's microbrowser technology and Palm-size PCs using Microsoft Windows CE will be aggressively promoted in conjunction with widespread rollout of Mobimagic services.
NTT DoCoMo and Microsoft will cooperate on programs to encourage broader availability of wireless connectivity for notebook computers and Palm-size PCs.
"Mobility is central to Microsoft's vision, and we are excited about working with a world-class network provider like NTT DoCoMo to deliver mobile data services to our customers in Japan," said Steve Ballmer, President of Microsoft Corp. "Microsoft's platforms and services combined with NTT DoCoMo's mobile networks will provide users with a wide range of scalable and robust data services to enrich their daily lives."
"NTT DoCoMo's vision for the next millennium revolves around providing mobile multimedia access any time, anywhere, and to anyone. This alliance with Microsoft, a company whose vision is aligned with our own, represents a significant step forward toward making both companies' visions a reality," said Keiji Tachikawa, President of NTT DoCoMo.
About NTT DoCoMo
NTT Mobile Communications Network, Inc. (NTT DoCoMo), Japan's largest mobile communications operator provides a comprehensive range of wireless services including cellular phone, paging, satellite mobile communication, maritime telephone and in-flight telephones. Services are provided nationwide by nine regional subsidiaries. NTT DoCoMo had more than 27.7 million mobile phones subscribers as of September 1999, including both Personal Digital Cellular (PDC) and Personal Handyphone System (PHS) mobile phone customers. Consolidated sales reached 3.1 trillion yen in fiscal 1998, which ended in March 1999. NTT DoCoMo expects to introduce a third-generation mobile communications system based on the Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) system Spring of 2001. NTT DoCoMo was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in October 1998.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
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