Microsoft to Extend the Reach of Live Communications Server 2005 to Mobile Devices

New Windows Mobile client will extend IM and presence awareness to Windows Mobile-based device users virtually anytime, anywhere.

Redmond, Wash. — April 18, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. today announced it is extending Microsoft� Office Live Communications Server 2005 capabilities to mobile devices, enabling companies to deploy trusted instant messaging (IM) and presence-enabled solutions that provide a consistent experience across PCs and smart mobile devices. As an initial step, the company unveiled plans to deliver a new mobile Live Communications Server 2005 client, for Windows Mobile (TM) -based devices.

Based on the user interface of the Microsoft Office Communicator 2005 messaging client, the new Windows Mobile client is designed to provide information workers with a premier mobile collaboration experience through native integration of mobile applications with enterprise-grade, real-time communications tools. Extending Live Communications Server to mobile devices furthers Microsoft’s vision for integrated communications, described by Bill Gates at the Microsoft RTC unified launch event March 8 as giving information workers access to presence and unified modes of communication — e-mail, phone, instant messaging (IM), short message service (SMS), videoconferencing and webconferencing — across a variety of form factors (PC, desk phone, mobile device) and wired or wireless networks.” …

More at source : Microsoft to Extend the Reach of Live Communications Server 2005 to Mobile Devices

This is more exciting news than the RIM announcement if you ask me. Extending the Office Communicatior functionality, which is a fully SIP based client, to the Windows Mobile platform is a really strong asset.