Wary network administrators are starting to evaluate the mobile-messaging capability rolled out by Microsoft via Exchange Server.
Microsoft's long-awaited push e-mail offering promises to simplify enterprise messaging by leveraging the Exchange Server infrastructure already installed in a company. This approach eliminates the need for third-party software from such rivals as Good Technology, Intellisync and Research in Motion, or carrier-messaging services.
But administrators have concerns about whether Microsoft's messaging can match the ease of use of RIM's BlackBerry, as well as its network efficiency. Some also wonder when their current cellular carriers will offer Windows handhelds that can support the Microsoft messaging feature.
The Microsoft mobile messaging package consists of Exchange Server Service Pack 2 combined with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack now bundled with the first handheld devices running Windows Mobile 5.0. Dubbed by Microsoft as Direct Push, the combination can automatically send out new e-mail, contact and calendar information to a handheld device over a cellular network.
