Despite Mixed User Reactions, Microsoft’s Foray into Wireless Will be Successful
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., October 17, 2002 -
A recent survey of cellular phone and wireless Internet users from In-Stat/MDR's Wireless Internet Panel shows that user reaction to Microsoft finally making strides in the wireless market is mixed. While Microsoft has turned into a kinder company in dealing with the vendor community, these tactics have not trickled down to the user community. Feelings of dealing with Microsoft in the computer world are carrying over to the wireless world, and creating skeptics of many early adopters. Despite these user sentiments, the high-tech market research firm reports that the company is poised to succeed in the wireless market.
Many panelists believe that the availability of Microsoft software on mobile devices will make their lives easier, allowing simpler integration and synchronization with other computing devices. In addition, most of these users already know how to use Microsoft products and feel a degree of comfort with using them. However, other wireless users have thrown arms up against Microsoft’s foray into the wireless market, showing a general backlash against Microsoft products. Microsoft products are embedded in most companies' IT departments. Business customers want to make sure that wireless solutions work with current products, in order to leverage the IT investments that have already been made. For this reason, the future of Microsoft in the wireless world couldn't look any better, despite user sentiments.
In-Stat/MDR has also found that:
Several US carriers, including Sprint PCS, T-Mobile (formerly VoiceStream) and Cingular, now sell devices based on Microsoft's operating systems. Microsoft also offers a browser for handsets (Verizon Wireless now uses it). The company has also been striking deals with carriers such as AT&T Wireless, Nextel and Verizon Wireless that involve the selling of Microsoft-based products and applications. Microsoft's .Net initiative also has ties into the wireless market.
Just as Microsoft becomes more established in the smartphone market, there is a general trend for people to use notebooks and laptops as the mobile device of choice to access the Internet wirelessly. With either type of product, Microsoft is in an excellent position to capitalize on the wireless market.
Recent In-Stat research, Microsoft Finally Breaks Into Wireless Market: User Reaction is Mixed (#IN020350WI), gauges user's reaction to Microsoft-based wireless devices and predicts the company's success in the market. Additionally, it discusses user demand for smartphones and personal productivity applications, and how it will impact wireless data and Internet adoption and usage.
For more information, contact:
Becky Diercks, Director of Custom Research and Panels Products
Phone: 617-558-4748
Email: rdiercks@reedbusiness.com
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