Microsoft “… those reading Microsoft’s move with Windows Phone 7 Series as a move away from the enterprise are misunderstanding”

February 26, 2010 | By Surur

Microsoft Business Division President Stephen Elop told CNET correspondent Ina Fried that recent rumours of Microsoft abandoning the enterprise mobility market were unfounded.

While he admitted the new interface was designed to appeal to consumers more than other versions of Windows Mobile, he assured Fried his unit is investing more in software for Windows phones than ever before.

"The business division is more involved than ever before," he said.

Emphasising that those reading Microsoft’s move with Windows Phone 7 Series as a move away from the enterprise were misunderstanding the situation, he refused to comment on rumours of Microsoft making a version of Office for the iPhone or iPad.

While the reassurance is welcome, Microsoft has been incredibly low-key about their support for the full range of enterprise requirements, including support for legacy software and multi-tasking, preferring to leave all questions to be answered at upcoming events in March.

Are our business-focussed readers reassured? Let us know below.

About Surur

Site Admin and Windows Phone enthusiast, he has been using Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC’s. He is currently sporting a HTC 7 Trophy.

Tagged business, enterprise, software, windows phone 7

GP007

People need to wait for MS to answer questions and show stuff at MiX instead of jumping the gun and stating rumors/opinions as fact.

MS leave the business/enterprise sector? Whoever came up with that one wasn't thinking.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Lennard Lennard

sounds like the week of Mix is going to be a florry of new information and confirmations from all over the place
http://twitter.com/peterpulmonary1 @peterpulmonary1

it just would not make sense for MSFT to "abandon the enterprise"
that would be insane.
i think they are trying to make a big splash with the consumer aspect of windows phone because that is really what the market is looking for in terms of visibility ie: is MSFT able to deliver for the consumer in phones, the way they have in PCs.
clint

Of course they wouldn't abandon the Enterprise, ultimately that has been their bread and butter. Ultimately every business user is a consumer as well. Enterprise users like a nice and functional experience as much as the next guy. I would also bet that a good number of them will play games between meetings or on the road.
NuShrike

Already a major PR misstep for MS and WinP7?

Announcing a product with no concrete information, shearing off their current market with major software vendors dropping/delaying products, and telling people to wait a MONTH for more information?