Microsoft takes aim at BlackBerry with Windows Mobile update

Microsoft released an update for Windows Mobile 5.0 that adds some interesting features such as Direct Push Technology for messaging and enhanced security features. Direct Push will give business users the ability to keep their Outlook Mobile up to date by directly delivering information to Windows Mobile-based devices from an Microsoft Exchange Server.

Direct Push will give access to Outlook e-mail, calender, contacts and tasks. They can be pushed to the device from the connection to the Exchange Server. This is similar to a service that RIM BlackBerry users have been enjoying for years.

IT professionals now also have the ability to remotely control and manage Windows Mobile-based devices thanks to new features that support remotely enforced IT policies.

The ability to remove all information from a device, over the air, and reset a device to its original state no matter where that device is. IT administrators will have great access to manage sensitive information on a misplaced Windows Mobile-based device. In addition, the administrator can choose to have the local memory on a device erased if the correct password is not entered after a designated number of attempts.

More details at MobileMag