Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) must be feeling the heat. Today, for the first time ever, it has agreed to allow another company to distribute Windows Mobile software and other mobile applications. The announcement marks a shift in the way that Microsoft does business and may just lead to additional OEM partners, which could potentially offset the loss of such prominent handset-makers as Motorola and Palm. Release.
Bellevue, Wash.-based Bsquare, which helps manufacturers embed software on devices and has a long history with Microsoft, announced the exclusive agreement with the software giant today. Bsquare said it will work with about 30 Windows Mobile partners when it comes to licensing, technical support and other activities. They’ll slowly being support as the companies’ direct relationships with Microsoft come to an end. Bsquare will be able to distribute the latest Windows Mobile 6.5 version and will work with both consumer and enterprise handset manufacturers.
In a release, Daren Mancini, GM of Microsoft’s OEM division: “Microsoft is taking a new approach to sell and support Windows Mobile to a broader base of both consumer-and enterprise-focused Windows Mobile customers. Bsquare is uniquely positioned to leverage its deep knowledge of the Windows Mobile operating system, ecosystem and marketplace and serve the broader base of customers with its consultative approach.”
Bsquare said it will work closely with Microsoft to bring the Windows Mobile platform to a wide range of OEMs and operators. With Bsquare’s testing capabilities, it said they will be able to help partners get to market faster. Bsquare’s president and CEO Brian Crowley: “We anticipate working with new and existing Windows Mobile OEMs and moving them to market quickly with our experience in all phases of Windows Mobile development and by offering our breadth partners support throughout their development cycles.”

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